Weddings seem to be magnets for mishap and for whatever craziness lurks in family closets. In more ways than one, weddings bring out the ding-dong on everybody involved.

My secret agenda is to convey my values to my kids.

Remember, most of us got something for nothing the first time just by showing up here at birth. Now we have to qualify.

Children are sent to school to be civilized, to learn to be part of the social enterprise.

This is an exercise in power - the power of mind over matter. If you don't mind being inadequate, it doesn't matter.

When my neighbor walks the dogs, he performs a ritual act of sacer simplicitas, to use the church Latin: "sacred simplicity." Walking the dog is in truth a ritual of renewal and revival on an intimate scale - a small rebirth of well-being on a daily basis.

Almost anything can be dealt with if people are of good will and light hearts and strong values.