Mary and I think people who are really up on their knowledge of THE GAME should refer to it like the Bible, or die Glassperlenspiel – deigning to actually use the pickup tactics, but have conversations like this:

F: Corinthians 12.

Q: Oh yeah? Leviticus 14.

F: Numbers 6!

Q: (in a devastating tone of voice) Deuteronomy 44, second from the left, third line: appendix G.

F: (Dropping pants) I feel attracted to you because you seem inaccessible.

Q: Works every time…

I need to read THE GAME in prep for 52. And Story of O again. And probably actually read Dangerous Liaisons instead of just the play. I had a weird idea about 52 today that maybe it should be some kind of LeGuinian society where the coming-of-age is a requirement…

I should find out what Prof. Apostolides is up to – both his LONG DAY’S JOURNEY and his LIAISONS were among the theatrical highlights of my Stanford career. Gabe telling me that Prof. Fliegelman had died really made me want to reach out to the folks I did know there.