Key Takeaways I have always been fascinated by the invisible systems powering New York City, especially the Central Park plumbing that keeps this urban oasis thriving. Central Park looks like a pristine slice of untouched nature. The truth is much…
Dancing in the Streets: New York City and Site-specific Dance
The Dance Boom and the Breaking of the Frame The 1970s in New York City presented a stark paradox. On one hand, many considered the city to be in a “dismal state,” as it exuded a grimy and often threatening…
Unseen and Alone: Navigating Long-Term LGBTQ+ Divorce
When a relationship that once defined your world comes to an end, it can leave a silence so loud it feels deafening. For 17 years, I shared my life with my husband. The rhythm of his breath beside me at…
Spinning Through Time: My 35-Year Journey with the Marcel Duchamp Bicycle Wheel
Circa 1987. I’m a high school student, trying my best to look pensive and “artistic” in a blazer. I’m standing next to an upside-down bicycle wheel mounted on a wooden stool. Circa 2011. I’m back. The blazer is gone, replaced…
A Love Letter to a Vanishing Icon: The Disappearing Chrysler Building
Once upon a skyline, the Chrysler Building was the glittering crown jewel of New York City. Its stainless-steel spire shimmered like jazz incarnate—bold, flashy, and unapologetically Art Deco. It wasn’t just a skyscraper; it was a statement. However, in recent times, concerns…
Quiet Sentinels: The Secret History and Design of the ‘Post No Bills’ Sign
Why You See ‘Post No Bills’ Signs All Over NYC: An Untold History Everyone in New York sees them daily, though few may pause to truly notice. They appear almost overnight, wrapping new construction sites in rough plywood fences painted…
What I Learned From a Quaker Education (And Why It Matters After My Divorce)
A Jewish guy reflects on his Quaker education during a tough divorce. He finds guidance in silence, consensus, and inner light, showing how these lessons help him cope with life’s challenges.
From Ancient Rock to Modern Metropolis: The Story of Manhattan Schist
The Unseen Titan: How Manhattan Schist Forged New York’s Identity Beneath the frenetic pulse of New York City, deeper than the echoing rumble of its subways and the vast shadows of its skyscrapers, lies an ancient and immutable giant: Manhattan…
Fiorucci: NYC’s 1980s Fashion Revolution
Video Tour of the Iconic Fiorucci Store Fashion is more than just clothes; it’s identity, rebellion, expression, and aspiration. Few brands encapsulate this complex interplay better than Fiorucci. The Italian powerhouse turned the gritty streets of 1980s New York City…
The Aesthetic Revolution: Liquid Sky’s Influence on 80s Culture
Slava Tsukerman’s 1982 film Liquid Sky stands out as a real gem in cinematic history. It serves as a pivotal work known for its audacity and creativity. With its edgy, low-budget sci-fi story, the film immerses viewers in the vibe…