I was talking with someone recently who, like me, started running in middle school. We were talking about how running, as a sport, has exploded over recent years. It’s no longer just us in the “our sport is your sport’s punishment” matching t-shirts. They seemed lightly annoyed at running's new popularity and—while I do get that it’s harder than ever to get into races—I don’t think that’s the right take. Here’s why I’m so impressed by newer runners— I started running when I was 12 because my...

In the name of small scale adventure, I’m spending one day each month exploring an area in or around New York City that I’ve never been to before. Welcome to the neighborhood.  When I decided on the neighborhood project for this year, I knew I had to make sure I hit every borough at least once. Staten Island is admittedly the borough I’ve spent the least time in. Or rather, the least extended time in. When I first moved to New York City and would regularly host friends and family (including...

Rhapsody in Blue  is one of composer and pianist George Gershwin’s most recognizable pieces and an enduring symbol of the Jazz Age. Gershwin originally didn’t want to write the piece.  Paul Whiteman, an American Jazz bandleader and composer was inspired by an experimental classical-jazz concert held in New York City with Éva Gauthier, a Canadian singer. Wanting to build on this new idea, Whiteman asked Gershwin to write a concerto-like piece for an all-jazz concert that was to be held in...