Everybody needs a good editor. You know, someone who lets us know when an idea’s not quite ready or goes on too long or could be more succinct? Well, Taylor Swift is testing the idea.

The new film Zone of Interest raises wrenching questions about what we would have done to stop what was happening if we were living in Nazi Germany. In this piece (originally written in August 2023) I try to wrestle with how we answer questions like that.

“Cowboy Carter” is raising tough questions about what country music is — and whether Black women can sing it.

Plants close. Relationships end. Jobs disappear. Change sucks. How do we get better at it?

A further look at why, when some things are going well in the US, so many people feel so negative about so many things. It’s not just our negativity bias.

Don’t buy the hype; there was plenty to be happy about in 2023 — if you look for it.

What kind of grownup did Cindy Lou Who turn out to be? This question and more answered in 5 new Christmas songs…

It’s hard to squeegee an original song into the traditional Christmas play list. Here are five worth listening to.

You won’t hear Rudolph’s reaction to the rhino-shaming he endured on the standard version of the song, but you will if you read this post. Treat yourself to that and 9 other fun or moving versions of Christmas favorites.

Some ideas to make your “spirit month” more uplifting.

You don’t have to be a professional photographer to see beauty. But you do have to look up from your phone.

Civility begins with valuing other people as people. And if we want more of it, that starts with us.