Thanks, Malcolm. Interesting concepts. I'm not courageous enough to vote 3rd party yet because since - oh, I'd say about 1988 - my vote hasn't been a vote for someone as much as it has been a vote against someone else. Strategic elections. And I don't know that I can buy the idea that Bush and Obama are two sides of the same coin although you have plenty of ammo to argue that reasonably well. But those neo-Conservative wack jobs are scary. I think they have deep-seated ulterior motives and agendas. Many really are only interested in keeping themselves in Gucci loafers - and they are more than financially set come what may (but are always looking for ways to get more financially set). They don't care about Everyday Joe because they can drive by the poor and homeless in their limos and never have to look them in the eyes. They don't give a fuck about air or water pollution - the natural products of capitalism - because they'll always be able to afford a pristine mountaintop in Switzerland. They accuse me of trying to start a class war as if that's a bad thing. Obama may not be able to change the country for the good as much as Romney and his clan might be able change it for the worse, but I do believe President Obama is better for this country - that his heart is usually in the right place and that is why the other side hates him so. I respect your desire to express yourself in the voting booth though. That is supposed to be how it functions after all. And your proposal makes a great deal of sense: weeding out the entrenched ruling class that this country was never supposed to have in the first place.

Thanks for the great response!

We've tried to get an upgrade on both Air France and British Air and we essentially were ignored and/or laughed away from the counter. Alaska has the same upgrade starting at $50 based on length of flight. I've always done that with Alaska for the Seattle-LAX or -BUR run. It may be primarily an American perk. I've heard tell you can woo counter people with presents and gift baskets and such to get an upgrade if there are unsold 1st class seats. I've never tried it and I don't know how one would do it subtly. But I remember about four years ago some travel guy wrote a book on how to score upgrades on international flights....and presents were one of the ways.

That was very thoughtful, TKN. Who knew you can't get cheesecake in Paris?

Perhaps a management change or the fact that you are a repeat customer? Who knows?

Moving in with his ex-wife sounds like a time bomb, but you know what? You get a get-out-of-jail-free card. Sounds like your brother is in a downward spiral and it is hard as hell to stop the spinning when you are down and out. Like the song says, no one wants to know you. I wish him the best. I wish you the best. Is there anything anyone in your family can do that'll give his some direction?

Wonderful response, Asteria. Thanks so much. I think ADHD is a strong possibility. She's had trouble since late high school with completing tasks, etc., but in those days is was attributed to being stupid and/or lazy.

Also, to be real, the economy is horrible at best for most everybody. Know how many people want to hire someone over 60? Not very many. It's an extra struggle finding work when you are over 50. But, you are right, you don't give up trying, right?

Thanks for the time and advice, Kip. I'm going to find it very difficult though turning my back on flesh-and-blood as she hits bottom. I'm thinking that I'll let a third-party help her see the light. Maybe it'll take. Maybe it won't. But if it doesn't, I'm out of it and can walk away.

Thank you for the input, Racer. I'm not sure I could convene enough people for a classic intervention. She (and I) have move around a lot over the years. She isn't an actor. She works through Central Casting as an extra (for $50/8hr.) but not very regularly. I agree with you that I can't turn my back on her and let her hit the skids, but I am going to seek counseling on how to ease myself out of this toxic situation. Again, many thanks!

My sister and I are both US citizens.