I first interviewed Fidel Castro 39 years ago. He was charming and fiercely guarded about his private life. He called our interviews 'fiery debates.' During our times together, he made clear to me that he was an absolute dictator and that he was a staunch opponent of democracy.

Being a parent is tough. If you just want a wonderful little creature to love, you can get a puppy

Celebrities used to be found in clusters, like oysters - and with much the same defensive mechanisms.

Most of us have trouble juggling. The woman who says she doesn't is someone whom I admire but have never met.

The news media in general are liberal. If you want to be a reporter, you are going to see poverty and misery, and you have to be involved in the human condition.

Most old people ... are disheartened to be living in the ailing house of their bodies, to be limited physically and economically, to feel an encumbrance to others - guests who didn't have the good manners to leave when the party was over.

I don't know about you, but I can never get enough David Letterman.