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The Zing of Feeling Enmity Polarization Has Emotional Roots I did not want to be in a support staff position. I wanted to be in operations and run the show, even if it was a small show. I did, eventually. … Read More

The comfort of pillows My four-year-old grandchild was too sick for daycare today but not sick enough to be down and out. She had a bad cold and a slight fever. The last time she had a bad cold, I … Read More

Being in love with the idea of love · When I was a senior in college and confused, I asked a lot of different people, older than me, almost like a research project, why they married their spouses. The answers … Read More

Partnerships between women 100 years ago Boston marriage refers to a long-time partnership between single women, often during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The term originated with Henry James’ novel The Bostonians, depicting a long-term relationship between two … Read More

Whitman’s, Russell Stover, a nostalgic box with a map The stores filled up with Valentine’s goodies the day after New Year’s. I glided past the displayed heart-shaped boxes that have more cost in the boxes — red satin, ribbons, fake … Read More

Two 70s proto-feminist movies that show the myths Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore is now streaming. I had never seen the film that made a small splash at the time. I couldn’t believe it was honoring the heroine for leaving … Read More

Partnerships can be more egalitarian The recent pictures on a friend’s Facebook post include a grandchild, and the year before a big wedding, grinning bride and groom, and a big wedding party. Edie, the mom/grandmom who is my friend, was … Read More

Tales from New York City in the 70s It was Studio 54’s heyday, and I wanted to go. The neighborhood Democratic Party sold tickets as a fundraiser that gave the holder entrance to Studio 54. Standing in line was a … Read More

The Big Freeze, Shut-In, The Cold Creeps In Most of the United States is in a deep freeze right now. I retired from Minnesota to Oregon precisely because I didn’t want to deal with snow and ice, but this week … Read More

Mary Beard is Britain’s “most beloved intellectual” CottonBro on Pexels The auditorium was packed to hear a classicist with a sense of humor. Mary Beard’s latest book was published recently. She was reviewed in The New York Times. She also … Read More