When I write a novel, I have what I think of as an icon that helps get me into the world of the book.

The future is built on brains, not prom court, as most people can tell you after attending their high school reunion. But you'd never know it by talking to kids or listening to the messages they get from the culture and even from their schools.

Socialized medicine, some still cry, but it's long been socialized, with those covered paying for those who are underinsured. American medicine is simply socialized badly, penny wise and pound foolish.

high fashion has little to do with what women wear and a lot to do with what retailers mark down later.

I think the very best thing about the internet is that I can read all the London papers every day if I want to.

an the president bring out the voters who were so enthusiastic about him in 2008 and seem a little disenchanted now? Can he bring out young people? Can he bring out Latinos? Can he bring out those white suburban moms?

I think that we really fool ourselves about our ability to be safe and secure nowadays.