Recently, a reader sparked a thought-provoking idea when she asked about her friend’s upcoming 40th birthday. This immediately brought to mind Joseph Brodsky’s beautiful poem, ‘May 24, 1980,’ a piece I’ve often shared with friends celebrating this particular milestone. Brodsky masterfully reflects on his life’s journey, despite enduring hardships like imprisonment and exile, his poem culminates in a profound expression of gratitude, a sentiment he pledges to hold onto until his very last breath.
These significant birthdays do more than just usher us from one decade to the next; they act as a kind of emotional release. The year leading up to a big one — be it 39, 59, or 79 — is often filled with a buzzing anticipation, a sense of climbing towards a peak. But once the actual birthday arrives, all that built-up energy gently fades. The journey of anticipation ends, and you’re finally there. There’s a distinct sense of relief in officially embracing the age you’ve been approaching.
Of course, this perspective hinges on whether you value segmenting life into these ten-year blocks. Historically, some ancient Greek thinkers suggested dividing life into seven-year cycles, spanning from infancy to elder years. Many people, however, simply dismiss birthdays altogether. They ask, ‘Why celebrate getting older? Why make a fuss over something that’s inevitable and happens annually to everyone? And seriously, who needs another generic office cake?’
Yet, for individuals seeking structure and deeper meaning in their daily lives, milestone birthdays naturally become moments for both celebration and profound introspection. They prompt us to ask: ‘What accomplishments mark my journey so far? What aspirations do I hold for the future?’ Brodsky’s emphasis on gratitude introduces another crucial layer to this self-assessment: ‘For what am I truly thankful?’ This extends beyond joyous occasions, unexpected gifts, fortunate escapes, and lucky breaks. It challenges us to include even the most challenging and painful experiences in this collection of thanks. The renowned scientist and meditation expert Jon Kabat-Zinn refers to this all-encompassing acceptance as ‘the full catastrophe’ – a mindful approach to embracing every aspect of life, both positive and negative, without judgment.
Victor Hugo famously quipped that ’40 is the old age of youth; 50 the youth of old age.’ Having crossed the half-century mark myself last year, I can attest to a distinct shift into a new phase of life. Turning 50 felt remarkably different from 49, unlike any other single-year transition I’d experienced. I anticipate this profound feeling will continue with each passing decade, should I be fortunate enough to reach them. My wish for the reader celebrating her 40th this week is that she feels both wise and optimistic, embodying this ‘old age of youth.’ I hope she embraces a Brodskyesque sense of gratitude for every twist and turn her life has taken thus far. Indeed, my hope is that we all find this deeper appreciation, regardless of whether we’re marking a major birthday or simply living another day.
The Latest News
Comey Indictment
- Following the indictment of former F.B.I. director James Comey, President Trump expressed his approval and hinted at further indictments to come.
- Legal experts found Comey’s two-page indictment remarkably light on detail, making it difficult to properly assess its merits.
- Comey himself reacted calmly to the news, posting a social media video stating his confidence in the federal justice system and his innocence, eager for a trial.
- White House correspondent Maggie Haberman provides an in-depth video explanation on how pressure from President Trump ultimately led to Comey’s indictment.
More Politics
- The Justice Department issued a subpoena for records related to Fani Willis, the Georgia district attorney involved in Trump’s election interference case.
- The Supreme Court upheld the Trump administration’s decision to withhold $4 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress.
- A New York Times investigation revealed that Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, had his son Alex discreetly seek investments from involved governments during sensitive cease-fire talks.
- Federal agents are slated to arrive in Memphis next week, authorized by President Trump and the Tennessee governor, to combat rising crime.
- President Trump has ordered the declassification of all remaining files on the mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart nearly 90 years ago.
Other Big Stories
- Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to a largely empty U.N. hall, rejecting calls for a Palestinian state and vowing to complete the operation against Hamas.
- Texas Tech University has moved to restrict academic discussions on gender, aligning with a Trump order that recognizes only male and female genders.
- Sinclair and Nexstar, local ABC affiliates, have agreed to end their boycott of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show.
- A medical examiner confirmed that the man responsible for a deadly Manhattan office shooting in July suffered from C.T.E., a claim he made in a note.
- Jared Kushner’s private equity firm and a group of investors, including the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, are reportedly in talks to acquire the video game giant Electronic Arts.
- Assata Shakur, the first woman to land on the F.B.I.’s ‘most wanted terrorists’ list, passed away at 78. She had escaped prison after being sentenced for a state trooper’s killing and lived in sanctuary in Cuba for decades.
The Week In Culture
Film and TV
- Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film, “One Battle After Another,” is praised by critics as a ‘wild and thrilling’ masterpiece showcasing the director’s peak talent.
- Scarlett Johansson discusses her directorial debut, a project inspired by her grandmother and her own Jewish heritage.
- Maya Salam revisits the ‘good/bad’ movie classic of 1997, ‘Face/Off,’ featuring the infamous face-swapping antics of Nicolas Cage and John Travolta.
