October 16, 2024

Happening Now — Oscar Wilde, Eugene O’Neill and Ruth Wilson’s Jane Eyre

By Stuart Mitchner

There is no present or future — only the past, happening over and over again — now…

—Eugene O’Neill

The October 16, 1847 publication of Charlotte Brontë’s novel Jane Eyre is listed among Wikipedia’s Notable Events,1691-1900, along with the execution of Marie Antoinette (1793) and John Brown’s raid on Harper’s Ferry (1859). As the 19th century continued “happening, over and over again,” Oscar Fingal O’Fflahertie Wills Wilde was born in Dublin on October 16, 1854 and Eugene Gladstone O’Neill surfaced in a New York City hotel on October 16, 1888.

At this “now” moment, I’m doing my best to ignore the steady gaze of the colorized photograph on the cover of Oscar Wilde: A Life by Matthew Sturgis (Knopf 2021). I can imagine this supremely intense individual staring hard at the pedantic tabulator of “notable events” who failed to list the 1891 publication of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Taken in 1882 when Wilde was 28, the photograph evokes the moment in 1887 when Wilde viewed a portrait of himself and thought, “What a tragic thing it is. This portrait will never grow older and I shall. If it was only the other way.”

Since most closeup photographs of the author of Long Day’s Journey Into Night are pathologically grim, the pose on the cover of Louis Sheaffer’s O’Neill: Son and Playwright (Cooper Square Press 2002) appears perversely casual. A caption worthy of either man’s cover image would be this line from Wilde’s preface to Dorian Gray: “Those who go beneath the surface do so at their own peril.” more

Princeton University Concerts Presents Multifaceted Singer Cécile McLorin Salvant

By Nancy Plum

Princeton University Concerts combined the 16th century with the very contemporary world last week with a presentation by a jazz singer who draws inspiration from all periods of history and all forms of music. French singer, composer, and visual artist Cécile McLorin Salvant first appeared on the University Concerts series in 2023 with a program commissioned to create a work inspired by the writings of Princeton University Professor Toni Morrison. Salvant brought her diverse talents back to Richardson Auditorium last Wednesday night as part of this year’s series to demonstrate her unique fusion of vaudeville, blues, theater, jazz and the baroque era, with a particularly new take on a traditional vocal form.

English Renaissance composer and lutenist John Dowland initially published Book of Ayres in 1597. Clearly very popular, this collection of “lute songs” for solo voice was reprinted several times in his lifetime. In Wednesday night’s performance, Salvant brought the expected harpsichord, lute and theorbo to sing her version of “Book of Ayres,” but Dowland surely would never have expected his delicate madrigals and love songs to be complemented by a 20th century synthesizer and percussion.  more

An Undocumented Immigrant and Her Daughter Face Crucial Tests in “Alma”; Passage Opens 40th Anniversary Season with Exquisite, Poignant Production

“ALMA”: Performances are underway for “Alma.” Written by Benjamin Benne; and directed by AZ Espinoza, the play runs through October 20 at Passage Theatre. Above, the confrontational relationship between Angel (Diana Maldonado), left, and her mother, undocumented immigrant Alma (Jessy Gruver), masks — and partially stems from — desperate motives held by both characters. (Photo by Habiyb Shu’Aib)

By Donald H. Sanborn III

Passage Theatre is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by opening its 40th anniversary season with Alma. Benjamin Benne’s powerful play is by turns poignant, angry, funny, and tender — but throughout it is poetic and compelling.

The story depicts the lives of Alma and Angel. Alma (portrayed with deliberate precision by Jessy Gruver) is a Mexican undocumented immigrant who works as a single mother to support her (deceptively) stereotypically rebellious teenage daughter, Angel (played by Diana Maldonado, in an apt foil to Gruver’s performance as the title character).  more

Pianist to Take Part In Multiple Events

LEVIT RETURNS: Nine years after he made his Princeton University Concerts debut, Igor Levit comes back to do a mini-residency October 30-November 3.

