Fetboy, Janice Dickinson's father was a pedophile...whatever she may or may not have done to shorten/fail to extend his life, I would think you would approve.

Also, she is a great entertainer, which is what she is paid to do these days. I sort of love Tyra Banks, but the woman tends to take it a bit too seriously.

Just like many Broadsheet readers! Can't really argue that reading the letters following Broadsheet posts is a less valid form of entertainment than a little America's Next Top Model at the gym.

I'm totally sympathetic--I have one of those in my family, too. But you may be catching flashes and seeing a whole picture that's not there. If you're right, the LW will recognize it and perhaps feel better. If his dad isn't your dad, the other letters might help.

You guys, we really don't know whether dad is mentally ill or abusive or whatever. I thought it was kind of sweet that no matter what, he just kept plugging away at his hobby. Other people seem to see that, as well as Dad's reaching out for feedback, as evidence of pathology. Well, maybe. But that seems a bit premature to me. By all means, LW, use some of the good advice people have given here. If your dad can't accept it, then that's his problem and you're basically off the hook (we can't be responsible for other people's irrational behavior). But isn't it something that Dad has something to get him up every day? Let him be a bad writer--it hasn't stopped him yet.

For once, Christian groups aren't frothing at the mouth over something totally ridiculous (i.e. Harry Potter). The trilogy really is anti-god. Not just anti-religion, anti-god. I am sorry for all you others who will miss out on this incredible surprise, because it is ballsy as hell and I'm grateful I got to experience it as a progression of "oh yawn, another 'follow your heart to god' theology" to "well, he definitely isn't a fan of organized religion, but..." to "oh my god, this really is about god." Awesome. (I don't capitalize "god," even when I'm referring to just one, because I am a superstitious, culture-bound kind of athiest. Rational, I know.)

The movie is a different story, as I guess it's been sanitized. That's fine in the first movie, but what is the third one going to be about? There is literally nothing left if you take out the anti-religious content. One wonders if it will ever get made, given the response so far.

But I think this is probably just a matter of taste. Some people think it's appropriate to send "moving" stories that end with a threat, and some people got over chain letters after reading Christopher Pike in 6th grade. Not my taste, but okay, if you want to embarrass yourself...If your boss isn't an idiot otherwise, you are probably okay.

I actually like Huckabee as a person. If we have to suffer another Republican, I think we could do far worse (although his yammerings about abortion and gays would keep me from ever really supporting him). EXCEPT. Believing in evolution should be a prerequisite of anybody making a serious bid for president. I can't believe it's even a question. How seriously embarrassing for us that he is a real candidate! Why are people laughing at Kucinich and his UFOs, when creationism is so much more ridiculous?

It's appealing to parents who believe that boys and girls are different, i.e. most parents who have both boys and girls. Don't worry, many of those parents will still let their girls play with trucks and won't get bent out of shape if their boy wants to play with a doll. I could (and did) play with whatever I wanted, and so could my brothers, and so can my niece and nephews. But my niece and I can dress up her dolls for hours without getting bored, and my nephew plays with trucks. Go figure. It's possible to believe both that there are different brains in there AND that individual differences will put many girls and boys in the same play space.

I've been reading about this cultural double standard, pro and con, for-about-ever. South Park did it best, with the pre-school age Ike as the junior Lothario. Absurd and awesome.

It hurts and hurts and then it hurts some more. And then you think you should be feeling better about it, but you don't, because it still hurts. And then enough time passes so that you are embarrassed to bring it up with your friends, so you don't. But it still hurts.

You are trying to change how you feel. It doesn't have to work, but the trying is good. It will work one day--just maybe not for a long time.

I second the poster who has no sympathy for St. Joe's "no sympathy." The "practical matter" wasn't really what the letter was about. But good for you for being so practical.

Wow, Brightstar, you really have us ladies pegged! Why, just this week I donated half my paycheck to a secret group of feminist scientists who are working on a way for us gals to procreate without you. Then I used my reduced income to make me appear vulnerable and needy to a man so I could obtain food and other material goods. Only this guy insisted on wearing a condom, preventing me from using my womb to entrap him into a lifetime of free shit, so he had to go. To let off a little steam, I called up an ex and told him that I'd aborted his baby without telling him--ha ha ha! (That didn't actually happen, but I've got to keep my talons sharpened and ready for when women rule the world. Well, more than we do already--wink wink!)

Your soul is corroded, BS. When are you going to do something about it?