I think MI(A) is the Wizard of Oz

This giant hand represents the hand of Reader #2, who emailed me at 6:40 this morning to say that he was back (from where? I do not know) and ready to sign. I'm glad I didn't have to hire bounty hunters, stake out his fiance's office or sic the department secretary on his ass. Oddly -- actually it's not so odd, given his hermetic tendencies -- the exchange of signatures will take place through an intermediary, and he's not coming to eat cupcakes and tap the keg. The honeymoon's over.

So, by this time next week, provided the god of toner cartridges, 1 1/2 inch margins and photocopiers is smiling on me, and the two readers yet to sign don't get eaten by wolves between now and the moment their pens hit my beautiful acid-free archival quality 100% cotton bonded thesis paper, I will be Dr. SJB, at your service.