Skype is the best friend a parent has to speak with a child (well he still is to us even if he is over 40) nine time zones earlier than the sunset coast. I hope Google or Microsoft--or whoever is buying Skype--doesn't mess it up.

For those of you unfamiliar with Skype, the service is free, computer to computer, and very low cost to a land line. You would think you're calling the house next door, it's that clear.