It's sounds like the dramatic speech made in a rom-com right before the love interest runs into the room and declares her undying love for the speaker. Like one of those holiday-themed, ensemble-type rom-coms (New Year's Eve, or Valentine's Day), this one could be titled "Flag Day" or "Budget Cut Furlough."

I was a smoker for years and years - from age 18 to 32 - before I quit (then relapsed for a short time, then quit for good). I used Nicorette to quit, then quit Nicorette, then relapsed a million times on the Nicorette and am hoping to quit that for good soon too. I don't lecture smokers, because I know how hard it…

This is what I did, at the end of law school (really, after I took the bar, plus the weekend of celebrating after I took the bar.) I told everyone that I was going to quit, so I had to do it. It worked (at least, it worked for three years, then I relapsed for about 4 months, then I quit again for good, 10 years…

It looks likes an amusement park mascot is behind her, giving her "the old reach-around." See the giant Mickey Mouse glove-hands?

"It can't be that important or cultural, high school graduation is not an Native American tradition." O rly?

Culture is not static. Native American culture has changed over the years since colonization. Feathers at graduation are a tradition for some Native kids (not in my tribe - we do beaded necklaces using abalone and sea urchin spines.) We also wear western clothing and drive cars and live in wooden or brick houses…

But there's no state actor in an equal protection clause case involving a private employer, right? I agree that in this case, assuming the policy was content-neutral and applied neutrally, then there's no challenge. Though it sucks supremely that this school wouldn't recognize that this important cultural practice…

What about the Equal Protection Clause as it applies to religious symbols and garb? If the school allows students to wear crosses (those necklaces with a "t" thing, per Arrested Development), then they have to allow all religious symbols/garb? I would think that, even if the school is private & Christian-affiliated,…

Take a deep breath and then ask yourself why the New York Times is profiling women in politics in the Style section to begin with. When was the last time you saw a male politician featured on that page? Why, when a story mixes fashion and politics, would that story end up on the Style page and not the Politics page?

Because being able to control my own reproductive choices is part of basic healthcare for me, as a woman. Sex is a totally normal, healthy, adult activity. Pregnancy has potential and actual negative health effects on my body. My body's natural state is not "pregnant."

Lindy, you need to run down to Bartell's and get some Debbie Meyer's Green Bags. Take a DMGB*, stuff those artichokes up in there, twist up the top of the bag, and shove it in your veggie crisper. Artichokes will last for weeks. Or, just drop them off at my house.

I know! And he's so relevant.

Do you mean the hypothesis regarding that particular child, or neanderthal behavior in general?

Word. My mom was so tyrannical about me cleaning my room that I rebelled heavily and refuse to keep it clean now. Seriously, we don't even use a top sheet, so I can through the duvet over the bed and say "see, I made it mom!" while shaking my fist at the heavens.

OMG you guys stop! I'm so excited!

General-Malaise, you've got to remember to stretch before you read Lindy.

Can I hang out with your mom circa 1960?

No, we are not all aware of the consent laws. In Florida, two underage people can get it on without fear of prosecution. If one of those people is 18-23, it's okay to get it on with someone who is 16-17, but not 15. So, a relationship that is okay one day becomes criminal on the older person's 18th birthday.

I remember that initiative. At the time, I had just realized that many of the awesome teachers at my developmentally-disabled sister's school were gay. I was horrified that someone wanted to keep them from teaching and would point out any pro-initiative bumper stickers to my mom so we could be p.o.'d together.

Mine with cherries, plums and pineapple. She's a total nutbar for that stuff.