After winning the first 3 games of the 4 game "Subway Series" against the cross town Mets at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field Wednesday night, the rubber game was last night on the Mets home field. Gotham was represented by 200 members, family and friends due to the stalwart ticket acquisition and organization by Corey (Met fan) Bearak. Attending a …
There are many ways to define "after life".For me it is being the oldest player in a highly competitive slow pitch softball league where most players are in their 30s and old is 50. I am the pitcher and playing Manager for the Gotham Batmen and one of my teammates is my soon to be 50 year old son David. The plan for this season was to have his son, …
When I was young the ice cream choices were pretty much limited to chocolate or vanilla with yucky strawberry bringing up the rear. For whatever the reason, I always chose chocolate. To be honest, I didn't even consider vanilla to be a flavor. It was something neutral to spice up with chocolate sprinkles or sauce (Bosco). I never allowed myse …
When I was young, being a Yankee fan, I was obsessed with Mickey Mantle. Mantle was the Yankee Key Man (last 3 letters of first name and first 3 of second). The Mick, despite his frequent injuries and leg problems carried me through the thrilling 50s and much of the 60s. His career ending was sad and he once said if he knew he was going to live a …
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 …
We all know the benefits of a reverse commute, well a creative variation is heading into the city from Long Island and away from the beaches and Hamptons in Summertime. It is a little known fact that the city is "dead" in the long hot Summer-especially on Holiday weekends when residents escape to beat the heat. Consequently, Joanne and I enjoyed 2 …
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 …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend