They often say that when your time comes your entire life will flash before your eyes. Never having met someone who had this experience and lived to tell the tale, don't know if it is true. However last night I had a flash moment.
Since leaving the job in June 2012, I have gone out of my way to stay far from the school I led for 12 years and from the neighborhood. I must say that when I meet up with former parents, students or teachers I do feel good about their analysis that "things are different " and "it is not the same".
Last night we went to Greenwich to a new restaurant. I made a reservation for 8:15 and we arrived on time. No sooner did we enter the place that I spotted J's brother, his wife and another couple. We exchanged pleasantries and were shown to our table. This was the best seat in the house and I knew that sitting in the front of the place by the open air window, I'd be susceptible to seeing passers-by who might recognize me as the guy formally known as the Principal of Riverside school. Little did I know that I'd hit the, look who it is, jackpot and that by the end of the meal I'd run into people who span the 35 years I have spent in the profession.
First I saw a R family leaving the restaurant, they came over, small talked and I found out that they had decided to move their daughter to another school because, " you were gone". Another couple did the same 10 minutes later.
As the evening wore on 2 couples came by who were very excited to see me and one of the parents made the entire restaurant aware of my presence. Once again we small talked and to the dismay of the waiter we delayed ordering our meal.
Later in the evening there was a flurry of pedestrians as the local movie let out. Sure enough somewhere between the salad and sea scallops 2 couples walked by. The women just happened to be the first two PTA presidents I worked with 35+ years ago when we opened the most progressive school in CT at the time. Unfortunately 35+ years later it still is!
So there you have it an evening in Greenwich where you might say I still have street cred, and the street just happens to be Greenwich Avenue, where cred is pronounced CREDIBILITY, darling.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Moonlit dinner
Before we leave for Verona a word about dinner at the Pace Hotel in Sirmione.
Beautiful setting on the lake with terrific views at sunset.
Can't say enough about the wonderful food and service at the hotel. However Bellagio is still our favorite. As the sun set over the lake a Russian family sat at the table next to us. All beautiful, a young wife, 2 blond haired boys and a curly haired toddler with a dress that spins. Dad ordered wine bottle after wine bottle even though he was for the most part the only one drinking. The 10 year old boy inhaled his ravioli and dad ordered another portion. While professing to be hungry the little guy hardly touched the food, but hey we are on vacation so who cares about the $$$ or should I say euro.
Lots of Russians in this part of Europe followed by Germans and very, very few Americans. I guess the lousy exchange rate has scared them away. Example: 400 Euro= $525!
Tip: If you are near a lake, have dinner at the lake. Incredibly beautiful and it will score points with your favorite girl.
Beautiful setting on the lake with terrific views at sunset.
Can't say enough about the wonderful food and service at the hotel. However Bellagio is still our favorite. As the sun set over the lake a Russian family sat at the table next to us. All beautiful, a young wife, 2 blond haired boys and a curly haired toddler with a dress that spins. Dad ordered wine bottle after wine bottle even though he was for the most part the only one drinking. The 10 year old boy inhaled his ravioli and dad ordered another portion. While professing to be hungry the little guy hardly touched the food, but hey we are on vacation so who cares about the $$$ or should I say euro.
Lots of Russians in this part of Europe followed by Germans and very, very few Americans. I guess the lousy exchange rate has scared them away. Example: 400 Euro= $525!
Tip: If you are near a lake, have dinner at the lake. Incredibly beautiful and it will score points with your favorite girl.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
More tips- Weekend Warriers
Having had a stressful experience driving into Sirmione, I plotted my exit with every opportunity. As we walked the town I looked for an exit strategy. We drove out of Sirmione on a Sunday which was a good thing.
Tip: driving on the autostrata is easier on weekends, especially Sundays as there is no truck traffic on the weekends. There is a no driving ban on Sundays for trucks. GREAT idea. Whether through dumb luck or good planning the roads are very pleasant on the weekends, onto Verona
Tip: driving on the autostrata is easier on weekends, especially Sundays as there is no truck traffic on the weekends. There is a no driving ban on Sundays for trucks. GREAT idea. Whether through dumb luck or good planning the roads are very pleasant on the weekends, onto Verona
Monday, August 5, 2013
The Trip
It has been a week since we returned from our 18 day trip to Italy and France. over the next days I'll offer some tips for a successful trip.
Landing at 6:30 AM limits your options, so you tend to go to the rental office, get your car and drive to your first destination. In our case Milan to Sirmione on Largo de Garda. Being sleep deprived from the 8+ hour flight, probably not the best thing to do. We did arrive in the charming village of Sirmione in relatively good shape, however once inside the walls of this 13th century village driving was tense and nerve wracking. My first Italian words of the trip were "I'm Sorry" as I didn't obey the traffic light that was well hidden on the side of a building.
TIP: try to land during the day, and get a room to sleep off some jet lag
TIP: make sure your GPS, the one you brought from home, works as a portable from the car rental is over 20 euros per day.
Landing at 6:30 AM limits your options, so you tend to go to the rental office, get your car and drive to your first destination. In our case Milan to Sirmione on Largo de Garda. Being sleep deprived from the 8+ hour flight, probably not the best thing to do. We did arrive in the charming village of Sirmione in relatively good shape, however once inside the walls of this 13th century village driving was tense and nerve wracking. My first Italian words of the trip were "I'm Sorry" as I didn't obey the traffic light that was well hidden on the side of a building.
TIP: try to land during the day, and get a room to sleep off some jet lag
TIP: make sure your GPS, the one you brought from home, works as a portable from the car rental is over 20 euros per day.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
It's a Tough Job....
but someone has to do it. Throughout our trip to Italy we were faced with the dilemma of eating prosciutto and melon for breakfast and dinner. The is an abundance of this delicacy in the cities and towns of Italy and to help eliminate the glut we were more than happy to oblige and do our part. The Italians especially know how to serve this combo, 4-5 slices of melon totally covered with slices of paper thin sliced ham. In the States the portion is usually 2 slices melon, 2 slices prosciutto, but unlike air conditioning and deodorant, when it comes to this the Europeans have it all over their American cousins.
Imagine our glee when we were invited to tour a prosciutto factory in Longerino Italy, just outside of Parma. We were on a private tour arranged by a friend who has a connection. The facility was pristine and huge, with walls and walls of pigs hind quarters hanging from every imaginable hook. The aroma was sweet and our taste buds were salivating for just one slice off the vine on Prosciutto Boulevard, as the owner referred to the hall. But for some reason that I will never know we were never offered a taste. We were treated royally, had Prosecco and espresso, were ushered into the seductively lit tasting room but never got to savor the ham delight.
In the spirit of Sophia and Gina, the Italians are big teasers.
Imagine our glee when we were invited to tour a prosciutto factory in Longerino Italy, just outside of Parma. We were on a private tour arranged by a friend who has a connection. The facility was pristine and huge, with walls and walls of pigs hind quarters hanging from every imaginable hook. The aroma was sweet and our taste buds were salivating for just one slice off the vine on Prosciutto Boulevard, as the owner referred to the hall. But for some reason that I will never know we were never offered a taste. We were treated royally, had Prosecco and espresso, were ushered into the seductively lit tasting room but never got to savor the ham delight.
In the spirit of Sophia and Gina, the Italians are big teasers.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Bag man
Our bags did arrive on the 6:30 PM flight from Rome on Monday. However we didn't hear from them , or the airline with an update. I tried no less than 6 times to call the 800 # the friendly agent gave us on Monday as she said te luggage should be to us in 12 hours. All the while I'm sure she was saying to herself that no one at Alitalia answers the phone and a voice message tells me they cannot be reached. With that frustrating bit of news I was sure this was going to be a long ordeal that apparently lots and lots of people go through. So we went to bed at 11:00 having decided to drive out to the airport this morning to try and find our bags. At 11:30 pm, still feeling the effects of jet lag, we got a phone call from the company that was to deliver the bags to the house. Now the way the nice lady explained it Alitalia deals only with reputable delivery serbvices and we sohuld not worry about the luggage we would receive it. I'm thinking DHL, Fed Ex, instead the guy sounded like soem guy, with a checked past, who was going to make a drop. He said he would be to the house in 90 minutes or 1:00 in the morning! Where was he coming from and why at 1:00 in the morning. Luckily the Hapless Yankees were in LA so I got up to watch the game and wait for the drop.
As the van pulled up I noticed no markings on the van, just a van. I decided to go and meet the driver outside. He unloaded the 2 bags and told me he had come from Queens and was on his way to New Haven to drop off more luggage. Well thank goodness for small favors as those poor souls would be awaken at 3:30 AM to have their bags returned to them.
Why the bags could not be delivered during normal hours is beyond me but at least the bags are back from their journey and in tact.
As the van pulled up I noticed no markings on the van, just a van. I decided to go and meet the driver outside. He unloaded the 2 bags and told me he had come from Queens and was on his way to New Haven to drop off more luggage. Well thank goodness for small favors as those poor souls would be awaken at 3:30 AM to have their bags returned to them.
Why the bags could not be delivered during normal hours is beyond me but at least the bags are back from their journey and in tact.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
So good, we decided to stay
While we returned from a wonderful trip to Italy and France our luggage decided to stay in sunny Italy at least one more day. While I doubt the two old bags would not see anything more than the tarmac at Rome Airport, they were lost in transit. But not to worry as we were told at the Alitalia office, located just a few steps from the luggage carousel at JFK. Seems like extended vacations for luggage requires an office complete with permanent signage. I'm sure other airlines have the same issue but an office with a constant staff of two people to handle luggage issues?
So we went home armed with the equivalent of a 2000 fax machine print out of our case and invitation to call to check on the whereabouts of our luggage.
Well 24 hours later we still await confirmation that the luggage did return from Italy. Calls to the 800 number, 5 calls, resulted in automated messages that they could not take our call. They were unavailable.
With no where to turn I called my travel agent who sheepishly answered the phone and said he had received my email 2 days ago. I was not happy then over a transportation issue and I continue to be not happy. He offered to help and so we await word on the fate of our luggage.
Recently an Italian asked me the difference between baggage and luggage. When it comes to customer satisfaction it seems that when dealing with luggage, Alitalia has lots of baggage.
So we went home armed with the equivalent of a 2000 fax machine print out of our case and invitation to call to check on the whereabouts of our luggage.
Well 24 hours later we still await confirmation that the luggage did return from Italy. Calls to the 800 number, 5 calls, resulted in automated messages that they could not take our call. They were unavailable.
With no where to turn I called my travel agent who sheepishly answered the phone and said he had received my email 2 days ago. I was not happy then over a transportation issue and I continue to be not happy. He offered to help and so we await word on the fate of our luggage.
Recently an Italian asked me the difference between baggage and luggage. When it comes to customer satisfaction it seems that when dealing with luggage, Alitalia has lots of baggage.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Back in the USA
Just returned from 2+ great weeks in Italy and France. Will discuss my observations in the next few weeks. Suffice to say the food in Italy was great, the French still don't like us and our luggage continues to vacation on the tarmac in Rome! It's good to be home and back to 7200 days as I prepare to celebrate my first year of blogging. 7200-365= A Long Life, I hope.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Good minds, think alike
I don't want to be presumptuous and contend that I have a great mind but from time to time over the course of my blogging I am scooped by another blogger, reporter or TV news report. Case in point this morning. The NYTimes carried a tongue and cheek story of the 2 very annoying Yankee Radio announcers, Susan Waldman and John Sterling.
If I am listening to the game on the radio, I go out of my way to find another play by play as the 2 are so sugar sweet on the Yankess, who this year are a shell of themselves. They are anemic.
Sterling, ever the pitchman, can't say 2 sentences without tying it into some promotion for a bank, insurance company, cereal, car or other commodity.
"That first pitch at 95 miles per hour was brought to you by...."
"That was the 15th out and you can save 15% on car insurance"
and on and on
Mel and Red are turning over in their graves, "How 'bout that?"
If I am listening to the game on the radio, I go out of my way to find another play by play as the 2 are so sugar sweet on the Yankess, who this year are a shell of themselves. They are anemic.
Sterling, ever the pitchman, can't say 2 sentences without tying it into some promotion for a bank, insurance company, cereal, car or other commodity.
"That first pitch at 95 miles per hour was brought to you by...."
"That was the 15th out and you can save 15% on car insurance"
and on and on
Mel and Red are turning over in their graves, "How 'bout that?"
Monday, July 8, 2013
The Saints go marching in
With all the trouble the Catholic Church has had over the last 5-10 years it was only a matter of time before they brought out the big guns.
Pope Francis has moved quickly to canonize 2 new saints. Both are former Popes, John 23 and John Paul II. In the case of JP he will have moved to the head of the VIP line in only 8 years! Most take 25+ years to make it to sainthood. But these are difficult times for the Church so they need to pull out all the stops as they work to restore honor and credibility to the institution.
To further cover their bases, they chose a liberal pope in John 23 and a conservative in JPII.
Another prerequisite is the rule that 2 miracles form any candidate must be verified. In the case of J23 only one can be confirmed, but the Pope has final say and the Church's umpire can change the rules and he did.
So look forward to a grand celebration, as only the Catholics can do, when these 2 saintly men are sainted.
Pope Francis has moved quickly to canonize 2 new saints. Both are former Popes, John 23 and John Paul II. In the case of JP he will have moved to the head of the VIP line in only 8 years! Most take 25+ years to make it to sainthood. But these are difficult times for the Church so they need to pull out all the stops as they work to restore honor and credibility to the institution.
To further cover their bases, they chose a liberal pope in John 23 and a conservative in JPII.
Another prerequisite is the rule that 2 miracles form any candidate must be verified. In the case of J23 only one can be confirmed, but the Pope has final say and the Church's umpire can change the rules and he did.
So look forward to a grand celebration, as only the Catholics can do, when these 2 saintly men are sainted.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Viva la differance- The French are different
I have a dear friend. His children spent some time at my school several years ago. About 2-3 years into the relationship he and his kids and new girlfriend(story for another time) moved back to Nice, how nice.
In subsequent trips to France he has graciously opened his doors to us and showed us around one of the most beautiful places on earth. This year we will return and once again hope to connect with him and his very French family.
About two weeks ago I received an email stating that his daughter was on her way to the USA for a three week on her own vacation. From what I could gather from his rather sketchy communication he'd like it if we could talk to her on the phone or put her up for a night or take her to NYC for a day or have her live with us for 4 weeks? For the better part of 2 weeks we tried to connect via email, I'd send her a message, she'd not respond for several days, and when she did she was vague about her plans. Well after all she was only 16! Imagine sending a 16 year old to another country where her language would be broken at best, no real plans for housing, all alone in the big city.
Finally we connected and low an behold she was in the very next town staying with some colleagues of her dad and she'd love to see us. I expected a typical, and perhaps stereotyped 16 year old citizen of the world. Jeans, high top sneakers, T-shirt, jean jacket, bulky backpack, ear buds, maybe even a slight tattoo. As the 10:40 pulled into the Glenbrook station, I noticed only one passenger get off the train as it was the 4th of July and ridership was light. Walking towards me was a striking young girl, with long brown hair, a flowing blue summer dress, designer sunglasses, a "grownup" pocket book and a smile as captivating as the Eiffel Tower. This was the little girl who 10 years ago was a first grader at my school, with very little English and a bit overwhelmed by the events that had shaped her young life.
Throughout the day she did nothing but amaze me and Joyce. She was thrilled to be in NYC, loved the vibe of Washington Square Park, spoke about the French take on immigration, reminisced with friends of ours who happened to live in the same town as she many years ago. She was so totally into Joyce's photography impromptu photo lessons and could not have been more gracious as she constantly asked, How much do I owe you for ....
I thought about my life and whether I could have done this when I was 16? The answer was a resounding NO!
There was a moment when she showed her age as she spilled a bottle of water into her pocketbook, perhaps causing irreparable damage to her phone. But even with that there was no pouting, no panic, just the typically French attitude of Se la vie, I'll figure this out.
Monday, July 1, 2013
S%#$ Doesn't Happen
There is a saying that it does happen but it has been my experience that for the most part the doom and gloom stuff that has been predicted over the years either arrives in a less gloomy version or not at all.
Remember:
Y2K
Numerous snowfall predictions of gargantuan proportions
Mayan prediction of the end of the world
and now the 17 year onslaught of the cicadas.
All turned out to be non-events
It has always been about the stuff that sneaks up on us, unless of course you believed in the European prediction model of Sandy.
Remember:
Y2K
Numerous snowfall predictions of gargantuan proportions
Mayan prediction of the end of the world
and now the 17 year onslaught of the cicadas.
