Item the third: Joel's response to my e-mail.
Hello Ms. Sweeny,omgwtfbbq!11 *dies*grins*
I'm glad the lecture engaged you. Becoming worked up about a topic is a good sign of deep interest in it. I think I may see a successful graduate student career in the humanities in your future.
And my dad compared me to Eugene Volokh. This is incredibly high praise which i'm not entirely sure i deserve, but i'm hardly going to turn down -- like Joe saying he's really not way more brilliant than i am.
Also, according to an outside source i am "good people. Smart, bright, and sophistical." :-)