I'm not saying that #2 was as good as it might have been (though the book had the same weak ending as the movie), but I thought #1 captured the fun of Harry's finding the magic. So I disagree that #1 and 2 were "garishly dumb." And I dislike the washed out color, change of physical setting, and lack of wonder in #3, which was not IMHO "lyrical (and...)beautifully tuned." I will give Cuaron cudos on the whomping willow eating the bird, but I regret that he took out the Quidditch cup, gave us a mess of a werewolf, and almost abandoned the aspects of magic that were magical instead of just moody.

Let's get this straight (oops, no pun meant here) "Fuck This Place" isn't hate speech. It expresses disdain, but has no object. Hate speech has to have an object to be considered hate speech. So, no, jeffrey, it isn't the same as saying "Fuck the Jews" or whomever.

That said, even though the t-shirt isn't hate speech, I do find the t-shirt offensive. Do I think Mr 23D should have reported the wearer to the captain, or called her a terrorist? No. But I don't object to someone pointing out to the t-shirt wearer that some of the rest of us dislike her t-shirt, and that reasonable people might not want their kids to hear or see that kind of language yet (my kids are 8, 4 and 2, and I'd rather they put off the F word a while yet).

I don't want t shirt wearer punished, but I do think there might be something to gain from informing her directly that there are other people in the world who have interests she might want to consider. I'm a free speech liberal, in that I don't want the government (or the pilot, in this case) censoring me or others, but I also think others (and I) should consider their impact on other people. You are free, but you don't existing in isolation, people.

I am not a step mom. I am a biological mom of 3 girls in an intact marriage. My oldest child, now 8, was a difficult baby and a high strung child until very recently. She is picky and emotionally reactive and challenging still. Especially when she was younger, I often did not like her very much. Nevertheless, recognizing that I am her mother, I had to work out a strategy for dealing with her that did not scar her for life (any more than the typical mother does). Initially, I resoved to act toward her with as much good will as I could muster. Acting like you love someone often turns into actually loving them over time. (it may not work, but it's worth a try). And, I read this really good book about spirited children which suggested that I make a list of my kid's traits that bothered me, and then come up with other, more positive labels to use. So, "stubborn" becomes "perservering" and "picky" becomes "discerning" etc. It's a little mind game, but I find that it really helps.

I do not fault the letter writer for feeling resentful--she's honest. But I do think there are things she can do to try to lessen her resentment and limit its damage for the kids. It is their house too.

I admit that I would not take my kids to most bars that are bars, but I have taken my kids to restaraunts where alcohol is sold. And if they misbehave, we leave.

However, I am amazed at how much like brats the bar owner and most of the letter writers sound. What's the matter? Is little Snookums afraid of the big, bad toddlers? Did ums get ums' feelings hurt by the fact that life is not always perfect and perfectly within ums' control? "Wah wah wah!" says the supposed grown up who has to deal with the fact that there are other people in the world. Grow up, supposed grown ups.

I did not say that it is ok to let your kids run amok in liquor stores (or any other store for that matter). However, I do think it's awfully whiney to say that no child should ever be in any bar. To object to the mere presence of kids (and strollers) IS whiney. We do not get to have our way all the time. That goes for you too. I can hear you stomping your feet now and saying "But I want my bar to myself." Public places are for the public--and that includes kids. Build your own island or suck it up!