All turned out to be non-events
It has always been about the stuff that sneaks up on us, unless of course you believed in the European prediction model of Sandy.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Darn Yankees
How the mighty have fallen. Take the highest paid team in baseball, add an epidemic of injuries and misdeeds by these spoiled boys of summer and you have to field a team of rookies, and has beens who are no longer feared or loathed by the rest of the BB world, Broadway or anyone else. The Damn Yankees, the team you love to hate are no more. The Bombers, pounding their way to more championships than any other team in history, of any sport, are now just fizzled out sparklers, that can't bully anyone.
The once menacing NY Yankees, The Bronx Bombers are fielding a team that could have easily been taken with volunteers from the stands. It would be a great opportunity so now it really does make sense to bring your glove to the stadium as it seems that everyday someone is pulling a muscle, breaking a wrist, fracturing an ankle or swerving not swiveling a hip. You might get called upon to fill in. This could be a great PR stunt as your face appears on the Big Sport-a-tron 3000 screen and you are invited to "Come on down," complete with Price is Right music and Bob Barker ( is he still alive?) announcing your name. "Now playing 3rd base, Morris from Mosholu Parkway!"
They are now on track to use more players in the course of a season then any other team in history. Now there's a distinction! Despite this cast of casted characters, they are still within striking distance of first place. Rather unbelievable and a testament to the pitching even though they have an average age of 37, ancient by pitching standards or the fact that the talent in BB has diminished substantially over the last 5 years.
Things are so bad that the Love/Hate relationship with Alex Rodriguez has thawed a bit, except of course for the general manager telling him to "Shut the $%#@ up! "about his comeback. Today's report is that he might return or retire. I'm betting on the first RE as he would be leaving over $100million unless he can cut a deal. And when he returns the fans will boo roundly unless and until he hits his first home run. With a team like the current Yankees, this drama is pretty much all we have to look forward to...
Play Ball!
The once menacing NY Yankees, The Bronx Bombers are fielding a team that could have easily been taken with volunteers from the stands. It would be a great opportunity so now it really does make sense to bring your glove to the stadium as it seems that everyday someone is pulling a muscle, breaking a wrist, fracturing an ankle or swerving not swiveling a hip. You might get called upon to fill in. This could be a great PR stunt as your face appears on the Big Sport-a-tron 3000 screen and you are invited to "Come on down," complete with Price is Right music and Bob Barker ( is he still alive?) announcing your name. "Now playing 3rd base, Morris from Mosholu Parkway!"
They are now on track to use more players in the course of a season then any other team in history. Now there's a distinction! Despite this cast of casted characters, they are still within striking distance of first place. Rather unbelievable and a testament to the pitching even though they have an average age of 37, ancient by pitching standards or the fact that the talent in BB has diminished substantially over the last 5 years.
Things are so bad that the Love/Hate relationship with Alex Rodriguez has thawed a bit, except of course for the general manager telling him to "Shut the $%#@ up! "about his comeback. Today's report is that he might return or retire. I'm betting on the first RE as he would be leaving over $100million unless he can cut a deal. And when he returns the fans will boo roundly unless and until he hits his first home run. With a team like the current Yankees, this drama is pretty much all we have to look forward to...
Play Ball!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The Views from Here
Well another blog milestone, 5000 views in 175 posts. I'm sure this is small potatoes in the blog-o-sphere but given that this is still a new adventure for me and I am still learning the ropes I am impressed with the number. Also consider that I can't for the life of me figure out how to add more friends to my circle, so I am happy with the result to date.
Looking forward to 7500 by the end of summer, so tell your friends.
Looking forward to 7500 by the end of summer, so tell your friends.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Can You Go home Again?
Tomorrow i will return to the place that was my home for the close to 20 years. As the AP and more recently as Principal of riverside elementary, i will return as a guest at the Graduation of grade 5 students. I have purposefully stayed away from the school in the hope that the new administrator would find his sea legs. Tomorrow I return to hand our a scholarship that was established in my name. It will be an honor to be back and to see some old friends.
Looking forward to a good day.
Looking forward to a good day.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Life imitating art?
Last night I heard the news that James Galdolfini died in Rome of an apparent heart attack. He was 51!
Given his major acting credit it was inevitable that the news came with the abruptness of a mob hit.
After all he wasn't sick, was poetically in Rome, of a suspected heart attack and there were no further details.
Reporting on his death the BBC noted he was on his way to Sicily to receive an award for his depiction of an Italian, even thought he was a mafia boss, who'd strangle a man to death if he felt he had been wronged. Hey it's only business.
There surely was a love/hate aspect to my opinion of his character but by all accounts he was a good guy and fine actor.
Arrivederci Tony, I mean James
Given his major acting credit it was inevitable that the news came with the abruptness of a mob hit.
After all he wasn't sick, was poetically in Rome, of a suspected heart attack and there were no further details.
Reporting on his death the BBC noted he was on his way to Sicily to receive an award for his depiction of an Italian, even thought he was a mafia boss, who'd strangle a man to death if he felt he had been wronged. Hey it's only business.
There surely was a love/hate aspect to my opinion of his character but by all accounts he was a good guy and fine actor.
Arrivederci Tony, I mean James
Monday, June 17, 2013
Been there, seen that
J is taking a photo course that requires that she take photos of interesting people in interesting places. for years her go to has been NYC, especially SoHo, the Lower East Side and Washington Square Park.
With the summer and warm weather comes an influx of NYC wantabees. So our trip to Washington Sq. yesterday would be characterized as a bust.
There are the usual street performers, a group of black gymnasts/dancers/comedians who have an act that takes over the Square several times a day to banter, coax, and flip for money from visitors to the park. In addition there are the old hippies strumming and singing tunes I'd rather forget. It has come to a guy with a sign asking people to stop by and tell him your story. I guess his talent is listening.
I never thought I'd say this but after months of visiting the park it has become ho, hum.
Thank goodness the Mermaid Parade in never disappoint Coney Island is only 6 days away.
With the summer and warm weather comes an influx of NYC wantabees. So our trip to Washington Sq. yesterday would be characterized as a bust.
There are the usual street performers, a group of black gymnasts/dancers/comedians who have an act that takes over the Square several times a day to banter, coax, and flip for money from visitors to the park. In addition there are the old hippies strumming and singing tunes I'd rather forget. It has come to a guy with a sign asking people to stop by and tell him your story. I guess his talent is listening.
I never thought I'd say this but after months of visiting the park it has become ho, hum.
Thank goodness the Mermaid Parade in never disappoint Coney Island is only 6 days away.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Miltides Ave. El
Throughout the Bronx there are elevated subways tracks. A lot fewer than there were in the 60's but you can still see the train travel in the air above the streets and into the windows of those unfortunate enough to live in the shadow of the El.
Funny thing but a variation of the El is behind some pretty expensive real estate in Riverside and Greenwich CT. Today I happened to be in a house in Riverside and as I looked out the window I could see commuters on the 7:04 to Grand Central. Trains pass back and forth through this highly sought after neighborhood and people put up with the Amtrak and Acella to Boston. Trains going north and south rumble through backyards with swimming pools, and gazebos, with homes that command 1.5-3.0 million! All for the sake of location, location, location.
Funny thing but a variation of the El is behind some pretty expensive real estate in Riverside and Greenwich CT. Today I happened to be in a house in Riverside and as I looked out the window I could see commuters on the 7:04 to Grand Central. Trains pass back and forth through this highly sought after neighborhood and people put up with the Amtrak and Acella to Boston. Trains going north and south rumble through backyards with swimming pools, and gazebos, with homes that command 1.5-3.0 million! All for the sake of location, location, location.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Time warp
As the Italian neighborhood of Belmont continues to shrink and become less and less Italian, it is good to see that some traditions continue, even if with another ethnicity.
A few weeks ago we went on one of our usual Sunday photo shoots. Another of our many trips to Arthur Ave. This was the first neighborhood I knew as a child. Now Sundays are pretty quiet on the street with few stores opened and parking no problem. There was a time when the street was busy on Sundays, people leaving church gathered on the street to chat. Cars doubled parked as someone hopped out of the car, to get in line in one of the many pastry shops to buy dessert for the weekly Sunday family dinner. "I'll just be a minute" was the catch phrase as streets were reduced to one lane obstacle courses. Of course they were never a minute, but never mind we understood the drill and waited patiently in line for cannoli and other old world creamy goodies. White box, tied with candy cane colored string, we could hardly get through the antipasti, macaroni with meatballs, sausage, pork as we knew the miniature pastries put an exclamation point on a great tradition.
This Sunday in 2013 was quiet except for a crowd that had gathered in front of Mt. Carmel Church on 187th. There was a Mr. Softee truck camped outside, he obviously knew something special was happening. In observance of the location, the usual Softee rhythm was not playing. In the distance, coming up 187 was a procession led by alter boys, a cross held high and a priest in white robes. He was followed by a group of children, all 6-7 dressed in white, it was First Communion.
J had hit pay dirt and started to snap away. As they approached the church we saw the smiles on the faces of their young families. Infants with bows in their hair, young mothers dressed for church to be followed by clubbing. Stacked heels, short tight dresses, tattoos and lots of flower bouquets. Wonderful photos, a happy day, children in communion dresses with ice cream cones purchased from the man in the truck window, Mr. Softee. We were both softees for this scene, tradition, regardless of the language and ethnicity, continues and gives us hope despite all that goes on in the world.
I had J take a photo of a young boy in a suit standing next to his classmate in a white dress. I have another photo of a couple, the woman in white, on the same steps taken 73 years ago. It is of my parents posing for their wedding photo.
A few weeks ago we went on one of our usual Sunday photo shoots. Another of our many trips to Arthur Ave. This was the first neighborhood I knew as a child. Now Sundays are pretty quiet on the street with few stores opened and parking no problem. There was a time when the street was busy on Sundays, people leaving church gathered on the street to chat. Cars doubled parked as someone hopped out of the car, to get in line in one of the many pastry shops to buy dessert for the weekly Sunday family dinner. "I'll just be a minute" was the catch phrase as streets were reduced to one lane obstacle courses. Of course they were never a minute, but never mind we understood the drill and waited patiently in line for cannoli and other old world creamy goodies. White box, tied with candy cane colored string, we could hardly get through the antipasti, macaroni with meatballs, sausage, pork as we knew the miniature pastries put an exclamation point on a great tradition.
This Sunday in 2013 was quiet except for a crowd that had gathered in front of Mt. Carmel Church on 187th. There was a Mr. Softee truck camped outside, he obviously knew something special was happening. In observance of the location, the usual Softee rhythm was not playing. In the distance, coming up 187 was a procession led by alter boys, a cross held high and a priest in white robes. He was followed by a group of children, all 6-7 dressed in white, it was First Communion.
J had hit pay dirt and started to snap away. As they approached the church we saw the smiles on the faces of their young families. Infants with bows in their hair, young mothers dressed for church to be followed by clubbing. Stacked heels, short tight dresses, tattoos and lots of flower bouquets. Wonderful photos, a happy day, children in communion dresses with ice cream cones purchased from the man in the truck window, Mr. Softee. We were both softees for this scene, tradition, regardless of the language and ethnicity, continues and gives us hope despite all that goes on in the world.
I had J take a photo of a young boy in a suit standing next to his classmate in a white dress. I have another photo of a couple, the woman in white, on the same steps taken 73 years ago. It is of my parents posing for their wedding photo.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Where did you go Joe?
Simon and Garfunkel sang where have you gone Joe Dimaggio in their song Mrs. Robinson, back in the 60's. Word has it that Joe D never understood or liked the reference.
The same fate seems to have befallen Joe Biden. Before the 2012 election, on election night and into the early part of '13 Joe was everywhere. He spilled the beans on Obama's same sex thinking, he seemed to have a big role in Barak's attempt to do SOMETHING about gun control. He published a book.
Well the gun thing went nowhere, and he reportedly made less than $3.00 in royalties on the book.
He has disappeared and now suffers the fate of lame duck VP's or the fictional Veep Celina Meyer (Julia Louis Dreyfus)
I also wonder if Bill and Hill told Barack to cool it with Joe, and not give him too much to do as she plans or plots her Presidential run.
Sounds a lot like the NYC story of Mike and Christine.
The same fate seems to have befallen Joe Biden. Before the 2012 election, on election night and into the early part of '13 Joe was everywhere. He spilled the beans on Obama's same sex thinking, he seemed to have a big role in Barak's attempt to do SOMETHING about gun control. He published a book.
Well the gun thing went nowhere, and he reportedly made less than $3.00 in royalties on the book.
He has disappeared and now suffers the fate of lame duck VP's or the fictional Veep Celina Meyer (Julia Louis Dreyfus)
I also wonder if Bill and Hill told Barack to cool it with Joe, and not give him too much to do as she plans or plots her Presidential run.
Sounds a lot like the NYC story of Mike and Christine.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
A Whole New Ballgame
Yesterday I went to my first baseball game at the new Yankee Stadium. Yes 3-4 years after it opened I finally got on board, bit the bullet and went to the place across the street from the stadium I knew growing up. I didn't want to lose my Bronx alumni status.
It was hard not to like this place,especially on the most beautiful day of the spring. Warm temperatures, a slight breeze and oh that green, green grass!
The drive down was classic Johnny Bronx, meant to impress the 2 passengers. Down I-95 to the Hutch to Bruckner Blvd. (the service road), to the Concourse via 138th street service road. Door to door of the parking garage bargain, 48 minutes! The garage was ready for our reservation and the $22 fee, split 3 ways.
A 7 block walk to the stadium next to the place where the House that Ruth built stood. On the way I pointed out BX. landmarks, the all business facade of the Bronx county Court House, The Concourse Plaza, once the home away from home of Yankees but now, not quite sure what goes on in there.
Having heard horror stories of the exorbitant prices of food in the Stadium, we stopped at a deli on 161st and for $6.50 came away with a very good sandwich, The Honeymooner. If I'm going to be in the Bronx I am going to order a sandwich named after my favorite TV show.
At the entrance we were actually greeted by attendants who were very courteous, pass baggage check and directly ahead of us was section 110 and our seats, field level first base side, Great!
But first we received, as one of the first 10,000 in the stadium, A Mariano Rivera fathead poster, not to be confused with the M. Rivera bobble head doll. An oversized sticker of Mo in action. Suitable for framing but where to hang it?
We walked around a bit and while I never did get the sausage sandwich, the aroma was very, very tempting. While the food prices were high they were not outrageous, they seem to make their money on $5 water and souvenirs, There was a time when you could not buy an official, wool Yankee hat. Now they are available at every turn, for $25-45. There are stalls and stores in every corner and the stores were crowded, even during the game. Perhaps that was the biggest difference from the old Stadium. In it you came to watch the game. You also resisted going to the bathroom during those Bronx is burning days of old. At the new place you wander, visit the displays, shop, eat, shop, spend money, repeat.
Of the 41,000 in attendance, it was obvious that many skipped school to attend this rare day game. I am not opposed as long as it does not become a habit and there is no way that it can since all teams have cut down significantly on day games. There is nothing like seeing the field on a sun lit day, blue skies, flags flying.
The technology is awe inspiring and everything you need to know about the pitchers performance, the batters stats and some little known tidbits are all available for you to see.
The seating is comfy, and the view of the game very good from wherever you sit.
While it does resemble a baseball mall with all the bells, whistles and hawking of merchandise, hey you got to pay Alex Rodriquez, the place is pretty nice.
Also the Yankees won, the game was interesting, I only spent $5.00 in the park, sorry Alex but consider it my form of protest against your steroid use. Actually it is because I still cannot bring myself to spend close to $100 for a day at "The Big Ball Park" as Red Barber use to say.
It was hard not to like this place,especially on the most beautiful day of the spring. Warm temperatures, a slight breeze and oh that green, green grass!
The drive down was classic Johnny Bronx, meant to impress the 2 passengers. Down I-95 to the Hutch to Bruckner Blvd. (the service road), to the Concourse via 138th street service road. Door to door of the parking garage bargain, 48 minutes! The garage was ready for our reservation and the $22 fee, split 3 ways.
A 7 block walk to the stadium next to the place where the House that Ruth built stood. On the way I pointed out BX. landmarks, the all business facade of the Bronx county Court House, The Concourse Plaza, once the home away from home of Yankees but now, not quite sure what goes on in there.
Having heard horror stories of the exorbitant prices of food in the Stadium, we stopped at a deli on 161st and for $6.50 came away with a very good sandwich, The Honeymooner. If I'm going to be in the Bronx I am going to order a sandwich named after my favorite TV show.
At the entrance we were actually greeted by attendants who were very courteous, pass baggage check and directly ahead of us was section 110 and our seats, field level first base side, Great!
But first we received, as one of the first 10,000 in the stadium, A Mariano Rivera fathead poster, not to be confused with the M. Rivera bobble head doll. An oversized sticker of Mo in action. Suitable for framing but where to hang it?
We walked around a bit and while I never did get the sausage sandwich, the aroma was very, very tempting. While the food prices were high they were not outrageous, they seem to make their money on $5 water and souvenirs, There was a time when you could not buy an official, wool Yankee hat. Now they are available at every turn, for $25-45. There are stalls and stores in every corner and the stores were crowded, even during the game. Perhaps that was the biggest difference from the old Stadium. In it you came to watch the game. You also resisted going to the bathroom during those Bronx is burning days of old. At the new place you wander, visit the displays, shop, eat, shop, spend money, repeat.
Of the 41,000 in attendance, it was obvious that many skipped school to attend this rare day game. I am not opposed as long as it does not become a habit and there is no way that it can since all teams have cut down significantly on day games. There is nothing like seeing the field on a sun lit day, blue skies, flags flying.
The technology is awe inspiring and everything you need to know about the pitchers performance, the batters stats and some little known tidbits are all available for you to see.
The seating is comfy, and the view of the game very good from wherever you sit.
While it does resemble a baseball mall with all the bells, whistles and hawking of merchandise, hey you got to pay Alex Rodriquez, the place is pretty nice.
Also the Yankees won, the game was interesting, I only spent $5.00 in the park, sorry Alex but consider it my form of protest against your steroid use. Actually it is because I still cannot bring myself to spend close to $100 for a day at "The Big Ball Park" as Red Barber use to say.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Don't Look Back
Satchel Page, a legendary pitcher once said, Don't look back, they may be gaining on you.
Having taken up biking I feel the same way. As a kid I was never secure in my riding ability and usually stayed on the sidewalk. In those days you could do that. There were no helmets, few if any gears and baseball cards would be attached to the spokes of the tires to heighten the cool factor.
As I try to rekindle some bike skills, not that I have many, I am wearing a helmet, riding with traffic in the street and trying to get myself into (proper) gear. Today I went out at 7:15 and realized the rest of the world has more important things to do at that time, like get to work. Traveling up a road I thought was less traveled, Maple Tree Ave.,I soon encountered traffic, including large trucks, school buses and drivers impatiently accelerating to get were they are going. I could hear the size of the car, truck or bus as it approached from the rear. Hoping to just keep upright I stayed as close to the curb as possible. Mission accomplished but perhaps I'll take advantage of the day and ride once everyone is at school or work.
Having taken up biking I feel the same way. As a kid I was never secure in my riding ability and usually stayed on the sidewalk. In those days you could do that. There were no helmets, few if any gears and baseball cards would be attached to the spokes of the tires to heighten the cool factor.
As I try to rekindle some bike skills, not that I have many, I am wearing a helmet, riding with traffic in the street and trying to get myself into (proper) gear. Today I went out at 7:15 and realized the rest of the world has more important things to do at that time, like get to work. Traveling up a road I thought was less traveled, Maple Tree Ave.,I soon encountered traffic, including large trucks, school buses and drivers impatiently accelerating to get were they are going. I could hear the size of the car, truck or bus as it approached from the rear. Hoping to just keep upright I stayed as close to the curb as possible. Mission accomplished but perhaps I'll take advantage of the day and ride once everyone is at school or work.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Ah June!
The calendar turned over and low and behold it is June. The first day of the month celebrates the birth of my daughter, who this years turned 34, YIKES! Was reminded yesterday that it is also the birthday of a dear friend and I will always remember it's the birthday of a woman who I worked with at Special Olympics and her name is June. Some things you don't forget.
It is also the month of grade school I'll always remember as I have fond memories of hanging out on the stoop with kids from the neighborhood 'til dark, around 8:45. Walks to school in June came with wonderful scents of red roses that grew wildly on the corner of Logan and Lafayette Ave. The honey suckle vines would also be in bloom and we loved taking the flower and sucking on the stem. Fro the 2-3 weeks before school let out, the nuns would get gifts of red roses wrapped in tin foil, hand picked from the neighbors gardens.
The warm weather begins to be an everyday occurrence and the flowers in the yard are fragrant and lush.
I always thought October to be my favorite month but June seems to make a strong case for Month of the Month.
It is also the month of grade school I'll always remember as I have fond memories of hanging out on the stoop with kids from the neighborhood 'til dark, around 8:45. Walks to school in June came with wonderful scents of red roses that grew wildly on the corner of Logan and Lafayette Ave. The honey suckle vines would also be in bloom and we loved taking the flower and sucking on the stem. Fro the 2-3 weeks before school let out, the nuns would get gifts of red roses wrapped in tin foil, hand picked from the neighbors gardens.
The warm weather begins to be an everyday occurrence and the flowers in the yard are fragrant and lush.
I always thought October to be my favorite month but June seems to make a strong case for Month of the Month.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
On the line
The game can be "on the line"
The student can write "on the line"
The customer can wait"on the line"
The applicant can sign "on the line"
But nothing beats clothes drying "on the line"
Driving around during the day you are more aware of things going on in the world. Today as we drove through Darien, with the warm breeze blowing and the sun shining, we passed a house, not your typical over the top Darien home, with a backyard and a clothes line strung from house to garage. On the line were clothes recently washed and drying in the breeze of an early summer's day.
Brings you back.
The student can write "on the line"
The customer can wait"on the line"
The applicant can sign "on the line"
But nothing beats clothes drying "on the line"
Driving around during the day you are more aware of things going on in the world. Today as we drove through Darien, with the warm breeze blowing and the sun shining, we passed a house, not your typical over the top Darien home, with a backyard and a clothes line strung from house to garage. On the line were clothes recently washed and drying in the breeze of an early summer's day.
Brings you back.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
No Habla
With retirement comes the "things to do" list.
For good or for bad I did not get the handyman gene my dad had. As a result most of the work around the house must be farmed out to others. Well at least we keep the economy going.
Most recently we have replaced the two decks with no care synthetic material, expensive but very very low maintenance.
A much needed resurfacing of the blacktop is also in the works and after getting quotes from a few well established companies, we decided to go with the guy that the guy who did the decks knows. Using that guy as an interpreter we were able to come to an agreement on a price and the work to be done. The first day they arrived bright and early and got to work. there isn't much to discuss when they bring in a machine to demolish the old black top. So all went smoothly.
Today another guy was dropped off who spoke little to no English. As I tried to convey to him that he was digging in the wrong spot, I wished I had studied harder in high school or that I had the facility of Spanish of at least a Mike Bloomberg:)
When the boss came by late in the day he realized the worker had dug the wrong hole, so he had to cover it up and start again. Carumba! Could have been worse
You get what you pay for....let's hope not
For good or for bad I did not get the handyman gene my dad had. As a result most of the work around the house must be farmed out to others. Well at least we keep the economy going.
Most recently we have replaced the two decks with no care synthetic material, expensive but very very low maintenance.
A much needed resurfacing of the blacktop is also in the works and after getting quotes from a few well established companies, we decided to go with the guy that the guy who did the decks knows. Using that guy as an interpreter we were able to come to an agreement on a price and the work to be done. The first day they arrived bright and early and got to work. there isn't much to discuss when they bring in a machine to demolish the old black top. So all went smoothly.
Today another guy was dropped off who spoke little to no English. As I tried to convey to him that he was digging in the wrong spot, I wished I had studied harder in high school or that I had the facility of Spanish of at least a Mike Bloomberg:)
When the boss came by late in the day he realized the worker had dug the wrong hole, so he had to cover it up and start again. Carumba! Could have been worse
You get what you pay for....let's hope not
Sunday, May 26, 2013
A kid (guy) in the business.
When you work your life, well at least mine, revolved around the work. From 6:30 to 5 most days I was in the office and doing my job. In the meantime the world moves on and changes. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the cost of things, especially when referenced against the same things when we were kids.
The 25 cent Egg Cream of my youth is now $4.00
Free TV now costs upwards of $90 a month
Movies that were a buck now cost $10-$12. There is some good news however because as a senior citizen the price has dropped to $6-$9.
The NYTimes was a quarter and is now $22 a month.
Gas was .35 a gallon and now is 10x that
When did a pizza go from $4.00 to $12?
And what brought me to this realization was a recent desire to see the new Yankee Stadium. I have not been to the ballpark since they actually played in "The House that Ruth Built". So now with time I suggested to my lunch buddies that we go to a game. I'd drive to the stadium, go up to the ticket window like I always did and buy 3 tickets for $25 each, that should get us some real good seats, WRONG!
First you cannot go to the window that was iconically situated in front of the main entrance of the park. There are no ticket windows.
You'd haggle with the old guy sitting in the booth and he always made you feel he was doing you a favor because as he would tell you" I got some special seats, on the 1st base line, 18.00 bucks a piece and after the 6th inning you can probably move to better seats, no one will bother you".
The old guy, the booth, the prices, moving to better seats, all gone. Now everything is done on line and to ensure that the Yanks won't get screwed out of every last possible dollar, the Yanks and not Stub Hub are in the ticket resale business.
My visit to the sight was a real eyeopener, as I scrolled over the sections and saw the prices I thought I was dealing in another currency. Tix along the baselines at field level astronomical at upwards of $300.
A bleacher seat over $75! Who pays these prices? Well apparently no one. I contacted a friend who is a true Yankee fan for some advice. He wrote back a long explanation, basically telling me to get over it and no one pays those prices. He also told me he has a 14 year old son who has made it a personal challenge to secure good seats at more reasonable (it's all relative) prices. I put him on the case and sure enough within a day I had 3 tickets at the suggested price point that he characterized as "real good seats".
Now I just have to get over the $35 parking, $10 beer and $8 hot dog!
As life moves on I think I will be saying more and more "I got a kid" who can help me with that.
The 25 cent Egg Cream of my youth is now $4.00
Free TV now costs upwards of $90 a month
Movies that were a buck now cost $10-$12. There is some good news however because as a senior citizen the price has dropped to $6-$9.
The NYTimes was a quarter and is now $22 a month.
Gas was .35 a gallon and now is 10x that
When did a pizza go from $4.00 to $12?
And what brought me to this realization was a recent desire to see the new Yankee Stadium. I have not been to the ballpark since they actually played in "The House that Ruth Built". So now with time I suggested to my lunch buddies that we go to a game. I'd drive to the stadium, go up to the ticket window like I always did and buy 3 tickets for $25 each, that should get us some real good seats, WRONG!
First you cannot go to the window that was iconically situated in front of the main entrance of the park. There are no ticket windows.
You'd haggle with the old guy sitting in the booth and he always made you feel he was doing you a favor because as he would tell you" I got some special seats, on the 1st base line, 18.00 bucks a piece and after the 6th inning you can probably move to better seats, no one will bother you".
The old guy, the booth, the prices, moving to better seats, all gone. Now everything is done on line and to ensure that the Yanks won't get screwed out of every last possible dollar, the Yanks and not Stub Hub are in the ticket resale business.
My visit to the sight was a real eyeopener, as I scrolled over the sections and saw the prices I thought I was dealing in another currency. Tix along the baselines at field level astronomical at upwards of $300.
A bleacher seat over $75! Who pays these prices? Well apparently no one. I contacted a friend who is a true Yankee fan for some advice. He wrote back a long explanation, basically telling me to get over it and no one pays those prices. He also told me he has a 14 year old son who has made it a personal challenge to secure good seats at more reasonable (it's all relative) prices. I put him on the case and sure enough within a day I had 3 tickets at the suggested price point that he characterized as "real good seats".
Now I just have to get over the $35 parking, $10 beer and $8 hot dog!
As life moves on I think I will be saying more and more "I got a kid" who can help me with that.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Toni in Greenwich
My wife has always been amazed at the number of young female that do lunch at the Meli-Melo Restaurant on Greenwich Ave. She remembers being their age (16-20) and going with her friends for ice cream or a grilled cheese sandwich at the 5 and 10 in downtown Portland ME. Just a mere 43 years later and boy how things have changed. The girls, all with long blond hair, iPhones, and translucent braces sit at tables ordering $5.00 juice drinks and cappucino.
They sit for hours texting, tweeting and generally not saying a word to one another. A friend enters, there is the mandatory double air kiss, some gossip exchanged and back to their devices.
My wife wonders how do they do this? How can they afford to lunch on the Avenue then perhaps go shopping at Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Theory and the newest addition, Hermes!
With bills paid, and shopping bags in hand they pile into the Bemmer parked out front and off they go,
Life's grand in Grenwich
They sit for hours texting, tweeting and generally not saying a word to one another. A friend enters, there is the mandatory double air kiss, some gossip exchanged and back to their devices.
My wife wonders how do they do this? How can they afford to lunch on the Avenue then perhaps go shopping at Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Theory and the newest addition, Hermes!
With bills paid, and shopping bags in hand they pile into the Bemmer parked out front and off they go,
Life's grand in Grenwich
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Like riding a bike
The gym thing has never worked out for me. I need to be involved in an activity that is active.
My first purchase upon my retirement was to buy a new baseball glove. I have yet to use it but I do have intentions of doing so once I get into some kind of shape. I have always loved roaming the outfield on a warm day waiting to do my impression of my childhood hero, Mickey Mantle. But I realize that at this point any roaming would be at a much slower pace and with a group of fellow retirees.
Having quit the gymiatrics , Tully center I am trying to take advantage of the good weather by purchasing a bike and resurrecting my bike riding skills. Now growing up in the Bronx I never had much practice in riding and any skill I have would have to be spelled with a small s. but I'm game, I bought a Raligh bike, with a comfortable cantaloupe seat, as opposed to a banana seat, for comfort a helmet and I'm good to go. After test riding the bike at the store I went to put the kickstand down, only to find there isn't any kick stand. Want a stand, that will be $20! When did that happen and why?
My maiden voyage was a mild success as it will take some time to get used to the 14 or is it 21 gears, and the sensation of knowing that I should not look back as there is a large or even a small 4 whelled vehicle catching up to me and if thedriver is texting, emailing, tweeting or mesmerized by the Latest info system in the dash, this ride could be my last. But hey living on the edge is an adrenaline rush....even if the edge is only the edge of the curb.
My first purchase upon my retirement was to buy a new baseball glove. I have yet to use it but I do have intentions of doing so once I get into some kind of shape. I have always loved roaming the outfield on a warm day waiting to do my impression of my childhood hero, Mickey Mantle. But I realize that at this point any roaming would be at a much slower pace and with a group of fellow retirees.
Having quit the gymiatrics , Tully center I am trying to take advantage of the good weather by purchasing a bike and resurrecting my bike riding skills. Now growing up in the Bronx I never had much practice in riding and any skill I have would have to be spelled with a small s. but I'm game, I bought a Raligh bike, with a comfortable cantaloupe seat, as opposed to a banana seat, for comfort a helmet and I'm good to go. After test riding the bike at the store I went to put the kickstand down, only to find there isn't any kick stand. Want a stand, that will be $20! When did that happen and why?
My maiden voyage was a mild success as it will take some time to get used to the 14 or is it 21 gears, and the sensation of knowing that I should not look back as there is a large or even a small 4 whelled vehicle catching up to me and if thedriver is texting, emailing, tweeting or mesmerized by the Latest info system in the dash, this ride could be my last. But hey living on the edge is an adrenaline rush....even if the edge is only the edge of the curb.
Monday, May 20, 2013
It Takes a Team
In our slogan driven society I guess it was inevitable for the Team Concept of raising a child would gain ground.
When I was working at school we often used the concept to tell parents we were on their side, that we should work as a team for the sake of child. This was especially the mantra of the SPED Team.
The last two years of my job I began to hear parents invoke the " Team (insert child's name here)" theory. One couple came dressed in Team ______- T's.
The Team approach is alive and well as on a New York sports radio program one of the hosts refers to the team that he has assembled to raise his son.
Don't know if a team or a couple are the best way to raise children, but please lose the T-shirts!
When I was working at school we often used the concept to tell parents we were on their side, that we should work as a team for the sake of child. This was especially the mantra of the SPED Team.
The last two years of my job I began to hear parents invoke the " Team (insert child's name here)" theory. One couple came dressed in Team ______- T's.
The Team approach is alive and well as on a New York sports radio program one of the hosts refers to the team that he has assembled to raise his son.
Don't know if a team or a couple are the best way to raise children, but please lose the T-shirts!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
No Lunch for You!
With Joyce's new found love, photography, we find ourselves in NYC almost every Sunday where the subjects for her photo homework are so much more interesting than in Stamford CT.
One of her favorite haunts is the meatpacking district of Manhattan. Located on the revitalized West Side no more meatpacking goes on in the meatpacking district. Instead it is the beginning or end of the High Line, there are way up scale clothing stores where a pair of Levi Strauss jeans, in the Levi Boutique can sell for over $200! For denim! No self respecting cowboy, do they still exist, would think of buying $200 dungarees and in a boutique no less!
There are some very hip hotels in the neighborhood, along with women with very high heels which are next to impossible to use on the cobble stoned streets. Joyce need only spend an hour or two and she gets some great shots of beautiful people just itching to be photographed.
As I act as spotter I have noticed that a few clubs are up and running, blasting techno music, with big guys at the door, inspecting those hoping for the daytime nod to enter and be deemed beautiful if only at the ungodly hour of 2:00PM.
