Words & Music

by Mike Power

latest

  • The Reveries

    Contrary to popular opinion, talent is not god-given. Nothing against the supreme being but talent is the result of dedication to craft and the five members of The Reveries have obviously done the hard work it takes to become talented. Last week at Arlene’s Grocery they put those talents to good use. The last time… Read more

  • Mary’s Sampler

    Mary’s Sampler is a poem written by Eleanor W.F. Bates, taken from the book Genealogical History of the French and Allied Families. The titular Mary is Mary Estabrook who is one of the roots of my family tree. My great-grandmother’s great-grandmother was Sarah Estabrook. I can’t vouch for her sampler-making skills. The silks are dim… Read more

  • The Russell-Einstein Manifesto

    On this day in 1955, Bertrand Russell delivered this manifesto at a press conference in London. It was signed by 11 scientists, 10 of whom are Nobel Laureates, including Albert Einstein who signed it just days before his death.   In the tragic situation which confronts humanity, we feel that scientists should assemble in conference… Read more

  • CitySketch: Marble Collegiate Church

    In 1628, Reverend Jonas Michaelius founded his church in New Amsterdam. The population of the city at that time was less than 300. Peter Stuyvesant charged a fine to anyone in the city who did not attend services. In 1696 King William III of England granted the church a royal charter, making it the oldest… Read more

  • Genius in our Midst: Crumb

     R. Crumb is a comic artist and a founder of the underground comix movement of the 1960s. Among his creations are Fritz the Cat, Mr. Natural, and the Keep on Truckin’ dude(s). His album covers include the classic Cheap Thrills by Big Brother and the Holding Company.    Toyota offered Crumb $100,000 to use his… Read more

  • CitySketch: Met Life Tower

    The Met Life Tower, on 23rd Street between Madison and Park Avenues, was once the tallest building in the world. From 1909 until the Woolworth Building reared its head a couple of miles south on Broadway in 1913 there was no building on the planet that rose as high. The tower still has a bit… Read more