Deborah Stone

505 days ago - Picture this: A sign. In the center of the sign is a wet blanket surrounded by a circle. There’s a line through the circle. Translation: No wet blankets allowed.

533 days ago - Have you seen the signs on Reisterstown Road? Apparently, part of the roadway, running from Pikesville through Owings Mills, is an Aggressive Driving Enforcement Zone.

547 days ago - There are many mysteries in the world, some too complex to comprehend.

561 days ago - Is there any chance for a new unit at the Maryland State Police? One specifically dedicated to the apprehension of intruders? I don't mean scary people who break into your home. I'm talking about creatures that believe your backyard is the animal equivalent of Tio Pepe’s.

575 days ago - NKOTB Rule! These words were written in chalk on our garage wall for years. It was the 1980s, and my youngest stepdaughter was swooning over New Kids on the Block.  Now, almost 32 years old, she’s swooning once again.

603 days ago - Would you like to play tennis this weekend? Go for a hike? Hit the links? Chances are you want to know if the weather will cooperate. Too bad. Despite modern technology that's supposed to ensure accurate forecasts, you might be better off flipping a coin or visiting psychic Sister Faye.

617 days ago - There they were — a ragtag line of 4-year-olds performing their hearts out at their dance recital. The surroundings were less than glorious: a high school auditorium in Baltimore County. The place was mobbed with parents, siblings and grandparents. My stepdaughter, husband and I sat together, beaming like every other family member, but also pretty much dying of laughter.

631 days ago - Last week seemed right for turning over a new leaf. Never a big fan of cooking, I found inspiration in a magazine filled with Italian recipes.

645 days ago - Imagine this: You’re eating in Little Italy on a Friday night — but there’s no spaghetti on the menu. Or you go to Greektown on a Tuesday but can’t order spanakopita. Ridiculous, you say? Why, yes, but no more far-fetched than finding no open bagel shop in Pikesville on Saturday.

659 days ago - I have some good news and some bad news.

673 days ago - The presidential primary season is in full swing. Maryland has already placed its votes. Many states remain. Are you numb yet? Surely the candidates must be. Have you ever wondered why anyone would subject him or herself to running for president? I’m convinced you would have to be completely insane to do it. First of all, there’s the state-to-state campaign. It must be grueling. It even made Hillary cry. Add to that the intrusive media, which will find every skeleton in your closet, and maybe a few that are under your bed or in the pantry. And if you manage to actually make it to the White House, and are “lucky” enough to serve two terms, you’re guaranteed to look like hell when it’s all over.

687 days ago - If you’re a Maryland smoker, life has become — pardon the pun — a real drag for you this month. In case you had any doubt, you’re a pariah, unwelcome in eating or drinking establishments, unless you leave your cigarettes behind or go outside when you need a fix. Law now requires our state’s restaurants and bars to keep their air smoke-free.

701 days ago - What’s the fastest way to feel like a complete idiot? Here’s one answer: Enroll in a foreign language class. I’ve always liked languages and was very good at them when I was young. But about four months ago, I started taking Italian. (Did you know there’s a Center for Italian Studies in Baltimore?) It’s unfortunate, but over just a few decades, your mind can turn from a memory trap into a colander.