It's funny but you get to a time in your life when you think you have all the friends you will ever have.

I never smoked. I never drank and I never took drugs. The funny thing is nothing is more boring people like this. For me it's OK. But most of my friends at least they smoke and drink.

In my circle of friends I've always been loud and funny and talkative. But as soon as I step out of that circle I get very quiet and introspective. I don't want the spotlight on me.

As I get older all sorts of things become less funny. Once one has children any cruelty involving children becomes far less amusing than when one was at the mercy of one's friends' and relatives' children.

Trust is hard to come by. That's why my circle is small and tight. I'm kind of funny about making new friends.

I no doubt deserved my enemies but I don't believe I deserved my friends.

I loved my 17 years with R.E.M. but I'm ready to reflect assess and move on to a different phase of my life. The four of us will continue our close friendship and I look forward to hearing their future efforts as the world's biggest R.E.M. fan.

In the name of the United States and President Bush I want to thank the Mexican people President Fox and his government for their friendship.

Never be afraid to meet to the hilt the demand of either work or friendship - two of life's major assets.

A passion for politics stems usually from an insatiable need either for power or for friendship and adulation or a combination of both.