Monday, September 8, 2025
Time For A Decision
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Records
My old vinyl turntable has a cord attached to a rotating knob that spins the table at 33 rpm or 45 rpm. Lately the cord's been slipping from one speed to the other.
Thus, putting on a record I can't be sure whether I'm gonna hear "The Way We Were" sung by Barbra Streisand or Alvin the Chipmunk. It's kind of a metaphor for my life right now...
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Fact-Checking
There's an interesting article in the new issue of The New Yorker. It discusses the history, purpose and importance of fact-checking in that magazine. The author recalls a time when a famous writer got frustrated by the process of second-guessing and correcting his article. The writer complained to his editor, "Being fact-checked by your staff is like being fucked in the ass with a hot thermos!"
The editor relayed this comment to the fact-checker involved. She replied, "If a thermos is working, it isn't hot."
Ha!
Friday, August 29, 2025
Laufey
Most pop stars aren't musicians: they're attractive young people coasting on others' musical talents. It surprises fans to learn most pop songs aren't written by the cute singers who perform them.
This distinction, between true artists and beauties out front, has long existed. In the 1960s Carole King wrote dozens of hit songs for other singers. She was told she wasn't attractive enough to present them herself. Carole famously refuted conventional wisdom with her breakthrough album, "Tapestry." But that was during the Seventies, when social (and commercial) norms rapidly changed.
It's a delight to discover new pop stars who are actually talented. One is Laufey (pronounced LAY-vey). Laufey comes from Iceland where she was a classical musician before writing and singing her own songs. Her tunes are infused with catchy jazz riffs and classical music knowledge. Her voice is remarkably sweet and melodic.
Laufey is on the path to stardom. Keep an ear out for her.
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Another Season
I'm pleased to announce I signed for another season with the NJ Devils.
The team says they're looking for someone physically tough to generate presence on the ice. My agent pointed to my play last Spring, asserting I'm "one hardy motherfu... who always come out swingin' and survives every battle." Terms were acceptable to both sides.
Bring it on.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Are We Not Men?
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
New Clothes
When you reach my age you think about things you haven't done -- and consider doing them before it's too late. Especially when you've had a NDE (Near Death Experience) you realize time is short so get movin' now.
Propelled by these thoughts I just splurged on something I've always wanted and never had: a bold double-breasted suit. From the time I first started shopping for suits in my 20s I admired these sartorial splendors but felt they're too flashy for practicing law. That inhibition is gone now, however, as I just completed my final legal task last week. I decided to use the fee earned from that job to pursue my dream of a snazzy suit. I ordered the pinstriped suit and shoes shown below from my favorite clothier, Paul Frederick.
Obviously my goal is to become a boulevardier like my literary/sartorial idol, Tom Wolfe. Not only was Wolfe the best writer of the last century, he dressed with brio and aplomb. Those are qualities I'm reaching for with these clothes. Expect to see me in them at our next meeting. :)