You will not vote for Obama? Then whom will you vote for? McCain? If for no other reason — think SCOTUS. Then decide whom you’ll vote for.

One of the few things my mother and I had in common was our vanity. I always thought she was one of the vainest women on earth, and with her passing I inherited this trait. She always said, “If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?” Meaning appearance, of course — a man was supposed to take care of the rest.

I have an involuntary eyelid tic, and I investigated Botox injections for it. Unfortunately, there is a possibility that it would make the eyelid droop, so I opted against having the injections. The article doesn’t mention the possible side effects.

Thank you, Frank. I finally got your attention. But it’s Babette.

Definitely Lieberman. Then he can go down in history as the only man to have been deafeated for Vice President on both parties’ tickets.

I wish there were some way to keep gas prices high to reduce consumption, but keep heating oil prices low.

Rich is definitely better! I have a financial investment advisor, and hopefully he will give me good enough advice to keep me off the streets. My ambition is to spend my last nickel the day before I die. Seriously, Kitty, I appreciate your advice, and it’s helpful to know that there are other women, especially such notables, who feel the same way I do. I’ll look for the book. Thanks.

I’ve been totally self-supporting since my divorce in 1968. I’ve put away money in my IRA and have some CDs, and a house, but I’ve always been afraid of winding up as a bag lady. I’m still working, and will as long as I’m physically able, but I still have this fear. One problem is the economy, which has eroded the value of my investments. I’m afraid there will be nothing left when I need it. Incidentally, I have remarried, but my husband and I keep separate accounts, although we do share most of the living expenses. I read somewhere that all women are afraid of winding up as bag ladies.

Well! Finally an article about the Olympics! I’m getting so tired of reading about John Edwards and his affair. I’ve become a Michael Phelps groupie. I haven’t followed much of the other Olympic events, but I won’t miss one of his races. I guess I identify with his mother, since I have two sons of my own (neither of whom is athletic). I can actually feel her pride in her beloved boy. Also — I really feel bad about the little girl who “wasn’t cute enough” and had to sing while someone lip synched for her. Personally, I thought she was adorable.

I never liked Madonna — I always thought she was cheap and trashy.

I received my book today! I can’t wait to read it, and I promise to give you a full report when I’m done. It will take a few days, though. I’m in the middle of another book, and I want to finish it first. Also — the Olympics. Thanks so much, Joni.

Life itself.

That could have been my cat, Tallulah. Maybe they’re all the same.

My intention was not to be rude to Liz, whose writing has always been enjoyable and relevant. My comment was directed to the obsession the public has with people’s sex lives — particularly if they’re gay.

Why should I care? Why should any of us care?