The headlines are startling, although not unexpected. Among students in grades 3 through 8 on Long Island less than 40% passed Math and less than 50% passed English in recent standardized tests. Although I’m not a fan of standardized testing, the results are undeniable.The effects of the pandemic are many. We have suffered personally - directly and indirectly.

A fascinating photo exhibit is available for anyone interested in getting a remarkable look at pre-war Europe.  A young man was taken on a summer trip of 8 European countries.  Richard Scheur took multiple rolls of film and had an incredible knack of connecting with the people and places on his journey.  The photos of life in the cities, countryside, and artistic settings makes for an enlightening walk through history.  

It is now less than a week away.  Will you celebrate? Will you dress up?    When my kids were young, Halloween was a glorious spectacle.  Lots of costume planning and changing.

My husband and I  have recently realized that, other than the national and local news, the only network television show we watch is Shark Tank. Everything else we watch is available through the networks that we stream. Technically so is Shark Tank but we still watch it on  cable.   

My office includes more than the usual accoutrements.  The same space includes my wardrobe in a dresser that was once dad's (really!) and a closet.  So when I wanted to change my garb and get ready for the day, I need to be there.  I was up early and my MacBook and other devices were all upstairs in the dining room "anticipating" a possible move to the outdoor office (a feature of several past commentaries in this space and which may be "closing" sooner than later until warmer weather becomes the norm again.).

I must admit, sorry pumpkin fans, but this pumpkin spice thing is over the top.

My wife Joanne is an artist with different tastes and talents than me who during the arc of our dating and marriage went her own way while I was inordinately consumed by sports and fandom.    

I don’t consider myself to be superstitious, yet there is one phenomenon that I’ve noticed that gives me pause.The jinx happens when a sports announcer says something speculative - - a comment about the number of innings without a hit against a pitcher or a hitting streak for a batter.