Is it time to download IOS 8? I usually wait for a while before giving in to a new operating system. It took me ages to give in to IOS 7 and when I did, I had very quick regrets. Yes, I got over it with a little time but that leaves me hesitating about accepting the upgrade that stares at me now every time I turn on my phone.

Fred’s blog about his morning swim made me anxious. I cannot conceive of waking up that early so many mornings in a row to travel to a pool to swim. I practically force myself, by taping my favorite trashy reality television, to wake up forty-five minutes early three days a week to go downstairs and walk on my treadmill. I am definitely not a morning person.

The thought has occurred to me over the years, that if terrorism in the U.S. became so bad and I had to move to another country, where would I go?  I have no plans to do this, and just renewed my lease.  But what if?  

I have always been a Jay Z fan (Brooklyn roots) and a love of rap music.   How he handled himself in the elevator incident with his sister in law was exactly what the quote  above exemplifies.   Why doesn't anyone talk about that??!?  

When I was young I had no direction and wondered aimlessly and accomplished little. I can't pinpoint the moment in time when my self hatred overwhelmed my sloth, but there was a metamorphosis as I got into sports and athletics. I learned about training and getting into shape as a competitive necessity.

It's been a long time coming, but, to echo Ella Fitzgerald, “Bye, Bye, Blackberry”. Until recently, I’ve been in denial of the imminent demise of my Blackberry. In the face of those around me -- mostly former Blackberry users -- who scoffed at the device in my hands, I held on (literally) to my trusted Blackberry 9000.

What can I close on today?  It is a common sales technique, but like most sales techniques, it applies to other parts of life as well.    

I am partial to certain restaurants. My favorite haunt with friends is a local place called Tesoro in Westbury on Long Island. The food is always good and the owner greets you with a smile. Several years ago we celebrated a special occasion at Tesoro and it has become our occasion restaurant ever since.