I understand the LW’s dilemma. I too am in possession of my mother’s old artworks. I should note that my mother is still living, though she is institutionalized, suffering from Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a severe brain disease.

My mother worked in oil. Some of her canvases are magnificent and inspiring. Others are dull, lifeless and sterile. The vast majority fall somewhere in-between. But because they are the works of my mother, I love them all. Objectively, though, none suit my artistic taste. That is, if I found any one of her works hanging in a gallery, I would probably not purchase it. That being said, many of my mother’s efforts do indeed occupy prominent spaces on the walls of my home.

But, then so does the work of my children. Framed finger-paints of fading tempuras are expertly matted and hang among my cherished collection of memorabilia and family photos, as well as works by recognizable artists such as Dali and Cezanne. All this art is presented as a unified whole, though, as I’ve taken care with matting, framing and lighting on even the most humble of these creations. Those visiting my home often comment admiringly as they inquire about the displays. I respond (gleefully, I admit) that the artist is my son at five, or that I am the photographer and the subject is my father. In art, as in food, presentation is essential. Although I am, of course, unaware of the condition or display of LW’s paintings, I suspect that they may not be presented to their best advantage. After expending a small effort to highlight her mother’s art to its benefit, her attitude toward it may change.

I am a little older than the LW. When I was her age, I too was preoccupied with the styles I found in glossy magazines and model homes, believing that these were fashions that should be emulated in order to be, well, fashionable. I strove for many years to imitate those styles in my own home, buying matched sets of this or that and surrounding myself with orthodox creativity (an oxymoron if ever there was one). Older and wiser, I am no longer consumed with creating a picture that adheres to a societal standard of aesthetics. My home is now a gallery of my family, my life and my adventures. Though my gallery may be lacking in artistic skill or sensibility, I couldn’t be more comfortable in my surroundings.

Sex with an animal is more harmful than killing and eating it?

That aside, acutally, I'm puzzled. Cattle ranchers, as well as horse breeders, routinely force ejaculations from prized bulls and stallions. An electric stimulator is inserted in the anus of the animal, causing an ejaculation. The ejaculate is collected and then used for artificial insemination. The animal most certainly has no choice in this act. I suppose it's debatable whether the animal derives any pleasure from this. From what I've witnessed, the animals don't seem to mind in the least.

Although repugnant to virtually everyone everywhere, it's not clear to me that actual sex with an animal, allowing penetration, is any different (to the animal) than artificial stimulation. After all, isn't it about the animal? What would the animal prefer, if given the choice?

Strange topic. I'm not sure I could stomach the movie.

We have been conditioned to automatically assume that, in a divorce, the wife somehow deserves more of our sympathy. The archaic idea of the weaker sex, though we vociferously deny it, most certainly still exists. And, of course, there are maternal instincts to consider. Who would deny a mother her children? This often results in the wife getting primary custody of the kids, whether deserved or not. Is it no wonder that a father might rail at the inequity in this dynamic?

Alec Baldwin said some horrible things after he was denied the very small amount of phone time he was allowed with his daughter. Although his words were reprehensible, they are understandable. I do fear for their daughter’s emotional health, of course. She either leaked the message of her own volition, or her mother did. In either case, it doesn’t bode well for her emotional stability. In the end, both parents could use some parenting classes.

The answer is: a white southern male as presidential candidate doesn't sell as well as a black or female candidate. This sort of intentional ignorance is totally irresponsible. Even after a second place showing in Iowa, Edwards is still relegated to an after-thought.

And I'm worried. In 2000, I prayed that Bush would win the GOP nomination; in my view there was no way he could possibly win the presidency. How wrong I/we was/were. Now the talking heads are saying similar things about Huckabee -- he can't win nationally. I'm not so sure.

If the democrats lose the presidency, the left-liberal media is to blame.