Because the sister is angry at the LW (and other siblings too) because she is "stuck" with taking care of the mom (despite wealth), probably has "become just like mom" and is in a rut. She'll never tell you this but she's not happy with the situation, who she has become and you calling only reminds her. Seems plain as day to me.

I have a brother who takes care of my nutty, scattered Mom. On any family issues my brother gets a free pass every time because he's bearing the load. It's that simple.

Beyond that I do extra stuff for my brother that I don't do for my other siblings. I keep the complaining to a minimum and if my mom compliments me (the visiting son) I deflect it in front of brother. It's called being a human being and showing a little empathy and respect.

LW, it's a cliche but put yourself in your sisters shoes, think about it and then stop your complaining. You're being a baby.

If there's any doubt that the GOP has become common fascists, vis-a-vis the leadership of the W administration, Blackwater clarifies matters quickly.

Blackwater as the border patrol has major debacle written all over it. Like the 17 civilians killed in Iraq, it would only be a matter of time before something hell breaks loose on a larger scale.

Yes that's harsh isn't it, but it's true. Ultimately you do something or shut up. Between these opposites is where you figure out what's on the table ($20 bucks, dignity, self-respect) and what's the price (having a job, references), etc., etc.

Being a grown up requires to you navigate this crap (called life)...or run away (nothing wrong with this, it's a survival mechanism).

Ultimately I'd take CT's advice and look for another job.

In the mean time however I might write a memo or ask politely if the "donation" is required, and state as a low ranking employee it is a bit difficult. Any sensible business owner would stop the nonsense right away because they understand the legal mess and bad will it brings. If nothing else the "nice" memo would put the business on notice, in particular, related to any future references.

WTF, in the name of Elmer Fudd, what's the point with this article? That image is a factor in the presidential election and macho is a big thing for the GOP? Well duh!

If nothing else explains W in an aviation suit on an aircraft carrier and the Connecticut cowboy BS, then this certainly does...and yet the discussion of macho in a lightweight form is a disservice to the whole process, even it's a real factor.

Instead you guys should be debunking and de-constructing this crap. Like this:

Giuliani - over-compensating high school student council, alter boy fascist macho, i.e., he gets macho hiding behind an institution. A Guilani admin would be one big bullying tantrum run amok and an eternal effort to prop up the facade of power...by whatever means necessary.

Thompson - big, soft, looks macho, sissy country boy faux macho, i.e., he actually plays the part on TV but he's soft and has no cajones. A Thompson admin would be dispatched from a far but without ideology of Reagan but ability of puppetry handling things. The economy would sink this admin but he might listen to the army.

McCain - real POW, hair-trigger on the a-bomb, stark, raving mad, revenge macho, i.e., if Johnny is commander in chief, we should be scared or build bomb shelters. A McCain admin would be about war, war, war and cold sweats in the middle of the night thinking about war.

An over-simplification? Sure but at least it's an effort to uncover the baloney that continues to plague the voting mind of America.

Because both are losers despite huge talent and numbers. And both are selfish players as well. Talent and skill only bring you so far, then it's about leadership and chemistry -- things both these guys lack.

While teammates will appreciate 54 HRs a year, it doesn't make A-rod a leader or other players like him, not if he's making $20+ mil a year. Yeah sure Jeter made just as much but he carried himself differently and he didn't sign for that, he came up.

One could argue that A-rod killed this last Yankee dynasty, if only symbolically. Money doesn't guy championships (although it helps) and A-rod is the poster boy.

Despite the HR record (* or not), Bonds will never win a WS ring. If karma plays out...A-rod will be joining him.