Kaw,
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Didn't mean to contribute to hijacking your thread Jeannine, but just wanted to offer another small piece to the puzzle.

Please feel absolutely free to address anyone on my thread.
In fact, I would encourage you and anyone else to do the same. It is helpful to me as well and it puts my thread to good use.
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Also, I've discovered follow up questions a day or so latter has a big impact. Not only are you listening but showing real interest in what they want to talk about by bringing it up again at a later time.

Very good point!
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... but it certainly looks like your 2003 will end much better and brighter than it started.

Yea.

Rachael,
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HA! Psychology would be his LAST choice! Too close to emotional stuff.

Okay then.
You already know that he is nowhere near ready to discuss the R. Tis normal.

I've been debating as to whether I'll be out-of-line in lending you a specific topic here.
But then, I've been known to bend a line or two - so here goes.

If he is "current events" minded, how about the topic of voter verifiable touchsreen voting machines? This is something that affects us all, the future of our democracy and ultimately what decisions will be made in our names.

Thus, it's also engaging.

Perhaps you can start off by saying something like, "You know, I was reading something today (and that would true because you read it here) and it really got me thinking." If touchscreen voting machines don't provide paper printouts - what happens to our right to a verifiable recount?"

Of course, this is only a suggestion and assumes an interest in this subject. However, this format can be applied to whatever topic you or he chooses.

This may act as a 180 for you in that shows you are thinking about something other than your immediate situation. AND you'll be providing some much needed space for him to share WITH you.

Jeannine