New York partisans are dour today, as the baseball season has officially ended for the two home teams, the Yankees and the Mets, who shared the best record in the majors this year, but failed to advance to the World Series.
Legendary football coach Vince Lombardi (famous for his championships with Green Bay, but first a coach at Fordham University in the Bronx, and born in Brooklyn) once said, "Winning isn't everything. It's the only thing."
That might have sounded stirring and bold once, and maybe slightly boorish today. But actually Lombardi was right - if you consider the meaning of winning.
He didn't say "Outscoring your opponent is the only thing." He said winning.
Winning doesn't mean scoring points in a game. Winning means working towards goals, taking pride in your efforts, and satisfaction in your achievements, large and small.
You can't let failure to meet your goals obscure what you did on the way. That is losing. That's what Lombardi was trying to banish. Not a deficit of points on a scoreboard.
Hopefully it is obvious, for those not interested in sports (if anyone not interested in sports is reading a piece obstensibly about Vince Lombardi), it's not just about sports. It's least about sports. Like all the world, these fields are merely stages.
Meanwhile, for those of you who enjoy the stages these lessons are presented on, it is gloomy in New York. But take heart in possibilities, and shift your delight tonight to something else fun with a friend or a loved one.
And, of course: wait til next year.
Stephen "Red" Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, October 20, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Downtown Movie Closing This Week
Only one of the movies showing downtown closes this week. But it's a good one, so you might want to catch it before it is replaced Friday at Fall Creek Cinema (by "Shortbus").
The picture is "Half Nelson". It's a "little movie", about very real-seeming people and dramatic situations in Brooklyn. An idealistic grade school teacher - a young white man working primarily with children of color - is a great mentor, role model, and educator, except for one big, troublesome secret, which is discovered by his most promising student, who hardly needs any more insecurity and pain in her life from fouled-up adults. Great performances from the two lead actors.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The picture is "Half Nelson". It's a "little movie", about very real-seeming people and dramatic situations in Brooklyn. An idealistic grade school teacher - a young white man working primarily with children of color - is a great mentor, role model, and educator, except for one big, troublesome secret, which is discovered by his most promising student, who hardly needs any more insecurity and pain in her life from fouled-up adults. Great performances from the two lead actors.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Public Service Corner: Information on Stringing Up Coyotes
This isn't our usual beat, but we don't know whose it is, and we got a call, so we're answering.
An Ithaca Blog reader, new to the area, asked if we could find out what the legality is around here about stringing up coyotes in front yards.
On Sunday she was driving through the town of Candor, on Route 96B, on her way to Binghamton. She screeched to a halt at the sight of what she thought was a dead German Shepherd strung up by its hind legs from the limb of a tree in the front yard of a house, maybe 10 yards from the road.
It turned out not to be a dog, but a coyote.
A conversation at a Candor gas station revealed no information and no concern from anyone, other than to note that coyotes are quite a hazard, and maybe this person was making a point. Certainly it was a lesson to this particular coyote. And possibly its fellows, too, which are known to be observant, if not exactly analytical.
No one seemed to be concerned that it at least looks bad, and maybe even nightmarish to children. The thinking seemed to be that it is not as nightmarish as the coyote catching you.
So we were asked to get to the bottom of it, the legality of the practice.
We spoke to officials at the county and state level. They said they weren't aware of any regulations that would prohibit this practice.
We mentioned the aesthetics of the practice. The county official said yeah, but people do it with deer all the time. To let them dry (or whatever hunters call it).
We said yeah, but at least there's a purpose to that practice, and people are aware that deer get hunted, and aren't likely to mistake a strung- up deer for Fido.
The county official said there might be a practical purpose to this too, that the guy who killed this coyote is preparing to take its pelt, and "hanging it in a tree keeps varmints from getting at it." Yeah, well, too late for that.
We have friends in the country, and know coyotes are a fearsome problem. Maybe this fellow thinks passers-by will sleep better, knowing guys like him are on the coyote case.
I don't know. Maybe they are sleeping worse.
Maybe there's a line to be drawn around violence, even violence deemed necessary, to distinguish it from barbarism, and to keep it in its place - which, even when justified, should not be a place of jolly roadside pride. Should it?
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
An Ithaca Blog reader, new to the area, asked if we could find out what the legality is around here about stringing up coyotes in front yards.
On Sunday she was driving through the town of Candor, on Route 96B, on her way to Binghamton. She screeched to a halt at the sight of what she thought was a dead German Shepherd strung up by its hind legs from the limb of a tree in the front yard of a house, maybe 10 yards from the road.
It turned out not to be a dog, but a coyote.
A conversation at a Candor gas station revealed no information and no concern from anyone, other than to note that coyotes are quite a hazard, and maybe this person was making a point. Certainly it was a lesson to this particular coyote. And possibly its fellows, too, which are known to be observant, if not exactly analytical.
No one seemed to be concerned that it at least looks bad, and maybe even nightmarish to children. The thinking seemed to be that it is not as nightmarish as the coyote catching you.
So we were asked to get to the bottom of it, the legality of the practice.
We spoke to officials at the county and state level. They said they weren't aware of any regulations that would prohibit this practice.
We mentioned the aesthetics of the practice. The county official said yeah, but people do it with deer all the time. To let them dry (or whatever hunters call it).
We said yeah, but at least there's a purpose to that practice, and people are aware that deer get hunted, and aren't likely to mistake a strung- up deer for Fido.
The county official said there might be a practical purpose to this too, that the guy who killed this coyote is preparing to take its pelt, and "hanging it in a tree keeps varmints from getting at it." Yeah, well, too late for that.
We have friends in the country, and know coyotes are a fearsome problem. Maybe this fellow thinks passers-by will sleep better, knowing guys like him are on the coyote case.
I don't know. Maybe they are sleeping worse.
Maybe there's a line to be drawn around violence, even violence deemed necessary, to distinguish it from barbarism, and to keep it in its place - which, even when justified, should not be a place of jolly roadside pride. Should it?
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Contest Winner
The song title or phrase we were looking for, in our Friday the 13th contest, was "If It Wasn't For Bad Luck (I'd Have No Luck At All)".
Chris A. from Spencer was the winner. He said he knew the song from Albert Collins, not Ray Charles.
He had the luck (with the knowledge) to win the $10 gift certificate from Small World Music.
New contest this Friday -
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Chris A. from Spencer was the winner. He said he knew the song from Albert Collins, not Ray Charles.
He had the luck (with the knowledge) to win the $10 gift certificate from Small World Music.
New contest this Friday -
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, October 13, 2006
Interview: Pete Meyers, Tompkins County Workers Center
Pete Meyers works for the Tompkins County Workers Center. The TCWC, in collaboration with Cinemapolis, is presenting a week-long screening of the new film, "Iraq For Sale", starting on Friday, 20 October (see previous Ithaca Blog post).
Ithaca Blog phoned Pete for a quick conversation about this event, and the work of the Workers Center.
Ithaca Blog: How did this collaboration between the Workers Center and Cinemapolis come about?
Pete Meyers: We worked with Cinemapolis last year to show "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices". "Iraq For Sale" is by the same director and became available in the same way for community showings. So we approached Cinemapolis and they said yes.
IB: The Wal-Mart movie is obviously relevant to workers' issues. How about a movie on Iraq?
PM: This is a little step in a new direction for the Workers Center. Personally, I've always approached activism from an anti-war position. But we have shied away sometimes in the past from anti-war issues, and focused on things everyone agrees on. Anti-war activity is obviously not that. But, now, obviously, this war is wrong. Workers think it's a bad thing. Military people are workers, and they're getting hurt directly. Other workers are getting hurt indirectly.
There's a web site called costofwar.com. It shows the monetary cost of the war. It's at about $334 billion right now. They also break it down by locality. I think for Tompkins County it's around $122 million. For the city of Ithaca, $23 million. Obviously, this hurts workers. It's money we could be spending on health care and education.
IB: What do you see as the highest priorities for workers right now?
PM: Health care and wages. We've been doing a lot of work on health care. We had a rally when Spitzer was here to debate. The top health care advisor from the Spitzer campaign came to meet with us. He will probably become the health commissioner under Spitzer, and he believes in a single-payer system. And wages, obviously wages need to be higher.
IB: Anything in particular you would like people to know about the Workers Center?
PM: We used to be the Living Wage Coalition. We have an active committment to get more people. We need critical mass. We're a member organization now. People can join for one hour's wage per year. We have a web site where people can find out more.
#
Ithaca Blog went to the Workers Center web site by searching for Tompkins County Workers Center. The actual address seems to be www.tclivingwage.org.
#
- Thanks to Pete for his time for this interview, which involves a certain amount of paraphrasing, due to a dead tape recorder battery. -
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Ithaca Blog phoned Pete for a quick conversation about this event, and the work of the Workers Center.
Ithaca Blog: How did this collaboration between the Workers Center and Cinemapolis come about?
Pete Meyers: We worked with Cinemapolis last year to show "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Prices". "Iraq For Sale" is by the same director and became available in the same way for community showings. So we approached Cinemapolis and they said yes.
IB: The Wal-Mart movie is obviously relevant to workers' issues. How about a movie on Iraq?
PM: This is a little step in a new direction for the Workers Center. Personally, I've always approached activism from an anti-war position. But we have shied away sometimes in the past from anti-war issues, and focused on things everyone agrees on. Anti-war activity is obviously not that. But, now, obviously, this war is wrong. Workers think it's a bad thing. Military people are workers, and they're getting hurt directly. Other workers are getting hurt indirectly.
There's a web site called costofwar.com. It shows the monetary cost of the war. It's at about $334 billion right now. They also break it down by locality. I think for Tompkins County it's around $122 million. For the city of Ithaca, $23 million. Obviously, this hurts workers. It's money we could be spending on health care and education.
IB: What do you see as the highest priorities for workers right now?
PM: Health care and wages. We've been doing a lot of work on health care. We had a rally when Spitzer was here to debate. The top health care advisor from the Spitzer campaign came to meet with us. He will probably become the health commissioner under Spitzer, and he believes in a single-payer system. And wages, obviously wages need to be higher.
IB: Anything in particular you would like people to know about the Workers Center?
PM: We used to be the Living Wage Coalition. We have an active committment to get more people. We need critical mass. We're a member organization now. People can join for one hour's wage per year. We have a web site where people can find out more.
#
Ithaca Blog went to the Workers Center web site by searching for Tompkins County Workers Center. The actual address seems to be www.tclivingwage.org.
#
- Thanks to Pete for his time for this interview, which involves a certain amount of paraphrasing, due to a dead tape recorder battery. -
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Weekend Conte$t: Friday the 13th
Ray Charles had a blues song about bad luck that starts with the lines, "I woke up this morning / I felt pretty good / I stretched and I yawned / Just to see if I could."
It turns out that would be the high point of Ray's day, which turned out to have as much bad luck as any Friday the 13th.
Friday the 13th is not part of the song, but "bad luck" is in the title, which went on to become a catch phrase, or more likely, already was. What is it?
Hint: bluesman Albert Collins had a hit with a song with the same name, though a different rendition.
The prize: a $10 gift certificate to Small World Music. One winner selected at random from correct answers, and one from incorrect answers. We reward not just expertise, but effort.
Contest open through Monday. Send your entry directly to Small World Music, at sworldmu@twcny.rr.com, or phone in it, 256-0428.
Good luck!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
It turns out that would be the high point of Ray's day, which turned out to have as much bad luck as any Friday the 13th.
Friday the 13th is not part of the song, but "bad luck" is in the title, which went on to become a catch phrase, or more likely, already was. What is it?
Hint: bluesman Albert Collins had a hit with a song with the same name, though a different rendition.
The prize: a $10 gift certificate to Small World Music. One winner selected at random from correct answers, and one from incorrect answers. We reward not just expertise, but effort.
Contest open through Monday. Send your entry directly to Small World Music, at sworldmu@twcny.rr.com, or phone in it, 256-0428.
Good luck!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Weekend Highlights, 13 - 15 Oct.
Ithaca Blog's picks for a fun-laden weekend:
Friday: Jennie Stearns at the ABC Cafe. Jennie has been writing great songs for a good long time. The ABC is a comfortable and welcoming spot for performances like this. Maybe someday Jennie will come back to Ithaca from big nation-wide tours to play at places like the ABC for old times sake. But then it might be hard to get in. Tonight might be, too, so go early and have something to eat. You'll be happy. 308 Stewart Av., 10 pm.
Saturday: Corey Harris is a big-time blues player. His recordings for Rounder Records (Daily Bread, Mississippi to Mali, Downhome Sophisticate, and others) hit the bedrock of rootsy blues, but also place the music in the vanguard of world music currents. His collaborators have included Olu Dara and the late Ali Farka Toure. At Club Euphoria, 115 N. Cayuga St., 8 pm. Tickets $15 at the door, $12 in advance at Small World Music.
Sunday: Pamela Means, at Felicia's Atomic Lounge. Pamela is a fiery, poetic singer & guitarist who has developed a large and dedicated following in the northeast. The New York Times calls her songs "strong and defiant". 508 W. State St., 7 pm.
Have fun -
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday: Jennie Stearns at the ABC Cafe. Jennie has been writing great songs for a good long time. The ABC is a comfortable and welcoming spot for performances like this. Maybe someday Jennie will come back to Ithaca from big nation-wide tours to play at places like the ABC for old times sake. But then it might be hard to get in. Tonight might be, too, so go early and have something to eat. You'll be happy. 308 Stewart Av., 10 pm.
