Pay It Forward

The other day I decided to have some "shopping therapy". That is a time when I actually don't need a thing, but every so often, due to various issues or stresses, I take the day and go to the mall. I turn off my phone, I go into a zillion stores, and shop till I drop. Usually, I come away with nothing or just an item or two. But,at the end of the shopping expedition, I have cleared my head and I am ready to face the world again. It's easy to spend small amounts of money these days since all the clothes look they came from third world countries! And if I see one more "jogger pant" or tie dye sweatsuit, I might actually vomit. But enough commentary on fashion and back to my story. As I was entering the mall I noticed a young(er) (than me) woman who parked in a handicapped space. She had several packages and a cane. As she started walking towards the entrance, I noticed it was not easy for her to balance the cane and negotiate her packages with her unsteady gait. I ran over to her and asked if I could help her get to her destination. She was so incredulous (and probably a bit suspect that a stranger would approach her to help. But, she was also very grateful and accepted my offer. When I found out her destination was pretty far from where she had parked, I was so happy that I could help out. Walking slowly and deliberately, we chatted. Now all she had to manage was her cane. As I carried her items, we exchanged names and other details about each other. I found out that she is a resident of Newark and had been in law enforcement there. I thanked her for her service and she told me that her injury was a traumatic injury related to her job as a policewoman. She had been blessed and lucky to have kept her leg and said she was doing the best she could. When I got her settled at the store, she said "Miss Debie, I want to thank you for all your help" and we said our warm goodbyes. As I walked away, my heart was bursting and my mind was swirling. This was, in fact, a day of much needed therapy for me. First and Foremost, it reminded me how blessed my own life is. Secondly, it illustrated how the smallest act can make the biggest difference to someone. You don't have to be rich or powerful to make a difference in people's lives. There are many ways to be helpful besides being charitable with money. What acts can we all do as an ordinary person to pay it forward? 1)Spend some time with the elderly-visit someone in assisted living, the hospital or a neighbor down the street. Often when I visit with my mom at her assisted living facility, I stop and chat with some of the residents. Many of the people do not have family close by and rarely have visitors. They love to tell you their stories. Talking with them makes them feel that someone cares; that they matter; and it always puts a smile on their faces. 2)Give your seat up (on the subway, train, or bus) to someone who needs it more than you do. 3)At the grocery store, "loan" people money if they don't have enough for all the items they have on the counter. 4)At the local coffee shop or drive-thru burger spot, Pay for the people in front or behind you "just because". 5)Many times through out the year, I write notes to the Assisted Living Facility my Mom resides in, a club I belong to, a salon, a Doctor's office, etc. These notes are written to the owners, doctors, or powers that be in praise of their various members of the staff (by name). More than once this recognition has resulted in a promotion or pay increase for an individual. And believe me, that can be life changing and motivating. 6)Take your leftovers from a restaurant and offer to hand them off with a couple of dollars to a homeless person on the street. 7)Welcome a new neighbor with dinner or some baked goods. 8)Drive an elderly neighbor to the Doctor or store. 9)Visit and play with animals at a pet shelter. 10)Donate clothes and toys to a homeless shelter. 11)Hold the door of an elevator or open the door for the person walking in front of you or behind you. Opportunities exist everywhere and everyday-You just have to look for them and most of all, you must be willing to help a total stranger. Not only will this brighten someone else's mood, but it puts you in a great mood as well. The thrill of paying it forward it that you do something really good for someone who did not at all expect this act of kindness. Winston Churchill said, " We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." PEACE OUT-ONE B HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

FEBRUARY DIVERSIONS

