Rita - I agree.  A co-worker may not be able to effect a positive change in that person - which is why I wrote " (or ultimately permanently if needed)".  I see no harm in being generous enough to hint at the problem and allow her some time to work it out for herself - you know, try at first to lead the horse to water. 

Do you think that abruptly getting up and vacating the table mid-meal would be a positive step for anyone?  Its a rude and coarse route - who would want to risk sharing a meal with that person?

Wow Whoopi - you responded to me!  Thank you so very much.  You have no idea - you made my day, heck my whole week  =)  Love you doll.

Six grand would make quite a clambake for my crew.   I live just a hop, skip and NJ Transit ride fom Manhattan in Philly so if I ever got the shot I’d be there with my game face on.  I saw the app process.  I know that your work is based in NYC but please consider a project in the Philly area (we’re very film industry friendly) Amtrak is simple & would have you here in no time!  Look me up next time you’re in town  ;) 

Ms. Whoopi G - It looks like the astrologer on The View may well have been right on.  I wish you good fortune with this show and in everything else you’ve got in the works.  You make a lot of sense and fun out of this path we’re all on.  Thanks again.

Take good care.  Wishing you peace and true love, E

Whoopi is a dynamo and has many invaluable connections in the industry.  Love her.

Head Games - what is the top prize?  200 clams for a correct answer?  Hmmm … sounds a little bit stingy by today’s standards.  I love the show Cash Cab which has similar prizes - but the hook there is that being a contestant requires no preparation or inconvenience at all.  So what’s the potential top prize amount for a winner?  I’ll be tuning in - like I said I love Whoopi (hoping to love her show!).

Yes dear.  Seriously.

Lunch today is usually 30 minutes long.  The offender in this case may be an oaf but that doesn’t mean she deserves a slap in the face of co-workers abruptly removing themselves from her company mid-meal.  What you suggest would be quite upsetting for everyone (albeit not to you) and only add stress to the entirety of the workday.  I’d rather have a pleasant uninterrupted meal than an on edge, prepared to take flight at any given moment in the event I have to make a point.  It really would not take any concocting to remove yourself from a lunch partnership at work sporadically (or ultimately permanently if needed) and it would allow her to time to gradually come to her senses.

L#2

Dear Fed Up,

You need to break up the lunch crew - at least sporadically.  That off balance ninny needs a shake-up.  Break off into a two or threesome once in a while claiming that one of you is helping the other with something and you need the alone time to focus.  When you do lunch with her and she reverts to the outer limits of appropriate conversation tease her gently about "being so serious" and soon after redirect the conversation with a distraction or that phone call you have to make or some other diversion.  If she does not improve keep to a new twosome or threesome or … just accept being part of "that" group.  

Wishing you a future loaded with spirit nourishing lunches,  E

L#1

Dear Trying - Your man is a major ass. 

You’ve only been married for a year - just how much arguing is going on?  He’s pulling out the big guns and aiming for your heart for what?  To win a lovers’ quarrel, to boost his ego in front of the boys … some sadistic pleasure?  Seek some outside guidance.  If you were my daughter I’d be sick over your choice for a mate. You deserve better honey.

Wishing you light, true love and much happiness,  E

"Endless money forms the sinews of war". - Cicero

It has been reported that Brooke Astor’s grandson is a practicing Buddhist.  I do not believe can be true.  For if it were he would not have unleashed the lions to tear out his father’s and stepmother’s throats.  Where is his mercy, compassion or kindness? 

B Snooks - like it or not there is a process to the justice system.  Had RP only gone through the process he would have likely done little time after the sentencing.  He had a very good argument for impropriety in his trial.  Instead ran like a fool.  There is a good likliehood that at the end of this matter he still will not have to serve any/much additional time.  If he doesn’t go throught the process he/we will never know and he will always be a prisoner of sorts.  

 There is a necessary process to the laws of every civilized nation - to act outside of those laws is criminal.  Like it or not RP is a convicted criminal who ran off before completing his sentence or properly pleading that the handling of his case was unjust.

As for Switzerland and the Nazi’s etc. - please.  There were no pure heroes in that war or any other.  Tracing back throughout history there is no nation without blood on its hands.  Further, it is not righteous or acceptable for anyone, no matter how much they have suffered at another’s hands, to in turn victimize innocents. 

