Various Thoughts: I commented on various issues over in the Slate fray over the last couple days, including: "character witness," genetically modified food (Europe blocks US exports, President ready to bring suit), and "Bush: What Me Worry?."

Latest struggle: the stress of the first Mets/Braves series of the year. Mets actually, toying with fans, played rather well of late, though some late game meltdowns ruined a chance for actual consistency. Piazza is now out for a long time, but the young guys ... including backup backup catcher cum first baseman Jason Philips ... are showing some flair. Floyd is also stepping up (on his bad achilles) and acting Piazzalike of late. Their killer Phillies/Braves set of series started badly ... blowing a 4-1 seventh inning lead (end result: 11-7), but two come from behind wins (with an assist via a bases loaded walk from old friend Turk Wendell) had them 2-1 going into Atlanta. Atlanta resisted a sweep by the Reds in the final game before the two match-up, which is probably a good thing. As with the Yanks ending a slide by facing Boston this week, the Braves probably see the Mets as an easy way to get back on track, while trying not to laugh at Tom Glavine. Well, the first half inning went okay ...