Columnists

Thursday February 9, 2012 Life is complicated. Short Answers isn't. WHEN YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT ... STAY OUT OF IT Dear Short Answers: My husband can't talk about politics without losing his temper. Sometimes even with friends it can be embarrassing when he just flies into a rage.   Full Story

Wednesday February 8, 2012 Many years ago, a friend explained something to me that I had never considered before, but which struck me as obviously true as soon as I heard it: "Secretly, we all want to be Batman." And indeed, I think every man in America -- and some women -- have fantasized about being Batman.   Full Story

Monday February 6, 2012 The Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Faculty Association is disappointed and confused by the Board of Trustee's vote to arm campus police officers against the will of the vast majority of faculty and a significant majority of students. Many faculty have worked hard to cultivate a relationship of respect, shared-decision-making, and cooperation with the   Full Story

(Tennessee SB 49) 'Twas April, in a state called Tennessee When proudly rose one man upon the hill. "Don't mention homosexuality in schools," he said. "And thus I bring this bill." One Stacey Campfield gave this stirring speech, Eliminating gayness just like that. "A subject we don't mention and don't teach, Will likely disappear in no time flat.   Full Story

I was in junior high school when the first Super Bowl was played. (Quick, do the math! She's how old?) I can't tell you what teams played or what the score was. All I know is that my church youth group meeting was canceled so all the boys and the male adviser could watch it. That was an omen of things to come, for Super Bowl Sunday has almost become a national holiday.   Full Story

Last week proved that political news can provide the same satisfaction as any so-called weird news round-up. This comes thanks to Newt Gingrich with his plans for a moonbase, an announcement that makes him the most appealing Republican candidate ever for those of us with a love of the absurd. It was pointed out on BBC World News by no less an authority than Neil DeGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist   Full Story

Life is complicated. Short Answers isn't. HE'S THERE, YOU'RE NOT Dear Short Answers: My brother is visiting my parents. My Dad has Alzheimer's and my Mom is working very hard to take care of him. She is 84, he is 89. My Mom called me and she was sad and hurt because she had offered to put some of his clothes in the washing machine for my brother.   Full Story

Tuesday January 31, 2012 I know that I shouldn't become too attached to this mild weather, but I can't help but feel spring is just around the corner. Since moving into my new home, I have been itching to throw some new material in my flower beds and found myself inching near my laptop to scour the web for some blueprints.   Full Story

Monday January 30, 2012 Early every morning, I can be found at a local fitness center working on the various machines that purport to help one get in better physical condition. I don't know if that's possible at my age, but it can't hurt, and maybe I can retain some of the flexibility that I still have.   Full Story