It was an uncomfortable feeling of something missing as I realized that the cold on my head was the result of the absence of my favorite winter hat. Baseball style, cashmere, waterproof, with ear flaps - available if needed yet neatly folded out of sight most of the time. A perfect hat. On Monday, with the blizzard on its way, I was meeting a …
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his …
Batten down the hatches! It's going to snow! Here comes the Nor'easter of 2017. Supermarket shelves are empty. Every loaf of bread in the neighborhood is gone. Forget about a container of milk. Those were gone by Sunday. As for me, no panic or apprehension. I am kind of looking forward to the storm. We knew that schools were closed by about …
Fred’s blog from a few weeks ago persuaded me to reread a favorite book of mine, “Stranger in a Strange Land.” I believe I first read it in college and the themes have stuck with me all these years. In rereading it this week I was struck by how relevant the themes still are today, fifty-five years after it was written. Grok me? Similarly, right …
Early in the same month we celebrate Earth Day, GOtham Green® recognizes the five recipients of 2017 GOtham Green Awards®. The special event takes places at New York City’s famed Friars Club in Midtown Manhattan at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Click here if your wish to attend. Gotham Green® annually recognizes those who make a differ …
There are a lot of angry people in this country today. Unfortunately anger gets distorted. Handling it without destroying relationships is a skill that many of us need to learn. Here's a true story that illustrates what I mean..."One [of a therapist's] clients voted for Donald Trump for president, and the client’s daughter, who is gay, took her f …
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 …
