As it becomes increasingly apparent that Obama, the "change" candidate will be the Democratic candidate for president, I am trying hard to like him. But talking about change only goes so far. When both senators Obama and Clinton had a chance a couple of weeks ago to vote on the senate resolution banning torture and another resolution against domestic spying, neither of them voted. I am used to being disappointed by Clinton's voting record, particularly her vote on the war in Iraq. Obama, however, is saying that he will bring change, something better. Yet when he had the chance to actually do something now that would make a difference, he chose to do nothing. You can talk about change all you want, but without backing it up by action, it becomes nothing more than empty rhetoric.

I've traveled for all over for years and have rarely checked my one bag. I used to use a soft bag and reluctantly have switched to a small wheeled bag because of the distances I often have to travel within the airport. Plus my aging shoulder can't quite handle the weight anymore. I don't see why I should be punished for carrying on my suitcase. I always use the bin closest to my seat and never exceed the size limit.

Yes, some people abuse the size limit, but people shouldn't say we're all culprits. What about the people who can't go anywhere without taking 2 or more heavy bags. They take up so much time at the check in and baggage claim areas, which is a reason I travel lightly. I don't want to deal with those delays. Also considering how much the cost of fuel is these days, I think these people who need to travel with so much baggage should be charged more due to excess weight.

Do I care that the governor of my state hired a prostitute? No.

I don't think this should affect how he runs the state. But what he was thinking? Certainly there are must be more discreet ways to hire a high class call girl than using an online site. I hope he would use better judgment when making decisions that affect the state of New York. With the current media frenzy, however, I doubt if we will get a chance to find out. If only the media paid the same attention to the real problems of our society, like the health needs of the 40 million uninsured, it wouldn't have time to obsess on things that only titillate the public, nothing more.

Don't go to the party. You have forgiven your brother, which has helped you feel better about what happened. That is the important thing. If you felt that seeing your brother again would help further your healing, then it wouldn't be a bad idea to go. But instinctively you know that's not the case. For all you know, he may not feel he needs forgiving, or that he did anything that was all that terrible in the long run. Or he may feel like he still has power over you in that you were coerced into coming, despite your trepidation. On the other hand, he could be very contrite, but since you don't know what his attitude is or how it will affect you, it is better to stay away.

As for your mother, she probably wants everyone there because she's in denial or because she's afraid of what people will think if all her children aren't there. That's her problem, not yours. If she doesn't want to celebrate her 50th anniversary without your presence, then perhaps she knows that the marriage and everything it produced is not really a cause for celebration

I live in NYC, which is probably not a good place for me as I hate the noise of cars, construction, horns, etc. So to escape the onslaught, I often choose to go to Central Park or another similar place where I hope to get a little peace and quiet. Does it work? For a little while and then someone will sit down, take out a cell phone and start catching up on all their calls. It doesn't matter how close I may be sitting. They'll talk as loud as necessary, just to be heard. These are the same people who insist on using their cell phones on buses or in elevators. When I sometimes start singing in retaliation, they will give me a dirty look.

It isn't just the cell phone use that is so annoying and potentially dangerous (think of all those people who use them when trying to maneuver through heavy traffic) it the rude behavior of people who feel that their conversations trump anything else. I've almost stopped going to free concerts since the music is secondary to many of the audience members. Even at paid events and movies, some people just can't shut up. Whenever I hear talk about letting people use cell phones on planes I cringe. I'm sure I'll be next to, in front of and behind cell phone users who will all be shouting into their phones to be heard about the roar of the engines and each other's inane conversations. Why can't some people just relish some moments of silence?