A friend used to sing "potholes and strife" or "frost heaves and strife," to the threebrain "gonads and strife" tune, when the highways were particularly, er, inspiring.

Oh, I hear that. In my FIL's case, he would rather sit through inevitable hours of highway gridlock during the holidays and rush hour than get on that train for a nice, warm, 45-minute trip. But I can definitely see where driving made more sense for you.

I can only imagine. I've never been to Japan, but everyone I know who is from or has lived there shares a similar perspective. I don't happen to enjoy driving, so the prospect of solid train service within and linking cities makes me all the more/overly enthusiastic.

Yes, please. That would be amazing.

I know this happens, but every time I hear about it my brain rebels.

Oh lawd.

Spot on and well said.

Can't second this hard enough. She is unbelievable.

Sharon Jones is magnificent. I was lucky to see her perform for free on a street stage in Philadelphia and I was blown away by the absolute force of her voice, her presence, her spirit. Blown up up up and away. She is glorious. Sending all the love her way.

Same here. Though the best one was an actual pajama party - after a stressful presentation was over we broke out the fleece, Netflix, wine, and carry-out. Next best thing to Xanaxing out on the plane home.

I admit that I adore a hemline just below the knee. Invokes vintage elegance, elongates legs more than cutting right at or above the knee, and makes for a curvier or more lithe silhouette, depending on the person's body type. Love.

Thank you.