Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he's read more

Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business read more

I decided that I would be one of the biggest new names; and I actually had some little fancy business cards printed up to announce it, "Count Basie. Beware, the Count is Here."

Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability read more

Every human being has hundreds of separate people living under his skin. The talent of a writer is his ability to give them their separate names, identities, personalities and have them relate to other characters living with him.

Some to the fascination of a name,
Surrender judgment hoodwinked.

Some to the fascination of a name,
Surrender judgment hoodwinked.

I came to live in a country I love; some people label me a defector. I have loved men and read more

I came to live in a country I love; some people label me a defector. I have loved men and women in my life; I've been labeled "the bisexual defector." Want to know another secret? I'm even ambidextrous. I don't like labels. Just call me Martina.

However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It read more

However mean your life is, meet it and live it; do not shun it and call it hard names. It is not so bad as you are. It looks poorest when you are the richest.

You should never name an animal which is not yours to keep, or which you intend to eat.

You should never name an animal which is not yours to keep, or which you intend to eat.

A good name, like good will, is attained by many actions and may be lost by one.

A good name, like good will, is attained by many actions and may be lost by one.

A good name is better than precious ointment.

A good name is better than precious ointment.