I wasn't sure what to expect as we entered the restaurant last Saturday for the 50th anniversary dinner reunion of my high school class. Brooklyn Tech was a ‘commuter’ school with students coming from all over the City. So, interaction was limited to school and after-school activities. You didn't have a lot of friends among your classmates. But there were four of us - Queens boys - who hung out together -- Mark, Frank, Bill and me. I knew that we'd all be at the dinner.

Never forget that there is good happening all the time, all around you, that you may not see. Jose´ M. Hernández journey to space lasted over two decades.

I was asked to guest blog today on any subject of my choosing. Since we are coming close to Passover and I was gathering my “eight minute Hagadahs” for the seder I remembered a passage where they described different types of children; the wise, wicked, simple, and ignorant. This led me to think about different kinds of networkers as I see them.  

Professionally, I had a difficult week last week;  juggling several court appearances, late nights at the office, and a few emotionally charged cases. To say that I was pre-occupied with work last week would be an understatement.  

Most here know I care deeply about a lot of things. That includes sports. I contribute frequently to the “Sportstalk” listserve provided here as a service by Gotham City Networking, Inc.®. While Gotham and Fred boast of its Bombers and Batmen softball teams, year-round my Pythian Lodge sponsors full-court basketball that I enjoy with some of the nicest bunch of men.  

I didn't know what to expect from the Gala. It was in a new place, new food and a bunch of new people.   It was a great experience.   It's unfortunate we could not have the entire Gotham family in attendance but nonetheless there were many exciting happy faces, conversations and cards exchanged. I imagined a lot of business took place.   The Harmonie Club is fabulous. Beautiful place, comfortable and I heard the dumplings were the big hit.   It was Gotham's 20th year and Fred's birthday.  

Recently I met a young artist (photo above) at an Art Opening and while making conversation I bragged about a one mile open water swim I had just accomplished.  Her response was that she had swum around the island.  Taken aback, I asked her how long her swim was and she said 12 miles.  Nearly speechless, I came back with "That's nearly as far as the English Channel".  That's when she completely bowled me over, saying "I did that last year".

Its March 30th and I would be remiss to not take this opportunity to wish Fred a very happy birthday. So, Fred, my friend, my best wishes for a Happy Birthday. I still have that early memory--perhaps one of the first times we met -- of you running over the hill of the cross-country course in back of Schreiber High School. It was quite a while ago and yet "we all still look the same". There have been many uphills and downhills since then and the run has been great....and there are many, many miles to go.