Being Real

Being Real

This one’s harder for me to write, because this one involves some pretty heartfelt feelings and some hints at facts I’m reluctant to share.  But heck, despite the wishes of at least two women I can think of off the top of my head, I somehow was inscribed in the Book of Life for at … Read more

Rescued Again?

Rescued Again?

Got a call from an old friend, we used to be real close Said he couldn’t go on the American way Closed the shop, sold the house, bought a ticket to the west coast Now he gives them a stand-up routine in L.A. Lately, I’ve been humming Billy Joel’s inspiration lyrics in my head a … Read more

Putting The A La Carte Before The Horse?

Putting The A La Carte Before The Horse?

For decades I was blessed with the opportunity to help one of the most prolific sales and marketing teams in television history with providing ammunition for aggressive negotiations with cable and satellite providers.  When we’d conduct objective consumer research, we’d frequently be faced with the reality check that, time and time again, they’d clamor for … Read more

High Time We All Got Hopping

High Time We All Got Hopping

I listen to podcasts and news almost constantly, one of the “fringe benefits” of living in a city already obsessed with self-indulgence that has reached new heights of isolation in the era of the ENdemic.  My algorithm has me alternating between both extreme progressive and extreme alt-right viewpoints, as well as plenty in between.  My … Read more

An L Of Their Own

An L Of Their Own

Thirty years ago Penny Marshall produced what she would later describe as her most satisfying film, a poignant look at the World War II era All American Girls’ Professional Baseball League called A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN.  With the likes of the imposing and stunning Geena Davis and a vulnerable Tom Hanks as leads, not … Read more

Does America Need An Intervention?

Does America Need An Intervention?

I got some disturbing news this week about a good friend’s sister, who was fighting for her life and undergoing emergency surgery to replace her spleen as well as to treat many other injuries.  Sadly, as it turned out the cause of those injuries was this woman’s, for lack of a better word, boyfriend. As … Read more

Happy Birthday?  Screw Me?

Happy Birthday? Screw Me?

As my former research lab buddy Norman Lear wrote earlier this summer when he celebrated his 100th birthday, “Well, I made it”.  I’m nowhere near Mr. Lear’s age today, but I’m closer than I was 24 hours ago. Just to reassure you, I share the sentiment of the second line of his op-ed:  “I wake … Read more

Moving Closer To Free-dom

Moving Closer To Free-dom

I was under the weather when I woke up yesterday; I hand’t been able to hold down any food or water the night before.  As a result of the gastric bypass I had two decades ago, plus subsequent surgeries since, I occasionally can develop these issues if a small piece of food gets trapped in … Read more