Nicknames. One word descriptors. A catchy phrase that sums up a person. A personal tag line. A tag line you give someone else. Interesting introspection. We were sitting at Sea Salt restaurant “people watching” late last week in Naples when a person in our party began to describe various locals. “Drummer Charlie”, “Bob the complainer“, “Reese Piec …
Here I go again. This is my first blog of the new year and I have a tradition. I blog about resolutions. I’ve always had this theory that saying it out loud would hold me accountable – as if each and every one of you counted as my own personal mirror. (And yes, I know that “resolutioning” is not a word – but this time of year, it has always seeme …
My Mom used to say quite often, “Think before you speak.” She would go into further detail with, “Is it necessary?” “Is it kind?” I’ve been thinking a lot about my Mom’s advice lately. Both for myself and other people. We now live in an age where people share their most private thoughts and words on the internet and social media. Or where we …
At the end of every year, I compose a review of the top ten shows that I attended. This year. I posted my commentary to my website on New Year’s Day. While I prefer to post on the eve, this year and last I posted on the first day of the year. As with 2018, many of the shows received coverage in this Gotham space (View the links to review those past …
As is tradition, I offer my predicttions for the coming year. Just as a reminder, here's my record since 2007: 2007 - 1 for 7. (my rookie year:)2008 - 1 for 1 (gutsy picking one but it was spot on)2009 - 3 for 5 2010 - 2 for 32011 - 3 for 3!!! 2012 - 3 for 3!!!2013 I took a break, the launch of the new website took all my attention2014 - 2 for 32 …
When I was young Edward R. Murrow was at the crest of his fame as a CBS broadcast journalist which started with his “This is London calling” reports during the Nazi Blitz in early World War II. During the late 1940s and early 1950s our democracy was plagued by a “Red Scare”, based on the alleged growing influence of Communism. Senator Joseph McC …
Are you addicted to your cellphone? The question was recently posed to me and I have been considering it for the past few days. Many thoughts.... Addiction is a loaded word. Is it appropriate to our relationship with these now generally accepted standard devices? Obviously useful. Utility or addiction? A little of both? Connection to others at the …
How many of you out there still have a land line at home? We still do but frankly, I am not really sure why. The calls that come in on that landline are mostly sales calls, political calls, important notifications that I have either won a car or an expensive trip or that my computer has acquired a terrible virus that can only be fixed by provi …
Last week, we received a holiday card and letter from our cousin. It was filled with news from their family from the past year. I remember when we used to receive numerous holiday letters from friends and family. They all, generally, would recap the past year and shares what the families had been up to. These letters always made me smile. It mad …
Let’s Welcome the New Year with Some Musical Cheer In a comment on a blog my friend Paul suggested making today’s blog short. Traditionally, the blog runs long because it includes a list; it did last year. This commentary, in a nod to Paul's comment on my comment to last Tuesday's blog and Friday’s blogger who also encourages me to offer shor …
If you've got about 6 and a half minutes, I recommend watching this video from the American Museum of Natural History documenting human population through time. If you don't, look at roughly the last 2 and half minutes. Start at 4:10 and watch the impact of modern technology and medicine on the growth of human population. Click here to see it o …
Maybe, which is defined as Perhaps or Possibly, is not a word I like to hear in response to a proposal. It puts off the eventual answer and frustrates me. In the words of The Chantels: Maybe, if I hold your handYou will understandAnd maybe, if I kissed your lips I’ll be at your commandOh, maybe. Buddy Holly had it even better when he sang:Maybe ba …
We’ve been summer visitors to Martha’s Vineyard for years and I have a subscription to the Vineyard Gazette (most-recently renewed as a birthday gift from Jeremy). Keeping up with happenings on the Vineyard is fun; however following the Island’s local news in mid-December is a bit of a challenge. As I recently glanced at the front page of the wee …
Why do we torcher the kids? Have you ever listened to the words of Santa Claus is Coming to Town? You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I'm telling you why.... (no crying?) He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! (creepy) He's making a …
For over 13 years I have been writing a blog on Monday nights. You’ve all heard me talk about how my family runs away as I sit down to write for fear of being the topic when I am looking for one. I have never though just completely forgotten to write a blog – until last night. So, I will just here wish everyone getting ready to celebrate Chri …