Nine years after his Princeton University Concerts (PUC) debut, pianist Igor Levit returns to PUC on Wednesday, October 30 through Sunday, November 3 for a mini-residency bookended by live performances, with a screening of the documentary Igor Levit: No Fear at the Princeton Garden Theatre in the intervening days.

On Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Richardson Auditorium, Levit will play a solo recital program encompassing J.S. Bach Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 903, Johannes Brahms Ballades, Op. 10, and Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 arranged for piano solo by Franz Liszt.  more

Beppe Gambetta Returns For Princeton Concert

PICKING PROWESS: Guitarist Beppe Gambetta brings his combination of Italian folk music with Kentucky bluegrass to Princeton on October 18. (Photo by Giovanna Cavallo)

The Princeton Folk Music Society presents a fusion of American and Italian folk music traditions with Beppe Gambetta on Friday, October 18 at 8 p.m., at Christ Congregation Church, 50 Walnut Lane.

Gambetta is a guitar master (think Earl Scruggs meets Richard Thompson) who taught himself to flat-pick by listening to bluegrass albums. He combines the folk music of Italy and points east with the bluegrass style of Kentucky. He also is a talented vocalist. He sometimes likes to step away from the microphone so that the audience can experience the music without electronic enhancements.  more

Larry Fuller Trio to Perform Locally

The Larry Fuller Trio will appear at 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, at Hillman Performance Hall located on Westminster Choir College campus at 101 Walnut Lane. Although a Princeton resident, Fuller rarely appears locally.

A pianist, Fuller learned his craft the “old school” way — on the bandstand, where he played with jazz greats including vocalist Ernestine Anderson, drummer Jeff Hamilton, guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli, and bassist Ray Brown.

In his programming, Fuller includes the Great American Songbook, jazz, blues, pop standards, and originals, bringing his own take to a variety of music.  At Hillman Performance Hall, expect to hear anything from Stevie Wonder to Oscar Peterson, Wes Montgomery to Ray Brown, George Gershwin to Joni Mitchell.

Completing The Larry Fuller Trio is Hassan “JJ” Shakur on bass (Monty Alexander Trio, Duke Ellington Orchestra) and George Fludas on drums (Ray Brown Trio, Diana Krall).

Fuller has appeared at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops, Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops, Hollywood Bowl, Kennedy Center, Grand Ole Opry, Shanghai Center Theater, Blue Note (Milan, Tokyo, NYC), Auditorio Ibirapuera with Symphony Orchestra Brazil, and many more.

Visit larryfuller.com/events for tickets.

Tim McFarlane Art Exhibit at Gallery at MC Community College

MCFARLANE AT MCCC: Works by Philadelphia-based artist Tim McFarlane are featured in “Black Drawings and Other Things You Didn’t Know About,” on view through December 18 at the Gallery at Mercer County College in West Windsor.

Mercer County Community College’s Gallery presents “Tim McFarlane – Black Drawings and Other Things You Didn’t Know About” through December 18. An opening reception is on October 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

The exhibition, featuring 17 pieces by Philadelphia-based artist Tim McFarlane, allows the viewer to imagine ongoing changes to human-made environments as emphasized through fluid, multi-layered systems, color, and process. Using mostly mixed media or acrylic on canvas, McFarlane captures his observations of human-driven changes in everyday life such as the remaking of public and personal spaces, the remnants of old buildings at construction sites, public spaces changed through continual use, and more. more

ACP Hosts Send-Off for “Continuum” Installation

“CONTINUUM”: The Arts Council of Princeton invites the community to a send-off for the public mural by Ilia Barger at Paul Robeson Place and Witherspoon Street on October 16 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) invites the community to a send-off for the “Continuum” mural at Paul Robeson Place and Witherspoon Street on Wednesday, October 16 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
“Continuum” was the Arts Council’s first major mural project, completed in 2012 by artist Illia Barger. This piece commemorates three collaborative temporary public art installations located in empty lots on Paul Robeson Place between 2001 and 2006. Herban Garden (2001), Terra Momo’s produce garden, was created by landscape designer Peter Soderman. This corner oasis became the inspiration for two subsequent public sculpture gardens: Writers Block (2004) and Quark Park (2006), conceived of by Kevin Wilkes, AIA, Soderman, and Alan Goodheart, ASLA.

