This classic Dave Barry column was originally published July 7, 2002.

Summer is a lazy, relaxed, carefree time of year, when our thoughts turn to the possibility that our flesh will be stripped from our bones by millions of razor-sharp mandibles.

HOLLYWOOD -- Early evening settles on a quiet suburb of spacious homes and lush lawns. Suddenly, an ominous voice pierces the tranquillity: America is about to elect the first black president of the United States.

Air Force Airman Travis D. Blurton graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Stanley and Sindy Wardle, Spanish Fork.

Air Force Airman Devin B. Christensen graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Charles Christensen, Elk Ridge and a 2004 graduate of Payson High School.

Coast Guard Seaman Niels Christiansen graduated from U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N.J. He is the son of Hans and Marsha Christensen, Cedar Fort and a 2004 graduate of Lehi High School.

Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Thomas C. Cornaby has been mobilized and activated for deployment overseas to a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is the son-in-law of Ray and Luana Martin, Lehi.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Jake R. Cottle graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Lisa Cottle, Lehi and a 2007 graduate of Lehi High School.

Navy Lt. Paul D. Hendricksen graduated from Patient Administration Course while assigned to Naval School of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md. He is the son of David and Mayleen Hendricksen, Heber. He joined the Navy in August 1996.

Air Force Reserve Airman Dmitri A. Jacobsen graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Kent Jacobsen, Lehi and a 2003 graduate of Springville High School.

Air Force Airman Hursel T. Johnson graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Daril Johnson, Provo and a 2005 graduate of Provo High School.

Army National Guard Pvt. Stephanie E. Lewis graduated from basic combat training at Ft. Jackson, Columbia, S.C. She is the daughter of Alfred Lewis, Orem.

Cody Clark

In the f/Stop Café at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City, the clear glass tabletops are emblazoned with gold-lettered quotations from the wit and wisdom of fine arts luminaries. One such artistic tidbit declares that, "Bad artists copy. Good artists steal."

While I'm away, readers give the advice:

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Sharon Lawrence, 47; Fred Grandy, 60; Gary Busey, 64; Robert Evans, 78

Saturday

Today is Saturday, June 28, the 180th day of 2008. There are 186 days left in the year.