First of all I totally agree about the murder subplot on Friday Night Lights being a distraction and kind of a waste. It was great that it made Tyra and Landry bond and then she had to "fake reject" him to please his Dad, who then caved on his holier than thou stance when his own son (!!) had done something. Emotionally (childishly) I was glad Landry didn't pay the price but in the real world -- no, wait a minute his Dad's a cop. So I guess in the real world it wouldn't have gone much differently. Plus, getting rid of the body was the only act that made it all a big secret, if they had called the cops right away -- at least in Texas, people seem to get away with overreacting pretty insanely when they see or even think a crime is being committed!! Not saying it's right. Just saying, it's Texas.

As far as Dexter -- SPOILER ALERT I thought the last episode was great, Lila blowing up Doakes was yes, convenient for Dexter but very Lila-like!! Actually kinda great in a horrible way. But Dexter teleporting to Europe and dispatching Lila so quickly and conveniently -- after SO much excitement and suspense over the whole Rita? Lila? Rita? Lila? storyline was a little unsatisfying. I think they should have kept Lila for another season, up to all kinds of Dexter-inspired mischief outside the country (still trying to get his attention which to her equated with affection) and THEN he could have dispatched her. Oh, and I'm grossed out over the opening credits too (!!) but they do set up the fascinating, spooky yet likeable Dexter character. So weird, but maybe I just can't help caring about Michael C. Hall as a character no matter what he does (!!) after Six Feet Under. Great column, thanks for asking for comments!!!

Coverage is simply educated, sophisticated people speculating about what less educated and/or less intelligent people will do. No wonder they get it wrong sometimes.

Believe me, a lot of the people I meet, who are voting, are a LOT less educated and sophisticated than (even) Chris Matthews. I'm not a big fan of his (at all) (prefer Olberman and Anderson Cooper, personally). My point is, anyone who is smart enough to get a job in television, no matter how myopic or prejudiced they may seem to be (or actually be) they are way out ahead of most people I encounter in a workday. Sad to say.

What b.s. for her to run that ad in the first place; talk about fear-mongering, and hubris. Furthermore I can't wait for the SNL skit where Hillary answers the phone at 3 am and a woman giggles and goes, "Is Bill there?" then hangs up.

Sorry, sorry, I couldn't resist. I used to feel for her (about that stuff if nothing else) but after the way she (AND Bill) have behaved in this campaign, forget it. She wouldn't get my vote no matter who else was running; I was also a fan of Bill Clinton's presidency (in general -- except for "workfare," NAFTA and other sellouts), I definitely decried the impeachment witch hunt, etc.

But now the Clintons are the ones "lifting plays from [Rove's] playbook," and who should be told, "Shame on you!!" for Bill's rudeness in South Carolina!! Meanwhile Barack thank goodness just keeps his dignity. Doesn't that alone prove he's a better President? I'm just askin'.

Cary's suggestions all sound wonderful and I would love to spend my days doing all that stuff. I mean, who wouldn't? But how is a person supposed to pay the light bill, phone bill, rent/mortgage, not to mention birthday presents for friends, groceries, meals out -- is this person independently wealthy? If so, maybe some career counseling or just as you say, "time out" (sure). But what about the other people who are also brilliant (say for example, qualify for membership in MENSA), who also get panic attacks at work (and also have real, actual creative projects they would much rather be doing!!), but have to work anyway? And then after 40 hours of that, find it hard to even pick up the pen, camera, guitar -- It's a pretty big drag to be "brilliant and have panic attacks" at the idea of actually being (horrors!) a receptionist, secretary, barista -- but what's the alternative? I mean, in the case of a person who's blown high-powered interviews, maybe because (s)he didn't really want "that" job anyway -- but who somehow actually has to support himself or herself? Any other options? I sure haven't found any. Just asking.

The husband has met someone and been drawn into an overpowering fantasy, a flirtation or more. All the rest of it is obfuscation. If the other person turns him down (now or later) he'll be back. If not, he won't. Sorry but that's how it sounds to me. Hope I'm wrong but I don't think I am. Good luck.