These mini parks were beloved by the community and when it became time for them to be dismantled, the ACP — together with Raoul and Carlo Momo — wanted to create an art installation that honored their memory. The Momos provided the downtown wall and the ACP provided the artist. Barger designed and painted Continuum and helped launch the ACP’s public art campaign, which still continues. more

Landscape Photography by Robin Resch at Songbird Capital

“MAINE LIGHT”: Landscape photography by Robin Resch is featured in “Nature Eternal, on view through the end of November at Songbird Capital on Nassau Street.

Noted photographic artist Robin Resch presents her latest exhibition, “Nature Eternal,” at Songbird Capital this fall. The show, located at 14 Nassau Street, features a collection of landscape photography that draws viewers into the relationship between nature’s strength and our shared ephemerality. The exhibition will run through November, offering visitors an immersive visual experience.

At the heart of Resch’s work lies an exploration of the powerful forces of nature and the delicate balance between its fleeting moments and eternal cycles. Informed by a quote from Rainer Maria Rilke, “If we surrendered to earth’s intelligence, we could rise up rooted like trees,” Resch’s imagery seeks to evoke the emotional resonance of being fully present in nature. Her images, often abstract and contemplative, reflect the energy of a crashing stream, the quiet of rolling fog, or the fleeting sensation of wind. Through these images, Resch brings to life the idea of nature’s transience as a parallel to the human experience.  more

DK Provisions Private Events and Catering Provides Memorable Dining Opportunities

PLEASING THE PALATE: “At DK Provisions, we believe the beauty in food lies in its power to bring people together. Sharing a great meal can be a transcendent experience, one in which memories will last a lifetime. That’s why we are passionate about creating unique, flavorful dishes that delight the senses and leave a lasting impression on our clients and their guests. We strive to bring a fresh approach to catering, encouraging clients to try something new by using vibrant, global flavors, prepared with an intimate and curated touch.” Chefs Karen Ryfinski and David Kirk look forward to sharing their expertise to provide inspired dining for their clients.

By Jean Stratton

Dining opportunities expanded in an exciting new direction in 2023 when Chefs Karen Ryfinski and David Kirk combined their skill and experience to open DK Provisions Private Events and Catering. The former sous chefs at elements restaurant wanted to offer something different to area residents.

As they explain, “We noticed that there was a need and opportunity for a catering/private event service that strives to break free of the standard mundane and dated catering formula (protein, sauce, starch). While this formula may please the masses, more often than not it lacks imagination, presentation, and gives little consideration to seasonality and the quality of ingredients. In contrast, DK Provisions offers a service that believes in the importance of sourcing high quality and seasonal ingredients and preparing them with modern techniques, playful imagination, and an eye for the aesthetic.

“Our goal is not only to exceed standard catering expectations but to offer a highly curated experience, one which is akin to what one may experience at the highest end restaurants.” more

Sophomore Star Sykes Produces from the Back Line Scoring OT Goal as PU Field Hockey Tops Delaware 2-1

OH YES: Princeton University field hockey player Ottilie Sykes controls the ball in a 2023 game. Last Sunday, sophomore star Sykes scored the winning goal in the second overtime as Princeton edged Delaware 2-1. Sykes was later named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week. The Tigers, now 8-4 overall and 4-0 Ivy, play at Harvard (10-2 overall, 4-0 Ivy) on October 19 in a league first-place showdown. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Ottilie Sykes could not complain about playing time last year. If anything, she might have liked a break.

“It was a lot of time,” said Sykes, “but a lot of pressure.”

