Turkle has a very interesting take on internet culture. I've read only "Whither Psychoanalysis in a Computer Culture" by her, but I was very intrigued by her ideas. Thanks for the tip on her book!

I knew it! People do do that, right??

Watch the "Fifth Estate" episode, and you might even be able to identify the official in question!

I think that maybe Elaken is suggesting that his long-term manipulation is even creepier.

Isn't she amazing? I hope she's won an award for heroism.

Watch this—this Fifth Estate episode tells the whole story of Celia Bray trying to get police to pay attention: [www.cbc.ca]

The St. Paul Police Department (according to the Wikipedia page on Mlcert-Dinkel).

The Times of London article makes clear that the hero of this story is Celia Bray, who figured out what was going on, and with a friend's help, tracked down this twisted sociopath and alerted the authorities. And she had to be persistent because the British authorities and the FBI refused to take her seriously.…

So how much do you figure the page hits on her blog (Modern Alternative Mama) have increased because of this? According to her "Advertise with Us" page, she currently gets 50,000 hits a month: [www.modernalternativemama.com]

The mum in "The Prince of Tides" did it best.

...or she's a brilliant opportunist.

ExACTLY. Get on it, sister. Surely you can think of something that'll set us all off on an epic rant. Go big and shameless, and before you know it, we'll all know your name!

@PaintedTrollop: I agree, but, as I've already said, she not only expected it, she invited it. Nothing creates a bigger shitstorm than issues around motherhood.

@diasdiem: By my logic (which is that both these women intentionally created these internet shitstorms), Tiger Mom should be publicly weighing in on the whole matter very soon (in a bid to stay relevant). Lady Gaga will follow up with an outfit made of dead babies.

Do you think we would have ever heard of Tiger Mom if not for the internet shitstorm? I'll bet her books are selling like hotcakes now, but would have sold next to none without the storm (which she has now weathered).

There was a discussion on Jezebel about that as well.

@JadeSays: You are awesome! I was trying to think of how to use that word.

@TheodoreMooney: "Hoffified" is my new favourite word.

How great is this: JFK's president's name is Dr. Stargardter. The poor man must have been teased about his burlesque name his entire life, and now he's taking it out of Professor Shimmy.

Y'know, based on the shakey language of the contract she signed, I don't see how JFK has a chance in hell of winning this. I hope she gets a shitload of money and a tenured position out of this.