A look into the cultural life of New Brunswick, NJ

This day and age tattoos have become an intricate part of today’s culture. Some are covered head to toe, literally, in inked art. Some have even gone as far as piercing eyes of tattooed animals or splitting their tongues to reach a new level of realism. Is this art or extreme body mutilation? Tattoos have been known to date back 5,000 years ago – found on a frozen cave man. The inked markings have different cultural significance and historical connotations. Some historians even think these markings were caused accidentally. Regardless of their history, stigmas of barbarian war markings or indications of pirates, soldiers or criminals, tattoos today mean so many things for individuals in our culture. It has become romanticized with increase exposure of Kat Von D and Miami/L.A Ink, athletes, celebrity, books, etc. Tattoos have become so popular to the extent of vegan inkers. But also they still remained viewed as unprofessional and associated with a negative stigma.

The word tattoo is said to have two major derivation: from the Polynesian word ‘ta’ which means striking something and the tahitian word ‘tatau’ which means ‘to mark something’. So what do these markings mean? Are stars and abstract words of any significance? Are the striking of names and vague shapes a discourse of our individual beliefs or a mere obsession of “what’s in?”

As an individual who is infatuated with tattoos I would love to be the one with a “sleeve” filled with artistic expressions, images, quotes and verses. My roommate and I always fantasize of the imagery of “having our hearts on our sleeves”. I love tattoos because they are unique yet belonging to a community of inkers.

How do you feel about tattoos?

As a college student I don’t always have the time to squeeze in a book just for leisure, but after I picked up the autobiography of Assata Shakur, I couldn’t put it down.

The self titled book, Assata explores the life story of an African American revolutionary’s journey. Assata begins with a captivating sequence of events of an altercation on NJ turnpike in 1973 that resulted in the death of her Conrad and a NJ State officer. The story jolts to her childhood and its juxtaposition to the subsequent events of trails and her life as a political prisoner. Her road from birth to Cuba is a poetic, informative and inspiring story. Her involvement with the Black Panther Party and her strength of discovering the self is breath taking.

Convicted to 25 years to life, her innocence still lingers because of the climate of America in the early 70s. It is a gut retching story of a life of a political prisoner that refuses to let the system eat her alive. It’s a story of love and of strength.

http://www.amazon.com/Assata-Autobiography-Lawrence-Hill-Co/dp/1556520743#_
And for another Juicy Jersey non-fiction of recent history check out

Ted Sherman and Josh Margolin The Jersey Sting
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These can be the most depressing days. The holiday décor has been neatly stored away. The sounds of jingle bells have been silenced and the smells of pine and apple cinnamon have been wisps away with the harsh winds of winter. Snow, cold fronts and freezing rain are the only predictions of the forecast. But don’t fret and don’t fall into seasonal depression! New Brunswick’s art delivers just the escape you need. Take this time to break your routine rut (even if you did just return from your family vacation). February is the month of love- and Black History. Take your lunch at The Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum. Or, plan that special valentine treat with a stay in the Heldrich hotel and a show at the theater.
Winter doesn’t have to be so dreary. This is just one of the many, less expensive get-a-ways. Think like a tourist in your own backyard. Explore new restaurants… explore new realities.

Emotions play a big part in appreciating the work of an artist. Just last evening, the rain, and the weariness of the week hindered my ability to connect with The Hostage. Mason Gross’s efforts to recapture Brendan Behan’s play were not in vain, however the drunken Irish shindig, left me craving beer and an explanation.

Was this a part of my emotional disconnect, my longing to be in a dry warm bed after a long week, or was it the meager production that left me dazed?
The set was elaborate and well crafted, captivating the warmth and reality of an Irish home. The actors were high energy and truly dedicated to the part. The play was full of life, sex, beer and controversial topics. No matter how much it offered, I was just not feeling it.
So, it leaves me only to conclude, it takes two to have a well crafted production. It is based on the relationship between the actors and its audience. Last evening, the audience laughed, squealed and swayed with every emotional turn. I was left silent.

I invite you to go see it for yourself! Write in and give me your feedback!

Fall not only brings the change of tint in the foliage (my favorite time of the season by the way!)
But it also brings with it cozy sweaters, warm scents of apple cinnamon, teas and pumpkins. Get ready for the arrival an amazing season of the arts too, shows ranging from theater to comedy!

There is such an array of featured events this month of October. Start today with the opening of FEN! Jump start a month packed with wonderful, affordable events right in the city of New Brunswick. And, as always continue to check back here to read appraises and reviews of the productions.

If you have been bogged down by the construction of George Street, sprayed with dust, confused with reroutes or just plain bothered… take a deep breath, oasis is right around the corner. Literally. Coming off George Street, on the corner of Albany, is a cornerstone of downtown: Old Man Rafferty’s. The versatile restaurant provides a quick, fresh lunch in their deli, a full service menu with great American options and a beverage list that is picked to please. And for the skeptical and sweet tooth, the bakery will satisfy any tongue.

Yes, good food, everyone has that huh? Well take a seat in their sidewalk garden. At lunch have summer salad topped with Salmon while enjoying “Summer Afternoon Music Series”. Set a date, music is played in Kilmer Park parallel to the restaurant’s outdoor seating, only Wednesdays and Fridays between 12pm-2pm.

Or plan a mid week dinner. Last night, my friend and I enjoyed juicy burgers and sweet potato fries in the candlelit garden as the heat and sun fell in a slumber. It was romantic and peaceful, even for two girlfriends chatting after a trip to the mall.

New Brunswick has some hidden oasis… go explore!