Did you read any good books in 2016?  When I pick up a book, I usually know within the first 10 pages if it’s going to take hold and keep my attention.  And, if it does take hold, then I’m in it until the end, meaning I go deaf, dumb and blind to the world until I’ve devoured every page.

On this soon to be upon us day of giving thanks, I find myself thinking of something a guest said during a newsmaker’s panel discussion I watched, in reference to the results of the 2016 presidential election. The panelist suggested, that when we sit down to give thanks this year surrounded by those important to our lives, instead of stating what we’re thankful for, take time to think instead, of what we’ve learned.

How often can we say, “I learned something today?” I’m talking deep down thought-provoking real learning moments.

One of the greatest gifts of Democracy is the right to peaceful protest.  If you live in the US, you can’t escape what’s happening in our country, a division like no other. If you live outside of the US and you’re watching the news you’re probably thinking, what the hell, America?!

Here’s the thing, I really should not be writing a post in my current state of mind.  I am barely functioning after just 3 1/2 hours of sleep, after crying a bucket of tears, and with no nutritional value in my system for the past 22 hours, I am, as I said, barely functioning.

With the election now less than one week away, I find myself holding my breath. This, I promise, is not a political post, but it has crossed my mind in recent weeks to crawl into bed, pull the comforter up over my head and not come out again until November 9.  Is it just me?

I went to the doctor, a podiatrist.  It was my first visit to the clinic and I spent maybe a grand total of 6 minutes actually speaking with the doctor while she performed a very quick procedure.  The cost for 6 minutes of her time? $193.07.  Yes, I know, she has to pay rent, her staff, etc., but seriously, $193.07?! And, at the end of the procedure there was a sales pitch to buy a miracle cream for just $30; $40 if I bought the box set.

The house itself has a story to tell; if only walls could talk. Completed in 1914, the townhouse at 1048 5th Avenue, was originally built for William Starr Miller.  It is a work of art in it’s own right and once thought to be one of the most prominent buildings on 5th Avenue.  Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt III also lived in the stately manor for a number of years after the passing of her husband forced her to leave their 5th Avenue mansion.

Here’s the story of how we saw a live taping of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and how you can do the same. Aside from being a part of the live show, just being in the Ed Sullivan Theater is priceless. Ed Sullivan introduced the Beatles to America on February 9, 1964 and Elvis on September 9, 1956 – those were historic moments in entertainment. And then it was David Letterman’s roost for all of those years.  One theater; if those walls could talk.

Counting the Days

Unless you’ve been living in a cave somewhere in the world, you’re more than aware of the daily headlines here in the US.  And, by daily headlines I mean the never-ending O.M.G. when will it end presidential election.