Last year, in her first season of college field hockey for the Princeton University field hockey team, she played every minute. That’s 1,098 minutes, more than any other Tigers player on a team that was decidedly thin. more

Senior Star Bryant Comes Through with Winning Tally As PU Women’s Soccer Battles to 1-0 Win over Penn

TIGER LILY: Princeton University women’s soccer player Lily Bryant boots the ball against Penn last Wednesday evening. Senior star forward/midfielder Bryant scored the lone goal in the contest as Princeton prevailed 1-0. The Tigers, who fell 2-1 at Yale last Sunday to move to 6-4 overall and 3-1 Ivy League, host Harvard on October 19 before playing at UMBC on October 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Lily Bryant helped the Princeton University women’s soccer team put the heat on visiting Penn in the first half last Wednesday night at Roberts Stadium.

With Princeton coming off an 8-0 win over Brown on October 5, senior Bryant fired two shots as the Tigers outshot the Quakers 12-2 and built an 8-3 edge in corner kicks in the first 45 minutes of the contest. more

Princeton Football Gets Outclassed in Loss to No. 7 Mercer, Will Start Ivy Stretch Drive by Hosting Brown Friday Night

BREAKING THROUGH: Princeton University running back Ethan Clark (No. 21) bursts through the line in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, sophomore Clark rushed for a career-high 117 yards in a losing cause as Princeton fell 34-7 at No. 7 Mercer. Clark came into the game having rushed for a total of 37 yards in his college career. The Tigers, now 1-3 overall and 0-1 Ivy League, host Brown (2-2 overall, 1-0 Ivy) this Friday night as they head into the league stretch drive. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University football team trailing No. 7 Mercer 17-0 heading into the second quarter last Saturday, it would appear that the Tiger defense was getting shredded.

But with the undefeated Bears scoring one touchdown on a punt return and another on a fumble recovery in the end zone, the Princeton defense was actually holding the fort. more

With PU Women’s Hockey Boasting Plenty of Depth, Tigers Primed for Opening Weekend at Robert Morris

FULL SPEED AHEAD: Princeton University women’s hockey player Emerson O’Leary races up the ice in a game last season. Junior forward O’Leary figures to be an offensive catalyst for the Tigers this season. Princeton opens up its 2024-25 campaign by playing at Robert Morris on October 18 and 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The Princeton University women’s hockey team will feel a void this winter with the graduation of superstar forward Sarah Fillier, an Olympic gold medalist with Canada’s women’s national squad and the fourth all-time scorer in program history (194 points on 93 goals and 101 assists).

But the exit of Fillier will open things up for the Tiger veterans and newcomers. more

With Decker Providing Clutch Play at 2nd Singles, PHS Girls’ Tennis Advances to Sectional Final

ON DECK: Princeton High girls’ tennis player Phoebe Decker hits a backhand last week as fourth-seeded PHS edged fifth seeded Summit 3-2 in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 2 Group 3 sectional. Sophomore Decker posted a 4-6, 6-2, 10-3 (match tiebreak) victory at second singles to clinch the win for PHS. The Tigers, who defeated top-seeded Ridge 3-2 in the sectional semis last Thursday, were slated to play at second-seeded WW/P-North in the final on October 15 with the victor advancing to the Group 3 state semis on October 17 at Mercer County Park. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Phoebe Decker fell 6-4 in the first set of her match at second singles for the Princeton High girls’ tennis team as it hosted Summit last week in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 2 Group 3 sectional.

But learning that both PHS doubles teams had won their matches, Decker raised the level of her game knowing that if she came through with a victory at second singles, the fourth-seeded Tigers would defeat fifth-seeded Summit and advance to the sectional semis.  more

Hinds Displays Skill Set with TD Catch, Interception But It Isn’t Enough as PHS Football Falls to Nottingham

HINDS PLAZA: Princeton High football player Ellington Hinds heads upfield against Nottingham last Saturday. Junior star receiver/defensive back Hinds made four receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown and had an interception in the game but it wasn’t enough as PHS lost 28-14 to the Northstars. The Tigers, now 3-4, host Trenton Central (4-3) this Friday evening in their annual Homecoming contest under the lights. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton High football team played at Nottingham last Saturday afternoon, Ellington Hinds spent much of the second half lying prone on the sideline stretching out a sore back and ended the day with cotton stuffed in his left nostril to staunch a bloody nose.

