UPDATE

The comments still aren't working. We tried to start a "help ticket" with Typepad, but we keep getting an error message. That's right: Not only are we unable to fix the problem; we can't even start a "help ticket."

To answer your questions:

-- Yes, we checked all the settings, and they say that the comments are open.

-- Yes, we tried changing the settings, then changing them back.

-- Yes, we tried re-hiring judi and then firing her again.

So we are stumped. At this point, all we can do is pray.