Dick Tracy et al
Whenever my son Peter has to go for a long ride alone in his car, he asks me to keep him company. I usually go with him. It always turns out to be an adventure. One of the reasons is that we always talk or fight about something bizarre.
A Musical Legacy
I love J.S. Bach’s Cantata #54. Widerstehe doch der Suende. Translated it means something like “Stand firm against sin.” It’s for an alto voice. I read that the late Canadian pianist Glenn Gould who made a video of it with counter-tenor Russell Oberlin, wanted Barbra Streisand to do it with him. It never happened. Either […]
Understanding and Belief
Many years ago, I had a computer store. Every so often, a Rabbi named Balfour came in to have his computer serviced. Whenever he did, he always wanted to discuss religion. I told him, “Frankly Rabbi, you’re wasting your time with me.
Loosies and the Price of Eggs
I went into a supermarket where the price of eggs not too long ago was around a dollar a dozen. I was stunned that the price of a dozen was eight dollars and there was a limit of four per person. Limit of four? I could barely afford one dozen and would hope something would bring the price down.
Skiing
I started skiing in my late twenties. Some of my friends, having recently returned from military service decided to ski and I, knowing nothing about it except seeing some in newsreels, decided it might be fun. At the beginning, it wasn’t.
THE PLANETARY LINEUP
I got interested in astronomy as a kid about seven years old. My grandfather, who lived in the same building as we did, got the first volume of the Wonderland of Knowledge, an encyclopedia which was being advertised in the NY Daily Telegram.
Winter Thunderstorms and the Colonel
My dog, who is panicked by thunder was hiding in my office this New Years Eve. She has learned that my office, with no windows, mitigates the thunder claps. Winter thunderstorms are rare but it reminded me of my meteorological past.
Find Old Friends
I emphasized not to wait too long or you’ll find their obituaries instead of making contact. Time has a way of flying by. Some time back, a close friend sent me this poem which I’ll pass on in the way of encouragement not to put it off. It’s called “Jim Died Today” and was written by an American writer Ken Nesbitt.
The Police and Drivers
I understand the dangers of driving. I’ve been driving for 75 years. But in my opinion, the police are altogether too preoccupied, almost obsessed with speeding and downgrading the other violations. Driving 35 in a 25 mile zone is not as dangerous as not stopping at stop signs, pulling out of driveways without looking, not using directional signals and let’s not forget the leaves.
Black Friday Deals and Other Crap
There must be too many people out there with money they don’t need. Richard Pryor once said that drugs are God’s way of telling us we have too much money.