In the last chapter of Makoto Yukimura’s Planetes, Hachirota Hoshino gives a speech to Earth from Jupiter’s orbit. It’s supposed to be a momentous decision, the first time humanity has manned a flight as far as the big red giant. Hachirota should, as the crew’s captain opines earlier, say something…

It’s end-of-term examination day. Like the popular rapper, your palms are sweaty. Maybe your knees aren’t weak, but your hands are heavy. These exams will determine your results, your placement among your peers, and most importantly, they’ll determine the report sheet you take home to your parents. There’s a one-month…

With eight minutes to go in extra time and everyone beginning to brace for the high drama that is a penalty shootout, André Schürrle received the ball from Toni Kroos left-of-center in midfield. Thomas Müller, who had taken up Klose’s position as Germany’s center-forward, made a run towards Schürrle to…

Marcus Rashford’s delirium-inducing 93rd-minute winner for Manchester United against West Ham United may already be one of the moments of the season. Cristiano Ronaldo held on to the ball just long enough to draw two defenders to himself and then released it to Anthony Martial sprinting outside him. …

Pat Riley coined the phrase “the disease of more”, describing how the focus after winning quickly shifts from celebration to wanting more. The team and fans want another championship, the players want more playing time, more salaries, more endorsements, more accolades. There is no peak: another level must be reached…

Sharon died seven years back from the 30th. I still don’t know what she looks like. Sometime in February 2008, I met a girl. Valentine’s Day, to be precise. She seemed to like me. I was barely, so of course I felt heady about that. We got along beautifully. God…