It was with nostalgic sadness that I learned that the venerable pre war Port Washington movie theater closed. Of course, with the advent of Netflix and their competitors it should not be surprising. Sad still, nonetheless. The Academy Awards will be announced on March 4th and in preparation therefor we try to see as many of the nominated films as …
One of the most valuable things my father ever taught me is that "There are three sides to every story: your side, my side and the truth". In these politically charged times we are constantly inundated with strong opinions on Facebook, Twitter or political list serves. I am struck by the self assured vehemence of people whose position or opinions …
Last Friday we went to a local theater production. Although all the contributors were professionals and the ticket cost not insubstantial, the experience fell far short. Thank goodness it was a two act play and we could look forward to bolting at the intermission. I say "we" because it was not just me who was disappointed. The main problem or d …
The other morning my day did not start well. As I was scrolling through the early morning emails I came upon my credit card bill and I was shocked to learn my balance due was double my norm. My first fear was that I had been hacked, but that was not the case. The problem was that my payment of the previous month's balance had arrived late. The …
A couple years ago, while at a GOtham Green meeting I had a "Save the World" type of inspiration to blurt that, in the spirit of the tobacco litigation, somebody should bring a lawsuit against the oil companies concerning their obvious impact upon our climate change. Of course, it was a favorably received notion, but nothing came of it. Recentl …
Recently Joanne and I stayed in on consecutive Saturday nights and watched Godfather I and II. Our (unanimous) impression was that the original was better, if not far better, than II. It is so rich in color, music, composition, content, acting, writing and lessons. And it is so eternally quotable. Topical today is second son Fredo's protestations …
I drive an ordinary mid sized car, but where I live there are a preponderance of behemoth SUVs. The problem is that the streets in my village are narrow winding two ways which were not built to accommodate behemoths. The problem is exacerbated by what seems like a behemoth own the road-"coming through" mentality. Being mindful of this problem …
It's that time of year and whether or not they are followed through with, it is time to make New Year's resolutions.In as much as this has been one of the best years of my life, my first resolution is to keep on keeping on.Passing that, my primary resolution is to be more of a PR director for my wife Joanne's uniquely beautiful art. An example is …
When I was young I was afraid of the dark and everything that went with it, imagined, real or suggested. So fearful that I had extreme trouble falling asleep. Yesterday was the winter solstice, the shortest (day light) day of the year. One could call it Heart of Darkness Day and say it is the worst or best day of year, as darkness bottoms and sta …
In these politically charged, truth is stranger than fiction, Twilight Zone, days I find myself hoping, writing and saying there will be a Day of Reckoning. The definition of "day of reckoning" is the time when past mistakes or misdeeds must be punished or paid for, a testing time when the degree of one's success or failure will be revealed. Synony …
Tuesday night was our annual Holiday Party, at the Friars Club, and it was attended by about 100 people despite the rain (how come it always rains when we have our party?).Highlights were the announcement of the 2 well deserving 2017 Networkers of the Year, Susan Zinder and Carly Meyer (pictured above) who continued our winning red heads tradition. …
No doubt, You have seen the great Godfather movies and probably remember Don Vito Corleone's son Frederico (Fredo) Corleone played by the fine actor John Cazale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgHXHtHSsNo&sns=em Fredo is a fictional character, dreamed up by author Mario Puzo, who is weaker and less intelligent than his brothers and has …
2017 may end up being the best year of my life (or right up there) and for that I am thankful for abundant reasons. Passing on ample family reasons, 2017 was distinguished by many highlights. Examples follow:1) Celebrating Gotham's 20th Anniversary at the Harmonie Club2) My obsession with Yankee rookie Aaron Judge (and enjoying 2 playoff games with …
You could say this piece is about recycling (which is a good Green thing), but I prefer to think of it as a the start of a primer of stuff which is intended for a specific purpose and has other worthy uses. My list is as follows: 1) Newspaper bags which serve as poop bags 2) Paper napkins which clean eye glasses 3) Plastic credit cards which unloc …
In these high stakes, politically charged, days of social media exposure I attempt to stir it up on Facebook and Twitter. What amazes me is the degree of responsive heated, opinionated exchange generated on my feed. I try not to be too obvious in my leanings, but anyone with half a brain can discern my bent. To say the least, I motivate and encou …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend