If you've got about 6 and a half minutes, I recommend watching this video from the American Museum of Natural History documenting human population through time. If you don't, look at roughly the last 2 and half minutes. Start at 4:10 and watch the impact of modern technology and medicine on the growth of human population. Click here to see it o …
Maybe, which is defined as Perhaps or Possibly, is not a word I like to hear in response to a proposal. It puts off the eventual answer and frustrates me. In the words of The Chantels: Maybe, if I hold your handYou will understandAnd maybe, if I kissed your lips I’ll be at your commandOh, maybe. Buddy Holly had it even better when he sang:Maybe ba …
We’ve been summer visitors to Martha’s Vineyard for years and I have a subscription to the Vineyard Gazette (most-recently renewed as a birthday gift from Jeremy). Keeping up with happenings on the Vineyard is fun; however following the Island’s local news in mid-December is a bit of a challenge. As I recently glanced at the front page of the wee …
Why do we torcher the kids? Have you ever listened to the words of Santa Claus is Coming to Town? You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I'm telling you why.... (no crying?) He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! (creepy) He's making a …
For over 13 years I have been writing a blog on Monday nights. You’ve all heard me talk about how my family runs away as I sit down to write for fear of being the topic when I am looking for one. I have never though just completely forgotten to write a blog – until last night. So, I will just here wish everyone getting ready to celebrate Chri …
Television is getting very confusing. First there was basic television, channels two through thirteen. Then basic cable came along which added several more channels. After that we got premium cable which added about eight hundred more channels (although I still can’t find anything to watch on cable) as well as pay per view movies and events. Now …
A busy weekend ensues. It started when we gathered with some good friends; most traveling a good distance to join us nearby (to us) on Long Island for dinner than a show; Shelly posted about it on Facebook. Day two required us to cross two rivers (pass through two tunnels) to gather with Shelly’s family for a (pre-) Chanukah gathering hosted by our …
I had the distinct privilege of having dinner last night with my book club at Tiro a Segno, the oldest Italian organization in the United States (1888). It was unique experience having a gun range in the basement where patrons can eat their main course, go shoot (.22 rifle, single bolt) and come back for coffee and cake. The food was delicious …
Power is the ability to direct or influence the behavior of others. Over the course of my life I’ve observed and absorbed instances of others, big or small, wielding power over me. By small I mean ordinary every day people and by big I mean influential, rich or important people. Possibly the most interesting and telling observations involve ordinar …
We were talking about layering. Layering clothing. Fashionable. And a way of keeping comfortable as temperatures cool. As we talked, I thought about the clothing that was layered --- starting with the T shirt closest to the body. Then the shirt, sweater and vest. That’s how I visualized the layering. Flo described her layered clothes differentl …
Recently, I was asked to sit on the board of a non-profit in Center City Philadelphia. Anticipation was plentiful. I was thrilled at the opportunity to learn more and help solve a few issues during my term. The board room was full of eager people. 12 overacheivers sharpening their proverbial pencils. With introductions complete, the first question …
Three different times today the same thing happened. Someone called or emailed to ask for a referral. Each time the “ask” started the same way. “I’m sure you don’t know anyone who does this but . . .” Each time I was able to respond with, “well actually I do” and follow up with contact information or a warm introduction between two contacts. T …
The other evening, while at a networking function, I told a story about a recent court appearance. Inadvertently, and for the first time ever, I blurted out the word “f##k,” while on the record. The word would have been perfect in context under any other circumstances but, clearly, inappropriate in court. The conversation around the table w …
It lived a rather long life but its time passed. My old MacBook, which 4 years ago, became Marisa’s, required a new battery. It served father and daughter almost a decade. During our visit to the Genius Bar, we discerned that a new path made the most sense. We selected a MacBook Air. A year ago this time she visited to celebrate a milestone she rea …
Lately, for some reason, I've felt anxious and I'm not sure why. Sitting with these feelings is interesting...an overiding feeling like I have to do someting and I don't know what that is. Sort of like an inner turmoil. Have you every felt that? It feels unusual to me because my normal state of consciousness is calm and centered. I'm going thro …
