Washington's answer to a self-inflicted financial crisis reminded Americans why they so deeply distrust the political class. The 'fiscal cliff' process was secretive and sloppy, and the nation's so-called leadership lacked the political courage to address our root problems: joblessness and debt.

And if, by the end [of this book], you reckon you might still disagree with me, then I offer you this: you'll still be wrong, but you'll be wrong with a lot more panache and flair than you could possibly manage right now.

Ben Goldacre

The biggest thrill a ballplayer can have is when your son takes after you. That happened when my Bobby was in his championship Little League game. He really showed me something. Struck out three times. Made an error that lost the game. Parents were throwing things at our car and swearing at us as we drove off. Gosh, I was proud.

Bob Uecker

When feeling came back, in a storm of color and force and sensation, the most you could do was hold on to the person beside you and hope you could weather it. Alex closed her eyes and expected the worst-but it wasn't a bad thing; it was just a different thing. A messier one, more complicated one. She hesitated, and then she kissed Patrick back, willing to concede that you might have to lose control before you could find what you'd been missing.

Jodi Picoult

We have a limit, a very discouraging, humiliating limit: death.

Umberto Eco

I'm more married to Sandy now than when we were married with the legal document. We're still married as parents.

Bobby Darin

Journalism is not a precise science, it's a crude art

Dan Rather

The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows whither he is going.

David Starr Jordan

Whether you call it Buddhism or another religion, self-discipline, that's important. Self-discipline with awareness of consequences.

Dalai Lama

And I'm ill with the thought of your kiss, coffee-laced intoxicating on her lips... shut it out, I've got no claim on you now, I'm not allowed to wear you freedom down

A Fine Frenzy

The only freedom supposed to be left to the masses is that of grazing on the ration of simulacra the system distributes to each individual.

Michel De Certeau

People's real hopes and dreams can be distorted and misdirected and packaged until you're not sure what you really want or what you even really need.

Tracy Chapman

The freedom fighters of Nicaragua ... are the moral equal of our Founding Fathers and the brave men and women of the French Resistance.

Ronald Reagan