Saturday: Corey Harris is a big-time blues player. His recordings for Rounder Records (Daily Bread, Mississippi to Mali, Downhome Sophisticate, and others) hit the bedrock of rootsy blues, but also place the music in the vanguard of world music currents. His collaborators have included Olu Dara and the late Ali Farka Toure. At Club Euphoria, 115 N. Cayuga St., 8 pm. Tickets $15 at the door, $12 in advance at Small World Music.
Sunday: Pamela Means, at Felicia's Atomic Lounge. Pamela is a fiery, poetic singer & guitarist who has developed a large and dedicated following in the northeast. The New York Times calls her songs "strong and defiant". 508 W. State St., 7 pm.
Have fun -
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
"Iraq For Sale" Screenings at Cinemapolis: October 20 -26
"Iraq For Sale" is a new film from Robert Greenwald, the director of "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price." It will be screened at Cinemapolis from Friday 20 October through Thursday the 26th, at 7:15 each night. The screenings are a special presentation by Cinemapolis and the Tompkins County Workers Center.
The film examines the machinations that led to the invasion of Iraq, the profits made by cronies of the Bush administration, and the costs to the rest of us.
"Iraq For Sale" is an important step forward for democratic citizen activism. It was financed by contributions from thousands of individuals, recognizing that mainstream media companies increasingly fail to provide information and ask questions in our increasingly repressive political climate.
The effort around the film also provides information on institutional change for the fight for American democracy. For example, it promotes legislation by Senator Patrick Leahy, Representative Henry Waxman, and others to create explicit penalties for war profiteering.
For more information on the film, see iraqforsale.org.
For information on local efforts, contact Pete Meyers of the Tompkins County Workers Center. The week-long presentation is a fundraiser by the Workers Center - and, Pete says, "a way to raise issues vis-a-vis the war as relates particularly to workers' issues."
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The film examines the machinations that led to the invasion of Iraq, the profits made by cronies of the Bush administration, and the costs to the rest of us.
"Iraq For Sale" is an important step forward for democratic citizen activism. It was financed by contributions from thousands of individuals, recognizing that mainstream media companies increasingly fail to provide information and ask questions in our increasingly repressive political climate.
The effort around the film also provides information on institutional change for the fight for American democracy. For example, it promotes legislation by Senator Patrick Leahy, Representative Henry Waxman, and others to create explicit penalties for war profiteering.
For more information on the film, see iraqforsale.org.
For information on local efforts, contact Pete Meyers of the Tompkins County Workers Center. The week-long presentation is a fundraiser by the Workers Center - and, Pete says, "a way to raise issues vis-a-vis the war as relates particularly to workers' issues."
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Free Local Money For You (with Dessert!)
Ithaca Hours, the local currency system, welcomes members new and old at its annual membership meeting, at 7 pm, Wednesday 18 October, at the GIAC building, on Court and Albany Streets.
Ithaca Hours is a local currency system that issues a local money for people to spend with each other, and at participating businesses.
Currently there are about 600 members, and over $100,000 in Hours in circulation.
Hours is owned and operated by its members. Annual membership costs one Ithaca Hour, or ten dollars. Members receive an annual disbursement of two Ithaca Hours, or twenty dollars. So you make money just by joining.
If you join (or renew) at the annual membership meeting, you take advantage of a special offer that doubles your disbursement. You get 4 Ithaca Hours for signing up at the meeting. This means you make three Ithaca Hours, or thirty dollars.
The organization benefits from this by having a lot of people sign up at once, saving time and effort. It also wants people to come together and meet one another.
That's why there are also free desserts, from great local eateries.
You can find out more about the meeting, and Ithaca Hours, at Hours' website, ithacahours.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Ithaca Hours is a local currency system that issues a local money for people to spend with each other, and at participating businesses.
Currently there are about 600 members, and over $100,000 in Hours in circulation.
Hours is owned and operated by its members. Annual membership costs one Ithaca Hour, or ten dollars. Members receive an annual disbursement of two Ithaca Hours, or twenty dollars. So you make money just by joining.
If you join (or renew) at the annual membership meeting, you take advantage of a special offer that doubles your disbursement. You get 4 Ithaca Hours for signing up at the meeting. This means you make three Ithaca Hours, or thirty dollars.
The organization benefits from this by having a lot of people sign up at once, saving time and effort. It also wants people to come together and meet one another.
That's why there are also free desserts, from great local eateries.
You can find out more about the meeting, and Ithaca Hours, at Hours' website, ithacahours.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Sports Bar Report
Last Friday, we had a well-rounded night in Ithaca, first at a free screening of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" at the St. Paul Methodist Church, and then watching the Yankees and Tigers (see Friday's posting).
We noted on Friday that although we have TV at home, for just such occasions, occasionally it is fun to go out and root in public, and to have a beer and a sangwidge or something, amongst activated partisans.
We also noted that we had never been in either of the downtown venues for such events, Benchwarmers and Uncle Joe's, and that we would file a brief Ithaca Blog report on our findings.
Our unequivocal conclusion: Benchwarmers is the spot. We went first to Uncle Joe's, and didn't stay even for a drink. The game was on various and sundry TVs, but there was also loud music playing, and I mean very loud, like shouting to be heard over music. Okay for NFL maybe, but not for the national pasttime, a game that encourages rumination and conversation. It seemed like Uncle Joe's couldn't decide if it was a sports joint, or a pickup joint.
So we went to Benchwarmers, and found a conducive atmosphere. The game was on, and while not everyone was locked into it, and there seemed to be a certain amount of pickup action here as well, everyone seemed comfortable in their personal pursuits.
We found the Benchwarmers service friendly and capable, and the food and libations more than satisfactory. We were left peacefully alone in our comfortable booth seating even after we were finished, but the game still had a ways to go.
So, our number one ranking goes to Benchwarmers. See you there this weekend, maybe, for the Mets and Cards.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
We noted on Friday that although we have TV at home, for just such occasions, occasionally it is fun to go out and root in public, and to have a beer and a sangwidge or something, amongst activated partisans.
We also noted that we had never been in either of the downtown venues for such events, Benchwarmers and Uncle Joe's, and that we would file a brief Ithaca Blog report on our findings.
Our unequivocal conclusion: Benchwarmers is the spot. We went first to Uncle Joe's, and didn't stay even for a drink. The game was on various and sundry TVs, but there was also loud music playing, and I mean very loud, like shouting to be heard over music. Okay for NFL maybe, but not for the national pasttime, a game that encourages rumination and conversation. It seemed like Uncle Joe's couldn't decide if it was a sports joint, or a pickup joint.
So we went to Benchwarmers, and found a conducive atmosphere. The game was on, and while not everyone was locked into it, and there seemed to be a certain amount of pickup action here as well, everyone seemed comfortable in their personal pursuits.
We found the Benchwarmers service friendly and capable, and the food and libations more than satisfactory. We were left peacefully alone in our comfortable booth seating even after we were finished, but the game still had a ways to go.
So, our number one ranking goes to Benchwarmers. See you there this weekend, maybe, for the Mets and Cards.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Contest Answer and Winners
Last week's contest question from Small World Music: Who is the oldest person to have a #1 release on the Billboard music charts?
The hint was that the release is on the charts right now. So no need to delve back into history.
The answer: 65-year old Bob Dylan, for his new release, "Modern Life".
There were two winners. Remember, we select one winner from the correct answers, and one from the incorrect answers. We reward not just expertise, but effort!
Winners have been notified through email. They are Jeff F., and A.G.
We won't say who had the correct answer, and who the incorrect. But the incorrect answer was a good guess: Tony Bennett. Mr. Bennett is in fact older than Mr. Dylan, and has a current release in the charts. But it hasn't made #1 .
Thanks to everyone who entered. Next contest appears on Friday, 13 Oct.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The hint was that the release is on the charts right now. So no need to delve back into history.
The answer: 65-year old Bob Dylan, for his new release, "Modern Life".
There were two winners. Remember, we select one winner from the correct answers, and one from the incorrect answers. We reward not just expertise, but effort!
Winners have been notified through email. They are Jeff F., and A.G.
We won't say who had the correct answer, and who the incorrect. But the incorrect answer was a good guess: Tony Bennett. Mr. Bennett is in fact older than Mr. Dylan, and has a current release in the charts. But it hasn't made #1 .
Thanks to everyone who entered. Next contest appears on Friday, 13 Oct.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, October 06, 2006
Ithaca Weekend Highlights
It is a relatively quiet weekend in Ithaca, but by no means devoid of edification and exceptional entertainment.
Friday: "An Inconvenient Truth", Al Gore's landmark documentary about environmental degradation, enjoyed a long run on various screens downtown and at Cornell. Tonight it is presented free at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, on Aurora and Court Streets, followed by a discussion by a panel of scientists and alternative energy specialists. 7 pm.
Yankees vs Tigers , at either Benchwarmers or Uncle Joe's. Okay, okay, it's not edifying local entertainment! But it's the national pasttime, its championship baseball, it's New York (although the truly soulful New York franchise plays tomorrow, against L.A.), and it's Friday night! Come on! Root, root, root! Even if you have TV at home, it's still a big bunch of fun, and a kind rare enough to come by, to indulge this completely engrossing, equally silly, passion with a group of worked-up, effusive partisans. Which is the better venue for such an outing, Benchwarmers or Uncle Joe's? Not sure, but as diligent journalists, we will endeavor to sample both environs, and report the critical findings for future dates.
Rastafrica. A new, local reggae band, playing a sweet, soulful, roots rock repetoire. At Micawber's, 118 N. Aurora St., 10 pm. No cover, and they advertise their Happy Hour as 10 pm - 1 am.
Saturday: Musafir, the far-out, far east Indian band that was the sensation of the 2006 GrassRoots Festival, returns to town for a show at Club Euphoria, a new venue in the old Masonic Lodge at 115 N. Cayuga St. Tickets are $15 at the door, $12 in advance at Small World Music.
Sunday: Kelley Birtch is a guitarist and composer from New York. She can play loud, she can play soft, she plays and writes very well, and she sounds different from most music in Ithaca. At Ithaca's best Sunday brunch, at the ABC Cafe, 308 Stewart Av., 11 am. Free.
The wonders of blognology allow us to announce a late change in Maxie's "Shuck'n'Jive" show for this Sunday. Scheduled, but unable to perform, was an ensemble called CandyFloss. Filling in will be the Hogwarshers, a new old-timey combo that promises fiddle tunes at break-neck speed, with a few wistful waltzes mixed in. From 8 - 11 pm. Free.
Have fun!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday: "An Inconvenient Truth", Al Gore's landmark documentary about environmental degradation, enjoyed a long run on various screens downtown and at Cornell. Tonight it is presented free at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, on Aurora and Court Streets, followed by a discussion by a panel of scientists and alternative energy specialists. 7 pm.
Yankees vs Tigers , at either Benchwarmers or Uncle Joe's. Okay, okay, it's not edifying local entertainment! But it's the national pasttime, its championship baseball, it's New York (although the truly soulful New York franchise plays tomorrow, against L.A.), and it's Friday night! Come on! Root, root, root! Even if you have TV at home, it's still a big bunch of fun, and a kind rare enough to come by, to indulge this completely engrossing, equally silly, passion with a group of worked-up, effusive partisans. Which is the better venue for such an outing, Benchwarmers or Uncle Joe's? Not sure, but as diligent journalists, we will endeavor to sample both environs, and report the critical findings for future dates.
Rastafrica. A new, local reggae band, playing a sweet, soulful, roots rock repetoire. At Micawber's, 118 N. Aurora St., 10 pm. No cover, and they advertise their Happy Hour as 10 pm - 1 am.
Saturday: Musafir, the far-out, far east Indian band that was the sensation of the 2006 GrassRoots Festival, returns to town for a show at Club Euphoria, a new venue in the old Masonic Lodge at 115 N. Cayuga St. Tickets are $15 at the door, $12 in advance at Small World Music.
Sunday: Kelley Birtch is a guitarist and composer from New York. She can play loud, she can play soft, she plays and writes very well, and she sounds different from most music in Ithaca. At Ithaca's best Sunday brunch, at the ABC Cafe, 308 Stewart Av., 11 am. Free.
The wonders of blognology allow us to announce a late change in Maxie's "Shuck'n'Jive" show for this Sunday. Scheduled, but unable to perform, was an ensemble called CandyFloss. Filling in will be the Hogwarshers, a new old-timey combo that promises fiddle tunes at break-neck speed, with a few wistful waltzes mixed in. From 8 - 11 pm. Free.
Have fun!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
This Weekend's Conte$t
Here's the music quiz question for the weekend from Small World Music. A gift certificate of $10 goes to the winner, randomly selected from the correct replies.
Who is the oldest person to have a #1 release on the Billboard music charts? (Hint: it is still on the charts right now.)
Send your answer to Small World Music at sworldmu@twcny.rr.com. Contest is open through Monday.
Good luck!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Who is the oldest person to have a #1 release on the Billboard music charts? (Hint: it is still on the charts right now.)
Send your answer to Small World Music at sworldmu@twcny.rr.com. Contest is open through Monday.
Good luck!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Amy Goodman on The Colbert Report: Take 2
Yesterday we reported that Amy Goodman of Democracy Now was appearing on The Colbert Report on Comedy Central, at 8:30. But it turns out that the 8:30 show is a re-run of the previous night's show. The fresh show for the day airs at 11:30.
The show is pretty funny. They must need those extra hours to fine-tune it.
