A simple question

ROSS — Alan Gordon. You are still with us ……. everyday. What is shinola anyway? Love, Mom, Dad and Chris From the New York Times' In Memoriam, March 21, 2013. (H/T Thom Forbes)

Where to begin? At the beginning ...

Harry Weathersby Stamps, ladies' man, foodie, natty dresser, and accomplished traveler, died on Saturday, March 9, 2013.

Mailman who invented Diplomacy

He wasn’t always socially adept, and it didn’t really bother him. His preferred lullaby to sing his kids to sleep was “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” He might sign greeting cards to his family with the rather formal “Regards, Allan.” But he had a wickedly deadpan sense of humor that kept them in stitches. Once, Tatiana presented him with a Valentine’s Day card that mentioned those “three little words.” “Breakfast served anytime,” he intoned in his deep professorial voice. When he used a label maker to make little signs for objects around their home, he added one that was quirkily endearing. He placed a label above the cat’s bowl, at feline eye level. It read: “It is essential in this life that you be your own cat.” (H/T to Joan Lufrano!)

Calling all birds ...

She knew most of the local birds by their names and knew all their calls, and she was quick to notice a new bird in her yard.

He loved everything about NYC, except ...

SHUCHMAN--Amos, of New York, on February 1, 2013. Beloved and caring husband of Alice Shuchman for 51 years, father of Daniel (Lori Lesser) and Nina (Brian Roth), grandfather of Jacob, Sarah, Aaron and Ariela. Born in Tel Aviv in 1928, fought bravely in the Haganah. Loved his family, his birth and adopted countries, finance, skiing, opera, ballet and biking in Central Park. Loved everything about NYC, except the New York Times. Services at Beth El Cemetery (Or Zarua section), Paramus, NJ, Sunday at 11am. Memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. His fearless heart still beats within all of us. Shalom, Saba. Paid notice in ... the New York Times. (H/T) Jim Romenesko

Took her final bow

East Lyme - Linda Herr took her final bow on Dec. 23, 2012, and journeyed on to her eternal stage. Herr, 72, of Niantic, was professor emeritus of theater at Connecticut College, where she taught for 33 years.

Wondering how she liked her burgers?

Carm was a member of the St. Joseph Church choir for many years. She loved singing and music, especially oldies from WNEW's William B. Williams Show, the WNLC Italian hour and her all-time favorite, Frank Sinatra. She loved people and knew how to make a friend wherever she went. She enjoyed reading James Patterson novels, solving crossword puzzles, watching westerns, playing softball, bowling, rooting for the Yankees, eating medium-rare hamburgers, sipping VO on the rocks and taking trips to places including California, Washington, D.C, Florida, Iowa, Georgia, England and Ireland. Her most favorite vacations were spent in Newport, R.I., enjoying the pubs and restaurants, kite flying at Breton Point, boat rides, picnics and polo matches.