In the settlement between Major League Baseball and the Players Union an unfortunate clause was included. It enshrined the Designated Hitter for the National League. The American League has abided by it for decades so it is not unprecedented. But I have always enjoyed the strategy implications of the pitcher batting for himself and the … Continue reading In Memoriam – Pitchers at Bat
In Memoriam
In Memoriam – Stephen Sondheim
The news of the passing of Stephen Sondheim filled me with joy. Not because he died, I'm sorry the world is without him. But because the great joy he gave me as the greatest composer and lyricist of the American stage. He constantly expanded and challenged the music theater art form and we are forever … Continue reading In Memoriam – Stephen Sondheim
Throwback Thursday – the Great American Smokeout
Usually I dedicate my Throwback Thursdays to joyous or quirky memories of the past. Today, not so much. Each year on the third Thursday in November, the American Cancer Society sponsors the Great American Smokeout. This is an annual social engineering event to encourage Americans to stop tobacco smoking. The Great American Smokeout challenges smokers … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – the Great American Smokeout
Personal Memories on the 20th Anniversary of the Attacks of September 11, 2001
Whenever we reach a round number anniversary of a notable event the media pulls out all the stops in their coverage and special editions. I have written previously of my experiences on that date in New York City and will, briefly, here again today. But even before I moved to the Big Apple I often … Continue reading Personal Memories on the 20th Anniversary of the Attacks of September 11, 2001
A Tribute to Dorothy Parker
Today, June 7, 2021, is the 54th anniversary of the death of one of my favorite authors, Dorothy Parker. Most people who know Dorothy Parker know her for her witty bon mots - you've probably heard her most famous - "Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses." One even addressed her eventual demise. … Continue reading A Tribute to Dorothy Parker
Mom and Socks
In the US today it is Mother's Day (remember last week I reminded you to get your card in the mail and your gift ordered?). Hope you did and that all moms have a terrific day today. The exact date of Mother's Day shifts about the calendar as dictated by the Great Hallmark in the … Continue reading Mom and Socks
I still miss John Lennon
Forty years ago today John Lennon was shot as he returned to his home at The Dakota building in Manhattan as he returned from a recording session. It is a loss I still feel strongly today. John's focus on peace, love and unity were cruelly taken away from the world. Today my playlist will be … Continue reading I still miss John Lennon
International Cat Day on a Throwback Thursday!
I do not currently have a pet but I have been owned by several cats. Tops among them was my favorite little guy - Macaroon. I have very fond memories of little Mac. An acquaintance had a cat who recently had a large litter and wanted to give most of them away. I was seated … Continue reading International Cat Day on a Throwback Thursday!
In Memoriam: Norman Nadel
Norman Nadel passed away on October 25, 2010 - you read that correctly, a decade ago. But ten years ago I didn't have a blog so I wanted to take this opportunity to memorialize a great guy ten years out. I started work at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts (since renamed Artis-Naples) in 1989, … Continue reading In Memoriam: Norman Nadel
In Memoriam – Joe Morgan
Big Reds Machine manager Sparky Anderson with second baseman Joe Morgan I grew up idolizing my Cincinnati Reds and through the 1970's they were the greatest team in Major League Baseball. Their amazing second baseman, Joe Morgan, passed away yesterday. He was a powerful hitter for what was a smaller than standard sized player. He … Continue reading In Memoriam – Joe Morgan
In Memoriam: Bob Gibson
When I was growing up, my mom was a Detroit Tigers fan because it was the city where she was born and grew up. When I was ten years old they were in the World Series but my mom taught me respect for the dominate opposing pitcher, Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals. His … Continue reading In Memoriam: Bob Gibson
In Memoriam – John Lewis
It was a great loss to the world when Civil Rights Icon John Lewis passed away Friday night. He was called to the movement early in life and accomplished more than nearly any other man in that pursuit during his 80 year lifespan. He was the youngest speaker at the March on Washington and the … Continue reading In Memoriam – John Lewis
In Memoriam – My Dear Cousin Kim
