Noted & quoted.

• Position: SOUNDBITES

'If you have some kind of specially that sets you apart from other people, that makes you more marketable.'

* A NEW JERSEY MOM whose teenagers have been studying Mandarin Chinese since first grade. Many non-Asian parents think it will help their kids in the global, economy. (The New York Times)

'Since my husband has been gone, I have potty-trained two kids, my oldest started preschool, a kid learned to walk and talk.... I am very burnt out.'

* LORI JORGENSON, whose husband has been serving in Iraq since Nov. 2005...