One of the pleasures of writing a nationally syndicated column is that we hear from people we haven't met yet. Please join in the conversation by e-mailing us at friends@tadbartimus.com Here are some thoughts from those who have already written:

"You're going to the wrong place for auto repair!!
At first I thought I might be offended by the "grease monkey" term. But...the slogan of my family run, woman owned auto repair shop is "Changing the Image of Auto Repair." My father started it back in the "grease monkey" days and over the years (with much prodding from me) has evolved into a top notch auto repair facility, (yes, we're out there) complete with Italian tile, cappuccino, dedicated ports for laptops, Bon 'Appetit, Biography, The Wall Street Journal, The Smithsonian and I will admit...People. But no soaps. Period.
And if it makes you feel better, there are many former '96 Jeep Cherokee owners. I think Chrysler was having a "sour" year in '96.
Negative auto repair advertising as seen on 48 Hours, 20/20 and Dateline actually increase our volume. Friends talk about the shows to our customers, who in turn tell them "oh, I never have that problem. I take my car to..."
So keep up the great work.
Looking forward to every column in Houston..."
Rona Jenkins- A Houston Chronicle reader

"It's not logically legitimate for you to juxtapose baseball player Alex Rodriguez's massive salary with the struggles of those helping to assist the impoverished children of Romania -- unless a major consideration is added, an unmentioned premise. No government, law or regulation is forcing the Texas Rangers to pay a guy
$252 million for hitting a ball with a stick or whatever he does. Money is not being confiscated from anyone, withheld from paychecks, gleaned via quarterly filings or extracted at gunpoint, to pay Alex's wages. Rather, people who see value in his work are voluntarily giving that money to him, with the intent of gathering even MORE voluntarily donated funds from others who see value in Alex's work. This is freedom, this is capitalism; the people involved are experiencing prosperity and/or happiness -- and they are causing no LACK of freedom, or LACK of happiness, for anyone else.
What is behind the plight of Romanian children? The root cause was a criminal government -- a dictator couple who plundered the output of the people, denied their freedoms and rights (including reproductive control), and made life so miserable that no one even wanted to keep his/her own children.
It is important to mention the hidden premise: Freedom caused prosperity and happiness in the Rodriguez case, while a government's denial of freedom caused poverty and misery in the case of the Romanian children. That is the sole connection between the two otherwise wholly unrelated circumstances. "
Jim - A Houston Chronicle reader
"I just read your Houston Chronicle article this AM. Bless you both. I toured Romania also but am taking a different approach to helping. Please read my Web site, www.childrenABANDONED.org, which is not a fund raiser. Instead, it is an attempt to alert Americans and get them to actually help stop Romanian bureaucrats from brutalizing its one third million abandoned children. How? By clicking a link and sending an automatic email to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison asking her to lodge a formal protest against these politicians..."
Perry - a Houston Chronicle reader

"Your article was so informative about the Archway program. I had read something about Ms. Booth earlier and needed more information. I hope more folks will now help the children of Bucharest. Thank you for spreading the word. Merry Christmas to you and God bless."
Carolyn

TAD'S FAMOUS BANANA BREAD
INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup sugar
4 oz. butter
3 TBSP. sour cream
1 1/2 Cups banana
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 Cups flour
1/2 cups macadamia nuts (optional)

