Steve Ballmer, the CEO of Microsoft, is stepping down. He took over for Bill Gates in 2000 and since then the value of Microsoft has diminshed from $555 billion to $289 billion. Not a good look. The stock market took notice and since the announcement Microsoft's stocked has soared. I don't know about you but if I was Steve, I wouldn't be feeling …
One of the many many things my wife Joanne does so well is make sandwiches. I often muse that if all else failed she could open up a world-class sandwich shop and I would just be the server. Last weekend Joanne made chicken salad with celery, dill, lettuce, home grown tomatoes and Hellman's mayonnaise (a very important ingredient) on toasted so …
We were on a very nice rooftop in New York City. It's at Ink48, a hotel at 48th Street and 11th Avenue. We were told that it has been rated as the sixth best rooftop in New York (and the lines to get in attest to that). It truly offers a great view. And it's also a good place to observe people. I watched as people stepped onto the rooftop and …
As we wrapped up our day over a beer, I remarked to my wife, "We were victims of not-for-profit, psychopathic, serial dognappers!" Ironically, I had just recently commented on Fred's blog about our young dog that we had "rescued" after he had lost his home in a fire. I was not dying to get a second dog, but the rescue dog group had a table at my …
Today was a great day. I say that, and I golfed – shocking. Said another way, today was Gotham’s Annual Golf Outing which explains why it was a great day. Beautiful weather, excellent company and fantastic food all came together for yet another Gotham event that will not soon be forgotten. Of course, we must again thank our own Norman Spizz who c …
On Wednesday, my husband and I will be taking our two youngest children to college to begin their freshman year. Ryan will be going to SUNY Binghamton and Sydney will be going to SUNY Buffalo. Ryan aspires to be a lawyer and Sydney will be entering a five year program from which she will graduate with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy. …
Yesterday was our annual - and final- fall drive to Syracuse to take Emily back to school. We took two cars since Emily keeps one up here, and also because she has 3,000 pairs of shoes that won't fit in one trunk. The girls drove together and I went solo, which I relished. I could keep my windows and sun roof open, and listen to whatever I want …
Last Thursday was a fascinating day. In the morning I attended a bris. My friend became a Grandpa and it was a happy joyous celebration with a beautiful buffet. Lots of smiling people. Although it was a little strange that people were videoing the act on their iPhones. Why anyone would want to see that again is beyond me. I also think that when the …
I admit that I am competitive. Does being competitive make losing harder to bear? Gotham has two softball teams the Gotham Bombers and the Gotham Batmen. I pitch for the Gotham Batmen. Last year we finished in first place. This year the Batmen finished in second place with a nine wins and two loss record. The season begins in April and end …
I had heard the story - a bit of family lore - and now it has a new twist. Years ago, my brother-in-law, Howie, met Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm) on a golf course on Martha's Vineyard. "Hi, Mr. David, I'm a fan of yours." "What's your name?" "Howard Diamond." "Howard! I'll remember that name." And they parted ways. Last weekend, Larry David's …
Last Thursday, after having numerous softball games cancelled for rain this season, we were pumped to play our final regular season game on the schedule. The forecast was for possible showers all day and evening. I trepidaciously took my son to the Mets game (courtesy of Vincent Russo & Associates, Elder Law Specialists - thanks again) and we …
I spend a lot of time on the Long Island Railroad. One of my favorite things to do during an otherwise uneventful commute is to catch up on great television. I found my love for Mad Men on the LIRR. (Really not a reference to my fellow commuters -- most days.) And then last year, Downton Abbey took Mad Men’s place. (I can’t wait for the new se …
A story that I read in the news this week really upset and concerned me. A Florida man, Derek Melina, confessed to killing his wife and posted a picture of her body on his Facebook feed. He then turned himself into police. And although his acts are troubling by themselves, what happened next is what was truly disconcerting to me. While countle …
My son and daughter in law and another couple are camping near Lake George this weekend. He tells me after they park the car there is a canoe waiting for them by the shore. They have to pack the canoe with all of their equipment, and paddle to a small uninhaited island, and that is where they unload and set up camp and stay for the weekend. Th …
I experienced something unusual last Saturday at my monthly sojourn to Costco. My purchases did not exceed $200. I don't think I've ever done that before and I suspect many others haven't either. I noticed this because when I stood there with the electronic pen ready to sign on the electronic pad for the sale, nothing came up. The cashier looked at …
