Forward Spin

By Janice Castro

WORD WATCH

Thanks to that little button on the ever present remote control, the one that cuts off television sound during commercials, a comforting -- even empowering -- new verb has sprouted throughout the land: to mute. Typical usage, describing how you cut off a boring conversation: "I muted him."

CULTURE POLLUTION

There's only one thing worse than business books: business novels. A new spate -- with titles like The Quadrant Solution and Flying Fox -- dispense the usual wooden phrasing and boring platitudes with, occasionally, a clunky hint of sex. Quadrant offers a numbing exchange about business expansion, interrupted by a long kiss. From the steamy dialogue in Fox: "Relax," she said. "Have another glass of water." Puh-leeze.

LET THEM DRINK BEER

New Age drinks are everywhere: Crystal Pepsi, Tab Clear, Everlast. Now a French brewery has come up with a nonalcoholic beer for pets, made from brewery leftovers. Why? Hey, they're French.