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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Celebrate safe and smart. While social distancing, stream Irish music or read a piece of Irish literature. Enjoy a sliver of soda bread and a pint of Guinness in the comfort of your own living room.

The private library of J.P. Morgan, Morgan Library & Museum (Photograph by author)

A Booklover’s Paradise

My friend and I enjoyed a recent Friday evening at the Morgan Library & Museum. We approached our visit with a seriousness and devotion associated with a religious pilgrimage.

Art exhibit at Casa Colombo--one organization which might benefit from an arts trust (Photgraph by author)

Jersey City Funding the Arts? Maybe

Recently, the Jersey City council approved a ballot referendum for creating an arts trust fund in Jersey City. The proposal would dedicate permanent revenue for local arts and culture organizations. A small additional property tax would collect an estimated $800,000 to $1,000,000 per year–all for the arts.

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Star Wars on Your Radio Dial

Last October, I moderated “Jedi & Jesuits,” a whip-smart panel discussing the philosophical, religious, and spiritual underpinnings of the Stars Wars universe. A fun night!

George Biddle, The New York Public Library (1920). Painting hanging in the Salomon Room in the New York Public Library. (Photograph by author)

Dyspeptic Observations

During the past year, I have experienced the luxury of conducting research at the New York Public Library, one of the world’s great collections. When I need a break from my work, I wander through the library’s halls, marveling at the architecture, the art, the exhibits–the sheer wonder of the institution.

Bar Car Night in the Garden

Shortly before Christmas, my friend and I rode the train from Grand Central Station to the Bronx for an event at the New York Botanical Garden. On select weekend evenings throughout the holiday season, the Garden presents a festive program anchored by the popular Holiday Train Show—Bar Car Nights. Guests can enjoy performers, food trucks,…

Need More Star Wars?

This past October, I had the privilege of moderating a whip-smart panel exploring the spiritual and religious influences and underpinnings of the Star Wars universe. We had a great time talking about favorite characters and stories and the larger questions examined in the saga. (I can’t believe this is my job!) Enjoy the conversation. Don’t…

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JCAST 2019: Art in the City

This past weekend, I had the privilege of leading walking tours as part of the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour. For three days, artists opened their studios, venues hosted events, and residents and visitors enjoyed the best cultural offerings of Jersey City.

Detour

Diners & The Imagination

Since I have summer Fridays off from work, I try to take advantage of the cultural and natural amenities of the metropolitan region. I never lack for something to do. Yearning for the immersive atmosphere of a darkened theater, I recently visited the Film Forum, a cinematic temple in Manhattan’s West Village neighborhood. I bought…

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Keeping Cities Weird

Recently, I visited “To Fast to Live, Too Young to Die,” an exhibit showcasing the graphic art of the early punk scenes in New York and London, at the Museum of Art and Design. The exhibit captured a raw, wild creative moment in New York.