As April 23 is William Shakespeare’s birth and death date, being alert to language adaptations inspired by the coronavirus seems appropriate. One group of new words pertain to how the illness has changed our daily lives. A second are words the President has ascribed with new meaning

During this pandemic, I keep reflecting on the opening lines of Charles Dicken’s A Tale of Two Cities: It was the best of times and the worst of times.  The words suggest that fate has a fickle side.  For example, thieves might be happy that wearing a mask in public is acceptable.

Twice each day while I was quarantined because a neighbor was awaiting coronavirus test results, a nurse came to my apartment to take my temperature. One morning, I forgot to put in my hearing aids, so I didn’t respond to her knock until she pounded on the door like a lumberjack. Wh

Keeping up relationships is a challenge during the current coronavirus pandemic. At my retirement center, the residents on the 13th floor open their apartment doors during the dinner hour to join each other in a round of “God Bless America.” Another man uses Zoom, an online video

Confronted by an avalanche, the best a person can do is run like hell. The current pandemic feels like it may bury us but instead of running, we are advised to shelter in place. So, today I’ve decided to spend time reflecting upon some curious aspects of human society.  No small ta

Despite the disruption of the coronavirus, life struggles on.  It’s been a few months since I announced I would begin my search for an agent to represent my memoir.  I have nothing good to report and have had 5 rejections.  I expect many more. I’m not discouraged.  As I learne

Having lived through the Asian flu epidemic in the late 1950s, I’m pretty sure the coronavirus will eventually wend its way out of our system. For one thing, science knows a good deal more about how to mount a viral defense than in those earlier days. A vaccine may arrive sooner rat

With everyone’s eyes glued to statistics about the coronavirus, our attention to other upheavals falls by the wayside.  Three prominent men accused of sexual crimes against women are facing the consequences. Woody Allen lost his book deal. Prince Andrew faces a criminal investigati

Here’s what I’d like to know: after the impeachment trial, why did Donald Trump’s favorability numbers rise in opinion polls? The uptick occurred not only among Republicans but also among independent voters. I find that last bit of information, worrying, and I’m not alone.  O