My birthday is coming up

Jot down the first thing that comes to your mind. My birthday is coming up. Which I have subtly, delicately, with the grace of a foghorn reminded certain people about. Not because I need a parade. (Although, let’s be clear, I would not decline a parade.) But because […]

The anti-hassler aging solution

There are wrinkles you earn through laugh lines, sun-kissed memories, and the faint crease of “I have lived.” And then there are the other wrinkles. The ones brought to you by that person. You know the one. Actually, you probably know three. A family member who calls only […]

The Great Academic Marie Kondo-ing

Somewhere in upstate New York, Syracuse University looked at its course catalog (apparently the academic equivalent of a hoarder’s attic) and said, with admirable calm, “This no longer sparks enrollment.” Eighty-four majors. Gone. Or paused. Or gently escorted to the existential waiting room where discontinued things go to […]