It is against FAA regulations to use umbrellas on the runway in the rain due to the risk of being struck by lightning. Amazing. I had to run barefoot across the tarmac so as not to ruin my dress shoes. I'm sure that was against FAA regulations too (or just against good sense).That, and soldier boy in West Virginia made me take a swig of my Diet Mountain Dew that I carried through security to prove it is safe for consumption. Granted, it's Mountain Dew, so it has that kind of dangerous glow to it, but really ... please. I think I'm probably the most un-grumpy business traveler around these here parts, but even I had to shake my head in confusion. Brian the mechanic didn't fix my brakes while I was gone. So I'm cruising in the Big Blue Van (yes, Hitler's Revenge) tomorrow in hopes that he will finish them soon. I suspect he was working on Jeremy's poor car the past few days, though, so I forgive him and his slack brake maintenance. Yes, Jeremy, you are right. You have horrible luck when it comes to cars. I can't help but think that a Mini Cooper S has really nice brakes. And a four year maintenance plan. And bonnet stripes. Oooh, bonnet stripes. Must...resist...