For the first half of geological time our ancestors were bacteria. Most creatures still are bacteria and each one of our trillions of cells is a colony of bacteria.

Short as life is we make it still shorter by the careless waste of time.

And I think it's that time. And I think if you just step aside and Mr. Romney can kind of take over. You can maybe still use a plane. Though maybe a smaller one. Not that big gas guzzler you are going around to colleges and talking about student loans and stuff like that.

I still don't look at myself as a star. I've always had a thankful heart.

I am most thankful to Almighty Providence for mercies received and determined still to press the case into public notice as a token of gratitude.

I think there is a difference between Slate and Salon. I think we both serve important functions on the Internet. As more and more Websites disappear I'm thankful Slate is still around because it makes things less lonely.

I feel like I still am struggling in a lot of different ways. I still have to fight for certain things. Certain jobs. At least I'm working and I'm thankful for that.

I'm thankful for my songs being at the top of the charts but I am human - I think people still have to remember that.

I'm thankful for the incredible advances in medicine that have taken place during my lifetime. I almost certainly wouldn't still be here if it weren't for them.

I wanted to be a pilot. I loved flying and I loved all the technology and the equipment and the sense of adventure that came with it. I think that feeling still bleeds over into everything I do today.