Category Archives: Uncategorized

Abercrombie & Fitch founder’s ruined castle’s tragic history

The adventurer and clothier barely lived long enough to enjoy the summer retreat the modeled after a Scottish castle. And he lost a daughter at his nearby factory. Here’s the backstory: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/westchester/new-castle/2024/02/08/abercrombie-and-fitch-founders-castle-up-for-sale-in-westchester-ny/72508993007

‘She didn’t kill him. She wasn’t guilty’

So many unanswered questions in the wake of Helen Ray Fowler’s execution at Sing Sing. A curious local historian seeks to answer them in a new play being staged just miles from where she died in the prison’s infamous electric chair. Here’s the backstory plus a preview of the two-act drama …

Talk Show Queen Relinquishes Her Castle

For years this tart-tongued tabloid talk-show host ruled the airwaves. But alas, her castle has become too much of a burden. This kingdom awaits a new royal family, for a mere $6.5 million. https://www.lohud.com/story/money/real-estate/living-here/2023/11/29/sally-jessy-raphael-mansion-hudson-valley-ny-real-estate-on-the-market/71739052007/

He’s worked with Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama and E. Jean Carrol

He’s taught at Rockland Community College for more than a half-century, published books with some of the world’s most respected thinkers, produced albums by blues, jazz, pop stars and poets. He’s a behind-the-scenes guy worthy of some attention. Oh, did I mention I had him as my professor and advisor? Meet Richard Connolly, my longtimeContinue reading “He’s worked with Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama and E. Jean Carrol”

When Babe Ruth Was Behind Bars

Sing Sing prison in Ossining has seen a lot of history. But nothing like the autumn day in 1929 when Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and the Yankees got into a ballyard brawl with the inmates. Guess who won? Here’s a link to the article:

Dylan’s first manager: Bob was ‘too freaky’ to be hired

She was Bob Dylan’s first manager. She married the folk singer who was in the inspiration for “Inside Llewyn Davis.” And she was witness to and participated in shakeups that rattled society’s foundations. In the late 1950s and early 60s, Greenwich Village was the epicenter of a folk music revival amid a surge in politicalContinue reading “Dylan’s first manager: Bob was ‘too freaky’ to be hired”

‘You can’t make an ugly sound in this room’

The studio where Rudy Van Gelder changed the way modern jazz albums sounded is still keeping the tradition alive.

Jasper Johns’ Retreat: ‘Think Grey Gardens, Not Better Homes and Gardens’

The secluded Stony Point home and studio where one of America’s greatest living artists found inspiration is on the market. Jasper Johns’ converted 1930s barn, tucked into a hillside and hidden from view along West Main Street, is listed with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty for $600,000. “I do most of my work here,” the reclusiveContinue reading “Jasper Johns’ Retreat: ‘Think Grey Gardens, Not Better Homes and Gardens’”