I want a "gap year." That's my conclusion after reading "New High-School Elective: Put Off College" by Toddi Gutner in the Wall Street Journal this week.

In the Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey consistently has his life's dreams dashed. Of course, in the end he finds out, thanks to Clarence the angel, that life itself is always a precious gift. Even when it doesn't go according to plan. In fact, he comes to see that his own routinely "mundane" life has turned out pretty ... wonderful.

Are dads making something of a comeback? Well, maybe on parenting.com at least, where "Why Dad's Parenting Technique Can Be Better" by Emily Bloch is one of the current most viewed articles.

What is it with a simple, straightforward apology? Why is that so hard?