Why do teenagers need cameras on their cell phones? So they can take and quickly circulate pictures of themselves? Why do they need to text message? So they can be in constant contact with friends while teachers and parents don't notice?

I am the parent of the last two teenagers in America without cell phones and I don't really get why we're providing all this technology to people who don't know what to do with it. I'm breaking down and getting my daughter a cell phone for Christmas so that she can reach me when she needs to. I don't see any reason for texting and camera features.

I would be interested to see a list of some interesting and worthwhile organizations to which Salon readers can consider donating.

Really? Is it that hard to find a good cause to donate to? Look around, there's charities all over the place. Look in your mail for inspiration.

Of course this is straight-out prostitution, let's drop the crap about a distant cousin. But who cares?

What would have been interesting about this article would be if this woman embraced the word "prostitute" and tried to throw off the stigma associated with it. If she's content with selling her body so she can wear designer shoes to college, she's not alone. People kill each other to get a good deal on a tv at Wal Mart in this country. Are we really surprised about this woman?

Noting that GOOP suggests we "nourish the inner aspect" (seriously, that's the site's tag line) with $975 Bottega Veneta boots and Tod's cashmere trenches,

Never mind being out of touch with the economy, even in a good economy you have to be pretty soulless to suggest that boots and cashmere are nourishing to any part of you except your greed and luxury receptors. Every time that woman opens her mouth she sounds stupider. I can't even look at the Estee Lauder counter at Macy's - seeing her empty pasty face larger than life is too much.

Some unexpected titles included here, a very interesting list. Dark Side and 2666 also made the NY Times 10 Best Books of the Year, but otherwise these are original picks.

One of my favorites this year was The White Tiger, which won the Man Booker prize.

"I just want a friendly, fuzzy calling card that tells me I'm not going to get arrested."

Sometimes I just love Bill Mahr. But only sometimes.

Thanks for the article - I'm glad this creepy trend has come to an end. And since I was never a part of it, I didn't know it was ending.

<>there are "options out there, to make this a positive and pleasurable experience."

Options? Are you kidding me? Are they trying to say that I opted for pain (in my "natural" drug free childbirth) over orgasm? If I just chose better it could have all been a lot more pleasurable? Give me a f'ing break.

This is the last thing women need, another thing they can do wrong in childbirth. Maybe a very few women have this experience but not because they are more enlightened about natural childbirth.

Here's my non-confrontational approach: next time she or someone else comments on her son's behavior say, "Well it couldn't hurt to have him evaluated". You might want to avoid saying "I think he's autistic" since she will probably think you are less of an expert on the matter than she is. But you can point out that certain behaviors are troubling. Like right after a freak out when someone touches him, say something about how odd or inappropriate that reaction is.

This way, you don't alienate her outright (which means she'll stop listening to you), but you plant the seed of questioning in her mind.

I don't think this guy necessarily sounds like a liar. But he never wanted a divorce and now he has a rational nice-guy reason not to get one. If the LW is going to stay in this relationship she needs to demand some clear cut guidelines - is he providing the ex emotional support? Will he be seeing her? Talking to her regularly? Taking her to the doctor? If yes, get out. If it's strictly financial, it may be workable if he's willing to agree to a specific time period.

The wife however, could by lying - I would verify the lump story. If the guy refuses to try and verify the lump story or acknowledge that she may be making it all up, I'd say he's making excuses to get back with his ex. He's got to know her well enough to know she'd make up something like this.

LW - if he doesn't go through with the divorce, leave him. Tell him to let you know when he's single. He's just looking for an excuse to stay married - he's clearly not finished with this relationship.

At the first mention of her health problems, he decides he can't divorce her. He doesn't even wait to see the results of the biopsy before making this decision. He's looking for an excuse to to go back to her without looking like an idiot. The potential of cancer makes him look like the good guy, not just a schmuck.

LW, be happy you learned all this about this guy only 7 months into the relationship. He may be a great guy, but he hasn't moved on. And really, if he was as poorly treated in the relationship as he says he was, I'd say he's got some issues.

I liked Momma's Man, but I'm the only one I know who did. Interesting to see it here.

Levi, despite his future mother in law's status in the race, was not registered to vote. So he voted for neither Obama nor McCain. And was Bristol old enough to vote in the election?