How are you with trying new things? Since the pandemic, I have done my own billing. As soon as I began inputting my own billing, I have been complaining about the program I used, finding it not user friendly and disliked that it was not cloud based. I finally decided to change my system four years after I started complaining. I am still learni …
While most of the world fixated on two presidents for a variety of reasons, some not so good, last week I explored two earlier presidents who hailed from New York. My wife and daughter like brief jaunts to the Hudson Valley and this one featured visits to Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) Library and Museum and National Historic Site in Hyde Park and the …
Is it hot enough for you? This summer, with temperatures soaring into the "OMG" range, even the ice cream is having a meltdown before it reaches your cone. So, as we sit in our houses grateful for air conditioning, remember, this summer is about survival. My tip of the moment is to stay hydrated, stay cool, grab your sunglasses, and always look …
Over the years my wife Joanne has often remarked (complained) about brown spots on her face and hands and applied various over the counter remedies to counter them without satisfaction. Truly, the spots are one of "Nature's dirty tricks". Then, last week, Joanne mentioned the spots to our friend Ennid Berger who, matter of factly, asked "Have you …
On July 4th, James Taylor celebrated his fiftieth anniversary of Fourth of July concerts at Tanglewood - the renowned music venue in Lenox Massachusetts.I love traditions. Although we’ve seen James Taylor at Tanglewood many times, we were not there last week. Instead, we’ve were extending our own tradition - in its third year - of having our family …
Do you have the option to work remotely and/or in person? I work from home 2 days per week, if I choose, but work in the office the other 3-5 days. While I find I am more productive in the office, I also enjoy the comradery of my coworkers. However, that couple of days a week at home allow me to handle some things around the house that I would no …
Good morning Gotham. I am fighting a virus today and so I am going to take this week off from blogging. Hope you all had a great July 4th and see you next week!
I have a confession to make. I am not a cleaner. I absolutely despise cleaning. To me, cleaning is just a chore that I know I have to do. My mother, on the other hand, was an avid cleaner. Growing up, our joke was that she used to follow my brother, sister and I around the house with her sponge. My cousin tells me that she cleanses by cleaning. I …
Normally, I'd cover this stadium gathering the Sunday after so many of gathered in many rows at The Porch presented by Hijole at Citi Field. A memorial service covered last week pushed back this report on watching the Mets defeat the Yankees on June 26 a week. Apologies to those who expected the account then. My wife Shelly and I and our friend …
Judging oneself is a bad habit, that holds back our creativity and personal growth. We often set unrealistic standards, comparing ourselves to who we think we should be. I know I am my worst critic. I expect perfection in this imperfect body and mind. I have experienced over the years that my relentless self-criticism is waning, learning to be …
When I was coming up in the 50s, simultaneous with the rise of Rhythm and Blues (soon to be Rock n' Roll), the primary (solo) instrument was the Sax (think King Curtis, Big Al Sears or Cannonball Adderley).Then, in 1952, Les Paul (born Lester Polsfuss) changed the course of musical history when the Gibson Les Paul electric guitar appeared on the ma …
We noticed the little Grasshopper on the car’s side mirror as we drove down the street from our house.She was going for a ride to a destination unknown.Would it be an adventure or a new beginning? Perhaps both.I thought of man’s place in the ecosystem — transporting insects great distances.I thought of the little unplanned encounters that become th …
This is the time of the year that commemorates many occasions in the Schwartz Household, between birthdays (Joe, My sister-in-law, brother-in-law and my birthday, plus my wife and I anniversary). I always enjoyed July because as a kid, school was out, and summer was in full swing. The 4th of July, one of my favorite holidays, meant fireworks, somet …
Friends, I am ready for some recommendations. Just around this time, as the weather turns warm and the breeze at the beach turns cool, I turn towards my selection of books. Truth be told, I have fallen behind in reading but my picture of a perfect summer day includes a beach, a good book (on my kindle or otherwise) and a glass of wine. Add a …
Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to travel. One of my favorite aspects of travelling is to learn about the location’s culture. I love to learn about the locals day to day life. One way we found to do is to take food tours. What people like to eat seems to teach us so much about their customs. I love watching “Somebody Feed Phil” on Netfli …
