So, according to this Associated Press story, "The United States and Iraq have agreed to seek 'a general time horizon' for deeper reductions in American combat troops in Iraq."

As an editor, I am always amused by euphemisms and bureaucracy speak. So I'm laughing over this term "general time horizon."

Is this like when PG&E gives you a window of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to light your pilot light? Or when your boss tells you he doesn't have the budget to give you a raise right now, but maybe soon?

I'm pregnant and my due date is Nov. 21. But really there's a two-week "time horizon" before and after that date when the baby could come.

I'd like to employ the following "general time horizons" in my life:

— The time at which I arrive at work each day.
— The day which I return to work from a vacation.
— When the dishes or laundry or lawn mowing will get done.
— When my gas gage actually means I'm out of gas.
— When a project is due. (Also could be useful for students with homework.)

How about anyone else? Got a favorite "general time horizon"?

— Jennifer Baldwin