Blog
Murder in Matera: A Short (and Late) Reflection
In early March, I attended a reading by Helene Stapinski at WORD in Jersey City, New Jersey. Due to the (correctly) predicted blizzard, I briefly considered heading straight home after work. I was glad that I didn’t.
In the Shadow of Poor Richard
Earlier this year, I received an invitation from a librarian at the Philadelphia City Institute to speak about my book, Left Bank of the Hudson (Fordham University Press). I didn’t need to consider my calendar or conflicts: I quickly accepted. Philadelphia remains a special city for me. I lived there in the early 2000s. The…
A Very, Very Brief Hiatus
Due to an impending writing deadline and two speaking engagements during the first week of May, I’ll be taking a brief hiatus from my blogging duties. Don’t fret: I should return in several weeks.
Weird Fiction: Never That Far Away
My wife recently was nominated for an award for her article in Atlas Obscura. Last week, we attended the awards ceremony at the Society of Illustrators. While checking in our coats, I noticed a familiar face on the wall: Howard Phillips Lovecraft.
Little City Books: An Evening in Hoboken
On the evening of April 4, 2018, Little City Books in Hoboken, New Jersey invited me to talk about my book, Left Bank of the Hudson (Fordham University Press), and its larger themes of artists, cities, and gentrification. DJ Trouble from WFMU (91.1FM) served as a sharp and engaging moderator for the event. (Fun fact:…
Happy Easter!
Wishing you a happy and joyous Easter. May this season have left you with a sense of renewal.
A Snapshot of Jersey City Culture
Let’s face it: transplants to New York love to scoff at New Jersey. (Interestingly enough, I’ve noticed that native New Yorkers lack this prejudice.) Contrary to this popular stereotype, culture exists in the Garden State.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Listen to a little Irish folk music. Read a piece of Irish literature. Snack on soda bread. Don’t hesitate to enjoy a Guinness or two.
Ignite! Redevelopment Forum 2018
On March 9, 2018, New Jersey Future invited me to speak about artists, cities, and gentrification at their inaugural Ignite series as part of their annual Redevelopment Forum in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Snow Day! Tonight’s Event Postponed
Last night, I prayed for the snowstorm to pass. For the first time in my life, I did NOT wish for a snow day. However, mother nature continued with her plans.
March Events: Busy Days for an Author
March is looking to be a busy month. I’ll be appearing at two different events this week alone. On Wednesday, March 7th, I’ll be discussing my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artist of 111 1st Street, at Little City Books in Hoboken, New Jersey. The event starts at 7:00 p.m.
Spotted in Jersey City: Evidence of 111 1st Street
While waiting for the light rail at Exchange Place in Jersey City earlier this month, I looked down at the platform decorated with a map commissioned by New Jersey Transit. Notable historic dates and places in Jersey City and Hudson County dotted the public art piece. Suddenly, I saw a very familiar name: Lorillard Tobacco…
Happy Presidents’ Day
George Washington. Thomas Jefferson. Abraham Lincoln. Franklin Roosevelt. America has produced brilliant, bold, and inspiring leaders. These presidents shaped our nation, culture, and society. They guided the American public through harrowing events and called upon the best traits of our national character. Admittedly, they were not without their faults and failings. But, who isn’t?
Live Radio! This is the Modern World
On February 8, 2018, I appeared on This is the Modern World on WFMU (91.1 FM)–a legendary listener-supported independent radio station–to discuss artists, cities, gentrification, Jersey City, and my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: 111 1st Street and the Artists of 111 1st Street (Fordham University Press).
A Night at a Movie Palace: Loew’s Jersey Theatre
Last weekend, my wife and I enjoyed the 1954 classic On the Waterfront in 35 mm film on the big screen. (The movie was shot in Hoboken, New Jersey.) While the film was riveting, the true attraction was the movie theater itself. The Loew’s Jersey Theatre stands across the street from the Journal Square PATH…
Winter Reading: A Welcomed Respite
During winter evenings, I enjoy nothing more than sitting in my cozy parlor and passing the hours with a book. The cold and the early darkness provide the perfect excuse to pull away from the workaday world and immerse myself in the written word. I always look forward to the winter.
