Answer Angel: Sick of all the Taylor talk? Shake it off

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Oct 20, 2026

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Judging from the breathless Internet coverage of the run up to and the scramble for details of Taylor Swift’s wedding at Madison Square Garden, is it too much to ask when will the ridiculous interest in this topic finally end? One recent example: I just got an email headlined, “Jewelers Break Down Taylor Swift’s Wedding Band Stack.”

Really!??

--Penelope V.

Dear Penelope: It will be decades. At least that’s my best guess after seeing the massive coverage of Princess Diana, 29 years after her death, with the recent publication of her brother’s new tell-all book.

Meanwhile, for those who might be asking, “What is a ‘wedding band stack’ anyhow?" As recently reported by fashion magazine Elle, this refers to what Swift’s wedding ring looks like and its position with respect to Taylor’s giant diamond engagement ring. The more modest, simple multi-diamond wedding band is nestled against the 8- to 10-carat engagement diamond solitaire on the traditional ring finger of Taylor’s well-manicured left hand.

Angelic Readers

Carol K writes: “You advised reader Alice S. to read the reviews before buying items online to prevent surprises. I do that too, but I read the worst reviews first. I find them to be the most truthful. If I can live with others’ complaints, I will buy. Some give one-star reviews just because it didn’t arrive on time or the color didn’t match the catalog, etc. I can live with that.”

From Sharon S.: “In response to your reader Tina B., whose husband complained because the light she uses to read books at bedtime was preventing him from sleeping, my husband has complained of the same thing (even though he's able to fall dead asleep in front of a blaring television). I would recommend that HE use an eye mask to block out the light. I have found them to be very effective.” Reader Pamela K. has the same advice.

Other readers made the same point adding specific recommendations on their favorite mask brands…

Anne B. says, “For Tina B. whose husband doesn’t like any light in the bedroom at night … the solution is not for her to find an alternative, it is for him to wear a sleep mask! I have a great one: Mack’s Dreamweaver, which is cheap from Amazon and doesn’t touch your eyes ( amazon.com, $9.98).”

From Lisa S.:“I love my mask, and I fall asleep even when my husband has all the lights on well past my bedtime (LitBear Sleep Mask, amazon.com, black, $15.99; colors, $16.99).”

Lots of readers have favorite pens for Mary Z., who is disappointed with the ones she buys that dry out and simply don’t last:

Susan P. says, “Our entire family loves and recommends the Pilot G-2 0.7mm gel pen. It writes beautifully, the grip is very comfortable, and you can even buy refills for about $1.40 each that will keep extra plastic and packaging out of the landfill ( amazon.com, 10 for $10.82).”

Valerie H.: "I've recently discovered the pens at Tom's Studio. The Wren is the best! I love the way it writes and it is refillable forever. The upfront cost is pricey, but if one thinks of years of writing, it is ultimately quite inexpensive ( tomsstudio.com. wren, $45)."

Susan K. says: “Hope this helps Mary Z. I love Uni-Ball Jetstream RT pens. They are very long lasting retractable pens, available at Office Depot, Amazon and other places that sell office supplies. They even sell ink refills. The 1.0mm pen is my absolute favorite for writing ( amazon.com, 3 for $6.86). ”

Eileen K. writes: “I highly recommend a Cross ballpoint pen. A dear friend gave me one for Christmas 40 years ago! I order refills online and the company has a lifetime guarantee. They run about $40 and up. Just like a Timex watch, takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'."

Reader Rant

Bette M. asks: “Why can’t I find a winter jacket with patch pockets? Years ago I had a simple winter jacket polyester shell with warm lining and patch pockets. I liked the patch pockets because my keys didn't accidentally slip out when I sat down and I didn't lose my right-hand glove when I removed it and put it in the pocket while shopping. I now have many left-hand gloves without a mate!”