James SchapiroRoger Federer and the untouchable, sadistic, gonzo backhand of doomOne day in 2006, Roger Federer sucked out his opponent’s soul, transcended the legend of himself, and hit the greatest shot of all time.Mar 24, 2023Mar 24, 2023
James SchapiroThe Bookstore with the Skull on the ShelfTalia Military fell in love with mysteries as a child, when her mother introduced her to Agatha Christie. As an adult, she loves the genre…Jan 21, 2022Jan 21, 2022
James Schapiro“Temptation Island” Is A Philosophical NightmareSometimes it’s a stress test. Sometimes it’s aiming for “clarity.” But it’s clear that the show itself has no idea what it’s doing.Apr 9, 2021Apr 9, 2021
James SchapiroFinally, the Jets are too bad to failThere’s a scene from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, a delightful Amazon comedy, that’s been on my mind lately. Abe, the title character’s…Oct 19, 2020Oct 19, 2020
James SchapiroThe Unicorn ReturnsMANHATTAN — It was everywhere. In the stairwells, in the concourse, in the seats. Even before the first jump ball was thrown, you could…Nov 15, 2019Nov 15, 2019
James SchapiroinThe BlueprintAs Sunnyside Yards planning process continues, community remains dividedAs the Sunnyside Yard Master Planning Process draws towards an end, and potential groundbreaking gets closer every day, supporters and…Oct 28, 2019Oct 28, 2019
James SchapiroinThe BlueprintAt Queens CB2 meeting, residents denounce Sunnyside YardAlmost two hours into the September 4th meeting of Queens Community Board 2, Arthur Tarley, who calls himself a “son of Queens,” stepped…Oct 2, 2019Oct 2, 2019
James SchapiroinThe BlueprintIn Woodside, a passion for barberingRuben Arnov has been a barber since 1985. For the last ten years, he’s owned and operated Ruben Barbershop in Woodside, Queens. His rent…Sep 29, 2019Sep 29, 2019
James SchapiroinThe BlueprintAs small pharmacies decline, those that remain work to surviveBetween 60th and 61st Street in Woodside sit a Rite Aid and a Duane Reade. Meanwhile, within four blocks are four small pharmacies: Zarchy…Sep 24, 2019Sep 24, 2019
James SchapiroEdison and the IraniansWHEN I WAS seven, or thereabouts, I changed a lightbulb. It fell from a fixture in the kitchen and landed on the floor, somehow still…Aug 1, 2019Aug 1, 2019