College Basketball Hall of Fame coach John Wooden said "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while reputation is merely what others think of you."Food for thought in this time of New Year's resolution. We often hear one is reputed to be thus and such, but what lies at the core …
Two weeks ago I posted my "No Thanks Given" blog (listing my reaction to irksome conduct of others) on the day after Thanksgiving and received a healthy 19 comments. The comment which motivates and foretold this blog came from Dinner Group member Ted Lanzaro who wrote: All of these are "princess problems". Being truly grateful means being thankful …
When we are on vacation we go to a bike friendly place that is flat and has bike lanes. We have been going there for 17 years and have never had a car. Biking is our main transportation, morning, noon and night. We have mid century "cruisers" without gears and pedal reversal brakes.To be honest, biking is always a vacation high light. It is both in …
On Tuesday night October 21, 18 Gothamites who are also members of the Friars Club will meet for drinks in the Club's Lucille Ball Bar to discuss important issues of the day. On the agenda is expanding Friars Club membership in the Tribe. At present, the following Gothamites are fellow Friars: Bruce Swicker, Daniel Hochler, Danny Mizrahi, David Ste …
The age old question is: If you could have one thing would it be money, fame or power? What would it be for you and for what reasons?I know what it is for me and will chime in at the end of the day. Weigh in please!
Rather than having coffee or lunch dates I favor the 5 o'clock drink at the Friars Club. Not only is the mood "lubricated" by alcohol, but many interesting folks wander into the Lucille Ball Bar to add to the cheer and mix. Last Thursday I met with two venerable Gotham members at the Friars and was surprised when neither ordered an alcoholic drink …
Do you remember the ground breaking surfing movie "Endless Summer"? It was memorable and beautiful. As has been this amazing Summer. At the start, when I heralded it with my classic "Summer Time, Summer Time" blog, I had no idea how wonderful and enjoyable it would be. In a word it has been historic. In all my many years there has never, ever been …
Jefferson's three examples of our unalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.Happiness is the state of Felicity.It has been said that it's not how much we have but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness (Charles Spurgeon). Lincoln added most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to …
Nancy and I always say that, as to Gotham (our networking group), we have a "no plan plan", as we marvel at the incredible growth and reach of our Gotham community and power of our "It's better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around" philosophy. Greater minds than ours might be able to explain it, but until then it has come to me t …
Times sportswriter Harvey Araton wrote last week that "Suffering is good. It reinforces character, resolve and commitment. Experienced in public it exposes vulnerability. Handled with class, it heightens likability."Talk about imparting the Secrets of the Universe! This is a one stop shop verity which resonates very strongly with me. After growing …
I asked Joanne (she is uncomfortble in heels) and she has no answer, so I turn to you greater Gotham world. I have no clue and sincerely want to know: Why do women like (an understatement) shoes (especially high heels) so much?Rona, Nancy? Ladies, please help me!P.S. Photo is mine
Over my life I have had a number of very good friends. Sadly, they are friends no more. Looking back, there was no moment of confrontational conclusion or such. They seem to have just faded from the scene. In fact, they still live in the area and at times we endure uncomfortable encounters with them. Joanne and I talk about it and them quite often …
In the last two weeks I have had car trouble. First, I was rear ended in a four car chain reaction crunch precipitated by a Snapple truck (Snapple Crackle and Pop!) which caused extensive damage to both the front and rear of my car. Then last weekend, I took the substitute rental car and parked in a lot adjoining the restaurant where we were dinin …
Whenever someone takes a shot at me and then excuses his or herself by saying " I was just kidding", I respond immediately that my father taught me that nothing is ever said in jest.One must learn that there's always a germ of truth in that "joke"or jestand it is that germ of truth that must concern one's self and must be paid attention to.Words to …
Inasmuch Wednesday would have been Elvis's 79th birthday. Following is a poem that I wrote in his memory. THE KING! I saw the Great Elvis today encapsulated on film written off and explained away and I tried to cry, cry for him or cry for me or was there something else? Or what is gone, or never happened, or will never be again and is lost …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend