Another story of mine has gone live online, so I thought I’d post a link.
I interviewed LaChanze, the star of Broadway’s The Color Purple, for the May issue of Continental. Just click on the link to check it out. Continue reading
Walk On By
1 May
You probably could not have asked for a better day than yesterday for WalkAmerica.
Skies were as blue as possible, with nary a cloud in the sky, temps in the high 50s (or low 60s — weather reports were conflicting), and a slight breeze off the Charles.
I wore my track pants for the first time since I went skydiving.
My company’s team, in typical fashion, didn’t wait to be told “go.” Instead, we left 15 minutes before the official start time.
The walk itself was great; no sweat, as predicted. When most of our group seemed to split up and splinter off into smaller duos and threesomes, Stephani and I stayed together.
We finished the entire six-mile walk in just over two hours.
At the finish line, there was all kinds of food waiting for us (good thing, because I was starved), including delicious cake from Montillio’s (mmmmmmmmmm).
And, to top it all off, I had raised $350 in advance, which will be matched by my employer.
Thanks again to all who contributed.
All in all (despite a minor sunburn), a great day. (Click on the pictures to see a bigger version of each one.)
Reflecting on Copley Square
30 Apr
Over the years, I’ve walked around Boston and taken the same pictures multiple times.
But I don’t think I’ve ever taken these … until today. Continue reading
I Saw United 93
29 Apr
I can’t say I was personally affected by the events of 9/11.
Thankfully, I knew no one who was on any of the four planes, and even though I am originally from New York and know many people who live there, no one I know died in the attack on the World Trade Center.
That said, I was really personally affected by the new movie United 93. And really, it’s hard not to be.
This is top-notch filmmaking, the kind of you-are-there movie that puts you on the plane, in the air traffic control centers, on the seat of your pants, and makes you feel like you were a part of the events of that day.
It all feels authentic, and it takes place in real time in almost documentary fashion, so you feel the dread when simple things happen, like the closing of the plane doors. And there’s probably no moment as uneasy as when the plane actually takes off. Continue reading
How Far Is Six Miles?
27 Apr
As WalkAmerica gets closer (it’s this Sunday), people have begun to ask me if I’m ready (and even able) to walk six miles.
Ha.
Like that’s such a long distance.
Sure, I tell them. No problem. I’ve walked that much in a day before.
But today I got my first reality check: Six miles is about a quarter of a mile longer than the distance between my apartment and my office (at least according to Mapquest), and I don’t ever walk that. Continue reading
Shhhhhhhhh …
27 AprSorry I’ve been so quiet the past few days. Some weeks are just more exciting than others, I guess.
The Coolest Day of the Year
24 Apr
Forget Christmas, just for a day. Tomorrow, April 25, is the annual free cone day at Ben & Jerry’s, or as I like to call it, the most wonderful day of the year. That means even though the temperature is in the 50s, you are obligated to go to your local scoop shop and grab yourself some free Phish Food or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. If you’re like me, you can go from store to store grabbing a different scoop at each shop. (Don’t worry, I’m not really going to do that.) Baskin Robbins usually has their free cone night the day after, but there’s nothing on their web site yet. Stay tuned. When I know, you’ll know.
Walk This Way
23 AprSince it’s one week from today, just thought I’d post another plug for WalkAmerica, in which I’ll be participating next Sunday here in Boston.
As you may know, aside from being a great excuse to walk for six miles around the Charles River, this is a fundraising event to help in the fight against birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. (If you want to learn more, click here to read a recent story from Continental magazine.)
Like so many out there, it is such a worthy cause and I’m looking forward to being a part of this special event. If you are up to it, please help by making a donation. My company is generously matching all money raised by employes, so whether you give $5, $10, $20, $50 or any other amount (and anything you feel comfortable giving is appreciated), consider that doubled. Donating is easy, just click here. Thanks in advance.
Holy War?
22 AprMy friend Kathleen called it my “holy war” yesterday. Whatever it is, today was the day I struck back at Shaw’s and Stop & Shop for overcharging on Passover food. I mean, if they’re gonna mark up this food, which isn’t all that good to begin with and is only necessary for a week, then I’m going to save my receipts and return whatever I don’t use so they can give me my money back. And I don’t know whether it was my 3-day trip to New York, or the fact that I ate not less but smarter during the week, but I ended Passover this year with more leftover (unopened) food than I have in recent years:
* A box of egg matzoh
* Two jars of mayonaise (one extra because I found light mayo at another store)
* Four cans of tuna (two extra because I found them cheaper elsewhere)
* A box of cookies
* A coffee cake mix
All that was worth about $27, which I’m sure I’ll give right back tomorrow when I do my normal grocery shopping, but for now, it’s safe and sound back in my wallet.
Gimme Five (More Years), Katie
20 Apr
Thank God for Katie Couric. Were it not for her this morning, I would never have learned that today is National High Five Day. I’m sure gonna miss that Katie Couric when she leaves the Today show in May. Her cute, sophisticated perkiness wakes me up every day. I love to hang out with Katie and her boyfriend, Matt, and their children, Al and Ann, every morning from 7:30 to 8:30, or whatever times I turn on and off the TV. I sure do enjoy their company while I eat my breakfast. Meredith Viera has big shoes to fill. Bigger even than Star Jones’.
But anyway, today really is National High Five Day, as decreed by a bunch of University of Virginia students. (It’s always the third Thursday of April.) The mission of the day is simple: just give out as many high fives as possible. When you get on the subway, when you see your boss in the office, when you go for lunch, when you get home and see your spouse or roommate, etc. The guys’ MySpace page has a further explanation, and videos explaining the proper way to give a high five are really helpful. That’s all. It’s a simple holiday, simply celebrated.
I’ll leave you to it. Thanks again, Katie, for everything.
Martin's Musings 