Wednesday was my 80th Birthday! 80 is a nice (yes nice) round number which I have been mulling daily throughout my 80th year. Rather than be daunted by it, I am proud of it and hear myself proclaiming my age often. Why not? It is what it is. A number. A mile marker (thank you Erin McKenna and Guy deBoer for the annual ride) along my life journey …
Last weekend we were having dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the City. It was good to be back.At the table next to us were a man and woman. But there was something wrong. They didn’t speak to each other and made no eye contact. The woman couldn’t avoid looking in my direction and I caught a few weird glances from her. But the man only c …
A.O. Scott, NYT film critic, and Questlove, “Roots” drummer and Oscar winning filmmaker, have recently wrote about their collections of records, toys, CDs, books, memorabilia, etc. Scott inquires whether the things you loved when you were young will ever make you feel young again? Questlove asks whether collecting is an act of devotion or creat …
Liza Minelli’s words stumble; Gaga leans over softly and whispers in her ear “I’ve got you”; Liza responds “I know you do”. Can’t we focus on that exchange instead of the Will Smith/Chris Rock mess? Let’s do it. Have you seen Lady Gaga perform with Tony Bennett? It’s warm. That same sense of warmth was loudly displayed when Gaga wheeled …
Did you ever have a teacher that left a lasting impression? Last week, one such teacher I had senior year in high school just popped into my mind, Mr. Higgins. And just thinking about Mr. Higgins made me smile. For first semester senior year myself and some friends were looking for an elective that would be an “easy A.” Several older friends rec …
Last week’s commentary noted the milestone Shelly and I had reached during the past week and how we planned to celebrate last night. Our daughter of many talents arranged the parking and dinner reservations (Serafina); Marisa joined us too. (The) Tina (Turner Musical) exceeded expectations. Just outstanding, especially the musical performances. Nke …
Your intrepid Saturday blogger (it's a tough beat) has found the actual reason why we have International Waffle Day. I know you're on the edge of your seat. From my American consumer perspective, I always thought that this was yet another commercial moment from one our favorite waffle makers but no Padawan, you and I would be wrong. International …
I really can’t explain its genesis, but twice a day I post a somewhat difficult to identify photo of a famous person on Facebook and my followers vie to be the first to guess who it is and earn a Bingo photo. Truth be told, the competition is fierce and it’s as if I’m riding a whirlwind. For whatever the reason, many are quick to hazard a guess …
The first days of Spring.....If I had decided when the new year should begin, I would have chosen the first days of Spring. As nature emerges from the sleep of winter, there is so much to look forward to. (Of course, those in the Southern Hemisphere might see things differently.)I’ve thought about threeNew Year possibilities for the start of the ne …
The 2022 Oscars will be broadcast on ABC this Sunday, March 28. The show will be hosted by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes. I am looking forward to hearing the cutting jokes and banter of Schumer and Sykes. Critics have stated that 2022 was a very good year for quality movies. The expansion to 10 films in the best picture category br …
My patience with being patient while waiting to be the patient is waning. Did you get that? How long are you willing to wait for a doctor? These days, my answer is less and less. Of course, sometimes there are emergencies. Frankly, if I were the patient with the emergency I would hope the others in the waiting room would be understanding too. …
Lately, I have come to realize that I rely on my own memory devices more and more. I have begun putting reminders on my office calendar for more nominal events, such as remembering to call a client. Or I will text or email myself a reminder to make the call. In the past I would have depended on my own memory for the lesser crucial events. But now, …
Not talking baseball even though the title channels the first Mets manager and perhaps the greatest Yankee one. The last time we discussed such a number it was 34. For several years before COVID disrupted plans pretty much for all of us, we’d celebrate our anniversary around a show on Broadway or a concert; the last two years the pandemic affected …
I find it fascinating when you are with some people you feel totally drained afterwards but when you are with others, you feel energized. What's that about?
I recently had an interesting conversation with friends about tipping. Before I relate the conversation , it is useful to explain that “tip” is an acronym for To Insure Promptitude and the custom originated in Europe and is traced back to 17th century England. Whatever it’s origins, tipping has become an integral way of life and sustenance in our …
