Hello, my students. It is I, Matt Striker, your teacher, and I come bearing a gift for the holiday season. The gift I bring you is the greatest gift you will receive this season. It is the priceless gift of education. On this final lesson of 2006, I will expand your vocabulary with one of my favorite words.

The Word of the Week this week is one that is near and dear to my heart. It is:

Aloof (uh-loof)

1. at a distance, esp. in feeling or interest; apart
2. reserved or reticent; indifferent; disinterested

Not a loofah, like the ladies like to use with the Bed, Bath and or the Beyond, but aloof. It means shy, coy, but a little bit on the strange side.

Matt Striker tends to be misunderstood. I don't spend time in the bars or the pubs, which is short for public house, if you didn't know that. I don't like social gatherings. I'm basically a social misfit. I am very aloof, but please don't judge me and don't mistake my kindness for weakness. Just because I'm aloof doesn't mean I'm cocky. Just because I'm aloof doesn't mean I'm conceited. Just because I'm aloof doesn't mean I think I'm smarter than you… okay maybe it does. Basically, when you see me, and I start to cry, walk on by. Walk on by.

This concludes this week's seminar. Don't forget to check back next week for another lesson from me, Matt Striker, your teacher.