I would have appreciated the "satire" more if the artist had included a depiction in the corner of a hunched-over, stringy-haired McCain as "Gollum" (a la the Lord of the Rings movie version), wringing his hands and maniacally chanting: "Precious, precious..."

Because, after all is said and done, it was a precious gift to the McCain camp. I HOPE the fuss dies down quickly. I FEAR the image will persist in much less capable and ill-willed hands.

BTW, I have a great sense of humor (irony, wit, and whimsy are three of my favorite things). But I do have to agree with some of the Salon posters that sometimes it's hard to drum up a belly-laugh when so much is at stake in this election and we've seen too often how "tools" such as this cartoon can be used to derail a campaign.

on "A Christmas Story" and "Babe."

I'm going to add "Conrack," with Jon Voight starring as author Pat Conroy, a true tale based on Conroy's book "The Water Is Wide." I'm quoting directly from an IMDb synopsis here: "A young, white teacher is assigned to an isolated island off the coast of South Carolina populated mostly by poor black families. He finds that the basically illiterate, neglected children there know so little of the world outside their island that they have virtually developed their own language ("Conrack" is their way of saying his name, Conroy) and, in fact, don't have much interest in learning about anything outside the island. He has to find a way to get through to these kids and teach them what they need to know and also to keep on the good side of the school superintendent, who doesn't want him there. Written by frankfob2@yahoo.com" (p.s. I would add that the movie shows how much the townsfolk needed to learn about these kids, too!)

One last note. I just finished two full days of caretaking for my great-niece (2 1/2) and what a refreshing break it was from "Dora the Explorer" to spend her quiet time, leading to nap time, watching the wondrous animation of "Fantasia" along with absorbing its sumptuous musical score.

I either didn't know or had completely forgotten about the Abba guys' collaboration with Tim Rice on "Chess." I still have the LP! It didn't become a theatrical success (at least on Broadway, I think it fared better in London) but one song crossed over into mainstream music--"One Night in Bangkok"--and I remember playing one ballad over and over..."I Know Him So Well." Think I may have to get that LP out to reminisce...

Still, there's a difference between "appreciating" musical artists and actually liking their music. And I really don't like ABBA music, even if some of their lyrics are imprinted in my brain by their ubiquitous play over many years (and yes, catchy lyrics--I'll give them that for sure, but there are LOTS of catchy lyrics I don't want trampling around my psyche all day long!). I can't control background elevator or restaurant or movie send-ups, but I do change the radio station if ABBA comes on.

No criticism intended of ABBA fans. To each his own! I like so many different types of music, including some pop stuff to which many people would say UGH!, but ABBA just never did it for me.

Perhaps if you wrote in complete (vs. run-on) sentences, tried the English language (vs. lazy 'Net lingo), used FAR FEWER CAPS, even attempted correct spelling...perhaps you would be able to get your points across to a broader audience. As is, you are a shining example of why even people who are *open* to hearing diverse points of view, like 'em or not, don't hear!!! Why bother wading through your incomprehensible rants? Doesn't seem you want a logical discourse anyway. So have at it. Spew away!

My disclaimer: I'm not saying it's all about spelling correctly or having great punctuation or not using 'Net acronyms...etc...it's about this: express a viewpoint or make a point, try to make it accessible to all, back it up, anticipate a response, and discussion may continue. If intelligent and reasonable discussion followed, that would be so refreshing.

My P.S.: Obviously you have a right to whatever opinions you have, Zyskandar A. Jaimot, and I may (according to hints I'm getting from some fellow posters here) be trolling to a troll, but geez, if you're a troll, I'd say you're not advancing your cause at all.

Help me out here, please...I delved where I ought not to have delved! (and where I do not want to dwell!)