Looking for ways to fill your time on these cold winter days and nights? Here we go... PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO WHILE EXERCISING OR DRIVING SMARTLESS-Hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett banter with a special guest each episode. The guests are funny, but the hosts are hilarious. Start with the Stephen Colbert interview and then listen to Conan O'Brien's. LITERALLY-Rob Lowe also does interviews with famous people. Lowe is bright, engaging, and a great interviewer. Who Knew? He interjects great stories about his life while doing interviews. Listen to Tiffany Haddish first. Then, go on and listen to David Crosby's interview. MOVIES THE TENDER BAR-This is my movie pick of the year. Loved every minute! Surprisingly, Ben Affleck gives an outstanding performance. George Clooney directed this coming of age movie and did a fabulous job. Don't miss it! Available on Amazon Prime. THE POWER OF THE DOG-Directed by Jane Campion. This is a slow moving dark story with great character development. Have patience, and stay awake, because it's actually quite good. Starring Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst, and Benedict Cumberbatch who all give stellar performances. Available on Netflix. HOUSE OF GUCCI-Ridley Scott directed this movie and I loved every minute! The movie has gotten very mixed reviews. Gaga, Al Pacino, Jared Leto and Adam Driver give fabulous performances. Gaga deserves an academy award for her amazing portrayal of Patrizia Gucci! Totally entertaining flick with great fashion and scenery. Available on Amazon Prime. MUNICH THE EDGE OF WAR- Europe is on the brink of war and the plot is about the 1938 Peace Agreement between Germany and England. The story is relayed from the viewpoint of the Prime Minister of England and two former Oxford graduates. A combination thriller and historical drama, it's not completely accurate. That being said, I liked it. Jeremy Irons as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, gives a strong performance. Available on Netflix. LICORICE PIZZA-Paul Thomas Anderson directed this 1970's movie set in the San Fernando Valley. The movie got decent reviews, which I can't understand. I couldn't wait to see it, and yet, I was totally disappointed. It's disjointed and goes nowhere. For me, the only redeeming part of the movie was the awesome soundtrack featuring David Bowie, Donovan, Sonny and Cher, McCartney, Nina Simone, and Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood. And, Cooper Hoffman (Phillip Seymour Hoffman's son) does an excellent job as the star of the film. Only in theaters. DON'T LOOK UP-A dark satire about climate change and an impending comet that will destroy the earth. Despite its all star cast, the reviews were not great. Climate change seems to be quite controversial these days! I thought it was terrific and highly entertaining. Do not shut the film off till it is COMPLETELY done with the credits. The film has two additional scenes which are very funny and they occur about 15 minutes after you think the movie has ended. Totally recommend. Available on Netflix. THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH-Joel Coen directs this rendition starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand.Great reviews and an Oscar contender. I haven't watched it yet, but supposedly Coen has provided us with one of the best versions of this story. The characters are multi-layered; the black and white cinematography perfection; and his interpretation of the story is gettting raves. Can't wait to see it. On Apple+. SUNDOWN-Away on a family vacation, a call comes in telling the family a tragedy has occured and they must return home. Tim Roth stars in this film that delves into selfishness and nihilism. I'm curious. In theaters only. WHAT TO BINGE ON TELEVISION If you haven't watched YELLOWSTONE, start! You will not be disappointed! Costner and his supporting cast are terrific. Paramont +. If you are a fan of YELLOWSTONE, then you should tune in to 1883 which is a prequel to Yellowstone. Real life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill star. Haven't watched it yet. Also on Paramont +. Getting good reviews. OZARK-Season 4 is out and I loved it! Julia Garner is the new "it" girl these days. She is phenomenal! Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are terrific and I strongly recommend this series. This is the only series my husband has ever watched with me... that's saying a lot! On Netflix. INVENTING ANNA-Shonda Rhimes created this series which is being released on February 11th. The plot is about Anna Delvey, an heiress, who stole money from the elite society of New York. Julia Garner from Ozark stars as Anna. On Netflix. THE WOMAN ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW-Kristin Bell stars in this funny comic thriller. Bell is mourning a loss and drinks too much. Bad things happen-did she really see something or did she imagine it in a drunken stupor? Watch and see! I liked it-entertaining. On Netflix. THE GILDED AGE-Christine Baransky and Cynthia Nixon star in this 1880's period piece. Old money versus the noveau riche, poverty, unemployment, sexuality, and corruption are themes they explore. So far it is excellent. HBO Max. AND JUST LIKE THAT-the Sex and the City cast return but now they are in their 50's! So much fun to watch. SJP looks great and her wardrobe is beyond.... Poor Big...Poor Steve...HBO Max. AS WE SEE IT-An