Sorry for the bum steer. But it means you can see the rebroadcast of Amy Goodman's segment tonight at 8:30. We think.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The show is pretty funny. They must need those extra hours to fine-tune it.
Sorry for the bum steer. But it means you can see the rebroadcast of Amy Goodman's segment tonight at 8:30. We think.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Cars Versus A Long, Healthy Life
In the Ithaca Blog archives, you can find a series we did on the benefits of lessening dependency on the automobile.
Saving money is the most obvious, in the age of the $3.00 gallon (it will be higher after Election Day).
Another is lessening the greenhouse effect and global warming, which are primarily caused by the countless tons of carbon dioxide produced by burning gasoline.
Another is reducing emissions from automobile tailpipes, which increase the incidence of lung cancer, leukemia, asthma, and other ailments. Automobiles are the source of 60 - 70% of urban air pollution.
And now, a new study by the National Institute on Aging suggests that the main cause of frailty that robs the elderly of their vitality, and even their lives, is a lack of simple exercise, such as walking a quarter-mile a day.
The science is somewhat complicated, though it is well presented in an article in today's New York Times, "Old But Not Frail: A Matter of Heart and Head".
Check the Times for all the details. But suffice it to say that the old advice is well-heeded: walk your dog twice a day, even if you don't have a dog. And new, related advice might well be: lose the car keys, even when you know where they are.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Saving money is the most obvious, in the age of the $3.00 gallon (it will be higher after Election Day).
Another is lessening the greenhouse effect and global warming, which are primarily caused by the countless tons of carbon dioxide produced by burning gasoline.
Another is reducing emissions from automobile tailpipes, which increase the incidence of lung cancer, leukemia, asthma, and other ailments. Automobiles are the source of 60 - 70% of urban air pollution.
And now, a new study by the National Institute on Aging suggests that the main cause of frailty that robs the elderly of their vitality, and even their lives, is a lack of simple exercise, such as walking a quarter-mile a day.
The science is somewhat complicated, though it is well presented in an article in today's New York Times, "Old But Not Frail: A Matter of Heart and Head".
Check the Times for all the details. But suffice it to say that the old advice is well-heeded: walk your dog twice a day, even if you don't have a dog. And new, related advice might well be: lose the car keys, even when you know where they are.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Amy Goodman tonight on the Colbert Report!
Journalistic worlds collide tonight, when Amy Goodman of Democracy Now appears on The Colbert Report, with Steven Colbert, on Comedy Central.
What will happen when the honor student and class president of contemporary journalism sits down with the class clown? Tune in to see.
The Colbert Report airs on Comedy Central at 8:30 p.m.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
What will happen when the honor student and class president of contemporary journalism sits down with the class clown? Tune in to see.
The Colbert Report airs on Comedy Central at 8:30 p.m.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Ithaca Hours in Ithaca Times
Last week, Ithaca Blog wrote a feature on Ithaca Hours, the local currency system which puts new, real money into the hands of Ithacans - money that stays here, helping local people and businesses.
Today, the Ithaca Times wrote a feature on Hours, which appears in its Business Times section. The Times focuses on how Hours are used by well-known businesses such as the ABC Cafe and the Alternatives Federal Credit Union. It also mentions specific Hours programs which benefit businesses and community groups: an interest-free loan program for businesses, and a grants program for the community. Recent recipients of Hours grants include Catholic Charities, and Fall Creek Elementary School.
You can learn more about Ithaca Hours, including how to join and the benefits of membership, in the Ithaca Blog article from 28 September, "Beating the Drum for Local Currency", and from Hours' web site, www.ithacahours.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Today, the Ithaca Times wrote a feature on Hours, which appears in its Business Times section. The Times focuses on how Hours are used by well-known businesses such as the ABC Cafe and the Alternatives Federal Credit Union. It also mentions specific Hours programs which benefit businesses and community groups: an interest-free loan program for businesses, and a grants program for the community. Recent recipients of Hours grants include Catholic Charities, and Fall Creek Elementary School.
You can learn more about Ithaca Hours, including how to join and the benefits of membership, in the Ithaca Blog article from 28 September, "Beating the Drum for Local Currency", and from Hours' web site, www.ithacahours.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Musafir: Public Service Announcement (for them and ourselves)
Ithaca Blog has been receiving a lot of hits from web searches for "Musafir, Ithaca", "Musafir, Club Euphoria", and the like. So we want to do an explicit announcement about the Musafir concert this weekend so that these searchers will find the information they want.
Musafir was the surprise hit of the GrassRoots Festival this year. The band is from Rajasthan, a desert area of northwest India, probably as far away on Earth as one can get from Trumansburg. But Musafir spanned the gap with a passionate show that proved the power of music to communicate and excite, despite differences and distance.
The band got a rousing reception not just for its performance, which was hip-deep with flamboyant flourish, but for the sense of joy they conveyed at being part of the GrassRoots event. The band played with Donna the Buffalo, in a memorable east-meets-west set, and bandmember Chugge Khan has spent the past few weeks in Ithaca, sitting in at performances by Burke, Burke, and Bone at Maxie's, Ti Ti Chickapea at the Chapter House, and Old Crow Medicine Show at the State Theater.
Musafir performs at Club Euphoria at 8 pm, Saturday 7 October. Club Euphoria is in the space last occupied by the late club Odyssey, in the Masonic Lodge, one block from the Commons, at the southeast corner of Seneca and Cayuga Streets (115 N. Cayuga St.).
Tickets are available at the door for $15, or in advance for $12 at Small World Music. Small World Music is at 614 W. State St., between Meadow and Fulton Streets, across the street from Kinko's, in a garage behind the house.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Musafir was the surprise hit of the GrassRoots Festival this year. The band is from Rajasthan, a desert area of northwest India, probably as far away on Earth as one can get from Trumansburg. But Musafir spanned the gap with a passionate show that proved the power of music to communicate and excite, despite differences and distance.
The band got a rousing reception not just for its performance, which was hip-deep with flamboyant flourish, but for the sense of joy they conveyed at being part of the GrassRoots event. The band played with Donna the Buffalo, in a memorable east-meets-west set, and bandmember Chugge Khan has spent the past few weeks in Ithaca, sitting in at performances by Burke, Burke, and Bone at Maxie's, Ti Ti Chickapea at the Chapter House, and Old Crow Medicine Show at the State Theater.
Musafir performs at Club Euphoria at 8 pm, Saturday 7 October. Club Euphoria is in the space last occupied by the late club Odyssey, in the Masonic Lodge, one block from the Commons, at the southeast corner of Seneca and Cayuga Streets (115 N. Cayuga St.).
Tickets are available at the door for $15, or in advance for $12 at Small World Music. Small World Music is at 614 W. State St., between Meadow and Fulton Streets, across the street from Kinko's, in a garage behind the house.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Contest Answer, & Winner
The answer to last weekend's weekly contest: the Granny Smith apple was the pomological model for the Beatles' Apple Records label.
Ithaca Blog received a number of correct submissions from apple-savvy Ithacans on Apple Harvest festival weekend. The winner, randomly selected, is "the rockin' Alternatives drive-thru team". And rockin' they are. Congratulations! Ithaca Blog contest winners receive a $10 gift certificate from Small World Music.
Thank you to all our entrants. Another fresh contest this Friday!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Ithaca Blog received a number of correct submissions from apple-savvy Ithacans on Apple Harvest festival weekend. The winner, randomly selected, is "the rockin' Alternatives drive-thru team". And rockin' they are. Congratulations! Ithaca Blog contest winners receive a $10 gift certificate from Small World Music.
Thank you to all our entrants. Another fresh contest this Friday!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Last week, when we ran a piece about the Geneva Conventions here in Ithaca Blog, we didn't know anything about Paul Rieckhoff or his organization, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. All we knew was that Mr. Rieckhoff wrote a fine piece on the Geneva Conventions, which we quoted, for the op-ed page of the New York Times last week.
The day after our citation of Mr. Rieckhoff's article, he sent a very cordial message thanking us. We took the opportunity to find out more about IAVA, and encourage you to do the same if you would like to find out more about the situation in the war zone from the soldier's perspective.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The day after our citation of Mr. Rieckhoff's article, he sent a very cordial message thanking us. We took the opportunity to find out more about IAVA, and encourage you to do the same if you would like to find out more about the situation in the war zone from the soldier's perspective.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, September 29, 2006
Friday's Contest. Win a Prize!
Ithaca Blog's contest this weekend, sponsored by Small World Music, pertains both to music and to apples, in honor of Ithaca's Apple Harvest Festival, today and tomorrow.
The apple used as the logo for Apple Records, the Beatles' record company, is a popular variety in America today, but had not yet been introduced to America when Apple Records started, in 1968. The variety was developed in Australia, introduced to England in 1935, and to the U.S. in 1972. What is it?
The prizes are $10 gift certificates to Small World Music. We award one prize from among the right answers, randomly selected, and one from the wrong answers, to reward not just expertise, but effort!
Send answers to Small World Music, at sworldmu@twcny.rr.com. Or phone it in, at 256-0428.
Thanks, & good luck!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The apple used as the logo for Apple Records, the Beatles' record company, is a popular variety in America today, but had not yet been introduced to America when Apple Records started, in 1968. The variety was developed in Australia, introduced to England in 1935, and to the U.S. in 1972. What is it?
The prizes are $10 gift certificates to Small World Music. We award one prize from among the right answers, randomly selected, and one from the wrong answers, to reward not just expertise, but effort!
Send answers to Small World Music, at sworldmu@twcny.rr.com. Or phone it in, at 256-0428.
Thanks, & good luck!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
(Ironic) Award to K-Mart
Usually at Ithaca Blog we shun irony and feckless negativity, as a matter of policy and aesthetics. But a sight at a K-Mart this morning requires a little of these, with an award to K-Mart for rampant, crass holiday commercialism.
Which holiday? Halloween? No, although it is a sad fact that Halloween has turned from a creative, pleasantly anarchistic day into the second-highest holiday for consumer spending - after, of course, Christmas.
And Christmas is the holiday we're talking about here. Walk into K-Mart, and the display that greets you in their doorway is: Christmas trees. Artificial (of course) Christmas trees. $300 artificial Christmas trees.
On September 29. Summer ended one week ago. Hooray! Christmastime is here!
Congratulations, K-Mart, on stirring up our latent cynicism on commercial crassness with this bold display. Our Christmas wish for you, at the beginning of your personal Christmas season one week into autumn, is a good, long spell of 90 degree weather.
Only three shopping months left!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Which holiday? Halloween? No, although it is a sad fact that Halloween has turned from a creative, pleasantly anarchistic day into the second-highest holiday for consumer spending - after, of course, Christmas.
And Christmas is the holiday we're talking about here. Walk into K-Mart, and the display that greets you in their doorway is: Christmas trees. Artificial (of course) Christmas trees. $300 artificial Christmas trees.
On September 29. Summer ended one week ago. Hooray! Christmastime is here!
Congratulations, K-Mart, on stirring up our latent cynicism on commercial crassness with this bold display. Our Christmas wish for you, at the beginning of your personal Christmas season one week into autumn, is a good, long spell of 90 degree weather.
Only three shopping months left!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Beating the Drum for Local Currency
Lots of times, tourists to New York City don't understand why so few natives have been to the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building. Similarly, tourists to Ithaca often wonder why more natives don't use, or even know about, Ithaca Hours, Ithaca's local money.
I've heard this first-hand a lot, as a member of the Ithaca Hours Board. At least a half-dozen times a year, academics, journalists, and politicians from Japan visit Ithaca expressly to study Ithaca Hours. Japan has dozens of local currency systems and they come to Ithaca to scrutinize the oldest and largest system in the U.S. To them, Ithaca Hours is like the Yankees, so they are shocked to come here and find a dearth of fans, so to speak.
Closer to home, currency system enthusiasts in North America also look to Ithaca Hours as a model and a mentor. Two years ago, Board members traveled to meet with Pete Seeger, who is trying to start a system in his town of Beacon, New York. Today, we received an announcement on email that communities in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts are starting a new system, called BerkShares, largely based on the Hours example. Its inauguration is tomorow.
Maybe the beat of the Hours drum, like the idea of a skyscraper in Manhattan, is a little over-familiar to Ithacans. Or maybe it's the old bromide, that people have to hear about something four times before they do something about it - in this case, become an Hours member. There are over 600 Hours members, and probably as many non-member users, but that still leaves quite a large number of uninitiated.
Following is a beat of the drum for local currencies that came today from BerkShares - an excerpt of their announcement of their start. Let it be one of the four times.
"Choosing locally grown foods and consuming local goods and services strengthens our economy, and local currency is the best vehicle to facilitate this exchange ... Local currency is about building community while building the local economy. BerkShares will offer a positive example of how citizens can take responsibility for keeping their own local economies vibrant.
"You will be able to build a new house with BerkShares, paint your house, get a chiropractic session, buy groceries, buy books and music, eat at great restaurants, and support scores of local businesses that accept local money, and keep that money in our community. You can become a member and help your own business, or your own personal finances, by tapping into this new stream of wealth that our community creates and controls. "
You can find out more about Ithaca Hours at www.ithacahours.org. Then, if you see a group of five Japanese visitors spending Hours downtown (a group of five are in fact coming this weekend), you can identify yourself to them as a real Ithacan.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
I've heard this first-hand a lot, as a member of the Ithaca Hours Board. At least a half-dozen times a year, academics, journalists, and politicians from Japan visit Ithaca expressly to study Ithaca Hours. Japan has dozens of local currency systems and they come to Ithaca to scrutinize the oldest and largest system in the U.S. To them, Ithaca Hours is like the Yankees, so they are shocked to come here and find a dearth of fans, so to speak.
