God: “And write that you were the humblest person on earth. Go on, write it down.”

Moses: “Come on, God, that’s embarrassing! It’s not even necessary!”

God: “But you are humble, and writing this will keep you humble. Write it down, Moses.”

Again, I think neither of us has the time to follow up those questions, unfortunately. And I think musing on the meaning wasn’t your main point, anyway. Calling yourself “humblest” is, of course, immediately self-contradictory – but calling yourself “meekest” isn’t much better, since if you really had that control of your strength one might also expect a little control of the tongue…

“Mini” is the operative word here. I think it might be interesting to pursue it, compare translations, and follow up the Hebrew and Greek words, but – you know, “better than perfect”… Though, at the risk of adding to your to-do list, why does the word “meekest” instead of “humblest” make Numbers 12:3 better?

Balloons and nuts: absolutely. Let’s not go nuts.

Thanks for the mini-word study.

I didn’t think I knew any serious candidates, but I’m glad of the reassurance.

I think the same of the balloon thing as the nut thing. My kids (not including the baby) have as likely a chance of aspirating a balloon fragment or choking on a nut as I do. We know it happens, even to adults (though possibly the larger airway of an adult does make a difference) and so we can keep it in mind, but not let fear get in the way of enjoyment.

You hope with good reason. Nobody at all gave the above answers. I made them up to make a point, but had my first inklings I should have declared that when Janet said it was neat I’d found a real example online – I think she had a forum or discussion board in mind. I hope you don’t know any serious candidates for giving such an answer!

I think by and large you’re right, but the balloon directive is also for choking, and that for children up to eight. There are a few isolated examples of kids accidentally aspirating balloon bits, and that latex makes for a lovely seal.

I seriously hope no one I know said the above answer to #1.

Jon’s fire suit came with a thick booklet full of warnings, starting with “Firefighting is an ultrahazardous, unavoidably dangerous activity.” Basically, “Don’t rely on this suit to keep you from dying in a fire.”

Janet, I think most of the toy warnings are for choking. The other guidelines (over 3) are for ability, and then you just have to know the kid you’re buying for.