It would be easy to descend into despair, not only about the state of journalism, but the future of American democracy. But giving up is not an option. There is too much at stake.

At no time in history have we succeeded in making, in a timely fashion, a specific vaccine for more than 260 million people.

All too many journalists seem to mistake scandal mongering for tenacious investigation, and far too many aspire to make themselves the story.

God respects me when I work but loves me when I sing.

Gentility is what is left over from rich ancestors after the money is gone.

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.

I drive a hybrid, and we've changed our light bulbs and windows and installed solar panels and geothermal ground source heat pumps and most everything else.

I have become that mother I used to dread.

David Brin is a technological determinist. He thinks that we understand the trend and we need to hop on it. I don't have any such illusions.

No, she did not have a history of twins, and we had discussed all of this before she got pregnant. What if all three, what if two eggs, what if one - you discuss every scenario.

I am moved more by melodies, song structure, and evocative textures.

Without translation, I would be limited to the borders of my own country. The translator is my most important ally. He introduces me to the world.

I have a friend whose theory is that you're from wherever you went to high school. I think that's mostly true.