“It isn’t easy to revisit one of the lowlights of my academic career. Yet, hope springs eternal. A few weeks ago, I dug out my old copy of Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd, ancient annotations and all. This time, I would finish.”

Hardy revisited, Ralph Towner memories, The Bottom Line, Frankly Music, Jeremy Denk.

“I know that many of your colleagues at Apple are really pumped about the new “Liquid Glass” look and the way the day and time looms on my homescreen photo like a doomsday clock. But, really, I’m good.”

Updates? Ball of Fire, The Residence, Isiah Whitlock, Jr., Scarlatti.

“…stadiums are playing the Las Vegas game, piling up amenities and ramping up the “fan experience.” Forget your hot dogs and cheap beer. At SoFi Stadium suites offer craft cocktails, sushi and roast beef sliders carved tableside.”

What’s in a List, Critic’s Choices, Cheap Seats?, Tom Stoppard, Favorite Poems.

“The holidays are upon us, which means—if you’re paying attention to our Amazon Overlords—the winter hills will soon be overtaken by octogenarians gliding o’er the snow. “

Joy for the World, Paul Lewis, Come From Away, Jon Stewart.

"I like murder," says Highsmith. "I've committed thousands. With delight. Every time I write one, I'm plunging in the knife." Here, Edward finds an "in."The pair find common ground trading murderous scenarios for the demise of Ripley's next victim. And soon, this pair of Übermenschen are bonding over scenes that would make Wes Craven squeamish.”

Ms. Highsmith, Downward, Robbie Blue, It Was Just an Accident, Artemis.