Watching this unfold I was amazed that several people were in fact rejected from the honor of eating LUNCH at a place that charges $21 for eggs, not even Benedict! At one velvet rope entrance I wathed a couple get into an argument with a BIG guy, who was obviously conflicted when he had to tell this couple they were not hip enough for the 2:00 crowd. Really?
Well as the Soup Nazi would say, No Lunch for You, come back 1 year!
One of her favorite haunts is the meatpacking district of Manhattan. Located on the revitalized West Side no more meatpacking goes on in the meatpacking district. Instead it is the beginning or end of the High Line, there are way up scale clothing stores where a pair of Levi Strauss jeans, in the Levi Boutique can sell for over $200! For denim! No self respecting cowboy, do they still exist, would think of buying $200 dungarees and in a boutique no less!
There are some very hip hotels in the neighborhood, along with women with very high heels which are next to impossible to use on the cobble stoned streets. Joyce need only spend an hour or two and she gets some great shots of beautiful people just itching to be photographed.
As I act as spotter I have noticed that a few clubs are up and running, blasting techno music, with big guys at the door, inspecting those hoping for the daytime nod to enter and be deemed beautiful if only at the ungodly hour of 2:00PM.
Watching this unfold I was amazed that several people were in fact rejected from the honor of eating LUNCH at a place that charges $21 for eggs, not even Benedict! At one velvet rope entrance I wathed a couple get into an argument with a BIG guy, who was obviously conflicted when he had to tell this couple they were not hip enough for the 2:00 crowd. Really?
Well as the Soup Nazi would say, No Lunch for You, come back 1 year!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Imitates art
At times life sure does imitate art.
In my new career as a retired person I have tried to learn Italian. After a year of classes to say I can carry on a conversation would be a gross overstatement. It has been hard to fire up the language development portion of the brain after years and years of other language neglect. I am not deterred however and I have taken to another strategy, I have been watching Italian movies on Netflix. The combination of the visual, the subtitles and my limited knowledge have shown some progress.
This morning I was watching The Salt of Life a film about a guy forced into retirement who lives on a pension, looks after his ailing mother, realizes that the younger generation hardly notices him when he is out in public and takes solace in cooking, especially Eggplant Parmigiana.
While not forced into retirement I decided it was time to go. By all accounts and in talking to former colleagues I made the right decision. I'm on a pension but I guess it is more than our Gianni, our "hero".
With no aging mom to care for I find myself with more time than Gia. But like him I can't help but observe the old guys in the gym and realize that this will be my fate. For Gia it is a small group of guys who don't go to the gym but who wear valour gym suits and sit in front of the cafe hour after hour day after day small talking. Perhaps the funniest coincidence is that I made Eggplant Parm. last week!
In my new career as a retired person I have tried to learn Italian. After a year of classes to say I can carry on a conversation would be a gross overstatement. It has been hard to fire up the language development portion of the brain after years and years of other language neglect. I am not deterred however and I have taken to another strategy, I have been watching Italian movies on Netflix. The combination of the visual, the subtitles and my limited knowledge have shown some progress.
This morning I was watching The Salt of Life a film about a guy forced into retirement who lives on a pension, looks after his ailing mother, realizes that the younger generation hardly notices him when he is out in public and takes solace in cooking, especially Eggplant Parmigiana.
While not forced into retirement I decided it was time to go. By all accounts and in talking to former colleagues I made the right decision. I'm on a pension but I guess it is more than our Gianni, our "hero".
With no aging mom to care for I find myself with more time than Gia. But like him I can't help but observe the old guys in the gym and realize that this will be my fate. For Gia it is a small group of guys who don't go to the gym but who wear valour gym suits and sit in front of the cafe hour after hour day after day small talking. Perhaps the funniest coincidence is that I made Eggplant Parm. last week!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Now HEAR this!
With the congress at stalemate and the President unable to move the republicans off the dime, what this country does not need is a good old fashioned, Bill Clinton scandal to once again divert our attention form all the issues that are put on the back burner when someone decides there is a threat to national security.
So we have Benghazi
The tapping of the AP phones
The IRS checking on the eligibility of tax free groups (aren't they suppose to do this?)
Outrage abounds, hearings are scheduled. It must be hard to book a room with scandals cued up like planes on a runway. And so it goes, testimony, more outrage, perhaps the "I" word will begin to creep into the discussion. Anything to avoid doing the business of the government.
Revenge is sweet and now that the Republicans have to lick their wounds, what better way to get back at the population that reelected Barack then to have hearings and stall, stall, stall.
BONUS!- If they can damage Hilary so much the better.
While all this goes on and on and on an estimated 50,000 people are homeless in NYC, Headstart programs are cut, no one has the guts to approve a gun check law, and the roads I travel on are in such disrepair with potholes as big as the deficit.
So we have Benghazi
The tapping of the AP phones
The IRS checking on the eligibility of tax free groups (aren't they suppose to do this?)
Outrage abounds, hearings are scheduled. It must be hard to book a room with scandals cued up like planes on a runway. And so it goes, testimony, more outrage, perhaps the "I" word will begin to creep into the discussion. Anything to avoid doing the business of the government.
Revenge is sweet and now that the Republicans have to lick their wounds, what better way to get back at the population that reelected Barack then to have hearings and stall, stall, stall.
BONUS!- If they can damage Hilary so much the better.
While all this goes on and on and on an estimated 50,000 people are homeless in NYC, Headstart programs are cut, no one has the guts to approve a gun check law, and the roads I travel on are in such disrepair with potholes as big as the deficit.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Hall monitor
Last weekend we attended a wedding of 29 somethings. It was a wonderful affair, high energy, lots of hip, well healed, well educated young people. People on their way to making their way in the world. From my vantage point at table 19 of 20, I made the observation that there were no grandmas or grandpas, you know those people who complain that the band was too noisy and the music unintelligible to ears weaned on Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey (google them if you must). What has happened is that I, we have become the oldest people in the room. How did that happen? While not old enough for the younger dancers to form a circle of encouragement around us, and to comment "I hope I am as limber when I reach his age" I am indeed approaching that designation. At best I have 5-8 years before the band leader grabs my hand, leads me onto the floor and then asks the kids to "Give it up for gramps!"
The good news is I don't see too many wedding invites in my future
The good news is I don't see too many wedding invites in my future
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Happy Anniversary!
Today marks the first time in 20 years that I missed the annual Riverside Run at Riverside School. It is the first of several milestones I will miss now that I am no longer the Principal. I always loved this day, especially when the sun was shining, like last year. The campus was awash in pink as the trees were in bloom. The scene was a sea of red and white, Riverside School colors. And over 600 runners would crowd the start line for the 3 mile route through a neighborhood befitting Normal Rockwell.
Well all things change: I have moved on, no really, and the Rockwell feel has been replaced by mansion creep. As the old guard leaves and takes up residence in a senior facility on the border of Greenwich and Stamford, the wrecking ball follows the moving out truck and demolishes the quaint NE cape for a mini-mansion that tests the property lines and anyone's conception of good taste.
It's 9:50 most if not all of the participants are in and the PA system has been rolled back into the school for another year. I always felt a little let down by the brevity of the event, all the build up, the anticipation, the awards and goodbye. Today, one year later I don't feel any of that. Happy Anniversary, John, now move on.
Well all things change: I have moved on, no really, and the Rockwell feel has been replaced by mansion creep. As the old guard leaves and takes up residence in a senior facility on the border of Greenwich and Stamford, the wrecking ball follows the moving out truck and demolishes the quaint NE cape for a mini-mansion that tests the property lines and anyone's conception of good taste.
It's 9:50 most if not all of the participants are in and the PA system has been rolled back into the school for another year. I always felt a little let down by the brevity of the event, all the build up, the anticipation, the awards and goodbye. Today, one year later I don't feel any of that. Happy Anniversary, John, now move on.
Friday, May 10, 2013
We're 86th!
Who knew that being 86th would be a marketing tool. Having grown up on Hertz, we're #1 ads it is hard to wrap my head around a mortgage company's boast that they are the 86th largest mortgage lending company and I should give them my business when in the market for a mortgage. Number 1 ain't what it use to be.
But I do feel good about the fact that the school I administered was always in the top ten in the state! Number 8- 2 years ago if you don't count the school that made a meteoric jump of 300 places until they found out the teachers cooked the books.
With a track record like mine, maybe I should go into the mortgage business?
But I do feel good about the fact that the school I administered was always in the top ten in the state! Number 8- 2 years ago if you don't count the school that made a meteoric jump of 300 places until they found out the teachers cooked the books.
With a track record like mine, maybe I should go into the mortgage business?
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Announcing Our Spring Line
Clothing designers make a big splash about their newest clothing lines. There are runway shows, parties, special events of all kinds.
Well apparently Al Qaeda does the same as the other day there was a news story that they have announced their spring offensive. Complete with press releases about how they are going to scare us to death and how we will react by saying something when we see something. Well at least they did away with those hokey videos of believers swinging on monkey bars in the heat of the desert. Unless they attack Palm Springs I am not sure this exercise is very practical.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
You know what Froths my ass?
A year ago we purchased a Nespresso cappuccino maker so that Joyce could have her morning froth and cappuccino. Since week three we have been unable to generate milky, creamy froth. Calls and more calls to the troubleshooters had me using different consistencies of milk, washing out this part and that, purging the water from the system, descaling, reprogramming but to no avail. A loaner machine was sent to us but with the same watery result. We spoke to Neil, Barbara, Kim, Natalie, Sarah etc. Each had a different fix, none of them worked. Finally in an unrelated visit to Bloomingdales we spoke to the representative at the coffee bar. She suggested, return the machine, Duh!
Thinking our problems were over we did return the machine and it was exchanged fr a new one. We got the new Nespresso home, had exactly one great and foamy cup of cap and the very next day, back to the soupy brine that is definitely not cappuccino.
We are out of ideas and short of changing the electrical outlets in the kitchen we simply cannot understand how 3 machines all have produced the same lousy coffee!
It is times like this that I wish my genius uncle Phil was still alive. First he'd scold us for spending $300 on a coffee maker and then , he'd fix it.
Thinking our problems were over we did return the machine and it was exchanged fr a new one. We got the new Nespresso home, had exactly one great and foamy cup of cap and the very next day, back to the soupy brine that is definitely not cappuccino.
We are out of ideas and short of changing the electrical outlets in the kitchen we simply cannot understand how 3 machines all have produced the same lousy coffee!
It is times like this that I wish my genius uncle Phil was still alive. First he'd scold us for spending $300 on a coffee maker and then , he'd fix it.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
The Changing of the Garb II
It is finally spring and with it comes the semi-annual changing of the garb. The winter clothes are stored ad the summer wear reappears. The closet is organized and the shoes are aligned.
In years past I'd gather all the winter jackets etc and bring to the cleaners for storage until I retrieved them in the fall. At a cost of almost $300 this is an expense I'd rather not incur in my new lifestyle- retired. So this year I gathered up the coats, pants and jackets and hopefully secured them in the attic away from the moths. Only time will tell how successful I have been, Will I escape the wrath of the moth? Taking a big chance, what drama, living on the edge.
On another note I need to get out more if this is what I am subjecting you to read.
Thanks for visiting my 151st blog.
In years past I'd gather all the winter jackets etc and bring to the cleaners for storage until I retrieved them in the fall. At a cost of almost $300 this is an expense I'd rather not incur in my new lifestyle- retired. So this year I gathered up the coats, pants and jackets and hopefully secured them in the attic away from the moths. Only time will tell how successful I have been, Will I escape the wrath of the moth? Taking a big chance, what drama, living on the edge.
On another note I need to get out more if this is what I am subjecting you to read.
Thanks for visiting my 151st blog.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Heroes and Villians
Don't let the door hit you on the way out, Jeremy, Alex and Tim.
In the last year these 3 big names have fallen on hard times and as of yesterday 2 are gone and one is MIA.
Jeremy, the Harvard grad was insane on the BB court, well at least for 14 games!
Alex was the darling of the 2009 Yankee Season MVP, hero of the World Series and now he is no where in sight. He did make an appearance on opening day, well at least in the dugout. He didn't want to face his "adoring" home town fans so he stayed sequestered on the bench spitting pumpkin seeds in mid-season form.
The anti-Alex, Derek Jeter has resurfaced on the bench, on the field and cheering his team on even if he looks ridiculous in full uniform and ski boot protective shoe. Will Alex ever play the field again, Yankee Stadium that is.
As for Tim T, he came with hoopla and fanfare although the fans were seldom fair to our college QB hero. Reports are he has very few skills and will never be a productive QB in the NFL. But knowing all that the Jets still signed him, brought him here for a year and did little if anything to increase the value of his stock.
Now two are gone and the third is destined to a miserable future in pinstripes unless of course he is able to hit some homers, win some games and then all will be forgiven, well at least forgotten.
In the last year these 3 big names have fallen on hard times and as of yesterday 2 are gone and one is MIA.
Jeremy, the Harvard grad was insane on the BB court, well at least for 14 games!
Alex was the darling of the 2009 Yankee Season MVP, hero of the World Series and now he is no where in sight. He did make an appearance on opening day, well at least in the dugout. He didn't want to face his "adoring" home town fans so he stayed sequestered on the bench spitting pumpkin seeds in mid-season form.
The anti-Alex, Derek Jeter has resurfaced on the bench, on the field and cheering his team on even if he looks ridiculous in full uniform and ski boot protective shoe. Will Alex ever play the field again, Yankee Stadium that is.
As for Tim T, he came with hoopla and fanfare although the fans were seldom fair to our college QB hero. Reports are he has very few skills and will never be a productive QB in the NFL. But knowing all that the Jets still signed him, brought him here for a year and did little if anything to increase the value of his stock.
Now two are gone and the third is destined to a miserable future in pinstripes unless of course he is able to hit some homers, win some games and then all will be forgiven, well at least forgotten.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Old dog- New tricks
For approximately one school year I have been taking Italian classes in NYC. Most recently I doubled the fun by enrolling in a class at NCC the local community college. By doubling the class time i hoped to increase my understanding and familiarity with the language of my father and mother. Despite investing lots of time and energy in making flash cards, doing homework and the readings I am not satisfied with my progress. Everyone says that I need to immerse myself in the language and culture and so we will be going to Italy this summer. I am pinning a lot on the 1 week we will be in the old country.
Every once and a while I think that perhaps I am losing my capacity to retain information, but I always dismiss this theory and say it is like learning a foreign language... hey it is a foreign languge!
Ciao
Every once and a while I think that perhaps I am losing my capacity to retain information, but I always dismiss this theory and say it is like learning a foreign language... hey it is a foreign languge!
Ciao
Friday, April 26, 2013
Captain of the Ship
The Captain of the Yankee ship for the last 8+ years has been Derek Jeter. He is by all accounts a trooper, great role model for the team and his work ethic is beyond reproach. By baseball standards he is old approaching 39 or is it 40? Last fall he fell and broke his ankle. In true DJ spirit he worked hard with every intention of being at shortstop when the Yankees began the 2013 season. Injuries at his age heal slowly and so when the bell rang, Jeter was unable to lace 'em up and captain his team. His rehab took a turn for the worse when he chipped a bone in the same broken ankle foot and now his return has been delayed until who knows when.
Yesterday The Captain faced the media in a much anticipated news conference. What would he say? Perhaps this was it? Would he return for this year? I'd imagine 50 or more reporters covered this event. Jeter approaches the mike, and says "I'll be back when I am healed". For the next 35 minutes reporters tried to get him to say the same thing in as many ways as possible. Story over in 10 seconds.
Last night DJ, The Captain was in the dugout in full uniform. Ids this a rule that only people in uniform can be in the dugout. There was no chance he would play, he is on the no play list, yet there he was from hat to foot and one walking cast. What a trooper.
Yesterday The Captain faced the media in a much anticipated news conference. What would he say? Perhaps this was it? Would he return for this year? I'd imagine 50 or more reporters covered this event. Jeter approaches the mike, and says "I'll be back when I am healed". For the next 35 minutes reporters tried to get him to say the same thing in as many ways as possible. Story over in 10 seconds.
Last night DJ, The Captain was in the dugout in full uniform. Ids this a rule that only people in uniform can be in the dugout. There was no chance he would play, he is on the no play list, yet there he was from hat to foot and one walking cast. What a trooper.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The un doing of Un
What ever happened to Kim Jong Un? Two weeks ago he was the major threat to the world. He was scarring us with his nuclear bomb lingo and on the verge of bombing Japan, Guam, South Korea and where ever else his missiles would reach. Navy ships sped to the far east, everyone was on alert, KJU kept peering into his binoculars, looking at maps, watching his goose step soldiers parade by. His followers wept and waded in the sea whenever he would sail away. His fans rivaled Justin Beiber's.
