NORBERTS OF THE WORLD, UNITE

Tim Appelo’s review of Samuel Fussell’s “Muscle” on March 3 notes that us 170-pound (182-pound, actually) weaklings are known (contemptuously) to body-builders, weight lifters et al as Norberts.

As a true Norbert, on behalf of the small group of us with the given name, I object to the derogatory use of my first name.

We are tired of being kicked around, having our name misread as Robert or Norman and other such indignities. Whether we are known to our associates as Bert, Norbs, Norby and--most commonly in England--as Nobby, we bear the name proudly.

Without bulging muscles, we are survivors. At 68 years, I can scratch behind either ear with either hand and make it up a flight of stairs without too much trouble; that is, if the flight isn’t too long.

Please assure the Samuel Fussells of this world that we don’t bear them any ill will despite the slur on our surname. In fact, we will be glad to hand them any phone book they wish to tear in half. That is, if we will be allowed to use two hands.

NORBERT E. TALBERT, DIAMOND BAR