The XX Factor : middle-aged women

You, Don't Send Me Flowers

Melinda Henneberger — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:12:00 GMT

Here's a matter that knows no party or region or class: flowers, which I must remember to teach my son are not always such a thoughtful gift. One of my dearest friends celebrated a big, big birthday last week. And what did her husband do to mark the milestone?...(read more)

The Meaning of Dara

Melinda Henneberger — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:09:00 GMT

The following is a guest post from former competitive swimmer Michelle Brafman, who teaches and writes fiction in Washington: Dara Torres. Dara Torres. God, it would be so easy to hate her. Let's start with the abs that defy nature, maddening proof that...(read more)

That's Why They're in Treatment ...

Melinda Henneberger — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:04:00 GMT

In a newsroom, you see right away that a high percentage of people who would like you to write about them — people with serious grievances of all kinds, against the cops or the city or the hospital or whatever — are at least a little bit crazy. Unfortunately,...(read more)

Wish I Looked That Scary

Melinda Henneberger — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:56:00 GMT

Well, devil temptress, thy name is Hanna, but I am standing my ground on Cindy McCain; well-exfoliated, yes, but love the upsweep. As for the color red, maybe it's on my mind because I recently had my once-a-decade consult with my friendly neighborhood...(read more)

Enough Photo Fun Already!

June Thomas — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 23:50:00 GMT

As Melinda said , for everyone who chuckles at the photo of Hillary looking haggard, there’s at least one other person whose vote will be tipped in her direction if they sense she’s being picked on for being a middle-aged woman who looks like a middle-aged...(read more)