But when junior star receiver/defensive back Hinds was on the field he hurt Nottingham, making a key interception at the end of the first half and racing to the end zone on a 39-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter as PHS battled to overcome an early 14-0 deficit. more

Kalra Battles Through Illness to Win at First Singles As PDS Girls’ Tennis Makes Non-Public South Final

NO BACKING DOWN: Princeton Day School girls’ tennis player Arya Kalra smacks a backhand in recent action. Last Thursday, senior Kalra battled through illness to post a 6-0, 6-1 win at first singles to help second-seeded PDS defeat third-seeded Donavan Catholic 5-0 in the semifinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public South sectional. The Panthers, who improved to 8-4 with the win, were slated to host 16th-seeded Rutgers Prep in the final on October 15 with the victor advancing to the Non-Public state final on October 17 at Mercer County Park. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Earlier this month, Arya Kalra wasn’t sure if she would be well enough to compete for the Princeton Day School girls’ tennis team in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public South state tournament.

“This past week, I got really, really sick; I was out that whole last week,” said senior Kalra. “When we started states, I wasn’t playing a lot. I still wanted to play in their state tournament.” more

October 9, 2024

Firehouse Fun

The annual Princeton Fire Department Open House on Sunday afternoon featured demonstrations, fire truck tours, tips about fire safety, a bounce house, snacks, and more. Attendees share what they liked best about the event in this week’s Town Talk on page 6. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

PU’s John Hopfield Wins Nobel in Physics

By Donald Gilpin

John Hopfield
(Princeton University; Office of Communications; Denise Applewhite,1999)

John Hopfield, a Princeton University professor emeritus in the life sciences and molecular biology with associated faculty status in physics and neuroscience, has won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks,” according to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, which announced the award on Tuesday, October 8.

Hopfield, 91, who shares the award with Geoffrey E. Hinton of the University of Toronto, has made contributions that “have fundamentally changed the world,” said Princeton University Molecular Biology Department Chair Bonnie Bassler, as quoted in a Princeton University Office of Communications press release. Their discoveries in machine learning paved the way for current rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

The prize amount is 11 million Swedish kroner, about $1 million, which the two prize winners share.

“John Hopfield’s brilliant scientific career has transcended ordinary disciplinary boundaries, enabling him to make lasting contributions to physics, chemistry, neuroscience, and molecular biology,” said Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber. “His pathbreaking research on neural networks, for which he is honored today, exemplifies beautifully the power of curiosity-driven research to advance the frontiers of knowledge and create new tools for addressing some of the world’s most profound challenges.” more

Ruha Benjamin Wins  “Genius” Award Amidst Gaza War Controversy

By Donald Gilpin

Ruha Benjamin
(John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation)

Princeton University Professor Ruha Benjamin has been awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, widely referred to as the “genius” grant, worth $800,000, and she emphasizes the need to see this honor in the context of her support for the pro-Palestinian University students “who are calling for the University to divest from organizations supporting Israeli state violence against Palestinians.”

Benjamin, the University’s Alexander Stewart 1886 Professor of African American Studies, who describes herself as a transdisciplinary scholar and writer focusing on the relationship between innovation and inequity, was cited by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for “illuminating how technology reflects and reproduces social inequality and championing the role of imagination in social transformation.”

The Foundation’s announcement of the Fellowships went on, “By integrating critical analysis of innovation with attentiveness to the potential for positive change, Benjamin demonstrates the importance of imagination and grassroots activism in shaping social policies and cultural practices.”

In a post to the social media platform X on October 1, the day of the MacArthur announcement, Benjamin described how her phone call from the MacArthur Foundation telling her she’d won the award came on the morning after “a tense call with Princeton University officials investigating my support of students protesting the genocide in Gaza.” Benjamin was a faculty observer for the 13 University students who were arrested during a pro-Palestinian sit-in at Clio Hall on April 29 and are currently preparing to face trial in Princeton Municipal Court. more

Supreme Court Ethics Reform Rally Will Urge Attendees to Take Action

By Anne Levin

Speakers at the “Supreme Injustice” rally set for Sunday, October 20 on Hinds Plaza plan to encourage those in attendance to actively oppose recent decisions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in the areas of health care, environmental protections, and gun safety laws.

