I may have mentioned this before. One of the most memorable lines from my daughter, Mea, was her observation when she was five years old that “Music goes right to the heart.” The other evening, we saw “Farinelli and the King” a wonderful Broadway musical about a musical voice that quelled the craziness of King Philippe V of Spain. The power of music. It’s effect on us all. And I thought of the words of a five year old.

I like the TV show Jeopardy. Not because of Alex Trebeck, because it can be so satisfying to answer the questions (is it question the answers?) before the contestants chime in. I also learn some interesting things. And, of course, that music.  

  Today’s storm doesn’t look as if it is going to be as bad as initially predicted, at least here in New York. But with this being the third storm in two weeks, I’m asking this question – are we done yet?

  Some people can do it and others can’t. I love to do it and I’m very good at it. I’m at my best at it when I’m home alone. Can you do it?    

My enjoyment of good music remains steadfast. Those who know me best know my preferences (tastes?). Indeed leaving a lunch last month at my alma mater (same place for poli. sci. and law school) the question, what is Poco?, got posed by the distinguished ethics professor and the speaker my friend Sean and I delivered to the Mineola LIRR on our way back to Queens. A bumper sticker displayed prominently on the rear states “Induct Poco into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

There's nothing like a good massage. It loosens up your whole body and relaxes your mind.   I was fortunate to enjoy one last week. My masseuse was a woman who was obviously visually impaired but she greeted me with a warm smile and showed me to the room, subtly touching her surroundings as she found her way. While I undressed I wondered what this was going to be like. A woman who could not see the world like I experience it. I felt sad.  

Web Master Mitch and I have assumed the responsibility of composing our new opinion polls. The present poll appears below near the bottom of the website.  Our first new poll pictured here was our most successful to date, asking Gotham's opinion as to the best picture Oscar and we called it right!  The Shape of Water.  A great call and a great flick. 

There's a TV show in which Sam Waterson portrays the District Attorney in New York City. In one scene he is sitting on a park bench near the courts and Municipal Building having his lunch out of a brown paper bag. A colleague walks by and the District Attorney asked him if he'd like to join him for lunch.