It has been front page news since Wednesday and has France in a state of shock and fear. Al-Qaida's branch in Yemen has said they directed the attack. That "branch" had two earlier failures, the underwear bombler plot and in 2010 tried to send bombs in packages to targets in the US.   What you may not know is that French authorities had both Kouachi brothers under close surveillance after returning fom Yemen where they were trained. However they reduced the surveillance once they believed the brothers led a normal life.  

We are addicted to two Showtime  shows. They are Homeland and The Affair. Both of which had their season finales just before Christmas. Homeland is our number one following its best season yet. The two episodes prior to the finale were explosive and captivating while the finale was a strong bridge to next season with Quinn as the endangered love interest for Carrie and Saul probably returning as the CIA Director.

As I brushed the snow off the car the other morning, I thought of family and friends who have left New York for warmer parts. I am fond of kidding my Mother -- who spends the winter in Florida -- that the happiness of New Yorkers in Florida is inversely related to the weather: the poorer the weather in New York, the happier they are. (As any mother would, she denies any happiness based upon my discomfort.)

Let's start with some disclaimers:   If you are actually interested in seeing this movie, I would recommend you save yourselves.  But if you must, then beware that there might be a minor spoiler or two in here, nothing big though.  

  January 5, 1996. My oldest child was born and now she has turned 19.

Throughout history there have been periods when facial hair was in, and times when it was out. More recently, in the late 19th century, long beards were the thing. Then the beards were shaved and during the turn of the century a mustache was the fad. Now it seems that a one week growth is popular among some. I have my own cycles. Typically come November the beard starts. By March or April it is gone. I like looking at a new face in the mirror every so often. For a long ski trip, such as the one I just returned from, a beard is essential.

  As my yearly tradition continues, it's time for my predictions for 2015. Let's look at my sterling track record.     2007 - 1 for 7. (my rookie year:)2008 - 1 for 1 (gutsy picking one but it was spot on)2009 - 3 for 5 2010 - 2 for 32011 - 3 for 3!!! 2012 - 3 for 3!!!2013 I took a break, the launch of the new website took all my attention2014 - 2 for 3 (Gotham came close to breaking the 1,000 member mark at 973)   Now for 2015...(drum roll please)