Hi Folks,OF CAUCUSES AND PRIMARIES: The talk these days is about the election process in the United States of America. Many are wondering what the terms 'caucus' and 'primary' mean, and how a candidate wins his or her party's nomination.

Most states hold statewide votes called primaries, to determine their preferred candidates from the two main parties. Others use a slightly different procedure involving public meetings, called caucuses.

In both cases, the state will send a certain number of delegates, committed to supporting a particular candidate, to the party convention in August or September 2008. Bigger states have more delegates.

The candidate with the most delegates wins the nomination. Usually, this becomes clear early on in the primary season. This year the winning candidates are expected to be known next month.

NOT ENGAGED

Some are calling it a friendship ring. She says he proposed, he says not so fast. Been there, done that.

RUMOURS AGAIN

How does he find time to do the job so well? 'Ear' is dying to get to the bottom of the latest rumour. As she tells us, the close associate is in the family way (she's no chicken either) and it's his baby. What a stink when the poor wife finds out!

STILL EATING SOUR GRAPES

'Ear' is wondering when the proper one and the ambitious mate will get over the fact they were not chosen for the enviable posts. They are not gracious at all; both use every opportunity to criticise the one in the job, and even their friends don't know how to tell them that 'enough is enough'.

NEW FLAME

The always impeccably dressed gentleman has a new lady on his arm these days, but why are they being so hush-hush? What's there to hide, and who from? You would not believe the methods they used to keep the scribe from noising it abroad, but sooner or later the laundry goes on the line!

STILL PAYING BILLS

Are former ministers of government supposed to have their private phone bills paid by the new administration?