Let me start off by saying, accidents happen. We all have our moments of distraction on the road. Add to that heightened tension due to weather conditions (even if said conditions don’t happen to be a factor at the time, but we’re giving the benefit of the doubt here), and the forces of human nature mixed with Mother Nature sometimes create catastrophic results.
The Blanket
I have a beach blanket; well, to be clear, it’s more of a moving blanket that has admirably served its purpose on the beach, the grass…pretty much anywhere it’s been needed over the last year and a half. Until last Monday.
Talking Points
Discovering The Passion To Do What You Love … This is the topic I selected for my upcoming presentation at the annual C.W. Post Honors Conference, a one-day schedule of seminars and panels, lectures and performances, all centered around a common theme, this year’s being Creative Engagement.
Ghosts of Christmas Past
As I prepare to host my very first holiday gathering – well, any gathering really – in my new apartment this Christmas Eve, I cannot help but reflect upon the many wonderful memories from past celebrations, most of which took place in the comfort and warmth of Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
With the passing of my grandmother earlier this year, there was an immediate sense that this holiday season would be a bit different.
The Light of My Life
Goodbyes are never easy. In fact, they may be among the most difficult tasks we are forced to contend with in life, as we become so used to having those we love surround us, as a part of our world. And when they leave, well, that world comes crumbling down.
A Moment to Treasure
I remember the moment like it was yesterday. Among the sea of caps and gowns, over the illustrious strains of Pomp & Circumstance… there he was, James Gandolfini, sitting one row behind my family at my college graduation. I could hear the buzz building behind me, as people started to notice. Why is he here? Is he speaking? Does he know someone who’s graduating?
The fact that a celebrity was sitting among us was clearly the highlight for the thousand or so graduates on that day, some nine years ago, on the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University.
File Under: Never Again
We’ve all done it. Admit it. You’ve walked into a movie theatre or arena of some sort – one with “No Outside Food Or Drink Permitted” signs clearly plastered on every entrance – smuggling some type of snack in a well-concealed pocket, a purse, under your hat…whatever. Why should you pay an exorbitant price for refreshments when you can surely find something for far less at a local convenience store, right?
It’s a great idea, in theory.
The Customer is Always… Frustrated
They say the customer is always right, and yet… I recently had the pleasure of contacting the DMV regarding an error in the address printed on my registration. Silly me, I had sent the renewal in by snail mail rather than utilize their online services for this one thing, and then had proceeded to wait approximately three weeks for my new registration sticker to arrive.
Of Keynotes & Conquering Fears
Giant sigh of relief. I did it. I delivered a 20 minute (well, more like 10-minute) keynote address in front of roughly 100 high school journalism students and former professors.
And I survived.
Street Smartz
I’m sure we have all heard the expression, “book smart, but no common sense.” It seems slightly contradictory, but quite accurate in many cases.
I can vouch for that.
Speaking of Siri…
A few weeks ago, my friend and I got the bright inspiration to walk all the way to Kismet from the Fire Island Lighthouse. I had been told it wasn’t an extremely long journey, and, timed just right in the early fall, would be quite lovely and scenic.
Well, it was certainly scenic.