The other evening, I was beginning to compose my blog for this week. About the football playoffs and choosing teams to root for even though they were not my usual hometown teams. The added enjoyment and excitement of rooting for a team — even if just for one game.And then I received a phone call that one of my dear friends has just died.It puts thi …
In a recent telephone conversation, the attorney on the other side of the dispute offered to draft the document reflecting our agreement to resolve the matter.“I’ll put pencil to paper.” He said.I haven’t heard that phrase in a while and it got me thinking about the creative process.I wondered whether he would actually put “pencil to paper” or whet …
I have an old leather “weekender” bag. Leather hand and shoulder strap—no wheels.We have dear friends with whom we have celebrated New Year’s Eve for over twenty years (save one). Our tradition is to have new year’s dinner out east on Long Island, where our friends have a home.And when I pack for new year’s to go out east, I always use my “weekende …
Tomorrow evening, we light the third candle for Hanukkah. The third night of Hanukkah will forever have a special significance for me. Tomorrow evening is the second anniversary of my mother’s passing.Lighting the third candle at the same time that I light a Yahrzeit (remembrance) candle is bittersweet.However, it most appropriate for my mother who …
At a recent Gotham in person meeting a guest circulated a flyer promoting an upcoming holiday charity event. Only one flyer to go around. And so the phone cameras came out and the image of the flyer was preserved.A few days later, i was checking in to a hotel and valet parked my car. While handing me the ticket the attendant suggested that I take a …
Inspired by true events…,I recently attended a business meeting. The nine of us were seated around a very large conference table.All but one - a woman- in suits and ties.As I looked around the room, it was a familiar, albeit, very outdated image. Suits and ties. Only one woman in the room.I struggled with whether I was comfortable or uncomfortable. …
It always amazes me when a hat I’mwearing triggers a conversation.Last Sunday, I was wearing my Baltimore Ravens hat, given to me by a dear friend who is a Ravens fan and believes that my wearing the hat has a positive impact on the team’s performance.We were in Brooklyn at a burger joint. The Ravens were on TV and the hat was on my head. Unfortuna …
I wonder whether the turkeys pardoned by the President and really thankful. However, we enjoy this day, may we find a moment to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving.
This came from a colleague of mine. I think it is worth sharing. Just a quick story and lesson. We recently pitched a client on a new engagement. Client was interviewing another law firm in addition to us. The client selected us and we have been retained. I casually asked the client why they selected us … and the client responded that part o …
While cleaning, I am faced with a dilemma. In going through my “stuff” I find boxes, bags, and piles of greeting cards. Birthday, anniversary, Father’s Day, all represented. Some exhibit the improving penmanship of my children — and grandchildren.They all reflect appropriate sentiments locked in perpetuity.But what is to be done with them?I remembe …
I am in the waiting room of the doctor’s office on Election Day. An elderly man sits nearby and asks me “Who do you think will win?” “I don’t know.” “Well, take a guess.” Then a women who was with him interrupted and scolded him that he shouldn’t be asking such questions. “I can ask whatever I want. It’s a free country,” he …
It’s a small sheet of thin aged paper. The faded typed words are in Polish. The notation on the upper right is “Krakow, dnia 9.VII.1945”. The words acknowledge my grandmother’s ownership of property in Krakow, Poland.The paper was among papers that I found in my mother’s files when I was cleaning out her apartment. It was among papers that I kept — …
I’m a Mets fan and I’m disappointed that they are not playing the Yankees in the World Series.I’ll root for the Yankees against the Dodgers.Although I’m a Mets fan, somehow - I’m not sure how - I’ve collected a few Yankees hats.I’ll root for the Yankees but I don’t think I’ll be wearing a Yankees hat.
What do you do with a line from a play that stays with you?You share it.We saw “Magnificent Bird” and “Book of Travelers” — written and performed by Gabriel Kahane — at Playwrights Horizons.“Envy is the opposite of gratitude.”A line that resonated for me when I first heard it and has periodically surfaced for consideration and pondering since then. …
There are two roads leading out of our development. Both lead onto the same four-lane main road. One exit has a traffic light whereas the other does not.I’ve always preferred the exit with the traffic light. There is the security of making a left turn into the main road with the light, while you can make the right turn on red under the right circum …
