I was saddened to hear of the passing of William F. Buckley, Jr.

He taught me to appreciate the amazing world of language from his "Firing Line" television series and many interviews I've seen.

Buckley intrigued me with his use of rather long words, spoken in a slow Harvard drawl. When he arched his eyebrows, I'd wonder if it was an accusatory tactic, or just his trying to bewilder whomever he was speaking with at the time. One story of Buckley that I remember, is when "CBS News" did a story on him in 2002.

As the reporter and Buckley engaged in conversation, the subject of baseball came up.

The newsman was greatly surprised when Buckley revealed that he had never attended a baseball game.

"My friend," Buckley said, "everyone has a gap or blank space in life, a lacuna, as it were. Baseball has been mine."

The reporter invited Buckley to see a game, and he accepted. With William F. Buckley's passing, the world of language and writing will seem a little bland without his style of wit and flavored vocabulary.

Mark Barber

Pinebluff