My blog last week mentioned heroic conversations. Did you know that there is actually an heroic converstaions model? Adam Vane apparently created it or at least said he did. He describes it as "... a technique designed to reduce friction and increase productivity within an organization." I think all of us can benefit from less friction and confli …
One of the best books I read when I was young was Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land (Biblical phrase) which has been referenced frequently in popular music. Well I am no longer young and I feel as if I am a stranger in a strange land when, for example, I get on the subway in Long Island City along with the throng transferring from the Brooklyn …
Pitchers and catchers reporting early. Spring training. My nephew, Jared - who covers baseball for the Wall Street Journal - on his way to warmer climates. This is a good time of year for optimists. How are the teams shaping up? Who is healthy? Who's reporting in good shape? Can we finish better than last season? We need an outlet. We need hope. …
From Mitch's blog of Saturday: "I remembered something my daughter said to me several weeks ago. We need to listen to each other and seek to understand. She's right. We need to be heroic. Listen and talk about what matters...in person...without malice." Be Heroic. Seems like such a simple thing. One unedited hour on Facebook and you will see th …
Perhaps it’s somewhat of a theme in our blogs this week. I am inspired by Mitch and Rona. Honestly, I am conflicted. I really feel strongly about matters evolving in the political arena. I also feel strongly that we need to be able to talk to each other respectfully in order to be able to get through the next few years. Like Rona’s, …
I want to thank Mitch for his blog this past Saturday. His words helped me to decide to publish the foregoing. Since the presidential election, there has been a political détente going on in my home. Half of the members of my household are fiscal conservatives, although socially liberal and the other half of my household are both fiscally and so …
Back in the days of cassette tapes I created a special tape of love songs. I played it on my first date with Shelly. With Valentines Day approaching and many groups holding “Sweethearts Dances” this weekend or next, why not share some (most) of my fave “Songs of Love” and invite your suggestions. Inspired by Friday blogger Fred Klein I previous …
It was an 8AM breakfast last Thursday that lead me to this. Maybe it was the effort it took to make the meeting or maybe it was the snowstorm that raged outside or maybe it was merely the fact we had nothing else to do...no pressure to leave. My friend, whom I love and respect, voted for Trump. I voted for Clinton and we started to talk politics. …
As I approach the 3/4 pole I must admit that I am now a/the Patriarch. A fancy word for "Old Fart". It snuck up on me as I kept on keeping on and my hair silvered. "Mr. Klein" was my dad and then, suddenly, it was me. All of a sudden, seats are offered to me on the subway. Don't get me wrong, I welcome Senior Citizen discounts and I do enjoy b …
Walking through offices, I've noticed them more and more. Two computer screens, where only one once stood, are adorning desks. I am told that it is easier and more-efficient with two screens. One can check emails while still working on documents, spreadsheets, and other projects. Eliminate the annoying reminders and pop-ups on a single screen. Al …
My entire blog is dedicated to letting you know that we need your fabulous Gotham photos for the Gala montage. Videos too. Please send me your BEST digitized photos for use in the montage. You have been to a meeting, picnic, cocktails, Battle of the Bands, Film Festival, Golf Outing, Book Club and on and on, over the the last 20 years. You know …
Wow! What a game! It is shocking that I find myself writing a blog about the Super Bowl. But, how could even a non-football lover miss the excitement of Sunday night’s game? I do always watch the game for both the commercials and half time show. I thought both were particularly good this year. As to commercials, I particularly enj …
There is a large political movement underway on the internet. Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with any of President Trump’s executive orders. Rather it is an effort to declare today, the day after the Super Bowl, a national holiday; Smunday. And, of course, as a national holiday salaried employees would have a paid day off. The movement is …
People comment about the music. All the time. They like the links. To songs. To bands. To lyrics. And more. They enjoy! Me too! No secret here music infuses my being and I find ways to insert it in my work and play and many things in between; that includes my writing. This commentary shares how an “innocent” post in a daily newspaper polit …
This story comes from the Gaza strip in a refugee camp. A Palestinian barber, Ramadan Edwan, is using fire instead of a hair dryer to straighten his clients' hair. Due to the lack of electricity, Ramadan turned to fire for his source of heat. He begins by pouring flammable powder and liquid on the customer's hair before setting it on fire with a …