interesting series on the lives of young adults on the spectrum. The issues they have navigating their feelings, their jobs, and their friends are very realistic and compelling. Excellent. On Amazon Prime. HOW I MET YOUR FATHER-Hillary Duff stars in this sitcom about a group of friends. Kim Cattrall didn't return to AND JUST LIKE THAT but she shows up here! Cute,silly,mindless,and easy to watch. On Hulu. SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS-Created by Mindy Kaling, this sitcom follows four 18 year old roommates at a college in Vermont. Kids will love it. And, if college was one of the best times of your life, then I am sure you will love it too! Such fun....HBO Max. THE OFFER-Coming in April. Al Ruddy's series on the making of The Godfather. Armie Hammer dropped out due to his sex scandal and Miles Teller takes his place. Has an all star cast and looks intriguing. Paramount+. HACKS-One of the best shows of 2021! Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder have such great chemistry as a Las Vegas comedian and her 25 year old comedy writer. Each episode surpassed the previous one. Season 2 coming soon. HBO Max. THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL-Season 4 will drop February 18th. Everyone loves this series. I wasn't as enamored with season 3. The series was repetitive and couldn't top it's first 2 seasons. We'll see. Amazon Prime. SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE-Bridgett Everett and Jeff Hiller star in this quirky comedy drama. You will either love this or hate it-no in between. I happen to think the Everett and Hiller are exceptional. Heartwarming and sad all at the same time. HBO Max If you don't feel like binging, there's always the Winter Olympics starting tonight! And then the Superbowl o February 13th! Now you will need some nourishment for the Superbowl...Pizza or Sloppie Joes? Pizza recommendations: Sloppie Joes Tony D's-Caldwell Town Hall-Home of the Original! South Orange Angeloni's-Caldwell Nana's Deli-Livingston Star Tavern-Orange Tony Boys-Livingston Arturo's-Maplewood Livingston Bagel-Livingston Razza-Jersey City Aquila-Little Falls Nonna's-Florham Park Mamma Dags-West Orange Santillo's-Elizabeth Desserts Nola's-Garwood Blue Steel-Bloomfield Palazzone 1960-Italian Pastries. Wayne DP's-Garfield Crowley Cupcakes-(Snickerdoodle)Madison Pizza Vita-Summit Montclair Bread Company-(maple bacon donut)Montclair The Committed Pig(red velvet fried oreo)Summit Sugarlip Donuts(Mr.Cook E. Crunch)Madison Sorrentos-(everything!)East Hanover Saltedbakeshop.com-(yummy cookies)West Orange Donut Plant-(best donuts ever)New York Happy Valentine's Day! PEACE OUT-ONE B

LIES AND LAUGHTER

Originally, I planned to write this blog on the power of laughter. I WILL get to that, but my attempts at thinking positive thoughts have been interrupted by a nagging issue that eats away at me. Something has changed in our society. My question to all of you: Why has lying become acceptable in our country? What happened to our sense of morality? Why do we not value honesty anymore? Why have alternative facts(lies) become the norm? From the earliest age, we are taught to tell the truth. My parents told me that no matter how bad I thought the truth was, they would never punish me if I was honest. But today, fearing the consequences of lying no longer seems to have any impact. I am not just referring to politics. To me, this is solely about our expectations of society's behavior. Telling the truth is not an unreasonable expectation, nor is it unattainable. So why do people lie? There are many reasons: Preservation of self image or reputation, avoiding embarrasment, protecting ourselves from punishment or harm, and finally, for either financial/educational/or professional gain. Possibly, the only time lying might be acceptable would be to spare a friend or family member's feelings. Even then, it is questionable at best. "An honest enemy is always better than a friend who lies." I guess what is most disconcerting is that we, as a country, seem to be less concerned with knowing or believing the actual facts, and we are increasingly nonchalant about lies. George F. Keenan, counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Stalin's Moscow warned us of the power held by lies. He said, "in the case of many people it is possible to make them feel and believe practically anything. No matter how untrue something might be for people who believe it, it becomes true." In order to understand his statement, one has to look no further than the scientific facts about covid vaccines and climate change, the actual photos of the January 6 Capitol Insurrection, or the final statistics of who won our recent presidential election. No matter how difficult the truth is for you to hear or accept, reality is always preferable to falsities and delusion. Friedrich Nietzsche said, "I am not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on, I can't believe you. I hope there will be a shift in our country's values. This