Frank Sinatra was the voice of the 20th-century American city.

Human beings want to know too much abut each other, and that's why there are so many lies.

The culture of drink endures because it offers so many rewards: confidence for the shy, clarity for the uncertain, solace to the wounded and lonely, and above all, the elusive promises of friendship and love.

Say what you will about him Ed Koch is still the best show in town.

It's odd being an American now. Most of us are peaceful, but here we are again, in our fifth major war of this century.

Writing is the hardest work in the world not involving heavy lifting.

The library is a place where most of the things I came to value as an adult had their beginnings.