It is a test. Not as functional as potty training or as complex as matching shapes and colors but a test just the same. And so you sit doubled over in a position that defies bones with smudgy fingers working carefully face screwed with concentration and an occasional, focused and exasperated huff. The blue cannot...

In the summer of 1995, I was standing back stage on board the cruise ship Legend of the Seas. It was my first week as Production Manager and the guest star for this cruise was about to go on stage. The phone rang and with less than five minutes to curtain, I was inclined to...