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 …
For as long as Gotham has had softball teams (Batmen and Bombers) I have pitched for one or the other. However, I was forced to retire this Winter due to chronic hip and back pain. I became the non playing Manager of the Batmen, but never scratched the itch or exorcised the dream to return to the pitching mound. Over the last few months the pain ha …
Tonight is the first Playoff game for the Gotham Batmen after a regular season record of 10-1. I am the Manager and rare pitcher for the team. I don't know about you, but I don't shy from competition. Rather, it makes my blood boil in anticipation and I thrill to yell "It's great to be young and a Batman!" when we win. Here's hoping!
Last week Thomas Berger, most famous for his novel "Little Big Man", died at the age of 89. While reading his obituary I was intrigued by another oh his books entitled "Changing The Past" (1989) In which a man gets to go back in time to the forks in his road and take the other path.Wow, what a concept!What would you do? I must admit that I am at …
Last Friday night the partners of the firm went to Rao's for some special after hours fun. Why "Where's Waldo"? Because my 4 law partners are female as is our Office Manager and my life (wife) partner. So see if you can find Waldo in the above picture of my law and life partners. For sure, the staff and patrons at Rao's regarded me as the lucky m …
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 …
It's summertime summertime sum sum summertime summertime summertime sum sum summertime summertime summertime sum sum summertime summertime summertime sum sum summertime summertimeIt's Summertime!
What do you write when you blog on the 4th of July? Do you go with trivia, trivial, practical, sentimental, clever? Before I go there, I must remark that I suppose it's good that the holiday falls on a Friday this year giving us a 3 day weekend and all. Personally, however, I like when it come on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, allowing you to c …
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 …
Last week we had our semi annual Lefty Lunch (where, for once, we could sit and eat comfortably anywhere at the table) at the Friars Club. At the Lefty (handedness, not politics) Lunch we commiserated re being the last unrecognized downtrodden minority.I, for one, am passionate about having being left off the waves of our Nation's affirmative actio …
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
Despite any prosperity I may have earned and enjoy, I have never evolved from my "On Sale" mentality. Said another way, I am a sucker for a "Sale" (I use quotes because the term is elusive and difficult to define, as discussed later). If and when I enter a store I am gravitationally pulled to the "Sale" or, better still,"Clearance" racks. And when …
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 …
Fridays With Fred
A perfect way to send you into your weekend