It was so nice to see Johnny and June again, in a performance that was “hotter than a pepper sprout.” I was a child of rock and roll but got into their music about 15 years ago. I was actually into Roseanne Cash’s music before I appreciated Johnny’s. She, like Johnny, is classified as country but, again like her father, her music transcends genre.

My first thought after learning about Governor Palin’s qualifications to be vice-president/president was “Why does this remind me of the under-qualified horseman who didn’t have a clue how to do his job, that is, helping New Orleans after Katrina?” What does this say about Senator McCain’s thought processes? Does he think imagery rather than substance is going to win votes?

Sometimes the bond between siblings is stronger than the bond between marriage or cohabiting partners simply because the siblings grew up together and pretty much know all the flaws and strengths and weaknesses. My sister and I can share things we wouldn’t dare share with our spouse/partner. I really enjoyed seeing Michelle’s brother and listening to his speech about his little sister; I didn’t receive the “suggestion” that he was her primary emotional support. What I saw was a close family, a brother and sister who both made good through great odds, with a hard-working father who struggled through his own disabilities to support his family. I saw Michelle and Barack in person last spring and they did not send out “marriage of convenience” vibes. As for Michelle building a life of her own because she’s a realist—I’d say she did so because she’s a strong woman who supports her husband but isn’t going to be the “quiet little token wife.” I can’t wait to see her as First Lady and Barack as President.

Nerissa, I agree with you 100 percent. We should be able to criticize the policies of our country without being told we’re being unpatriotic and bitter, etc. It’s ironic that many conservatives and Republicans make those accusations. Yet, when a Democrat takes over the White House, they resort to name-calling, expensive and fruitless investigations and everything else they can think of to bring down that person and his policies. To me, it’s more patriotic to see the wrongs of America and try to make them right, than to condemn and undo the good works that came before, which is what the current administration has done from day one nearly 8 years ago.

With all due respect to Dr. Klein, a “close reading” is not the same as “reading into,” and he was, perhaps, doing the latter. I know of several doctors with marriages of convenience and mistresses on the side. Unless you have solid evidence, don’t assume something you know nothing about.

It was almost like Camelot revisited; she definitely has the Kennedy charisma. After her speech she spoke with several of the network news anchors and was equally at ease and charming. Her future in public service is hers if she wants it, and I’m all for it!

An Obama/Clinton ticket would be a dream-team in my book. Unfortunately I live in an area where racism, sexism, and anti-Clintonism (along with homophobia) are still very much alive. Outwardly we are 21st century (or at least late 20th) but attitudes have progressed very little since the mid-1800s. That might be an exaggeration, but not by much. There’s some hope this year with a lot of activity from Obama’s office in registering new voters. The fact that Obama has an office in my hometown and that his campaign is targeting my state is encouraging. Usually the Democrats hand the state over to the opposition. Personally, I think people are tired from the primary season and are regrouping energy for the fall election. Celebrities like Cher, no matter the party, have as much right to speak out on their choice of candidate as the rest of us. It’s great that they care enough to speak out.

I cherish the memory of watching “Dr. Quinn” on Saturday nights with my mother. It was her favorite show, and mine, too. You are still beautiful, Jane, funny and seductive in “Wedding Crashers,” and I’m glad to see you getting another juicy role.

What a wonderful, worthy cause, to campaign for Jenny to go to the Elephant Sanctuary. One of the current residents, Bunny, lived in my hometown zoo almost her entire life. She was a replacement for another beloved elephant, Kay, who had fatally injured the zoo director and was later sold. Bunny had to endure our bitterly cold winters and our humid summers on the hard concrete with barely enough room to walk around, often alone except for a hippo, Donna, who is still here. As a small child I felt sorry for her because she seemed so lonely. When she left for the sanctuary nearly 10 years ago, many people were upset, but reading about her adjustment has been heart-warming. She has formed friendships with the other elephants and freely roams the sanctuary. It is truly heaven on earth for our pachyderm friends, and deserves all the support we can give. Lily, Edith Ann, and the rest… go go go! More power to you!

Oops, I meant “grudge” not “grude.”

Danny Thomas was a wonderful person and Marlo is her father’s daughter. I only wish I had learned, no, absorbed, that philosophy years ago. Young people would be wise to live by that code. Holding a grude indeed affects the person doing the holding, and in many cases it may burn very important bridges, to mix metaphors. Forgiving and going on have a way of releasing the burden of a grudge.

I loved How to Marry a Millionaire—the camaraderie of the three women and how their love lives ended up. Mentioning Judy Holliday reminds me of an old Life magazine article and/or photo taken of Marilyn and Judy in New York. Both gone much too soon.

Lily, You brought up something my sister and I talk about all the time—about movie stars and celebrities, especially those from our younger years who have stood the test of time. In most cases we’ve never met them and know them only from performances on TV, movies or the stage, but we come to feel as though we know them. When the older ones pass away, we feel as though we’ve lost a member of our own family even though, as my dear sister would say, they wouldn’t know us from a hole in the ground. I don’t understand a lot of “entertainment” today, but I suppose if it connects with the kids in a positive way, it’s okay. Acting and entertaining, and writing as well, depend on connecting with the audience. If you as a performer connect with your audience, you’ve done your job. It’s a bonus that a performer connects on a personal basis, as you did with the lady in the wheelchair. In this challenging world we need more people like you and Jane and Liz and Candice and the rest of WowOWow to guide us, entertain us, inspire us, and share with us. You’re doing the job, and continue to keep up with the good work. The fact that readers can be part of this great forum is the bonus. And, BTW, I thought the Fourth of July piece was the funniest thing I’ve read all summer, mostly because it rings of truth.

Cher has always been a cool person, even here in the midwest in a town referred to by Madonna as Prague. A few years ago Cher performed here. Our city’s mayor got some flack for attending the Cher concert instead of attending a city council meeting. He even appeared on The Daily Show because of it. I say the more power to him. I’ve watched our city and county council meetings on TV and I don’t think the mayor missed anything but a good nap. Cher has earned, and deserves, all the accolades.

Different types of music have inspired me and comforted me throughout my life. I, too, grew up in the rock ‘n’ roll era but for me, that type of music died in the mid-80s. For a while I listened to country but it all started sounding the same (with a few exceptions). Then I went to classical and find in that a continual sense of joy. I’ve also looked back (or listened back?) to big band, jazz, and individual singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day (don’t laugh!), and Frank Sinatra. Most recently I’ve discovered the beautiful and sadly sublime voice of Eva Cassidy. You haven’t heard “Danny Boy” until you’ve heard her rendition. She could sing any kind of song, and she was a divine guitarist. Even her “Over the Rainbow” could make you forget Judy, at least temporarily. She was, and is, hard to classify, because she could do it all—folk, jazz, gospel, pop. I truly view her as a forerunner to Nora Jones.