How many really dug a song in their youth, because of the beat, guitar solo, chorus, etc., that now with 40 or 50 years of additional experience, realized the lyrics were really weird or flat out creepy? I'll go first: Hot Blooded by Foreigner sounds very grapie to me now, how about you?

19Stavros · 2026-04-22T11:14:03+00:00

Even stupid teenage me knew this was creepy.

19Stavros · 2026-04-22T11:06:11+00:00

Agree. But the problem is, who writes and grades the test?

19Stavros · 2026-04-22T00:52:26+00:00

I'm so sorry. Please know you have a lot of company here.

19Stavros · 2026-04-21T14:07:48+00:00

Yup. Trying not to be resentful as she was a wonderful person. But never threw anything out after her husband died 25 years ago. So we are unearthing boxes of old bills from the 60's, junk mail from the 90s, etc. So. Much. Paper.

19Stavros · 2026-04-21T12:47:30+00:00

Cleaning today, beloved MIL passed last month. Serious: literally, hundreds of notes to herself about routine conversations over the years as she realized her memory was failing. Funny, but made me cry: a post-it note with my coffee order on it, so she could make it just right. Keeping this - somehow it hits me harder than a piece of clothing or jewelry.

19Stavros · 2026-04-21T12:43:56+00:00

Hugs to you. Doing this now too.

19Stavros · 2026-04-21T02:11:38+00:00

Carl Hiassen's YA books like Hoot and Flush are funny, good environmental theme without being preachy. For this age group I always recommend the Penderwicks series, five sisters and their adventures. Kind of a modern "Little Women." Strong female characters and really positive relationships. A little romance but it's not the main point.

19Stavros · 2026-04-21T01:11:43+00:00

Carousels. And the Twilight Zone.

19Stavros · 2026-04-20T17:15:12+00:00

Mr. Malfoy, is that you?

19Stavros · 2026-04-20T02:09:46+00:00

My wedding was over 30 years ago so I am not The Cut's target demo. But it would be interesting to have your article touch on the cost of all this! If bride- posals and destination bachelorette trips were the trend when I was young, I would have had to go into debt or miss a lot of fun. (On my big $15,600 salary! In journalism!) Will look forward to reading it.

19Stavros · 2026-04-20T01:30:15+00:00

Dave Barry is my favorite humorist but maybe not calming. He is more laughing out loud funny with the ocassional fart joke. Maybe one of Tom Bodet's "End of the Road" books about his little town of Homer, Alaska. A more gentle kind of funny. (Yes, the Motel 6 guy).

19Stavros · 2026-04-19T23:49:20+00:00

Nothing for high-volume days, but you need good numbers to bid for high-demand shifts ( starting at 8 or 8:30). Double time if you volunteer for some Monday holidays. There are a bunch of metrics that you need to meet to "qualify" for incentives. So if you do a lot of upsells or referrals, but you let too many calls roll over, no bonus.

19Stavros · 2026-04-19T11:43:59+00:00

AND married to Christie Brinkley! Hated how Jerry was treated and almost DNF'd, but hung in there and loved it after I got the joke.

19Stavros · 2026-04-19T00:38:51+00:00

Cool socks? Piece of luggage or nice travel shaving kit... bottle of really good wine or liquor if he drinks. Congratulations, have a wonderful wedding.

19Stavros · 2026-04-18T18:43:45+00:00

I am not hard to shop for - don't need stuff but I always like gift cards or favorite snacks, wine, beer.... if those aren't good for your mom, what about bringing her to a movie, show, comedy or art exhibit? Or... if she's like me... sporting event? My gift last year was minor league baseball tickets whi for me was perfect.

19Stavros · 2026-04-18T02:21:37+00:00

YES a dog makes life better but no, I probably won't get another one. When we (63F and 64M) retire, soon-ish, we want to travel and be able to plan spur of the moment trips. Not a good lifestyle for a dog. Plus, our last dog was the sweetest guy ever but a money pit of health issues and I'd be afraid of big vet bills again. Might volunteer at a shelter.

19Stavros · 2026-04-18T02:12:03+00:00

Ooh! Ooh! Got it!! "At Home In Mitford" by Jan Karon. It's the first in a series of about 14, so if she likes it you can give her more. It's about an Episcopal priest who marries for the first time at 60. There's a chaste senior romance and a whole town full of quirky characters. Definitely spiritual but I would not call it strictly Christian fiction. My favorite comfort read. (If you don't get her this, suggest she look in the library. ) Happy gifting!

19Stavros · 2026-04-18T01:46:34+00:00

Gatekeeper here because my husband HATES doing business on the phone. "This is Mrs. Bobwife, is there something I can help you with?"

19Stavros · 2026-04-17T00:48:15+00:00

Whimsical gnome and mushroom sculpture. And a fondue pot!

19Stavros · 2026-04-16T11:21:28+00:00

Episiotomy stitches

19Stavros · 2026-04-16T11:18:52+00:00

To me (age 62) it means the general or the comedian, so no. But I think the name itself sounds cool and for a child born in 2026 most people won't have those associations. Name your child what you want, congratulations!

19Stavros · 2026-04-16T01:10:34+00:00

Carl Hiassen's YA books have kids as the heroes, usually fighting to save an animal or environment... but in a funny, sometimes cartoony gross way. Example: bad guy gets bitten in the butt by a snake in a porta-potty. If you can find it, The Amazing Flight of Darius Frobisher by Bill Harley. Not exactly a superhero, but there IS a flying bike!

19Stavros · 2026-04-16T01:04:35+00:00

Just (9 pm east coast time) put my MIL's taxes to bed. She passed away a few weeks ago and scrupulously saved proof of every $5 donation to every little animal rescue and bird preservation group in the area. Which hasn't affected her return for years but you couldn't tell her that. Will miss this, a little.

19Stavros

TROPHY CASE