A few random thoughts:

* What in Iraqi culture makes hitting people with shoes so offensive? I assume it's similar to the belief that showing the soles of ones shoes is awful, but I don't know the origin of that, either. Can I expect a Slate explainer, please?

* What makes Al Bohl think that whining about his firing is going to help him?

* Few things are as delicious as chicken salad sandwiches.

* A new favorite Web site: Gawker.

* And in this week's American Brandstand: Mercedes retains the lead, with Burberry at No. 2, followed by Puma, Timberland and Lexus. Excellent. And Baby Gap is No. 9? Thank you, Missy Elliott.

* Bjork's music sounds like Iceland looks.