I met my new nephew today!

Welcome to the world Jonathan Robert Spinner.

Your sweet and beautiful no doubt. Rather well behaved for your young age. You were born to loving, kind and responsible parents. You have a big sister and brother who will grow to be your best friends. Surrounded by terrific grandparents and aunts and uncles who love you.

As you grow up many challenges will come your way. Along with your incredible mom and dad I always want you to know I will be there. I want you to be happy, enjoy your childhood and grow up to be a honorable man.

My sincere promise to you is to improve this world all my remaining days to make it better for you and your generation.

Grow strong, be wise and always make life better for all.

My grammar school friend Maureen!

Whether it be Facebook or some other place in cyber space people are making all kinds of new and sometimes very old connections.

I'm still not sure that's such a good thing all the time. I've bumped into colleagues from almost all my 58 years on this planet. Some of this is really just a different method of dialogue others can be a renewal of childhood memories.

Over the past year I've even reconnected with some grammar school chums. I realize we don't really have that much in common anymore but it's fun to go down memory lane. And trust me I have a great memory.

I remember somewhere around the 5th or 6th grade taking a walking detour home with a sweet and very cute girl in my class named Maureen. I still remember she lived on 112th street a bit out of my way, but I walked her home because she was just so kind even as a kid.

After all this time we met again on Facebook it has been enlightening. I never knew she would move away, live in the country, have a pig and some chickens, marry, raise a family and then see her son make the ultimate sacrifice for his country. How did that little girl get so strong? I look at her photos and she still wears that beautiful smile.

Never did I know watching the busy world go by that some 50 years after that walk home from school Maureen would gently re-enter my life as an incredible inspiration.

Just for the record I bet she has no recollection of that walk home.

So now what???

Well finally the election is over.

Yes the people have spoken. You know "the people". Maybe "We the people" rings some bells. I think it's about time these self erected ego maniacs start to realize who exactly sent them to Washington and what is expected of them.

Here's a starting point start listening and stop talking. How about we start simple, adopt a member of the opposite party and agree to have lunch once a month. Could some common everyday relationships help legislators work together?

Remember our government is a reflection of the people. I don't know about you but I'm not a fighter I'm a lover. It's time for a fresh start, or is it time for some old fashion hard work and respect.

Don't ever forget bigger have fallen.

My mentor is no more!

I found out you were gone this week.

Wow what a rush of memories. It was 39 nine years ago when I met you. I rang the bell at 203 main and Connie O'Brady ripped my head off and said you were in 202. That began my strange relationship with the mostly women of NYU's Bursars office.

My job was for only 2 weeks. Just temp. Strangely you took me under your wing. You brought out the best in me. I asked to stay you made it happen. The details are ours but with good and bad you made me who I am.

Hundreds of my employees, friends and family knew who Miss Devanny was.

Just for giggles when I review a memo or letter I can never forget how you made me cry like a baby that day as you changed my every word, thanks by the way I'm a great writer now.

Just know 39 years later everyone I teach I try to teach like you taught me. I loved and respected you always.