The hostess at one of our favorite restaurants in the Berkshires led us to our “quiet” table in the back dining room. Only a few tables in the room that was usually reserved for private parties -- one table of six, a table of four, another two at one table, and us. I learned a long time ago to never talk about private matters in public and nev …
Last night was David Letterman’s last show. I wasn't a big David Letterman fan over the years but I was quite impressed with the recognition, accolades and respect given to him during the last few weeks’ countdown to the final show. I watched some of the last shows with interest -- he certainly had everyone who is someone in the chair for a la …
I recently received an email from an art gallery which, for some reason, keeps me on its email list. The email announced the birth of a second child to one of the gallery. The email was replete with pictures of the happy family and newborn baby. I was reminded of a friend who told me that he got his wife to go to baseball games by talking about …
I don't consider myself to be a fashion statement; although the other day an adversary told me that my tie reminded her of a Klimt painting as we digressed to a brief discussion of the movie Woman in Gold. Recently, with Flo’s encouragement and support, I have ventured into the frontier of expressive men’s socks. I have joined the ranks of many …
We've all been subjected to it. That stamp on the back of your hand that guarantees re-admission to an event. Once stamped, have you ever had the lingering question of what if the stamp fades? We were in Washington visiting Mea and went to a craft show. Paid our admission, entered and stamped. Later in the day, after leaving and re-entering once …
Last Sunday I attended the annual Holocaust Commemoration at Temple Emanu-El. As in recent years, for me the ceremony accentuates the fact that the number of survivors is decreasing every year. My Mother lights one of the thirty-six memorial candles and, unfortunately, there were not enough survivors to light them all. As I listened to the stories …
Cameras are ubiquitous and the pictures and videos taken by them are playing an ever-increasing part in our lives. I recently heard a legal analyst refer to videos as the new DNA of criminal prosecutions. Call me “old fashioned”, but I am not one who immediately thinks of taking out my cell phone and taking pictures, let alone a video. (Flo and I …
There was an eerie sense as I opened my eyes the other morning. Something wasn't right. As my eyes focused, I realized that none of the usual lights were on. No digital numbers on the clock radio, no telltale glows from the chargers plugged into the wall and no ambient light from the street. No power. I went to the window and confirmed the trou …
Cayce’s blog yesterday was the perfect lead for mine today. As we approach this Passover and Easter holiday weekend, traditions are embraced. One of my favorites is making two of the traditional foods for the Passover Seders. Once again, I’ll be making the charoset -- a mixture of apples, walnuts and wine representing the mortar used by the Hebre …
When it comes to social media, I am delayed. A few weeks ago, I would have said that I don't do social media. My change to “delayed” status reflects my recent experience with Kickstarter. I had heard of Kickstarter, but until our children, Alyssa and Jason, put their new project on Kickstarter, I had never visited the site...nor had much inclin …
As we settled into our seats at the theater, I opened the Playbill and read the insert asking that I shut off my cell phone. The request went beyond the usual reminder to “silence” the device. “PLEASE...turn off your cell phones...” the insert implored, followed by an explanation of how even silenced phones interfered with the theater’s sound syste …
So the question is whether the snow will melt before we are accustomed to the fact that it is now dark in the morning when we get up. I apologize to those who may live in parts where the snow was trucked out of sight long ago but some of us are left to endure the mounds of snow -- some natural and some the result of clearing and piling. (When will …
We got away from the cold last week. Sun, warm, beach, T-shirts. Lots of T-shirts and baseball-style hats. Almost all had something to say. In first place were those reminding everyone that we were in Aruba. Perhaps intended to be helpful to others who may have forgotten where they are, yet understandable only for those who may have forgotten t …
2 Fools And A Bull is a restaurant in Aruba. Only one sitting per evening. About sixteen people sitting around a counter with the chef and host in the center. Chef’s choice and many courses with wine. Lends itself to good conversation with interesting new friends for the evening. We had a wonderful meal and evening at 2 Fools And A Bull last …
My heart goes out to the family of Kayla Mueller. I am not sure that I can add anything to the story of her idealistic journey that brought her into captivity and death at he hands of ISIL. When I think of Kayla and her family -- when all this is seen through the eyes of parents -- the question of ransom cannot be far behind. The President is being …
