As I get older, the loss of the holiday traditions that my mom carried on are now being eroded in my home. There are a few reasons for that, some because we are a mixed heritage household, some because time does not allow the leisure to participate, make, decorate the way I used to. But for me, the loss is felt most because I live so very far a …
I spent most of my Thanksgiving feeling blessed and grateful. This past weekend, we were able to spend time with both of our children. For those of you with grown children, you know that can be a feat of epic proportions. These days, spending time together requires thoughtful planning since we are all in different cities and on different coasts …
I spent most of my Thanksgiving feeling blessed and grateful. This past weekend, we were able to spend time with both of our children. For those of you with grown children, you know that can be a feat of epic proportions. These days, spending time together often requires thoughtful planning since we are all in different cities and on differen …
Now that Thanksgiving is over I can make this confession. My favorite part of the turkey is frame, which I never gnaw on in public, only in private. During dinner, with others, I eat only the white meat. My preference for the frame came from my childhood. As a kid, my sister, mother, and I would clear off the Thanksgiving table while my brother …
GOtham GREEN® continues its tradition of recognizing worthy initiatives, products & people Gotham continued it recent pre-Thanksgiving holiday tradition when it announced its Gotham Green Awards® last week. Since to November 2020 GOtham GREEN® heralds worthy initiatives, products and people ahead of Thanksgiving. Earlier awards took place a …
There's only one resource you can't buy. Unlike other resources, time stands apart. It's the one commodity we can't purchase, trade, or reclaim. No amount of wealth or influence can add a second to our day. It's what all of us have in common no matter your social standing, where you're from, or how much money you have in the bank. Time is …
I've been writing this Friday With Fred blog for nigh on 20 years and, truth be told, the well is far from dry :) Some of my fellow Gotham bloggers wait to write until the night before or morning of their weekly blogging day. Not me. I strike when inspiration hits me and in this case I'm doing it only a day after my well commented upon "Social Medi …
One of the great things about blogging on Thursdays I that I always get to blog on Thanksgiving...... To all in the Gotham Family..... Surround yourselves with people you love, give Thanks, and take an extra moment to pray for Peace. Happy Thanksgiving
As I sit here thinking about Thanksgiving 2023, I realize how much of the tradition has changed, mainly due to family no longer with us or distance away from who is left. My parents are both gone for quite some time now, as is my oldest brother. My only remaining brother and his wife are in Hawaii. My in-laws and step kids are still in NY. I have …
The other day, someone was explaining to me the importance of good listening and said – “there is a reason that we have two ears and one mouth.” That resonated with me. The art of good listening comes naturally to some but it can also be an acquired skill. When you are meeting a new client for the first time, if you use your one mouth more th …
I have lived on Long Island since I was six years old. As such, I pride myself on knowing how to get to most anyplace on Long Island. I still, however, use Google Maps as a backup if I am going somewhere I have never been or have not been in a long time. This recently occurred on Friday when I had to venture from my Garden City office which is l …
Black Coffee starts the title of one of my fave tunes as well as the title of this blog. A few weeks back we dined at our son's and coffee followed via his espresso machine. Well Shelly decided she wanted one and dutiful daughter helped her mom place the order. The device arrived ahead of the weekend and our son, Jonathan and daughter-in-law Car …
Yesterday morning I taught a workshop on AI and using it for your business. The reason why I am writing about it here is I added so many caveats to the presentation I questioned whether it was worth it. I talked about validating every point AI provides, that information inputted is shared with the world, and that the dangers of AI are very rea …
Last Monday was my wife Joanne's birthday and I noticed a number of nice birthday greetings on her rarely visited Facebook page. Being the ever nice spouse, I alerted her to it and directed her to them. Of course, she was pleased and I encouraged her to "Like" each message. When she questioned why, I explained that it was "social media intercours …
Texts versus emails - is that the question?It has become increasingly clear to me that, if you really need to get in touch with someone, texting is more effective than email. The reasons abound. I even find myself texting someone to tell them that I sent them an email.There was a time when it was acceptable to not share your cellphone number. Covid …
