I too think it’s scary that the Chinese government owns so much of the U.S. debt. Another disaster to chalk up to Bush & Co.

I can’t believe I’m reading this! Talk about genderism! In what way do you think getting a “fabulous makeover” and brightening “up her persona” would contribute to Hillary’s qualifications to be the next President of the United States. And I’m not quite sure what you had in mind with your “public speaking” remark. I think she expresses herself very cogently and clearly.

I’ve slept in the nude since my twenties but lately night sweats have made it impossible without soaking the duvet. So now its Lands End or Target cotton sleep shirts.

In my opinion Obama has neither the experience nor the character to make a good president. He has chosen to be “black” rather than bi-racial, and his support of his former pastor is abhorrent. Any decent person would have immediately disavowed not only the opinions expressed by Rev. Wright but have disassociated himself totally from such a person. But Obama has chosen not to do so, and in my opinion this is a major flaw in his character which makes him unfit to be president. I am a supporter of Hilary Clinton. She has the intelligence, competency and ability to handle the job of President, and she has faced many firestorms, and has emerged perhaps not unscathed but definitely stronger in character for the experience. She will make an excellent President. I do not believe Obama has the necessary qualifications to be President. If he becomes the nominee, I believe the Democratic Party will have made a serious error of judgment. Unfortunately, McCain’s unbridled enthusiasm for the War makes it impossible for me to even consider voting for him. So it will come down to a great deal of nose holding if I am forced to choose between Obama and McCain. Horrors!!!

I’m with Liz on this one. “My health and energy and the idiotic belief that I can probably cope no matter what.”

I can so relate to Taffy. I love having my posters, paintings and photos on the walls and having lots of shelves crammed with my books. I feel like I am in my own little cocoon when I get home after a crazy day at work. I find it very calming to look at the beautiful things I have. They may not have any intrinsic value but to me they are very precious. And, of course, I have far too many clothes and shoes!

I’ve bought and sold stuff on ebay. I feel very comfortable with their feedback system. A friend of mine bought a made-to-order wedding dress on ebay. She said that apart from being a little short (her mum put a ribbon round the hem), it was a perfect fit. I was amazed!

How many deaths does it take till we know that too many people have died? What is it about America that it kills it brightest and most promising public figures? MLK, Jr. had the gift of the gab. He could stir even the most apathetic soul to dream of a better tomorrow. His words promised that so much could be accomplished. Sadly, there are still so many gaping chasms between the people of this country. I wonder what it will take for Americans to truly accept other Americans, without the jarring divisions of race and origin. I believe this is as much a black problem as a white problem or a hispanic problem or ……. Why can’t we all let go of old grievances and move towards a better future as one people?

My first thought for the literary pioneer was Virginia Woolf, but having seen all the Jane Austen aficionados, I’m rather leaning in that direction too. As far as who I would want to be, like many others, the answer is “myself” but with all of those changes that 20/20 hindsight provides for us!

Excellent choice Hedda. I too choose Bastet. She was the goddess of joy and music and dancing, but also the protectrice of women. My historical figure would be Elizabeth I, a queen in her own right, and a woman who knew how to take care of herself, but also knew how to enjoy life.

My mother was a tyrant and my dad soon learned to keep his head down and let her have her way. At times I hated her but she was such a strong influence on my life that I still wonder whether she would approve of whatever it is I’m doing. My dad was a wimp, a very sweet and kind and attentive father, but nevertheless a wimp. My mother always got her own way, and usually by manipulating the emotions of those nearest to her. She rarely raised her voice but I was scared of her and I think my dad was too. We both knew she would kill us if we didn’t obey her. But on the other hand, I also knew if I was in need, she would kill anyone else who treated me badly. Once she got past 80 she mellowed quite a bit and my therapist taught me how not to let her push my buttons. So we had a pretty good relationship for the last 12 years of her life. She was still fairly cantankerous and we had a huge fight on the phone when she was in the hospital for the last time. But when I saw her, she finally said that she thought I had been a good daughter, which was like a wonderful gift to me, after all the years of being told what a failure I was. Her death was very fast and unanticipated and a horrible shock. I had to find a home to put my dad in (he had dementia) and clear the house out and get it sold. It was the worst time of my life. About 4 months later, I had a nervous breakdown. My dad died 3 years later. But it is my mum I still miss despite everything.l

Shoes that I can’t wear cause they hurt my feet; magazines that I don’t have time to read; and age-defying cosmetics, which cost a bomb but I can’t see any difference! Oh well!

I too find it amazing how wide the gap is between rich and poor in the U.S. I was horrified to read in the paper today that the CEO of Countrywide Mortgage will get millions of dollars when Bank of America absorbs it. And all those poor sods who will lose their jobs and their health insurance as a result of the CEO’s incompetence and greed will get nothing. It’s an outrage.

And was I shocked to find out that wasn’t true.

OMG! Helen Mirren! I just can’t wait. I am such a big fan of hers.