[Calvin Trillin] was very "shoe," which means he was a big jock, a big deal.

When one person mentors, two lives are changed.

[Calvin Trilllin] is not writing about things that I can criticize. I can call these other people out for what I think they are not doing. There's a big difference.

When I graduated [from Yale], I went back to Larry [Kramer]. But when I go to Yale reunions, there are still people who call me David.

Calvin [Trillin] was much more of a mover and a shaker. That's all I'm saying. I was a "weenie." That was another term back then.

That's why I tried to kill myself when I was a student [in Yale]. I thought I was the only one there.

I'm sorry to keep focusing on the New Yorker, but everybody who was growing up when Calvin [Trillin] and I were growing up wanted to be published in the New Yorker.

I talked to [Larry] Kramer a little bit about it while I was writing 'Remembering Denny' . Denny was one of those people who took a long time to come out.

"Shoe" just meant you were a big jock on campus no matter what field you were in.

One thing I learned in sobriety is to stop being judgmental, to always be discerning. When I drive, that will be my bumper sticker.

I am a theist. I live life between that "a" and the "t." It's a vast little space.

Because he has the best equipment in the City and he knows how to use it!

Graceful living

I want peace. I want to see if somewhere there isn't something left in life of charm and grace.

In grave difficulties, and with little hope, the boldest measures are the safest. Livy Never make a defense or apology before you be accused.

My motivation for 20 years, for 10 years with WikiLeaks, has been to publish true information that is otherwise unsayable. So we're not in competition, if you like.

You can create your own miracle, but you do it by never looking past all the little steps along the way.

I like to think each writer is doing his or her part. Feeding the lake, as Jean Rhys said. And maybe there are different lakes.

I am a reluctant celebrity, in some ways.

What we seek we do not find - that would be too trim and tidy for so reckless and opulent a thing as life. It is something else we find.

I play football every Tuesday and Thursday early in the season. I am smart enough at the game. I score a lot of goals. I wouldn't be the best in the world but I am OK.