In the recent period I've seen a number of films about the history and legacy of Nazism, most of them German and current, and I read about a new book on two legends of German cinema. The juxtaposition of these events in time seemed coincidental. Or was it?

You usually associate street smarts with some one who knows how to negotiate in business. Donald Trump apparently considers this ability to be a top of the line requirement for statesmanship and something which qualifies him to be president of the United States.

Something is askew here: The notion that strength is the main thing we want, or need, or care about. Though the word "strength" can be vague or misleading, it doesn't help to change terms and propose that we want women who are agents rather than mere instruments or objects.

What is the point of exercising if you're only going to shrivel up and die? A well-toned body is nice, but it's prone to atrophy. When a cast is removed from a broken leg, the sight of the diminished muscle is unnerving. Injuries or not, at a certain point you're facing a losing battle.