Growing up, I was the kid who could never find my name on anything. No keychains. No mini license plates for my bike. No mugs, magnets, or novelty pens. Every road trip souvenir rack was just another reminder that Jerome was apparently too exotic for mainstream merchandising.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I am reminded to stop and prepare. Not for the menu, desserts to bring, and all the attendant getting ready. Well, in truth, all of that too . . . Instead, I am considering what I will share this year around the table when we follow our family tradition and take turns giving thanks.  

Last week I wrote about our family’s discussions as to whether or not to get rid of our land line phone. One of the reasons we are considering doing so is because of the abundance of spam calls we have been getting. Lately it feels like my phone rings more for spam calls than for actual people I know. Every day there’s a new mystery number promising something I never asked for. I’ve become an expert at hanging up before the robot voice even finishes its first sentence. At this point, the silence after not answering feels like the real reward. 

A Gotham mantra – it’s better to give than receive...” – takes a special meaning as next month begins. Not just because Gotham approaches a countdown to when our tribe announces the recipient charities of its annual Season of Giving. Just after Thanksgiving, the first Tuesday after that observance, that’s Tuesday, December 2, this year 2025, Giving Tuesday takes place (This year Gotham’s Winter Cocktail Party and announcement of charities take place that evening.).

I've declared war on empty time.  It seems every spare moment gets filled by a podcast, a text, or a social feed. We optimize our commutes, treat personal growth like a leaderboard, and feel somewhat guilty whenever we catch ourselves simply staring out a window.Our society seems to treat unstructured time like a vitamin deficiency that needs immediate attention. But here's the truth...boredom isn't the enemy of a good. 

Have you ever experienced being in the Zone?You know, in a state of complete focus and absorption in an activity and performing at your peak with extraordinary success. Think Steph Curry shooting the 3 over outstretched Wemby in the Olympics.  When I was a young lawyer, I pulled an all nighter and worked through th next day and played in a Lawyer's League Basketball game that night. Pregame, I worried whether I could do it, but once the game started I was on fire and could do no wrong. 

I’ve known Fred a long time and we’ve done many, many things together over the many years.We’ve run marathons, turkey trots and twenty-four hour relays. We’ve run to and from Roslyn to New York City. We’ve run over the Queensboro Bridge in a thunderstorm-with lightning flashing below us.We’ve been in labor negotiations together and negotiated other things (both publicly and privately).We’ve watched our kids grow and friends grow old with us. We’ve eaten at Rao’s and walked the grounds of the Botanical Garden.

My first surgery  since I was a llittle kid. Had 5 cervical disc  removed and replaced. The surgery done at HSS went well, but my recovery will be over a month. Sorry If I don't see much of you but rest assured I am very happy to still be kicking. I tthank all that sent me well wishes. It means so much when going through  this prcedure.