Bob Dylan is a contemporary and, with all his deserved glory, I wonder, if he was asked whether he has enjoyed a good life, would he answer candidly and what would he say?I imagine it's not easy being an artist, with the relentless pressure to continue to create and live up to an earlier iconic image.

I'm looking for a word - perhaps not yet invented or evolved - or perhaps the extension of the meaning or import of an existing word. Here's the background to my search. A friend has an appointment on a certain day and, having been advised of this important event, I ask to be informed of the outcome as expeditiously as possible. "Let me know. I'd like to hear from you." As soon as the words pass my lips, I realize the dilemma. I communicate with this person by talking or by texting.

I never was a fan of the Pope. Or organized religion for that matter. I understand the power of like minded people gathering to celebrate similar beliefs. And I will defend your right to worship any old way you damn please. Or not worship any old way you damn please.

  As if it were yesterday, I remember that feeling of leaving my children in the morning when they were young and heading off to my commute to the city. I often spoke to my kids as they started their day, with sleep still hanging in their voices.

In reading People Magazine this week, I was amused to read about an unusual  food combination enjoyed by  a celebrity. He loves to mix peanut butter into his scrambled eggs. My first reaction was, ”yuck.” But then I recalled an unusual food combination I enjoyed while in high school and decided I shouldn’t judge another’s food  mash-up.

One named Helen, the other Helene. Both giants. Both gone within about a week of the other. You never expect loss. One almost reached Fred’s magic number. The other short by a baker’s dozen. I honored both when they, their families and colleagues could celebrate with them; Helene in 2001 and Helen 10 years later.

This story gives new meaning to pizza on the go.

When I was in high school our telephone number was 516 621 3525.   Before that there were operators and a party line (which I must admit I listened in on).   When my parents moved I managed to have my boyhood number transferred to my home.   Today in this iPhone era we still have 2 landlines. 3525 is for Tradition and our Fax.  Before you pass judgement on this seemingly wasteful excess I remind you that during the devastation of Super Storm Sandy the only thing that worked were landlines.