Closer to home, currency system enthusiasts in North America also look to Ithaca Hours as a model and a mentor. Two years ago, Board members traveled to meet with Pete Seeger, who is trying to start a system in his town of Beacon, New York. Today, we received an announcement on email that communities in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts are starting a new system, called BerkShares, largely based on the Hours example. Its inauguration is tomorow.
Maybe the beat of the Hours drum, like the idea of a skyscraper in Manhattan, is a little over-familiar to Ithacans. Or maybe it's the old bromide, that people have to hear about something four times before they do something about it - in this case, become an Hours member. There are over 600 Hours members, and probably as many non-member users, but that still leaves quite a large number of uninitiated.
Following is a beat of the drum for local currencies that came today from BerkShares - an excerpt of their announcement of their start. Let it be one of the four times.
"Choosing locally grown foods and consuming local goods and services strengthens our economy, and local currency is the best vehicle to facilitate this exchange ... Local currency is about building community while building the local economy. BerkShares will offer a positive example of how citizens can take responsibility for keeping their own local economies vibrant.
"You will be able to build a new house with BerkShares, paint your house, get a chiropractic session, buy groceries, buy books and music, eat at great restaurants, and support scores of local businesses that accept local money, and keep that money in our community. You can become a member and help your own business, or your own personal finances, by tapping into this new stream of wealth that our community creates and controls. "
You can find out more about Ithaca Hours at www.ithacahours.org. Then, if you see a group of five Japanese visitors spending Hours downtown (a group of five are in fact coming this weekend), you can identify yourself to them as a real Ithacan.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Ithaca Weekend Activities
The going-out scene remains rambunctious in Ithaca this weekend. The State Theater leads the way, with two large shows. Not Friday and Saturday, but Saturday and Sunday.
Old Crow Medicine Show appears at the State on Saturday, 30 September. Fresh off appearances this past week on Prairie Home Companion, and World Cafe. Some of us remember them starting their career in the Dance Tent at GrassRoots Festival. Bigger things were clearly in store, even then. Tickets for this show are bargain-priced at $20. 8 pm at the grande dame of theaters in Ithaca.
Robert Cray Band plays the State the next night. The five-time Grammy winner has just released his first live album. So they should be primed for this show. 8 pm on Sunday.
Also on Saturday, new Crow - i.e., Crow Greenspun - brings his band to the Haunt. The TalkToMes open, in an early show, 6 pm.
Don Preston, aka Dom DeWild, one of the original Mothers of Invention, comes to the Nines, believe it or not. Call for time: 272-1888.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Old Crow Medicine Show appears at the State on Saturday, 30 September. Fresh off appearances this past week on Prairie Home Companion, and World Cafe. Some of us remember them starting their career in the Dance Tent at GrassRoots Festival. Bigger things were clearly in store, even then. Tickets for this show are bargain-priced at $20. 8 pm at the grande dame of theaters in Ithaca.
Robert Cray Band plays the State the next night. The five-time Grammy winner has just released his first live album. So they should be primed for this show. 8 pm on Sunday.
Also on Saturday, new Crow - i.e., Crow Greenspun - brings his band to the Haunt. The TalkToMes open, in an early show, 6 pm.
Don Preston, aka Dom DeWild, one of the original Mothers of Invention, comes to the Nines, believe it or not. Call for time: 272-1888.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Geneva Conventions Against Forces of Death
I never fought in the military, either, so President Bush doesn't really have that excuse for not understanding how the Geneva Conventions bring peace.
The idea of the Geneva Conventions is not just to prevent torture and atrocities, although they do that. This is the part President Bush probably doesn't like, as he seems to rather enjoy these things. Watch him on TV: he smiles whenever he talks about death in any form.
The Geneva Conventions allow a side that extends humanitarian principles towards its adversaries in war to demand them for itself.
They also show the other side that perhaps your side is right. They expedite surrender. Here is an account of the aftermath of the Battle of the Bulge by a World War II American Army lieutenant, in which 5,000 German soldiers surrendered:
Germans had time to weigh the alternatives: an attack from our tanks versus imprisonment under the Geneva Conventions ... while being a prisoner was no pleasure, they were treated fairly under the Geneva Conventions.
Similarly, today, from Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America:
I remember a seasoned senior officer explaining the importance of the Geneva Conventions. He said, "When an enemy fighter knows he'll be treated well by United States forces if he is captured, he is more likely to give up."
A year later on the streets of Baghdad, I saw countless insurgents surrender when faced with the prospect of a hot meal, a pack of cigarettes, and air-conditioning. America's moral integrity was the single most important weapon my platoon had on the streets of Iraq. It saved innumerable lives, encouraged cooperation with our allies and deterred Iraqis from joining the growing insurgency.
The question is how this can be difficult for the Bush administration to understand. It must be a matter of will, rather than capacity. In other words, they choose violence with a perverse attraction to its ferocity, not a belief in its efficacy. They choose it because it makes them powerful. It gives them the power of life and death.
The goals might not even be clear. The consequences do not matter. Not even dead American soldiers matter to this administration. They simply wish for themselves the power of life and death for its own sake. They serve and propagate death. Maybe that's what Hugo Chavez was talking about.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The idea of the Geneva Conventions is not just to prevent torture and atrocities, although they do that. This is the part President Bush probably doesn't like, as he seems to rather enjoy these things. Watch him on TV: he smiles whenever he talks about death in any form.
The Geneva Conventions allow a side that extends humanitarian principles towards its adversaries in war to demand them for itself.
They also show the other side that perhaps your side is right. They expedite surrender. Here is an account of the aftermath of the Battle of the Bulge by a World War II American Army lieutenant, in which 5,000 German soldiers surrendered:
Germans had time to weigh the alternatives: an attack from our tanks versus imprisonment under the Geneva Conventions ... while being a prisoner was no pleasure, they were treated fairly under the Geneva Conventions.
Similarly, today, from Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America:
I remember a seasoned senior officer explaining the importance of the Geneva Conventions. He said, "When an enemy fighter knows he'll be treated well by United States forces if he is captured, he is more likely to give up."
A year later on the streets of Baghdad, I saw countless insurgents surrender when faced with the prospect of a hot meal, a pack of cigarettes, and air-conditioning. America's moral integrity was the single most important weapon my platoon had on the streets of Iraq. It saved innumerable lives, encouraged cooperation with our allies and deterred Iraqis from joining the growing insurgency.
The question is how this can be difficult for the Bush administration to understand. It must be a matter of will, rather than capacity. In other words, they choose violence with a perverse attraction to its ferocity, not a belief in its efficacy. They choose it because it makes them powerful. It gives them the power of life and death.
The goals might not even be clear. The consequences do not matter. Not even dead American soldiers matter to this administration. They simply wish for themselves the power of life and death for its own sake. They serve and propagate death. Maybe that's what Hugo Chavez was talking about.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Last Chance Movies Downtown, Sept. 27 & 28
Here is our second installment of our new heads-up feature on Ithaca Blog, alerting you to downtown movies that will vacate this weekend.
Cinemapolis: closing, "Confetti". This British film has been charitably described as a comedy "mockumentary" in the style of those by Christopher Guest. It is uncharitably characterized as lightweight and disposable as its namesake. It only lasted a week here.
Replacing it is "Quinceanera", an acclaimed drama of a Hispanic girl in L.A. whose 15th birthday celebration is somewhat overshadowed by her pregnancy. A multiple award winner at Sundance.
Fall Creek: closing, "Hollywoodland". A fictionalized version of the mysterious shooting death of George Reeves, TV's Superman.
Replaced by "The Science of Sleep". Gutsy move, mentioning sleep in the title of a somewhat ponderous film in a foreign language (well, to us it is). But the picture succeeds on many levels. It features Charlotte Gainsbourg, a celebrated actress in her native France, and the daughter of legendary French chanteur, Serge Gainsbourg.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Cinemapolis: closing, "Confetti". This British film has been charitably described as a comedy "mockumentary" in the style of those by Christopher Guest. It is uncharitably characterized as lightweight and disposable as its namesake. It only lasted a week here.
Replacing it is "Quinceanera", an acclaimed drama of a Hispanic girl in L.A. whose 15th birthday celebration is somewhat overshadowed by her pregnancy. A multiple award winner at Sundance.
Fall Creek: closing, "Hollywoodland". A fictionalized version of the mysterious shooting death of George Reeves, TV's Superman.
Replaced by "The Science of Sleep". Gutsy move, mentioning sleep in the title of a somewhat ponderous film in a foreign language (well, to us it is). But the picture succeeds on many levels. It features Charlotte Gainsbourg, a celebrated actress in her native France, and the daughter of legendary French chanteur, Serge Gainsbourg.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Our Food World Expertise
An Ithaca Blog reader who has a food blog wrote, after our last Food World installment (21 September), to let us know Ithaca Blog was being linked to that blog site, Cooking With Ideas.
It's nice to see that people can recognize real good culinary exposition when they see it. Or, have a good sense of humor. Or both. (Or, just have a good sense of humor.)
Anyway, we are happy to return the favor by boosting Cooking With Ideas (cookingwithideas.typepad.com). It's a great site, informative and authoritative; also, easy to read and good looking. It's based in Geneva, like Ithaca a nice little town with a gently genteel bent.
Follow-up to that Food World piece: Ling Ling Dumplings are on sale right now at GreenStar. Yesterday, one of the three varieties was out of stock. They have a hard time keeping them all stocked during sales, so shop early and often.
Another Food World note: apple season is here, with most varities available. Empires, Fujis, Macs, etc. are all on hand to help you shoo the doctor, reward the teacher, and celebrate this major New York crop. This weekend is the Apple Harvest Festival in Ithaca, a great opportunity to stock up on bagsful straight from the growers, sample lots of great recipes, enjoy live entertainment, and ride a Ferris Wheel, right downtown.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
It's nice to see that people can recognize real good culinary exposition when they see it. Or, have a good sense of humor. Or both. (Or, just have a good sense of humor.)
Anyway, we are happy to return the favor by boosting Cooking With Ideas (cookingwithideas.typepad.com). It's a great site, informative and authoritative; also, easy to read and good looking. It's based in Geneva, like Ithaca a nice little town with a gently genteel bent.
Follow-up to that Food World piece: Ling Ling Dumplings are on sale right now at GreenStar. Yesterday, one of the three varieties was out of stock. They have a hard time keeping them all stocked during sales, so shop early and often.
Another Food World note: apple season is here, with most varities available. Empires, Fujis, Macs, etc. are all on hand to help you shoo the doctor, reward the teacher, and celebrate this major New York crop. This weekend is the Apple Harvest Festival in Ithaca, a great opportunity to stock up on bagsful straight from the growers, sample lots of great recipes, enjoy live entertainment, and ride a Ferris Wheel, right downtown.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, September 22, 2006
Ithaca Weekend Fun
Friday: Asobi Seksu. Indy rock from NYC. Pop-rock that comes at you in waves, sometimes lush, sometimes crushing. The words come at you sometimes in English, sometimes Japanese. Ithaca's own The Splendors open, and they, too, shall rock. At the Carl Becker House, Cornell. 9 pm.
Jamie Notarthomas. Singer-songwriter from Syracuse who has played GrassRoots Festival, and many venues in the northeast. Considerably quieter than Asobi Seksu, no doubt, but intense enough, in the way of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. The Nines, 10 pm.
Saturday: Jeremy Kittel Trio. The Crossing Borders Series presents one of the top young traditional fiddlers in the U.S. Jeremy appeared on "Prairie Home Companion" earlier this month. Club Euphoria, 115 N. Cayuga St., 8 pm. Tickets $12. Available in advance at Small World Music.
Ti-Ti Chickapea, with Chugge Khan of Musafir. Eric Aceto, Hank Roberts, and Richie Stearns of Ti-Ti Chickapea are plenty of music on their own. But tonight they are with special guest Chugge Khan, percussionist for Musafir, the band from India who emerged as the wowingest act at GrassRoots Festival this year. Chugge plays castanets and jew's harp and seems to extract music directly from spirits around him. He also has a beatific smile, and a pretty nice wardrobe. Chapter House, 10 pm.
(Note: Musafir returns to Ithaca for a Crossing Borders performance at Club Euphoria on 7 October. Tickets available now at Small World Music. )
Sunday: Mike Stark. Ithaca's best keyboard player, at Ithaca's best spot for Sunday brunch, the ABC Cafe. 11 am.
Have fun!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Jamie Notarthomas. Singer-songwriter from Syracuse who has played GrassRoots Festival, and many venues in the northeast. Considerably quieter than Asobi Seksu, no doubt, but intense enough, in the way of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. The Nines, 10 pm.
Saturday: Jeremy Kittel Trio. The Crossing Borders Series presents one of the top young traditional fiddlers in the U.S. Jeremy appeared on "Prairie Home Companion" earlier this month. Club Euphoria, 115 N. Cayuga St., 8 pm. Tickets $12. Available in advance at Small World Music.
Ti-Ti Chickapea, with Chugge Khan of Musafir. Eric Aceto, Hank Roberts, and Richie Stearns of Ti-Ti Chickapea are plenty of music on their own. But tonight they are with special guest Chugge Khan, percussionist for Musafir, the band from India who emerged as the wowingest act at GrassRoots Festival this year. Chugge plays castanets and jew's harp and seems to extract music directly from spirits around him. He also has a beatific smile, and a pretty nice wardrobe. Chapter House, 10 pm.
