Random this and that

As predicted/feared, I've been knee-deep in academic hell for much of the summer, with no let-up in sight for weeks and weeks, so I've been quiet on email/phone/blog, for which I apologize. Anyway, here's some stuff that's been of mild interest to me this week:

1) 756*

No no no. I'm not going to rant about how Barry Bonds is a big ol' stupid fraud who doesn't deserve the honor of hitting the most home runs in major league history. Plenty of others have already suggested as much (Bob Costas, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, an only semi-cagey Bud Selig...). I'm here to sing the praises of the guy who actually caught the ball. You can see a video of his interview on the Today Show here. I love that (1) the whole thing was just so random in terms of him happening to be in SF that night just for a layover on a trip to Australia; (2) he wore a Mets t-shirt and jersey throughout; (3) he actually wanted to get some Giants clothing to wear as he was escorted out, lest he appear disrespectful to the SF fans; and (4) he's planning to keep the ball for sentimental reasons. Regarding the Mets jersey: see, that's how I go to games. I've been harassed on occasion (including one incident featuring the giant penguin mascot in Pittsburgh) for attending hockey games outside of Philadelphia wearing a Flyers hat, but I'll continue to do it. You have to keep it real for your team. An Eagles jersey in Dallas? I'd do it. Going to Madison Square Garden--alone--and rooting for Flyers? I did it, and the Flyers won, too. :) So, yeah, I just had to admire his whole outlook on the situation. So... yay home run ball-catching guy! If you're ever in DC, we'll go to a Nats game. I'll wear my Phillies cap, you wear your Mets shirt, and everyone'll be happy.

2) Air Freshener

Sure, I know it's hot and humid and disgusting pretty much everywhere on the East Coast (and, I think, much of the rest of the country, too), but why does DC have to smell like sour breath, too? It's horrible here. I still don't get why the Founding Fathers saw fit to drain swampland and build a capital city on it. Bad, bad idea. They would have done much better by sticking to New York or Philly as the capital. (Even Lancaster! Shoo-fly pie kicks ass.)

3) Insert Borat Joke Here

I'm off to Kazakhstan in a couple of days, so if you don't hear from me for a while, that's why. Don't worry: I'll bring back enough fermented mare's milk for everyone! You crazy kids with your crazy souvenir demands.

Eek--time to run. I have to pick up my tickets, visa, and per diem before the place closes. Toodles until the end of the month! Don't trash the place while I'm gone.