I've been away, down in Burbank visiting my siblings and my wonderful 8-year-old niece Mariah. She is so much fun.
Now, to satiate your desire for my return, here's a couple of excerpts from the Simpsons' Daily Calendar:

Lisa: Bart! You cast the wrong spell-- Zombies!
Bart: Please, Lis. They prefer to be called the living-impaired.

Principal Skinner: Attention! All honor students will be rewarded with a trip to an archeological dig! Conversely, all detention students will be punished with a trip to an archeological dig.

And finally, the wisdom of Marge: There's no shame in being a pariah.