The nightly news reports kept the drumbeat going as the anniversary of his granddads birth came ever so close.We were walking on eggs, waiting for the bold letters to interrupt The Voice-
BULLETIN, BULLETIN, "we now switch to world headquarters in New York and Brian Williams."
And then the bombs exploded, but on the mainland, in Boston, on Patriot's Day.
All of a sudden Un and done.
We have experienced lots of cry wolf moments since 2000, Y2K, Mayan End of the World, various snow storms that fizzled, and now no Fun Un. The new normal is when we least expect it........
The nightly news reports kept the drumbeat going as the anniversary of his granddads birth came ever so close.We were walking on eggs, waiting for the bold letters to interrupt The Voice-
BULLETIN, BULLETIN, "we now switch to world headquarters in New York and Brian Williams."
And then the bombs exploded, but on the mainland, in Boston, on Patriot's Day.
All of a sudden Un and done.
We have experienced lots of cry wolf moments since 2000, Y2K, Mayan End of the World, various snow storms that fizzled, and now no Fun Un. The new normal is when we least expect it........
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Least They Can Do!
Back form a weekend in DC where it was cold but beautiful.
Late last week I was listening to sports radio, where first time, long times, call to express their views on all things sports. Callers were in a somber mood as they spoke about the bombing in Boston.
One guy and they are almost always guys, called in to say that he and his buddies were leaving for Vegas for his bachelor party weekend. Before leaving he wanted to thank all the service men for their sacrifices that allow him to go to Vegas to gamble, drink and get babes (his words). The sad thing was that he was dead serious and obviously so out of touch. Should we honor his sacrifice?
Another Vinny from Queens (lots of Vinnies call) called in to say that he was a history buff and when he heard the Star Bangled Banner playing at the ball park and saw the flag it "took me back to the Revolutionary times."
Can't make this stuff up
Late last week I was listening to sports radio, where first time, long times, call to express their views on all things sports. Callers were in a somber mood as they spoke about the bombing in Boston.
One guy and they are almost always guys, called in to say that he and his buddies were leaving for Vegas for his bachelor party weekend. Before leaving he wanted to thank all the service men for their sacrifices that allow him to go to Vegas to gamble, drink and get babes (his words). The sad thing was that he was dead serious and obviously so out of touch. Should we honor his sacrifice?
Another Vinny from Queens (lots of Vinnies call) called in to say that he was a history buff and when he heard the Star Bangled Banner playing at the ball park and saw the flag it "took me back to the Revolutionary times."
Can't make this stuff up
Sunday, April 14, 2013
School of Rock
Last week there was a report in the paper that the country of Norway postponed spring exams until the Justin Bieber tour blew through the great north. What a great idea. A country that historically and consistently outperforms the US realized that their students have Bieber on the brain and not math so as we say in the USA, if you can't beat them....
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
I Told You So
I recently wrote to you about the phenomenon of watching TV where ever and whenever. No need to get the family together to watch a weekly episode of, I don't know what do families get together to watch any more? With all the variety shows gone and Perry Mason a relic, and my family all grown up and onto lives of their own, the ritual of family TV is as old as well, family TV!
Today there is a story in the papers of a new technology that would eliminate the need for free TV. Aereo would allow viewers to watch free TV channels on their devices from i-this to i-that. Sounds great and would be a threat to network TV and all those soap suds ads. It would also be a problem for cable TV. Once very affordable cable costs are outrageous and I am on the verge of trying to piece together my own TV viewing menu. Using Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV and the basic cable package I'm sure I could trim a whopping $4-5 a month off my bill. Quite a savings for the likes of CSI, Law and Order SUV, NCIS, and YES. This would work until the next big thing comes along.
I need to read more.
Today there is a story in the papers of a new technology that would eliminate the need for free TV. Aereo would allow viewers to watch free TV channels on their devices from i-this to i-that. Sounds great and would be a threat to network TV and all those soap suds ads. It would also be a problem for cable TV. Once very affordable cable costs are outrageous and I am on the verge of trying to piece together my own TV viewing menu. Using Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV and the basic cable package I'm sure I could trim a whopping $4-5 a month off my bill. Quite a savings for the likes of CSI, Law and Order SUV, NCIS, and YES. This would work until the next big thing comes along.
I need to read more.
Monday, April 8, 2013
POP-itics
Sorry I haven't written but I have been feeling sick and have had a terrible cough.
Trying to get back on into the blogisphere, here is an offering for today.
The latest turn in politics is to have POP people visit foreign countries that we have tried to convert for 50+ years.
Cases in point -
Denis Rodman travels to North Korea to visit with Little Kim. All seemed harmless until Kim started to really rattle his sword. What's next and and a result of Rodman's visit, perhaps we'll see Kim Jong-un in a wedding gown.
JayZ and Beyonce in Cuba. I'm sure he was just scouting ballplayers for his new job as baseball player agent.
Here are two hostile countries that have been a thorn in our side for our 5 decades, maybe these pop people can do some good, NAH!
Why not send Justin packing to Pakistan? No can do, he's Canadian.
Trying to get back on into the blogisphere, here is an offering for today.
The latest turn in politics is to have POP people visit foreign countries that we have tried to convert for 50+ years.
Cases in point -
Denis Rodman travels to North Korea to visit with Little Kim. All seemed harmless until Kim started to really rattle his sword. What's next and and a result of Rodman's visit, perhaps we'll see Kim Jong-un in a wedding gown.
JayZ and Beyonce in Cuba. I'm sure he was just scouting ballplayers for his new job as baseball player agent.
Here are two hostile countries that have been a thorn in our side for our 5 decades, maybe these pop people can do some good, NAH!
Why not send Justin packing to Pakistan? No can do, he's Canadian.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Easter Bronxie
This week, New York Magazine asked famous NewYawkers to remember growing up n the city. It got me to thinking and reminiscing about, "the good old days".
The day before Easter J and I were on Arthur Avenue. We parked in an unusual spot close to Adams Place. As we got out of the car I got a flash of my childhood, Easter in the Bronx of the 50's. Given my dad's occupation he spent March 1-April 15 behind a desk in a Washington Avenue store front preparing tax returns for his clients and anyone else who happened to walk into the store. Lucky for me the store was down the street from Excelsior Pizza Restaurant (owned by uncle Dom and aunt Nana) and next store to a corner candy store that sold egg creams and other 50's sweets. Given his very tight schedule we'd have Easter dinner at his mom's house on Adams Place or at Uncle Phil's who lived a few short blocks away and very close to the Bronx Zoo. I think it was Mapes Ave. I'd always get a new suit for Easter, usually some shade of gray, a sharkskin number comes to mind. With it a pink shirt, new shoes and an appropriate, clip on tie; always a dandy. When I got to high school I tied my first tie.
If Easter was as early as this year, in the heat of tax season, the day was condensed and a bit rushed but with all my cousins squeezed into a small 5 room apartment, playing Bankers and Brokers with uncle Charlie, the day was always festive and rewarding. Chocolate bunnies, money, Peeps. If the holiday fell after April 15 we had more time and perhaps a walk in the Bronx Botanical Gardens, nothing like it is today....as a matter of fact my dog Wrinkles, drank polluted water there and soon after died!
The NY Mag article has got me thinking and looking at good old days, through rose colored glasses.
The day before Easter J and I were on Arthur Avenue. We parked in an unusual spot close to Adams Place. As we got out of the car I got a flash of my childhood, Easter in the Bronx of the 50's. Given my dad's occupation he spent March 1-April 15 behind a desk in a Washington Avenue store front preparing tax returns for his clients and anyone else who happened to walk into the store. Lucky for me the store was down the street from Excelsior Pizza Restaurant (owned by uncle Dom and aunt Nana) and next store to a corner candy store that sold egg creams and other 50's sweets. Given his very tight schedule we'd have Easter dinner at his mom's house on Adams Place or at Uncle Phil's who lived a few short blocks away and very close to the Bronx Zoo. I think it was Mapes Ave. I'd always get a new suit for Easter, usually some shade of gray, a sharkskin number comes to mind. With it a pink shirt, new shoes and an appropriate, clip on tie; always a dandy. When I got to high school I tied my first tie.
If Easter was as early as this year, in the heat of tax season, the day was condensed and a bit rushed but with all my cousins squeezed into a small 5 room apartment, playing Bankers and Brokers with uncle Charlie, the day was always festive and rewarding. Chocolate bunnies, money, Peeps. If the holiday fell after April 15 we had more time and perhaps a walk in the Bronx Botanical Gardens, nothing like it is today....as a matter of fact my dog Wrinkles, drank polluted water there and soon after died!
The NY Mag article has got me thinking and looking at good old days, through rose colored glasses.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Formally Known as da Bombers
Today is April 1 and the first full day of baseball season. How fitting as the Yankees open with an April fools lineup. With injured and aging superstars, the Bombers are set to open with a cast of over the hill characters. I can just see the headlines should they get off to a bad start
April Fools, No Joke
or
April's Fools; Get Use to It
or
Bombers Bomb
But then again they just might surprise and be those Pesky, Scrappy, Hungry, no names formally known as the Bronx Bombers- I can hear the chant, Let's go, what's your name?
Ah the eternal optimism of the first day of the baseball season.
April Fools, No Joke
or
April's Fools; Get Use to It
or
Bombers Bomb
But then again they just might surprise and be those Pesky, Scrappy, Hungry, no names formally known as the Bronx Bombers- I can hear the chant, Let's go, what's your name?
Ah the eternal optimism of the first day of the baseball season.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Good guy, bad guy
Whenever I am stumped about what to watch on TV, I can always fall back on Law and Order SUV, a staple at our house. It is on several channels at multiple times of the day and night. No matter when you turn it on you can be sure that our crime stoppers will get their man or women. The actors have changed over the years and I am especially fond of the team of Hargitay ( long hair/short hair) Ice-T and Dino Pino. The stories can get a bit gruesome at times but as we are assured by the announcer, they have been based, rather loosely, I hope, on actual events.
Due to the flood of episodes there is some overlap and in some cases bad taste.
Last week we caught an episode about a conservative Jew whose wife was killed. Apparently it wasn't enough that she had converted to Judaism, and raised her kids as Jews. The husbands mom, Linda Lavin, hated the fact that her son didn't marry a true Jew. All this was unfolding on the first night of real time Passover. The husband was a weak momma's boy and not a nice man.
The following hour on another station, another episode of L and O and our Jewish widower played a lawyer for a down and out kid from the streets. A real mensch
My takeaway from this SUV marathon
1- I am watching too much TV
2- Even bag guys can be redeemed.... well at least on TV
Due to the flood of episodes there is some overlap and in some cases bad taste.
Last week we caught an episode about a conservative Jew whose wife was killed. Apparently it wasn't enough that she had converted to Judaism, and raised her kids as Jews. The husbands mom, Linda Lavin, hated the fact that her son didn't marry a true Jew. All this was unfolding on the first night of real time Passover. The husband was a weak momma's boy and not a nice man.
The following hour on another station, another episode of L and O and our Jewish widower played a lawyer for a down and out kid from the streets. A real mensch
My takeaway from this SUV marathon
1- I am watching too much TV
2- Even bag guys can be redeemed.... well at least on TV
Thursday, March 28, 2013
What's the point?
Instead of sale prices everyone has gone to giving points for a purchase, for signing up for a credit card, for taking a trip and on and on.
What is the point? If I sign up for the Delta card 50,000 points.
Bloomingdales is giving triple points!
Buy a baguette, Points!
Come back tomorrow to leave with the pants you bought today, POINTS!
And what do you do with these points?
My American Express card, a proud member since 1989 has 156,000 points. I don't think I have ever used any Amex points. Like the Italian Lira, may it rest in peace, 156,000= about $200.00.
Why can't they just treat us like friends and family and give me 20% at the register on the day I purchase so that a tie won't cost $145.00. But hey if I buy the overpriced tie, just think of the points I'll "earn"
What is the point? If I sign up for the Delta card 50,000 points.
Bloomingdales is giving triple points!
Buy a baguette, Points!
Come back tomorrow to leave with the pants you bought today, POINTS!
And what do you do with these points?
My American Express card, a proud member since 1989 has 156,000 points. I don't think I have ever used any Amex points. Like the Italian Lira, may it rest in peace, 156,000= about $200.00.
Why can't they just treat us like friends and family and give me 20% at the register on the day I purchase so that a tie won't cost $145.00. But hey if I buy the overpriced tie, just think of the points I'll "earn"
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Stamford Greeters
Dropped the car off for service today and was given a ride home by their car service guy. On the way we listened to Z100 radio. I know the shock jock parade has passed me by as Don Imus, although still on the radio, must be close to 90 and has toned down his routine ever since he bad mouthed the Rutgers girls basketball team. In the brief time I was in the car the "pros" at Z100 hit all kinds of topics like:
putting out after a good meal on a first date, advice for women during their time of the month, and some woman who called in to tell the wacky gang that she thought the stuff on her fingers was chocolate when sit was actually a result of changing her baby's diaper. Lots of information for the 8 minute ride home.
We did have a funny moment that was much more amusing than anything on Z. We pulled up to a light on the service road of I-95. I noticed a NY car next to us with a woman who was looking at a paper, probably directions to her destination. As the light changed she pulled up to a group of I-5 "greeters" who frequent this particular corner looking for day work. She must have thought "oh good, I'll just ask these guys for directions". As they do when they see a car pull over, the hopeful laborers swarmed the car, as they must have thought she was hiring. I'm sure all ended well and she left thinking the next car WILL have a GPS.
putting out after a good meal on a first date, advice for women during their time of the month, and some woman who called in to tell the wacky gang that she thought the stuff on her fingers was chocolate when sit was actually a result of changing her baby's diaper. Lots of information for the 8 minute ride home.
We did have a funny moment that was much more amusing than anything on Z. We pulled up to a light on the service road of I-95. I noticed a NY car next to us with a woman who was looking at a paper, probably directions to her destination. As the light changed she pulled up to a group of I-5 "greeters" who frequent this particular corner looking for day work. She must have thought "oh good, I'll just ask these guys for directions". As they do when they see a car pull over, the hopeful laborers swarmed the car, as they must have thought she was hiring. I'm sure all ended well and she left thinking the next car WILL have a GPS.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Grade expectations
I recently saw the new Tina Fey movie, Admissions, and in my opinion it did not make the grade.
She is a gifted comedian but the movie itself wasn't that funny. I was expecting a laugh riot full of the crazy things people do to get their kids into THE right college, in this case Princeton. Having been a school principal I had similar experiences albeit on a grade school level. There was the, all our kids had Mrs. _______ , logic, the anything the school needs promise and the best the annual cannoli bribe, all in an attempt to make sure Johnny or Susie or in the case of East Greenwich, Chase or Skyler got just the right teacher. There was some of this jockeying but not enough. One very funny scene was of chart paper where the admission officers would list the death treats and hopes that they would get cancer and die! Nothing like that ever happened at my school, but there were law suits threatened.
All and all a pleasant way to spend 2 hours but I'm sure this film will be on Netflix in short order.
Yesterday we went to the Whitney Museum for some pop-culture. In the hall was a woman taking a survey. With time on our hands we sat down to chat with her. Having seen a post card sized ad for Admissions on the table I thought it was a survey about the film. As we talked I asked about the card and the woman delivered a line from the movie. I really didn't recognize the line ot her for that matter but J did. Yes it was the mother of the adopted brain-iac in the movie. We talked about the movie and learned about her life as an extra.
Only in New York!
She is a gifted comedian but the movie itself wasn't that funny. I was expecting a laugh riot full of the crazy things people do to get their kids into THE right college, in this case Princeton. Having been a school principal I had similar experiences albeit on a grade school level. There was the, all our kids had Mrs. _______ , logic, the anything the school needs promise and the best the annual cannoli bribe, all in an attempt to make sure Johnny or Susie or in the case of East Greenwich, Chase or Skyler got just the right teacher. There was some of this jockeying but not enough. One very funny scene was of chart paper where the admission officers would list the death treats and hopes that they would get cancer and die! Nothing like that ever happened at my school, but there were law suits threatened.
All and all a pleasant way to spend 2 hours but I'm sure this film will be on Netflix in short order.
Yesterday we went to the Whitney Museum for some pop-culture. In the hall was a woman taking a survey. With time on our hands we sat down to chat with her. Having seen a post card sized ad for Admissions on the table I thought it was a survey about the film. As we talked I asked about the card and the woman delivered a line from the movie. I really didn't recognize the line ot her for that matter but J did. Yes it was the mother of the adopted brain-iac in the movie. We talked about the movie and learned about her life as an extra.
Only in New York!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Put the Phone Down!
The sign as you enter the Tully Center, clearly states, SHUT OFF ALL CELL PHONES.
Many gym rats have ear phones and listen to their favorite music mix while they work out. Given the mix of people at the gym, I'd suspect Stayin'Alive by the Bee Gees is big.
