In a parallel universe, times are tough, and retail sales are down. So manufacturers have come up with some innovative, elegant products that simplify and improve life. In an exclusive with the Post, we bring you just a few examples of what’s available in this alternative reality. A thermometer that stays under the tongue. As…
There was a small misunderstanding a few weeks ago between me and my laptop. Part of it, I admit, was my fault. I somehow misread the message “AOL 9.5 Connected, Signed-On” as “Please spill hot Darjeeling all over the keyboard.” Anyway, my computer got into a snit, one thing led to another, and then it…
There are the “haves” and the “have nots” in this world, and since I have migraines, I am inevitably going to inspire jealousy in some, however discreet and gracious I am about my elite status. Look, I understand; everyone wants in. It’s human nature. Friends who are not members of this exclusive club try to…
Eleven years ago, I hesitated when given the option of accompanying my son Reuben at the piano for his first violin performance. My part would be fairly simple, but I was rusty on the keys; additionally, I’d always struggled with stage fright. But walking away from such a joyous opportunity didn’t feel right, either. I…
Keep it simple. Let it begin with me. Progress, not perfection. Love, learn and grow. Now these are mottoes that make for a better life. But not every catch phrase inspires. Some make me wince, others crack me up, and lots leave me scratching my head. Teach Tolerance. So gays and members of other minority…
For many of us, finding the ideal dog is a complicated undertaking. How active? Good with children? Good watch dog? Professionally bred, or rescued from a shelter? But there are other, less tangible aspects of the selection process that, while equally important, are rarely discussed. Here are some tips that will enable you to make…
By phone, drug stores are amazing. You can ask to talk to a pharmacist at nearly any hour and get quick, accurate information without going through a doctor—even if you didn’t purchase your prescription there. But trekking to the pharmacy in person? Yikes. Why can’t I leave my prescription and come back later? Instead of…
It’s not easy being a writer. For one thing, the mantle feels daunting (am I well-read enough? imaginative enough?). Then there’s the fear of facing a blank page–manageable for me only because on most days, my impulse to describe and convince is stronger than my intimidation, and besides, when writing is going well, it’s a…
Want to raise eyebrows? Try telling people you sunbathe. What with fear of skin cancer, the compromised ozone layer, and the premature wrinkling caused by too much exposure, sunbathing has fallen so far out of favor in the last few decades that you might as well admit you chain-smoke unfiltered Camels. I’m naturally pale, like…
We got another rude awakening lately about the lethal mix of cars and cell phones. Apparently, even the use of hands-free devices significantly compromises safety on the road, perhaps by falsely reassuring drivers that they’re not distracted. Talking on the phone while behind the wheel is roughly equivalent to a 0.08 percent blood alcohol level…