Because she envied her life, the witch gave the red apple to Snow White who fell asleep as if dead until the handsome prince woke her with a kiss The handsome prince woke her his soft lips on hers and her flesh met his with a spark like fire, like light, like life…

My son Anthony Sterling Rodgers, who I called “Lali,” died in my arms on the night of January 11, 2005. He was exactly six months old. In terms of his eyes, they were blue. I have never felt such fierce love as I did for Lali. …

And other myths the patriarchy promotes among us like failing the Bechdel Test is normal, men and women can’t be friends, and men can’t open up to each other either. — I’ve been very happy with the new friends I’ve made since moving to Florida. I’m glad I’ve kept touch with my friends back in California, too. I know I’ve been lucky in that I’ve never experienced the kind of betrayal some of my friends have: a close girlfriend cheating with…

Constant controversy, fears of AI taking over the world, and toxic online discourse feels terrible, but underneath it all, are the invisible daily positive effects benefiting everyone? — Like millions of others, news of constant war and conflict is traumatic to me. Those of us who’ve survived violence have trouble hearing or seeing others suffer. …

There is: the Human Race. But a significant number of people don’t see it that way: structural, overt racism persists. — I know what gender bias is. I’m a woman. I know what racism is, too. And it seems almost impossible to believe, but in 2023, a U.S. …

Misguided right-wing advocacy isn’t helping law enforcement or anyone else — In 1980, I was driving to the house of my boyfriend’s parents in San Diego County when I was pulled over by a man later convicted of cold-blooded murder of a beautiful young woman, Cara Knott: CHP Killer Craig Peyer. I hadn’t been speeding: my cheap VW Rabbit wasn’t capable…

Fires, mudslides, earthquakes, Hollywood (usually out of town), half a million homeless, train thefts, extreme cosmetic surgery, and billionaires … what is not to love about California? — “Jeez,” I said to Bruce — did you see the videos of the fire under the 10 Freeway? He hadn’t. Last night, a massive 200-yard by 200-yard fire incinerated everything located under Interstate 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. …

Some people believe they can conquer death — an age-old quest similar to Ponce de Leon’s search for the Fountain of Youth — Bruce wants to live a long time. How long? He says at least 300. Somehow I’m not picturing him ending up like this article’s illustration: Superman Santa. I’m not of the same inclination. I think at a certain point, normal humans and other living creatures just get tired. Even Diego…

Hard times, tragedy, violence, war, brutality, humanity, and resilience — I hear voices. I’m willing to bet that you do, too. The morning before Bruce’s spine surgery, I woke to a gentle male voice speaking softly yet firmly. He said, “All will be well.” That was eight weeks ago. Although Bruce feared he wouldn’t survive his four-and-a-half hour spine surgery…