So I’m standing at the bus stop, minding my own business, when this guy wanders over and says “Nwhnmkajdncminbak.”

Finally, after the third repeated mumble I said, “Look. I can’t understand a word you’re saying. You’re going to have to stop mumbling.”

One more try, which he managed only slightly better. He was asking if I knew when Michael Jordan was coming back.

“Sorry, I don’t pay attention to pro-ball.”

His response? Another near mumble, “Oh, must be a loner then.”