So, so true! I was born in 1974, so grew up in the late 70’s/80’s. We’re black, the neighborhood we lived in was black, and I don’t ever remember parents having to take the precautions parents do now. My own brother owned a (realistic looking) fake rifle and ran around playing with it. Other kids did too; I don’t ever…

Most of these types of killings are committed by white men. Comumbine? White teenagers. The Colorado movie theatre shooting? White guy. Sandy Hook shooting? Another white guy.

I’d say even before the 2000’s. When I was in high school (1987-1991) the kids from the local projects were really into Gucci and Louis Vuitton—since this was Northern NJ, I think much of what I saw may have been knock offs they got on Canal St. And not just the girls either—there was more than one guy with a baseball…

“It looks a little trashy,” Ryan said. “It’s better to be subtle.”

“Please, obviously you were in a paid arrangement with this old man, obviously he made the rules and you happily complied, but you also got A LOT from it.”

Ah, that makes *all* the difference.

So, reusable ice cubes?

“I’m not trying to justify in any way his actions,”

East Rutherford? I’ve been out of Jersey 10 years now—is MetLife Stadium the place that was Brendan Byrne Arena, then Continental Airlines arena (but everyone just kept calling Brendan Byrne Arena)?

I don’t watch 19 kids and counting, but you know what I would watch? A show where one or more of the kids casts off their upbringing and goes out into the real world.

Or might have a bladder infection or UTI. Unfortunately, I had to fly once while sick this way. I knew I’d have to get up for the bathroom often, so I asked the guy on the aisle seat if he would trade (I was in the window seat). He refused. Then got huffy when he had to keep getting up so I could go to the bathroom.…

How is that bear’s head so big and his eyes so tiny?

“It really doesn’t do anything for me because when I go to the Met Gala, the richest, most prominent people recognize me,” says Mahdessian, who keeps a pack of Marlboro Lights within reach.”

I’m disagreeing with you. I’m getting married next May, I’m black...and I want now I want a donkey with flowers on it’s head at my wedding. Not a white thing at all. I think this is a marvelous idea.

“Please note, you can’t take alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content (140 proof), including 95% grain alcohol and 150 proof rum, in your checked luggage.”

You sure about that? I can’t see how they would have time to open every single bag that goes through say, JFK or any other large airports.

I’m engaged now, so no more dating but my last go around on OKCupid (at 38) included two 25 year olds. It was certainly interesting. Neither of us had any illusion that we were going to walk off into the sunset together, so we just had fun.

It’s funny you should mention needing the dress because of the religion. Some of the loveliest dresses (with sleeves) I have found online are from places that cater to Mormon brides. Latter Day Bride has my absolute favorite, but it is more than I want to spend. As the date gets closer, I may change my mind. :-)…

When they say they are having the bouquet toss, you suddenly have to go to the bathroom. It worked for me at numerous weddings.

Don’t give up. I’m 41 and getting married (for the first time) next May when I’ll be 42. At 35 I also never thought I would never get married. Sometimes life really, really surprises you.