Rather than having coffee or lunch dates I favor the 5 o'clock drink at the Friars Club. Not only is the mood "lubricated" by alcohol, but many interesting folks wander into the Lucille Ball Bar to add to the cheer and mix. Last Thursday I met with two venerable Gotham members at the Friars and was surprised when neither ordered an alcoholic drink …
Like many others, we are back from an end-of-summer vacation. Last week, we were at one of our favorite places -- Martha’s Vineyard -- to which we have returned almost every summer for many, many years. When we go to MV, there’s a “Happy Ferry” which takes you to the Vineyard and a “Sad Ferry” which takes you back to the mainland. As we pa …
Often I find inspiration in other people' blogs. Last week, someone whose opinion I respect greatly, commented on my blog about my self-examination. They succinctly and kindly commented, "You can't change who you are. And don't try to." At every level, this is incredibly sweet and clearly a compliment...but leave it to me to find a new level. …
I recently discovered Spotify and Pandora. I may be late to the game, but until now I was devoted to my itunes playlists. That said, I am enjoying the immediacy of being able to listen to new music or really any kind of music whenever the moment moves me. I have to say, my gym workouts have been more intense with this new discovery. What is you …
Every year, on Labor Day, I labor to write a meaningful blog (pun intended). I am always cognizant, and hopeful, that my Gotham family is out enjoying the last days of summer. Therefore, if you choose to spend some of that precious time reading my blog, I have wanted to make it worth your time. This year I am spending my Labor Day preparing f …
A number of people are at fault for the accidental shooting by the nine year old girl of her firing range instructor. She is not among them. The government however is, along with our crazed gun culture. If this young girl wanted to buy a can of spray paint, or a pack of cigarettes, she would have been turned away by state law. Those are danger …
Apple is just about to introduce some new stuff on September 9th which is very exciting. A new larger screen and possibly a wearable device. But the more interesting news to me coming out of Apple is that they lowered the minimum age of developers that attend their developer conference from 18 to 13. That's right 13 years old. Right down the stre …
Do you remember the ground breaking surfing movie "Endless Summer"? It was memorable and beautiful. As has been this amazing Summer. At the start, when I heralded it with my classic "Summer Time, Summer Time" blog, I had no idea how wonderful and enjoyable it would be. In a word it has been historic. In all my many years there has never, ever been …
My son, Charles, got me a Jawbone for my birthday. I wear it on my wrist. No, not that kind of jawbone! This one syncs to my iPhone, has an app, and will keep me healthy. (I hope.) Even the recitation of the words with new meanings makes me nostalgic for my Timex and running logbook of old. However one must get with the program. Jawbone is one …
Mitch's blog this past week tapped into something that has been rattling around in my mind. My way has always been to try and fix things, to create discussion, to inquire when I am not sure about something, to present my ideas when I feel strongly about something. From about 1992 when I graduated college until maybe about four years ago, I used …
Have you heard of Air BNB? Interesting concept where ordinary people – just like you and me – offer their homes as accommodations to strangers. They say it is all vetted and if you want to be a host you must meet the Company’s standards. That said, would you use this service? Has anyone in our Gotham family tried to? On the flipside, would you …
It happened again a few nights ago. I was having some trouble sleeping so I began channel surfing. As I came upon one certain movie, I knew my surfing would come to an end. I can never seem to get past it. Whenever it comes up on my television screen, I have to stop and watch it. The movie was “Goodfellas.” I have seen it more times than I ca …
Most mornings I get a cup of coffee at a place next to my office and I bring it upstairs. One small coffee for $1.60. I hand over two bills, and they give me my change, an empty cup (that sometimes they stick their fingers in)....and a receipt. I really don't need documentary proof of this transaction. No receipt is necessary. When I first …
IMHO most people tend to dwell on negative issues. They complain about the weather, business, food...whatever. News outlets use bad news as a method to gain viewers and readers. In fact, the ratio of bad news to good news on a typcial broadcast can be as much as 17 to 1. I know that people seem to discount joy and happiness. They choose to push i …
Jefferson's three examples of our unalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.Happiness is the state of Felicity.It has been said that it's not how much we have but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness (Charles Spurgeon). Lincoln added most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to …
