I generally keep my political views off of social media. I never quite understood the use of social media to express individual political views. I always felt it was better to express one’s politics in more conventional ways, voting, rallying, and financial contributions.     If you’re my friend on Facebook, you know that I did post a political position this week. I am not going to debate the political issue here. I will only say that I felt it necessary to voice my op...

Today's special anniversary I recalled not.  Shame on me.  Avid Poco Fan who writes this weekly commentary.  It took a fellow John Fogerty/Creedence Clearwater Revival fan, from Finland at that, who reminded me after sending him birthday wishes last week. So here's to Pickin' Up The Pieces, Poco's iconic debut album released this day in 1969. We celebrated the event last night.  Musically of course. Poco co-founder, Richie Furay performed at SOPAC (South Orange Performing Ar...

Ben Speller and a friend from the U.K. traveling to Amsterdam for a soccer match booked a “clean home in Amsterdam with a private bathroom” using AirBnB. It was available for their last minute decision and only $128 for one night. When they arrived, you could say it was a bit of a surprise that the “clean home” they had secured was a large metal box standing on the side of the road. When they opened the door, they found three mattresses covered in flimsy bedding and a port...

I belong to an all male book group.  It is headed by my muse, Jay Gould.   Inasmuch as it was originated by a bunch of Sea Cliff and neighboring guys I have dubbed it the North of 25A Book Group.  It is a highly eclectic group and it’s amazing how far afield we can wander when we get together periodically to discuss the chosen book.  I wonder if the experience is similar in Female Book Groups?Let’s just agree that what’s said at Book Group stays at Book Group!  Right Skip?Any...

Like Nancy - see her blog this past Tuesday - I value tradition. And so it was that Flo and I had dinner the other evening at LeCoucou to celebrate our anniversary. In addition to a phenomenal meal in a relaxed causal, albeit upscale place, we reminisced about how, a few years ago, we shut our phones to enjoy our dinner. When we turned the phones back on, a plethora of text messages greeted us with the news that a grandchild had been born while we dined. We rushed out t...

Is it me? I often inquire with my colleagues and compare stories or case scenarios. I'm curious to know if they too, have adventures daily or do I actually take extra risk? Typically, when I see a family, business or institution that has a clear need for financial managment, I put on my cape and run to the rescue. Mind reading and Extra Sensory Perception are the two super powers I rely on most. Yesterday, while supporting a new prospect at a golf outing, I came across the "b...

Based on my apparent blog themes, I think I must be missing my children. So, here is today’s story and it goes back to Passover. In my house we have had a Passover tradition for over 15 years. When we get to the part in the Seder where we talk about frogs, we sing a frog song from nursery school (yes, nursery school)– and then we pelt Eric with little plastic green frogs that each guest has been given. Actually, the frogs sit right on top of the Haggadah at each place sett...

  The political issues involved in this topic aside, I am unsure about how I feel about Uber as a service. For the longest time I rebelled against Uber. I went to law school in New York City and always prided myself in my ability to easily hail a cab. While I also use subways often, yellow cabs were always my “go to” for short trips in the city.     When my children and friends started using Uber, I was resistant, remaining loyal to my yellow cabs. Recently, on a trip to La...

A year ago, I boasted about what made this Sunday blog beat more special than any other day; that applies even if comments come by less often compared to some other days. When certain specials days occur with regularity on a Sunday, what’s not to complain. I certainly voice no objection that I can share a special Happy Mother’s Day wish to to all the special ladies, including the most special and Sweet mom in my life.   We celebrated Mother’s Day eve by taking in an interesti...

Nearly 300 people have died following the world’s biggest-ever single-day election, which took place last month in Indonesia—not through protests or civil unrest, but exhaustion.   272 people who were counting collapsed from fatigue-related illness in the 10 days following the country’s vote in April and an additional 1,878 took ill.   What made this the largest single-day election in human history is that 80% of the Indonesia's eligible citizens voted. This means 150 million...

On Monday I underwent my annual eye examination. It is always a pleasant experience, as my doctor is a fellow Roslyn High School graduate, Leslie Goldberg.  Leslie is a World Class ophthalmologist and even a better person, making this doctor's office visit something to look forward to. Being who I am, I was apprehensive as to the condition of my eyes and being competitive, I tried so hard to see and recognize those little letters. I’m happy to report that my eyes are just abo...

There is an exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust on Battery Place in New York City that is not-to-be-missed. “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.” is not only compelling but it draws you in to, in the words of the promotional brochure, “an unparalleled opportunity to confront the singular face of human evil - one that arose not long ago and not far away.” It is, above all else, relevant. And, as you leave the exhibit, you are inspir...

I like stories. Another great day to be OUTTA the office. Last week I ventured up to a little town in northern New Jersey called Ramsey. Have you ever been? It reminded me of a northeast version of Mayberry. Small town, very walkable. Tiny shops and beautiful people strolling about. Lots of kids and the staple pizza shop, serving as a community gathering place. I was visiting a client in northern New Jersey to go over an estate planning issue that had surfaced. My primary ...

  I don’t really like the title of my blog but here’s what’s on my mind. Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday and this is the first time that neither of my children will be with me. My daughter is across the world working in India and my son is a lot closer but working hard heading into finals. I am super proud of both. Don’t get me wrong. I know that I will have a lovely day spending time with my own mother, my sister and her family. I know that I will hear from both ...

  My son recently broke up with his longtime girlfriend. I have been talking to him endlessly to help him through the process of healing from the hurt. In doing so, I have realized that it is much more difficult for the kids of today to break that connection and begin to move forward.     When I was young, when a relationship ended, you just stopped calling the other person or seeing one another. And, once you did so, you could begin moving on. Today, young people not only...