It's just amazing to me that we don't use the same sort of interview system that the Israelis use. Before I left Israel in the summer of 2001, my friends advised me to say I had wrapped their gifts myself. But when asked whether I packed everything myself, I told my interviewer, "No, but the things I didn't pack myself are all on top in my suitcase. We can open them if you like." I pointed out that they were gifts from friends and family. She asked for names and addresses which I rattled off quickly. She was done with me within a minute.
ML/NJ