Well until today the rules were being adhered to, no one on the phone, texting or tweeting. Today a woman in her 30's was using a stationary bike and while she was she was talking on her iPhone. Next to her was a gentleman of a certain age, in gym shorts, circa 1970, with a sweat band (complete with Nike swoosh) knee socks and velcro sneakers. He was reading the NYTimes while he was obviously upset with the woman and her complete disregard for the No Cell rule. He was looking for some authority to blow the whistle on our 30 something but no one was around. He was so upset he missed a cycle on his cycle and almost fell off the seat.
In due time our rule breaker completed her call and then spent the rest of her time multi tasking, texting and cycling.
I think the No Cell rule is a good one and perhaps there should be a dress code.
Many gym rats have ear phones and listen to their favorite music mix while they work out. Given the mix of people at the gym, I'd suspect Stayin'Alive by the Bee Gees is big.
Well until today the rules were being adhered to, no one on the phone, texting or tweeting. Today a woman in her 30's was using a stationary bike and while she was she was talking on her iPhone. Next to her was a gentleman of a certain age, in gym shorts, circa 1970, with a sweat band (complete with Nike swoosh) knee socks and velcro sneakers. He was reading the NYTimes while he was obviously upset with the woman and her complete disregard for the No Cell rule. He was looking for some authority to blow the whistle on our 30 something but no one was around. He was so upset he missed a cycle on his cycle and almost fell off the seat.
In due time our rule breaker completed her call and then spent the rest of her time multi tasking, texting and cycling.
I think the No Cell rule is a good one and perhaps there should be a dress code.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Tuesday at 9:30 or at your convenience
As a boomer I share a birthday with TV for the masses. both of us came of age in the 50's and 60's. I remember as a 9-10 year old setting my life around the Red Skelton Show, Tuesdays at 9:30. For those younger than 50, Red was a slapstick funny- man who, on TV at least, seemed to have a heart of gold and a knack for making people, especially my father, laugh. So on Tuesday nights at 9:30, a school night, I'd be given the privilege of staying up late to watch RS with my dad. He would have his chesterfields at his side and I'd endure the second hand smoke, who knew? But it was worth the risk as the boys dad, me and Red shared a laugh.
I was such a Skeleton fan that I gave up my meetings at the Sea Cadets, 'cause they were on a Tuesday. Unfortunately I waited until my dad purchased the entire SC uniform for me before I swore my allegiance the the Red (Skelton) army. I bring up this memory as I just completed watching Netflix series, House of Cards. This 13 episode series is constantly streaming on Netflix and can be viewed at my convenience. I got so hooked on the evil ways of Kevin Spacey that I was watching when I woke up at 6:00 in the morning! While a boomer I have adopted some of the ways of the instant gratification society and could not ration my viewing to once a week for 13 weeks. How far we have come! We now view on demand and on our schedules, not Reds or anyone elses.
This 21st century development has been recognized by several people and was recently the topic of an NPR interview with a person who wrote a book about this phenomenon. i heard the interview yesterday but cannot remember the name of the book or the author, but hey not to worry I'll just google it, go to the NPR website and replay the interview today or whenever.
I also sent my loyal readers a you Tube clip of Red's show in 1961. Don't know if you received it as when it comes to manipulating technology, I'm better with my portable Motorola that weighed 50 pounds, rabbit ears and tin foil.
I was such a Skeleton fan that I gave up my meetings at the Sea Cadets, 'cause they were on a Tuesday. Unfortunately I waited until my dad purchased the entire SC uniform for me before I swore my allegiance the the Red (Skelton) army. I bring up this memory as I just completed watching Netflix series, House of Cards. This 13 episode series is constantly streaming on Netflix and can be viewed at my convenience. I got so hooked on the evil ways of Kevin Spacey that I was watching when I woke up at 6:00 in the morning! While a boomer I have adopted some of the ways of the instant gratification society and could not ration my viewing to once a week for 13 weeks. How far we have come! We now view on demand and on our schedules, not Reds or anyone elses.
This 21st century development has been recognized by several people and was recently the topic of an NPR interview with a person who wrote a book about this phenomenon. i heard the interview yesterday but cannot remember the name of the book or the author, but hey not to worry I'll just google it, go to the NPR website and replay the interview today or whenever.
I also sent my loyal readers a you Tube clip of Red's show in 1961. Don't know if you received it as when it comes to manipulating technology, I'm better with my portable Motorola that weighed 50 pounds, rabbit ears and tin foil.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Throwing the Learners a curve
To keep my mind strong and to stay in the game I decided to finally attempt to learn Italian, the language of my ancestors. Never mind that I had a golden opportunity 50 years ago when I was living at home but in the 60's I was more interested in Virginia, the girl, than Venice, the city, and all things Italian.
So last fall I registered at Parliamo Italiano, the language school at Hunter College. Once a week I drive in to NYC to spend 90 minutes learning the language, well at least being exposed to the language. The class is taught by a Roman, Insegnante (teacher). She is very forgiving and to her everything is tutto bene.
I have been diligent about doing the work, I signed onto an online Italian language program, Babbel, and I even bought an Italian Newspaper. Occasionally, well pretty regularly, I cheat and use the Google translation site. I made flash cards, the traditional ones on actual cards and the flash card app on my computer.
I enlisted the help of the Italian teacher at the high school to meet with me on Tuesdays to give me another opportunity to practice.
After 10 weeks I found that I had picked up a few words and phrases but my ability to retrieve verbs in the correct tense and pair them with vocabulary words was in a word, awful.
Was it my age, lack of practice, lack of dedication, I was really doubting my ability to retain and grow.
However I continued with Italian 2, and even decided to take a Saturday Italian course at NCC, the local community college. Little by little and I do mean by little things are starting to turn around. My goal is to be able to converse, well at least order some dinner, next summer when we go to Italy.
As the winter session came to a close last week I realized we're all in the same boat.
Our teacher was absent and she sent in a substitute. Unlike our weekly teacher, she was more free formed in her calling on students. Our regular teacher went around the room, Catholic School Style, first student does sentence 1, second student number 2 etc. Using this method I realized my classmates had practiced their line and to me sounded like they were really with the program. Once teacher 2 came in and was more random, the dirty little secret was exposed. We were all speaking in foreign tongues, and few of the tongues were Italian.
So last fall I registered at Parliamo Italiano, the language school at Hunter College. Once a week I drive in to NYC to spend 90 minutes learning the language, well at least being exposed to the language. The class is taught by a Roman, Insegnante (teacher). She is very forgiving and to her everything is tutto bene.
I have been diligent about doing the work, I signed onto an online Italian language program, Babbel, and I even bought an Italian Newspaper. Occasionally, well pretty regularly, I cheat and use the Google translation site. I made flash cards, the traditional ones on actual cards and the flash card app on my computer.
I enlisted the help of the Italian teacher at the high school to meet with me on Tuesdays to give me another opportunity to practice.
After 10 weeks I found that I had picked up a few words and phrases but my ability to retrieve verbs in the correct tense and pair them with vocabulary words was in a word, awful.
Was it my age, lack of practice, lack of dedication, I was really doubting my ability to retain and grow.
However I continued with Italian 2, and even decided to take a Saturday Italian course at NCC, the local community college. Little by little and I do mean by little things are starting to turn around. My goal is to be able to converse, well at least order some dinner, next summer when we go to Italy.
As the winter session came to a close last week I realized we're all in the same boat.
Our teacher was absent and she sent in a substitute. Unlike our weekly teacher, she was more free formed in her calling on students. Our regular teacher went around the room, Catholic School Style, first student does sentence 1, second student number 2 etc. Using this method I realized my classmates had practiced their line and to me sounded like they were really with the program. Once teacher 2 came in and was more random, the dirty little secret was exposed. We were all speaking in foreign tongues, and few of the tongues were Italian.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Signs of my Times
Sign on the local church bulletin board
DON"T FORGET,
Men's Alzheimers Group meets this Friday at 8:00
AND
Got my first invite to join the Senior Men's Group in Greenwich
"The fellows meet every Wednesday, there is coffee and danish"
Hopefully I won't be attending either for quite a while
DON"T FORGET,
Men's Alzheimers Group meets this Friday at 8:00
AND
Got my first invite to join the Senior Men's Group in Greenwich
"The fellows meet every Wednesday, there is coffee and danish"
Hopefully I won't be attending either for quite a while
Monday, March 18, 2013
Omen?
Now that I have been retired for 8 months, I have decided to look into going back to work.
I applied for a job in a Catholic School and given my resume I thought I'd be the perfect candidate for the job.
Upon reading the qualifications I found out that I was not at all qualified. Having been divorced and remarried I have fallen out of favor with the Archdiocese of Bridgeport and the Church I thought we were beyond that. I guess not. Hopefully Francis and God will be more forgiving as 50+% of Christians are in the same boat with me.
Too bad as I have been told i was a pretty effective school leader.
I applied for a job in a Catholic School and given my resume I thought I'd be the perfect candidate for the job.
Upon reading the qualifications I found out that I was not at all qualified. Having been divorced and remarried I have fallen out of favor with the Archdiocese of Bridgeport and the Church I thought we were beyond that. I guess not. Hopefully Francis and God will be more forgiving as 50+% of Christians are in the same boat with me.
Too bad as I have been told i was a pretty effective school leader.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
24/7 Pope
The wall to wall coverage of the resignation of PB16 and smoke signals heralding the selection of Francis1, has provided believers and others with an all pope, all the time atmosphere. Pity the poor agnostics, Jews and other non-Catholics as Roman Catholics surely have had our place in the sun over the last 6 weeks.
Every nuance has been covered from PB16's ground backing announcement (first in 500 years!) to the loss of custody of the Red Shoes, to the pope in the window in the square at the "summer cottage" at Castel Gondolfo, to the white smoke, the first message, front desk confusion over the bill at the hotel, "Mi dispiace non abbiamo un Francesca Papa in questo albergo" (We don't have a Pope Francis registered at this hotel).
The firsts continue; 1st to retire, 1st to be elected from outside Europe, 1st from Latin America, 1st to be named Francis......... today, 1st mass as Pope, and so it goes.
Can't help but think the non-believers are a bit pope weary, I am and oh by the way did you notice that the North Koreans are threatening to set off a nuclear bomb! Now there is some serious white smoke.
Every nuance has been covered from PB16's ground backing announcement (first in 500 years!) to the loss of custody of the Red Shoes, to the pope in the window in the square at the "summer cottage" at Castel Gondolfo, to the white smoke, the first message, front desk confusion over the bill at the hotel, "Mi dispiace non abbiamo un Francesca Papa in questo albergo" (We don't have a Pope Francis registered at this hotel).
The firsts continue; 1st to retire, 1st to be elected from outside Europe, 1st from Latin America, 1st to be named Francis......... today, 1st mass as Pope, and so it goes.
Can't help but think the non-believers are a bit pope weary, I am and oh by the way did you notice that the North Koreans are threatening to set off a nuclear bomb! Now there is some serious white smoke.
Friday, March 15, 2013
You can't make this up
So let me get this straight; the TSA will now allow pocket knives on airplanes and many people are up in arms about this and the potential for "disaster"
While assault rifles are protected by the 2nd amendment and the NRA and their followers are determined to make sure this right is protected for the sake of the Republic, Unbelievable!
PS
Got my first invite to attend the Greenwich Senior men's club weekly meetings, coffee and danish will be served.
While assault rifles are protected by the 2nd amendment and the NRA and their followers are determined to make sure this right is protected for the sake of the Republic, Unbelievable!
PS
Got my first invite to attend the Greenwich Senior men's club weekly meetings, coffee and danish will be served.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Nobody does it better
For old timers games, it is the Yankees
For the peaceful exchange of political power, it is the USA
For Christmas cheer, it is Rockefeller Center
And for pomp and circumstance, it has to be the Catholic Church and the pageantry of electing a pope.
Today they did just that and the white smoke billowed from the chimney sending smoke signals to the world that HABEMUS PAPEM, we have a pope!
The bands, the uniforms, the setting of St. Peter's square, the Swiss guards in their pantaloons and Viking ship hats, all added to the moment. Anderson Cooper was ready to convert on the spot and two young women from Argentina, were excited as they said over and over "he is a nice guy".
A little problem with the microphone, but for something that happened only 265 times in the last 2000 years you can forgive them for not having a better sound system.
All and all a great day and bound to do wonders for the sleepy town of Assisi in Italy.
Viva Papa
For the peaceful exchange of political power, it is the USA
For Christmas cheer, it is Rockefeller Center
And for pomp and circumstance, it has to be the Catholic Church and the pageantry of electing a pope.
Today they did just that and the white smoke billowed from the chimney sending smoke signals to the world that HABEMUS PAPEM, we have a pope!
The bands, the uniforms, the setting of St. Peter's square, the Swiss guards in their pantaloons and Viking ship hats, all added to the moment. Anderson Cooper was ready to convert on the spot and two young women from Argentina, were excited as they said over and over "he is a nice guy".
A little problem with the microphone, but for something that happened only 265 times in the last 2000 years you can forgive them for not having a better sound system.
All and all a great day and bound to do wonders for the sleepy town of Assisi in Italy.
Viva Papa
Monday, March 11, 2013
Deal of the Century at Century Village
The 64 year old question that is on the minds of all recent retirees is do we or don't we ...move to Florida?
We have decided that we will not be packing up the U-Haul anytime soon and moving to God's waiting room.
However a report in the NYT this weekend sure makes it tempting, well until you read carefully that the dream condo is in ( fill in the blank)_Village. These gated communities, there must be terrible crime in Florida, 'cause there are many, many gated communities are going at rock bottom prices. The article reported that as recent as last year these cookie cutter condos were selling for $6-15,000. Now that is a bargain until you realize you are a stones throw from I-95, congestion and gated camps filled with retirees of all ages. The article reported that younger people are cashing out their up north homes or apartments and moving to Florida . To paraphrase New Hampshire, to live almost free...then die.
There is no property tax once you live for 6 months and a day in the Sunshine State.
We have been glancing at properties for many years and never did we see a $15,000 bargain. We have visited various gated communities, most with more security than Benghazi, but the price tags have never been less than $250,000 or more.
Perhaps some day we'll move to Florida but for now we'll take our chances and classes in NY
We have decided that we will not be packing up the U-Haul anytime soon and moving to God's waiting room.
However a report in the NYT this weekend sure makes it tempting, well until you read carefully that the dream condo is in ( fill in the blank)_Village. These gated communities, there must be terrible crime in Florida, 'cause there are many, many gated communities are going at rock bottom prices. The article reported that as recent as last year these cookie cutter condos were selling for $6-15,000. Now that is a bargain until you realize you are a stones throw from I-95, congestion and gated camps filled with retirees of all ages. The article reported that younger people are cashing out their up north homes or apartments and moving to Florida . To paraphrase New Hampshire, to live almost free...then die.
There is no property tax once you live for 6 months and a day in the Sunshine State.
We have been glancing at properties for many years and never did we see a $15,000 bargain. We have visited various gated communities, most with more security than Benghazi, but the price tags have never been less than $250,000 or more.
Perhaps some day we'll move to Florida but for now we'll take our chances and classes in NY
Sunday, March 10, 2013
$1500 Suit
When did this happen? I went to shop for a suit for an upcoming event only to find that anything worth wearing starts at $ 899 and he average, in the stores I surveyed is $1299. What are these suits made of?
Regardless of the brand, and brand counts, we are talking about a jacket and a pair of pants! As a long time fan of What Not to Wear I understand that women's clothing has intricate work, special fabric, but for a jacket and pants, with very little variation in style, why the outrageous prices.
Perhaps it is because the suit departments have all but disappeared. Nordstrom's once large department in White Plains has all but disappeared, Darien Sport Shop, same thing, even Brooks Brothers has paired down their suit square footage, but not their prices, in favor of the more sporty look.
So what to do? I'll keep shopping, hope for sales and see if I can find a suitable suit.
Regardless of the brand, and brand counts, we are talking about a jacket and a pair of pants! As a long time fan of What Not to Wear I understand that women's clothing has intricate work, special fabric, but for a jacket and pants, with very little variation in style, why the outrageous prices.
Perhaps it is because the suit departments have all but disappeared. Nordstrom's once large department in White Plains has all but disappeared, Darien Sport Shop, same thing, even Brooks Brothers has paired down their suit square footage, but not their prices, in favor of the more sporty look.
So what to do? I'll keep shopping, hope for sales and see if I can find a suitable suit.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Last Snow of winter?
Woke up this morning to a winter wonderland of white. Where did this some from? The weather reports and the hi tech models didn't call for an event that would last through the night and into the late morning. at best they were looking for 1-3 and I'm watching 4-6 fall on the trees and our new back porch.
You can always tell when the forecast is off, they generally say little about the upcoming event. That is a sure sign that we will get whacked.
The good news is that the boys of summer are practicing 1200 miles away and will be breaking camp in 3 weeks to head up I- 95 but for now a baseball will have to be replaced by a snowball.
