Giacomo Leopardi

"Boredom is the desire for happiness left in its pure state."

And the man knew something about boredom—he seems to have lived most of his life in virtual isolation.

So… What are the implications of this observation for our beloved bloggers?

Today wikipedia is in its fifth year of combining, organizing, and streamlining the world's knowledge for the good of all internet addicts large and small.

It's one of the few days that I can be proud that I come from the Tampa Bay area, so I plan to remind people of this important holiday all day long.

I can't believe it: 2nd Ave Deli might be closing! (At least their hilarious website is still available for a virtual nosh or two.)

Now, my family traditionally is more about Katz's Delicatessen. My father and uncle used to send my grandfather salami from Katz's every year for his birthday—and I hope 2nd Avenue Deli as an institution would not take offense to learn that my grandpa probably would not have known what to do with a salami from 2nd Avenue Deli, having left the Lower East Side decades before the place opened in the '50s.

I personally, however, must say that I've been quite a fan of the 2nd Ave Deli, with it's delicious pickle appetizers and amazing matzo ball soup, so I'm a bit verklempt—but quite glad I saved my placemat the last time I went there.

Que acapella rendition of "Tradition"…