My parents are 95 and 91, and we never had “the talk.” Well, we did have a talk once — the other talk . . . more

Terrorism once again brought the world to its knees when gunmen stormed the offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris. The assault was the manifestation of a culture clash . . . more

The saying “Everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it” has been attributed to Mark Twain. You can add to that thought that everybody talks about public education but nobody does anything about it. more

As Januarys go, this one is epic. Even as we mount defenses against the brutal cold, a second assault threatens. A virulent and unexpected flu bug . . . more

The newly empowered Republicans have arrived on Capitol Hill prepared to go to work as the majority party in Congress. They have no idea what they’re in for. more

Mario Cuomo’s speech to the Democratic National Convention in 1984 was the first speech that ever truly inspired me. I had just graduated from Boston College that May . . . more

The holidays really are most enjoyable at home. Having lived in Japan for one year, it’s wonderful to be back in the Christmas spirit in New York. Nothing better than snuggling up to read a nice book with cocoa on a cold night. Traveling and living abroad has truly given me a much great appreciation of home. more

When you went to your grandson’s Christmas pageant two weeks ago, did you actually see his performance, or were you too busy recording it for posterity on your iPhone? more

I couldn’t have been the only one who loved Nassau County’s ill-fated school-zone speed cameras. more

If we wait for peace to break out, we won’t ever leave home. As we stand on the threshold of a new year . . . more