I found out from D, as well, that apparently he's not at all well liked in the marketing community in Seattle, and so once again, my company scores by hiring the wrong guy! They have a history of doing this.

I definitely agree with the psych book -- dad was always like that. Classic "let me buy you a car and it will help you out" kind of guy. Right now he wants to pay off all my stupid credit cards. For him that's the equivalent of a hug. ;-)