(Note: Musafir returns to Ithaca for a Crossing Borders performance at Club Euphoria on 7 October. Tickets available now at Small World Music. )
Sunday: Mike Stark. Ithaca's best keyboard player, at Ithaca's best spot for Sunday brunch, the ABC Cafe. 11 am.
Have fun!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday Fun: Contest ! Prizes!
Each Friday, Ithaca Blog's affiliate, Small World Music, will sponsor a contest for Ithaca Blog readers. It will consist of a simple question, and a prize for a randomly-selected correct answer, as well as one for a randomly-selected wrong answer. (We believe in rewarding not just expertise, but effort, too!)
Today's question: Besides their profession, what do these notable musicians have in common: Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Ani Difranco, and Bruce Springsteen?
Hint: you might get the answer on Weekend Edition on NPR tomorrow, if you listen closely.
Hint #2: their mothers all have something in common, too.
The prize is a gift certificate for $10 from Small World Music.
Submit your answer (one per person, please) directly to this Ithaca Blog posting, or to Small World Music's e-mail (sworldmu@twcny.rr.com), or by calling Small World Music, 256-0428.
Winners will be selected on Tuesday.
Thanks, and good luck!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Today's question: Besides their profession, what do these notable musicians have in common: Ray Charles, John Coltrane, Ani Difranco, and Bruce Springsteen?
Hint: you might get the answer on Weekend Edition on NPR tomorrow, if you listen closely.
Hint #2: their mothers all have something in common, too.
The prize is a gift certificate for $10 from Small World Music.
Submit your answer (one per person, please) directly to this Ithaca Blog posting, or to Small World Music's e-mail (sworldmu@twcny.rr.com), or by calling Small World Music, 256-0428.
Winners will be selected on Tuesday.
Thanks, and good luck!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Food World, Continued (Here and Elsewhere)
We took a little ribbing here at Ithaca Blog about our journalistic seriousness when we ran a piece on things we like to get at our prodigious and delightful local supermarkets (Food World, 16 August).
So do we feel a little vindicated now that the New York Times ran the exact same idea for a piece in their well-read newspaper yesterday ("In Search of Grocery Gems"), and it is currently their second-most e-mailed article? Yes, we do.
Of course, we are happy and delighted to help out our journalistic counterparts, and our own dear readers, with ideas and tips. So we will carry on with some further, relevant comments on comestibles for all to enjoy.
1. The Times piece mentions a brand of German cookies called Bahlsen. We like these, too. They mention a variety called Choco Leibniz, a chocolate bar butter cookie. Personally, we like a Bahlsen variety called Hit. It's a simple chocolate sandwich cookie. The wafers are light in color and consistency, so they don't coat your teeth like Oreos. Also, they are very cheap. Also, they are called Hit Cookies. You know we are non-violent at Ithaca Blog, so it is not the "bang, zoom" nature of the name we like, although we admit we did once tell our young teen, live-in nephew that they are called Hit because that's what would happen around here if we came home and found these cookies prematurely gone (he laughed). We think the name alludes to Popularity, but we like the aspect of people using foreign languages to unintended comic effect. There is a department store chain in Germany, for instance, called "Wormland".
2. Goya Cookies. We like Goya products because they are bona fide Latin New York, and they make everything you can think of, and a lot of things you would never think of. But their cookies are a fundamental. They make a flour and sugar cookie called "Maria cookies" that they sell in a pack of 15 that you can hide in your hand when walking down the hallway to the coffee pot at work, thus never need share. But if you get caught, the beauty part is that the pack only costs 33 cents. Oh, yeah.
3. Ling Ling Frozen Chinese Dumplings. All-natural, available at GreenStar and at Wegman's (in the Nature's Basket section at Wegman's). These come in different varieties (chicken ; vegetable), and are as good as any restaurant fare you will find. With some rice and steamed green beans they make a healthy and delicious dinner that you can serve to company, even though it practically cooked itself. Occasionally, GreenStar has these on monthly sale, and when they do, make room in your freezer. Also, get there fast. They do have trouble keeping them in stock.
4. Patsy's Pasta Sauce. The Times piece mentions Rao's Pasta Sauce. Both Patsy's and Rao's come from legendary NYC restaurants. Neither one is a knock-off licensing operation, selling an ordinary product under a stellar name. Presumably, this would not be wise in the world of wiseguys at which Rao's and Patsy's are central. You will pay top dollar for these sauces, but hey, whaddaya whaddaya. Money comes and goes, but good sauce is good sauce, you know what I mean? What am I gonna eat over here, Ragu? What do I look like to you? A rat piece of garbage?
5. Oatmeal. There is no need for packaged oatmeal. It's oatmeal. You put it in a pot, boil it a couple of minutes, and have a delicious, healthy, economical breakfast that is some slight salvation to winter. So-called instant oatmeal is oatmeal cut thinner, so it cooks a little faster. Putting it in a box with a picture of a Quaker does not improve oatmeal. You can't improve oatmeal. It's like trying to improve apples. Buy it in bulk, and buy some Patsy's sauce with what you saved. Or put the money on a horse. Why not? You could be walking around lucky all day and not even know it.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
So do we feel a little vindicated now that the New York Times ran the exact same idea for a piece in their well-read newspaper yesterday ("In Search of Grocery Gems"), and it is currently their second-most e-mailed article? Yes, we do.
Of course, we are happy and delighted to help out our journalistic counterparts, and our own dear readers, with ideas and tips. So we will carry on with some further, relevant comments on comestibles for all to enjoy.
1. The Times piece mentions a brand of German cookies called Bahlsen. We like these, too. They mention a variety called Choco Leibniz, a chocolate bar butter cookie. Personally, we like a Bahlsen variety called Hit. It's a simple chocolate sandwich cookie. The wafers are light in color and consistency, so they don't coat your teeth like Oreos. Also, they are very cheap. Also, they are called Hit Cookies. You know we are non-violent at Ithaca Blog, so it is not the "bang, zoom" nature of the name we like, although we admit we did once tell our young teen, live-in nephew that they are called Hit because that's what would happen around here if we came home and found these cookies prematurely gone (he laughed). We think the name alludes to Popularity, but we like the aspect of people using foreign languages to unintended comic effect. There is a department store chain in Germany, for instance, called "Wormland".
2. Goya Cookies. We like Goya products because they are bona fide Latin New York, and they make everything you can think of, and a lot of things you would never think of. But their cookies are a fundamental. They make a flour and sugar cookie called "Maria cookies" that they sell in a pack of 15 that you can hide in your hand when walking down the hallway to the coffee pot at work, thus never need share. But if you get caught, the beauty part is that the pack only costs 33 cents. Oh, yeah.
3. Ling Ling Frozen Chinese Dumplings. All-natural, available at GreenStar and at Wegman's (in the Nature's Basket section at Wegman's). These come in different varieties (chicken ; vegetable), and are as good as any restaurant fare you will find. With some rice and steamed green beans they make a healthy and delicious dinner that you can serve to company, even though it practically cooked itself. Occasionally, GreenStar has these on monthly sale, and when they do, make room in your freezer. Also, get there fast. They do have trouble keeping them in stock.
4. Patsy's Pasta Sauce. The Times piece mentions Rao's Pasta Sauce. Both Patsy's and Rao's come from legendary NYC restaurants. Neither one is a knock-off licensing operation, selling an ordinary product under a stellar name. Presumably, this would not be wise in the world of wiseguys at which Rao's and Patsy's are central. You will pay top dollar for these sauces, but hey, whaddaya whaddaya. Money comes and goes, but good sauce is good sauce, you know what I mean? What am I gonna eat over here, Ragu? What do I look like to you? A rat piece of garbage?
5. Oatmeal. There is no need for packaged oatmeal. It's oatmeal. You put it in a pot, boil it a couple of minutes, and have a delicious, healthy, economical breakfast that is some slight salvation to winter. So-called instant oatmeal is oatmeal cut thinner, so it cooks a little faster. Putting it in a box with a picture of a Quaker does not improve oatmeal. You can't improve oatmeal. It's like trying to improve apples. Buy it in bulk, and buy some Patsy's sauce with what you saved. Or put the money on a horse. Why not? You could be walking around lucky all day and not even know it.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Last Chance Movies This Week
Similarly to Ithaca Blog's proclivity to review movie theaters rather than movies (see posting from 5 August), we now introduce the service of listing noteable movies as they close, rather than open.
Our two independent downtown theaters, Cinemapolis and Fall Creek, do an admirable job of presenting a large number of fine films in their small premises, with adroit manipulation of films and screens. But the pictures do come and go pretty rapidly, in the quest of givin' 'em what they want, the only thing that counts in show biz. Unfortunately, we find that sometimes the ones we want are gone before we get to them. Thus this feature, where every Wednesday we will alert you to worthwhile flicks that are flickering out to make room for the new ones the coming week.
Cinemapolis: closing are "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man", and "Scoop". (Opening: "Confetti", joining "Little Miss Sunshine".)
Maybe all the Leonard Cohen cult has already made it in to "I'm Your Man". But Leonard Cohen is largely popular in Ithaca, along with other lovable misfit crooners such as Tom Waits and Johnny Dowd. It was quite a service by Cinemapolis to bring "I'm Your Man" in so soon - a niche film that is primarily showing only in big, artsy cities.
"Scoop" has gained praise for director Woody Allen as one of his most satisfying, credible, and funny films in years. It has also been showing at Fall Creek, and is closing there too this week.
Fall Creek: closing are "An Inconvenient Truth", "Only Human", and "Scoop". (Opening: "Half Nelson" and "Trust the Man", joining "Hollywoodland".)
Is Al Gore, like Leonard Cohen, a lovable misfit prophet these days? His star has certainly risen with this controversial, important film about global warming and environmental degradation. It has enjoyed a long run in Ithaca, at both downtown theaters for some weeks.
"Only Human" is about a Jewish girl in Madrid bringing her Palestinian boyfriend home to meet the family. It's a comedy. Closing just before the High Holy Days. Maybe it will reopen at Christmas?
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Our two independent downtown theaters, Cinemapolis and Fall Creek, do an admirable job of presenting a large number of fine films in their small premises, with adroit manipulation of films and screens. But the pictures do come and go pretty rapidly, in the quest of givin' 'em what they want, the only thing that counts in show biz. Unfortunately, we find that sometimes the ones we want are gone before we get to them. Thus this feature, where every Wednesday we will alert you to worthwhile flicks that are flickering out to make room for the new ones the coming week.
Cinemapolis: closing are "Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man", and "Scoop". (Opening: "Confetti", joining "Little Miss Sunshine".)
Maybe all the Leonard Cohen cult has already made it in to "I'm Your Man". But Leonard Cohen is largely popular in Ithaca, along with other lovable misfit crooners such as Tom Waits and Johnny Dowd. It was quite a service by Cinemapolis to bring "I'm Your Man" in so soon - a niche film that is primarily showing only in big, artsy cities.
"Scoop" has gained praise for director Woody Allen as one of his most satisfying, credible, and funny films in years. It has also been showing at Fall Creek, and is closing there too this week.
Fall Creek: closing are "An Inconvenient Truth", "Only Human", and "Scoop". (Opening: "Half Nelson" and "Trust the Man", joining "Hollywoodland".)
Is Al Gore, like Leonard Cohen, a lovable misfit prophet these days? His star has certainly risen with this controversial, important film about global warming and environmental degradation. It has enjoyed a long run in Ithaca, at both downtown theaters for some weeks.
"Only Human" is about a Jewish girl in Madrid bringing her Palestinian boyfriend home to meet the family. It's a comedy. Closing just before the High Holy Days. Maybe it will reopen at Christmas?
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
WHCU Features Car Sharing Story
This morning, Ithaca's morning talk and news program on radio station WHCU featured a story we covered some weeks ago here on Ithaca Blog, on a car sharing enterprise coming to town sometime in the next few months.
New details have emerged. Apparently the group has decided to start with a fleet of eight cars. There will be two cars at each of four locations: Cornell, Ithaca College, EcoVillage, and downtown.
Cornell, Ithaca College, and EcoVillage are partners in the project. Presumably, they will determine where on their premises the cars will be kept.
The city of Ithaca is also a partner in the project. Deciding where the cars assigned to downtown will be kept will presumably be a more difficult issue for the city, with competing constituencies, and more complicated cost and logistics factors.
See WHCU's website for the current developments, and Ithaca Blog for background information, as well as future developments.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
New details have emerged. Apparently the group has decided to start with a fleet of eight cars. There will be two cars at each of four locations: Cornell, Ithaca College, EcoVillage, and downtown.
Cornell, Ithaca College, and EcoVillage are partners in the project. Presumably, they will determine where on their premises the cars will be kept.
The city of Ithaca is also a partner in the project. Deciding where the cars assigned to downtown will be kept will presumably be a more difficult issue for the city, with competing constituencies, and more complicated cost and logistics factors.
See WHCU's website for the current developments, and Ithaca Blog for background information, as well as future developments.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, September 15, 2006
This Weekend in the Small Apple
There are times, and this weekend is among them, that one thinks no place could have more artistic and community activities, weight for age, than Ithaca. Perhaps New York, New York; but probably not per capita.
Two of the most distinct events, one on Saturday and one Sunday, blend music, food, and community unity. What could be more Ithacan than that?
On Saturday, the Baptized Church of Jesus Christ at 412 First Street holds a Gospel Block Party. It promises "soul food, children's activities, and music from Thousands of One with Elliot Martin, The Righteous Boys (from Elmira), the Dobbs Sisters (a cappella singing), and DJ Lex Ruger. The event is in support of breaking down racial walls, building community, and celebrating life." The party goes from 2 - 8 pm.
