I’ve visited Auschwitz twice in my life: the first time with Stephen and Craig early January 1996; the second time I was alone and it was just a few weeks later. The first time I was struck by the ice… more ›

I’m on Tim Miller‘s email list. I’m on a lot of email lists, from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchins’ to Save the Hubble. But I actually know Tim Miller. Well, we met several years ago. In Dallas. I and Stephen hung… more ›

The New York Times > Health > Mental Health & Behavior > The Secret Lives of Just About Everybody The ability to hold a secret is fundamental to healthy social development…. “In a very deep sense, you don’t have a… more ›

I remember with great nostalgia when I used to live like a celebrity, enjoying only two part-time jobs. Although my jobs were not nearly as exciting as Britney Spears’ (teen singing sensation + teen actress), I managed to endure the… more ›

Since I inadvertently sabotaged my computer at home, I’ve been enjoying a life unplugged from cybergames. I’m now using a terminal at the public library. How exciting to be among people after so long. Loving the writing life I’ve been… more ›

Take that, Take That! Laughed my arse off the other night watching MadTV resurrect their version of the Fantanas. Remanufacturing the totally manufactured group is puro genius; I especially adore Two-Litre Beth–the “new” girl on the beach who can’t get… more ›

Top 10 Ludachristmas Awards (in ascending order) Christmas in July Snow in Texas (even if it is December) & the people who write about it on their blogs (wink, Lori) Strangers who ask me if I’m ready for Christmas The… more ›

Enjoyed the Geminid Meteor Shower Monday evening by standing out in the cold for about 30 minutes. I saw three falling stars. Several years ago during my first year in Japan, Mr. & Mrs. Mukoyama–the gaijin* wranglers–knew I was quite… more ›

Bill Moyers signed off from PBS’s weekly news program Now tonight. If you’ve ever wondered why I never make plans on early Friday evenings between 7:00 – 8:00pm, it’s because I have to be home watching this amazing, intelligent, insightful,… more ›

Is it just because I was so damn tired this morning, or is Depeche Mode‘s “Never Let Me Down Again” the same song as the theme to The Bugaloos? Both of them had a profound influence on me. And if… more ›