I loved the first season. I understood who the characters were, what their powers were, why that was important in how they related to each other, what the problem was -- likely nuclear destruction -- and the grave risks each of the Heroes faced in moving toward their destiny, whether that problem got solved or not.

Then things started getting confused. It was as if the creator had a great, fun story to tell that first season, got it told, and then couldn't figure out what to do next. All I know is, I have no clear idea of what is going on, where it's going, who's got what powers even, or how anyone relates to anyone else, and don't see the point in investing a lot of intellectual energy in sorting it out because, as other posters have mentioned, there isn't enough that is interesting, involving, consequently dramatic enough for me to make that effort. Not that the effort would pay off.

I think I'll buy the DVD of the first season and every year or so do a watching marathon for fun.

This is one time the suits at the network didn't get tough enough on the writers. It's probably too late to do it now.

There is no question that during most of his career, Warren has focused on living the basic Christian message as much or more than talking big of bombastically about its right-wing political implications, has created a huge network for giving that has actually given a lot, and has used that money for many good works. There is also no question that in recent years the siren call of politics has turned his head, and he is slowly morphing into a Falwell or Robertson.

But it's just an invocation. And like it or not, whether you think Warren has so far punked Obama, it is a good political attempt many of Warren's followers will give some points to Obama for trying. And on a lot of issues he will be dealing with, those points might help build a progressive coalition.

given that Jews in the Mediterranean region were polygamous until around 1000 A.D. That's four fifths of Warren's five millenia, and therefore a major drag on his proposition. And then there's all those concubines and such the Bible talks about the kings of the Israelites having, as presumably did their buddies and affluent others. It's such an honored tradition I'd probably have a couple of them myself if I could afford them.

So yes, Warren's categorical statement amounts to an intentional lie. That's a stoning offense, isn't it?

Rick Warren may be anathema to white liberals, but to black supporters of Obama who are religious, he is a soul brother. The black churches are as vocally homophobic as any religious constituency in America, and indeed the black community as a whole is, in the main, hostile to homosexuality. These are the folks Obama went to church with in Southside Chicago. Though he personally doesn't hold those views (as far as we know), his original political base does.

So bringing Warren in for this symbolic moment is not at all foreign to Obama. He's been getting along with people who think like that for a long time. And by demonstrating that he can do so regardless of their race, he may indeed be able to forge a link with a large number of people who have heretofore seen Democrats as hostile to some of their most basic concerns.

For me, though, the greatest achievement would be to get those people, many of whom can be fairly said to be stubborn and close-minded, to admit that they need to approach those issues reasonably: if you're going to be against abortion, you must get real about sex education and birth control; if you oppose gay marriage, you can't justify employment discrimination against gays, or oppose civil unions. If they aren't willing to give an inch, they do need to be segregated politically and assaulted with reason into impotence.

You call the 50-state primary "a practical version of Howard Dean's 50-state strategy even if it made the good doctor green around the gills watching." That's a snarky little jab at Dean's plan, which most Democrats outside the blue states see as essential to making red states purple and ultimately blue. And if you don't think so, just ask the party officials in the states that tipped for Obama.

Of course, that tipping was greatly aided by the huge amounts of money Obama raised. But that money was like rain on the seeds that Howard Dean planted. Before Obama, there was the money drought which led to the classic head-knocking between Dean and Rahm Emanuel, both competing for limited funds for two important purposes that were in conflict. Dean compromised, as good leaders do, and both purposes were served.

But let it always be remembered that it was Howard Dean who inspired the party in its darkest days and led it with a forward-looking vision toward the major victories in 2006. All that has happened since owes something to him.

And don't doubt for one minute that there is a strong streak of fascism in the modern Republican Party.

Dogs, babies, great books, margaritas, long naps, enormous oatmeal cookies: thus Heather names the important things in life.

And she gets them all right. I don't think anything truly essential is missing from this list. I am feeling positively religious about them.

I therefore propose the Church of the Oatmeal Cookie, to include veneration of all those other things on Heather's list. Talk about your communion wafers. And margaritas in the chalice. And a quiet, obedient dog as the priest's acolyte.

This surely is the True Path.