Bob Dylan is a contemporary and, with all his deserved glory, I wonder, if he was asked whether he has enjoyed a good life, would he answer candidly and what would he say?I imagine it's not easy being an artist, with the relentless pressure to continue to create and live up to an earlier iconic image. Mick, Keith, Paul, and the others: surely they …
I'm looking for a word - perhaps not yet invented or evolved - or perhaps the extension of the meaning or import of an existing word. Here's the background to my search. A friend has an appointment on a certain day and, having been advised of this important event, I ask to be informed of the outcome as expeditiously as possible. "Let me know. I'd …
I never was a fan of the Pope. Or organized religion for that matter. I understand the power of like minded people gathering to celebrate similar beliefs. And I will defend your right to worship any old way you damn please. Or not worship any old way you damn please. Anyway, back to Pope Francis, the Catholic church in particular, has not been a fr …
As if it were yesterday, I remember that feeling of leaving my children in the morning when they were young and heading off to my commute to the city. I often spoke to my kids as they started their day, with sleep still hanging in their voices. One day last week, I sat next to a lovely young woman on the train. Her phone rang and she started …
In reading People Magazine this week, I was amused to read about an unusual food combination enjoyed by a celebrity. He loves to mix peanut butter into his scrambled eggs. My first reaction was, ”yuck.” But then I recalled an unusual food combination I enjoyed while in high school and decided I shouldn’t judge another’s food mash-up. Senior yea …
One named Helen, the other Helene. Both giants. Both gone within about a week of the other. You never expect loss. One almost reached Fred’s magic number. The other short by a baker’s dozen. I honored both when they, their families and colleagues could celebrate with them; Helene in 2001 and Helen 10 years later. Still recall the chat late …
This story gives new meaning to pizza on the go. Pizza Hut just released a limited run of 'smart' basketball sneakers that allow the wearer to order a pizza with the press of a button. The pizza chain created 64 pairs of the "Pie Top" sneakers, that feature a secret pizza ordering button in the tongue, to celebrate the upcoming NCAA College Baske …
When I was in high school our telephone number was 516 621 3525. Before that there were operators and a party line (which I must admit I listened in on). When my parents moved I managed to have my boyhood number transferred to my home. Today in this iPhone era we still have 2 landlines. 3525 is for Tradition and our Fax. Before you pass judg …
I just finished reading “Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates” by Brian Kilmeade and DanYaeger. A very good read about the war against the pirates of the Barbary Coast and the birth of the US navy and marines. Hence the words to the marine corps song. “..,to the shores of Tripoli." The authors also wrote “George Washington’s Secret Six” abou …
Sometimes you have to let go of old things to make room for the new. It can be good to shake things up, change the order of things, take a new path. I've been listening to Gary Vaynerchuk for at least 8 years, he's a business guy, makes a ton of video and runs a multi million dollar media company. He was inspring for the first 7 and a half, now h …
I didn't watch most of the Oscars Sunday night, although it was on in the background for a while. I happened to sit down for the very end, just as Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty were walking on stage to present the Best Picture award. I was really taken by Faye Dunaway's dress. But when Warren Beatty seemed confused as he was preparing to a …
The first placed I lived on my own was Brooklyn Heights. Since the law firm where I was working was also in the Heights many of us who worked together also lived close to one another. When those of us who lived in the Heights wanted a special place to go to dinner our “go-to” restaurant was Henry’s End. It was a small cozy restaurant with a won …
Today’s New York Times, included an insert, “Truth. It’s more important now than ever.” How true! All the discussion about “fake news” and attacks on the news media infuriates me. In law school I edited CONSCIENCE, an award winning publication. I regularly wrote a column, “The Public Ought to Know,” from ‘03 to ‘05 and resurrected it as “The Publ …
Here's a real life story...think about who's on what side when you read this. A couple has been married for more than 30 years. They've always had political differences - she leans one way while he leans the other - but that never prevented them from amicably discussing polictics. However, this all changed during the recent presidential campaig …
One of the driving forces in my life was the lack of direct praise I received from my father. Yes, his friends told me how proud he was of me, but it was a hollow substitute. As a result I was determined to share my ample pride with my sons and I think I did a far better job than my dad. I am so proud of them! That gets me to Chris Wallace …