is not an atmosphere in which to raise our children and grandchildren. Something MUST change....soon. (And, as a total unrelated comment: shame on you, Justice Gorsuch-google it!) Now, more than ever, our country's current challenges, burdens, and difficulties have exacerbated our desire to live joyfully. We need to seek every opportunity to laugh. The wonderful thing about laughter is that it just destroys any kind of system which divides people. Mark Twain said, "against the assault of laughter nothing can stand." Humans have one really effective weapon against stress and anxiety-and it is the ability to laugh, it is our spiritual warfare. We know that laughing enhances our intake of oxygen; and it stimulates our lungs, muscles, and heart. It increases endorphins released in our brains and also improves the immune system. It will keep us healthy and young. So, surround yourself with friends and family who provide comic relief. Watch a funny movie or listen to Kimmel's opening monologue. Play with your children and grandchildren or your pet-they always make us smile. Dr. Seuss was right when he said, "from there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere!" "Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: ALL OF THEM MAKE ME LAUGH." PEACE OUT-ONE B

MUSIC IS THE WINE THAT FILLS THE CUP OF SILENCE

The other day I was driving and while stopped at a red light, I witnessed a young woman singing (windows closed)at the top of her lungs. As the radio blasted, her face exuded sheer delight. She seemed to be in ecstasy. Her happiness was contagious, and it immediately put a smile on my face. I began to reminisce and remembered that as early as five years old, I have loved to listen to music and I have loved to dance. I still do! Everyone who knows me, also knows, that as soon as the band starts playing, I am the first on the dance floor. Therefore, my table is usually situated as close to the band as possible! At a concert, I am up from my seat and dancing along with the music much to the chagrin of the surrounding audience! My love of rock and pop music began with American Bandstand and Dick Clark. I would tune in each day with my (much!)older sister. As the music started, I would grab the den curtains and utilize them to stand in as my dance partner. I have to admit it was quite a visual! "Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music." George Carlin From the earliest age, as soon as I got into the car, I played the roll of DJ in search of the best song- and, to this day, I still erratically flip the stations from the Beatles, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Todd Rungren, Buffalo Springfield, Sinatra, Allman Brothers, Cindy Lauper in a matter of seconds. I am frantic to find what is the best song playing RIGHT NOW! "On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty miles more if you have the right music very loud on the radio." Hunter Thompson Another passion is watching television musicals and attending original and revival Broadway shows. When I was too young to attend Broadway, my favorite television movies starred Fred Astaire. Astaire's sinewy body showed off his incredible fashion sense. His style and grace, in combination with his immense dancing and singing talent could mesmerize me for hours. He is one of the greatest dancers of all time, and two of my favorite films are Top Hat and Daddy Long Legs. If an Astaire movie comes on, I must watch from beginning to end. All t.v. musicals entice me - The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Music Man, Gypsy, Little Shop of Horrors, Mary Poppins, Fame, Dirty Dancing..... I could go on forever. Nothing gives me greater joy than singing along with each and every song from these musicals. " Music is the universal language of mankind." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow We can all agree that music has the power to lift us up, refresh you, energize you, feed the soul, and cure what ails you. It seems we are most content when we can pursue the things that make us feel fully alive. Music is that 'thing' for me. So, when I became old enough, my parents would regularly take me to Broadway Shows. At $25 a ticket, it was reasonable to take your family often. An ideal outing for me was getting gussied up, attend a great musical, and then end our day with dinner at Van Rapoport's Spindletop on West 47th. A double sirloin for two was a mere $16!! My love of musicals expanded once I started this ritual of going to Broadway. My epiphany was that I could look around the theater and see how the power of music would somehow unite all types of people from all over the world. We could differ on everything, but when Jennifer Holiday brings the house down with "And I am telling you", we all have the chills from that outstanding performance in common. A special song has the ability to elicit the fond memory of your first kiss, the first day of middle school, walking down the aisle, your wedding dance with your father, or the birth