You can always tell when the forecast is off, they generally say little about the upcoming event. That is a sure sign that we will get whacked.
The good news is that the boys of summer are practicing 1200 miles away and will be breaking camp in 3 weeks to head up I- 95 but for now a baseball will have to be replaced by a snowball.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Not to be confused with LA Fitness
There is no chance my gym will ever be confused with La Fitness, the chain of gyms that recently appeared on the east coast.
Though I've never been in LA I can imagine it is full of 20 somethings who spend way too much time working out to make sure they keep that buff look
My gym caters to people of a certain age who go to ensure that the blood keeps flowing.
Yesterday I was there and was the youngest of 4 working out on the stationary bike. The guy next to me was tearing it up at 2.4 MPH. Just to show him up I was doing 17.6, leaving him in the dust. I kept that pace for 2- 3 minutes! The average pace was 10.5 MPH. Not quite sure how that compares but I did work up a sweet. After my usual 30 minute cardio I cooled down and headed out. In front of me were two fellow gym rats, one with a cane and the other with a walker.
A gym members nightmare, too old for LA and visions of the future at Tully!
Though I've never been in LA I can imagine it is full of 20 somethings who spend way too much time working out to make sure they keep that buff look
My gym caters to people of a certain age who go to ensure that the blood keeps flowing.
Yesterday I was there and was the youngest of 4 working out on the stationary bike. The guy next to me was tearing it up at 2.4 MPH. Just to show him up I was doing 17.6, leaving him in the dust. I kept that pace for 2- 3 minutes! The average pace was 10.5 MPH. Not quite sure how that compares but I did work up a sweet. After my usual 30 minute cardio I cooled down and headed out. In front of me were two fellow gym rats, one with a cane and the other with a walker.
A gym members nightmare, too old for LA and visions of the future at Tully!
Monday, March 4, 2013
The BBC
Ever since I can remember J has had a habit of needing the radio on during the night to help her sleep. Years ago she'd go to bed with her Walkman, I did mention it was years ago, and enormous head phones. It was like sleeping with someone with huge hair curlers on her head. I'd turn over to kiss her and fell like I was in bed with an air traffic controller! She did this so as not to keep me awake and i was grateful but it was not romantic. She said it helped her sleep. I thought just the opposite.
More recently we have gone to listening to the radio all night without head phones. She would always say she missed the golden years as a kid when she'd listen to the Red Sox games, boy if that didn't put you to sleep. she also loved to listen to Larry King, when he was so, so much younger and would tell tails that went on for 15 minutes. he Carvel story was a classic and I remember the night he had Fr. Guido Sarducci, on to discuss the new Contest, Find the Pope in the Pizza! My side of the bed is still shaking with laughter from that one.
Nor that we are both retired and there is no timetable or job to run to in the AM we fall asleep to the BBC. British Broadcasting Company, which occupies public radio from 11-5. This is not your fathers BBC with monotoned announcers droning on and on about things that had little or any significance to Americans. The new BBC is upbeat and folks are perky, mainly because they are broadcasting with a five hour time difference. The content is more interesting, even if they continue to insist on calling Burma and not Myanmar but last night they went over the edge. They interviewed an 80 year old guy who has lived with wolves for over 40 years, had a piece of his ear bitten off and not by Mike Tyson and chews their food for them before placing it in their mouths. He also howls and we had a sample of this ungodly noise at 4:30AM. Maybe it's time for earpods for her ipod.
More recently we have gone to listening to the radio all night without head phones. She would always say she missed the golden years as a kid when she'd listen to the Red Sox games, boy if that didn't put you to sleep. she also loved to listen to Larry King, when he was so, so much younger and would tell tails that went on for 15 minutes. he Carvel story was a classic and I remember the night he had Fr. Guido Sarducci, on to discuss the new Contest, Find the Pope in the Pizza! My side of the bed is still shaking with laughter from that one.
Nor that we are both retired and there is no timetable or job to run to in the AM we fall asleep to the BBC. British Broadcasting Company, which occupies public radio from 11-5. This is not your fathers BBC with monotoned announcers droning on and on about things that had little or any significance to Americans. The new BBC is upbeat and folks are perky, mainly because they are broadcasting with a five hour time difference. The content is more interesting, even if they continue to insist on calling Burma and not Myanmar but last night they went over the edge. They interviewed an 80 year old guy who has lived with wolves for over 40 years, had a piece of his ear bitten off and not by Mike Tyson and chews their food for them before placing it in their mouths. He also howls and we had a sample of this ungodly noise at 4:30AM. Maybe it's time for earpods for her ipod.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
The Routine
As I work my way through my first year of the rest of my life I do find myself establishing some daily patterns. For a very brief moment I was not paying attention to when I'd dress for the day. As a result those rust colored cords were getting a workout. I quickly noticed the onset of a routine and now I have established a more efficient routine of getting out of bed, shower, dress, and going about my business with purpose.
With all good intentions however I do see a few bad habits forming. I check my email at 8:00 am daily. Initially I was excited as the inbox would indicate that I had 15-18 messages. The anticipation quickly waned as I discovered the emails were not from professional colleagues asking for advice or from a school in need of a consultant, instead there are daily messages from J.Crew, Giggles (baby store), the Gap, Groupon, VT. Country Store, Frontgate and a whole host of other "friends".
I must also admit that I find myself waiting for the postman, woman, to come by. I do note when the mail comes, and I am not ashamed to admit it.
All part of the process of my new soap opera, As My World Changes!
With all good intentions however I do see a few bad habits forming. I check my email at 8:00 am daily. Initially I was excited as the inbox would indicate that I had 15-18 messages. The anticipation quickly waned as I discovered the emails were not from professional colleagues asking for advice or from a school in need of a consultant, instead there are daily messages from J.Crew, Giggles (baby store), the Gap, Groupon, VT. Country Store, Frontgate and a whole host of other "friends".
I must also admit that I find myself waiting for the postman, woman, to come by. I do note when the mail comes, and I am not ashamed to admit it.
All part of the process of my new soap opera, As My World Changes!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Note to Nike
Every week it seems like another athlete is pushed off their pedestal for some indiscretion. Drugs, Murder, Infidelity seem to be the top three reasons why our larger than life superstars fall from grace.
I would suggest to Nike that they reconsider their ad campaigns and stop promoting these guys, and it seems to be all guys, as heroes. Despite all their accomplishments on the field they can't seem to understand that despite their talent, they and we all put our pants on one leg at a time.
I would suggest to Nike that they reconsider their ad campaigns and stop promoting these guys, and it seems to be all guys, as heroes. Despite all their accomplishments on the field they can't seem to understand that despite their talent, they and we all put our pants on one leg at a time.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Pope and I
In a few hours Pope Benedict will join me as the Former Leader of___________.
While there is no comparison regarding our importance and level of responsibilities the feeling of remaining relevant might be the same. He gives up his Pope mobile, I gave up my Principal parking spot. He is no longer infallible, I never was! He was the boss of 1Billion Catholics, i was in charge of 500 kids and 1000 parents, I feel his pain.
He'll live in Castel Gandolfo in the Roman hills until his Vatican apartment is ready, I'll continue to live in Stamford, until we decide on our next move to NYC, a Florida gated community or assisted living, is that redundant?
He will be referred to as Pope emeritus, thanks to my Italian class I am not just a retired principal I can be known as UN PRESIDE DI SCUOLA ELEMENTARE IN PENSIONE, has a nice ring to it.
He will have to give up his Pope wardrobe just as I no longer where a sport jacket and tie. One word of advice Benedict, be careful you don't start hanging around the apartment in your papal sweets.
He'll aslos have to give up those red shoes. Here I have him beat, J still has her 5 inch candy apple red Weitzmans and when she wears them it's pretty close to a religious experience.
Pax Benedict
While there is no comparison regarding our importance and level of responsibilities the feeling of remaining relevant might be the same. He gives up his Pope mobile, I gave up my Principal parking spot. He is no longer infallible, I never was! He was the boss of 1Billion Catholics, i was in charge of 500 kids and 1000 parents, I feel his pain.
He'll live in Castel Gandolfo in the Roman hills until his Vatican apartment is ready, I'll continue to live in Stamford, until we decide on our next move to NYC, a Florida gated community or assisted living, is that redundant?
He will be referred to as Pope emeritus, thanks to my Italian class I am not just a retired principal I can be known as UN PRESIDE DI SCUOLA ELEMENTARE IN PENSIONE, has a nice ring to it.
He will have to give up his Pope wardrobe just as I no longer where a sport jacket and tie. One word of advice Benedict, be careful you don't start hanging around the apartment in your papal sweets.
He'll aslos have to give up those red shoes. Here I have him beat, J still has her 5 inch candy apple red Weitzmans and when she wears them it's pretty close to a religious experience.
Pax Benedict
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Taking your work home
In the new economy you take what you can get when you need work.
Yesterday as we were driving on Park Avenue in the 100's I saw a man returning from work. He had his lunch pail and given that it was 4:15 I surmised that he was on his way home from a hard day in the currency market.
He was walking and talking to a friend and was wearing a sandwich board sign that said,
WE BUY GOLD!
I can understand why women go crazy for a man in uniform.
Yesterday as we were driving on Park Avenue in the 100's I saw a man returning from work. He had his lunch pail and given that it was 4:15 I surmised that he was on his way home from a hard day in the currency market.
He was walking and talking to a friend and was wearing a sandwich board sign that said,
WE BUY GOLD!
I can understand why women go crazy for a man in uniform.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Amish on the Beach
I remember taken a trip to the Amish Country when I was a kid. My dad, cousin and I would take "Adventurer's Club" trips to lots of exotic places. Botanical gardens, Yankee Stadium, Kensico Dam, the Fontainbleau and Amish Country. Back in the 60's when we were touring, the Amish were a very secluded lot. No pictures, horse and buggies, walking, no electricity. A simple way of life and they seemed to be doing just fine.
Last month we were in Florida and we found a Amish enclave in the Sarasota area. An area of Amish furniture, quilts, bikes instead of cars and a Motel sign that probably didn't light up at night.
Those in Siesta Key and the Sarasota area are quick to tell you that the beach at Siesta Key has been voted the best beach in the US or is it the world?
Well it is quite beautiful with soft, talcum powder sand and expansive beach. While we were there we
noticed a group of three hip-hop looking boys sitting on a blanket and in fold up chairs, baseball caps turned backwards, droopy shorts, tattoos, and at least one of "da boys" had the beard of an Amish. They were either delinquent Amish or had a fetish for the girls they were with.
More surprisingly were the 3 girls were wearing long dresses, Amish head covers and were smoking cigarettes. They were also very attentive to the faux Amish boys.
The world is changing, the Amish on the beach seem to be giving up their horse and buggies for some good old boy and girl flirting, complete with tattoos.
Last month we were in Florida and we found a Amish enclave in the Sarasota area. An area of Amish furniture, quilts, bikes instead of cars and a Motel sign that probably didn't light up at night.
Those in Siesta Key and the Sarasota area are quick to tell you that the beach at Siesta Key has been voted the best beach in the US or is it the world?
Well it is quite beautiful with soft, talcum powder sand and expansive beach. While we were there we
noticed a group of three hip-hop looking boys sitting on a blanket and in fold up chairs, baseball caps turned backwards, droopy shorts, tattoos, and at least one of "da boys" had the beard of an Amish. They were either delinquent Amish or had a fetish for the girls they were with.
More surprisingly were the 3 girls were wearing long dresses, Amish head covers and were smoking cigarettes. They were also very attentive to the faux Amish boys.
The world is changing, the Amish on the beach seem to be giving up their horse and buggies for some good old boy and girl flirting, complete with tattoos.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Your Call is important to us- RIGHT!
Trying to sign up for an adult course at the local Community College I called the prescribed number in the catalog.
Attempt #1- no answer, our hours are from .....
Attempt#2- no one is available to take your call......
Attempt#3- please listen as our menu has changed, does the menu ever change?
Attempt#4- Please stay on the line for the next available representative
Attempt#5- Please log onto our website for faster service
Website- You may only register on line is you have a valid student ID. You must register as a student to register on line
Attempt#6- drive to the school, talk to the registrar, pay with a check, your in, sometimes the tried and true is the best way.
Attempt #1- no answer, our hours are from .....
Attempt#2- no one is available to take your call......
Attempt#3- please listen as our menu has changed, does the menu ever change?
Attempt#4- Please stay on the line for the next available representative
Attempt#5- Please log onto our website for faster service
Website- You may only register on line is you have a valid student ID. You must register as a student to register on line
Attempt#6- drive to the school, talk to the registrar, pay with a check, your in, sometimes the tried and true is the best way.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Some things will never change
A few weeks ago I wrote about the US Post Office and their line in the sand approach to trying to return as unused stamp.
Today I drove to the DMV, finally found a parking space in a lot that needed to be plowed, a mere 2 weeks after a snow storm. The modern building that was a showplace is showing its age and upon entering I remembered the impossible long lines and inefficiency of the place. There had to be no less than 350 people waiting on lines for service. Signage was confusing and there were a limited amount of people offering information or service. There was a glimmer of hope years ago, when you entered there was a greeter that asked if they could help. Must have been dreaming because there was no Information person in sight. You now have to wait on a line of approximately 50 people before you even got to ask your question. I ran from there as fast as I could and will be back for a second try tomorrow first thing. Well my first thing isn't theirs as the office doesn't open until 9:15 on Thursdays. Well perhaps those in line today will have been serviced by then.
So add the DMV to the Post Office and of course the City Office in Stamford that was closed for Lincoln's Birthday!
Notice a pattern of inefficiency?
Today I drove to the DMV, finally found a parking space in a lot that needed to be plowed, a mere 2 weeks after a snow storm. The modern building that was a showplace is showing its age and upon entering I remembered the impossible long lines and inefficiency of the place. There had to be no less than 350 people waiting on lines for service. Signage was confusing and there were a limited amount of people offering information or service. There was a glimmer of hope years ago, when you entered there was a greeter that asked if they could help. Must have been dreaming because there was no Information person in sight. You now have to wait on a line of approximately 50 people before you even got to ask your question. I ran from there as fast as I could and will be back for a second try tomorrow first thing. Well my first thing isn't theirs as the office doesn't open until 9:15 on Thursdays. Well perhaps those in line today will have been serviced by then.
So add the DMV to the Post Office and of course the City Office in Stamford that was closed for Lincoln's Birthday!
Notice a pattern of inefficiency?
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The NPR-ing of America
Use to be that you had to relocate your radio in several nooks and crannies of the house and in several angles to pick up National Public Radio. Signals from NYC were difficult to hold in Stamford just 40 miles from the tower and after 8:00pm forget it.
Over the last few years things have changed and the FM and AM NYC stations were easier to get and did not require a contortionist body or foil on the antenna to hear Car Talk.
In the last 6 months things have changed yet again, The local Stamford station has gone NPR, the CT public station now uses the call letters NPR. There are NPR outlets on Long Island, Rhode Island and I'm sure the Virgin Islands. I never thought I'd say this but I am on This American Life overload.
When caused this embarrassment of riches, and this be careful what you wish for situation?
Can you have too much of Prairie Home Companion? In the words of Sarah, no fan of Public Radio, Palin, You betcha!
Over the last few years things have changed and the FM and AM NYC stations were easier to get and did not require a contortionist body or foil on the antenna to hear Car Talk.
In the last 6 months things have changed yet again, The local Stamford station has gone NPR, the CT public station now uses the call letters NPR. There are NPR outlets on Long Island, Rhode Island and I'm sure the Virgin Islands. I never thought I'd say this but I am on This American Life overload.
When caused this embarrassment of riches, and this be careful what you wish for situation?
Can you have too much of Prairie Home Companion? In the words of Sarah, no fan of Public Radio, Palin, You betcha!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Big City- Small Crowd
Last week I found myself in NYC without a date for dinner. J is attending an amazing class at MOMA on Monday nights and I drive her in. While she is there I visit with friends, relatives or see a movie. If any of you are in town on Monday and want to meet up just let me know.
Now that the Academy Award rush of movie releases is over I found myself with slim pickins. A new movie, Quartet, was playing at the Angelika, one off my favorite movie theatres. You really feel like a New Yorker there as people congregate early and have a coffee, read the paper and catch up on cultural
things in NY while milling around in comfy chairs in the lobby. A voice, reminiscent of an airport announcer instructed us to line up for the showing of Quartet. There was no line.
I took the escalator downstairs to the theatres and stopped by the refreshment stand for popcorn, then into theatre 6 for the show. I was the first one there and for several minutes the only one. Two couples joined me and then a single guy. That was it! With 8 million stories in the Naked City, Quartet could only muster 6 of us to tell its story to.
The movie is about retired musicians who live together in a home for musicians. Just like Rooney and whomever 80 years ago, they were going to "give the best darn show they ever saw" as they try to save the home from closing. The director is quite flamboyant with skull caps and flowing robes. Surprise, surprise they pull it off!
