I recently had an interesting conversation with friends about tipping. Before I relate the conversation , it is useful to explain that “tip” is an acronym for To Insure Promptitude and the custom originated in Europe and is traced back to 17th century England. Whatever it’s origins, tipping has become an integral way of life and sustenance in our …
Last night we celebrated the 25th anniversary of Gotham’s very first meeting. Imagine, our inception was in the previous century!So much good has occurred over those many years. So much business has been generated. So many lifetime friendships inspired. So many have lived our “It’s better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around” …
Whatever the pluses and minuses may be, Social Media has potent, unprecedented power. How else could Zelensky have bravely proclaimed for all the World to hear and admire “I need ammunition, not a ride”? Nobel Peace Prize!
I can’t explain it, but most days I’m friendly. I encounter a person and am compelled to strike up a conversation and then find common ground and then explore similarities and experiences. Before I know it we are “fast friends”. People have remarked upon this conduct. Some positive, some wonder and some negative. Whatever the source, I c …
The hit Netflix crime drama Ozark is, hands down, the best streaming series on TV! And Julia Garner is a transcendent star! Her Fbomb laden hillbilly delivery just must be experienced. And once she is in your head you are seriously hooked. Yes there are bigger names in the star laden cast (check it out) and the dark, nearly unreal scary sce …
Do you remember The Invisible Man? In that H.G. Wells book a scientist invents a way to become invisible. Well today our youth oriented society has relegated many of my vintage to virtual, if not actual, invisible status :( Have you ever noticed how many people look through or just ignore you? Have you ever noticed how older people have adopted t …
Before the Stoned Age, in my college Freshman year I met Stuie and we became fast friends. I mean Hardy Boys friends! We had so many incredible adventures which are not appropriate to describe in a Family newspaper (despite the fact that the Statute of Limitations has expired) :) We are original members of the Charter Syracuse University Bad Boys …
I’m a slave to Routine! For example, see last week’s Friday With Fred blog Cafe’ Con Leche :) Am I OCD? Who’s to say? One person’s poison is another person’s medicine :) I was once very lazy and came to the realization that I needed a reformation. In the process of reforming myself I developed a daily morning through night routine which serves …
Every weekday morning I get up bright and early and go to 5 Brothers (pictured) for the best coffee on the island served up by Pepe. I wait my turn as the early bird (before 6:30 official opening time) regulars troop in for their daily dose of caffeine. The regulars occupy the main bench next to the entrance and can be heard in their exuberant p …
My friend’s daughter Allison calls me “Uncle Fred” and she’s in her last year of Girl Scouts and she’s got it in her head that she wants to go out in a flourish and what better way than to set the record for Girl Scout Cookie sales! Being a good “Uncle”, I’m all in and, of course, gave her an order, but then last Friday her dad was on our weekl …
The thing that makes me most anxious is flying :(Not the fear of flying (crashing), but the days before agony of worrying about COVID, the weather, cancellations, delays or diversion. The sleepless night before. The too early wake up, the getting to the airport early, waiting on line for boarding passes, checking your bags, clearing security, the …
Ever since our boys were young we’ve decorated our hearth with Santas big and small. As the years passed “Santas” became a hallowed, enjoyable family tradition with our grand kids replacing our now adult sons with me as the only constant. Then came COVID and we were compelled to break tradition last year. It was a very sad and difficult decision, …
Our granddaughter Maggie came home from college for the holidays last week and stayed with us due to illness in her home. Her stay was highlighted by our parenting her through previously scheduled LASIK eye surgery. Was she nervous? Was there anxiety? Were there thoughts of backing out? Of course! She’s so down to earth. So human. So natural …
The best word to describe the afterglow generated by last week’s annual Holiday Party is the Yiddish word Kvell, which I jokingly described as a “Legal term” during the party, but is more accurately defined as “to be extraordinarily pleased; to be bursting with pride, as over one’s family.”So many operative/descriptive words:I was extraordinarily p …
Nothing personifies our Gotham mantra more than our Season of Giving initiative. It is truly Better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around and it did last night at our Holiday Party! The Party was a rousing ("Best Ever") success with over 60 Gothamites in attendance. So much transpired that space may not allow me to …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend