On more than one occasion in the recent past, I have found out of the passing of someone close by virtue of a Facebook post.Now, I know that for many, this is the best means to get the notice out to as many people as  possible, but I would love to hear from others on the following:I feel like if the decedent was a close relation, finding out from a social media post is NOT appropriate.  As a matter of fact, for my own purposes, whenever I have had a need, I ALWAYS contact those closest before resorting to social media blasts.How do you feel about this?

It’s coming back on Sunday! That hour we lost in March.When we went through this exercise back in the spring, Ben noticed that we barely change clocks anymore. Our phones and most of our devices take care of it for us. That is so very true, although, in our house, the oven is still holding out.But the fall time change always gets me for a different reason. It is not the clocks. Rather, it’s the dark. Suddenly I'm leaving the office, and it feels like the middle of the night. Dinner feels later. The walk I might have enjoyed after dinner disappears.

Some of the best people in our lives are the ones we can sit with for an hour without saying a word and never feel the need to fill the silence. There’s no pressure to entertain, impress, or even pretend we’re listening!  These are the people who understand that comfortable silence is a sign of affection and friendship, not a technical problem that needs fixing. So, who are the people in your life with whom you can be with and happily say absolutely nothing? 

Next weekend, one week from today to be exact, we can expect trick or treaters to ring our doorbells or knock on our doors.  Some may gather for themed parties during the week ahead.  Many — young and old — enjoy the opportunities posed to darn a costume — whether it involves a chance to collect some treats or just to party.  Either way, today’s commentary provides information to help the “collectors” move about safely and themed music for your Halloween bash of choice. 

One of my favorite things about going to a networking event is meeting someone new and seeing where the conversation goes. You start with “What do you do?” and somehow end up comparing pizza places or getting into a deep discussion.You walked in as strangers and leave looking forward to the next conversation.Now, if I could just remember their name.:-)

In preparation for the midterm elections and all the associated drama, we have recommenced watching the 3 cable news channels. We had stopped about 2 years ago and the first thing I noticed was the change in appearance of the familiar talking heads. The difference is stark!Their stance and point of view is much the same though.  One might think there could have been some evolution.  But no!Nonetheless, we needed some brushing up as we await the results. We plan to vote and encourage you to do so also.

For years, in fact for my entire professional life, I’ve had a pocket-sized calendar. As suit jackets were replaced, the calendar made its way from the breast pocket to a pants pocket, but it was always accessible and constantly referenced.Its importance was beyond question. And then came its nemesis— the smartphone - with its calendar, reminders, drop-downs, alerts and noises.

Have you ever noticed the Mugs you have sitting on your desk, in your kitchen cabinet, or displayed someplace else? I am not talking about a standard set of identical ones, I am thinking about the more unique ones. It’s a way of getting a message across, much like a T-shirt does, just ask Fred Klein. But there is something different here. It becomes personal ownership. Reasons for getting a mug can range from a special gift for a specific occasion (graduation, birthday, etc.) or just something or sometime that captures your interest. They become very special and very personal in ways.