Carnivorous Gas

I learned only last week (through that kooky book everyone used to be talking about, but which I only got a hold of recently, called "Stiff") that farts are caused by the gas that bacteria expel in your intestine when they help break down the food you eat. Makes sense, but I never knew that to be the exact cause; I just assumed it was the food itself that was breaking down and causing it (this is why I never became a scientist, people - I am like the 15th century doctor believing evil spirits need to be leeched out of the body). Anyhoo, I only bring this up because I was reminded of that phenomenon (hm, spelling? I don't knnow, and am too lazy to walk downstairs to the dictionary - plus, this Blogger spell check isn't all that) the other night, when I thought to myself that it is much more pleasant to smell fruits and vegetables being broken down, as opposed to any sort of meat. I won't say the circumstances under which I made this observation, but will say it wasn't me (and no, it is not always true that he/she who smelt it, dealt it - god, I can't believe I still remember that phrase - I grew up around too many boy cousins). On a related note, the book is pretty fascinating, and must have been to a number of people, since I know it was on the bestseller list awhile. I wonder how many other people felt guilty for assuming that they didn't feel adequately creepy for finding the facts on death so intriguing and informative. Or maybe the whole idea of deluding one's self into thinking that that body is a sacred vessel for the soul and should therefore never be thought of as a bloating, encrusted, infested blob (after all, doesn't sit well with that Judeo-Christian notion that you're created in God's image) is slowly eeking out of the collective subconscious of the Western world. Or maybe people are more attracted to grossness these days, what with Fear Factor and any number of reality shows and action/horror movies that rely on shock card. Maybe I need to chill out and remember I don't want to be this cynical when my boy starts asking me questions. Other than thinking of gas and hot air, just loving the lovebug. Dealing with the California heat - in October, no less. Missing the fall foliage. Feeling a little fluffy for just saying that. Eating Fruit Loops with no shame - I haven't been able to eat much of anything for a couple of weeks now, so I'm splurging. Okay, I would normally eat this. The boy stirs. Tokyo is not safe.