Dead letter office

I have written exactly two fan letters in my life:

1) To Sharon Gless, when "Cagney and Lacey" was going to be canceled. Many months later, I got a "keep the faith" letter - and a signed glossy photo of her.

2) To Hugh Jackman, after I saw "The Boy From Oz."

Anyway, the Wall Street Journal ran this article about a service that scoops up all those cards and letters so the stars don't have to bother with them (except Hector Elizondo, apparently, who signs his photos personally).

Good Grammar tip of the day

Heard on TV this week:

"The difference between he and I is …"

No. That is wrong. Would you say "The difference between I and he"? I hope not. "Between" takes an object. Say "The difference between him and me." Say it.

Most Magical Place on Earth

Top 11 things about Disney World (this April):

* The flashing light cube that comes in "Magical" cocktails.

* The interactive games at "Soarin" at Epcot (best ride at Disney World). While you wait, and wait a little longer, to get on the ride, ease the boredom by flapping your arms about in front of a big screen in a "bubbling-popping" competition with the other people in line.

* The High School Musical 3 stage show at Disney Hollywood Studios. Go Wildcats!

* The Prime Time Diner at Disney Hollywood Studios. Clips from "Leave It To Beaver" and "I Married Joan," a setting that looks just like the kitchen I grew up in, circa 1955, and delicious bad-for-you food (onion rings, chocolate malteds, fried chicken and a "Dad's Brownie Sundae"). Yum.

* The American Idol Experience. The people who performed - they sign up in advance for daily auditions - were good, Actually, really good. (Go Jim Forde! Midddle-aged middle school teacher from Connecticut in running shoes and shorts, singing "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" just about perfectly)

* The rose garden tucked away next to the bridge between Cinderella's Castle and Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom. It's pretty and peaceful, even with hundreds of people walking by.

* The Railroad in the Magic Kingdom. Also peaceful.

* The aquarium outside the Finding Nemo ride at Epcot. Real fish (including some clown fish. Find Nemo!)

* Ice cream bars shaped like Mickey. They are delicious! (And cheap: $2.59.)

* Waffles shaped like Mickey. Not cheap.

* Plants shaped like Bambi. Priceless.

Parenting techniques to avoid

Mother's Day Quote, from a Q&A with Rosario Dawson in The New York Times' Spring Fashion T Magazine:

Was your mother a disciplinarian?
My mom licked me — that was her punishment. If I was a little uppity or if I didn’t listen or if she wanted to get my attention, she’d lick the side of my face or under my armpit.