I was on line in the bagel store and noticed the fixtures in the ceiling. Video cameras in the bagel store. I wondered why. I hadn't heard of any robberies. Was the owner keeping an eye on the employees?

I woke up this morning feeling like I had a horrible nightmare, feeling like I'm mourning the death of my closest friend. But to have to accept the fact that it's reality is a nightmare itself. No one knows the pain that the media & unwanted opinions from the public has caused my family. To make us relive a moment in our lives that we regret everyday is a horrible thing.

Along with what seemed like a good part of the neighborhood, we had no internet service today. Let's not talk about why, and how frustrating it was. Instead, let's talk about how far we have come in a short time.

That envelope that the doctor's receptionship keeps with all the cash co-pays, and that I contribute my $30 to each visit, I wonder if the doctor just snatches that at the end of the day as he is putting on his coat and leaving the office.  That's a nice little bunch of lunch money.  

Joan Rivers passed away this week. She was 81 but with plastic surgery she looked a lot younger albeit different.   I remember her signature catchphrases "Can we talk?" and "Grow up!" She broke ground for female comedians. Her quick comebacks, sharp wit and biting humor was never out of style.   She made millions on QVC, was on the Tonight Show 72 times, and kept reinventing herself. A true pioneer and a funny lady. She always made me laugh.   Did you find her funny?

Rather than having coffee or lunch dates I favor the 5 o'clock drink at the Friars Club.  Not only is the mood "lubricated" by alcohol, but many interesting folks wander into the Lucille Ball Bar to add to the cheer and mix. Last Thursday I met with two venerable Gotham members at the Friars and was surprised when neither ordered an alcoholic drink. I enjoyed my Patron on the rocks with a lime twist while they imbibed soft drinks. No matter how hard I pushed they refused to have an alcoholic beverage.

Like many others, we are back from an end-of-summer vacation. Last week, we were at one of our favorite places -- Martha’s Vineyard -- to which we have returned almost every summer for many, many years.   When we go to MV, there’s a “Happy Ferry” which takes you to the Vineyard and a “Sad Ferry” which takes you back to the mainland.