There are legions of prisoners who could use your support.  Which cases are you following - or is it only this one wealthy, celebrity, well-connected, powerful man that you choose to be so passionate about?

My understanding of the case is that it was conclusively adjudicated with some misbehavior by the presiding judge.  I do not take into account the wishes, thoughts or fancies of the victim, now an adult who may or may not have been paid off by RP to shelve the dark episode, because it is criminal to have sex with a 13 year old and it is criminal to supply illegal drugs to a 13 year old no matter how much they or their parent may want either or both to take place.  The case could not be properly closed and left for the history books because RP neither submitted himself to properly complete his prison sentence or stood like an adult and argued against the outcome of the trial based on the misbehavior of the presiding judge.  RP remains a fugitive from justice in the USA.

I wonder Baby S if you think that Roman Polanski did anything at all wrong in the case of this particular 13 year old.  

I think that Ms Smith used "Hollywood" to reference the entertainment industry not place of residence or performance.  I suppose you are based in California yourself - I hope that you don’t feel slighted at the thought of Westerners being lumped in with Easterners or Europeans! 

Perhaps Polanski needs to realize the crime he’s committed against himself through whatever internal force that has prevented him from stepping forward and accepting responsibility for his actions all these years.  Crime and punishment is a nasty business and justice is imperfect.  When you open Pandora’s box the doody will be flying and no one comes out clean. 

My take on the response by some of Hollywood’s elite (and the lessers) - projection of their sense of teflon-coated entitlement.  No Liz - not a single one of them supports child rape - but of course they play fast and loose defining "acts" committed by anyone in their inner circle.  I doubt anyone is embarrassed - more likely they are concerned about their own bankability and nothing more.  If only Polanski would at some point act like an adult, face up to his crime and stop attracting so much attention.  Certainly he has a tragic history - now he is piling on.  He’s trussed himself up as a victim and can not see beyond his self pity.  It is a shame all the way around.

Anna Nicole Smith - she surrounded herself with bloodsuckers.  Odd that this comes to light so long after she is dead.  I wonder what is in it for the original  source of this report.  Surely she spoke badly about the man who was making her look oh so bad suing her, freezing her assets, and threatening the wealth she married into.  She wouldn’t be the first person to make such statements under those circumstances.  A lot is said about people when they are off the scene - much of it malarkey.  Who is to say if she did more than wish him dead in casual conversation.  ANS was frighteningly incoherent much of the time - that seems clear.  Wasn’t she magnetic though?  It was remarkable how she drew people in.  There are big time talents who can not manipulate the attention she commanded.  Here was this ridiculous, high, not so bright broad who managed to effortlessly draw all the light, oxygen and focus to herself.  

Good for you S A. 

You reflected on your life and got your priorities straight.  So many parents never do - playing the martyr and claiming to the bitter end that they did all they could.  You get high marks and reap true rewards for making such good progress. 

L#2

Dear Torn,

I don’t know which, if any, would be the better choice for you.  You will do what you want whether or not it is the wisest or most progressive choice.  However, I feel that you owe your current boyfriend the truth.  Tell him that your previous boyfriend is contacting you and that this is causing you to confusion.

Wishing you well,  E

L#1

Dear Stepsister,

No one would fault you for remaining on the sidelines of Leigh’s life and silently disapproving your father’s treatment of her.  However, if you want to ensure that her true potential is not diminished by her mother and your father - you may have to roll up the shirtsleeves of your life and invest a real effort on her part.  The only person you can control is you.  You can not make your father or his wife do the right thing.  Show Leigh that you care, help her to discover her strengths and overcome her weaknesses and you be a beacon in her life.

Wishing you light,  E

L#2

Dear Punching Bag,

something you may not have thought about - they are likely complaining about you when you are out of earshot.  When the worm turns, and it will, you will take the heat in the office because you allowed yourself to be part of their game.

Its their thing - they’ve done it successfully for years.  You can not improve it so do not let yourself be part of it.  Be like the Dalai Lama with those two.  You can listen but find a way to neither agree or disagree when they gossip or complain about anyone.  If you want to kep your job be a fountain of love and positive efforts - do not play the part of the mouse to their catbox games.