We're all heard the ol' saying: Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach, teach gym. Well, I'll leave my opinion of the last part to myself, but I certainly want to talk about the first part. My answer is this: those who can, teach! I would like to tell you… Continue reading Those Who Can, Teach
Category: Arts
New Jersey: The Cradle of Independence
When many think about Independence Day, they often think of places like Boston or Philadelphia. The truth is, New Jersey played an incredibly important role in the birth of our nation. There are plenty of great events throughout the long weekend of celebrate the holiday! Here are some of events that are taking place over… Continue reading New Jersey: The Cradle of Independence
New Jersey Loses a Favorite Son: Ray Liotta
Today I saw a post that I thought at first was a hoax: Sadly, it was not a hoax. New Jersey has lost one of its favorite sons. It was announced Ray Liotta died in his sleep in the Dominican Republic while filming his next movie. Born in Newark, Raymond Allen Liotta was abandoned at… Continue reading New Jersey Loses a Favorite Son: Ray Liotta
Westfield, Where are the Notes to Your Opus?
"Well, I guess you can cut the arts as much as you want, Gene. Sooner or later, these kids aren't going to have anything to read or write about." ~Glenn Holland, Mr. Holland's Opus One of my favorite actors is Richard Dreyfuss. He is an excellent actor, he's in a large majority of my favorite… Continue reading Westfield, Where are the Notes to Your Opus?
It’s a Wonderful Life in New Jersey
"A toast to my big brother George: The richest man in town." ~Harry Bailey This year marks the 75th anniversary of the movie classic "It's a Wonderful Life" staring James Stewart as George Bailey. Originally a flop at the box office, it has found a place in the hearts of millions over the decades. What… Continue reading It’s a Wonderful Life in New Jersey
Paterson’s and Newark’s West Side
"When you're a Jet, You're a Jet all the way. From your first cigarette, To your last dyin' day." My favorite Broadway show, hands down, is West Side Story. The show that put Stephen Sondheim on the map has transcended time. I remember watching the movie for the first time in middle school during general… Continue reading Paterson’s and Newark’s West Side
Giving Tuesday in New Jersey
It is no surprise to anyone that COVID-19 has affected everyone in the Garden State. Some people lost their jobs. Some people lost their businesses. Some lost their lives. Many non-profits in the state lost important funding from private donors, as so many were barely able to feed their families and keep a roof over… Continue reading Giving Tuesday in New Jersey
Shop Local for the Holidays
As much as I tried to deny it, the summer is long gone. Now that the clocks have changed and it is dark before you get out of work, everyone has turned their attention to the holidays. The problem this year, however, is the ongoing supply chain issue. Cargo ships wait out in the Atlantic… Continue reading Shop Local for the Holidays
Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Frankie Valli
"Newark, Belleville; Frankie Valli walks on water. As he should. Frankie Valli has been around so long he's attached to everything and everybody. And they are very proud." ~Steve Schirripa, Talking Sopranos podcast. Belleville has been home to plenty of talent over the decades. Connie Francis, Joe Pesci, and of course Francesco Stephen Castelluccio, known… Continue reading Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Frankie Valli
Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Connie Francis
When I thought about who I should highlight first this year during Italian Heritage Month, I wanted to go with a local hero. Yes, she is a favorite daughter of New Jersey, but she is also a favorite daughter of my hometown, Belleville. Connie Francis, 1961; Credit: ABC Television, under Creative Commons License Concetta Rosa… Continue reading Italian Heritage in New Jersey: Connie Francis
This Is My New Jersey 