- Discover the custom-made jewelry by a Prada designer for Julia Roberts in ‘After the Hunt,’ a film premiered at the New York Film Festival.
Music
- Ticketmaster has agreed to revise its selling practices after fans protested the inflated ticket prices for Oasis’s anticipated reunion tour.
- Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy reveals how a road trip inspired his new 30-song album, ‘Twilight Override,’ hailed as his magnum opus.
- A London judge dismissed terrorism charges against a member of the Irish-language rap group Kneecap, stemming from his on-stage activism against Israel.
More Culture
- Following Hurricane Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina, six survivors share their healing artistic creations.
- A new video game explores schoolwork, chores, and the challenges of disordered eating, a departure from typical action-packed titles.
- An immersive, clothing-optional play at the Russian and Turkish Baths challenges theatergoers with an ‘incendiary’ experience.
- The new Broadway play ‘Punch’ retells the powerful true story of a parent’s journey to embrace their son’s killer through restorative justice.
Culture Calendar
📺 “Chad Powers” (Tuesday): Super Bowl champion Eli Manning’s memorable prank as aspiring walk-on Chad Powers, originally a skit for ‘Eli’s Places,’ is now a scripted Hulu comedy. Glen Powell stars as Russ Holliday, a disgraced college star who assumes the Chad Powers persona to join a South Georgia team. Expect some comedic foul play.
Recipe of the Week
Sweet Potato and Brown Butter Snacking Cake
Hello! Vaughn Vreeland from Bake Time, the New York Times Cooking newsletter dedicated to all things baking, is here to share a fantastic recipe with you today: my sweet potato and brown butter snacking cake. Snacking cakes are the perfect introduction to the fall baking season. This particular cake is incredibly moist, thanks to grated sweet potato and maple syrup in the batter. But the real showstopper is the rich, velvety frosting. Together, they create a delightful, easy-to-make dessert that’s wonderfully rewarding to bake and share (or keep all to yourself – no judgment!).
Real Estate
- The Hunt: Join a couple’s journey to find their dream historic Cleveland home for $500,000, combining their styles in an engaging interactive game.
- What you get for $1.5 million in California: Explore options ranging from a Craftsman house in Los Angeles to an 1880 farmhouse or a Moroccan-inspired home in Yucca Valley.
- Accidental landlords: Discover why more homeowners are unexpectedly converting their properties into rentals.
- Adman’s retreat: Take a virtual tour of a tranquil $13.75 million home recently listed by a prominent ad executive.
T Magazine
Explore this week’s issue of T, The New York Times Style Magazine, featuring captivating stories on design and luxury.
Living
- “Sit at the Bar September”: Learn how an influencer’s advice is empowering singles to explore offline dating for love.
- Autumn getaways: Get recommendations for the best places in North America to enjoy pumpkin patches and vibrant fall foliage.
- Shrinking shirts: Observe the trend of men’s button-downs becoming noticeably shorter, sometimes rising above the belt line.
- Dairy myths: Leading nutrition experts debunk common misconceptions about raw milk, lactose intolerance, and more.
Advice from Wirecutter
The Case for a Practical Gift
Gift-giving is often seen as an opportunity for purely aesthetic gestures, a way to say, ‘This is beautiful, just because you exist.’ Introducing practical items like socks or a charger once felt sacrilegious. However, after an extensive informal survey of Wirecutter’s most astute gift-givers and receivers, I’ve come to realize I might have been wrong. While a screwdriver might not inspire immediate gasps of delight, a truly excellent practical gift is so perfectly functional, durable, and suited to the recipient’s life that they’ll appreciate and use it repeatedly. Here are some of the standout practical gifts my colleagues have received. — Sofia Sokolove
Game of the Week
Ryder Cup: If traditional golf seems a bit too subdued, delve into the Ryder Cup – a thrilling biennial team competition between the top golfers from the U.S. and Europe, boasting the intensity of a college football rivalry. Its unique and somewhat complex scoring system includes rounds where teammates alternate shots on a single ball, and others where players compete individually against an opponent on each hole. An animated explainer is available on YouTube for clarification.
So, who will claim victory? Team Europe previously held the title. However, the U.S. team features Scottie Scheffler, widely regarded as the world’s best golfer, and benefits from home-field advantage at Bethpage Black on Long Island. This course is expected to draw an exceptionally boisterous New York crowd. According to Ian O’Connor of The Athletic, ‘This Ryder Cup figures to be the biggest, loudest, most tumultuous golf tournament ever played.’
Rounds begin at 7 a.m. Eastern and noon tomorrow, and at noon on Sunday, on NBC
Now Time to Play
- Challenge yourself with today’s Spelling Bee. (Yesterday’s pangram was hologram.)
- Test your knowledge of the week’s top headlines with the latest news quiz.
- Enjoy today’s Mini Crossword, Wordle, Sudoku, Connections, and Strands.
Thanks for spending part of your weekend with The Times. — Melissa
Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox. Reach our team at themorning@nytimes.com.