Why do we torcher the kids? Have you ever listened to the words of Santa Claus is Coming to Town? You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I'm telling you why.... (no crying?) He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! (creepy) He's making a …
For over 13 years I have been writing a blog on Monday nights. You’ve all heard me talk about how my family runs away as I sit down to write for fear of being the topic when I am looking for one. I have never though just completely forgotten to write a blog – until last night. So, I will just here wish everyone getting ready to celebrate Chri …
Television is getting very confusing. First there was basic television, channels two through thirteen. Then basic cable came along which added several more channels. After that we got premium cable which added about eight hundred more channels (although I still can’t find anything to watch on cable) as well as pay per view movies and events. Now …
A busy weekend ensues. It started when we gathered with some good friends; most traveling a good distance to join us nearby (to us) on Long Island for dinner than a show; Shelly posted about it on Facebook. Day two required us to cross two rivers (pass through two tunnels) to gather with Shelly’s family for a (pre-) Chanukah gathering hosted by our …
I had the distinct privilege of having dinner last night with my book club at Tiro a Segno, the oldest Italian organization in the United States (1888). It was unique experience having a gun range in the basement where patrons can eat their main course, go shoot (.22 rifle, single bolt) and come back for coffee and cake. The food was delicious …
Power is the ability to direct or influence the behavior of others. Over the course of my life I’ve observed and absorbed instances of others, big or small, wielding power over me. By small I mean ordinary every day people and by big I mean influential, rich or important people. Possibly the most interesting and telling observations involve ordinar …
We were talking about layering. Layering clothing. Fashionable. And a way of keeping comfortable as temperatures cool. As we talked, I thought about the clothing that was layered --- starting with the T shirt closest to the body. Then the shirt, sweater and vest. That’s how I visualized the layering. Flo described her layered clothes differentl …
Recently, I was asked to sit on the board of a non-profit in Center City Philadelphia. Anticipation was plentiful. I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn more and help solve a few issues during my term. The board room was full of eager people. 12 overacheivers sharpening their proverbial pencils. With introductions complete, the first question …
Three different times today the same thing happened. Someone called or emailed to ask for a referral. Each time the “ask” started the same way. “I’m sure you don’t know anyone who does this but . . .” Each time I was able to respond with, “well actually I do” and follow up with contact information or a warm introduction between two contacts. T …
The other evening, while at a networking function, I told a story about a recent court appearance. Inadvertently, and for the first time ever, I blurted out the word “f##k,” while on the record. The word would have been perfect in context under any other circumstances but, clearly, inappropriate in court. The conversation around the table w …
It lived a rather long life but its time passed. My old MacBook, which 4 years ago, became Marisa’s, required a new battery. It served father and daughter almost a decade. During our visit to the Genius Bar, we discerned that a new path made the most sense. We selected a MacBook Air. A year ago this time she visited to celebrate a milestone she rea …
Lately, for some reason, I've felt anxious and I'm not sure why. Sitting with these feelings is interesting...an overiding feeling like I have to do someting and I don't know what that is. Sort of like an inner turmoil. Have you every felt that? It feels unusual to me because my normal state of consciousness is calm and centered. I'm going thro …
We have a friend who lost her husband in the last year. She was a very good wife. She is a wonderful woman, mother and friend who has impressed me with her reaction to widowhood. After her initial period of loss and sadness she has picked herself up and reinvented herself in a unique way. She is good friends with Joanne and has taken to sharing ne …
Initially, it was spontaneous. As we went around the table in typical Gotham form, people started talking about what Gotham means to them. Mostly, how Gotham has made a difference in their lives. The testimonials ranged from finding assistance in Gotham to help through business and personal problems, family health situations, to helping grandchildr …
Concrete Thinkers vs. Abstract Thinkers Have you ever met someone that takes everything literally? Chances are, they are probably more of a concrete thinker. Concrete thinking focuses on what is physically around you. Concrete thinkers see a physical object and just think of what's in front of them. They may see their surroundings but not see beyon …