of a child. Because Broadway has been dark due to Covid, I spend time in my car listening the the radio or at home listening to old albums. I love Pop and Rock and Roll. That scratchy sound of the needle on the record player is oddly calming to me. Joni Mitchell, Prince, Sinatra, Buffalo Springfield, Bruno Mars, the Beatles, the Turtles, Traffic-they all fill me with delight. Music brings me peace, and has washes away the stress of the day even if just for a few minutes. I wonder how music can sometimes make me ache, and yet at the same time make me feel so good (think Adele). "Music makes the world to round Music makes you feel the groove Music makes you feel glad Music makes you higher than skies above Music turns your darkest night into blinding light" The Hamiltons Debie's Top Broadway Performance picks: Jennifer Holiday in Dreamgirls 1983 Cynthia Erivo in The Color Purple 2016 Sammy Davis Jr in Golden Boy 1964 Ann Reinking in A Chorus Line 1977 Ben Platt in Dear Evan Hansen 2016 Mary Martin in The Sound of Music 1961 Raul Julia and Sheena Easton in Man of La Mancha 1992 HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR! DANCE LIKE NOONE'S WATCHING! PEACE OUT-ONE B

"GET THE STRIFE OUT OF YOUR LIFE"

Okay-I admit it. I am a huge fan of Joel Osteen! Yes, I am a Jew. But, I am not a religious Jew. Nor do I believe that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. How did my fondness for this preacher come about? I am a news junky. I never leave the house on Sunday mornings whether it's Winter or Summer. I must watch all the political morning shows and finally at 11:30, when they all end, Joel Osteen magically appears on my television! This attractive pastor (not so young, but looks very youthful) always starts his sermons with a joke and more often than not, they are very funny jokes. He is also a great story teller. So now, he gets me hooked with the amusing joke or story, and I go on to listen to his sermons. All sermons have themes, and sometimes Osteen's themes are just mediocre. But generally, somewhere within the sermon, he offers advice that speaks to me, and helps me navigate towards positive thoughts for the day. I'll get to all that in a minute-First, I need to address my close relatives and friends who are totally appalled that I could like this man! They point out that he didn't open his church to those in need during winter floods and hurricanes. They insist he is a grifter that takes money from those who don't have money to spare. They rant that he is a Capitalist over a Christian. That he is not a spiritual leader but rather a cross between greed and religion, etc. etc. This may all be true, but it doesn't impact my new habit of listening to him each day for a few minutes on Sirius in the car! I can ignore the above criticisms and ultimately, I find him to be more helpful and hopeful than any hour long session with a shrink. I feel uplifted, happy, and more optimistic after a few minutes of listening. So what is his mass appeal? And, specifically, why does he appeal to me? For me, he is merely a motivational speaker with a religious bent. He is not overtly religious and is more ecumenical. I easily ignore the religion aspect. He delivers messages of hope during our bad times: such as the covid pandemic, death, sickness, money issues, and relationship issues with spouses or relatives, and betrayals by friends. In essence, he has figured out a way to market religion to a wider audience. He doesn't call people sinners or judge you for wrongdoing. He doesn't instill guilt or fear. Rather, he talks more about morals and integrity. He doesn't scold or insist you repent for mistakes. He is the ultimate optimist. He wants us to rid the negativity in our lives. Prosperity for him is peace, feeling blessed, and being able to pay the bills! He teaches me to let go of the strife and the stress and move toward a productive outcome. He teaches me to compromise with those that matter to me; to make allowances for the sake of keeping peace; and not to keep a record of every mistake. He preaches that strength and weaknesses complement and complete each other. And, yet He also suggests we let go of the people who bring negativity into our lives, which is often hard to do. We should have acceptance without expectations which is also not an easy concept for me. And finally, he ends his sermons with a "SAY IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT"! I love that!! All this may seem like hooey to you and I understand why. He may seem disingenuous and I certainly understand that perspective too. But, for me, those few minutes in the car each day, when I'm stressed out about a work issue, a friend problem, a family health situation, or whatever else-Joel Osteen has the ability to calm me down. He makes me take a breath, and gives me a little chuckle at the same time. He's like an edible with a shot of vodka...mellow and pleasurable simultaneously. PEACE OUT-ONE B `

WHAT BOOKS HAVE MADE A LASTING IMPRESSION IN YOUR LIFE?

