Solving for the Intrinsic Value of Art

Solving for the Intrinsic Value of Art

This week, as I sat down to dinner, a guy told me that he saw “no intrinsic value” in art. Stunned into silence, I listened to him explain, in his uber-scientific way, how once someone derives a brief moment of pleasure from looking at a painting, it...
The Unbearable Lightness of Being Alone

The Unbearable Lightness of Being Alone

What is it about summer that makes all of my friends decide to become pet owners? The reasons vary, from loneliness to boredom, but one friend told me that she was adopting a kitten because she needed a “guard cat” now that all of her neighbors were moving...

Where I Come from, We Call that a Coup

Why have all of my appliances allied against me? Some of you may be wondering why there’s been no posting for so long. I would like to say that life just got so terribly exciting that I didn’t have time to write–that I was in some exotic locale,...
Is There a Doctor in the House?

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Once upon a time, there was a girl who was fearless. Her mother used to have to hog-tie her to go to the doctor, because she never thought there was anything wrong with her. This girl wasn’t afraid of dirt or germs. She worked on an archaeological field crew....
For My Next Birthday, Just Get Me Kleenex

For My Next Birthday, Just Get Me Kleenex

It was just like Kafka’s “Metamorphosis.” Only instead of waking up to discover I’d turned into a giant insect, I discovered I’d turned into a crier. I was never one of those people who cried during movies. My eyes didn’t tear up at...
Golf Cart Karma

Golf Cart Karma

Today I was nearly run over by a golf cart–a big red one that said “Roll Tide.” I suppose I had it coming. I walked out the front doors of the library, took one step, and the super-sized cart breezed past me, not even swerving to miss me. This is...