Reader staffers share stories that fascinate, amuse, or inspire us.

Hey, did you read:

• This reminiscence of Samuel Beckett by his publisher, John Calder? ("Walking along the Boulevard du Montparnasse one day, I commented that it was a fine day. He looked at the sky and replied 'So far.'") —Tony Adler

• About China's visit-your-aging-parents law? —Kate Schmidt

• This close look at the infamous "checkpoint of no return" in Texas that's snagged Snoop, Willie Nelson, and scores of other potheads? —Mick Dumke

• That the long, strange saga of the cronut continues? —Drew Hunt

• Cardinal Francis George's response to Pope Francis's comments on gays? —Tony Adler

• About the "nearly finished time machine for sale" ads that have popped up all over town? —Leor Galil

• That one bounced check can jeopardize your chances of getting another bank account? —Aimee Levitt

• About the origins of the Northwest Tower building, aka the Coyote? —Deanna Isaacs