I have always loved to read. I used to read 4-5 books a week. I consider books my friends. I am very hesitant to loan out my books in fear that you will never return them, and that causes me great anxiety. I do not own a Kindle, nor do I want one. I need to dog ear my pages and underline sentences that speak to me. In my opinion, books are like going on a fantastic voyage to a far away place. You don't have to leave your chair, yet you can travel to the unknown and explore infinite emotions. I often go back and look at quotes I have underlined and it brings me right back to the story. Unfortunately, for various reasons, I have not had the attention span to read lately. Between losing my dad, divisive politics on the news all day long, Covid, and caring for an ailing Mom; reading has not appealed to me. In order to begin reading again, I need a book that will literally grab me on the first page. In the past few years, I have started so many novels and put them down never to reach for them again. This is so unlike me. I ALWAYS finish a book. But, I just haven't found one that will once again lead me back on the path of devouring a book in one day. My earliest memory of a book and still one of my favorites, was Harold And The Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, written in 1955. Harold, a curious little boy, has the power to develop a world of his own just by drawing it. He uses his imagination to create beauty and excitement. I loved this concept. His use of an oversized purple crayon to satisfy his imagination and curiousity, is exactly how books act as my own purple crayon! As I got a bit older, Shel Silverstein was a book of poems that I often read. Ther are so many wonderful lessons for children. I especially loved this quote: "Do a loony-goony dance 'cross the kitchen floor. Put something silly in the world that ain't been seen before." He's saying don't conform. It's okay to be different, and to think outside of the box. Dare to create what has not been done before. Today, there is so much pressure on kids to conform to be accepted. This little ditty tells you to have fun; be proud of who you are; and don't be afraid to try new things! Don't give in to peer pressure. Middle School and High School took me to a new level. There was Catcher in The Rye, The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, On the Road and Howl. Jack Kerouac's book, On the Road, is considered to be one of the best novels of all time, but it was met with shock at the time of it's release. The story is about two friends who embark on a road trip of North America. Another brilliant "Beat Generation" writer was Alan Ginsberg who wailed against capitalism and societal expectations. His book of poems sums up the generation's disdain for conforming and tradition. Everyone I know has read Catcher in The Rye! J.D.Salinger's book is about a boy's expulsion from his prep school and he narrates his story from a mental institution after suffering a nervous breakdown. Through his narration, he relays how he tries to connect with many types of people, but always fails due to his lack of maturity and his attempt to delay adulthood. As I matured, I realized my love for literature was much more about the cadence of the writing and how the words were written. For me, the plot is often secondary. I like getting lost in the dialogue and reading a sentence that places me directly into the situation. Writers that I really loved reading were Harper Lee, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Updike and Tolstoy. Published in 1960 and a Pulitzer Prize winner, To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic of American Literature. It takes place in a small southern town, and is narrated by an 8 year old girl named Scout Finch. The plot explores human behavior focusing on the themes of kindness, hatred, racial discrimination and compassion. Lee's characters and writing should be cherished always. John Updike, who may be my favorite writer of all time, wrote a series of "Rabbit" books. A double Pulitzer Prize winning author, he explores middle class suburbia and the male psyche. The series starts out with Rabbit Angstrom, a "waspy" has-been high school basketball star. He hates his job, and is in a loveless marriage. He runs away from it all, drinks, has affairs, and suffers a few health scares. Updike's brilliance is in his spectacular writing. Phillip Roth and Updike are often compared and similar. Of different religions (Jewish and Protestant), they present common themes of male desires and angst. Their prose is opulent and I can't get enough! As for F. Scott Fitzgerald, it just doesn't get any better. Tender is the Night and The Great Gatsby are two books I have read over and over. Although Gatsby was a commercial failure at first, critics often refer to it as the "great American novel". The two books have some similar themes of materialism, searching for human fulfillment, and idealism. Fitzgerald's phrases are lyrical and poetic. He is a joy to read even if his stories are somewhat dark. Tolstoy is a very different writer from the others. Anna Karenina was a life changing experience for me. First, you need gumption to get through this huge book. But once you do, you will be so satisfied. Anna is a beautiful wealthy woman and mother, in yet again, another unhappy marriage. So, of course she escapes by having a tempestuous affair with Count Vronsky. Themes throughout the novel are love, religion, judgement, mental health, politics and isolation. Tolstoy's characters have so much depth and complexity, that you become intimate with each one of them.The writing is so superb you are totally absorbed in the story. Tolstoy has you hooked with the first line of the novel: "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Finally, some of my all time favorite novels that I read once I was married were Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy, Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, and Atonement by Ian McEwan. Prince of Tides was so well written that it was very sad to finish the book. Conroy writes covers 40 years of the life of the main character, Tom Wingo and his sister, Savannah. Conroy's prose is pure perfection. I wanted to underline every sentence in the book. I would stop and read the lines out loud because they were so beautiful and descriptive. For example, "A family is one of nature's solubles; it dissolves in time like salt in rainwater." Foer's novel, too, was incredible. I remember at the end of the novel, I literally stood on my bed and cheered! The plot is about a young man who sets out to find the woman who may have saved his grandfather from the Nazi's. This was not an easy book to read. Foer's debut novel is so well written. His humor is profound and heartfelt. And, it's hilarious and heartbraking at the same time. LOVED! Donna Tartt's book was talked about by everyone at the time it was released. I am always hesitant to read what others rave about. Generally, the book never lives up to everyone's accolades. However, in the case of this Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction, I have to say I was utterly impressed. You may stay up all night to read this book. The plot is about a young boy living in New York who survives an accident that kills his mother. The book delves into the art underworld. Tartt's prose is elegant, her characters are sublime and the plot is mesmerizing. If you have not read this, I am jealous that you will be picking this up for the very first time. It is a magnificent novel. In Atonement, Ian McEwan wrotes about WWII England and a young girl who misinterprets her older sister's love affair with the family's gardener. Give the book a chance-the beginning might not be something you love, but the ending of the novel is unexpected and brilliant. If you are a lover of beautiful prose, you will enjoy reading McEwan. Upon reflection, I think a great book starts conversations. A great book develops a connection between the reader and the characters. A great book has you lose yourself in the story, and you are sad when you reach the last page. Often, great literature provokes us to think and see things that we never did before. I think a great book has you remembering and thinking about it long after you have finished it. So tell me, what was your most impactful novel? Wishing you all a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING! There is lots for all of us to be grateful for. PEACE OUT-ONE B

I Love You, Terry Bradshaw! You Rock!