Cream SUGAR and BUTTER. Fold in SOUR CREAM, EGGS, VANILLA and MASHED BANANAS.
In a separate bowl sift together FLOUR, SALT, BAKING SODA AND BAKING POWDER.
Fold into CREAMED MIXTURE and add NUTS. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes.
ENJOY! This also freezes well.
"I wanted to let you know how much your...story...meant to me. I used to work at a very high-stress job in finance and gave it up to be a full-time mom for my little boy, now age 1 1/2. My friend Jeanne, a former nurse, and I got together several weekends this month to do nothing but cook and bake to make gift baskets for neighbors, family, and friends. We were doing it for economical reasons at first - we both are so poor right now (my water heater just blew!) and my husband's family is huge...But the economical part became secondary as Jeanne and I had a ball spending time just talking and baking. The guys watched the kids and themselves had a great time just spending the afternoon hanging out together. The gifts have been a hit and were so fun to make. We hope to do it again next year with even more friends so we can share recipes and goodies. Seeing your article really made me feel great about what we did and not so sad that I couldn't afford "fancy" gifts this year. In fact, I've had so much more fun this year than any other year. It really brought home to me the whole spirit of Christmas. Thanks again for a great article."
Robin - a Denver Post reader
"The banana bread article was very true and the right thing to do, for most of us have to many presents unused. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
Gene - a reader from Arizona
"I read your article about your Xmas parties and how careful everyone will have to be in their conversations. It made me wonder whether you came up with this to have a column or whether you were serious.
I'm in the San Francisco Bay Area (as a reference point), and I find no one is talking about the election; but not because we're afraid of fights but rather because nobody much cares. When it does come up, rarely, it's just to make jokes about it. I make as many jokes about Gore as about Bush, about Republicans as about Democrats, and so do my friends. I can't find anyone around here who thinks it's significant anymore. A few rabid women still are worried about Roe Vs. Wade. I remind them of RU 486. It doesn't matter anymore...."
Diane - a reader from San Francisco
"Thanks for the thoughtful, timely article on Thanksgiving and reflection in today's Post. ... It is very worthy of sharing with a lot of people at this time of year."
Chuck Woodward - a Denver Post reader

"Your Queen of Worrying in the Houston Chronicle was great. I was going to email my thanks then you stabbed me with a drum stick.
At the end of 1945 I was on a troop ship in the western Pacific heading home. On New Years Day we had a New Years Day meal. I had lost 15 pounds, my uniform didn't fit. I had been taking atabrine,a quinine substitute. My skin and eyes were yellow. I must have looked like a zombie. Going through the chow line the mess cook must have felt for me. He filled my tray with green beans, dressing and gravy, a turkey drumstick and two round red radishes. It had been three years since I had seen round red radishes and more years since I had tasted turkey.
That night we crossed the Date Line and we had another New Years Day and Meal. The same mess cook filled my tray again. He gave me another turkey drum stick, this time he gave me four round red radishes.
From New Years Day 1946 till now the meat on a turkey drum stick has been my favorite turkey meat. And if there are round red radishes on the table, don't get between me and them.
Tad, thanks for bringing my memories to the surface."
Tom Hebel - a Houston Chronicle reader

"Thank you for your very interesting article about The Women's Memorial... I am writing this letter because there was a glaring omission which I would dearly love to see corrected! In naming the women's services in WW11, you failed to include the Women Marines (at first called Marine Women Reservists).
The Women Marines were mandated in February 1943 and at first trained at Hunter College. I enlisted in April 1943 and was in the first group of trainees at boot camp at Camp Lejeune. And we never had a nickname...-from the beginning we were called Marines, and were proud of it! I was trained in communications as a radio operator at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and served at MCAS Majave and MCAS Goleta until December 1945.
As a former Marine, I am proud of my stretch in the service. I know I contributed to the war effort, if only in a small way, and I will always get a lump in my throat when I hear the Marines Hymn. It was a period in my life I will never forget."
Jean K. Irving - an Orange County Register reader

"...I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your article .... It brought back so many memories. I, too, went to boot camp at Hunter College. I had my 20th birthday in October and joined as she did in 1944. I went to Yeomen School in Oklahoma and then was stationed at San Diego, Ca. I, also, met my husband (who was in the Navy there) and we just celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary. Have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. I still correspond with some of the WAVES.
I have sent in my service papers to the memorial..."
Ruth - a reader from Bothell, WA

