How reminders of our mortality make life worth living — Right next to me sat Jeff in fourth grade homeroom, and we were always cordial to each other. He was shorter than average, I was taller; he was demure, I was a loud mouth. His Mom hosted the Cub Scouts in their suburban Chicago home, and I remember their basement…

Why the next phase of the Israel-Hamas War will be even worse — Feeling thankful and relieved about the hostage release over the past few days is understandable. We’re of course glad for them and their families, but the negotiations came at a price far beyond the ceasefire. “Operation Al Aqsa Storm” is a textbook example of asymmetrical warfare. Unable to ever win…

At least we didn’t argue about politics and religion — A snippet of family conversation around the holiday table: Mookie: Soo won at poker, again. Nicky: Did you cheat? Soo: Fair and square! Vinny: Beginner’s Luck. Nicky: We’ve played a thousand times, dumbass. Soo: I’m hungry. Vinny: Winner pays. Soo: For what? Mookie: Let's order in! Nicky: Well considering you…

More unsolicited old school advice as we wait for the 5:33am train into NYC — Sixth in a series of conversations I had with Tom da Lung Eyelund Carpenta as we waited for our early morning commute into Manhattan… “Youse went ta Texas fer Tanksgivin’?! Holy Christ dey got da West Nile virus down dere! Boy, dey trew you right inta da heart of da…

What happens when you take two gefilte fish out of water — Howie & Mookie visit the renowned Oculus transit terminal and high end shopping mall in downtown Manhattan… Howie: What a dump! Mookie: These people have absolutely no idea what they are doing. Howie: I don’t see a single tailor shop, grocery store, or delicatessen. Mookie: Where’s the hot dog stand? …

Writing down our nocturnal stories helps us remember them — I’m thankful for having dreamed dozens of smiling elves in colorful Jedi robes and determined RD-D2 astro droids rolling to and fro, catered to every desire as I lay in bed dreaming, my enthusiastic minions delivering boxes of new LEGO models, willing and voluptuous super models in various fantasy costumes…

A father/son exercise in either/or with no good answers — A fun conversation around the time of the 2016 Presidental election: Nicky: Would you rather be stuck on an island all by yourself, or with a bunch of assholes? Mookie: By myself. Nicky: I’d be lonely. Mookie: Might be worth it. Nicky: Would you rather be poor on Earth, or…

More unsolicited old school advice as we wait for the 5:33am train into NYC — Fifth in a series of conversations I had with Tom da Lung Eyelund Carpenta as we waited for our early morning commute into Manhattan… “Wonderin bout my luggij, an what happened to da rollers? Dat’s my extra shit fer dis new gig I just landed in Lung Eyelund City! Youse…

We’re losing our minds & our compassion as the world burns — The Magic Word & Intoxicating Spell An accurate stereotype of Jews the world over is that we embrace robust debate. Coming from a Talmudic tradition steeped in chavruza, we love to gather in friendly groups to analyze and argue about everything from history to politics, business to art. …