I had an unusual teaching experience this past week. Instead of the entire class on the screen, the format was a Zoom webinar. So I taught for two hours seeing only myself without images of the students or even hearing their voices. What I did was open the chat window and encourage the students to ask questions, comment, and respond when I aske …
It's nice to walk into a restaurant and have a rapport with the staff. La Parma on Roslyn Rd, is such a place. A solid southern Italian restaurant where Jerard, the owners son, works and Rollie is the operations guy. It's our go-to spot after the Sparks program, where the ambiance, the genuine connections, and the authentic southern Italian cu …
Is that it? I can't help but wonder if the sparse snowfall we've experienced is all we're getting this season. Climate patterns are shifting, and with them, our expectations of seasonal norms. Only time will tell. I may have to move to Buffalo.
This hasn’t happened in 3 years…my nuclear family is getting together. To facilitate this, flights must be arranged and coordinated, hotel rooms booked, and activities planned. Lest I forget, COVID tests and an abundance of caution taken prior to the weekend. To have everyone in one room is worth the work. I’ll have to make sure my phone is ch …
Is it better to be an optimist or a realist in life? Is the glass half full or half empty? Being an optimist is like wearing rose-colored glasses finding joy in the bleakest situations, transforming obstacles into stepping stones. On the other side, realists walk with their feet firmly planted on the pragmatic ground, ensuring decisions are wel …
My Mom is 93 with dementia living in an assisted living center. My Sister and I visit together on Saturdays. About three months ago I started bringing her a Boston Cream donut. She ate it with such vigor I started bringing two. The first time I brought two she ate both but the second and third time, no-go. I figured she may have gottent tired of …
One of the unique benefits of using Zoom for meetings is that anybody can connect with you from anywhere. This past week I was on Zoom investigating a new piece of software. The sales person I was talking with was located in New Zealand. As she was describing her life and the country, I realized that this would make my bucket list (which is very sh …
As tradition dictates, I now enter the world of pontification, prognostication, conjecture, hunches, and outright guessing. Since 2007 my total record is 25 for 51 (I'm batting .490) If you'd like to see the year by year breakdown click here. So here are my predictions for 2024 (drum roll please, I'm going out on a limb with 6) • A signif …
Even in these times of turmoil - wars, polarization, and negative outbursts the "Christmas" spirit apparently still lives. And I'm happy it does. While in a coffee shop the other day, I started a conversation with a person who was awaiting their double cappa latte with a twist. We both shared pleasantries and a couple of laughs enjoying the good fe …
Making people laugh is a unique joy, a magical connection that feels so good. Whether on stage with a microphone or in everyday conversations, making people laugh is an art and a gift. Laughter is a universal language that dissolves barriers and can create bonds for a lifetime. A very funny comedian, Gabriel Iglesias, has named his tour "Unity …
Every year, I try to buy just the right amount of firewood for the winter. I go to my vendor's websites, see what's available, and at what price. This year prices are down. Maybe it's a result of more trees having been felled and/or less people are buying. I take this into account as well as anticipate the expected severity of the winter. The …
There's only one resource you can't buy. Unlike other resources, time stands apart. It's the one commodity we can't purchase, trade, or reclaim. No amount of wealth or influence can add a second to our day. It's what all of us have in common no matter your social standing, where you're from, or how much money you have in the bank. Time is …
Yesterday morning I taught a workshop on AI and using it for your business. The reason why I am writing about it here is I added so many caveats to the presentation I questioned whether it was worth it. I talked about validating every point AI provides, that information inputted is shared with the world, and that the dangers of AI are very rea …
I received it about 15 years ago. My Dad had started working for me 3 days a week after he had retired. Some of you may remember him when you called my office. On a particularly rough day, he sauntered in my office and sat down. He asked if I was okay and said he had some advice which, in and of itself, was an unusual statement to hear. He said …
Dogs are wonderful creatures. They are fantastic pets (for the most part). And their "number two" needs to be picked up and bagged. I'm really glad my neighbors pick it up, however, they drop that lovely bag in my garbage can...and it's stinky, even when bagged. It's not my dog, why should I have to put up with that? I find this rude (in my opini …
It's Saturday...and anything goes.
