It used to be just an annoyance on the train and at restaurants. But now, they seem to be everywhere. They’re at the check-out line in almost every store you go into. My local bagel store has a sign that requests that people not do this while in the check-out line and they are still doing it. They’re also clogging up the aisles at grocery stores a …
My New Year's Eve celebrations used to be a lot more exciting when I was young(er): I spent the Millennium Eve in Times Square (and now I'm over it). I've done enough all-night rave-like dance parties. There were also the obligatory family gatherings during the trying years; semi-sober (literally & figuratively). Last year my wife was working, …
The first screenings of this comedy were finally aired last Wednesday at midnight but only through independent movie theaters. On Thursday morning it was listed as the No. 1 seller on YouTube Movies and the Google Play store. The Interview has now become a symbol of free speech. People were dressed in red, white and blue to go view the movie an …
If you ever had the pleasure of being with Bob Formica you can understand why I give him the appellation St. Formica. In my experience, he comes closest to being as I imagine a Saint would be. He was kind, caring, giving, humble, funny, smart, loyal, good natured, unique, empathetic, thoughtful, naughty, fatherly and sweet. It was for these and oth …
“Merry Christmas" These 2 words are always a reminder to me of the magic and wonder in the world: whether it’s the magic of Santa arriving while you sleep and leaving lots of toys or the wonder of an innocent baby arriving in the world in humble surroundings as a gift to us. This season is A time for faith, family and friends … A time for reflec …
It's been a rough year for a lot of people in a lot of ways. As it draws to a close, may we all look forward to a better year. I wish everyone a happy, hopeful and mostly a peaceful 2015.
This is the gift giving time of year. It makes me reflect on the gifts that have been my favorite over the course of time. In no particular order: 1. My Kitchen Aide Mixer: May not sound romantic, but I wanted that thing so badly! 2. My Elephant Bracelet: I use the phrase “embrace the elephant” about 100 times a day. My elephant bracelet is my co …
After reading my recent blog concerning what book you would want to read again for the first time, a friend emailed me with an intriguing follow-up question, “What was your favorite childhood book?” I immediately wrote back my answer, “Charlotte’s Web.” I can recall many late nights, way past my bedtime, reading “Charlotte’s Web” under my …
Over the years from time to time I have worked on my family tree. With familyecho.com, I have now mapped it out, and with a total of forty seven entries have taken it to the level of my great great great grandparents on my father's mother's father's parents' side, if you can follow that. My great great greats were Sarah Stein and Solomon Potak, a …
As Hanukah is upon us, I wanted to let you know about my spin on a holiday tradition. I never connected to the religious prayers when lighting candles and wanted to do something that was more meanignful. So i started a new tradition when my children were young. Each night when we lit a candle, we dedicated it to an important person in our lives t …
I don't know how long it has been going on (I suspect many used spears were passed around by forward thinking Neanderthals), but I think reGifting is a great practice and venerable tradition. Everyone drives a "Previously owned" car and lauds recycling as a "Save The World" necessity, but for some incomprehensible reason their first cousin is frown …
Tuesday morning, I posted to Gotham politics a blurb and link from Crains that “Theater cancels premiere of controversial film” with a comments aimed a Gotham bloggers that I see a great blog here. Anyone familiar with that Gotham mantra, you say it you own it? Sort of happened here...... One blogger suggested an interest in taking up the mant …
At times, people can forget the real reason they love someone. They may not forget that they love someone, but the real reason other than obligation may not always be at the forefront. Luckily I am never allowed to experience such slippage. Last night a co-worker of my wife, who along with her boyfriend have become good friends ours, received …
Do you watch? I do. Actually, my whole house watches. Since an episode airs just about every thirty minutes, we watch a lot. This show reminds of a quirky version of Friends, which I also watched religiously in its day. The ensemble cast has a rhythm uncharacteristic of such strong characters but it works here with great success. Repeatedly borrow …
I realize that many things I do tend to embarrass my children, such as kiss them in public or comment on their Facebook posts (a sin I have never repeated). Lately I have noticed, however, that even my use of certain words can cause them embarrassment or, alternatively, have them in hysterics. Recently, I used the word, “dungarees,” a word I free …
