The Life Sherpa understands that this writer-reader relationship is based on the concept of mutual benefits, give and take, reciprocal back-scratching: I offer you guidance, and maybe a laugh, on the rocky roads of life; and you assist me with ideas and direction for stories.

"Quid pro quo," as the Romans were so fond of saying back in the day.

So now, I'm asking for a little help from my friends, especially those who eat food on a regular basis.

Starting Tuesday, I'm going to post a poll on my blog, "Yakkin' with The Sherpa" (stltoday.com/sherpa), that will ask you to vote for the best pizza in the area. A number of local parlors will be listed, and you'll be able to add any you think should be listed.

Ultimately, your voting will help Evan Benn — editor, beer columnist and all-around good guy — and me determine our favorite StL. slice. We've done it with fried chicken, ice cream and barbecued ribs, so why not pizza pie?

But, hey enough about me talking about me. Let's get to the part where I talk about you:

Dear Life Sherpa — I was listening to the radio recently and heard statements of "articulating a point," "family dynamic" and "rehydrate." What's wrong with "talking," "family problems" and "get a drink of water"?

— Hill Person

Dear Hill — Obviously while you weren't looking, someone switched your radio dial to NPR. There are several ways to deal with this: "Reach out" and "interface" with the dial-mover about your concerns; or become a "game-changer" and be "pro-active" — switch the dial back to normal programming.


Dear Life Sherpa — When you told people that the threat of a winter storm in St. Louis prompts people to buy large amounts of eggs, bread and milk, you were way wrong. Who makes French toast anymore? The real winter-storm needs are beer, pizza and DVDs.

— Manchester Mama

Dear Manchester — Excellent advice. And next big snowfall, the party's at your place!


Dear Life Sherpa — Husband gets sick. I give suggestion for treatment. He thinks I'm nuts. He goes to doctor, who gives him exact same advice, and charges him for $20. Husband gets well and thinks doctor is miracle worker. Why?

— Jeffco Jane

Dear Jeffco — First, have you been to the doctor to find the cause of your missing articles? A chronic lack of the word "the" can be the sign of a larger problem.

Second, why would your husband take your advice? Men are loath to admit it, but we can't take anyone seriously who was silly enough to marry us in the first place.


Dear Life Sherpa — When you were naming all of the great sporting events that occur in the fall, the World Series, the start of the football season, you failed to mention "The Chase," the grand finale of the NASCAR season. Why?

— Arnold Amy

Dear Arnold — You're trying to get me into trouble, aren't you. After spending a better part of a month circling my journalistic wagons against an onslaught of peeved bicyclists, you now want me to slam NASCAR?

Getting the Spandex Army mad at me is one thing, but ticking off an entire nation of motorheads, whose cars are way faster than mine, is a far more dangerous game. So I wish the "go fast, turn left" crowd a merry time watching "The Chase." Just do me a favor and tell me who won when it's over.