What Book Should Every College Freshman Read?

Every Friday, I post a series of unrelated questions meant to spark conversation in the comments. Answer one, answer all, respond to someone else's reply, whatever you want. Very casual. On to this week's topics of discussion...

1. Lots of schools assign incoming freshmen one book to read before coming to campus. Some recent examples: Everything Matters by Ron Currie, Jr. (Duke), Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick (Cornell), and Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Texas Tech). Let's say you've been hired by your alma mater to pick this summer's book. What book would you choose to assign?

As a follow-up, did your school do this? What'd you read?

2. My trip to Baja Fresh on Tuesday was remarkable for two reasons: it marked the first time I saw a stranger wearing a mental_floss t-shirt outside of a mental_floss event, and it gave birth to a new nickname. From now on, I want you guys to call me JASONNNNN, just like my receipt did. Back in college, the Fuddruckers in Durham was legendary for tweaking names. Phil became "Fell." Cassidy became "Ass B." This may set the record for least replies, but what's the most creative thing you've been called on a receipt?

3. You've been asked to enter the Witness Protection Program. Well, not so much asked—ordered. But the powers that be are feeling generous. You can choose to move anywhere in the world to start your new life. Where would you go? Also: What would your new name be?

Enjoy the weekend!

[See all the previous Friday Happy Hour transcripts.]