New Jersey Senator Cory Booker is on the campaign trail for president with an unusual message. He is focused not on any specific policy, but on the need for greater civic engagement and love as a motivating factor in public affairs.
Middletown, USA
As the 2020 presidential race gets underway, here are some reflections on middle America’s reaction to the current political climate.
Cross Country - Janel Opeka Yoga
Winter running is tough, but if you can maintain consistency through the cold months you will be stronger in the spring.
This is the latest in my on-going series of essays on fitness with Janel Opeka of JanelOpekaYoga.com.
Charter Oak Boxing Academy
The Charter Oak Boxing Academy in the Parkville section of Hartford, Connecticut, is an after school program that uses boxing as a metaphor for life.
Children and adults train there seven days a week. While the academy produces competitive boxers, its most important product is character.
D.C. Metro
Although users often complain about it, the D.C. Metro system is architecturally, economically and socially significant.
The Clean Well-Lighted Space
Here is a simple photo essay based on the light and shadow that paints pictures on the walls, floors and ceilings of my home studio on a daily basis.
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand campaigning for president in New Hampshire.
Gillibrand Puts Service on the Ballot
Although the national political press does not consider her a front-runner, a weekend of campaigning in New Hampshire shows New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand should not be under-estimated.
Her authentic approach could break through with voters eager for straight talk and leadership.
Al Jones. Reportiing for 1010 WINS New York.
Al Jones - 1010 WINS
For more than 25 years, Al Jones, originally from North Dakota, has driven the streets of New York City daily covering the news for all-news radio station 1010 WINS. He knows every street. He remembers almost every story he has covered.
His job requires him to witness the extremes of the human condition in one of the biggest cities in the world. Crime, disaster, political ups and downs.
We spent a day with him in early January to find out what it’s like.
In This Fight
Senator Elizabeth Warren(D) of Massachusetts is running for president.
Her main issue is corruption in government. She is promising to take power away from the elites by requiring higher ethical standards for people in public office and ending lobbying “as we know it.”
Sunday morning. Greenwich Village, NYC.
Street Character
The Candidate
In 2018 one candidate for governor of Connecticut stood out from all the others when it came to experience, understanding and know-how, but running as an independent - some would argue - he never had a chance.
Catenary Road
On the short trip from New Haven to New York City there’s plenty to see from your seat on the train.
The Phoenix Building
On the east facing skyline of the city of Hartford there is a distinctive building of historic importance.
The Phoenix Building may be the world’s first two-sided building. Also known as the boat building it has the properties of a sail from certain angles and its presence has influenced the design of other buildings nearby. From an architectural point of view, it cannot be ignored. Read and see more in this photo essay.
The Nature of Yoga
Like running, yoga is one of the simplest forms of self-care, but in one way it is more amazing than running. Yoga is truly about only you, your mind, your body and your breath. In running you compete against yourself, the course, and distance.
In this essay, Janel of JanelOpekaYoga.com, helps show the connection between the healing powers of yoga and nature.
The Yoga Edge
Yoga can be, but is not always, a stand-alone fitness program.
Janel, of JanelOpekaYoga.com, is a committed athlete and yoga teacher. A serious cross-trainer, she uses yoga to balance off her distance running, biking, tri-training - and in this essay - shows how yoga enhances the benefits of a track workout. The latest in our series.
In performance at Black Eyed Sally’s, Hartford, Connecticut.
Restless Mountain
The Restless Mountain Bluegrass Band is four guys who met on the jam session circuit over the years and have now come together as a group. Their music is pure, clean and raw and they are developing a growing base of fans. This essay documents a recent appearance in downtown Hartford with a narrative written by the band.
Meditation
A daily meditation practice can be difficult for many people to commit to, but there is scientific evidence that it helps people bring balance to their lives. Yoga instructor and triathlete Janel Opeka explains how it helps her and how you can start in this essay.
Serious Moonlight
Photographers often speak of the golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, as the best time to take pictures outside, because of the angle of the sun. I recently got up even earlier to take advantage of the silver hour presented by a full moon on the route of my morning run. Here are the results.
Confidence
I have been working with yoga instructor and triathlete Janel Opeka to build her brand through story telling. Entrepreneurs like Janel understand that in today's image and message saturated environment the only way to connect with people is by sharing useful, credible and - yes - entertaining information. Here is one way we are doing that.
Triathlon
Janel Opeka is a yogi and a triathlete. After a long break from competition, she returned to triathlon this summer and to her surprise - with the help of her consistent yoga practice - she set a personal record and finished second. Learn more in this essay.