I was listening to a discussion among news commentators about the Jussie Smollett situation. I am reluctant to characterize it as a hoax, alleged attack, alleged hoax, or anything else. One commentator’s take away rang most true for me. He (I think it was Jeffrey Toobin) noted all of the quick reactions—from public figures and others — when the al …
Today is Valentine's Day. It is the first anniversary of the Parkland shootings. Today is a day of many feelings. It is a day of expressing love. Unfortunately, today is also a day to remember how hate can destroy love. May love conquer hate today and always- Happy Valentine's Day.
I must have seen the commercial a dozen times. Recently, it has taken on new meaning. In addition to discovering ancestry, the tests offer meaningful insight into genetic tendencies for illnesses. My apprehension about genetic testing is under internal review. Is it the next generation of diagnostics? But questions remain....and.... Do I want to kn …
As I write this blog, we anticipate a few days of unusual cold. As you read this, we should be in the throws of the “life-threatening” cold. The polar vortex is that mass of very cold air that circulates over the Arctic. Usually, it stays in place — over the North Pole. But sometimes, the vortex weakens and when it does, it travels south and inva …
We recently visited the Conservation Laboratory at the Brooklyn Museum. Explaining the intricate process of restoring/repairing a beautiful glass goblet from the 1800s, the Conservator shared the lengthy and detailed analysis that goes into determining the chemical composition of the glass in an effort to match the most-appropriate epoxy for the re …
We recently visited the Conservation Laboratory at the Brooklyn Museum. Explaining the intricate process of restoring/repairing a beautiful glass goblet from the 1800s, the Conservator shared the lengthy and detailed analysis that goes into determining the chemical composition of the glass in an effort to match the most-appropriate epoxy for the re …
It was a nice jacket. Would probably have served me well...I think. However, it was, to my mind, over-priced. I went back a few times to see if it was still on the rack as the post-holiday sales gained momentum. Although reduced, the price was still too high. But, perhaps, going in the right direction. Last time we went back, it was gone. …
I recently opened an occasionally-used news app on my smartphone. A notice appeared about the use of cookies by the app. Long legal explanations and disclaimers. A request to accept before going on. However, there was no ability to decline permission. I tried to get around the notice without consenting, but could not. I thought about all of the …
We live in the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County. We have been avid recyclers. Things are changing. A few weeks ago, we received a notice of new recycling guidelines. The notice announced that “The International Recycling Market Changed...Here’s how it impacts you!” It was reported some time ago that China, which historically purchased muc …
As I ponder this last blog for 2018, I think about the blogs that were never written. There were many. Among the bloggers – with appropriate guidance – we stay away from blogging about politics. Oftentimes what strikes me as worthy of a blog is set aside due to our self-imposed restriction. I don't dare refer to it as censorship because it is n …
The idea for this blog came from Fred. In case you missed it, Fred - yes our Fred - suffered from a very bad pre-winter cold. When I recently asked him how he was feeling, he admitted to feeling better, although not completely healed. I responded that he would soon be feeling 100% and, more significantly, that he would soon forget how bad he had …
We were at the airport and I was waiting for Flo. Nearby on both sides of me were two couples —clearly each a husband and wife. And both were caught up in an argument. I moved away from one only to find the other engaged in almost identical banter. The toxicity was painful – beyond uncomfortable. I could feel it permeating my skin and had to get …
Eating jelly donuts is one of the customs that makes Hanukah what it is. My friend related the following story. Bob was seeing some people for the lighting of the first candle. He thought it would be nice to bring donuts. He called and ordered two dozen from the bakery and would pick them up on the way. With a credit card, it was done. A few hou …
Have you ever noticed that people tend to sit at the same seat? This phenomenon was mentioned at a recent Gotham meeting. Members just sat at their “regular” seats. Same perspective of the room and others. No judgment. Simple observation. I thought about this phenomenon for a while and, a few days later, was confronted by it and the discomfort ca …
I am sitting in a restaurant at the corner of Fulton Street and Greene Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. I’m about two blocks from where I went to high school many years ago. The neighborhood has changed. Back then you wouldn’t think about a casual walk down Fulton Street. I walked past the stairs to the subway station. Stairs I climbed twice a day …