On Sunday, the Ithaca Catholic Worker celebrates a release party for the St. Patrick's Four, who will finally all be free that day from their prison time for their anti-war activities. The event is at the Southside Community Center from 1 - 4 pm. Refreshments are provided. See www.stpatricksfour.org for more information.
There is also a slew, at least, of great music of disparate styles this weekend.
Richie Stearns and Friends play at Old-Time Dance Night at Perry City Friends Meeting Hall, 8 pm Saturday. Suggested donation, $7.
Priscilla Herdman is a folk singer with a long and varied career and one of the best voices you will hear. Presented by the Cornell Folk Song Society at 165 McGraw Hall, 8 pm Saturday. Tickets $17 at the door, or $15 in advance at Small World Music.
Marty Ehrlich is a multi-instrumentalist jazz player who has drawn comparison to Eric Dolphy. The Village Voice calls him "the dream jazz musician." With his Trio, at the newly-rechristened Club Euphoria, 115 N.Cayuga St., 8 pm Saturday. Tickets $15 at the door, $12 at Small World Music.
Johnny Dowd plays at the Chapter House with a band called Morning 40 Federation. Their name has something to do with an affinity for fortified malt drinks for breakfast, and they seem to appreciate the work of Dowd, if not keenly, at least fervently. 10 pm.
On Sunday: Balkan Beat Box, with Golem, at Castaways, 8 pm. Eastern European gypsy and klezmer mixed with free-form jazz, hip-hop, and what-not. Go know, it's the hottest thing on the New York scene right now. You'll get so jiggy you could plotz. Tickets $15 at the door, $12 at Small World Music (on Saturday - store closed Sundays).
Give a listen!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Two of the most distinct events, one on Saturday and one Sunday, blend music, food, and community unity. What could be more Ithacan than that?
On Saturday, the Baptized Church of Jesus Christ at 412 First Street holds a Gospel Block Party. It promises "soul food, children's activities, and music from Thousands of One with Elliot Martin, The Righteous Boys (from Elmira), the Dobbs Sisters (a cappella singing), and DJ Lex Ruger. The event is in support of breaking down racial walls, building community, and celebrating life." The party goes from 2 - 8 pm.
On Sunday, the Ithaca Catholic Worker celebrates a release party for the St. Patrick's Four, who will finally all be free that day from their prison time for their anti-war activities. The event is at the Southside Community Center from 1 - 4 pm. Refreshments are provided. See www.stpatricksfour.org for more information.
There is also a slew, at least, of great music of disparate styles this weekend.
Richie Stearns and Friends play at Old-Time Dance Night at Perry City Friends Meeting Hall, 8 pm Saturday. Suggested donation, $7.
Priscilla Herdman is a folk singer with a long and varied career and one of the best voices you will hear. Presented by the Cornell Folk Song Society at 165 McGraw Hall, 8 pm Saturday. Tickets $17 at the door, or $15 in advance at Small World Music.
Marty Ehrlich is a multi-instrumentalist jazz player who has drawn comparison to Eric Dolphy. The Village Voice calls him "the dream jazz musician." With his Trio, at the newly-rechristened Club Euphoria, 115 N.Cayuga St., 8 pm Saturday. Tickets $15 at the door, $12 at Small World Music.
Johnny Dowd plays at the Chapter House with a band called Morning 40 Federation. Their name has something to do with an affinity for fortified malt drinks for breakfast, and they seem to appreciate the work of Dowd, if not keenly, at least fervently. 10 pm.
On Sunday: Balkan Beat Box, with Golem, at Castaways, 8 pm. Eastern European gypsy and klezmer mixed with free-form jazz, hip-hop, and what-not. Go know, it's the hottest thing on the New York scene right now. You'll get so jiggy you could plotz. Tickets $15 at the door, $12 at Small World Music (on Saturday - store closed Sundays).
Give a listen!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Ithaca's Wild West End
The #2 most e-mailed story in the New York Times yesterday was a story featuring Gimme Coffee, the Ithaca-based coffee bar whose outpost in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn has helped define that area as the epitome of hip in the city, and raised the entire city's standards for coffee to heights never imagined at Chock Full O' Nuts.
Gimme Coffee at 506 W. State St. in Ithaca is doing the same thing here, in the town's West End, which might be to its city, what Willamsburg is to its.
Half a decade ago, the West End was a section of quizzical businesses in non-descript buildings, and bars where nobody wanted to know your name. There was a chicken-and-egg aspect to the area: were there no good businesses there because no one went there? Or did no one go there because there was nowhere to go?
A couple of small businesses thought the latter. It's not that the West End is too far to visit, at four or so blocks past the Commons (and no hills). Maybe the place was a zircon in the rough.
The neighborhood wasn't barren. GreenStar Co-op moved there in the early '90s, after a fire at their old Fall Creek store. Soon after, Maxie's Restaurant brought vigor and style to the site of the old Farmers and Shippers restaurant.
But GreenStar and Maxie's were businesses that, generally, people drove to, then away from.
By the turn of the decade, Gimme Coffee and other businesses were betting that they could bring car and foot traffic both to the area, and change the perception of it from far out to near in.
One of those businesses was Small World Music, which close readers of Ithaca Blog will recognize as having a mild affiliation with this publication. In the interest of a seeming modesty which is by no means easy to affect, we will shift attention from this business right now, except to note, for the historical record, we were here good and early.
In 2002, a sea change came to the neighborhood in the form of an ocean liner of a home built for itself by the Alternatives Federal Credit Union. The new building replaced the old Moose Lodge, and then some, taking up a whole block on Fulton Street, from Seneca Street to State Street, and becoming the financial nexus of much of Ithaca, as well as a focus of serious face-time.
At around that time, GreenStar expanded its hours of operation. Gimme Coffee opened, bringing people in early, and keeping them fixated for long and frequent spells.
It only made sense that soon the area would need a nighttime yang to the daytime ying of Gimme. And so Felicia's Atomic Lounge opened, right next door. Today the businesses are joined at the hip by a chic alleyway patio that could easily be mistaken for an idyllic part of Williamsburg or the Lower East Side.
The influx increased with the migration of an existing business, the Cayuga Mountain Bike Shop, now known as Cayuga Ski and Cyclery. Their move 5 blocks west, from State and Geneva to State near Fulton, gave them increased space, on a block they construed as closer and more convenient to their clientele.
Joining the party, so to speak, was Finger Lakes Beverage Center, next to Kinko's on West State Street, home of fancy beers and sodas - including kegs, and beers on tap to take away ("growlers", for some reason) ; and one of the very few places in the United States one can use a currency not issued by the United States government, nor any government, to get an adult beverage (they accept an Ithaca Hours dollar - known as a 1/10th note - per purchase. For more information about Ithaca's own money, see www.ithacahours.org).
Already at the party, for a number of years now, has been Sparrow's Wines and Liquors, a small but excellent shop on the corner of Fulton and Green (which also accepts Ithaca Hours).
Ithaca Bakery saw enough potential in the West End that they opened a branch on Meadow and Cleveland, just a few blocks away from the main shop at Meadow and Court. It is more a complement than a competitor to the flagship, serving the Southside neighborhood, and featuring a drive-through window.
A new health club facility on Inlet Island is perhaps only technically on the fringe of the new West End. But it certainly raises the profile of the area, as will an adjacent walk and bike path that is planned as a nature-friendly link from the West End to the Farmer's Market area.
If the first shall indeed be last, let us close with a brief mention of the conscientiously overlooked Small World Music. Come and see it for yourself, next time you're on the West End. From the newest CDs to the oldest LPs, a great selection at great prices. Appropriately funky for the neighborhood, and then some, in a garage behind the house at 614 W. State St. - one block west of Gimme, right across the street from Finger Lakes Beverage. Ithaca Hours accepted 100%. Mention this piece and get 15 % off (Hours, or US dollars) your purchase.
Stephen Burke
unhired gun
for Ithaca Blog
Gimme Coffee at 506 W. State St. in Ithaca is doing the same thing here, in the town's West End, which might be to its city, what Willamsburg is to its.
Half a decade ago, the West End was a section of quizzical businesses in non-descript buildings, and bars where nobody wanted to know your name. There was a chicken-and-egg aspect to the area: were there no good businesses there because no one went there? Or did no one go there because there was nowhere to go?
A couple of small businesses thought the latter. It's not that the West End is too far to visit, at four or so blocks past the Commons (and no hills). Maybe the place was a zircon in the rough.
The neighborhood wasn't barren. GreenStar Co-op moved there in the early '90s, after a fire at their old Fall Creek store. Soon after, Maxie's Restaurant brought vigor and style to the site of the old Farmers and Shippers restaurant.
But GreenStar and Maxie's were businesses that, generally, people drove to, then away from.
By the turn of the decade, Gimme Coffee and other businesses were betting that they could bring car and foot traffic both to the area, and change the perception of it from far out to near in.
One of those businesses was Small World Music, which close readers of Ithaca Blog will recognize as having a mild affiliation with this publication. In the interest of a seeming modesty which is by no means easy to affect, we will shift attention from this business right now, except to note, for the historical record, we were here good and early.
In 2002, a sea change came to the neighborhood in the form of an ocean liner of a home built for itself by the Alternatives Federal Credit Union. The new building replaced the old Moose Lodge, and then some, taking up a whole block on Fulton Street, from Seneca Street to State Street, and becoming the financial nexus of much of Ithaca, as well as a focus of serious face-time.
At around that time, GreenStar expanded its hours of operation. Gimme Coffee opened, bringing people in early, and keeping them fixated for long and frequent spells.
It only made sense that soon the area would need a nighttime yang to the daytime ying of Gimme. And so Felicia's Atomic Lounge opened, right next door. Today the businesses are joined at the hip by a chic alleyway patio that could easily be mistaken for an idyllic part of Williamsburg or the Lower East Side.
The influx increased with the migration of an existing business, the Cayuga Mountain Bike Shop, now known as Cayuga Ski and Cyclery. Their move 5 blocks west, from State and Geneva to State near Fulton, gave them increased space, on a block they construed as closer and more convenient to their clientele.
Joining the party, so to speak, was Finger Lakes Beverage Center, next to Kinko's on West State Street, home of fancy beers and sodas - including kegs, and beers on tap to take away ("growlers", for some reason) ; and one of the very few places in the United States one can use a currency not issued by the United States government, nor any government, to get an adult beverage (they accept an Ithaca Hours dollar - known as a 1/10th note - per purchase. For more information about Ithaca's own money, see www.ithacahours.org).
Already at the party, for a number of years now, has been Sparrow's Wines and Liquors, a small but excellent shop on the corner of Fulton and Green (which also accepts Ithaca Hours).
Ithaca Bakery saw enough potential in the West End that they opened a branch on Meadow and Cleveland, just a few blocks away from the main shop at Meadow and Court. It is more a complement than a competitor to the flagship, serving the Southside neighborhood, and featuring a drive-through window.
A new health club facility on Inlet Island is perhaps only technically on the fringe of the new West End. But it certainly raises the profile of the area, as will an adjacent walk and bike path that is planned as a nature-friendly link from the West End to the Farmer's Market area.
If the first shall indeed be last, let us close with a brief mention of the conscientiously overlooked Small World Music. Come and see it for yourself, next time you're on the West End. From the newest CDs to the oldest LPs, a great selection at great prices. Appropriately funky for the neighborhood, and then some, in a garage behind the house at 614 W. State St. - one block west of Gimme, right across the street from Finger Lakes Beverage. Ithaca Hours accepted 100%. Mention this piece and get 15 % off (Hours, or US dollars) your purchase.
Stephen Burke
unhired gun
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Gimme Coffee Javanaut Steams Ahead
Last week, Ithaca Blog reported on a Food and Wine magazine article that cited Gimme Coffee as one of the top ten coffee bars in the United States.
There is more recognition for Gimme today, in a New York Times article called "Espresso's New Wave Hits Town."
The Times talks about Gimme's outpost in Brooklyn, and three other coffee bars in the city, that have brought the city forth from the dark ages - not so long ago - when "coffee regular, no sugar" was considered a nuanced order.
Check the Times online, and you can also see a 3-minute video that includes scenes from the Gimme in Williamsburg.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
There is more recognition for Gimme today, in a New York Times article called "Espresso's New Wave Hits Town."
The Times talks about Gimme's outpost in Brooklyn, and three other coffee bars in the city, that have brought the city forth from the dark ages - not so long ago - when "coffee regular, no sugar" was considered a nuanced order.
Check the Times online, and you can also see a 3-minute video that includes scenes from the Gimme in Williamsburg.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Ithaca Blog Crystal Ball Clearly Working
You read it here first: yesterday, Ithaca Blog correctly predicted results in the Democratic Senate primary race between Hillary Clinton and Jonathan Tasini.
We said in a posting yesterday that Tasini would, with luck, get as much as 20 percent of the vote statewide. He got 17 percent.
Ithaca Blog also predicted that Tasini would defeat Clinton in the city of Ithaca. And that seems to have happened. Right now the margin is razor thin (Ithaca Blog optimistically predicted a 53 to 47 percent win), but Tasini is believed to have won.
As Jimmy Breslin says, and we often repeat, if you don't blow your own horn, there's no music. Thus the huffing and puffing for our forecast. But more, it is out of appreciation for a difficult campaign intrepidly run by the Tasini organization, and pride for the voters in Ithaca, holding Senator Clinton accountable for her lack of leadership and her cynical politics of collecting money, keeping near power, and keeping her head down.