"What a lovely column on the Women's Memorial--a beautiful renovation at the entrance to Arlington Cemetery. I had the "There's Grammy in the war" experience there when visiting with my daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. All were impressed. So Glad you named the SPARS as I was one. Unlike the other women's branches, the Coast Guard trained its women officers at their Academy. The Memorial honors all women who served and who are now active, but one must register to be included in their data base. I, like you, graduated from the Univ. of Missouri and I used the GI Bill to do it. ... read you in the Seattle TIMES, always with great pleasure.
June - a Seattle Times reader
" Your column on encouraging voter participation and extolling the virtues of Kids Voting ran in the Arizona Republic on Sat. It was terrific and I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for the program. The important thing is that it really works! Not only to create a future generation of voters but to stimulate their parents as well. We're hoping for 2 million young voters tomorrow! It's ambitious, but with the excitement over the national and many local races, we might make history.
Please thank your husband for me because he is doing very important work.
Thanks again..."
Karen Scates - President & CEO, Kids Voting USA
"Upon reading your article in the Houston Chronicle, (Oct. 25, 2000) regarding your fear of mammograms, and/or the results, I felt compelled to respond. My mother, Glenda M. Ward, was an intelligent, well-read, career woman. In fact, she was a noted cyto-technologist who worked for many years in the Cytopathology lab at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.
Some time in 1982, unbeknownst to anyone, she found a lump in her breast; out of fear, she told no one. Out of fear, she chose to ignore it for several months before mentioning it to her doctor. Consequently, that fear cost her: It cost her life. It also cost her the opportunity to welcome most of her grandchildren and her first great-grandchildren, into the world. We all know that the survival rate is much higher now than ever before, but
the heart gripping, near paralyzing fear when a lump is found must be the same. In closing, I would to say that for myself, I'm not afraid to have my yearly mammograms- I'm afraid not to have them."
Linda - a Houston Chronicle reader


"I had Breast Cancer in November l982. If it had not been for the Cancer I would have never been surprised by my husband at the Fern Grotto. He arranged with Gloria Smith for a surprise wedding for us on May 13, l983. We were the first that had even done that. We had flowers, minister, the singers, champagne, and dinner at the Marina. The candles in the Grotto that night were breath taking.
If it had not been for my survival I would not have seen my children marry and see grandchildren. I would not have been to Hawaii 22 times, taken l6 cruises, traveled all over the mainland, had a summer home in the mountains, made a lot of new friends.There are other things. I have had everything I need and almost everything I want.
One cannot afford to ignore exams, think of all you would miss."
an unidentified reader
"You hit the mark in your article... Add to the general fear of finding a lump, the fear of finding it and not being insured. I am healthy (I think) and 38, but can not get approved for insurance because of a few cancer cells found and taken out of my cervix (took five minutes in the doctor's office) five years ago. My mom got diagnosed with breast cancer last month. You'd think I'd be first in line for a mammogram. But it's really hard to go in and get tested without any way to pay for treatment."
Shari - a reader from Long Beach, CA.

"Your column was wonderful. However, your question about "where is the courage?" is one which is being answered and has been for a while. However, it doesn't get press and the road is long and arduous. Here is someone you might want to talk to:
Dr. Ron Kronish, Rabbi
Director
Interreligious Coorindating Council in Israel (ICCI)
POB 8771, 43a Emek Refaim Street
Suite 22-23
Jerusalem, Israel 91086
Tel. 972-2-561-1899; Fax 972-2-563-4148
Mobile 053-510-545; Home Tel 972-2-671-1289
rkronish@icci.co.il
www.icci.co.il
You might also look at http://www.united-religions.org/ a group who has been fostering the ideas that you spoke of because one child dying is one too many. I'm a member here in Houston. Our focus:
"The purpose of United Religions Initiative is to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, end religiously-motivated violence, and create cultures of peace, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings."
I'm a writer and storyteller who works with children in a project called "Treasures of Hopes and Dreams," a workshop modality which gives voices to the children ... children who were abused just like Mohammed al-Durra.
His voice shall not be silenced.
Thank you for reading this."
P.K. McCary - a Houston Chronicle reader

