It’s so historical! – On The Pavement – A Place for Books and Culture

July 7, 2018

Watch: ‘Vive le Tour!’ Louis Malle’s Short Documentary of the 1962 Tour de France

Today, the Tour de France begins. Our government is cruel and incompetent and corrupt, and many countries all over the world are currently active combat zones experiencing major humanitarian crises, so right now it’s kind of difficult to focus on anything as frivolous as the Tour de France. But, as we look at the world … Continue reading Watch: ‘Vive le Tour!’ Louis Malle’s Short Documentary of the 1962 Tour de France

March 23, 2015October 29, 2018

Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian: Infinite Possibility

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

March 11, 2015March 11, 2015

Akiko Yosano, In Praise of May

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

March 10, 2015March 10, 2015

Juana De Ibarbourou, Life-Hook

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

March 9, 2015March 9, 2015

Sojourner Truth, Ain’t I A Woman?

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?

February 20, 2011September 25, 2011

Remix Culture at MoMA

When I first walked into The Museum of Modern Art’s new exhibition Looking at Music 3.0, the third installment of its kind exploring the relationship between art and music, I wasn’t sure if I was in a museum – or a club. It’s kind of dark, there’s loud music playing, there’s too many stylish people standing around talking … Continue reading Remix Culture at MoMA

February 16, 2011September 25, 2011

What is “A Nun, A Priest and A Rabbi…?”

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…?”

January 1, 2011September 25, 2011

Governor Cuomo: less money, more problems.

The deficit is how much? We have a new governor and he doesn’t hire hookers! Yet! In a small, understated Inaugural today, New York’s new Governor Andrew Cuomo was sworn in at the Capitol Building in Albany. In attendance were his three daughters, his weird, skinny Food Network Stepford girlfriend Sandra “I can’t wait to be First Lady” Lee … Continue reading Governor Cuomo: less money, more problems.

December 30, 2010September 25, 2011

Snowmageddon 2010!

For Christmas this year, I accompanied my friend Heidi to her parent’s home in Sherwood Forest, Maryland. Yes, that’s right. The name of the community is Sherwood Forest, as in Maid Marian and Robin Hood (those are street names, too). We were in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by woods and nature, with no cable news … Continue reading Snowmageddon 2010!

October 15, 2009October 15, 2009

Fela!

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!

July 3, 2009July 3, 2009

Crowning Glory

The Statue of Liberty’s Crown is now open. After years out of commission, you can now visit and make your New York memories, oh so much more memorable. Some caveats: The lines! And the limited ticketing system! And the reservations! Good luck. Get info for tickets here. Continue reading Crowning Glory

June 19, 2009June 19, 2009

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Guggenheim Museum

This year, help celebrate the Fiftieth Anniversary of one of our most beautiful New York City landmarks: the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Guggenheim Museum. Can you believe it’s been 50 years already? How time flies! Why, I remember when they were drawing up the plans! Oh, the fun times we had. President Eisenhower was down for Nixon and … Continue reading The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Guggenheim Museum

June 18, 2009June 18, 2009

Art Tatum at The Jazz Museum in Harlem

OK, so Art Tatum, the jazz pianist, died 50 years ago. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience and appreciate his music. On Saturday, June 20 2009, The Jazz Museum in Harlem will offer a free (yes, FREE) Art Tatum program, also featuring the great Ben Webster in: 2009, A Centennial Celebration. Program includes biographical overview, documentaries and an … Continue reading Art Tatum at The Jazz Museum in Harlem

June 12, 2009June 12, 2009

World Science Festival June 10-14

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

June 9, 2009June 12, 2009

Human Rights Watch Festival

So, it’s obvious to everyone: the Film Festival Season is upon us. It can be hard to decide which film to see, much less which festival to attend. It’s all very confusing. I’m here to help. One festival you should absolutely not miss is the Human Rights Watch Festival, held at Lincoln Center every year. … Continue reading Human Rights Watch Festival

May 22, 2009May 22, 2009

Weekend Rundown May 22, 2009 – May 24, 2009

This Memorial Day Weekend, I hope your bags are packed because you’re going to Taiwan, Haiti and Great Britain. Ok, not really but the weekend’s events will take you abroad, figuratively. Or maybe, you’ll find yourself on the beach or at a bbq. For everyone else… Prom Dress Rugby! And you thought it could never … Continue reading Weekend Rundown May 22, 2009 – May 24, 2009

May 15, 2009June 1, 2009

Meatpacking District Does Cocktails (and Design)

Most of us know the Meatpacking District as the 24-hour party zone, but this weekend the focus will be on design, architecture and yes, cocktails. Meatpacking District Design 09 is a cocktail-filled weekend event showcasing tours of new hotels, the historical neighborhood and shops. It’s an event designed to invite the public to share in what The District … Continue reading Meatpacking District Does Cocktails (and Design)