I had an unusual teaching experience this past week. Instead of the entire class on the screen, the format was a Zoom webinar.   So I taught for two hours seeing only myself without images of the students or even hearing their voices.   What I did was open the chat window and encourage the students to ask questions, comment, and respond when I asked a question.    I laughed almost the entire two hours at the absurdity of the situation.

Have you ever been asked by a friend to make a donation to their cause? Do you dignify the request with a response? If you comply, what motivates you to do so? Also, what equation goes into the amount of the donation? Lastly, do you remember the amount?

Shortly after meeting someone for the first time, the question is asked:“What do you do?”Invariably - at least in my experience- the question evokes a response about what someone does for a living, or, perhaps, did for a living.

Running has been part of my personal narrative for decades.  Years ago it was 30 minutes on the “dreadmill” enduring boredom to build strength and endurance.  

I am ready – and if I’m lucky, maybe I will have a little time to read a book.  

I may be a little late with this blog but I have been thinking about this topic for a while.   On February 12, 2024, one day in advance of a possible major snowstorm, Mayor Adams announced that New York City schools would be virtual the next day. Clearly, he was reacting to the predictions of an oncoming snowstorm.  

Something unexpected intruded on “my” Friday.

It's nice to walk into a restaurant and have a rapport with the staff.   La Parma on Roslyn Rd, is such a place. A solid southern Italian restaurant where Jerard, the owners son, works and Rollie is the operations guy.    It's our go-to spot after the Sparks program, where the ambiance, the genuine connections, and the authentic southern Italian cuisine make us feel more than customers—they make us feel like family. In the hustle of life, La Parma is a comforting retreat.