In my (www.gothamnetworking.com) networking world we ask: Who you are, what you do and how can we help you? It's amazing how fruitful those answers can be, because we believe that "It's better to give than receive, but what goes around comes around." The object of the exercise is multi faceted.  A basic objective is, in the words of my salesman father, "to get on their level", ie, find common ground from which a relationship can spring.  

I had never given it much thought -- until recently.The thought is that I may become a victim of gun violence.

I know this is going to sound a little crazy – but I attended the nicest funeral yesterday.   

My daughters, sister, niece, and I are a bit obsessed. Admittedly, we are a lot obsessed.  Recently, after filming had concluded on a reality show that we all watch, one of the cast members discovered that her longtime boyfriend was having a month’s long affair with another cast member. Quickly, the cameras went back up and the reactions to the affair are being filmed. The current season, which was filmed before the affair became public, is airing now.  

On Sunny days I might slide back the cover to the moon roof on our 'blue car" and let the 'shine in when I drive; there were some opportunities when the week began.  But I really got to enjoy some short drives with the moon roof open as the weekend ended.  It was something missing with the prior blue vehicle and an important attribute of this one.

Have you ever thought about driving in silence? It may sound weird at first, but trust me, it's worth giving it a try.    When I'm quiet in my car, no music or talk radio, I'm able to clear my mind and be more mindful. I think about the day that passed, or get ready for the day ahead, or even create solutions for marketing challenges I'm faced with. It's a great way to increase the flow of ideas and creativity.  

Last week I wrote about Kirsten Neuschafer (pictured), an extraordinary woman striving to win an around the World single sailor sail boat race against an all male field. I'm happy to announce that at this writing she is still (barely) in the lead.   After reading the blog, the subject question was posed by one of my readers and it got me thinking.   I was a first born son who grew up in the wonderful 1950s. Wonderful for me, but not so much for my sister who was always heard to say "My brother is an only child".

It was probably September of 1967. I was coming home for my first visit after starting my freshman year at Brandeis. At the last minute I thought about bringing my parents a little something from my college. I picked up a mug (possibly a ceramic beer stein) with the school emblem.  That mug was prominently displayed in their home - sometimes to my embarrassment.  Last week, as I was cleaning out my mother’s apartment, I opened a cupboard and there was the mug. I took it down and held it.