@Mat: Metallica has been harsh on the ears for years, so why not?

@BonzoGal: Very Thundercats of you.

@M: Agreed.

@Erin: People send you movies? For free?

@Doles: Maybe. I didn’t go in a pool for 10 years, and still avoid chlorine now, but maybe.

@Nigel: Nope, I haven’t heard it, and I’m not sure that I will. I know Rock is out of the picture and Rubin is in, but despite of Rubin’s work with Slayer, I refuse to get sucked back in by Metallica’s pop machine. There are too many other bands out there that deserve the attention.

This new album is the best in a long time and my theory is that it’s because Bob motherfucking Rock isn’t arranging the songs anymore. You might give it a try.

2. You’re looking at your swimming competitions in the wrong light. I played in a basketball league where I was the leading scorer, then I moved to the next level and found, though pretty good, there were a lot better players out there. I lead my team in homeruns in softball in a pretty good league. When I played for a great team on the South Shore, though still a good hitter, there were guys who put me to shame. In the end, though, it was a MUCH better experience playing with better athletes. I had greater appreciation for those players. It’s better to go to the highest level you can than to wonder ‘what if’.