"Once again I found your column to be heart rending, true and compassionate. I hope someday you win a Pulitzer for the ongoing high quality of your work. You are absolutely right about world leaders wearing Mohammed's picture around their neck. They should also wear one of the Israeli soldier being thrown from the window. I can't understand people living so close together for so long and not developing at least the smallest tendency towards
community and neighborhood. God bless your work. "
Melvin - a reader from Richmond, WA
"Keep up the good work.... I very much enjoyed the story on the sounds of life, babies....
I was amused when you stated you were busy preparing for vacation time recently. I try not to take care of much and just leave. The things I have left are there upon my return and I just don't seem to mind. I am the calm sort about what comes my way. Coming and going should be fun, sort of like most our days here that we are enjoying. Thanks for your work."
Eve - a Houston Chronicle reader

"I read your article ... in The Commercial Appeal and felt an over whelming need to write to you and say, don't give up! I too am a huge Bruce fan and finally my dream came true; I got to meet him in April at his show in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was ever so kind and everything I had thought he would be. So hang on to your dream - who knows, maybe one day you'll be singing with him. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story!"
Linda - a Memphis Commercial Appeal reader

"Well said! My comment exactly, when I heard the news. "It's about time" I've always deplored his style. I agree that one can get more with honey than with vinegar, with treating people, especially children (college athletes are still kids) with kindness, love and respect. Keep up the good writing. I always enjoy your column..."
Cheri - a reader from Scottsdale, AZ
"I found your column vicious and biased and suggesting that you know little about coaching and the I.U. basketball program.
The true jury for coach Knight should be the 98% of graduates that he coached. You of course would not be interested in the opinions of Henderson of the Atlanta Hawks, Steve Alford, head coach at Iowa, Isaiah Thomas of the Pacers and countless other graduates under Coach Knight. You would rather single out a pair of disgruntled misfits and a teenager that needed a lesson in manners...."
Robert - A reader from Houston, Texas

"A little story: Sarah introduced me to my wife at I.U. twenty years ago. A few years later she had a son and raised him by herself. She's dirt poor and they lived in a shack on the poor side of town. Life was a daily struggle. At age 16, her son developed bone cancer and had a below the knee amputation. Needless to say, it was devastating for the poor kid. After radiation and chemo he was laying on his couch puking and trying to get on with life. He heard a car pull up in front and looked out to see a big I.U. car at the curb. Out walks Bobby Knight dribbling a
basketball. All by himself...no reporters, no CNN, no press agent. He came in and sat down and talked to the kid about life's struggles. After an hour he got up, took out a big felt pen an autographed the ball. He didn't know these people from Adam but Bloomington is a small town and he'd heard. On his way out the door he told the kid to call him if the kids at school teased him or if there was anything else he could do. I do believe he should be fired but excuse me for ending now because I'm going to cry."
Steven - a reader

"Your column concerning the red "You Are Special Today" plate brought pleasant memories. I bought one about 25 years ago and it was a special award at many special days for kids and grandkids over the years. After my wife died 2 years ago I packed the plate up along with a lot of other things I figured I no longer had a need for and it went into the attic. I dug it out this morning and I am going to give it to my daughter along with a copy of your column. I see now that in addition to the hokey white flowers and the sorta trite inscription it also embodies many happy memories that deserve to be brought back and revisited as she resumes the tradition. Thanks Tad"
Frank - a reader

"This is so "out of character" for me to respond to an article in the newspaper, but I just finished your commentary ...and it touched the very depth of my heart.... I have never heard anyone echo those same feelings and wondered if I was alone. My mother passed away 10 years ago and I have realized that the saddest day of the year for me is my birthday. Your own reflections of the "fuss" your mother made over your birthday, brought back similar memories and tears.... As I approach my 50th birthday in a little over a week, I can once again, feel the aching in my heart. I will be thinking of you on my special day, and heed your advice to pamper myself. Thank you for your wisdom and insight. "
Linda - a reader

