One of the most valuable things my father ever taught me is that "There are three sides to every story: your side, my side and the truth". In these politically charged times we are constantly inundated with strong opinions on Facebook, Twitter or political list serves. I am struck by the self assured vehemence of people whose position or opinions …
Last Friday we went to a local theater production. Although all the contributors were professionals and the ticket cost not insubstantial, the experience fell far short. Thank goodness it was a two act play and we could look forward to bolting at the intermission. I say "we" because it was not just me who was disappointed. The main problem or d …
The other morning my day did not start well. As I was scrolling through the early morning emails I came upon my credit card bill and I was shocked to learn my balance due was double my norm. My first fear was that I had been hacked, but that was not the case. The problem was that my payment of the previous month's balance had arrived late. The …
A couple years ago, while at a GOtham Green meeting I had a "Save the World" type of inspiration to blurt that, in the spirit of the tobacco litigation, somebody should bring a lawsuit against the oil companies concerning their obvious impact upon our climate change. Of course, it was a favorably received notion, but nothing came of it. Recentl …
I drive an ordinary mid sized car, but where I live there are a preponderance of behemoth SUVs. The problem is that the streets in my village are narrow winding two ways which were not built to accommodate behemoths. The problem is exacerbated by what seems like a behemoth own the road-"coming through" mentality. Being mindful of this problem …
It's that time of year and whether or not they are followed through with, it is time to make New Year's resolutions.In as much as this has been one of the best years of my life, my first resolution is to keep on keeping on.Passing that, my primary resolution is to be more of a PR director for my wife Joanne's uniquely beautiful art. An example is …
No doubt, You have seen the great Godfather movies and probably remember Don Vito Corleone's son Frederico (Fredo) Corleone played by the fine actor John Cazale. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgHXHtHSsNo&sns=em Fredo is a fictional character, dreamed up by author Mario Puzo, who is weaker and less intelligent than his brothers and has …
2017 may end up being the best year of my life (or right up there) and for that I am thankful for abundant reasons. Passing on ample family reasons, 2017 was distinguished by many highlights. Examples follow:1) Celebrating Gotham's 20th Anniversary at the Harmonie Club2) My obsession with Yankee rookie Aaron Judge (and enjoying 2 playoff games with …
You could say this piece is about recycling (which is a good Green thing), but I prefer to think of it as a the start of a primer of stuff which is intended for a specific purpose and has other worthy uses. My list is as follows: 1) Newspaper bags which serve as poop bags 2) Paper napkins which clean eye glasses 3) Plastic credit cards which unloc …
Flat TiresCamera TicketsCredit card fraudJudge strike outsPrice increasesSleepless nightsPolitical spinTakersDropped callsHurricanesDentist drillingRubber necking delaysMissed connectionsRain outsIrresponsibilityDishonestyUntruthfulnessWasteLitteringSmokingInsectsTrafficFoul weather DisloyaltyPaper cutsCrowded elevators Pushy people
I once blogged about "Summertime Summertime Sum Sum Summertime" (a great song by The Jamies). Summertime is to be celebrated, enjoyed and endless. Well, today is the first day of Fall or Autumn. Both the words Fall and Autumn are not good and that's just how I feel. How did September and the not so endless days of Summer slip by so very quickly …
You may know that we have had a house in Paradise (Key West) for 20 years and some have even rented it. It is a small house on a nice street with many neighborly people. Cayce dubbed it the Klein Cottage and may have been our last visitor. I am writing this last Sunday morning as Irma is making land fall in Paradise as a Category 4 hurricane wit …
I have been mistaken or compared to the Dos Equis beer former pitchman-Most Interesting Man in the World and I have often cracked "I'm his stunt double". Draw your own conclusion from the above Photo. Two weeks ago Debbie Lindner informed me that The Man was appearing at nearby Bottle Buys and urged me to go and meet him. In preparation I googled …
When I come upon an interesting statement I often write it down for inspiration and/or recycling. For example, Mae West said "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful". Dylan said "Take what you've gathered from coincidence". The Marine Corps has an adage that "Pain is weakness leaving the body". Claire Cook said "If plan A doesn't work, the alpha …
Do the names David Bailey and Crystal Griner resonate for you? They really really should. They are the heroic U.S. Capital Police officers who last week, in a true moment of truth, ran into the fire, right into the guns and bullets and probably saved innumerable congressional lives. A heroic man and woman did not hesitate and saved the day. In …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend