Archives for 2022

This is the title of a lengthy article I read on MyJewishLearning.com.  Born as Erich Weisz in Budapest, Hungary in 1874, Harry Houdini was raised in Appleton, Wisconsin, where his father served as the rabbi of a synagogue.  In the interest of time let me summarize the highlights for you:
Harry Houdini’s father was a Rabbi.  Harry loved magic and became a magician. 
I Hope you enjoyed the condensed version.

Back to my college days, late 1960’s, early 1970’s; the Vietnam War Era.  “Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came?” was the mantra of antiwar protesters. It was pasted on billboards and bumper-stickers throughout the United States and the world.

I never understood the connection between war and sex but it must have been effective as in 1973 Nixon pulled out, ending U.S. direct involvement in the war.  Anti-climactic and confusing but it got the job done!

Now firmly entrenched in my seventies I find greater comfort in my routines.  My desire for excitement is still there but on a day to day basis a routine gives me a focal point from which to measure progress and pleasure…whatever that means?
For those of you in my generation who feel the same or my legions of younger readers that wish to build a firm foundation for future retirement I share this as one possible course of action.

I awake very early, a carry-over from when I lived on the west coast and worked for Coastal Training, based in Virginia, three hours ahead of me.  The first thing I do while still in bed is stretch and resolve to do something extraordinary this day; to make a difference in the world.  I am then able to get another hour sleep, waking in time to eat and sit around the balance of the day.

This is the kind of life-affirming help not available to everyone.   No charge for my friends.

“One of the most influential scientists in history, Isaac Newton laid the foundation for modern physics, developing the laws of motion and the theory of gravity. A lifelong philosopher, he was committed to seeking out simple truths in our complex world.”

His search for simplicity ended with his development of arguably one of the simplest and most elegant taste delights in existence today; The Fig Newton! 
Who but a world class scientist could have imagined unbleached flour, figs, high fructose corn syrup, sugar and partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil combined would render such ambrosia?  (I think the partial hydrogenation is the science part).

A grateful world says “Thanks, Isaac!”

“There will be a rare “planet parade” show in the early morning sky this month. From left to right, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible in a row just before the sun rises, beginning today. The last time all five aligned this way was in December 2004, according to Sky & Telescope magazine.” (Be sure your subscription is up-to-date). 
“The mornings of June 4 and June 24 will provide two of the best shows, the outlet reports. On the 4th, grab your binoculars before sunrise and find a spot with a clear view to the east.  The five planets will still be visible to the naked eye on all the mornings in between — just remember to set your alarm early.”

For those who are, like me, true scientists, you are most likely perplexed by the obvious baffling question: If we can see the 5 surrounding planets, why can’t we see Earth as well?  Bewildered as I am, the excitement of this vision will have me up and out pre-dawn with my binoculars.  
Perhaps someday science will catch up with me and provide answers to all my brilliant questions on the mysteries of life!

“Today marks the beginning of Pride Month in the United States, a yearly celebration of LGBTQ+ people and history. The month dates back to the Stonewall Uprising in New York City on June 28, 1969. The next year, activists wanted to honor the anniversary of the uprising and so organized a march to Central Park with the theme “Gay Pride” to fight against shame and stigma. Since then, it has evolved into a month-long celebration involving parades, parties, and more.”

We should all feel good about opening our hearts and minds to accepting everyone as they were created.  If this or any part of the LGBTQ+ movement toward equality and pride bothers you, take heart.  I am sure the world already knows what a scumbag you are based on any of a thousand other things you do.

(P.S. If you are now ranting “Oh yeah, are we gonna accept serial killers, pedophiles and sanction marriage to sheep?” then you have already proven my point Tucker!)
Have a nice month!

They sat down at a booth and looked in amazement at the other patrons, all of whom they recognized. There was Kim Kardashian, her elderly mother Kris and all her sisters including Kylie and Kendall.  At the bar was Kanye West, Sarah Palin, the MyPillow guy and Rudy Giuliani.  At a big round table in the center of the sleazy watering hole sat Will Smith, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Charlie Sheen.  Stuck in a corner with their hands suspiciously moving around under the table were Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity.  There were scores of other familiar faces that they just could not put a name with but all had the one thing in common, that “I’ll do anything for fame and money” look on their faces.
Did I mention the name of the bar?  It was the Tavern on the Who Gives a “Rat’s Ass” About Any of These Publicity Seeking Drones?

… Even with no motive to be false, it is very hard to say the exact truth.” — George Eliot.
Sounds like she was describing our 45th President.  Actually, pretty much anyone in politics but he has raised lying to an art form.

What?  You missed it?  For Shame!

Jody Serling, the youngest daughter of the genius behind television’s greatest moments including The Twilight Zone, Requiem for a Heavyweight and Patterns.  
Jody and I have history but that’s a tale for another time.  You may read about it in detail in my soon to be published (perhaps) autobiographical memoir,  “A Life so Rich” in which I detail the many unknown adventures of a Renaissance Man, destined to change the world from behind the scenes, never attaining the wealth and fame he so richly deserved; stuck in the vortex of emptiness as the cash and fame were sucked up by the carnivorous Kardashians, leaving nothing for others in their wake.

Back to the Serlings; Happy Birthday Jody!  And if you haven’t seen the film version of Rod Serling’s “Requiem for a Heavyweight” with Anthony Quinn, Jackie Gleason, Mickey Rooney, Stanley Adams (I knew his son) and Julie Harris, you missed the greatest performances of a masterwork ever captured on film..  Madame Spivey as Ma Greeny alone is worth the price of admission. 

Yes, for “Old-Timers” I am reviving my search for words and phrases that bring joy such as these from the past: Fetlock, Parabola, Nougat and In Flagrante Delicto!
(I will give you a moment to compose yourself).
Today’s Word:  Trapezoid
Sure, we all know it’s a quadrilateral plane figure having two parallel and two nonparallel sides.  But let’s delve a little deeper and ask the two important questions on everyone’s mind:

• What do we really know about Zoids?
• And do you need to “trap” them or will they listen to reason and turn themselves in?

Inquiring minds want to know.