Do you remember Rod Serling? He was the creator of the amazing off the wall, but sometimes true to life, "Twilight Zone". Twilight Zone was a strange mix of horror, science fiction, drama, comedy and superstition with many black and white episodes concluding with a surprise ending. Well, many years have passed since Serling introduced an episode a …
One of my favorite questions that I ask in an interview is "Who is your favorite historical figure?" The answers are both interesting and revealing. Recently an interviewee said Abraham Lincoln. Clearly, he is a worthy choice. However, it might be too obvious. My favorites are those where the person digs down. Joanne turned the question on …
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 …
When I was young I did not drink coffee. I started mid life when I heard that elite runners and other athletes would load up on cups of coffee pre event or game to garner the supposed benefit of the interaction of caffeine upon glycogen. I truly believe it is a legal performance enhancer and continue such use to this day. Along the way I develop …
Could it be that in the case of climate change our twittering President may be right? I don't know, but based on our recent unseasonable weather he just may be on to something. Do the melting glaciers cool the air? I don't know, but I do know the air is unseasonably cool. They say that Memorial Day marks the unofficial first day of Summer, but n …
I have been taking the subway to work for 50 years and have had many experiences, both good and bad, in my travels. However, last week I had a poignant, unique under ground experience as I entered a crowded car on the way into work. As I entered a younger man gestured to me and offered to give me his seat. Despite the fact that it was unexpected …
As our communication systems evolve and become ever more sophisticated I believe actual communication suffers. When I was young we had telephone operators who said "Number please?" and shared our telephone service on a "Party Line". In those days talking (or just listening) was a treat and a long distance call was cause for excitement and shoutin …
Do you remember the 1987 movie of John Updike's above entitled novel?A brief summary: Jack Nicholson is cast as the male lead with dynamic costars Cher, Michele Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon cast as unknowing witches living together in a coven into which Jack wanders. I just love the send up and can't help casting myself and my three female partners …
As you may know, my son Alex has 2 bands: Tiajuana Caravan and, the off shoot, The Tall Boys. When Alex was in the crib we placed a toy guitar next to him and it took root. He now has more than 20 guitars and has become, to my taste, a very entertaining and talented performer fronting and writing songs for his bands. I know no greater thrill (kve …
At my apogee, I was a tall 5'9 3/4" and could even leap to touch the basketball rim. Well, I just took my annual physical and, presently, I just managed to stand 5'7" small. Clearly, I'm shrinking and I have learned the shrinkage has something to do with my posture, gravitational pull on my spinal discs and the deterioration of the intervening …
My son David and I have played on the Gotham Batmen softball team for many years. I am the Batmen pitcher and David plays alongside me at third base. Last week the umpire asked me my age and after telling him I then pointed out that my son was also on the team. At the end of the next inning the ump called David and me over and, surprisingly, put …
I have learned why I have become addicted to my iPhone and Social Media. For background, please read my Friday With Fred blog of two weeks ago: I'm Addicted. It seems that when one garners a Facebook "Like" or comment it stimulates the body to produce the chemical dopamine and when that happens, as the great James Brown exclaimed, "I Feel Good!"I …
So much is going on in his first 100 days and there is so much polarization in our country. It truly is enough to make One's head spin. No matter your political leaning or how you feel about the style and manner of POTUS, we are still one country. We need to settle down, find common ground and perpetuate our unique democracy, i.e.: "indivisable, …
I am compelled to admit that I have become an addict. I am addicted to Social Media. Although mostly a Luddite, I am constantly watching and working my amazingly fecund iPhone. It started years ago with email and a crude self constructed fredslist which became a more sophisticated and responsive list serve. Texting is my least favorite form …
Recently I met a young artist (photo above) at an Art Opening and while making conversation I bragged about a one mile open water swim I had just accomplished. Her response was that she had swum around the island. Taken aback, I asked her how long her swim was and she said 12 miles. Nearly speechless, I came back with "That's nearly as far as th …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend