The weakfish is referred to as a gray trout from Maryland south, mainly to separate it from the spotted seatrout (p. 36), which is found in the southern portion of the weakfish’s range. Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) look very much like a freshwater trout, although they exhibit few characteristics of this species.

More recently, as Mr. Jacobs and his creative partner, Scott Schultz, 35, crossed over into that decidedly uncool full-time occupation known as parenthood, they were disappointed with the children’s programming they watched, which seemed to lack the freewheeling spirit and nonpatronizing voice of shows they grew up with, like “Sesame Street” and “The Electric Company.”

Do you mean to insult me by that? he roared. If the shoe fits, you can wear it. I'll knock you down for the insult.

As we devour the Earth's resources and despoil the environment, we are driving ourselves into a metaphoric vale of tears.