Word: gracefully
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...late Alice Trillin wrote some brilliant essays on being a cancer patient, and I found her theory of "the good student" especially helpful. When you are not doing well at cancer--barfing and getting bad blood tests and generally not sailing through the whole thing with grace and panache--you have a tendency to think, Help, I'm flunking cancer, as though it were your fault. Your doctor also tends to look at you as though he is disappointed. Especially if you start...
...also the aggression of our current patriotism, epitomized by the claim that alone among nations, the U.S. was entitled to make a political statement during the opening ceremony of the Olympics by displaying a flag from ground zero. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, the courage and grace of ordinary Americans inspired millions around the world. But anyone who has traveled in the last month or who follows the foreign press knows that the store of international goodwill is fast being depleted--in part because we seem to think that others should recognize that our wounds, our needs...
...this is: So what? It was America that was violated, and if America can heal itself only by wallowing in patriotism, what business is it of others? Yet to identify, trace and arrest terrorists, the U.S. needs the support of allies. That help will not come with good grace if Americans demand it as a matter of right. As someone once said, "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us. If we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll respect...
...often says things like this to shock strangers. The truth is, no one looks like Ali. Smith is arguably the most likable movie star on the planet, but not even he possesses Ali's singular DNA pattern of beauty, grace and bravado. To make a movie about Ali - perhaps the most idolized, vilified and complex public figure of the 20th century - has been a high-wire act of both hubris and dedication. "For an African American, Muhammad Ali is the biggest role you could have. Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela - with any of those roles comes a responsibility...
...country than of character: of the will to do better, push through pain, leave the fear at the top of the mountain in pursuit of speed, come to the ice like a soldier in sequins; to defy the laws of physics and nature, bury the effort under the grace. That's what makes it fun to watch and useful as well. Games have always been a handy mirror for every challenge we face, every test we take. But we may be especially grateful for the chance to stop and watch this spectacle on ice and snow. The last time...