Bunkers.

I was doing the crosswords yesterday and there was a question, "Mom of Gloria Bunker." Answer: Edith.

I love "All in the Family," a popular sitcom of the 70's, starring the characters of Archie Bunker, Edith, daughter Gloria and son-in-law, Michael. I've enjoyed watching this show on reruns.

Archie Bunker, the commy-hating, bigoted, Republican-inclined blue collar guy is the highly opinionated head of the Bunker family, who abuses everyone in sight. From his wife, to son-in-law, and neighbour George Jefferson, who became the star of another 70's sitcom, the spin-off (The Jeffersons).

Archie hated the liberal views of wife and husband team of Gloria and Michael. He hated Edith's shrilly singing and her low-key opinions, which are opposite to his. He hated the government.

The title of the show should have been "Bonkers."

In most people's lives, there are episodes of getting bonkers. "This is crazy, I'm getting mad, You belong in the sanitarium, etc," are normal conversations in households and among couples.

And then there's the insanity-driving local news coverage of shrieking, gasping field reporters and anchormen who tend to use a "similar" voice tone and level that a listener would think he's listening to just one person.

And then there are neighbours who only talk to you to show off new purchases, or to inquire where your next vacation will be.

Next are the pretenders which include the so-called "plastics," who deliberately or unconsciously lead and mislead lovers, people. Pensive, expensive, expansive. What characters!

And there are also those who get insanely in love, believing only in themselves and getting delusional in the process. Unilateral?

There, I sound like Archie. Where's Edith?