ArcaMax

An old adage in writing says we should show, not tell. Details help reveal the fabric of a person, lending specific flavor to a story. For instance, it's tough to visualize "impulsive." It's easier to conceive of your idiot ex-boyfriend Tom taking a selfie at the narrowest bluff of Angel's Landing in Zion before slipping enough to scare him ...Read more

Discourse suggests that artificial intelligence is stealing both our souls and our writerly tics. Sleuths have begun to posit that the humble em dash -- the elongated hyphens surrounding this clause -- is a tell that a piece of prose has been written by AI.

This likely carries some truth because, well, AI steals from writers in order to write...Read more

One year ago, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a path toward restitution for boys who endured unspeakable torture. For decades, these boys were beaten and raped, spirits and bodies broken at the state's notorious reform schools. Others were murdered on taxpayer dimes, their remains buried beneath shrouds of soil and reduced to ghastly...Read more

Wow, thanks for ordering me. You're going to love... wait.

No, no, no, hold on, please don't peel me off and throw me in the bottom of the Wendy's sack with the bag fries. I promise, I am delicious. I am juicy and sweet, the perfect acidic complement to cut through your sizzled ground beef and melty American cheese. We'll make a beautiful ...Read more

Last week, I got a text:

Are you free tomorrow? Come to my house for dinner, and I will make your favorite seafood pasta.

I noticed this text languishing among 24 other unread texts (literally) and thought, who could this be? Who is inviting me over for dinner? And should I go? Maybe it will be fun! I DO like seafood pasta. In fact, I ...Read more

Hi, woman here.

Sorry to step out of line, but the men need help. It has been brought to the attention of the Federation of Acting Female Operatives (FAFO) that a quarrel is underway between two of the most powerful men in the nation.

President Donald Trump and his special friend Elon Musk are navigating a conscious uncoupling, spreading ...Read more

My family came to visit me in Florida recently. Their sole request was to patronize a Tijuana Flats since they don't have one at home in Ohio. No problem! I can put down some tacos and am an enthusiastic T-Flats connoisseur. In fact, the chain is home to my favorite sugary-garlicky-spicy sauce, an all-purpose accoutrement I keep in my fridge. ...Read more

You do not want to lose the wrestling fans, OK? Few folks are so passionately clear-eyed about their heroes and foes. Today's wrestling supporters love to marinate in juicy narratives, foretell plot twists with the acuity of Columbo and sniff out bull from miles away. We all need wrestling fans on our proverbial teams.

And yet, when Florida ...Read more

Storm riders, it's time to begin all rituals that induce good fortune. Knock on wood, harness the energy of the moon and wear the same socks each time a red cyclone appears on a radar.

Those of us in the crosshairs of hurricanes pray to be spared every year, of course. But in 2025, hurricane season takes on a decisive aura of finger-crossing....Read more

I say this as the biggest procrastinator in the world, a habitual April 14 taxpayer, someone who thinks 10 minutes late is actually on time: Why don't some of you have your Real IDs yet? Rather, how?

Again, I say this with love and Type B fascination. I say this as someone who once looked down at her license in the Boston airport and said, "...Read more

In my free time, I've been exclusively watching medical shows and making doctor's appointments. No, this is a blast, I swear.

Have you seen "The Pitt"? Best thing on TV right now. "Dying for Sex"? Heartfelt and hilarious. Are you also mired in a cursed rewatch of Season 6 of "Grey's Anatomy"? I'm so sorry, and we will get through this ...Read more

Hey, you look a little listless, wan from the drudgeries of dry land. With temperatures heating up and school sprinting to a close, maybe you're contemplating travel. A cruise?

Picture it: Sunshine, SPF, tropical bevvies, over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications, conga lines...

Hmm? Well, my favorite would have to be a classic pina colada....Read more