At your fingertips
Most people I speak with — regardless of their age — tell me they prefer reading a real newspaper (on paper) rather than a virtual one on a computer screen.They like the “old-fashioned” tactile experience, where they can turn the pages, skim the headlines, choose which ads to read, clip articles of interest, and generally feel like they have accomplished something... READ MORE
Imperfect harmony
You know how it is that sometimes something very ordinary strikes you as meaningful in a new way?For example, I attend Sabbath services every week at a synagogue near my home. There are a number of places in the service where everyone is expected to sing along or sing in response.Normally, at these times, I hear mostly my own voice in my head. But if I stop singing and listen for a moment,... READ MORE
With appreciation
Each year, I look forward to fall, knowing that our annual 50+Expos can’t be far behind. I so relish the opportunity to see hundreds, even thousands, of our readers in person, and to speak with many of you, as I did last month at our Maryland and Virginia events.There is nothing so heartwarming to a journalist as to meet readers and hear accolades and appreciation for our work, as... READ MORE
Common (lack of) sense
An item from the “be careful what you wish for” department: I was having a problem coming up with a topic for this month’s column. I was praying for some inspiration.Then I glanced at the day’s news in the paper, and oh, was I sorry! While it provided a nearly instant topic, it also made my blood boil, not once, but three times.Here, in a nutshell, are the first... READ MORE
Facing an empty nest
Our two children, Jeremy and Tova, are once again off to school. For the past 15 years, my wife, Judy, and I have rather looked forward to the fall, when we could send our kids back to school for most of the day after a busy summer spent juggling their schedules and ours.Things started to change when Jeremy graduated from high school three years ago. That fall he left the country to spend... READ MORE
Intractable problems
Why do so many of the social issues we currently face appear to be intractable?I think one of the reasons is that many problems in our society are treated as having a very limited range of solutions — as being black and white, leaning left or right, offering a choice of yes or no, take it or leave it. A few issues may really present such a stark choice, at least sometimes. But... READ MORE
Whatâs private anymore?
The recent revelations that our government collects telephone records and intercepts Internet communications have led to a great hue and cry throughout the world.I don’t deny the revelations are shocking. But what’s shocking to me is that the programs have been revealed, not that they are taking place.I am also shocked by how surprised so many people seem to be that privacy and... READ MORE
Who will win this lottery?
Recently, a friend brought to my attention a relatively minor change being proposed to current immigration law that could have a significant impact on the daily lives of older Americans and their families. As I write, the Senate is marking up new legislation that would, among other things, eliminate the annual green card (or “diversity”) lottery that allows into the U.S. up to 55,000 ... READ MORE
Anonymously yours
The scariest thing about sitting down to write a column, especially in the Internet age, is that you risk putting your ignorance on display to the entire world, forever.It used to be if you made an error or there was an “editing mistake,” you might get a comment or two, perhaps a letter. You could then issue a retraction or correction (“sorry I misspoke”) and pretty... READ MORE
Driven by technology
Your broke your glasses (or your foot)? You had surgery recently? Your car’s in the shop?Getting from here to there — to the doctor’s office, to the grocery store, to a concert, to the hospital — can become a problem for all of us at one time or another.The solution? Call a cab. Call a friend. Take the bus. We can usually work around it for awhile.But getting around... READ MORE
