I know I’m very late to the game on this book, but I recently listened to the Michelle Obama memoir, Becoming, and am completely obsessed anew with her. Damn - how far we have fallen in terms of the quality of FLOTUS… The book, originally published in 2018 with the audio released that same year, … Continue reading Becoming friends with Miche
Category: Events
We may have the Yankees, but Massachusetts has Tanglewood
It’s been a few years since I found myself on the lawn at Lennox’s beautiful Tanglewood, a reality that I state with great regret. My visit there Labor Day weekend was a tremendous reminder of how superior Tanglewood is to any other large outdoor venue within an hour’s drive of Albany. Yeah, I said it. … Continue reading We may have the Yankees, but Massachusetts has Tanglewood
A few things on my radar this month…
This first September of freedom retirement contains a number of events that I’m happy my less committed calendar will allow me to attend. While I’m unable to do all of them* I absolutely will be hitting at least a couple of these happenings. Let’s begin with a Back to School night that everyone can get … Continue reading A few things on my radar this month…
I will always love you
The news of Dolly Parton’s death arrived as I left my hair in a pile on the floor of a salon in San Francisco. It was surprising news to hear, but not completely unexpected. She was 80 and had lived a remarkable and full life. We should all be so fortunate. I would never claim … Continue reading I will always love you
Unsporting
Last month, as the Knicks raced towards their first NBA Championship in 53 years, they hit only one major bump, an orange one in fact - Donald J Trump. His presence at Game 3 at Madison Square Garden created an unwelcome distraction and, as I imagine it, a wave of negativity. He shifted the energy … Continue reading Unsporting
Mermaid Parade ➡️ Mermaid Avenue
You know how summers sometimes get dubbed with a name, “hot girl summer” or “brat summer?” Well, as far as I’m concerned, Summer 2026 is Mermaid Summer. And I’m here for it. Last weekend’s adventures were Brooklyn-centric but, for my second Mermaid event in a week, the destination was northeast - North Adams, MA and … Continue reading Mermaid Parade ➡️ Mermaid Avenue
Weekend in Brooklyn and, at last, the Mermaid Parade!
Considered by some to be the official start of the summer season, the Mermaid Parade has been drawing crowds to Comey Island for decades. Since I first heard about it from a former student, I’ve wanted to attend this annual Coney Island event and Saturday, I finally got there. I left Albany on the 8:15 … Continue reading Weekend in Brooklyn and, at last, the Mermaid Parade!






