Your father may not be as ticked off as Jupiter, but you can't deny that fathers have been a historically neglected lot, as compared to the can't-live-without-her-house-would-fall-apart Mom. Mom gets bucketloads of love and gifts, long talks and nice memories, new clothes and branded designer stuff every month. Dad wears the same sweater and shoes for years.

So this June 21, on Father's Day, it's your chance to make up for it, and show Dad he's just as important, if not more important, than Mom. And you're not going to get that done with a snarky card or a ditzy tie. This needs some serious planning and a peep into the psyche of the brotherhood of the fatherhood.

For instance, sure you can take out for a round of golf or fishing, or whatever his favorite 'getaway' is. He'd like that, but if you give it some thought - it could turn into something he could boast about to his buddies for years to come.

So instead of looking for run-of-the-mill golf courses, you could take him - or send him - to the Four Seasons Whistler for a golf getaway. Whistler Blackcomb is one of the best year-round mountain resorts in North America, and also the site of the 2010 winter Olympics. Best of all - they'll whistle Dad up to Mt. Currie by helicopter, and from there, he gets to smash bio-degradable golf balls off the peak. More details here (pdf file - the details are on the last page, in the 'off-site golf' section).

Wouldn't that be a fantastic father's day gift? I betcha none of your Dad's buddies will ever get a gift like that, which means your father gets permanent bragging rights about the best father's day gift ever.

If Dad's nuts about cars, engines, racing and all things which go vrrooom, then I have the perfect father's day getaway gift for you. A 5 day adventure - with one new and different hot powerful car bucking and burning rubber under Dad's control each day.

What you're looking for is Western Road Adventures (westernroadadventures.com). Their 3 and 5 day packages at the Gateway Canyons Resort provide all access passes to resort amenities including guided hiking, mountain biking and ATV rides, equestrian instruction and trail rides at Summit School Ranch. You will also have full access to the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum.

Not only does your Father get to drive these amazing cars, the itenirary is scheduled so that each days' drive is part of a tour of the local attractions in Grand Junction. Everything is planned and inclusive - arrival at Grand Junction, shuttle coach to the resort, breakfast, the drives, lunch, cocktails, dinner - it's all part of the experience. For 3 or 5 days, Dad forgets his life and lives in an alternate James Bondish fantasy land.

Hard to top this one, as far as Father's Day getaways are concerned. More details here and here.

Another option is a stay at a Lexus Hybrid Living suite. On top of all the auto themed living, Dad also gets to drive the latest Lexus. And it's good for the environment.

I'm not saying all this stuff comes cheap. It doesn't. But you gotta think back - this is the guy who broke his back and worked night and day for 20 years, trying to make sure you had a rood under your head and warm food in your belly.

This is the guy who cut back on his own vacations and trips, so that he could put you through school and college, and made sure you had everything you asked for - even if he couldn't afford it. Balance 20 years of struggle, sacrifice and spending for you against a single vacation for him, and it's not much of a contest - You gotta do the best you can. It's Father's Day.

Jupiter and Thetis photo by zak_greant via flickr (creative commons).