Wow - I'm going to call my parents up right now and tell them how much I love them - neither of them favored my brother over me. They thought we could both do anything.

@Ismone: I actually don't mean this to sound as cold as it's going to, but being a surrogate is a paid position - usually $50k or more - and handling the invasiveness and pain is part of the deal.

Ultimately, the surrogate is merely a carrier - the baby is typically created from the egg and sperm of the couple - so realistically, the baby - and, in my mind, the decision - is theirs.

@jespree: Self tanner. It'll change your life. If you're willing to spend a couple of bucks, go with St. Tropez - it dries super-fast, it doesn't smell weird, and it gives you a lovely, natural, bronze-y color.

@Highsmith: No, Helen Mirren ages better than everyone.

@BrazenHussy: Nah - that was a few weeks ago in TV time. The show was filmed months ago, so it's actually been quite a while.

Usually, kids pull away from seeing their opposite-sex parent naked around the time they start school. So, just be chill, and she'll let you know when it's time.

@genevievep: It's because it feels studied and contrived. In the Mad Men era, women's self-presentation was, by definition, contrived, and the more contrived, the more celebrated. For a modern version, look at Dita Von Teese - it a totally phony look. The "modern" woman is supposed to look effortless and easy - her…

This really begs the question of whether there have been any Oscar-worthy movies or performances to date this year at all. I'd argue no. If you ask me, nothing this year has been worth nominating, let alone voting for.

I'm just so happy that you used the word "cobbler." I say it all the time, and no one knows what I'm talking about, or worse, mocks me for using such an old-fashioned word. But really, what else do you call them?

@NefariousNewt: Conceptually, that may be true. Mathematically, it just doesn't add up. No matter how much any of us might wish that a Green Party candidate will win the governorship of California, it's just not going to happen in the next election cycle. In terms of who actually ends up governing, the choice is…

I'm not so excited about the "vintage" recommendations. I really hate vintage. Inevitably, every time someone wants to get "creative" with a gift, it involves something vintage, which, to me, is just junk I have to get rid of. I know it's the thought that counts, and I genuinely believe that, but frankly, anyone…

@NefariousNewt: Not voting at all makes me CRAZY. It's the laziest, most irresponsible move a citizen can make. Voting is a privilege, we are lucky to have it, and I cannot stress that enough. That said, I still am of the opinion that a vote for the Green Party candidate in this election is a wasted vote, in that…

@LadySoprano is a Fat-Fighting Superwoman: Fair enough. As long as you're not insisting that "there's no difference between Whitman and Brown," I can live with your choice, even if I don't like it.

@prettywithapistol: Part of it is build and heredity as well. I have the same vein-y hands and arms as my mom, and we both have them whether or not we're working out - working out just makes them stand out more. We also have think skin and small builds, which makes a difference.

@LadySoprano is a Fat-Fighting Superwoman: Great. Way to help Meg Whitman get into office. Same way all those people who voted for Nader stuck us with George Bush. Do you really think there's no difference between Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown? And do you really think they're far enough apart in the race that you can…

A book is coming out before the end of the year about Maria Von Trapp. Apparently, she was horrible.

@marathonjunkie: I think I'm going to start trying to convince people this is true - I might enjoy being wheeled around every once in a while!

@LolaLane: Agreed.

@prettywithapistol: It really depends on the particular Target. It's not a company policy - it's just how some of the stores - and certainly not all - are organized.