In a world gone mad, here they go again — You are forgiven for thinking, “What is the big deal with ABBA? Weren’t they just some fluffy, fly-by-night, Scandinavian pop music confection imported in the 1970s for a couple minutes?” They are painfully uncool compared with musicians who defy authority or are outspoken, political, brooding, or in any way controversial…

Never say never — Recently I told the story of learning at age 47 that I have a sister (“A Hidden Letter Brought Me A Secret Sister”). She is the product of an affair my dad had when I was a baby. Until then neither my brothers nor I had any idea she existed. …

Even long-forgotten dreams can come true — Most days, we wake up in the morning innocently expecting a replay of the uneventful day before, unaware, when an exceptional day comes, that this is the day the gods will throw a zinger at us, after which life will never be the same. …

What would MLK say? — Among the debates raging in response to widespread riots after the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police is whether rioters are protesters justified in their actions or thugs harming communities and negating progress made by peaceful protest. …

Pondering another life — You know those “what if” thoughts, wondering how life might have turned out had you: taken that job, stayed with that partner, pursued that degree? Everyone has those. Life brings forks in the road, each path leading to a new reality. …

Learning the hard way in the locker room Not to stir up trouble, but do we understand what we are doing when we send gay students into locker rooms filled with naked people of the same gender? Normally, erections don’t present a problem. When discretion is warranted we boys can…

Not long ago I found a jury summons waiting for me in the mailbox. My face lit up when I realized what it was. Unlike seemingly everyone, I adore jury duty. …

Aunt Clare and cousin Sara came to visit in the fall of 1977 when I was nine years old. I was bubbling with excitement in the days leading up to their arrival. Clare was my favorite aunt, and Sara a treasured cousin. Sara, close to me in age, was hip…