As many of you know, I became unemployed when Xerox decided to cut about 3,000 employees in mid-October. I waited patiently for my severance check to arrive and then did what many Americans do, file for unemployment.  What unfolded next was a tedious process of registering with the department. NYS requires you to call in and spend about 15 minutes filling out your personal info and answering a ton of questions relating to how you were unemployed, how long you worked at your previous job and others. No big deal, it is necessary to get you into the system.

We celebrate Hanukkah and it comes with strong traditions.  First, we light the menorah and say the prayers that go along with this holiday.  Every year, we first engage in a continuing reminder about which direction to light the candles. We follow the lighting of the candles by a particular song and dance.  I have been singing this song and dancing in this same circle since I can remember. I learned the tradition from my parents and it has certainly been passed on. 

It’s that time of the year. It's the holiday season and it's the end of the year. And we’re all busy. Whether it’s work, family, or preparation for the holidays or everything combined, there’s a lot to do. For me, being busy can sometimes bring on stress And I feel that stress every year during the holiday season. Do you feel it? How do you manage it?

For many fans of the New York Mets, including this correspondent, last week exemplified disgust, disappointment and even dread about the upcoming 2026 season.  Apparently, the Mets decision-makers opted against retaining the best closer — Edwin Diaz —  in Major League Baseball and in the humble opinion of this corespondent and avid and arguably rather knowledgeable fan the best right handed clutch power hitter — Pete Alonso — in the National League. Plain dumb! No counter moves replace those player departures.  

Many people don’t really think things through on their own. Instead, they repeat what they hear from friends, social media, or the news. This feels easier and safer than figuring things out for yourself.When you let others do your thinking, you don’t have to ask hard questions or risk being wrong. But there’s a downside: your opinions aren’t really yours anymore. You believe things because others do, not because you’ve examined them.

The range of new casino sites opening each year offers players more options than ever. These operators bring competitive promotions, exclusive slots, and unique loyalty systems to the market. They reflect how rapidly the online gambling scene is evolving, giving players an opportunity to experiment with fresh and innovative features.

I carry a Personal Pocket Journal. It’s a small (pocket size) leather bound calendar — displaying months and weeks-at-glance. It is made by Graphic Image in Melville and available in several colors. My choice is tan.My desk drawer is full of past year’s journals. I’m not sure why I keep them for so long.As I contemplate a new journal for the upcoming year, I face a dilemma. I’ve come to realize that most of the journal entries are also on my phone’s calendar. I laugh to myself that this is my “double-entry calendar system”. But is it necessary?

I have always been the one who arrives 10 minutes early, but better early than late! Now that I am at the mercy of the MTA, I leave early enough to account for “unexpected” delays and detours. I often find myself 15-20 minutes ahead of schedule and it's still OK; I know I am not going to change - I still prefer being early to the stress of being late.