As with so many people today, Edwidge Danticat is waiting to hear news about her family members living in Haiti. She knows some of them are alive but has yet to hear from others. My heart goes out to her, and to everyone in her situation.

I happen to love Susan Sarandon but I know she has a polarizing effect. You can sort rooms of people as either ‘pro’ or ‘con’. And it would probably track pretty much along with red and blue. Ms. Saradon is nothing if not political. She is active on many fronts, works for several causes, and [...]