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[THIS MONTH’S “ASK ALLI” WILL BE WRITTEN BY A GUEST WHILE ALLI IS TESTING OUT A NEW VIBRATOR.]

DEAR MALCOLM X:

My wife is prickly and angry most of the time. She takes her anger out on our daughter and me. We have not talked in months; all the words between us are either about running the household or words of disagreement. She is under a lot of stress at work, but I am so tired of her tirades I just want to leave. How can I discuss this with her without making her defensive and angry? -Desperate in St. Louis

DEAR DESPERATE:

By any means necessary. -M.X.

DEAR MALCOLM X:

When in Italy, how can I find out the exact location of the Giro route? I’ve looked at the La Gazzetta website, but haven’t found details. I’m interested in watching different stages of the race. How can I find the keypoints on the circuit without compromising a good experience of Italy? -Curious in Missouri

DEAR CURIOUS:

By any means necessary. -M.X.

DEAR MALCOLM X:

My friend is doing the flowers for her son’s wedding. She has purchased tall (over 24”) skinny vases and wants a big full bouquet of red roses at the top of the vase. Also, the arrangements will be sitting on tables - we need about 10 arrangements. How can we avoid any disasters on the big day? -Planning in Florida

DEAR PLANNING:

The first thing you should know is that those vases should be weighted to keep them balanced and upright. Over 24”s tend to be very top-heavy, which would mean bad news if someone were to knock into a table! Clear glass pebbles or marbles would be my choice. Secondly, you will want to affix a design bowl atop the vases. I would use white opaque plastic design bowls and a floral putty to affix them. -M.X.


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