December 30, 2019

Talking to Strangers : What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know by Malcolm Gladwell is a good read. Real interesting.

December 29, 2019

The Mandalorian is great.



Crèche.



Coquito.



Rockefeller Center tree.

December 24, 2019

Release the Kraken! Actually, cleaned squid was out and for $4, I got this beasty. Cleaned it and cut it up.



My decorations.

December 22, 2019

City Center to see Ailey Revealed. A friend was just telling me how great Judith Jamison is and then I come across her picture. She choreographed two pieces: A Case of You and Divining. Ailey's Revelations was the best. Really liked Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham.



The bosom of Abraham reminded me of Mistress Quickly's report of Falstaff's death:
Nay, sure, he’s not in hell! He’s in Arthur’s
bosom, if ever man went to Arthur’s bosom.
Mistress Quickly, in William Shakespeare, Henry V, Act 2, Scene 3.

The original:
And it came to pass, that the beggar(Lazarus) died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:19-31 King James Version (KJV)



$23.50 win!

December 21, 2019

Times Square had a bunch of Broadway show Snow Globes.



Bryant Park is always beautiful during Christmas.



Oyster stew at the Oyster bar.



Killing time before a restaurant visit at AMNH.



$20 win!

December 16, 2019

Perfect score!

December 15, 2019

Christmas shopping starts at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. That's Sam Adams Winter Lager with it.



Santa Con and packed bars.



Perfect score!



Christmas tree time. My favorite decoration.

December 13, 2019

Schwarzbier!



Finally saw Citizen Kane. Ray Collins is terrific in it.

December 8, 2019

Sue, the T-Rex.



Saw Queen and Slim, interesting.

December 7, 2019

In remembrance, Pearl Harbor.



In football, known as "The Turk."

December 3, 2019

A mass today, my wife died seven years ago. I wrote this a couple of months after her death:

"I am still reeling but still following initial Mantras that I gave my two sons, ages 25 and 20: Stay Groomed, Keep up Routines and Stay Busy.

I have kept busy cleaning out the apartment, putting her clothes and shoes (an incredible amount) in storage for eventual donation to charity. I realize that the keep busy part is a coping mechanism. This catches me when I am driving to work or at Mass. The times I have to myself and my thoughts. The grief comes and I almost start crying. I shake it off and deal with it. If you are alone, that is when it comes. Luckily, I go to sleep easily, though sometimes I wake up early and stay up."

Here is an article with strategies on how to cope: Grief

December 2, 2019

Had a colonoscopy this morning, afterwards went right to IHOP. Still good, great blueberry pancakes. Then went to DMV to renew and secure an enhanced license. Was suggested that I sit down I said no, I just had a colonoscopy. The DMV clerk said: "boy, you are into torture today, aren't you?"



I enjoy this movie especially the Love Theme. Olivier does some great stuff here. Jean Simmons is wonderful.

Spartacus and Lawrence of Arabia each start off with orchestras. Also, intermissions with music. Movies don't do that anymore. The Irishman is over three 1/2 hours long and that's the first thing most people mention. Epics!

December 1, 2019

December, welcome back.



Don't know if I will see the movie, but today I read the Esquire article it was based on. Quite inspiring.

November 30, 2019

Credit: Disney / LucasFilm

The Mandalorian Episode IV, channels more Akira Kurosawa than Sergio Leone. Of course, Baby Yoda rules.



The Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie from The Union Square Cafe was delicious.



A Hard Day's Night was a fun romp. Wilfrid Brambell steals the show. He was Albert Steptoe of the show Steptoe and Son, which was the inspiration for Sanford and Son.



Continuing my "I am..." exploration.

VIOLA

No, my profound heart: and yet, by the very fangs
of malice I swear, I am not that I play. Are you
the lady of the house?

Twelfth Night , ACT I, SCENE V

VIOLA

Then think you right: I am not what I am.

Twelfth Night , ACT III, SCENE I



Jack Hawkins and Claude Rains are so good .



Sort of risqué scene where Capt. Patrick Hendry is tied up by Nikki Nicholson. I liked John Carpenter's version better.

November 29, 2019

My usual display after carving.



Nice selections.

November 28, 2019

Happy Thanksgiving!



Mimosas!



The Irishman was fantastic. Joe Pesci is amazing.