A Better Woody Allen

One afternoon, my son Reuben climbed into the car after a day at the Crowden School in Berkeley, where he was an eighth-grader. “Mom, guess what?  I got the lead part in the play!” “Wow, good for you!  What play?”  I headed south on Sacramento Street, actually kind of proud of myself for not knowing…

A Different Silver Spoon

An October 19th New York Times essay entitled “When Parents Are Too Toxic to Tolerate” addresses the issue of adults dealing with parents who aren’t merely demanding or neurotic, but truly emotionally abusive.  Sometimes, contends author Dr. Richard A. Friedman, the solution is to cease contact. I’m always grateful for articles that question our society’s…

Five Underrated Things

I don’t want to be known only as that cranky person who spends her writing life finding fault.  So here are a few things I think we don’t celebrate enough. The autumn.   Truly underrated; the best time of year by far.  There’s something about the angle of the sun that makes the ordinary look magical. …

Untapped Markets

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…

On Appliances and Alienation

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…

Migraines Aren’t All Roses

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…

Odd Catch Phrases

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…