anyone have any thoughts on "the italics game" i posted? or on an italics-checking tool, in general? how about the world series -- reactions? what do you think about the presidential election? a possible resurgence of an "arab spring" next year? world peace? hunger in poverty-ridden nations? global warming? the coming mass-extinctions of wild animals? isn't "dancing with the stars" a hoot this season? who's your favorite "american idol" contestant? how about survivor? -bowerbird