One Year After The Journey Ends

One Year After The Journey Ends

Posted by: on Apr 18, 2020 | No Comments

One Year After The Journey Ends

The American Flag that covered my dad’s casket, which now sits in my house.

A Journey’s End – Day 6 – The End

Posted by: on Apr 17, 2020 | No Comments

A Journey’s End – Day 6 – The End

Celebrating his 93rd birthday. This is the last picture of my dad that I have.

A Journey’s End – Day 4

Posted by: on Apr 15, 2020 | No Comments

A Journey’s End – Day 4

This is the photo of my dad that sits on my desk, so I can see him everyday.

A Journey’s End – Day 3

A Journey’s End – Day 3

Posted by: on Apr 14, 2020 | No Comments

A Journey’s End – Day 3

Such a proud grandpa!

A Journey’s End – The Prelude

Posted by: on Apr 12, 2020 | No Comments

Honeymoon Daze!

A Journey’s End – The Prelude

IraSez…in the Twilight Zone

Posted by: on Mar 26, 2019 | No Comments

IraSez…in the Twilight Zone

Before I get to the point of this one, here’s a little background info. 10 days ago, my 94-year-old father, who lives in Florida, was taken to the hospital for the 2nd time in the last 2 months. When you get to be that age, one thing leads to another and another, and he’s got a few issues at this point.

Cars For Christmas

Posted by: on Nov 23, 2017 | No Comments

Cars For Christmas

Before I rant, let me start by saying I’m Jewish…in case you don’t know. During the holidays, I like to say that I have my own brand of faith – Jews For Christmas. It goes beyond the traditional Xmas eve dinner celebration of movies and Chinese food. I like the decorations…I like the family time….I like the festive atmosphere…and the list goes on.

Dear Right Wing Religious Types

Posted by: on Nov 15, 2017 | No Comments


Dear Right Wing Religious Types

I have a question for you. What the fuck were (and are) you thinking? Oh, I’m sorry. Does the f word offend you? Well I guess the word hypocrisy will as well because you all are a bunch of religious hypocrites.

Let’s look at the facts. You, the religious right, were major backers of Trump during the republican primary season. So you picked a man who has been married 3 times and actually cheated on his first wife with the woman who would become his 2nd wife (I know, I saw it). I guess your idea of family values was the more families the merrier. No sanctity of marriage issues?

As for his 3rd wife, you, the religious right, talk about chastity and purity. How about nudity?

I guess y’all find no issue with the fact that our new first lady has many assets, all of which were on public display many times for the world to see.

You tout his success as a businessman. I (and many others) call bull shit! The world of Trump is littered with his businesses he has bankrupted, his own and other businesses; filled with businesses that he didn’t pay or just sued until they had no more money to pay their lawyers. Don’t believe me? Spend a week in and around Atlantic City, a place where he once had 4 casinos, all of which went bankrupt, and you will find many people who think Trump is a dirty word.

But what’s worse about this whole thing is that you still back him when the man has shown no piety at all; he shows no humility; and he has shown no ability to lead on many of the core values The Bible (the old or the new one – take your choice) teaches – feed the hungry, heal the sick, help those who are in need.

Those who are in need do not get food, do not get healthcare, do not get help from those who are more fortunate than they (the same ones who are getting those tax cuts). You know who gets his help? The rich, the top 1% who are now in-line for a tax cut, exactly what they don’t need.

You state to all of America that you are red, white and blue patriots but you support a man who infuriates our allies, snuggles up to a murdering tyrant, belittles his opponents and has done nothing to deserve your religious like devotion. You say you have faith and believe in a man who walked on water, yet you support a man who walks all over those less fortunate than he is. Now what would Jesus say about that?

Taken Too Young

Posted by: on Aug 29, 2016 | No Comments

Taken Too Young

I am sure we all have had this experience. A family member, friend, neighbor, colleague, business associate, etc., someone close to your age, passes away unexpectedly. Suddenly it puts life into perspective.

A couple of hours ago I got “that” call. One of business associates/vendors I had been working with passed away. Someone I’ve known and worked with for over 20 years, my age and he’s gone. Yes, he needed to lose weight. Yes, he smoked but to think I saw him last week and he was gone today. Reality just sucks on a day like today.

Even though we were not socially friendly, I will miss Brian every day I sit at my desk. I remember 20+ years, when Monarch was just a couple of years old, we worked on one of first full color jobs. FYI, today almost all our jobs are printed in full color, but 20 years ago full color printing was not as easy or cost efficient as it is today.  We called Brian to help us through that process. It was the first on many times I would rely on his expertise and customer service to help us out.

Many years ago, one of my clients called me “the last of the old time salesman.” He appreciated the fact that I came running when he called. I did not (still do not) rely exclusively on email and the phone to take care of my clients. Brian was more than that. He was a mensch (especially for a big waspy guy). Always happy to stop by when called, always putting in that extra effort, always willing to share his knowledge when we had issues.

I never met Brian’s family but we constantly swapped stories about our kids. He knew that I loved college sports, so he was always keeping me up-to-date on his daughter’s track career at Villanova. I think it gave extra pleasure telling me these stories, while surrounded by Orange in my office.

Brian, you were taken from us too young. Once the initial shock of all this goes away, I will celebrate your life, all the time you helped me professionally and the stories we shared. Rest in peace my friend. Rest in peace.

The Fears of My Father

The Fears of My Father

Posted by: on Jun 14, 2016 | No Comments

The Fears of My Father

A happy grandpa on his 90th birthday

This August, my dad will be 92 years old. He landed on the shores of France 72 years ago this month, shortly after D-Day and was part of the occupational forces in Europe serving in Patton’s army. He is a member of our country’s greatest generation and fought the war to end all wars…or so he thought.