> > Ha. Not all of us. My parents are New Englanders, but their accents aren't strong, and I grew up all over the world, so I talk pretty generically.
>
> Not strong by outside standards or by NE standards?

Not strong by "outside" standards, unless "outside" means some place where the accents are really thick. We went to Florida one time, and while talking to a lady there, it was mentioned that we were from New England. In one of the thickest southern accents I've ever heard, she said, "I noticed you had an accent." Mom and I laughed about it once we got out of earshot.

> [looks down at book] Hii-ii! Hiii, Sam! Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! [hand waving furiously, knocking things over]

I saw you and tried to wave back, but I forgot where Alaska was.