One named Helen, the other Helene. Both giants. Both gone within about a week of the other. You never expect loss. One almost reached Fred’s magic number. The other short by a baker’s dozen. I honored both when they, their families and colleagues could celebrate with them; Helene in 2001 and Helen 10 years later.
When I was in high school our telephone number was 516 621 3525.
Before that there were operators and a party line (which I must admit I listened in on).
When my parents moved I managed to have my boyhood number transferred to my home.
Today in this iPhone era we still have 2 landlines. 3525 is for Tradition and our Fax.
Before you pass judgement on this seemingly wasteful excess I remind you that during the devastation of Super Storm Sandy the only thing that worked were landlines.
I just finished reading “Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates” by Brian Kilmeade and DanYaeger. A very good read about the war against the pirates of the Barbary Coast and the birth of the US navy and marines. Hence the words to the marine corps song. “..,to the shores of Tripoli."
Sometimes you have to let go of old things to make room for the new. It can be good to shake things up, change the order of things, take a new path.
I didn't watch most of the Oscars Sunday night, although it was on in the background for a while. I happened to sit down for the very end, just as Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty were walking on stage to present the Best Picture award. I was really taken by Faye Dunaway's dress.
The first placed I lived on my own was Brooklyn Heights. Since the law firm where I was working was also in the Heights many of us who worked together also lived close to one another.
Today’s New York Times, included an insert, “Truth. It’s more important now than ever.” How true!