Well everyone, this was supposed to be an intellectual blog about the books that have been life changing. But, I have been sidelined (get it!) by the recent stories about Nets guard, Kyrie Irving and the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers. Always an insomniac, I have watched many many appearances of Terry Bradshaw on late night talk shows. Let me be very honest. I am not a football fan, and I know nothing about the sport. But I have always gotten a kick out of watching Terry Bradshaw on Letterman and Leno. One of the greatest football players of all time, he is chock full of personality, as well as athletic ability. Bradshaw pretends to be stupid. He's not. He is always able to play the comic foil to his co-hosts whether he's guesting on late night or commentating a football game. He makes me laugh out loud. Even now, when I watch him on The Bradshaw Bunch, I find him to be funny and endearing. Maybe I relate because he, like me, always tells it like it is. He is the voice of reason. So, what is the definition of a team player? A good teammate is someone who works towards common goals for the entire team. A team player doesn't have hidden agendas, compromises when needed, doesn't keep important information to themselves, and doesn't put their teammates in jeopardy. Bradshaw was a good team player. But Aaron Rodgers is not. Here is a guy who has a four year 134 MILLION DOLLAR contract. This is his profession. This is how he makes a living. What would possess him to put his life and his teammates lives and jobs at risk? Getting the covid vaccine ceases to be a personal choice when you become part of a professional team. You are now not only putting your teammates at risk, but you are putting the referees, the trainers, the coaches, and your families in danger. In my opinion, it's bad enough that he refused to be vaccinated. But to lie about being "immunized" was the unforgivable act. Terry Bradshaw nailed it when he said that "it would have been nice if he'd just come to the Naval Academy and learned how to be honest. Learned not to lie. You lied to everyone." Instead Rodgers took ivermectin which does not create an immune response to covid, because it is primarily used to treat parasites! Clearly he wasn't protected! News Flash-he didn't miss the game yesterday because the NFL didn't allow him to play (because he hadn't been vaccinated). Rather, he missed the game because his deworming meds didn't prevent him from getting COVID. He has Covid!!!! Truthfully, I am glad they lost the game without him. But I would've been happier if they had WON without him. HAVE AT IT, Jordan Love! Get out there and show the world what you've got! I'm sorry you didn't knock everyone's socks off, but soon.. In the meantime, Prevea did the right thing by severing their relationship with Rodgers. State Farm should've made the same decision. This man lied and doesn't deserve endorsements. Why has lying become acceptable? What type of example does this set for our children and grandchildren? It is NEVER okay. He should be suspended and financially penalized. I won't even get into Rodgers misquoting Martin Luther King. Just ridiculous...And while we're discussing this, the management of the Packers are also at fault for allowing Rodgers to say he was "immunized" and allowing him not to be masked indoors. They too, should be held accountable for perpetrating these lies. Now I'll comment on Kyrie Irving. The situation is different in that he didn't lie. At least he was honest. He just refused to get the vaccine. Believe me, I consider this completely unacceptable for a professional basketball player. Not getting vaccinated cannot be a personal choice in these situations. This is pure bullsh-t. As I said above, when you are on a team, and make your living as a professional-you must follow the rules. If Irving truly loves basketball and respects his teammates, he would get the shot. One of the reasons James Harden and Kevin Durant were attracted to the Nets was because of Kyrie. He got them there, and should be standing with them. He is draining the team's chemistry. I am shocked that the players union is not mandating all players to be vaccinated. Yet, All the referees must be vaccinated!How can that be? Kyrie Irving has taken selfishness to a new level. But, Harden and Durant are two superstars that can carry the Nets. They are playing well. Truthfully, I hope they continue to win without Irving. And I wish Pepsi, Nike, and Foot Locker would discontinue their partnership with him. He doesn't deserve endorsements if he doesn't exhibit the qualities of a team player. Currently, the players on the Green Bay Packers and the Nets are refraining from voicing their opinions on Rodgers or Irving. But, mark my words. Let's wait until the season ends. Let's see what their final records are. I can promise you that players will comment on all of this once the season is over; especially if they don't come out on top. Then this silence will come to an end. PEACE OUT-ONE B