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What did you do on the day after Thanksgiving?  I cleaned out my in box.  This from Bill McDonald:

Any insight into why "Ally McBeal" hasn't been picked up for syndication? Finally picked up on it late in its first run, but and would dearly love the opportunity to take them all in. Was also late on "Hill Street Blues", and "Seinfeld", but have now probably seen every episode at least twice. The hot late-night syndications all tend to be smart,fast and funny. I'd think that Ali would be a natural.

"Ally McBeal" reminds me of "Moonlighting" -- a smart, buzz-generating romantic comedy that was utterly of the moment and went to seed while we watched. By the time it signed off, we were all sick of it. I believe David E. Kelley had late-night syndication in mind when he repackaged one-hour McBeals as the half-hour "Ally." And we all remember how well that went over.

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And then there was this from Wendlandtjr@aol.com:

I'm almost sure that in your past writings you have really worked hard to convey not only your thoughts, feelings, but those of your readers, too.  You have done very well, and I thank you.

Besides the odd sentiment of the letter ("almost sure"?), I was struck by the email's subject line: "Your retirement." Wishful thinking on the reader's part, or a prediction?