Time of birth: 1961. But I run circles around guys half my age. Hometown: The boogie-down Bronx, New York. Occupation, both real and desired in another lifetime: Fireman. And an entertainer, because that’s what I believe I really am. How long have you been a fireman? 18 years.
Names: Rachel Elizabeth Brower Albertson Pettit and Arch T. Pettit Time(s) of birth: 1913 and 1916, respectively Relation to the photographer: Grandparents Occupation title(s), then and now? Rachel: Housewife, mother, and part-time reporter for three local newspapers, later worked as an editorial clerk for the U.S.
Name: Chicken John Time of birth: 11:48 p.m. Occupation title(s), both real and desired-in-another-lifetime? Showman. Ditto. We’ve heard you’re running for mayor. What’s the main idea behind your campaign? To champion our city of Art and Innovation. How do you get
Name: Farris Libsey Time of birth: 1928 Occupation title(s), both real and desired-in-another-lifetime? Retired electrician How would you describe your look? Well, I look the best I can every day. What do people think when they see you on the street? A lot of people give
Name: Will Chiapella Time of birth: Two whole days of childbirth (sorry Ma) Occupation title(s), both real and desired-in-another-lifetime? Street photographer, flaneur, crytoscopophiliac, generally harmless person How would you describe your look? Thrown-together chic; handmade, reused, worn-out; free What do people think when they
Name: Carmen Rupe Time of birth: 1936 Occupation title(s), both real and desired-in-another-lifetime? Entertainer and former Les Girls performer How would you describe your look? Unusual, different, fabulous What do people think when they see you on the street? While many people stare, others often come
“A collector, maker, and breaker of things,” since 1997, Bill Keaggy has amassed a collection of over 700 grocery lists. Francis Raven talks with him about his collecting habits and why it is that nobody can spell “bannana” “bananna” “banana.”
Musician Mirah talks to Claire Miccio about appearing on “Double Dare,” getting her audience to sing along, the details of her new tour, and exactly why she stays away from the word “coxswain.”
Editor Matthew Stadler and publisher Richard Jensen talk about turning books they love into beautiful publications, finding inspiration from distant sources, and how to recognize pomposity.
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum on who she reads for solace, the civic attitudes of undergraduates, taking a red pen to Heidegger, and exactly which texts she’d put on the president’s nightstand.
