Have you ever had a day that felt like it lasted forever and another that vanished in the blink of an eye? The funny thing is that time doesn’t change—it’s our perception of time that shifts. Psychologists say it has to do with novelty and attention. When we experience something new—like traveling to a new place or trying a new activity—our brai …
We saw the new Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, this past weekend and it was so good that I can't wait to see it again (and for a post 1965 sequel)! Of course, I am his contemporary and it resonated on the growing up together level, it was like Edward R. Morrow's bygone "You Are There" TV series. The performances are extraordinary, with at leas …
In a recent telephone conversation, the attorney on the other side of the dispute offered to draft the document reflecting our agreement to resolve the matter.“I’ll put pencil to paper.” He said.I haven’t heard that phrase in a while and it got me thinking about the creative process.I wondered whether he would actually put “pencil to paper” or whet …
“Have your people call my people” – one of those catch phrases that I’ve heard over the years and never paid much attention to until recently when I noticed that there are no “people”. The “people” have been replaced by scheduling apps. I am intentional when it comes to my calendar – perhaps it’s a control thing - but I also appreciate the many …
Are you a resolution-er? I know Shawn’s thoughts on resolutions. I read his blog. Most years, I have a top 10 list to start the year, but for 2025 I am taking a different approach. It hasn’t even fully crystalized yet. Rather than general resolutions, which I think of as goals, for 2025 I think I am going to focus on the people in my life a …
Lately I have been astounded by the number and variations of supermarkets on Long Island. When grocery shopping at home I generally frequent Stop and Shop or Trader Joe’s. I go to Stop and Shop when I need more mainstream items. Trader Joe’s is my “fun” supermarket. When I have time, I love to browse Trader Joe’s aisles and see what new and interes …
Shelly and I played host to a visitor from just before Christmas through New Year's Day. We last hosted Jackson in the Spring. Marisa came "home" to help. Jackson is a playful not so young anymore dog who likes to have things his way. My friend Jeff Goldberg's son Justin dropped off Justin on the way to visit his dad and mom Karen. Justin and …
The cold is oddly reflective. It slows us down, forces us indoors, and creates just the right conditions for introspection and reflection. Sure, we’re bundled up like burritos with hot tea in hand, but aren’t those moments special? The world feels smaller, quieter, and more intimate. It’s a time for reading by the fire, organizing that area in your …
Concentrating on the bright side of a unique, complicated year my positive highlights are:1) Appreciable Gotham growth and community 2) Visiting mile marker 823) Grandson Shawn becomes an Eagle Scout4) Shawn and sister Ruby compete in Gotham Battle of the Bands5) A good friend is cancer free6) Family picture on Rao's wall7) 4 months without Drinkin …
I have an old leather “weekender” bag. Leather hand and shoulder strap—no wheels.We have dear friends with whom we have celebrated New Year’s Eve for over twenty years (save one). Our tradition is to have new year’s dinner out east on Long Island, where our friends have a home.And when I pack for new year’s to go out east, I always use my “weekende …
SOme people make predictions for the comoing year, others make New Years Resolutions. Often times New Years Resolutions are broken in the first few months. A few years ago I made a resolution to give up soda and I did. Rarely do I have it, I dont miss it. More and more often on Instagram ill see a video using Coke to clean a rusty old wrench. Scary …
As we end 2024, I am reflecting on what a year it has been in Gotham. So much change in a good way – new groups, new friends, new events. Yet as we keep doing this thing called Gotham, so much stays the same. Since the very beginning of Gotham time our motto has not wavered – it is better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around. …
Can you work with music playing? On Saturday mornings I generally write my blogs. I always have music on during that time. Some Saturday mornings, when I am finished with the blog writing, I will catch up on some work. The moment I change from writing blogs, I have to turn off the music. I find that the music distracts me just enough that I ca …
At the end of each year I traditionally rank my top ten concerts. This year I took a different approach. I shared a chronological listing as I found it difficult to rank them. As I related in my commentary, "What I found really difficult throughout involved settling on one concert as the best of the bunch. All I found special; some sets were l …
It’s that time of year again—time to make my predictions for the upcoming events! Or, in other words, take a few shots in the dark. :) Last year, I made a record-breaking six predictions and went 4-for-6. Since 2007, my total record stands at 29 out of 57—putting me at a .508 batting average. Here are my three predictions for 2024: Infla …
