During one of my final semesters at C.W. Post, I was assigned to come up with a program concept for my TV Production class, one that would be filmed and broadcast on the college’s television channel at a later date. Thus was born “Rants & Raves,” a smashing success of a debate/talk show – complete with a live studio audience – which lasted one entire half hour. I don’t believe it was ever broadcast, actually, nor was it picked up for another installment. 

Imagine that.

Have you ever noticed that some people walk just about as inconsiderately as they drive? I can’t tell you how many times, just in the last week alone, that I have been almost run over by a careless pedestrian – either on the street, in a store, in a hallway...

Grocery stores are my absolute favorite. Because there, not only do you have the individual person to contend with, but his/her wobbly, out-of-control shopping cart as well. 

…There used to be a ballpark where the field was warm and green
And the people played their crazy game with a joy I'd never seen
And the air was such a wonder from the hot dogs and the beer
Yes, there used a ballpark right here…

- Frank Sinatra

As I write these words, Yankee Stadium has closed its gates at the corner of 161st Street and River Avenue in the Bronx where it has proudly stood for the last 85 years.  While the countdown clock may remain infinitely frozen at “1,” we all know it won’t be quite the same experience next season when we cross the street to take in our first game at the new ballpark.

How many times have we all been admonished not to talk to strangers? On countless occasions, I’m sure.

While this advice surely has its practicality, it also limits that human contact which is so integral to living and learning. Should we talk to every random person we happen to encounter on the street? No, of course not. But anyone with even a hint of decent judgement should be able to ascertain the difference.