My cousin Kim Mahoney lost her valiant battle with cancer last week and she is very dearly missed. She was a wonderful cousin and an amazing daughter. She was a valued and loving wife. She had beautiful children and (I think I am allowed to say this here) even more adorable grandchildren. I spend time … Continue reading In Memoriam – My Dear Cousin Kim
A change is gonna come
It's been too hard living, oh myAnd I'm afraid to dieI don't know what's up thereBeyond the cloudsIt's been a long, long time comingBut I know, but I know a change is gotta comeSam Cooke This is different. And that's a good thing. There are many factors that have made the current activism to address … Continue reading A change is gonna come
Celebrate Memorial Day
To all the service men and women who have given their last full measure of service to our nation. To all their families who grieved them. To all the service men and women who have served and who serve today. To all their families who support and miss them. Thank you. As always you can … Continue reading Celebrate Memorial Day
In Memoriam – Fred Willard
I'm a little late to the party celebrating the life of the wonderful Fred Willard, but he wouldn't object. A genial satirist, talented actor and gentle personality he was always a welcome sight on the screen. I first came to know him from "Fernwood Tonight" and looked forward to his presence in so many mockumentaries … Continue reading In Memoriam – Fred Willard
In Memoriam – Brian Dennehy
We lost a great actor yesterday. I've seen Brian Dennehy in lots of screen roles but I am blessed also to have seen his Tony winning Broadway performances. In 1999 he led an amazing cast in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and I also saw him lead an astounding production of one of my … Continue reading In Memoriam – Brian Dennehy
In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
Playwright Terrence McNally passed away from complications of COVID-19 yesterday in a hospital in Sarasota, Florida. He was in the target danger group as he was 81 and had COPD. He was a prolific writer I admired very much and still actively writing. A great loss to the theatre community. He wrote the book to … Continue reading In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
In Memoriam – Kirk Douglas
I'm sure you've heard by now that legendary actor Kirk Douglas passed away this week at age 103. You can find plenty of obituaries recounting his storied career, including "Paths of Glory" and the amazing "Spartacus." But I will always remember a personal chance encounter. In May 2001 I purchased tickets to a Broadway revival … Continue reading In Memoriam – Kirk Douglas
In Memoriam – Terry Jones
I became a fan of Monty Python's Flying Circus back in the 1970's when they were rebroadcast in America on Public Television (my father leaned more toward Benny Hill and The Two Ronnies, but I was solidly Monty Python). A few days ago we lost one of the founders, Terry Jones, and he will be … Continue reading In Memoriam – Terry Jones
In Memoriam – Buck Henry
The great Buck Henry died this week and he will be sorely missed. I saw him perform on Broadway earlier this century in a remounting of "Mornings at Seven" and he was terrific. But I will miss him for all that he created. He was the primary screenwriter for "The Graduate." He teamed with Mel … Continue reading In Memoriam – Buck Henry
In Memoriam – Jerry Herman
A couple of days ago we lost one of our greatest musical theater writers - Jerry Herman. He will be missed but he gave us so many great nights in the theater. All of the remembrances note his greatest works - "Hello Dolly"; "Mame"; and "La Cage aux Folles." They are all amazing and enjoyable … Continue reading In Memoriam – Jerry Herman
In Memoriam – Robert Hunter
As a writer of scripts I admire the crafter of great lyrics. We lost an amazing and prolific lyricist this week when Robert Hunter passed away at 78. If you, like me, enjoyed the music of "The Grateful Dead" you understand his importance to the band. He was one of the most influential and prolific … Continue reading In Memoriam – Robert Hunter
RIP Michel Legrand
Got the news last night that prolific composer Michel Legrand has passed away. I loved his work, especially after seeing his film "The Umbrellas of Cherborg." One lesson you should take from my love for Michel Legrand is that you should always take my show reviews with a big fistful of salt. I gave a … Continue reading RIP Michel Legrand
The loss of Ricky Jay
Magician and actor Ricky Jay passed away this weekend at age 72. He was one of my favorite magician and I will always treasure his performance in one of my favorite movies "House of Games." I had the great luck to see him live onstage at Second Stage Theatre in "On The Stem." It was … Continue reading The loss of Ricky Jay
Walter Thinnes 
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