First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Say Cheese

Paper art by Lee Ji-hee

The Last Supper

With 7 close friends, I’m participating in an event called Death Over Dinner. The concept is to gather around the table in a semi-structured way to talk about the taboo subjects of death and dying. And since I’m the person organizing our small group, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the menu. As a thought exercise, I’ve asked the participants to suggest items they’d like to have for their last meal. Some of the suggestions so far have been lobster, garlic fries, mac and cheese, ice-cream sandwiches. And one of my perennial favorites, pizza. What would be on your last supper list?

Illustration by Jean Jullien

Softening the Road Rage

L.A. roads bring out the worst in its residents (guilty). So many people are texting or on their phones and not paying attention (not guilty). You have to always be on the alert. This is true as a pedestrian too. There are a couple of intersections in my neighborhood, where I don’t cross unless I’ve made eye contact with the driver, otherwise they’ll mow you down. I love city life, but this aspect of it is a bummer. If only I could let it roll over me.

Photo from Caroline Caldwell