There have been more people killed because of a difference of religion than for any other reason.  And both sides usually declare that they have "God" on their side. 

You are entitled to your beliefs but please keep them to yourself.  Proselytizing is anathema to unbelievers.  It is also exceedingly annoying.  You’re not going to change my mind and it just irritates me to be told that prayer in schools is desirable.  Thank the founding fathers for the sense to require separation between church and state. 

A man who has a regular source of income and can support himself.

I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that the French savor their food.  They don’t snack in between meals, and meals are a social occasion.  Each course consists of a small amount of food and they tend to eat slowly because they are busy talking to their companions during the meal.  Instead of gulping food down until they are utterly stuffed like Americans, the French enjoy each different course.  Of course, the French outlook on life is so totally different from Americans.  They don’t define themselves by their job and they expect to have the time and energy to enjoy their life outside of work, unlike Americans who are expected to give their whole lives to their employers and what little time they can snatch for themselves feels like its been stolen.  With those kind of stresses, who can blame Americans from comforting themselves with as much food as possible.

I think it is criminal the way the medical insurance industry works in this country.  For those of us lucky enough to get good insurance through our employer, when the hospital or doctor is a "preferred provider", they knock thousands of dollars off the billed amount to what they actually accept from the insurance company.  This two-tier billing system is absolutely crazy.  A procedure should cost $X, whether you’re insured or you’re not.  And perhaps that way, more people could afford to be insured. 

My sympathies on the loss of your cat, rr.  I know how it feels.  My last cat was 16 when he died and it took me 10 months before I felt able to get another one.  That "other one" is now 17 with kidney disease and stones, but with a whole lot of care (including fluid infusions by yours truly), she is doing very well and still enjoying life.

Obviously Ruth Charny has a workable relationship with her mother.  Mine died 10 years ago and I cannot imagine having had her live with me in her later years.  She couldn’t wait to get me out of the house at 18 and it took many years of therapy before I could even spend a few days with her without having a nervous breakdown.  On her deathbed she was still criticizing me and ordering me how to behave.  My father, despite his senile dementia, obviously felt relief at finally being set free from this rigid control. 

You know, of course, that this was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ favorite poem.

Makes you wonder how much Mr. Burris had to contribute to Blago’s war chest in order to get the appointment. I can hardly believe that Blago would have nominated him just for the appreciation!

Santa Clause? Is that a Subordinate Clause? Or a Contractual Clause? I have a feeling it’s really Santa Claus!

Frankly, I would not have thought a garishly flashy ring like that would be at all Michelle Obama’s style. I would have thought she had better taste than that. You know which ring he is really getting her??? The incredible disappearing “Dis-Moi-Oui” ring, of course!

Have a nice stiff G&T.

I was already on the pill for medical reasons and back then there was nothing that could kill you from having sex without protection. Those few years between 1965 and 1980 were the first time in history when women were truly free to do anything they wanted sexually with no lasting consequences. I wonder if such an era will ever happen again.

Maybe the troops will be outfitted with the proper armor and gear with a woman in charge of such matters since it seems that the men who were supposed to properly equip the troops in Iraq didn’t quite make the grade!

On the other hand, what’s she going to do with Bill!!!

Go for it Hillary! I think she’d make an excellent Secretary of State. A fitting successor to Condi Rice.