Last week I blogged about how free, unfettered time is creatively fertile and raged against the "noise" of all our modern technology. However, being a lawyer requires one to be able to advocate either side of an argument, ergo, point, counter point. To be fair, the flip side of my last blog is that the technology, eg, internet is a free avenue for self expression and creativity. As my oracle recently blogged "You've got the tools. You've got the laptop with the built-in video...

For those of us who commute on the LIRR (or Metro North), we know all about the “quiet car” where heightened requirements of respecting your neighbors are expected and enforced.     But how about the quiet gym?  Is there etiquette around gym conversation?   Sunday morning I was working my favorite elliptical machine, happily humming to whatever tune was on my ipod.  I glanced over to two women riding bicycles nearby and noticed they were in a heated and very animated discussi...

No I'm not talking about Christmas or Hannukah...the new Gotham website! (you're on it!) It couldn't have come at a better time since the old one is limping along being held together with duct tape. (that's a story for another day:) This site has some pretty cool features. Here are just a few: One on one messaging One on one video messaging A chat room to chat online with lots of people An expanded book club with more features Improved events where you can see all the...

This past weekend I was with a group of friends that celebrate the holidays together.  The discussion about logistics quickly turned to a discussion about specific gifts. One friend insisted that the rules for gifting change this year to specifically exclude gift cards.  Gift cards, she argued, are an "easy out", a lazy gift that does not require any thought.  So, with the new rules, let the shopping begin!!  Definitetly a much harder project. What do you think about giving a...

This morning (Friday) I left my house and within a couple of blocks had found myself behind the town garbage truck. As I watched them throw bags of household waste into the back of the large vehicle I waited patiently. I was taught that every job is important and never should be taken for granted.As the men worked, one of them picked up a portion of a wooden fence that was being thrown out. It was obviously broken as he dragged it across the ground to the truck. As he did, tw...

Attending the GC summit in the City I had an experience which has caused me to ask you, What would you do?. Instead of my standard routine...park in LIC and take the subway...I drove all the way in so my car was easily accessible. There was a lot of traffic so I pulled in to a lot nearby by KZR. The pricing was for 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours and 8 hours. I figured no prob. I'll be only 3 hours. I go to the meeting (which was good) and then met some people at the KZR cocktails w...

I was driving to the train station last week listening to a talk show. The topic was the following.    A mother complained that her 9 year daughter, an avid girl scout, worked hard to sell the most cookies in her troop.  Every year, she and her mom went door to door and for several weeks, set up a cookie sale outside their supermarket.  Every year, however, she was outsold by a friend in the troop whose mom worked at a big company and brought the sheet to work where everyone ...

Fred shaves his off and grows it back several times during the year. A friend of mine wears a goatee and extends it to a full beard then shaves it back. I've had mine for a very long time...maybe 25-30 years. I can't remember not having a beard. I look at pictures of myself without one and they look weird. My photo next to this blog is a few years old because I've got more "blonde" hairs in my beard now...more than I ever used to have. I'll have a new one up soon but the qu...

Last Thursday I attended an awards lunch celebrating the achievements of the students who attended the Entrepreneurship classes I teach at Hofstra.Capital One had graciously awarded money to the top three winners who had the best business plan. Plus the Empire Development Corp. gave a scholarship to one of the students.As I sat listening to the students thank everyone, several of the them looked at me and told me how much I impacted them, giving them confidence to pursue thei...

Jeremy Lin, the new exciting sensational guard on the Knicks, has filed for a trademark for the phrase "Linsanity." In fact, he is battling two other individuals who are filing for the same thing. He is very smart to own a piece of the hype. The revenue could be tremendous.It got me thinking...maybe I should trademark "Webmaster" of better yet "Wheelman."What phrase would you trademark for yourself?...

The passing of Whitney Houston is tragic. After the initial shock all I can do is shake my head. What a waste of talent. She had one of those unique voices, look and affect that was alluring, beautiful and amazing. Her rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl several years ago was spectacular. Her voice seemed natural and pure.She appeared to have it all...and yet she self destructed. What do you feel about her untimely demise?...

Let's have some real predictions for tomorrow. Where are the handicappers, the gutsy calls, the out on a limb decision, the fanatical choice?The betting line is 3 points in favor of the Patriots. Why...who knows but the bookies who sometimes seem to call it perfectly.Let's have some fun. If you pick the winning team AND the closet score...you will receive a special gift. (TBD)The closet score will be determined by total number of points. For example...if the Giants win 30-27 ...