
Bumps in the dream
The author grew up dreaming of America as the Promised Land she'd eventually get to. She still will, but the promise isn't the same.

A tax “break”
The IRS has changed the FBAR filing date to April 15,while adding an automatic six-month extension.

The vengeful
After World War II, collaborators were humiliated or executed. Some of that mood has slipped forward into Washington.

The perils of perfect attendance
Giving school-aged students perks if they don't miss a class sends the wrong message to those who can't comply.

America first — at what cost?
Donald Trump's door-slamming nationalism is likely to provoke hardcore global repercussions, some of which the U.S. may not find particularly enjoyable.

To Myanmar
A trip to Myanmar, finally open to the travel-hungry West, gently reveals some truths about life's priorities.

Broken Commonwealth
Commonwealth nations in Africa, Asia and the Americas won't relinquish Victorian-era sexual mores.

Again and again
Pakistan, a country often pilloried by the West, affords one author with an oasis of energy.

Zadie and swing
Zadie Smith conjures up a fictional memory lane that features two mixed race girls and their often-fractured lives.

Friends 4ever
Girlfriends can be a woman's best friends — until a man spikes the punch.

Chocolates and scotch
New Year's resolutions can be hard to remember, let alone keep, but this year looks promising.