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Zig when everyone else is zagging. Be memorable.

Ten years ago, our friends’ daughter was born. A couple hours after the baby’s delivery, Elysha and I sent the happy couple a bouquet of flowers. While on the phone with the gift shop manager, I asked if there was an item in the store that was so ugly or strange that it rarely sold. …

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Mask wearing and excellent storytelling

Have you seen Paul Rudd’s new campaign video to promote the wearing of masks amongst millennials? New York’s Governor Cuomo asked Rudd to create something to promote mask wearing, and Rudd obliged. While a few (emphasis on a few) have criticized the video for it’s shaming of millennials, its parody of youth and black culture,…

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A new way to play Sequence

Charlie and I decided to play Sequence, a complex card game involving strategy and patterns. As we were setting the game up, Charlie found himself holding the two of hearts. “Give me that card!” I said for no particular reason. “I must have the two of hearts!” “Never!” he said. “Are you afraid?” I asked.…

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Tim and Fred get it. My students do not. At least not yet.

One of the first questions I asked my students this year – as I do every year – was an important one: “Who knows who Bruce Springsteen is?” The number was unbelievably, inexplicably, zero. I have my work cut out for me. The problem with music today is that streaming services have turned music into…

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Facebook memories could be kinder and gentler right now

If Facebook had any sense, it would temporarily filter out certain photos on their Facebook Memories feature. Specifically those that depict me performing in crowded theaters, cheering in packed sports stadiums, instructing large audiences at universities, and the like. No, Facebook, I don’t need to see myself standing on a stage in New York City.…

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Do stuff and the universe will present you with birds and so much more.

More universe weirdness: On Saturday night, during my solo show, I told a story about a day years ago when my fifth grade class and I watched a rabbit running for its life from a hawk. The story was chosen randomly by audience members and crafted on the spot. I was given the word “bird”…

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Little kids make me do the impossible

The universe works in mysterious ways. On Saturday night, I told a story in my solo show about doing a back bend after a couple of relentlessly enthusiastic and unbelievably supportive fifth grade girls convinced me that it could be done. I did not believe them until it actually happened. I still didn’t believe it…

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Googling Daddy

Daniela, our super hero childcare professional, sent me this text and photo on Friday morning, which both warmed and broke my heart: One of the unexpected benefits of writing a blog post every single day of my life for the last 17 years, in addition to the many columns, op-eds, videos, Twitter history, and pieces…

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Seeking submissions for my annual list of shortcomings and flaws

Years ago a reader accused me of being materialistic after I wrote about my lack of a favorite number, specifically criticizing me for saying that when it comes to my salary, my favorite number is the largest number possible. After refuting the charges of materialism (which, if you know me, were ridiculous), I acknowledged that I…

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What kind of feedback is Kimberly Guilfoyle receiving?

I can’t help but wonder: Is Donald Trump Jr. and his merry band of sycophants telling Republican National Convention clown Kimberly Guilfoyle that she performed brilliantly despite the objective facts and endless ridicule? “No, Kimberly, it was great. We just loved how you screamed into an empty room like a crazy person.” “Yes, you’ve been…

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