If you’ve seen the classic and influential Orson Welles film, Touch of Evil, you know it needs no introductions. If you haven’t seen it, you’ve most likely, by one route or another, learned about its famous opening crane shot; probably the most famous and iconic three minutes ever filmed. Ever. It’s been copied and studied and … Continue reading “Touch of Evil” NY Times Movie Review, from 1958
I recently walked past a broken full-length mirror on the sidewalk in my Bushwick neighborhood, but the image it made was so compelling I had to go back and study it. The patterns of the broken glass and the refracted light captivated me so completely that I couldn’t move. There is something about the individual … Continue reading Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian: Infinite Possibility
There are few times in life in which superlatives are ever really fitting. I think we find them acceptable because we like to exaggerate; punctuate our own language with interest; make everyday occurrences seem out of the ordinary and somehow useful to others and special to notice, when in actuality, most occurrences are boring and … Continue reading [UPDATED] Björk Comes to Brooklyn
To many people, including myself, Björk is a mystical, cosmic non-human entity from the future who allures us into her realm with colors and sounds and images and warmth and light and darkness that she’s pulled out of her little mystical pocket like a forgotten receipt. “Oh that? I was wondering where that went!” I imagine … Continue reading MoMA’s Most Ambitious Project Yet: Ruin Björk For Everyone
Sometimes, I’m not so smart. Let me explain. Most of the time, I’m a very nice, friendly sort of person who is empathetic and patient. I say please and thank you. I’m easy to laughter. I’ll start a conversation with nearly anyone, I make eye contact and smile at people, I hold doors open and … Continue reading Leave the Ugly Moments in the Umbrella Stand
Hardly anyone believed that the documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop, directed by the internationally known (infamously) anonymous British street artist and prankster Banksy – known for his monkey mask, political subjects, humor and extreme secrecy – was an actual documentary. The film, about a filmmaker cum successful street artist, Thierry Guetta or “Mr. Brainwash,” didn’t seem real to most people, not only because … Continue reading Banksy Documentary, ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop,’ Checks Out
When I think of Ken Jennings, which isn’t often (ok, ok, it’s very often), I usually think of him as the all-time longest winner of Jeopardy! – not as a comedian. Because of all of the hoopla over the IBM Watson tournament on Jeopardy! Ken Jennings is everywhere again, and his tweets better be up to snuff, … Continue reading What is “A Nun, A Priest and A Rabbi…?”
Heidi Jones, the meteorologist for WABC NY’s local news, or Eyewitness News for the Tri-Staters, is sort of annoying. She has a problem with meter, a strange habit of taking strong pauses every few words, like she’s reciting poetry instead of reporting the weather. Her pauses are so pronounced, my sister and I have nicknamed her Heidi … Continue reading WABC Likes To Hire Crazy People
Kim Kardashian didn’t mean to do it. She just sort of made a music video. And kinda sang a song live at a club in Vegas for News Years. “I didn’t mean to, but I did this song.” Her words, not mine. Someone recorded it badly. Now we all have to watch it. I’m sorry. Continue reading Kim Kardashian Is A Reluctant Pop Star
First of all, I’m not happy I’m home sick on New Years Eve, feeling sorry for myself instead of drinking champagne with my friends and making out with strangers. I really look forward to drunk kissing all year. Second of all, watching tv on New Years Eve is uncomfortable at best. And now that we’re on … Continue reading Dick Clark’s Rockin Eve?
Dear Christie, Please stop getting married. Join a book club, go to Africa or start a clothing line. But for God’s sake, stop getting married. Your friend, Sarojini Continue reading An Open Letter to Christie Brinkley
Jane Goodall, the world renowned primatologist and humanitarian, will be joining the 92nd Street Y in a conversation on September 2, 2009. Now 75, she’s worked towards improving conditions for animals, as well as educating humans about primates and their behaviors, since the early 1960’s. She’ll be discussing her new book and her illustrious career. Also, later … Continue reading Jane Goodall at the 92nd Street Y
Remember science class? Beakers, Bunsen burners and the dreaded dead frog? I remember, so much so in fact, that I think science class seriously maimed me for a future in the sciences. I could have been a scientific genius. If you’re not bitter like I am (I’m not, really) and want to shake up your scientific sensibilities, … Continue reading World Science Festival June 10-14
The 92nd Street Y just announced that Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of England, will be joining them in a conversation with The Economist’s Matthew Bishop on June 22, 2009 at 6:15 pm. But, it’s a secret, so don’t tell anyone. Security will be tight, so don’t bring your cameras, handbags or anything else … Continue reading Tony Blair Takes a Vacation
Yes. It’s back. Shakespeare in the Park; your chance to see a professional production of Shakespeare, with real actors, for free! This years production is Twelfth Night, the screwball comedy of mistaken identity. It’s a lot of fun, and just for extra giggles, the lanky, dorky, awkward Ms. Anne Hathoway is in it. I’m not … Continue reading Shakespeare in the Park
![[UPDATED] Björk Comes to Brooklyn](https://sarojini.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/img_8841.jpg?w=256&h=256&crop=1)
On The Pavement - A Place for Books and Culture 