The “step” in step-parent comes from the ancient latin word ástíeped meaning bereaved, as in one who marries a widow. My step-father, Al Kahn, began courting my mother (not a widow) 41 years ago, when I was 9. On Monday at 9:50am, this self-made, complicated and beloved man died comfortably in his sleep. Here is what he helped me understand. 1. Your reputation is all you have. Guard it fiercely. Al clawed his way up the ladder of life, from a Depression kid selling apples fro

We take ourselves waaaaay too seriously. Here’s a little secret – NOBODY really gives a shit what you look like or what you drive. The coolest guy I know drives a minivan littered with sippy cups and other detritus from his extraordinary life as an architect, industrial designer, parent and philosopher-king. He is far too engaged creating things that make the world better to sweat the low-grade material nonsense. The world doesn’t need more self-proclaimed power brokers looki