Yes, it is true, this Mastandrea has camped succesfully. My first bivouac was in Ft Devins, MA and it foretold future efforts. A native outdoor critter stung me, causing the sargent to send me to sick bay where I got my first perscription for an antihistamine that could make anyone drowsy. Ellie and I have camped several times a decade or so ago but stopped due to more frequent and more severe allergic reactions. However, I'm glad that it worked for you and the boys.

You think a laptop at a campground is bad? Try visiting a state park where there is no cell signal to your multiband cell phone. It happened to me in an area centered around a natural spring that produces 20.4 million gallons of water a day. If water attracts electricity, it must funnel it underground.

The Barese Man's Burden is truly educational and inspirational. I toast with my favorite aged tequila. Salut!

Your drinking stories remind me of the wit of Auggie Smith, a comedian you should catch "live" at your local chuckle hut. Don't you hate when people blame the booze? If you're a jackass when you're drinking, it's because you're a jackass. Ain't no magical equation, "add liquid to make jackass." In the insurance game this is what they call a pre-existing condition. Quit blaming the booze.

For the record, I too have woken up in a hospital after a night of drinking. In my case it happened while I was in college. I travelled with two male frieds to Dallas and ended up in a hot tub with my aforementioned friends and three stewardesses (I know, I know, they call them "flight attendants" now). Too many rum and cokes led to a back flip that rumor has it could have been rated a "10" from even the Russian judge.