34 Comments
Jun 18, 2023Liked by Michael Estrin

Michael, you know I love your Larry stories. Thank you for the explanation on why you don't want to write the book. I never thought of it that way. I truly wish I had been able to spend more time with your dad. I know it was a while agao, but I am sorry for your loss.

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Fantastic! If I recall, comparing yourself to the Sultan of Oman, or dropping Sultan of Oman in reference to someone really important was something people said when I was a kid. Did Bob Hope use that as a one-liner in one of his shows? I swear I've heard it before. Or, you know, #simulation.

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It could be a simulation, not sure. I doubt this episode made it into Bob’s standup since he wasn’t doing a lot of new material by the time the first gulf war rolled around. That said, I’m not exactly an expert on Bob Hope jokes, so maybe??

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Jun 19, 2023Liked by Michael Estrin

The gift from the Sultan was great, but you probably did miss the chance to have the first bar mitzvah in Oman since the Jews were wandering in the desert for 40 years.

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It's true! Total missed opportunity. I should add, though, my dad did run this by our rabbi, who thought the idea was totally nuts.

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Jun 18, 2023Liked by Michael Estrin

The story wouldn’t be worth $10,000 to an average person, but Larry doesn’t sound like an average person. I love these Larry remembrances.

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Thanks for saying that! One thing I have in common with my dad is that I wouldn't have taken the cash either. I mean, money is nice, but it's boring. A story is always more fun, in my opinion.

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Thank you for sharing Larry, what a freaking gem!

For the first time in a long time, I got to see my dad in my dream last night. So from one kid without a dad to another, this was received and enjoyed with so much love.

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Thank you, Emmy! I know that feeling all too well. For about a year after I lost my dad, I didn't see him in my dreams, unless it was a nightmare. But after about a year, he started making regular appearances that were so happy I almost didn't want to wake up. But I did wake up, of course, and when I did I actually felt good, like we had just had a visit. Here's hoping you have more dreams like that!

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Oh I love that so much. Here's to hoping! <3

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My first Larry story. What a guy! Don’t knew why it took me so long to her this especially since I’m a paid subscriber. I guess you’re right man, people don’t really go digging in the archives.

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For what it’s worth the way I present them on the website isn’t obvious. Sorta falls under the heading of if you know, you know. The first episode of the podcast is also a Larry story.

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I haven’t been able to get into podcast the way have been in the past because of the little one. Making my way though!

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Yeah, you need to keep your ears open. No podcasts for you until Myles heads off to preschool 😁 but don’t worry, I’ll have a ton by then, so you can binge.

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Larry sounds six thousand kinds of brilliant. That paper is worth more Rolexes than can fit on a human arm. Great stories.

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Too bad your dad didn’t invite the Sultan to your bar mitzvah. It would have been epic! Estrin the Peacemaker!! And the Sultan could enjoy a nice halal pastrami on rye with mustard.

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Now that would’ve been an amazing story!

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I LOVE LARRY

This is the best story and the best joke

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Thank you, Chris!

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Thank you Michael, you and your father made my day. Larry's humor and yours is priceless. Thank you for sharing that story.

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Thank you, Judith! I’m so glad this piece resonated with you!

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Jun 18, 2023Liked by Michael Estrin

I love this story! Relationships with Dads are special. I loved my Dad and miss him dearly. He took me hunting with him and I learned about the ways of the woods and the animals that live in the woods. I also learned how to drink to excess and smoke like a chimney, lessons that I eventually unlearned. Despite those bad habits I still loved my Dad and his way of telling a story.

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Thank you, Norman! I’m so glad this one spoke to you!

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Jun 18, 2023Liked by Michael Estrin

This is amazing.

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Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one!

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Incredible from start to finish! You should write his book if that were even possible. Lucky family all of you.

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Thank you, Sheila! I don’t know if it’s possible to write the book my dad meant to write, but one I might write a book about him, or at the very least one that collects all the Larry stories (there are hundreds, at least).

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Yes, I don't think you could capture his experiences in the same way he would if he were writing, but his life and experiences and contributions and SPIRIT--I just feel like that is someone that the rest of the world could use more of. Maybe a memoir-in-essays project for you at some point. Keep Larry's shenanigans coming as you're moved to do so! :)

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Good point, Sheila. There's something there for sure.

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Jun 18, 2023Liked by Michael Estrin

What a marvelous story. Your Dad was right on point with his advice. Happy Fathers’ Day!

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Thank you, Bill!

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Thanks for letting me read your Larry stories. I promise to buy the book.

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These stories are so perfect. Thank you for sharing them. As a side benefit, they tell me how much I don't understand the Middle East.

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