I like David Letterman. He seems so nice to his guests, and I like his politics. I’ll be he’s a great dad.

I wish him much happiness in his marriage. 

Phyllis,

I can’t get enough of your writing. So clever and enchanting.

And you could be right … I never stopped to think, that could have made his day!

Hi DeBurca,

Thank you for the link.

And no, I had never seen a Claddagh ring. Of course, I immediately Googled that. They’re beautiful! I think I Will get one. Will take some time to decide which. I love the symbolism of the Claddagh. And I am part Irish, on my father’s side! So glad you mentioned the ring!       

Hi DeBurca,

I took a guess that Charlie would have something on about Natasha. He is always so timely. It was very touching, and sad.   

I, too, am more familiar with Liam’s films. Did you ever watch Ethan Frome? There is a scene in that film where he is sitting next to Patricia Arquette, who is sitting on the stairs, doing some embroidery work. I seem to remember she was pulling the needle and thread through the fabric, and he slowly takes her hand in his hand. Such sensuality and eroticism in that small scene. That was my introduction to Liam. Wow.   

I had never heard of a Claddagh. Now I won’t ever forget it. Thank you.

Nanchan,

Talk about priceless … Check the "Netherlands"… I love that!

Phyllis,

You had me at, ""So there I was." And I was right there at the table with you. I was reaching for the handbag, and feeling around for the tissue, the whole thing. I was laughing one of those raspy laughs - no sound - just a series of rasps, and my shoulders were shaking, and you had me in tears. And I loved, "My dear, you have a gob of gum … "

I swear - that was so funny. Honestly, first Joan L, then Jeannot, now this. I can’t imagine any posts funnier than this. I haven’t read the rest yet. But I just can’t image. Thank you, Phyllis. Just delightful. Curious to know whom you were interviewing, but - mystery is part of your charm. Best,      

Jeannot,

This story is hysterical. When I got to the line, "What do you think we have to do this evening?" I could feel a big smile come on, and I just laughed out loud. 

I am a bit curious as to why your boss asked you, with your English language skills at that time, to be the one to accompany him. But maybe because of all your other attributes. No matter.

Delightful story. Thank you for such a good laugh, and on a Monday morning (my least favorite day due to work!)   

TJ Trell,

Candice was not being mean. Candice was speaking to Natasha’s strength and determination, with regard to overcoming her low self-esteem. If you care to, you can go to the Charlie Rose website, and see the show which was on last Friday. It was a beautiful one-hour tribute to Natasha Richardson. Over the years, Natasha appeared six times on the Charlie Rose Show. This tribute show had segments of these interviews. In one of them, Natasha talked about her struggle to overcome her self image. She always felt she was unattractive. Anyway, I hope you will watch it. It was a lovely tribute. Best,       

Hi DeBurca,

When I first heard that Barack Obama was scheduled to appear on the Leno show, I thought, "What is he doing going on the Leno show!" I can’t stand Leno.

But then I thought about it. I don’t think it’s so much the size of the audience he was after. Had Barack gone on the Letterman show, he would have had a large audience there too. (I heard that this show for Leno had the largest audience he has had in the last four years.)

I think it has more to do with the audience he is trying to attract. I think it’s about how Barack is getting beaten up by the media lately, and undermined by the Republicans at every turn. I think Barack wants to push his programs through.   

It’s my opinion that the people that watch Leno are kind of against Barack, or not sure, or more susceptible to the BS that they hear. The people that watch Letterman are behind Barack. Also, I’m not sure if Letterman is "live" right now, because of sports. I’m not sure. But again, I don’t think that would have affected Barack’s going on the Leno show. I think he was smart to do that.

Love your posts. Don’t think I’ve ever disagreed with you - except about Jimmy Carter. I have no use for him.

Have a good weekend!  

I have seen several photos of Natasha and Liam together where, they are not just looking straight ahead, at the camera, but they are looking at each other, and with such adoration. And Liam’s arm is usually wrapped around her. He is always holding her. When I look at photos #8 and 12 here, I can’t help but cry.

I remember reading, years ago, an interview with Liam. He and Natasha were dating at the time. Liam had been away filming Schindler’s List. The way I remember it, Liam had forgotten that it was Natasha’s birthday. At the last minute, he sent her a fax. It said something like "You’re catching up with me" (referring to their careers/success). Then it said "Happy Birthday" and he signed it Oskar (his character in the film). Well, Natasha wrote back something like, "Is that what I am to you … just one of your chums?" Liam said that it was then that he realized just how important she was to him. They were married shortly after.

I feel sick for Natasha’s family - her mother, sons, sister, and Liam. What will he do without her.           

I’ll try this link once more:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/dining/18cooks.html?8dpc

As Joan Larsen and Jeannot and others have pointed out, I too, see the For Lease signs around me, empty stores in malls, etc. Here is an article from today’s New York Times. An eye opener into the struggles of the restaurant world. A nightmare for chefs, workers, etc.  

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/dining/18cooks.html?8dpc 

My "Second comment" above, was not directed to Liz or anyone in particular.