By contrasting so sharply with his creator, Henry Bech also defined Mr. Updike more distinctly, particularly his determination to stick to the essentials of his craft.
Several times, Judge Anette Burkø interrupted his repetitive and chaotic account of technical minutiae to insist that he "stick to the essentials".
The Widgetophora, equipped with claws, grabs and wheels, stuck to the essentials and did not try too hard to look like anything other than machines (think R2-D2).
Mr. Bourne sticks to the essentials: the heroine, Clara (Hannah Vassallo), receives a rather sinister Nutcracker doll, which comes to life in a post-party dream sequence, then sheds his plastic hair and mask to reveal himself as one of her dormitory companions.
Until this month, the Republican defense of Mr. Bush's military record, sticking to the bare essentials, had successfully neutralized a succession of newspaper articles that raised questions about Mr. Bush's service.
"More parents say they'll be sticking to the bare essentials this year," says Britt Beemer, who runs America's Research Group ARGG), which tracks industry trends.
Calls are strictly structured, and sticking to the script is essential in keeping your job.
Dorm rooms are typically very small, including tiny closets, so stick to the absolute essentials (you'll also need to store your stuff in the summers, either through local storage or by carting it back home--one more reason to go easy on quantity).