The (Frozen) Great Falls of Paterson
During the recent cold snap, my friends invited me to join them for an afternoon trip to see the Great Falls in Paterson, New Jersey. Why might this be noteworthy? The Great Falls, the inspiration behind Alexander Hamilton’s industrial experiment, stood frozen. That’s right. Frozen.
A Neighborhood Crowd: Backroom Broadsides
The New Year started right. My neighborhood association invited me to read from Left Bank of the Hudson at its monthly open-mic and author series, Backroom Broadsides, on January 2, 2018. The event took place in the atmospheric parlour of the Fox & Crow, a favorite local pub and a popular spot for live music…
Revolutionary Heritage: Elizabeth, New Jersey
When looking to imbibe our nation’s colonial and revolutionary heritage, most people might travel to Philadelphia, Boston, or Williamsburg, Virginia. Few people–very, very few people–would consider an afternoon journey to Elizabeth, New Jersey, an industrial city on the Newark Bay just outside of New York City.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to all my friends and readers. Whether you’re recovering from too much cheer, sharing the day with family and friends, or relaxing within your cozy home, appreciate the day. Look to 2018 as a new beginning. Make a goal or two for yourself. Who knows? You might achieve it.
Left Bank of the Hudson: Year-End Reflections
On October 3, 2017, nearly three months ago, my first book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street, was published by Fordham University Press. The publication marked the conclusion of a five-year effort and an achievement of a lifelong dream of becoming an author. You could say it…
Merry Christmas!
Wishing all my readers a merry Christmas. Enjoy the music, food, and good cheer of the season. Share a meal with a family member, friend, neighbor, or even a stranger. Make the most of the day. Keep its feeling alive in your heart.
Valiant Ambition: Rethinking the American Revolution
During my early adulthood, I lived in Philadelphia and spent a majority of my leisure time visiting historic sites, cemeteries, and museums. I loved learning about colonial and early America. I loved living in a place where I could see, hear, and even touch history. Although I no longer call Philadelphia home, I still enjoy…
My First Podcast! A Conversation with PolyPsych
PolyPsych, a new podcast based in Charlotte, North Carolina, recently invited me to discuss artists, cities, gentrification, and my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street, with their audience. The PolyPsych hosts and I enjoyed a smart and fun conversation. You can listen to the podcast here.
Art, Drinks, and Conversation: An Evening at Virile
On Small Business Saturday, November 25, 2017, Virile Barber & Shop invited me to discuss Left Bank of the Hudson with guests over drinks and food (courtesy of Wurstbar) in downtown Jersey City. Before cable news and social media, people visited barbershops to trade gossip, debate politics, and discuss events of the day. This tradition…
Snapshot: Durham’s Tobacco Warehouses
Last month, Regulator Bookshop invited me to Durham, North Carolina to present my new (and first) book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street, to readers in the Research Triangle. Before my reading, I walked through downtown Durham and its warehouse district to get a feel for the…
Happy Thanksgiving
Wishing all my readers a happy Thanksgiving–a day for family, friends, food, and cheer. Thanksgiving strikes me as the quintessential American holiday. Regardless of religion or beliefs, everyone can celebrate, consider their good fortune, and enjoy a good meal.
A Stop in the Twin Cities
For the final travel date of my book tour, I visited Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Magers & Quinn Booksellers invited me to introduce Left Bank of the Hudson to the literary and creative communities of the Twin Cities on November 2, 2017.
University Press Week: Producing the Books That Matter
Fordham University Press asked me to represent them on the annual blog tour for University Press Week (November 6-11, 2017). I’m proud to have contributed to this celebration of writing, scholarship, and publishing. You can read my blog post here.
Manufactures Village: Art & Work
Manufactures Village, the original home of Seabury & Johnson (later Johnson & Johnson) sits in East Orange, New Jersey. Built in the late 1880s, the complex overflows with fascinating detail and industrial character. Currently, Manufactures Village houses an array of small businesses, light industry, and art studios. Perfume Professor and I were invited to partake…