This writer is ecstatically proud to have but an infinitesimal connection to one of the provisional New Seven Wonders of the Natural World: Table Mountain, Cape Town’s magnificent proscenium. I was born on the Oranjezicht slopes of Mother Mountain at the Booth Memorial Hospital, before suburbia crept up the cypress-shaded hillsides. Table Mountain was voted …

Ever hear yourself saying, “I know I shouldn’t eat all these salty chips right now, but tomorrow I’ll ‘eat light’ so I don’t gain weight”? Or this one: “I’m too tired to exercise today, but I’ll walk an extra half-mile tomorrow.” Or this tried-and-true excuse, “I worked hard today and deserve to relax in front …