I figured out that through a college acquaintance who's now an actor I'm within 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. In fact, it takes just 4 degrees, which, I suppose, means all of you are within 6 degrees, as are your friends and family. Share that tidbit next time conversation lags at a party, at least until this acquaintance -- did I say acquaintance? I meant best friend -- issues a statement denying he knows me.