Fifty shades of healthy sex

This letter is in response to the “Edgy Mama” piece about the book Fifty Shades of Grey [“Fifty Shades of Abuse,” Sept. 12 Xpress]. I absolutely agree with her assertion that the writing is not great (nor even good), and the premise of a young virgin becoming overwhelmingly sexual during her first sexual rodeo is […]

Why Edgy Mama pisses me off

When I read the Feb. 14 “Edgy Mama” column, “Thoughts On My Divorce," it sounded like complete fabrication, or at least like a glossed-over, broad-stroked portrayal of a "good divorce." It was nearly as poorly thought out as her Sept. 12 piece about Fifty Shades of Grey. There's little that Glenn mentioned in that book […]

Edgy Mama: taking the kids to local swim spots *Updated, with correction­*

Western North Carolina is rich with water — rivers, lakes and creeks abound. Given the recent heat wave, that’s a lucky thing. While I know of some secret spots that I’m not sharing (sorry), here are some fun places for you and your kids to get wet, cool off, and enjoy the beauty of our region. [Note: The original story misstated some of the entry prices for Lake Powhatan and North Mills River. The correct prices are included in this post.]

Edgy Mama: Grinchy for the holidays

I’m feeling a mite bit grumpy this holiday season. I haven’t had time to shop or bake cookies or plan any holiday events. That’s part of my problem. But there are other holiday irritants (in addition to the Fraser fir next to my desk that I may be allergic to). I’m hoping that if I identify the stuff that’s turning me into a parenting Grinch, we can all commiserate together, purge the poison and find some pleasure in the holidays.

Edgy Mama: 7 billionth baby born — a cause for celebratio­n and concern

The 7 billionth person on earth was born on Halloween, according to the United Nations. The UN chose a symbolic baby, giving the title to baby Danica of the Philippines, although a little girl named Nargis, born in Utter Pradesh, India, was also chosen. Perhaps she’s 7,000,000,001. In actuality, a number of other babes in other countries also were celebrated as potentially being the 7 billionth.

Edgy Mama: celebratin­g the Cesspool of Sin on All Hallow’s Eve

The modern day take on Samhain has given me an excuse to load up on crappy candy that I’d never buy otherwise. It also gives me the excuse to wear outrageous outfits and decorate my house with bones and dead things. In past years, I’ve written about child obesity and dental decay, costume drama and expense, and the dangers of letting one’s kids take candy from strangers. But this year, I’ve decided to let go and embrace the decadence of Halloween, especially since I live in the Cesspool of Sin.

Edgy Mama: Glenn Beck wants to teach your kids history

Barney the Dinosaur turned out to be a registered sex offender (well, the third dude who dressed up in the purple costume). Speaking of purple, there’s Tinky Winky the Teletubby, whose triangular antenna supposedly symbolizes gay pride. Not to mention the psychedelic qualities of both that show and the funky Yo Gabba Gabba. Then there’s Hannah Montana, whose wardrobe could dress a streetwalker. What are parents to do about kids’ television programming? Never fear, Glenn Beck has come to the rescue.