In 1991, when I purchased my first home at age 40, I took the conservative route of investment imbedded in my rational conservative upbringing. ...more

February 25, 2009

Stashed in a drawer in his Manhattan apartment between snapshots of family vacations, a photograph shows Richard C. Holbrooke on a private visit to Afghanistan in 2006. He is mugging atop an abandoned Russian tank, flashing a sardonic V-for-victory sign and his best Nixon-style grin. The pose is a little like Holbrooke himself: looming, theatrical, passionate, indignant. ...more

February 16, 2009

"The Leisure Seeker," by Michael Zadoorian (William Morrow. $25) ...more

February 1, 2009

Weeki Wachee Springs Will Be Better Than Ever On Nov. 1, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection became the proud new owner of Weeki Wachee Springs, joining the other 160 parks in the State Park Service. The date was agreed upon as a result of the Feb. 18 signing at a price of just a couple of "fins!" ...more

December 3, 2008

What had earned me his recognition, his admiration, his uncharacteristic gesture of approval? Had I hung up on a telemarketer? Complained to a company about unsatisfactory service? Finally gotten angry and expressed my feelings at the time I felt them? All these would have been unusual for me. ...more

October 22, 2008

Megan Bertoni, 10, has enjoyed writing since the third grade. She showcased her talents Thursday as an author of the month at Oakstead Elementary School. ...more

September 28, 2008

Among the wonderful aspects of our democratic republic is that we can make choices and then elect representatives to implement our choices. I am now thinking of two choices. Both choices provide for food, clothing, shelter, medical attention, education, etc. Choice No. 1: All fathers work 32 hours per week. (This is possible because of automation and other advanced technology.) The mothers stay home and take care of the children until the youngest is perhaps 12 years of age. There is adequate money to meet all expenses, provide for family vacations and save money for the children's college education. The family is permitted to keep nearly all of their earnings. ...more

December 7, 2007

The plan came together quickly, over the course of about a month. Heidi Shimberg, who is leading the effort to raise money for a new Children's Museum, asked Bryan Glazer whether his family might be willing to make a significant donation. ...more

October 16, 2007