Random Pensées

About me

I am not inclined to do one of those "100 things about me" lists or to post out of focus pictures of my left knee here. But, I figure that if you have just stumbled across my blog and are curious about the author, I would provide some details here.

I am in my late 30's. I am a lawyer living in the NY City metropolitan area and I practice in the field of complex corporate litigation.

I am married to a Norwegian woman and we have three children: The Girl Child (aged about 6 as of 1/07), the Boy Child (aged about 4 as of 1/07), and the baby (another boy, aged about 9 months as of 1/07). I write a lot about my children because they are a source of never ending amazement for me.

I speak two foreign languages and have lived in two other countries. I have no idea what this has done for my perspective on world affairs but it has confirmed my staunch belief that the United States of America, for all its faults, is the single greatest country in the world and I am terribly fortunate that my great-grandparents chose to try their luck here. If they hadn't, I have no reason to believe that I would have been any luckier than any of the rest of my European cousins who did not survive the concentration camps. Now that's a heavy thought.

My interests are eclectic and catholic (with a small "c"). I read a lot, love architecture and art history, travel, fine wines and spirits, good eats, fencing, martial arts, squash, international affairs, billiards, and good conversation. I have an ongoing fascination with Africa, the devastating impact of AIDS, and a love affair with the City of New York. I'm a dog person and not a cat person. I added, in January 2005, a bunch of things here, in the context of a self awareness assignment I did with the Girl Child.

I started this blog for reasons I can no longer recall, but I have come to enjoy tremendously the friendships I have made as a result. They are no less real, it seems to me, than the friendships I have with those I see in person. You know who are you are, I hope, without my need to spell it out.

I have no idea what this blog is. If you have any ideas, feel free to let me know. If you just want to get a taste of the blog, I recommend hitting the Best of Me category button.

Finally, I heart comments. Comments are good. Leave some. If you do, however, please note that I require that they be left in a civil, grown up tone. Debate is good, disputes are fine, but do it like an adult. You certainly don't have to agree with me (and it would be boring if you always did), but you must be civil.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

UPDATED ON JANUARY 10, 2007: Originally written back in 2004, we have since added another baby so I felt I ought to acknowledge paternity here and update the other children's ages.

Posted by Random Penseur at April 14, 2004 11:10 AM