Alison B.

Over the last few days, millions around the world have been talking about the acclaimed Martin Scorsese film and new Netflix hit, The Irishman – a whopping 3.5 hours of acting by Hollywood's most revered. There is, however, at least one real scene from Mafia-time New York, adding to the authenticity of a movie depicting an era all too real.

About halfway through, at the 1:42:22 marker, Robert DeNiro's character, Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran – who had just been shown opening fire at… Show more

Over the last few days, millions around the world have been talking about the acclaimed Martin Scorsese film and new Netflix hit, The Irishman – a whopping 3.5 hours of acting by Hollywood's most revered. There is, however, at least one real scene from Mafia-time New York, adding to the authenticity of a movie depicting an era all too real.

About halfway through, at the 1:42:22 marker, Robert DeNiro's character, Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran – who had just been shown opening fire at Little Italy's Umberto's Clam House, killing American Gangster and the Colombo family's own, "Crazy Joe" Gallo in cold blood, disposing of the murder weapon in the bay and running back to the getaway car – is casually making a bowl of cereal when he takes all but a brief moment to direct his attention to the TV. A news reporter gives a few opening lines about the mobster shooting, before a thick New York accent starts to recount the grisly apparent sequence of events that occurred in the earlier, wee morning hours. Frank is now enjoying breakfast at the kitchen table and looks over at his daughter, Peggy, who is standing disconcertingly in the doorway. Then, the camera focuses on the small Sony Trinitron television on the kitchen counter, and, in dull color, the speaker's seemingly expressionless face.

In fact, it is the first official report to the public, and the stoic storyteller is none other than Albert A. Seedman, arguably the most memorable, revered and unparalleled Chief in the history of the New York City Police Department. For a good many who also watched the news on their analog television sets, listened to the AM radio or read the paper during the city's turbulent 60's and 70's, to those who properly studied the history of the mafia playground, or, last but not least, served in 'New York's Finest' – they witness an unmistakable voice and face. In this story lay a person with a million more.

For Friday, April 7, 1972 was one of quite a few indelible days in an outstanding... Show less

I met Linda, my mother’s neighbor in the 55+ community. Inspired by the passion and generosity not to mention the difference that she has made in the world, I asked her if I could share her story....

I drove for Uber and Lyft for six months this year and more often than not, passengers ask, “how is it to be a driver?”

If you’ve used these ride sharing services, this might have been you.

Well, after only a dozen rides, I was surprised by my very own answer—enlightenment.

This contracting “job” can essentially allow anyone to move anywhere they want. Take me for example: I moved across the country to one of the most notoriously expensive places, the Bay Area, and was able… Show more

I drove for Uber and Lyft for six months this year and more often than not, passengers ask, “how is it to be a driver?”

If you’ve used these ride sharing services, this might have been you.

Well, after only a dozen rides, I was surprised by my very own answer—enlightenment.

This contracting “job” can essentially allow anyone to move anywhere they want. Take me for example: I moved across the country to one of the most notoriously expensive places, the Bay Area, and was able to survive. But beyond this freedom, I realized that people needn’t participate just for the money. Heck, even the “rich” could be drivers. A myriad of benefits beyond daily incoming money transfers await... Show less