My husband and I saw the movie last night. While I was aware that the movie was about an interracial relationship, it was the romantic comedy part that was the draw for us. We enjoy that kind of movie, and this one got good reviews in all our local papers. I concur that "Something New" was a perfect date movie, and I left the theatre with a big smile on my face.

On the way home, my husband and I talked about the demographics of the audience. There were many groups of both white and African-American women, and also a large number of African-American couples. As far as we saw though, we were one of only three or four white or interracial couples in the theatre. My husband was one of only two white men that we saw.

The other thing I found interesting about the movie is the trailers that the theatre chose to pair with it. This is typically an indication of who they think the target audience will be. With the exception of a single teen comedy, all the trailers were for movies with all African-American casts.

I don't know what all that means, except that it seems very limiting. To me, this movie was a kind of reverse "Pretty Woman", where the very-successful-but-life-challenged character is saved by the materially-poor-but-full-of-life romantic interest. I highly recommend it.

I feel for you. I've been a seeker since childhood, wandering from church to church, tagging along with various neighbors. Over time, I developed a hermit-crab sort of spiritual practice, finding bits that seem to fit and working them into the overall fabric of my belief. It's been awhile since I considered myself a true Christian. The UU church has been a good home for me, a base for the kind of social bond and sense of community you get from more traditional churches.

I started my self identification process with trusted friends. They were and are wonderful and supportive. I thought it would be difficult to "out" myself with my family, but as one writer pointed out, the anticipation was worse than the event. They felt, and occasionally still feel uncomfortable with my non-conformity, but they adjusted. Sometimes they tell me they are praying for me. I smile and say thank you.

You are who you are. Your true friends and family will embrace you for that.

I'm struggling to see where there is an argument to be made that it's unfair to have to pay for something that you caused (in part) even if you didn't mean to or didn't want to. But leaving that aside, this argument gets really ugly when you extend the timeline a bit. Would there be a statute of limitations on when the gentleman in question can revoke his approval? Would that be before the first trimester? Before the child is born? When the divorce is final? Before college tuition bills kick in?

The posters who feel that this concept is too idealist are missing the point. Isn’t idealism part of what being a progressive is all about? Being kind? Caring? Sharing? I say we should embrace and celebrate all those delicious, touchy-feely bits of goodness!

Maybe from a political standpoint, there is nothing to be gained from this. Is that really such a bad thing? Does everything have to further the cause? I’d like to do it just because it’s a life-affirming, fun thing to do. I’m there!

I'm sure there will be a fair number of posters that will feel frustrated by this column; that the stepping back process advocated here is too passive given the upcoming elections, the state of the nation, etc. I, however, am pleased to indulge in a brief moment of gratitude, remembering what is important and what will ultimately help us heal from the current administration.

I just (belatedly) finished reading "Freakonomics", and in that book, the authors postulate that the declining teen birth rate, much like the declining rate of violent crime, is the indirect result of Roe v. Wade. In their admittedly controversial opinion, fewer girls are having children because fewer at-risk girls have come of age. They were never born. The authors bolster their opinion using demographic analyses of women who have had abortions since legalization compared to the backgrounds of "typical" teen mothers.

I find that idea to be quite disturbing, but it was hard for me to fault the logic.

I would describe my current marriage almost the same as the LW, except we also have four kids between us from previous relationships (let's talk about reasons to fight!). We have had one fight in 10 years. We occasionally have disagreements, work them out, and move on. I feel incredibly lucky to have found someone who not only makes space for me, but who is willing to take the chance that I will make space for him as well.

Our friends notice. When it comes up (and it does), they express their envy and wonder and then celebrate our good fortune. Most of them know that we have worked hard to get to this amazing place. No one has ever insinuated that something must be wrong if we are not clawing at one another.

LW, relax and rejoice! And maybe find some new friends.

Little Criminals

It's the Money that Matters

Political Science (Let's Drop the Big One)

Rednecks