www.alphadictionary.com

Even if we accept the "inelegantly phrased" theory, that still doesn't explain why Dr. Goodword failed to address the additional point Juliet raised that "umami" may also be an adjective; or explain why he would delete my post that raised the same issue; or delete any post, for that matter. Why not just let the record remain instead of trying to hide a minor blunder by deleting posts and adding a cryptic reference to "editorial services," while unnecessarily antagonizing posters like me. Dr. Goodword's performance is a letdown to be sure.

I should have apologized for causing such confusion. I will certainly be more careful in future.

The monosodium glutamate (MSG) controversy has its ups and downs... Medical scientists say these complaints, while possibly real, have all been anecdotal.

That may be, but at the doctor's office a few weeks ago, it was noted that I've gained a bit of weight over the course of this year, and the doctor asked, "Have you been eating a lot of fast food lately? Chinese food, maybe?"

I should add that I had a kidney transplant eight years ago, and the doctor is a kidney specialist. I have to monitor my sodium intake, and I regularly get bloodwork that checks calcium and potassium, among other things.

The one sodium atom in monosodium could be one too many. All of us should limit our sodium intake. On the other hand, the Bible says be sure to salt your eggs. (my paraphrase of Job 6:6).