There’s a superstition in Russian folklore that believes leap years are harbingers of death and bad luck. Well, I’m not a particularly superstitious person, but so far the year is not off to an auspicious start. At least not for those of us who are music or film/theater lovers. We lost two titans, and I’m … Continue reading
Author Archives: Astrid Cook
Another New Year Brings More of the Same and Hopes for Something Different
I admit I love the new year. I loathe the holidays leading up to it, but there’s something psychologically empowering about January 1st. I wrote about this in my novel, being a “resolutionist.” Every year I set out to clear my mind of distraction and hunker down and accomplish something for a change. Sometimes I … Continue reading
Send Lawyers, Guns and Money: There’s a Teenager in my Apartment!
With apologies to Warren Zevon… I wish I could say it came by surprise, but the past few months have been a precursor to the inevitable: My second child is now a teenager. Because of the large age gap between my two kids, I have had a teen-free home for a couple of years now. … Continue reading
The Yule Awakens: 15 Holiday Movie (or TV) Treats to Feast Upon
So, I was going to write about The Force Awakens this week (in case you haven’t noticed, I am – per my usual – getting an early start on the New Year’s resolutions; I didn’t want to jump the gun with this announcement, but my hope is to publish every Sunday or once per week … Continue reading
Food Subscriptions: What Are They Good For?
Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz—not to mention strategically placed Facebook ads—about Blue Apron, one of the biggest players competing to deliver “meals in a box” to time-strapped consumers who have time neither to shop nor to cook. While there are others competing in this emerging business model, Blue Apron recently received $200 … Continue reading
Celebrating 75 Years in the Life of John Lennon
This past Saturday, Madison Square Garden played host to an amazing line-up of bands celebrating the spirit—and, of course, the music—of John Lennon. The former Beatle was gunned down almost 35 years ago (tomorrow will mark that less-than-auspicious date), which made the timing of the birthday celebration (John would have turned 75 on October 9th) … Continue reading