Last Sunday was absolutely thrilling, as I bore witness (and recorded) my Grandson Shawn Atom sing and perform with my son Alex's, Bodega Tallboys, band at the Sunset Club on Tappen Beach, Long Island. It evoked so much emotion, even tears, as they sang and played Dylan's "Rock Me (Like a Wagon Wheel)"! On the video, one can hear me exclaiming "My …
Last month, I shared proud parent moments involving my daughter with whom her mom and I celebrated another achievement the month before. This month her big brother gets the kudos. I posted to X last week that research by Jonathan and Guttmacher Institute colleague Gilda Sedgh got published in the prestigious journal, BMJ Global Health. The article, …
Joanne and I have 2 sons and 4 grandchildren and in the past weeks we have hit the Familial Lottery! In that period Grandkids Ruby, Maggie and Jackson visited us in Key West in a whirlwind of eating, sunning, talking, swimming, shopping, laughing, biking, drinking, socializing, chilling, showing off and front porch sitting. I know I've gained at l …
When I was a boy I was made aware of the "Red Scare" (fear of the spread of Communism). It was an abounding tsunami of hate and recrimination abroad in the land. For instance, people were called before congressional committees, found in contempt and jailed for refusing to name names of alleged communists or "fellow travelers." Most prominent in t …
A week ago this morning found Shelly and I at the Legislative Breakfast of the Queens Jewish Community Council (“QJCC”) at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates. Shelly does not usually join me at these breakfasts but this year our daughter got installed as a director by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. I posted the proud parent moment to …
About 20 years ago, my Dad had started working for me 3 days a week. Although he answered the phones and did some bookkeeping, he wouldn't take a penny for his labor. On a particularly rough day, he sat down in my office. He asked if I was okay and said he had some advice, which was an unusual thing for him to say. He rarely gave advice. He sai …
I have had a beard since 2011 and on and off before then. The most compelling reason therefor is the luxury of not having to shave each morning. In my curly haired case, shaving was probably more daunting than for others. Call me lazy or practical, I'm one satisfied non shaver! Not only does my beard add stress free minutes to my day, but, obvi …
The other night, we were having dinner with friends at a restaurant and there was a call on Joanne's phone. Normally, because we were out for dinner, she would have let it go to voice mail. However, this time, for whatever the reason, she answered and handed me the phone saying it was our friend Paul. I took the phone and wise cracked "Why are yo …
Concentrating on the bright side of a unique, complicated year my positive highlights are:1) Appreciable Gotham growth and community 2) Visiting mile marker 823) Grandson Shawn becomes an Eagle Scout4) Shawn and sister Ruby compete in Gotham Battle of the Bands5) A good friend is cancer free6) Family picture on Rao's wall7) 4 months without Drinkin …
With Christmas days away, I would like to share my most poignant Christmas memory. I was about 3 or 4 years old and I vividly recall opening presents with my mom and dad under our Christmas tree. And there was this very very special present, which I remember all these years later as a whirling dervish, spinning top which I activated by pulling a s …
