Friday’s blogger evidently passed on this milestone; he could have covered it in anticipation ahead of the poor weekend or after the fact going into this weekend. I covered it six years ago when the anniversary fell on the next day (obviously a Monday).

Last week's blog was about freedom of speech. This one is about restrictions.   We don’t let 13-year-olds buy alcohol, cigarettes, or lottery tickets because those products carry risks that require a certain level of maturity. So why are they allowed to sign up for social media?  

All around me, I hear people (on both sides of the aisle) voicing their angst with our turbulent state of politics and, although empathetic, I calm myself by thoughts of how, historically, the pendulum usually swings.  As we approach next year's midterm congressional elections, I know that in 22 of the last 24 midterm elections the President's party lost ground in the House of Representatives.

Rosh Hashanah— the Jewish New Year—was celebrated earlier this week. And next week is Yom Kippur-the Day of Repentance.

Last night started the celebration of the Jewish New Year.  We say L’Shanah Tova to wish others a good year.  

Last week the news reported that a thirty-two-year-old man had died after riding the “Stardust Racers” extreme roller coaster at Epic Universe. So far, investigators have ruled the manner of death an accident. The victim, according to the medical examiner had sustained “multiple blunt impact injuries.”  

Almost every morning my breakfast includes a banana.  Thus the title of comic Jeff Ross’ Broadway Show struck a nerve when I read about it: “ Jeff Ross: Take A Banana For The Ride.” I had to attend the show, which Shelly and I did last weekend at the Nederlander Theatre, to learn the connection: his grandfather would always tell Jeff to take a banana on his way to a gig, etc. 

I grew up in a household where having a different opinion was okay. You had to justify what you believe, but it was okay that you felt different. I remember countless arguments between my Sister and my Dad.   Today, we live in a culture where silencing voices with whom you disagree has become the norm. Instead of debating ideas, too many resort to shutting people down or not even talking to them. The push to "cancel" someone simply because their words or views make others uncomfortable.