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
I’ve missed a few days of my series but I’m convinced I’m going to catch up, or at the very least – this amazingly creative and powerful poet who hails from the country of my father, will hopefully make up for a few missed posts. Dionne Brand is one of the most intense, lyrical poets … Continue reading Female Poet Series: Dionne Brand, ossuary VIII
It’s day three of my 30-day series dedicated to brave and brilliant female poets.Today’s poet is Akiko Yosano, who was born in December 1878 near Osaka, Japan. Yosano was her pen name, and she was born Shō Hō, but changed her name after she had begun to write about more controversial topics, such as pacifism, feminism … Continue reading Akiko Yosano, In Praise of May
It’s day TWO of my Thirty-Day Series of Female Poets! I’m excited to continue with this project and I will devote more time to this as the series goes on and on. Trying to research and write this in a half an hour after a long work day, probably isn’t going to do the series … Continue reading Juana De Ibarbourou, Life-Hook
This is the first installment of my month-long series showcasing a wonderful piece of poetry by a female poet. I hope to do this for thirty straight days. For the first poet, I’ve chosen Sojourner Truth and her incredibly powerful poem, Ain’t I A Woman. I can’t think of a better person more suited to … Continue reading Sojourner Truth, Ain’t I A Woman?
Eating fruits and vegetables is boring and gross. Who wants to chew all of that pectin and nature? That seems like a lot of work, possibly requiring the help of a knife and fork, with very little payoff. I don’t know about you, but I think a jelly donut and a two-liter Pepsi, followed by … Continue reading How To Trick Your Body Into Thinking You Maybe, Possibly, Kinda Ate Something Healthy In The Last Week
In response to my post “The Art of the American Nickname,” I received so many thoughtful, interesting and supportive comments from all over the world. This topic really struck a chord with a lot of people – how they view themselves, their names and their personal identities. I loved that all of you shared your stories … Continue reading So, This Happened…
Adam Ostrow, Editor in Chief of Mashable.com, is really weird. He gave this presentation at a recent TEDtalk and managed to bum the whole audience out. To him, it would be super cool if – based on previous material posted by you – Facebook, Twitter et al, could continue to post and update your pages … Continue reading Adam, So What You’re Saying Is: Robot Ghosts?
To most people I encounter, I have a wonderfully (or not so wonderfully) difficult name. For those of you who’ve never heard (of) my name and don’t know how to say it, it sounds something like this: Sa ‘roo ja nee. Got it? Maybe? Take your time, practice a little, I’ll wait. My name is … Continue reading The Art of the American Nickname
No, this isn’t the most recent installment of the Twilight saga. It’s real life and it’s happening tomorrow night. According to NASA scientists, this phenomenon occurs only a couple of times during one’s life. The phenomenon, called the super moon, refers to the particular moment when -during the full moon phase- the moon’s orbit is … Continue reading Super Moon!
On Saturday, the NYC organization Books Through Bars, a non-profit that raises money to send books to incarcerated people in prisons, along with Justseeds, a social and political artist’s cooperative, will be presenting VOICES FROM OUTSIDE, An Art Exhibit and Benefit Auction. The event, designed to raise money for postage to send books to prisoners, will include … Continue reading Books Through Bars
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…?”
Ah…LOVE. Sweaty palms, butterflies in your stomach, loss of vision. Wait, that sounds more like an alcohol blackout than a romantic experience. Believe me, I know. When was the last time a date gave you butterflies, anyway? That just doesn’t happen anymore, does it? In a world where you can Google someone to find out where they … Continue reading Modern Love
If you didn’t catch it last year off-Broadway, you now have the chance to see the musical about political activist and musician Fela Kuti at the O’neill Theatre. It’s mesmerizing, entertaining and starts soon. Who doesn’t want to see revolution set to music anyway? Previews begin October 19. Continue reading Fela!
The 29th CMJ Music Marathon is descending on NYC. This year, CMJ brings music, pop-culture, film, speeches and events to our fine city. But such fine fare is going to cost you. A lot. A regular pass is going for $500 and a student access pass will set your not-so-deep pockets back $300. Ouch. Still want … Continue reading 2009 CMJ Music Marathon
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
Everyone looks forward to the summertime; kids are out of school, the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air, barbeque’s are plentiful and the beaches are packed with many a sun-worshipper. What’s not to love about summer? In fact, I bet you can name at least five songs dedicated to the season. If Will … Continue reading Tempertures rise, bodies fall.
On The Pavement - A Place for Books and Culture 