Much like Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius, Melanie Friedrichs is also a gladiator. Her epic journey began when she found herself face to face with a lion in the middle of a Bethesda shopping center. Of course, she slay the beast with ease and then decided to swim North along the Atlantic coast in search of a giant Buddha. Upon arriving at the RISD Museum, and paying homage to the Buddha, the saw flaming discs in the distance. She began playing a game the local unitard-clad girls called ÒUltimateÓ and after being encouraged to streak deep, she found herself in the land of Roots nÕ Shoots, surrounded by an army of vicious Hot Ham on Bulky Rolls. Keeping her cool (as usual), she assumed the Eagle pose and began Pranayama breathing. The chickpeas and black bean burgers rallied behind her and shot tempeh arrows at the enemy. Sadly, many good acorn squash were lost that day. Melanie swears that she will have vengeance, in this life or the next. WeÕre glad sheÕs on our side.