For as long as I can remember, I have always been somewhat obsessive compulsive. Mix it with some superstition and it can make for some stress in my life and may be partially why I have high blood pressure. This is something I am keenly aware of yet, no matter how hard I try, I can’t quite stop it completely. When I get back from a trip (nearly mon …
In the course of making a new business acquaintance, I was asked to describe my practice philosophy. What a great question, I thought to myself. I don’t recall having ever been asked that question in a networking context. The answer, I quickly concluded, revealed more about me professionally than my answer to the standard, “what do you do?” …
This past week, I have spent a lot of time with my grandchildren, Jordan age 3 and Taylor, 18 months. Having grandchildren is like signing up for a circus you didn’t know you were hosting. They show up, turn your house totally upside down, eat one bite of what you offer them and then ask for something else, deciding for some reason that they no l …
Building on the vibe in last week's commentary in this space, many I know root for a subway series. The Bronx "tenants" did their part. We'll know soon enough the outcome involving the Queens "tenants" I root for and who I brought my very appreciative daughter to a game also attended by my brother Jeff and Friday's blogger and sons and grandson l …
Had a thought the other day while driving...(how unusual:). It occurred to me while driving next to someone who was talking on her phone through the car, in an incredibly animated conversation. I guess she was screaming because she didn't look happy I wonder what would be THE list of all the things people do in their car while driving. Here's my …
I am a member of a quarterly Gotham breakfast group (pictured). Members are Corey, Bruce Swicker, Robert Intelisano, David Oralevich, Craig Shink, Alan Kreit and David Abeshouse. At our most recent breakfast we discussed the sad news of the passing of David's beloved younger brother Adam and resolved to attend the Shiva together at David's house. …
What do you do with a line from a play that stays with you?You share it.We saw “Magnificent Bird” and “Book of Travelers” — written and performed by Gabriel Kahane — at Playwrights Horizons.“Envy is the opposite of gratitude.”A line that resonated for me when I first heard it and has periodically surfaced for consideration and pondering since then. …
When I decided to go to law school despite having two young kids and no money, I was told I’d never make it. I did make it, and I made it Cum Laude. When I started my business, I was told I’d never be able to build a J+ Franchise in NYC – nobody had been able to do that. I did build it, and it’s been going strong for over 16 years! When I was …
What does it say about my family that our vacations turn into a food tour? This past week we visited my son and his girlfriend. They live in Southern Virginia. We were there for shy of four days – including a full 24 hours of a fasting holiday. Yet somehow, we cooked two huge (delicious) meals, enjoyed a new brunch spot serving potato pancake …
I was having trouble thinking of a blog topic this week. Nothing came to mind. Then I started to think about the concept of nothing. In a world constantly buzzing with information, sometimes the most refreshing thing is. . . nothing. Nothing doesn’t demand attention or push for productivity. It simply exists, waiting for you to notice its quiet …
This commentary's title reflects more than a great song. It reflects the feeling last week following my baseball team in the NLDS. It also became the name of great song and video lists I got moved to create after the Mets clinched their divisional series at home and joined some labor colleagues outside at a fire pit. Let me start by sharing I wa …
Have you noticed that you tend to think negatively when you don't hear back from others? I tend to fill the silence with negative assumptions—maybe they’re upset or maybe I said or did something wrong. I think this response is from our need for social connection and validation. When I don't hear back from someone, my mind seems to try to solve …
As a lifetime NY Yankee fan I have been called out by many for being hypocritical (or worse) for wearing a Met hat and colors while chanting "Let's Go Mets!"Well, there is a back story and a method to my madness. First the back story: I have been a Met fan too, since their 1962 inception, had Met season tickets (which explains my son's Met fandom …
There are two roads leading out of our development. Both lead onto the same four-lane main road. One exit has a traffic light whereas the other does not.I’ve always preferred the exit with the traffic light. There is the security of making a left turn into the main road with the light, while you can make the right turn on red under the right circum …
We take so much for granted in life. We become accustomed to things just appearing on a regular basis without giving any thought to how they get there. Take the Gotham Blog for example. Hopefully those who read it every week enjoy it. Hopefully more Gothamites become engaged. It doesn’t just appear in your inbox by itself. There is a behind t …