Maybe next we will see how the Ithaca Blog crystal ball does with football games. That would get some readership!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
We said in a posting yesterday that Tasini would, with luck, get as much as 20 percent of the vote statewide. He got 17 percent.
Ithaca Blog also predicted that Tasini would defeat Clinton in the city of Ithaca. And that seems to have happened. Right now the margin is razor thin (Ithaca Blog optimistically predicted a 53 to 47 percent win), but Tasini is believed to have won.
As Jimmy Breslin says, and we often repeat, if you don't blow your own horn, there's no music. Thus the huffing and puffing for our forecast. But more, it is out of appreciation for a difficult campaign intrepidly run by the Tasini organization, and pride for the voters in Ithaca, holding Senator Clinton accountable for her lack of leadership and her cynical politics of collecting money, keeping near power, and keeping her head down.
Maybe next we will see how the Ithaca Blog crystal ball does with football games. That would get some readership!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Prediction: Tasini Beats Clinton (... in Ithaca)
Previously in Ithaca Blog, we looked at the Democratic primary race for the Senate in New York, and the failure of supposedly progressive groups such as MoveOn to endorse the progressive candidate, challenger Jonathan Tasini, in fear of the moneyed and powerful but clearly centrist incumbent, Hillary Clinton.
MoveOn responded to widespread criticism by holding an on-line "election." Ithaca Blog scrutinized their rules and predicted the result would be an official non-endorsement by MoveOn of either candidate. The morning the poll was announced, we advised MoveOn to save us all some time, and just go ahead and announce the results: no endorsement.
The next day the results came : No endorsement.
No surprise.
Our crystal ball has more bad news: despite a great effort, Tasini will be lucky to get 20% state-wide. Clinton has the power of incumbency, instant name recognition, $44 million to Tasinii's $200,000, and no pressure from entrenched groups like MoveOn even to debate her progressive, anti-war challenger.
But there's one bright glint in the Ithaca Blog crystal ball. It says that Tasini will win in the city of Ithaca.
Is it because we are the Enlightened City? No, not so much that as, perhaps, the enlightening city. A city that will enlighten other voters in New York with the idea that a liberal leader who voted for the Bush war is not a liberal, and more importantly, not a leader. And that if you don't vote for what you really believe in, you don't really vote.
You can't fool all the people all the time. Tomorrow's news: in the five wards of the City of Ithaca, Tasini 53%, Clinton 47%.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
MoveOn responded to widespread criticism by holding an on-line "election." Ithaca Blog scrutinized their rules and predicted the result would be an official non-endorsement by MoveOn of either candidate. The morning the poll was announced, we advised MoveOn to save us all some time, and just go ahead and announce the results: no endorsement.
The next day the results came : No endorsement.
No surprise.
Our crystal ball has more bad news: despite a great effort, Tasini will be lucky to get 20% state-wide. Clinton has the power of incumbency, instant name recognition, $44 million to Tasinii's $200,000, and no pressure from entrenched groups like MoveOn even to debate her progressive, anti-war challenger.
But there's one bright glint in the Ithaca Blog crystal ball. It says that Tasini will win in the city of Ithaca.
Is it because we are the Enlightened City? No, not so much that as, perhaps, the enlightening city. A city that will enlighten other voters in New York with the idea that a liberal leader who voted for the Bush war is not a liberal, and more importantly, not a leader. And that if you don't vote for what you really believe in, you don't really vote.
You can't fool all the people all the time. Tomorrow's news: in the five wards of the City of Ithaca, Tasini 53%, Clinton 47%.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Saturday, September 09, 2006
The Electrician Who Should Be President
There was a potentially redeeming news story five years ago, after the attacks of 9/11.
Actual redemption did not come - as redemption generally doesn't, because redemption requires hard choices and will. But an ordinary citizen, an electrician from New York City, said something that could have saved us from the horrors of war we face, which are likely to worsen, if he had been president.
He was at Ground Zero, working to clear the site. He was a volunteer. Skilled workers such as electricians were crucial to the recovery.
He was there because he lived a mile away, in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. The World Trade Center was practically in his neighborhood. He was needed, so he was there.
He had seen the attack. His 10-year old daughter was home sick from school that day, so he stayed home with her. He made breakfast and sat with her on the small terrace of their apartment. It was a beautiful morning, as everyone remembers.
Their terrace had a view of the Hudson River, and the World Trade Center to the south. The father and daughter sat eating as they saw the plane approach the building and hit it.
It exploded in fire and smoke. Soon bodies were plunging from the building, a hundred floors high.
He rushed his daughter inside and told her to stay there. He went back out and tried to think what to do.
His wife and daughter left the city. He stayed, and worked at the recovery site, 10 and 12 hour days.
At the time, no one knew why it had happened, or even whether it was over. No one knew yet who was responsible, or how to react. Despite the uncertainty and danger, working people went to the site and worked to clear the death and destruction.
At the site, a reporter asked the electrician what had brought him to volunteer. He told the reporter what he did for a living, and where he lived, and where he was on 9/11. The reporter asked what he thought the country's response should be. He said he didn't know. The reporter asked, do you want war? As a New Yorker, living a mile from this site, in this horror, do you want revenge?
He said, "I'm 46 years old. I'm an electrician. I have a 10-old daughter. I figure somewhere in Afghanistan there's a 46-year old electrician with a 10-year old daughter. All I know is, I don't want them to see what we saw."
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Actual redemption did not come - as redemption generally doesn't, because redemption requires hard choices and will. But an ordinary citizen, an electrician from New York City, said something that could have saved us from the horrors of war we face, which are likely to worsen, if he had been president.
He was at Ground Zero, working to clear the site. He was a volunteer. Skilled workers such as electricians were crucial to the recovery.
He was there because he lived a mile away, in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. The World Trade Center was practically in his neighborhood. He was needed, so he was there.
He had seen the attack. His 10-year old daughter was home sick from school that day, so he stayed home with her. He made breakfast and sat with her on the small terrace of their apartment. It was a beautiful morning, as everyone remembers.
Their terrace had a view of the Hudson River, and the World Trade Center to the south. The father and daughter sat eating as they saw the plane approach the building and hit it.
It exploded in fire and smoke. Soon bodies were plunging from the building, a hundred floors high.
He rushed his daughter inside and told her to stay there. He went back out and tried to think what to do.
His wife and daughter left the city. He stayed, and worked at the recovery site, 10 and 12 hour days.
At the time, no one knew why it had happened, or even whether it was over. No one knew yet who was responsible, or how to react. Despite the uncertainty and danger, working people went to the site and worked to clear the death and destruction.
At the site, a reporter asked the electrician what had brought him to volunteer. He told the reporter what he did for a living, and where he lived, and where he was on 9/11. The reporter asked what he thought the country's response should be. He said he didn't know. The reporter asked, do you want war? As a New Yorker, living a mile from this site, in this horror, do you want revenge?
He said, "I'm 46 years old. I'm an electrician. I have a 10-old daughter. I figure somewhere in Afghanistan there's a 46-year old electrician with a 10-year old daughter. All I know is, I don't want them to see what we saw."
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Farmers Market Tip for the Day
Just in from Farmers Market: the booth to be, for produce, is Mandeville Farms.
Their booth is low-key, overshadowed a bit by the burrito stand next to it, and famous Littletree Orchards across from it. But they are featuring a gamut of great vegetables, at great prices.
Most of the other stands are selling squash and peppers for 75 cents each. Mandeville is selling them 3 for a dollar. We shopped up on those.
We also got a spaghetti squash, 99 cents a pound, a good price even if they didn't low-ball the weight for us, which they did.
So, along with the requisite fine fancy stuff (Gimme Coffee; Macro Mama), pick up some wholesome produce at wholesome prices at Mandeville Farms, and get cooking.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Their booth is low-key, overshadowed a bit by the burrito stand next to it, and famous Littletree Orchards across from it. But they are featuring a gamut of great vegetables, at great prices.
Most of the other stands are selling squash and peppers for 75 cents each. Mandeville is selling them 3 for a dollar. We shopped up on those.
We also got a spaghetti squash, 99 cents a pound, a good price even if they didn't low-ball the weight for us, which they did.
So, along with the requisite fine fancy stuff (Gimme Coffee; Macro Mama), pick up some wholesome produce at wholesome prices at Mandeville Farms, and get cooking.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, September 08, 2006
"Democracy Now" on Non-Violence and September 11
This morning, "Democracy Now" with Amy Goodman featured a story that appeared yesterday in Ithaca Blog, on September 11 as the fifth anniversary of the attacks on the U.S., and the 100th anniversary of the start of the non-violence movement by Mahatma Gandhi.
"Democracy Now" interviewed Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. Arun Gandhi is a journalist, and a founder of the MK Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence.
The interview can be found at www.democracynow.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
"Democracy Now" interviewed Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. Arun Gandhi is a journalist, and a founder of the MK Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence.
The interview can be found at www.democracynow.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Non-Violence and September 11
Since 2001, September 11 has been an anniversary of violence and terror. But September 11 is also the anniversary of one of history's great moments for peace and justice: Mahatma Gandhi's announcement of Satyagraha, or a campaign of non-violent resistance, against racial oppression of Indians.
The announcement came 100 years ago, on September 11, 1906.
Ultimately, the campaign led to Indian independence from the United Kingdom.
The principles were adopted by Martin Luther King in the civil rights movement in the U.S., and by Nelson Mandela to end apartheid in South Africa.
Groups aroung the world, particularly in New York City, will commemorate the events together this year. In the words of one group, the goal is to show "there is another response to terror."
Before the invasion of Iraq, peace groups in England met with prime minister Tony Blair to discuss alternatives to violence between the west and the mid-east. Blair chose to comply with the Bush administration, and the invasion of Iraq rages on today, for a longer duration than the time spent by the United States in the war against Nazi Germany, with casualties worsening, and no end in sight.
Today, Tony Blair announced that he will step down as prime minister of England within a year, in the face of mounting criticism and opposition for his acquiescence to war.
Americans have seen the Bush administration obliterate the will of the world to condemn violence in the wake of 9/11 with its own campaign of violence, which has killed thousands of Americans and Iraqi citizens, ruined countless lives, engendered hate and violence, and solved nothing.
It's not too late to learn. Nor to act. Demonstrations and events for peace are being planned by New Yorkers for a Department of Peace (www.nyc-dop.com) and the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence.
Find out more - and talk to people.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The announcement came 100 years ago, on September 11, 1906.
Ultimately, the campaign led to Indian independence from the United Kingdom.
The principles were adopted by Martin Luther King in the civil rights movement in the U.S., and by Nelson Mandela to end apartheid in South Africa.
Groups aroung the world, particularly in New York City, will commemorate the events together this year. In the words of one group, the goal is to show "there is another response to terror."
Before the invasion of Iraq, peace groups in England met with prime minister Tony Blair to discuss alternatives to violence between the west and the mid-east. Blair chose to comply with the Bush administration, and the invasion of Iraq rages on today, for a longer duration than the time spent by the United States in the war against Nazi Germany, with casualties worsening, and no end in sight.
Today, Tony Blair announced that he will step down as prime minister of England within a year, in the face of mounting criticism and opposition for his acquiescence to war.
Americans have seen the Bush administration obliterate the will of the world to condemn violence in the wake of 9/11 with its own campaign of violence, which has killed thousands of Americans and Iraqi citizens, ruined countless lives, engendered hate and violence, and solved nothing.
It's not too late to learn. Nor to act. Demonstrations and events for peace are being planned by New Yorkers for a Department of Peace (www.nyc-dop.com) and the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence.
Find out more - and talk to people.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Food World: World-Class Coffee in Ithaca
Ithaca's location and small size make it a nice place to live, although devoid of some amenities of larger cities.
But there is great coffee here, according to the latest Food and Wine magazine, which cites Gimme Coffee as one of the ten best coffee bars in the United States.
The others are all in major cities: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, Austin, Washington DC, and Beverly Hills.
You might have to go to New Orleans for beignet or po' boys, Philly for cheese steaks, Chicago for deep dish pizza, or New York for a piece of whitefish. But for coffee, just go to the corner of Cayuga and Cascadilla, or 506 W. State St., for some of the best in the country.
Congratulations to coffee impressario Kevin Cuddeback, roaster John Gant, and all the fine barristae at Gimme.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
But there is great coffee here, according to the latest Food and Wine magazine, which cites Gimme Coffee as one of the ten best coffee bars in the United States.
The others are all in major cities: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, Austin, Washington DC, and Beverly Hills.
You might have to go to New Orleans for beignet or po' boys, Philly for cheese steaks, Chicago for deep dish pizza, or New York for a piece of whitefish. But for coffee, just go to the corner of Cayuga and Cascadilla, or 506 W. State St., for some of the best in the country.
Congratulations to coffee impressario Kevin Cuddeback, roaster John Gant, and all the fine barristae at Gimme.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, September 01, 2006
MoveOn Ruse: We Stand Correct
Regarding yesterday's Ithaca Blog report on MoveOn and the NY Senate race: the results are in - correctly predicted here way ahead of time. See the forwarded message from MoveOn, just released:
Dear MoveOn member in New York,
We wanted to let you know, MoveOn won't be making an endorsement in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary. In voting over the last day, neither Hillary Rodham Clinton nor Jonathan Tasini garnered the two-thirds support from MoveOn members necessary for an endorsement. The margin in our online vote was 56 percent for Clinton and 44 percent for Tasini.
