Your intrepid blogger has dug up a fascinating true story. More than 131 years after being thrown overboard, the world's oldest message in a bottle has washed up on a beach in western Australia. The bottle was found by Tonya Illman and Grace Ricciardo in the dunes near Wedge Island in January. Weeks of research traced the historic note back to …
When I vacation in Key West I have a regular Friday night routine of sitting on a bench across the street from the weekly "Sound Check" at Key West's iconic rock n' roll Green Parrot venue. I've come to consider the bench, fronting the Court House Deli, to be the epicenter of Key West culture and humanity. There, no one has a label or preconce …
I may have mentioned this before. One of the most memorable lines from my daughter, Mea, was her observation when she was five years old that “Music goes right to the heart.” The other evening, we saw “Farinelli and the King” a wonderful Broadway musical about a musical voice that quelled the craziness of King Philippe V of Spain. The power of mus …
I like the TV show Jeopardy. Not because of Alex Trebeck, because it can be so satisfying to answer the questions (is it question the answers?) before the contestants chime in. I also learn some interesting things. And, of course, that music. From Wiki: The best-known theme song on Jeopardy! is "Think!", originally composed by Griffin under the …
Today’s storm doesn’t look as if it is going to be as bad as initially predicted, at least here in New York. But with this being the third storm in two weeks, I’m asking this question – are we done yet? I am ready for the spring. Ready to put away my heavy winter coat, ready to open windows, ready to walk outside. So this morning I am sayin …
Some people can do it and others can’t. I love to do it and I’m very good at it. I’m at my best at it when I’m home alone. Can you do it? I’m talking about doing work at home (did you think I was talking about something else?) Oftentimes, if I have to be in court in the city in the morning, instead of heading back to the office afterwards, …
My enjoyment of good music remains steadfast. Those who know me best know my preferences (tastes?). Indeed leaving a lunch last month at my alma mater (same place for poli. sci. and law school) the question, what is Poco?, got posed by the distinguished ethics professor and the speaker my friend Sean and I delivered to the Mineola LIRR on our way b …
There's nothing like a good massage. It loosens up your whole body and relaxes your mind. I was fortunate to enjoy one last week. My masseuse was a woman who was obviously visually impaired but she greeted me with a warm smile and showed me to the room, subtly touching her surroundings as she found her way. While I undressed I wondered what this …
Web Master Mitch and I have assumed the responsibility of composing our new opinion polls. The present poll appears below near the bottom of the website. Our first new poll pictured here was our most successful to date, asking Gotham's opinion as to the best picture Oscar and we called it right! The Shape of Water. A great call and a great flick …
There's a TV show in which Sam Waterson portrays the District Attorney in New York City. In one scene he is sitting on a park bench near the courts and Municipal Building having his lunch out of a brown paper bag. A colleague walks by and the District Attorney asked him if he'd like to join him for lunch. The colleague appropriately enquires abou …
A couple of years ago I went to see the Broadway production of The King & I. Love that music and the opportunity to hear Kelli O'Hara sing, priceless. An excellent production. My favorite song from the musical, and, frankly, one of my all time favorite songs, was sung by a woman I wasn't familiar with, Ruthie Ann Miles. She was brilliant in the …
In 1957, the LIRR created the image of “Dashing Dan” intended to personify its slogan, “The Route of the Dashing Commuter.” Dan was well dressed holding his hat with one hand as he ran to catch his train. Dan lasted on his own until around 1963 when Dashing Dottie was introduced, complete with high heels, skirt and handbag. The introduction …
Corey Bearak is one of the true gems of Gotham. He is a gifted political strategist and always willing to help in that arena. In addition, however, he is always willing to help any Gotham member with any issue they may have whether it is in his area of expertise or not. He has often given me wonderful advice with respect to issues that appear to …
Friday evening I received a text from my daughter. She advising taking a DNA report. It involved nothing about confirmation of me as her biological dad. No need to go any further on that thread. The DNA report she shared advised my daughter’s “genetic muscle composition is common in elite power athletes." I muse back, “It makes me want to get …
Several of my friends often plan Uber nights. It's essentially a plan to drink and let Uber drive you around. Everyone can drink and not worry about driving home. Well here's an interesting result of an Uber night as reported by SkyNews. A drunk Uber user was hit with a $1,635 bill after falling asleep and embarking on a 300-mile journey across t …
