Although I myself don't go to church or synagogue, I do, whether it's superstition or whatever, pray every time I get on a plane. I just automatically do it. I say the same thing every time.

The feeling is that Fidel Castro's much bigger than he actually is.

If it's a woman, it's caustic; if it's a man, it's authoritative.

Homogeneity is much to be admired - in milk, for instance - but not for parties.

Wait for those unguarded moments. Relax the mood and, like the child dropping off to sleep, the subject often reveals his truest self.

I happen to disagree with the well-entrenched theory that the art of conversation is merely the art of being a good listener. Such advice invites people to be cynical with one another and full of fake; when a conversation becomes a monologue, poked along with tiny cattle-prod questions, it isn't a conversation any more.

Deep breaths are very helpful at shallow parties.