I was on line in the bagel store and noticed the fixtures in the ceiling. Video cameras in the bagel store. I wondered why. I hadn't heard of any robberies. Was the owner keeping an eye on the employees? Cameras tracking (and ticketing) red lights and speed in school zones. A good idea for safety, although I am skeptical of the motivation, espec …
I woke up this morning feeling like I had a horrible nightmare, feeling like I'm mourning the death of my closest friend. But to have to accept the fact that it's reality is a nightmare itself. No one knows the pain that the media & unwanted opinions from the public has caused my family. To make us relive a moment in our lives that we regret ev …
Along with what seemed like a good part of the neighborhood, we had no internet service today. Let's not talk about why, and how frustrating it was. Instead, let's talk about how far we have come in a short time. Today, we all rely on email, scanning, forwarding documents, etc. as just an ordinary, albeit important, part of the day. (Rona made a g …
I am a huge proponent of vacations. I truly feel that we work very hard and deserve our time away. Moreover, I believe that taking the time away helps us to do our jobs better. Giving ourselves time to “recharge our batteries” can only be beneficial to our job performance. In the “old days,” we went on vacation and, generally, no one could g …
That envelope that the doctor's receptionship keeps with all the cash co-pays, and that I contribute my $30 to each visit, I wonder if the doctor just snatches that at the end of the day as he is putting on his coat and leaving the office. That's a nice little bunch of lunch money. I am going to start charging co-pays. That and my tip jar. See …
Joan Rivers passed away this week. She was 81 but with plastic surgery she looked a lot younger albeit different. I remember her signature catchphrases "Can we talk?" and "Grow up!" She broke ground for female comedians. Her quick comebacks, sharp wit and biting humor was never out of style. She made millions on QVC, was on the Tonight Show 72 …
Rather than having coffee or lunch dates I favor the 5 o'clock drink at the Friars Club. Not only is the mood "lubricated" by alcohol, but many interesting folks wander into the Lucille Ball Bar to add to the cheer and mix. Last Thursday I met with two venerable Gotham members at the Friars and was surprised when neither ordered an alcoholic drink …
Like many others, we are back from an end-of-summer vacation. Last week, we were at one of our favorite places -- Martha’s Vineyard -- to which we have returned almost every summer for many, many years. When we go to MV, there’s a “Happy Ferry” which takes you to the Vineyard and a “Sad Ferry” which takes you back to the mainland. As we pa …
Often I find inspiration in other people' blogs. Last week, someone whose opinion I respect greatly, commented on my blog about my self-examination. They succinctly and kindly commented, "You can't change who you are. And don't try to." At every level, this is incredibly sweet and clearly a compliment...but leave it to me to find a new level. …
I recently discovered Spotify and Pandora. I may be late to the game, but until now I was devoted to my itunes playlists. That said, I am enjoying the immediacy of being able to listen to new music or really any kind of music whenever the moment moves me. I have to say, my gym workouts have been more intense with this new discovery. What is you …
Every year, on Labor Day, I labor to write a meaningful blog (pun intended). I am always cognizant, and hopeful, that my Gotham family is out enjoying the last days of summer. Therefore, if you choose to spend some of that precious time reading my blog, I have wanted to make it worth your time. This year I am spending my Labor Day preparing f …
A number of people are at fault for the accidental shooting by the nine year old girl of her firing range instructor. She is not among them. The government however is, along with our crazed gun culture. If this young girl wanted to buy a can of spray paint, or a pack of cigarettes, she would have been turned away by state law. Those are danger …
Apple is just about to introduce some new stuff on September 9th which is very exciting. A new larger screen and possibly a wearable device. But the more interesting news to me coming out of Apple is that they lowered the minimum age of developers that attend their developer conference from 18 to 13. That's right 13 years old. Right down the stre …
Do you remember the ground breaking surfing movie "Endless Summer"? It was memorable and beautiful. As has been this amazing Summer. At the start, when I heralded it with my classic "Summer Time, Summer Time" blog, I had no idea how wonderful and enjoyable it would be. In a word it has been historic. In all my many years there has never, ever been …
My son, Charles, got me a Jawbone for my birthday. I wear it on my wrist. No, not that kind of jawbone! This one syncs to my iPhone, has an app, and will keep me healthy. (I hope.) Even the recitation of the words with new meanings makes me nostalgic for my Timex and running logbook of old. However one must get with the program. Jawbone is one …