"I always enjoy your column in the Seattle Times. You write such interesting stories about very practical topics! I enjoyed this morning's column about the Maui Writers' Conference...."
Adele - a Seattle Times reader
"Are you out of your freaking mind---that kiss was almost Oscar material. It was so staged I swear I saw Steven S. in the background. Keep your female mind out of the emotional gutter... So please write about something more important and stop being a Democratic Mouth Piece."
Bill - a reader
"Hurray Tad! Finally someone who is honest enough to accept the honesty of THE KISS! I thought it was great, it was wonderful to see, as you mentioned, someone overwhelmed with a wonderful moment and having someone to share it with. Ultimately it is what we all want. ... Hurray for love and honest expression of joy and happiness, and Hurray for your courage to acknowledge
it!"
Michelle - a reader from Texas

"I just read your article about the lightness of summer in the Post Dispatch of St. Louis...That article nearly brought tears to my eyes. Regardless of the fact that I've been working summers for so long, what I so vividly remember is spending that precious time with my dad... We sit watching for the grill to get starting under a canope of leaves and sing Frank Sinatra at the top of our lungs...Thank you for writing that article. I'll think I'll barbeque tonight."
Erika - a St. Louis Post-Dispatch reader

"I look forward to your article in the Denver Post each Tuesday. Each of your stories are poignant, heart-warming, and always thought provoking. I lived in Hawaii 17 years and can truly relate to the "wonder bread woman in the taro world." Thank you for writing such beautiful stories whether "Nuptials offer lessons in inclusion" or recounting high school reunions. Your articles are one of the few uplifting sections in the newspapers these days."
Shirley - a Denver Post reader
"I enjoy reading your column in the Denver Post. I have no story to share with you but I want to tell you how much today's column touched me. Your reaction and acceptance of the invitation to the reception and not the wedding is so admirable. Instead of feeling wronged and becoming bitter you offered understanding and unconditional love to the bride. This is a lesson I will long remember. Thank you for teaching it."
Denise - a Denver Post reader

