Last weekend, we attended our nephew’s graduation from Brandeis University. It was nice being back at my alma mater. But that’s for another blog.My takeaway was from the graduate who told that she was failing organic chemistry in her first semester. She recalled how her professor took that special interest in her and mentored her through the challe …
A picture on the front page of Tuesday’s New York Times caught my eye. It was a room at the Friars Club. The familiar seal on the wall looked down at the empty tables and chairs.The title of the article tells it all - “Haven of Cigars and Laughs Seeks a Savior”.I remember the many Gotham meetings and events at the Club. My first Gotham meeting. The …
Early morning. Sun rising. Window open. The birds are chirping. Talking to each other. I’m eavesdropping.Springtime.
We recently saw “Plays for the Plague Year” a wonderful and worthwhile musical/play by Suzan-Lori Parks at Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater.At the beginning of the lockdown, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Parks set out to write a play a day. The result is this production.As you entered Joe’s Pub, you were offered a little note card asking what you re …
I was speaking to my ten year old grandson and we began to fantasize about a Time Machine that would allow us to travel in time and be the same age and be friends - rather than grandparent and grandson. We considered whether we should be his age or mine. It wasn’t difficult to agree that his ten years was the better choice.We laughed about what we …
I had never given it much thought -- until recently.The thought is that I may become a victim of gun violence. Just "being at the wrong place at the wrong time" has taken on a new perspective and a new concern.Not that it wasn’t there in the past but it has moved to a new place in my thoughts. And, perhaps, my behavior and routines are impacted.As …
It was probably September of 1967. I was coming home for my first visit after starting my freshman year at Brandeis. At the last minute I thought about bringing my parents a little something from my college. I picked up a mug (possibly a ceramic beer stein) with the school emblem. That mug was prominently displayed in their home - sometimes to my …
I gazed at the plant several times. A small myrtle topiary. Perfectly shaped with its foliage in a ball atop its stem.I was warned. A hard plant to keep alive. On the other hand, water as needed and keep it by a window and it should be fine. A challenge.Finally, after several visits, I took “Myrtle” home.Sunshine and water. She seemed fine.Then I n …
Today is a special day. Although it is someone’s birthday, everyday is someone’s birthday. Today is special because it’s Opening Day — the Mets in Miami and the Yankees at home.Opening Day is very special. No statistics, hope and optimism reign supreme. Like race horses starting in the gate. All at the same place, waiting for the start.And it’s tim …
Northwell Health, the largest health care provider in New York, ended its mask mandate the other day. This follows the lifting of mask mandates by most health care providers over the past few months and the end of mask requirements in general.Nevertheless, I put my mask in my back pocket this morning - as I have done for the past three years. And I …
To all of our friends in warmer climates:I’ve always suspected that the happiness of those in Florida is inversely proportional to the weather in New York.Is it true ?
We were returning to the U.S. and going through passport control. We have Global Entry. As we approached the terminals with cards in hand, we were advised to put away the cards and simply smile to the screen.The symbol spun for a bit and then a big check mark appeared and we were instructed to move on. As we approached the passport officer, she gre …
I’m “on vacation.”Vacation - an interesting word and a more-interesting concept.Without delving into the scholarship of the origin of the word, it seems to me that vacation derives from the word vacate.To leave, remove, empty.Meditation teaches to empty — leave thoughts. Vacate. On a broader scale, this is also one of the objectives of a vacation.B …
Yesterday morning the announcer on WNYC reminded listeners that it was the last day to apply for the 2023 New York City Marathon. As I heard the brief announcement, I was preparing for a deadline of my own — it was the day that we can reserve our timeshare for next year. Experience has taught me that availability quickly evaporates so it’s best to …
This was written on Sunday - a few hours before the Super Bowl…. The Super Bowl starts in a few hours and I’ll be watching. I played in the office pool and have two boxes. I haven’t checked the numbers on the boxes and I’m debating whether to check before the game.On the one hand, I want to watch the football game. On the other hand, it is fun to …
