Super Mario was so approachable, so simple, so addictive, and yet so deep.

NEWYORKER: Master of Play

"It is so incredible that something so tough and gnarly turns into something so approachable and delicious, " Mr. Anthony said.

WSJ: Michael Anthony's Silken Sunchoke Soup | Slow Food Fast

Though she didn't consider quitting her day job, she did admire his way of being "so approachable, kind and caring" with his employees during the day.

WSJ: Contributors: May 2012

However, Dolan speaks only halting Italian and a little Spanish, and no French or Latin, a huge drawback for a potential leader of a 1.2 billion-member global church. (By contrast, Benedict speaks eight or so languages.) The cardinal's informality and folksy vocabulary, which help make him so approachable in the United States, could actually undermine his chances in Rome.

WSJ: NY Cardinal Dolan a 'happy warrior' for church