"I have always enjoyed your columns and look forward to reading them. I agree with many of the things you said in the... column, but I wonder if you have ever been to Idaho. We are a beautiful state, and have many fine places to visit that are not "one-light-bulb hotel rooms in Idaho." It seems the very point you were trying to make with your article about "one-to-one connection" and "bigger-is-better shoddiness" was lost when you made the generalization about Idaho. Our state is not heavily populated, but we are proud of our people and of our state. If you are ever in our state, visit the Coeur d'Alene Resort in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and enjoy wonderful service and play the golf course with the floating green on Coeur d'Alene Lake. We aren't all "hicks" from the back country!
I will continue to look forward to your column. Many times you have written about subjects that have really touched me. I think you have a very human touch to your writing, and you seem to go right to the heart of the subject."
Lin & Wade - readers from Idaho
"HOORAY! I thought I was the only one who had done that - and for the same reasons! Now, I'll bet you have THOUSANDS of folks writing you saying "Me Too, Me Too!!!" Oh Ms. Tad, you don't know how many phone calls - maybe even more than your poor husband's 18 - it took for me to decide, "They just don't hive a darn!" And this, after years and years of faithful, loyal on-time service. Thanks for All your columns, the ones that make me laugh, the ones that make me cry, the one that make me think, and sometimes the ones that do all at the same time! But, for this one, we are united in the frustration...Many thanks for a grand morning...and a lot of great reading!"
Helen - a reader
"If I had my way, no one could buy a marriage license till they read and pass a verbal quiz on your article... That piece is an encore performance. Pardon the bad English, but you told it like it should be, but unfortunately isn't. How many children and young adults would be alive, planning their dreams, if parents had practiced "good behavior"?... I'm thinking of Jonesboro, Ark., Columbine, Co., Pearl, Ms. How many teenagers, young adults and adults, instead of being in jail, would be free, tax paying, self-sufficient, God fearing, voting Americans had their parents demonstrated "good behavior"? How many unwed parents, broken homes, battered children, abandoned children would we have if...? The list goes on and on. All parents need to do, as you aptly said, is behave. What could be more clear? Please run this article often for the adults and if possible in publications teenagers and young adults read. This is simply to poignant for anyone to miss. Your ability to communicate your insight is wonderful."
Rich - from Memphis, TN.
"Thanks so much for your wonderful column from 7/15. It reminded me of those wonderful, lazy vacations our family had when I was growing up and the comparative simplicity of life then as compared to now. It is also a reminder of the need to overcome our fear of imperfection. I'm making a copy for my cousin Ruth who is famous in our family for getting up at 5:00 .M. to mop her kitchen floor one more time before taking off for a Caribbean cruise. Thanks and enjoy your summer!"
Kathryn - a reader
"I enjoy your columns in the San Francisco Examiner. My husband and I talked about today's over dinner (Getting Out Of Dodge). Brought back great memories of rising early and packing all 7 of us in the Ford Fairlane. You're right: no muss, no fuss. The biggest preparation: my father making us run warm water over our hands, "to get the urge", he'd explain. Meaning empty our bladders so he wouldn't have to stop.... ."
Gina - a San Francisco Examiner reader
"I am a single mom of 2 children. I love your column. I look forward to reading it. It is always something I can relate too. Keep up the insight and laughs."
Amy - a Denver Post reader
"Thanks for your story on the Golden Anniversary that ran yesterday in The Arizona Republic. It was so well-written and lovely. This coming weekend we are celebrating my parent's 50th wedding anniversary with a small party... Please know that during the party on Sunday, I will be reading your article during the toast and before the cake. I think you summed up the event in such a universal way that everyone will relate and tears (mine, most likely) will flow.
... I continually find inspiration in your life story, your ability to create a wonderful and successful women's syndicate and for your amazing writing talent. God has given you a gift and you are using it to your best ability. Never doubt that you are touching lives."
Jennifer - an Arizona Republic reader

"My parents and my in-laws will each be celebrating their 50th this year. I am gathering "things" to honor the people and the date. The "find" of your pearls of wisdom are pure luck on my part as I happened to be in AZ where this column is published. The point of this e-mail is to thank you for reminding all who celebrate with parties, etc, that our parents prize is mighty - each other. As some preparation has already gone on, this column will help to keep things simple and sweet. I think that having two sets of parents who are able to commit to each other for that length of time is an all time family gift and tribute to love and hard work. Thanks again for the wisdom for a special day."
Diane - a reader
"Thank you so much for your column in the Denver Post yesterday, June 27,2000. One would almost think you had experienced a 50th anniversary yourself. My wife and I just celebrated our 50th on June 2. We had a wonderful "Celebration" with many wonderful guests, cards, comments, etc. However, you really touched the core of reality with the statement, "a bedrock of intimacy only those two share." Someone asked my wife the real key to 50 years of marriage. She thought for a moment and simply stated, "Tolerance!". We are putting together an album of "Memories" from our celebration. A copy of your column will be among them! Thanks again!"
Johnie and Judy - Denver post readers
"Want to tell you how beautiful your article was on "Lifelong Partners"; I have never read anything more beautiful or correct, just like it is. We've been married 52 yrs. and have experienced all you've mentioned plus more, and we are still happy, tho it has been trying for both of us, at times, but we stuck it out with the help of the Lord. I am keeping the article to send copies to my friends that are celebrating 50 yrs. together. It's just a beautiful column. Thanks"
Jane - from Dyer, TN.

Please join in the conversation by e-mailing us at friends@tadbartimus.com