Oh well no harm done and perhaps there can be a sequel with the newly retired pope but he'll have to give up his costume.
Now that the Academy Award rush of movie releases is over I found myself with slim pickins. A new movie, Quartet, was playing at the Angelika, one off my favorite movie theatres. You really feel like a New Yorker there as people congregate early and have a coffee, read the paper and catch up on cultural
things in NY while milling around in comfy chairs in the lobby. A voice, reminiscent of an airport announcer instructed us to line up for the showing of Quartet. There was no line.
I took the escalator downstairs to the theatres and stopped by the refreshment stand for popcorn, then into theatre 6 for the show. I was the first one there and for several minutes the only one. Two couples joined me and then a single guy. That was it! With 8 million stories in the Naked City, Quartet could only muster 6 of us to tell its story to.
The movie is about retired musicians who live together in a home for musicians. Just like Rooney and whomever 80 years ago, they were going to "give the best darn show they ever saw" as they try to save the home from closing. The director is quite flamboyant with skull caps and flowing robes. Surprise, surprise they pull it off!
Oh well no harm done and perhaps there can be a sequel with the newly retired pope but he'll have to give up his costume.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Check the date
Maybe the Mayans were off by a few months but the events of the last week sure give one pause that as they predicted the end may be near.
Last week the Pope threw in his red cap, saying he was too pooped to pope.
When your a pope your a pope for good, from your baptism to your hast hallelujah. Kind of like the Jets from Westside Story. He gave up, God's representative on earth has sent a message to us, I give up you guys are so far gone.
Then there is the story of the asteroid and the meteor that missed and hit the earth on the SAME day, YIKES!
The asteroid which we did know was coming missed us by 17,000 miles. What we didn't see coming was the meteor that hit in Siberia and caused 1000 injuries. A warning shot across our bow.
Tomorrow is Sunday, you might consider church and when you go outside, wear a helmet.
Last week the Pope threw in his red cap, saying he was too pooped to pope.
When your a pope your a pope for good, from your baptism to your hast hallelujah. Kind of like the Jets from Westside Story. He gave up, God's representative on earth has sent a message to us, I give up you guys are so far gone.
Then there is the story of the asteroid and the meteor that missed and hit the earth on the SAME day, YIKES!
The asteroid which we did know was coming missed us by 17,000 miles. What we didn't see coming was the meteor that hit in Siberia and caused 1000 injuries. A warning shot across our bow.
Tomorrow is Sunday, you might consider church and when you go outside, wear a helmet.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Through the miracle.....
of Television.
I remember that phrase, used in TV commercials of the 50's, that's how old I am!
That statement can certainly be replaced with the words, .....the Internet. Truly amazing what is available as long as you can get a wifi signal, which is the 21st century equivalent of rabbit ears.
Early this morning I flipped open my iPad, hit the Netflix app icon and "tuned into" the continuously available mini-series made just for netflix subscribers, House of Cards. This political thriller tells the ugly tale of Frank Underwood, majority leader and aspiring President. It pulls no punches and is totally addictive. It is also adding another twist to the ever emerging options available.
Last night J and I watched our favorite weekly sitcom, Modern Family. However only 4 years after it began, it isn't all that modern. It is on weekly at the discretion of the network, well for now anyway. You can also catch episodes on the internet. The subject matter although very modern and groundbreaking in 2009 has been overtaken by same sex marriage, transgender equality and the prospects of the first lesbian mayor of NYC.
Like the commercial of the 60's said, Progress is our most important product.
I remember that phrase, used in TV commercials of the 50's, that's how old I am!
That statement can certainly be replaced with the words, .....the Internet. Truly amazing what is available as long as you can get a wifi signal, which is the 21st century equivalent of rabbit ears.
Early this morning I flipped open my iPad, hit the Netflix app icon and "tuned into" the continuously available mini-series made just for netflix subscribers, House of Cards. This political thriller tells the ugly tale of Frank Underwood, majority leader and aspiring President. It pulls no punches and is totally addictive. It is also adding another twist to the ever emerging options available.
Last night J and I watched our favorite weekly sitcom, Modern Family. However only 4 years after it began, it isn't all that modern. It is on weekly at the discretion of the network, well for now anyway. You can also catch episodes on the internet. The subject matter although very modern and groundbreaking in 2009 has been overtaken by same sex marriage, transgender equality and the prospects of the first lesbian mayor of NYC.
Like the commercial of the 60's said, Progress is our most important product.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
3000 hits!
This is not about Derek Jeter's prowess with a bat but rather a thank you as we approach 3000 hits to my blog 7200 days......
Considering that there is a very limited audience for this site I am grateful to all who have taken the time to stop by.
I am looking to expand my audience and will be working on this in the next few weeks.
As for the Pope's decision to call it quits- say so long to the Prada Red slippers as you will have to live on a pension in a pensione in the "country" of the Vatican. And by the way what did he think when he was elected at age 78, that this would be a long term assignment? The Church is the one place where a person, long after the rest of us retire, can get a job with very cool shoes and a ______mobile.
Hopefully next time the college will go with someone that was born after WWII.
Considering that there is a very limited audience for this site I am grateful to all who have taken the time to stop by.
I am looking to expand my audience and will be working on this in the next few weeks.
As for the Pope's decision to call it quits- say so long to the Prada Red slippers as you will have to live on a pension in a pensione in the "country" of the Vatican. And by the way what did he think when he was elected at age 78, that this would be a long term assignment? The Church is the one place where a person, long after the rest of us retire, can get a job with very cool shoes and a ______mobile.
Hopefully next time the college will go with someone that was born after WWII.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
It's only words
Tonight the President will offer his state of the union speech. Hopefully he will not drone on too long.
This will be followed by palabras from the newest GOP superstar, Marco (hispanic) Rubio.
And then for good measure the T party representative, Rand Paul or is it Paul Rand will offer his rebuttal of the GOP and Dem. offerings.
and as Mayor Bloomberg might say, "for our Spanish citizens... N O S O T R O S - N O- S O N -
F E L I Z
This will be followed by palabras from the newest GOP superstar, Marco (hispanic) Rubio.
And then for good measure the T party representative, Rand Paul or is it Paul Rand will offer his rebuttal of the GOP and Dem. offerings.
and as Mayor Bloomberg might say, "for our Spanish citizens... N O S O T R O S - N O- S O N -
F E L I Z
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Hunker down
Now that the snow storm of the century ( based on 13 years) has passed, we can all, except those in northeastern CT and on the tip of LI, can come out of hunker mode.
When did we start this hunker thing?
When I was younger and a storm approached we were told to "stay home". Now we have to hunker which causes a run on the grocery stores the day before the event. Coming but a week after the Super Bowl holiday shopping these two weeks have been quite a boon for the chip and other snacks companies.
Despite all the hand wringing and dire warnings of the approaching Nemo, Storm of the Century or Blizzard of 2013, NYC measured 8 inches in Central Park, 16 in Stamford and granted a whopping 38 inches in Stratford CT. not exactly monumental and if everyone had just stayed home, instead of needing to hunker, perhaps there wouldn't be so many stranded cars on the LIE. Apparently Boston also got hit pretty bad, well at least bad enough to show over and over on the weather channel, a wave coming over a retaining wall in Revere MA.
Depending on where you live you may or may not have experienced a Blizzard. To be blizzard worthy, the wind has to blow at a certain MPH and the temp was below a certain mark. Many of the TV alarmists tried desperately to raise the storm to Blizzard status, but it was a stretch.
You can also measure the severity of the storm by how the weatherman is dressed. Jacket and tie, no big thing. No jacket, things are getting interesting, rolled up sleeves, no jacket says I've been tracking the storm all night haven't seen my loved ones and we are in for a whopper. I also noticed that some of the weathermen and women, stayed on the job long into the day and evening. Very dedicated or are they afraid they'd lose their jobs to another weatherperson and there seems to be no shortage of these people?
With the NYC storm a bust the mayor gave a news conference, and despite being all over the TV during Sandy, Bloomberg had the look of, a press conference for this, REALLY!
Now that we are in clean up mode and the hunkering has subsided, the weather channel has moved onto the next earth moving event, and my favorite, Icy Mix, so go out today and let's get ready to Hunker.
When did we start this hunker thing?
When I was younger and a storm approached we were told to "stay home". Now we have to hunker which causes a run on the grocery stores the day before the event. Coming but a week after the Super Bowl holiday shopping these two weeks have been quite a boon for the chip and other snacks companies.
Despite all the hand wringing and dire warnings of the approaching Nemo, Storm of the Century or Blizzard of 2013, NYC measured 8 inches in Central Park, 16 in Stamford and granted a whopping 38 inches in Stratford CT. not exactly monumental and if everyone had just stayed home, instead of needing to hunker, perhaps there wouldn't be so many stranded cars on the LIE. Apparently Boston also got hit pretty bad, well at least bad enough to show over and over on the weather channel, a wave coming over a retaining wall in Revere MA.
Depending on where you live you may or may not have experienced a Blizzard. To be blizzard worthy, the wind has to blow at a certain MPH and the temp was below a certain mark. Many of the TV alarmists tried desperately to raise the storm to Blizzard status, but it was a stretch.
You can also measure the severity of the storm by how the weatherman is dressed. Jacket and tie, no big thing. No jacket, things are getting interesting, rolled up sleeves, no jacket says I've been tracking the storm all night haven't seen my loved ones and we are in for a whopper. I also noticed that some of the weathermen and women, stayed on the job long into the day and evening. Very dedicated or are they afraid they'd lose their jobs to another weatherperson and there seems to be no shortage of these people?
With the NYC storm a bust the mayor gave a news conference, and despite being all over the TV during Sandy, Bloomberg had the look of, a press conference for this, REALLY!
Now that we are in clean up mode and the hunkering has subsided, the weather channel has moved onto the next earth moving event, and my favorite, Icy Mix, so go out today and let's get ready to Hunker.
Friday, February 8, 2013
When will they ever learn?
Hero worship is as American as apple pie.
We fawn over our sports stars as if they were gods. However time and time again we come to find out they are only human with all the shortcomings of your accountant, dry cleaner or lawyer.
In the paper today there as an article about Waiting for Derek. The Yankee poster boy for the sports hero. It seems that before spring training officially begins, in two weeks, Derek arrives at the complex, sounds better than the ballpark, to do something for about 3 hours. The article never said what he does at the ballpark and since there are few other players around, you wonder if he shows up just to be seen.
Apparently word is passed that Derek is on route, security guards ready his parking spot, and the real die hard fans get the buzz that this might be the day that DJ grants them an autograph, from the drivers seat of his auto.
The guards order folks to line up, have their stuff ready to sign and if he should grant you a moment, "Say nothing. He doesn't want to know about your life, so don't ask him about his". All very reminiscent of the Soup Nazi.
The silver Benz with the tinted windows rolls into the complex lot, there is a bit of a stir but everyone is observant of the orders. One person did note as did I that DJ doesn't drive a Ford.
The car stops, the window rolls down and he signs 8-10 autographs. The 11th person having driven, probably in his Ford, from Orlando, is left hanging and disappointed. Right before he leaves, DJ asks are there any kids on the line and 2 young children are brought to see the King. He signs, no "where are you froms" or "why aren't you in school?"
Just Derek being Derek and the rest of us left to stand in line waiting for the next superhuman feat of grown men playing a child's game.
We fawn over our sports stars as if they were gods. However time and time again we come to find out they are only human with all the shortcomings of your accountant, dry cleaner or lawyer.
In the paper today there as an article about Waiting for Derek. The Yankee poster boy for the sports hero. It seems that before spring training officially begins, in two weeks, Derek arrives at the complex, sounds better than the ballpark, to do something for about 3 hours. The article never said what he does at the ballpark and since there are few other players around, you wonder if he shows up just to be seen.
Apparently word is passed that Derek is on route, security guards ready his parking spot, and the real die hard fans get the buzz that this might be the day that DJ grants them an autograph, from the drivers seat of his auto.
The guards order folks to line up, have their stuff ready to sign and if he should grant you a moment, "Say nothing. He doesn't want to know about your life, so don't ask him about his". All very reminiscent of the Soup Nazi.
The silver Benz with the tinted windows rolls into the complex lot, there is a bit of a stir but everyone is observant of the orders. One person did note as did I that DJ doesn't drive a Ford.
The car stops, the window rolls down and he signs 8-10 autographs. The 11th person having driven, probably in his Ford, from Orlando, is left hanging and disappointed. Right before he leaves, DJ asks are there any kids on the line and 2 young children are brought to see the King. He signs, no "where are you froms" or "why aren't you in school?"
Just Derek being Derek and the rest of us left to stand in line waiting for the next superhuman feat of grown men playing a child's game.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Cruisin'
on a Sunday afternoon.
An old Rascals song came to mind last week while vacationing on the west coast of Florida.
We were lunching in St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota when a red Corvette pulled up to the traffic light.
As noted Corvettes are very popular with the seniors, must be that "hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet" mentality that permeates the west coast. Retirees in this part of the country come down I75 from Michigan and stop once the weather gets warm, right around Sarasota. There must be a significant number of GM retirees.
The car was beautiful and was driven by a gentleman of a certain age, probably 65+. I watched as he went around the circle, then saw him again and again and each time he passed as as he drove away I could hear BeeGee tunes including Stayin' Alive, the national anthem of South Florida.
An old Rascals song came to mind last week while vacationing on the west coast of Florida.
We were lunching in St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota when a red Corvette pulled up to the traffic light.
As noted Corvettes are very popular with the seniors, must be that "hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet" mentality that permeates the west coast. Retirees in this part of the country come down I75 from Michigan and stop once the weather gets warm, right around Sarasota. There must be a significant number of GM retirees.
The car was beautiful and was driven by a gentleman of a certain age, probably 65+. I watched as he went around the circle, then saw him again and again and each time he passed as as he drove away I could hear BeeGee tunes including Stayin' Alive, the national anthem of South Florida.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Curl Up with a Book
J takes a great course on at MOMA. The teacher is a curator for the museum and according to her the font of all knowledge. She loves it!
We drive in together on the day of the course and I pick her up afterwards abut 9:30.
Recently I arrived before the end of the class and sat in my car across from the entrance on 54th street. The street has lovely town homes on it and at the end is the venerable University Club, for those who didn't have the grades to get into Harvard or the Club.
As I looked to my left I saw what appeared to be black garbage bags piled in front of a wrought iron and stately picket fence, guarding a mansion. As I looked closer I noticed a pair of eyes staring back at me. It was a homeless women all bundled in bags, her face protected from the very cold night. For all the time I was there, about 40 minutes she just sat, huddled in front of the gate. It was 9:00 at night and an entire night lay ahead. Is this what she does every night and how does she manage in what has become a very cold winter in NYC?
About ten minutes into it a very attractive, well dressed young woman approached the woman and placed a white plastic bag by her side. I don't know if words were exchanged and there was little acknowledgement from the seated woman. The young woman walked away and the bag stayed by her side. About 10 minutes elapsed and the woman picked up the bag and began to look through it. I assume it was food although I never saw the woman eat anything form the bag. I still wondered what would this woman do for the entire night, on the cold pavement in front of a 5-10 million dollar town house. With that she pulled out a paperback book and began to read. She moved the book until she was able to take advantage of the minimal street light, but there she was reading as if she was on the other side of the fence, inside the big house, having just chosen a book form the top shelf of her Library, cuddled by a fire for a cold winters read.
We drive in together on the day of the course and I pick her up afterwards abut 9:30.
Recently I arrived before the end of the class and sat in my car across from the entrance on 54th street. The street has lovely town homes on it and at the end is the venerable University Club, for those who didn't have the grades to get into Harvard or the Club.
As I looked to my left I saw what appeared to be black garbage bags piled in front of a wrought iron and stately picket fence, guarding a mansion. As I looked closer I noticed a pair of eyes staring back at me. It was a homeless women all bundled in bags, her face protected from the very cold night. For all the time I was there, about 40 minutes she just sat, huddled in front of the gate. It was 9:00 at night and an entire night lay ahead. Is this what she does every night and how does she manage in what has become a very cold winter in NYC?
About ten minutes into it a very attractive, well dressed young woman approached the woman and placed a white plastic bag by her side. I don't know if words were exchanged and there was little acknowledgement from the seated woman. The young woman walked away and the bag stayed by her side. About 10 minutes elapsed and the woman picked up the bag and began to look through it. I assume it was food although I never saw the woman eat anything form the bag. I still wondered what would this woman do for the entire night, on the cold pavement in front of a 5-10 million dollar town house. With that she pulled out a paperback book and began to read. She moved the book until she was able to take advantage of the minimal street light, but there she was reading as if she was on the other side of the fence, inside the big house, having just chosen a book form the top shelf of her Library, cuddled by a fire for a cold winters read.
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