Like others of his time and culture, eighth-century poet Li T’ai-po was convinced that “there is glory in the east-flowing river.” East signified opportunity, beginnings. It meant sunrise, a constant light, and a wind that smelled of home. East was the direction in which one sought visions. In twentieth-century America,…

Members of Italian famiglie are known for their loyalty to one another. And I’m not referring to the stereotypes portrayed in such sagas as The Godfather. The sort of dedication I have in mind is more the loving kind — the relationship of husband to wife, sister to brother, grandmother…

The latest developers’ concoction to come our way — upscale, all-in-one living, — is a lifestyle some Floridians have embraced passionately, almost automatically. The Waterways — homes, shops, and entertainment chained together in a mall-like sprawl — is a turn-on for those tempted by “instant community.” Many couples whose children…

Chinese restaurants are often neighborhood affairs. Key to their survival is food that is more convenient, cheaper, and at least slightly better than what their local patrons might prepare at home. If it doesn’t sell to the folks down the block, it doesn’t sell at all. If the menus do…