I'm in Columbus. So far the only torture has been the guy I just sat next to at lunch. He was the jackest ass I've ever met. I don't think I've ever been so intentionally rude in my life. He was boorish and rude to the entertainment provided and actually gave them pointers when they came around to meet the attendees. So I just stopped acknowledging him. He then proceeded to tell stories to no one. The last one was about a dish he couldn't eat in Brazil at a conductor's conference because he was Jewish. I just ate and checked my email on my Treo. He looked like Rodney Dangerfield and actually reminded me of him... only without all the respect Rodney got.

Also, last night there was a mixer at the Bar of Modern Art in Downtown. It's in an old First Baptist Church. The Lord did not smite me even though there was salsa dancing in the sanctuary, a dj in the choir loft, and hard liquor in the Sunday School rooms. I have video.

Word to your collective mothers.