New Jersey State Sen. Andrew Zwicker, the Rev. Robert Moore of the Coalition for Peace Action and Ceasefire New Jersey, and representatives of Empower NJ, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, and the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice are among those who will speak at the 2 p.m. gathering “to oppose far right extremist and corrupt decisions issued by the U.S. Supreme Court,” reads a release about the event. more

Nassau Inn One of More Than 300 Hotels Inducted Into Historic Hotels of America

WHO KNEW?: A pool behind the Nassau Inn? This photo, which provides proof, is part of the hotel’s collection of memorabilia that helped qualify it as a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Hotels of America program.

By Anne Levin

The Nassau Inn has become part of Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that recognizes hotels “that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance,” according to the National Trust.

With the designation, the Nassau Inn joins such establishments as the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan, the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, and the Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington, Del. more

Grammy-Winning Conductor Returns to Lead Two Westminster Choirs

BACK AT WESTMINSTER: Choral conductor Donald Nally, who has a long history with Westminster Choir College, has been hired as a full-time visiting professor to lead the Westminster Choir and Westminster Symphonic Choir, based at Rider University.

By Anne Levin

When the Westminster Choir performs at Trinity Episcopal Church in Trenton this Saturday evening, and the Westminster Symphonic Choir appears with the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey at the city’s War Memorial a week later, the two famed choral ensembles will have been prepared by a renowned conductor with close ties to their home base.

Donald Nally earned a Master of Music degree at Westminster Choir College in 1987 (before it became Westminster Choir College of Rider University), and served as an artist-in-residence there for the past two years. He has recently joined the faculty as a full-time visiting professor, working with the two choirs as well as students in the choral conducting program.

“Dr. Nally is one of the nation’s leaders in the field of conducting,” said Jason Vodicka, associate dean of Rider’s College of Arts and Sciences and associate professor of music education at Westminster Choir College. “Having him here full time to lead our choirs and conducting program is a testament to his belief in the mission of Westminster Choir College. Our students are incredibly fortunate to learn from him.”

 more

Institute for Advanced Study Welcomes New Scholars and Initiatives for 2024-25

By Donald Gilpin

The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) combines a heavy dose of tradition with a continuing emphasis on innovation as it welcomes 267 visiting scholars from 35 nations and more than 130 institutions to work alongside its 26 permanent and 22 emeritus faculty in the 2024-25 academic year.

All of the scholars are based in one of the Institute’s four Schools — Historical Studies, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Science — but collaboration among disciplines is “a pillar of Institute scholarship,” an IAS press release states, and creative, unconventional, pioneering work is ubiquitous at IAS.

The IAS October 2 press release highlights, for example, four visiting scholars who “represent a unique cross section of this year’s class.”  more

Of Songs and Singers, Boxers and Debaters, On John Lennon’s Birthday

By Stuart Mitchner

Never lead against a hitter unless you can outhit him. Crowd a boxer, and take everything he has, to get inside. Duck a swing. Block a hook. And counter a jab with everything you own.

—Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961)

The winner got to wear a three-ply rope fashioned after the style of Hemingway…

—John Lennon (1940-1980)

John Lennon’s reference to Hemingway’s style is from his posthumous collection, Skywriting By Word of Mouth (1986). Today would have been his 84th birthday.

Ernest Hemingway’s tips on boxing come from a May 6, 1950 New Yorker profile by Lillian Ross (“How Do You Like It Now, Gentlemen?”). Hemingway and his wife Mary had just checked into Manhattan’s Sherry-Netherland Hotel, where he was drinking champagne and playfully riffing about boxing and writing: “I started out very quiet and I beat Mr. Turgenev. Then I trained hard and I beat Mr. de Maupassant. I’ve fought two draws with Mr. Stendhal, and I think I had an edge in the last one. But nobody’s going to get me in any ring with Mr. Tolstoy unless I’m crazy or I keep getting better.” more