Next week my husband and I are travelling to Charlotte, North Carolina and then on to Charleston, South Carolina. In researching what to do in Charleston-my good friend from high school lives in Charlotte so she’ll be our “tour guide” there-it became apparent to me how rich Charleston is in history, culture, and cuisine. It also became quickly ob …
If my recollections remain correct I’ve called ten places home, three almost a sort of hiatus between more longer term stays. I thought about that as my son looks forward to his latest home. Two shared with his parents. My son experienced three of the City’s five boroughs as a home. I’ve remained in Queens with a brief early stay across its eas …
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that all of the shooters in the recent spate of our country's massacres are male. I have followed the commentary closely and not one person has made this distinction to my mind. If anyone can explain it I would welcome it. Said another way, why don't females engage in such carnage? On this subject and …
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 …
Last Sunday, we got to the museum a little early and found our way to the room. The leader of the workshop asked each of us to introduce ourselves and say what we expected from the workshop. “I’m Ben and I’m here to escape outside of my comfort zone.” It was a workshop in tie-dying at the Jewish Museum in New York and was given in conjunction wit …
From History.com: "On February 14 around the year 278A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed. Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military …
I was reminiscing with a friend the other day about how much food played a part in our respective childhoods. So many of my memories circle back to something having to do with food. Whether it was a special restaurant or a special recipe, the food theme was prevalent. For example, anyone remember Cooky’s Steak Pub? It was a favorite evening …
Last weekend, I noticed a common theme in several stories in the Sunday Times. There were three major stories concerning the sexual harassment and assault of women. On the front page of the main section, there was an in depth story detailing the investigation and acts of Dr. Lawrence Nassar, who sexually assaulted numerous young female athletes. …
Our Friday blogger “complains” – perhaps mentors – that I use social media not enough. He often cajoles me to post – comment – more, especially on things that matter. My wife sometimes counters I post too often. On Facebook some friends (small f intended) may share divergent opinions. Where facts support another view, I feel compelled to empha …
Watching the Olympics last night gave me pause. It was not the pagentry, CGI spectacular, fireworks or even the speeches. It was the symbolic, yet real, unification of North and South Korea marching into the arena under one flag. It was heart warming and hopeful. This not the first time this has happened but it is the first time they will be fieldi …
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 …
The words of a schoolteacher of mine from many many years ago resonate for me. “We read the obituaries not to learn who died but to learn about those who lived.” I read the obituary of Haim Gouri, an Israeli poet, journalist, novelist, and filmmaker who died last week at the age of 94. He was a voice from the founding of the State of Israel. The …
Brene Brown is voice worth hearing. This is what it says on her website: "The official line: I’m a research professor at the University of Houston where I hold the Huffington Endowed Chair. I’ve spent the past sixteen years studying courage, vulnerability, empathy, and shame. I’m the author of four books: The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, …
Over the last few days, the stock market has taken a tumble. I have lost count of the number of commentators advising investors not to panic, to stay the course, think long term. But I’ve also heard just ordinary people talking about being afraid of losing their savings. Last night on the LIRR, two commuters behind me were talking about chan …
It’s that time of the year again, the day after the Super Bowl. Every year there’s debate about whether to make the day after the Super Bowl a national holiday since most people are sluggish the next day. My husband and I host a Super Bowl party every year, so it is a very long night for us. Last year, I had a court hearing scheduled the n …