The MoveOn election effort in New York and across the country will stay focused on beating vulnerable Republican incumbents in House races—working to end one-party Republican rule in Washington.
Thanks to everybody who voted and look for more about how you can get involved.
–Eli Pariser Executive Director, MoveOn.org Political Action Friday, September 1, 2006
# # #
Ithaca Blog referred Mr. Pariser to our article, and prediction, which could have saved him the trouble and shame.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Dear MoveOn member in New York,
We wanted to let you know, MoveOn won't be making an endorsement in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary. In voting over the last day, neither Hillary Rodham Clinton nor Jonathan Tasini garnered the two-thirds support from MoveOn members necessary for an endorsement. The margin in our online vote was 56 percent for Clinton and 44 percent for Tasini.
The MoveOn election effort in New York and across the country will stay focused on beating vulnerable Republican incumbents in House races—working to end one-party Republican rule in Washington.
Thanks to everybody who voted and look for more about how you can get involved.
–Eli Pariser Executive Director, MoveOn.org Political Action Friday, September 1, 2006
# # #
Ithaca Blog referred Mr. Pariser to our article, and prediction, which could have saved him the trouble and shame.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Free Labor Day Picnic at Stewart Park
For 22 years, Ithaca has been the site of a big, wonderful Labor Day picnic. The picnic is hosted by a coalition of labor groups to celebrate the contributions of working people to their communities and country. It is free, and open to the public.
Guests are invited to bring a dish to pass. The host groups provide free hot dogs, meat and veggie burgers, drinks, and ice cream.
The Ithaca Firefighters bring a fire truck for the edification and delight of youthful youngsters and unselfconscious adults (little fire helmets are also provided). There is an awards ceremony for local heroes of labor - as well as a Goat of Labor indictment of the year's worst villian.
There is great local music every year. This year's performers are Colleen Kattau, Tom Sieling, and John Simon. There will also be special guest performers from New York City, George Mann and Julius Margolis. George is 40-something, and Julius 90-something, and they write and perform songs that are catchy as well as inspiring and educational about social history, and modern life. George and Julius have a new CD, "Songs to Take Our Country Back!", with guest appearances from Colleen Kattau, Utah Phillips, Francesco Herrara, and Billy Bragg.
There is also a benefit raffle, with cash prizes, and items donated from local merchants.
The event is a great opportunity for fun and community. Stewart Park, Monday, 11 a.m - 3 p.m., rain or shine.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Guests are invited to bring a dish to pass. The host groups provide free hot dogs, meat and veggie burgers, drinks, and ice cream.
The Ithaca Firefighters bring a fire truck for the edification and delight of youthful youngsters and unselfconscious adults (little fire helmets are also provided). There is an awards ceremony for local heroes of labor - as well as a Goat of Labor indictment of the year's worst villian.
There is great local music every year. This year's performers are Colleen Kattau, Tom Sieling, and John Simon. There will also be special guest performers from New York City, George Mann and Julius Margolis. George is 40-something, and Julius 90-something, and they write and perform songs that are catchy as well as inspiring and educational about social history, and modern life. George and Julius have a new CD, "Songs to Take Our Country Back!", with guest appearances from Colleen Kattau, Utah Phillips, Francesco Herrara, and Billy Bragg.
There is also a benefit raffle, with cash prizes, and items donated from local merchants.
The event is a great opportunity for fun and community. Stewart Park, Monday, 11 a.m - 3 p.m., rain or shine.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Food World: Diners
One of the great things about holidays is the opportunity to travel, and to eat in diners.
You can tell right away, I am easy to please.
But I like eating in diners. It's like going to a foreign country. You're just passing through. It's not a place you'd normally go. Inside, nobody knows you. You don't know them and you'll never see them again. So there is the easy familiarity of complete cosmic strangers.
If you're traveling this Labor Day weekend, you can start the fun early by giving yourself over to the lure and the lore of the diner. If you do, you will be doing plenty of meal-time reading soon enough, with a big, multi-page, laminate diner menu before you; so we will keep our pre-trip tips brief, and wish you happy trails and digestion.
The State Diner
The Ithaca landmark. Open 24 hours. Because it's an in-town diner, not necessarily for travellers, the foreign country factor doesn't pertain, although it is definitely diner world in the State, with the bold fluorescent lights and the counter stools and the booths (there isn't a free-standing chair in the place). The best bargain is breakfast, which is served all day. Mandatory three-count on the toast. That's right, three slices.
The Blue Dolphin, Apalachin NY.
Apalachin is about 45 minutes away, between Owego and Binghamton off Route 17. The Blue Dolphin is a good choice for Type-A travelers who feel slothful having a big meal-up at the State Diner before even going anywhere: by waiting until you hit the Blue Dolphin, you've already accomplished something. And the fare is worth the wait - better than State Diner's, particularly the home fries, which are freshly made on the premises, not food service. And the prices are about the same. The place is big, clean, and the service is fast and friendly. Recommended.
The Roscoe Diner, Roscoe NY.
If you have lived in Ithaca for any length of time - say, a few days or more - and came here from the NYC area, you have probably been to the Roscoe Diner. It is roughly the half-way point between NYC and here, both physically and psychically, with its Long Island architecture and college-pennant decor, and its gigantic menu with items meant to appeal to every ethnicity and age and style of eater.
One suspects that even with the breadth of the menu, 80 percent of the orders are either breakfast or burgers or club sandwiches. Any of these things will be plenty to eat. Personally, I will generally go with a burger at the Roscoe, because they have "deluxe" options (involving fries, cole slaw, and/or cheese), and I like ordering the "deluxe", because you hardly ever get to say the word "deluxe", much less with a straight face.
The pre-eminence of the diner has been challenged in recent decades by the rise of fast- food chains. Do not succumb to these places, despite the anonymity of the road, which might allow you the guilty pleasure of eating a Big Mac without anyone you know seeing you. It's not worth it. Simply put, the odds of keen nausea within minutes of ingesting are just too high. Then the dizzy remorse can ruin your trip.
Culinarily and otherwise, have a safe and fun weekend.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
You can tell right away, I am easy to please.
But I like eating in diners. It's like going to a foreign country. You're just passing through. It's not a place you'd normally go. Inside, nobody knows you. You don't know them and you'll never see them again. So there is the easy familiarity of complete cosmic strangers.
If you're traveling this Labor Day weekend, you can start the fun early by giving yourself over to the lure and the lore of the diner. If you do, you will be doing plenty of meal-time reading soon enough, with a big, multi-page, laminate diner menu before you; so we will keep our pre-trip tips brief, and wish you happy trails and digestion.
The State Diner
The Ithaca landmark. Open 24 hours. Because it's an in-town diner, not necessarily for travellers, the foreign country factor doesn't pertain, although it is definitely diner world in the State, with the bold fluorescent lights and the counter stools and the booths (there isn't a free-standing chair in the place). The best bargain is breakfast, which is served all day. Mandatory three-count on the toast. That's right, three slices.
The Blue Dolphin, Apalachin NY.
Apalachin is about 45 minutes away, between Owego and Binghamton off Route 17. The Blue Dolphin is a good choice for Type-A travelers who feel slothful having a big meal-up at the State Diner before even going anywhere: by waiting until you hit the Blue Dolphin, you've already accomplished something. And the fare is worth the wait - better than State Diner's, particularly the home fries, which are freshly made on the premises, not food service. And the prices are about the same. The place is big, clean, and the service is fast and friendly. Recommended.
The Roscoe Diner, Roscoe NY.
If you have lived in Ithaca for any length of time - say, a few days or more - and came here from the NYC area, you have probably been to the Roscoe Diner. It is roughly the half-way point between NYC and here, both physically and psychically, with its Long Island architecture and college-pennant decor, and its gigantic menu with items meant to appeal to every ethnicity and age and style of eater.
One suspects that even with the breadth of the menu, 80 percent of the orders are either breakfast or burgers or club sandwiches. Any of these things will be plenty to eat. Personally, I will generally go with a burger at the Roscoe, because they have "deluxe" options (involving fries, cole slaw, and/or cheese), and I like ordering the "deluxe", because you hardly ever get to say the word "deluxe", much less with a straight face.
The pre-eminence of the diner has been challenged in recent decades by the rise of fast- food chains. Do not succumb to these places, despite the anonymity of the road, which might allow you the guilty pleasure of eating a Big Mac without anyone you know seeing you. It's not worth it. Simply put, the odds of keen nausea within minutes of ingesting are just too high. Then the dizzy remorse can ruin your trip.
Culinarily and otherwise, have a safe and fun weekend.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, August 31, 2006
MoveOn and the NY Senate Race: Hypocrisy In Action?
MoveOn.com, the avowedly activist online political forum, has challenged politicians, journalists, and others in power to show progressive leadership in these troubled times. They've solicited a lot of money and time from American citizens.
Now MoveOn itself is under criticism for avoiding an endorsement in the New York Democratic primary for the Senate, between incumbent Hillary Clinton and challenger Jonathan Tasini (see related Ithaca Blog article from August 23).
MoveOn maintains that Clinton's lead is so large that to endorse her is not necessary, while to endorse her challenger would be divisive. Critics say that this is hardly a guiding principle for an organization that endorses grassroots democracy.
The New York Times last week overtly suggested that MoveOn finds itself impaired by, and even afraid of, Senator Clinton's status and money. Clinton's campaign has so far raised over $40 million dollars, compared to Tasini's $200,000. Clinton has instant name recognition and is a leading candidate for the presidency in 2008, whereas Tasini is a relative unknown.
In terms of the issues, Tasini's positions are considerably more progressive than Clinton's. As senator, Clinton's failure to show leadership for same-sex marriage, and her support of criminalization of flag-burning, are two examples of an apparent strategy of courting a perceived centrist base necessary for national election. Similarly, and most significantly, Clinton voted to authorize the invasion of Iraq, and has put forth no plan for exit from Iraq, while Tasini calls for an immediate withdrawal of troops.
The Democratic primary for the Senate in Connecticut last month had many parallels to New York's, with an unknown anti-war candidate challenging a pro-war incumbent. In that race, however, MoveOn endorsed the challenger, Ned Lamont, who went on to defeat the incumbent, Joe Lieberman.
Why the difference in MoveOn's positions? The discernible differences in the two races are not about issues, but power. Clinton's influence is growing, while Lieberman's has waned since his losses as Al Gore's running mate in 2000, and against John Kerry for the presidential nomination in 2004. And while Tasini's campaign struggles for money, Lamont had a personal fortune of millions invested in his effort.
So is MoveOn moving to the realpolitik of money and strength, instead of progressive principles?
MoveOn responded to the criticism today, announcing a poll that will dictate its stance. But while designed to lessen the political heat, the response might instead draw more.
The poll asks MoveOn voters to cast a vote for either Clinton or Tasini. But there are considerable catches in the exercise.
MoveOn says that if either candidate receives two-thirds of the votes in the poll, the organization will formally endorse that candidate.
But if neither candidate receives a two-thirds majority, MoveOn will formally abstain.
Which means they might as well announce the results now: no endorsement.
Even in the largest landslide victories in American politics, the winner won't get two-thirds. In 1972, Richard Nixon carried 49 states, and didn't get two-thirds.
So it certainly seems a move disguised as democratic for an outcome that is anything but. It seems to say that MoveOn's leaders do not wish to challenge Hillary Clinton; but this gesture lets them say that they have responded to the membership.
That response is being solicited with one day's notice - on a holiday weekend. And it requires a result that only a candidate with Clinton's advantages could possibly hope to achieve.
The progressive movement needs all the help it can get in doing the crucial work of this democracy. So it is difficult to criticize a group with MoveOn's visibility.
But in politics, as in life, everyone makes mistakes. And time and again in politics we see that mistakes are not as dangerous as the failure to admit them.
The great mayor of New York, Fiorello LaGuardia, once famously said, "When I make a mistake, it's a beaut." Let's hope MoveOn can learn their New York lesson - and in a New York minute. The primary election between Clinton and Tasini is in less than two weeks, on September 12.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Now MoveOn itself is under criticism for avoiding an endorsement in the New York Democratic primary for the Senate, between incumbent Hillary Clinton and challenger Jonathan Tasini (see related Ithaca Blog article from August 23).
MoveOn maintains that Clinton's lead is so large that to endorse her is not necessary, while to endorse her challenger would be divisive. Critics say that this is hardly a guiding principle for an organization that endorses grassroots democracy.
The New York Times last week overtly suggested that MoveOn finds itself impaired by, and even afraid of, Senator Clinton's status and money. Clinton's campaign has so far raised over $40 million dollars, compared to Tasini's $200,000. Clinton has instant name recognition and is a leading candidate for the presidency in 2008, whereas Tasini is a relative unknown.
In terms of the issues, Tasini's positions are considerably more progressive than Clinton's. As senator, Clinton's failure to show leadership for same-sex marriage, and her support of criminalization of flag-burning, are two examples of an apparent strategy of courting a perceived centrist base necessary for national election. Similarly, and most significantly, Clinton voted to authorize the invasion of Iraq, and has put forth no plan for exit from Iraq, while Tasini calls for an immediate withdrawal of troops.
The Democratic primary for the Senate in Connecticut last month had many parallels to New York's, with an unknown anti-war candidate challenging a pro-war incumbent. In that race, however, MoveOn endorsed the challenger, Ned Lamont, who went on to defeat the incumbent, Joe Lieberman.
Why the difference in MoveOn's positions? The discernible differences in the two races are not about issues, but power. Clinton's influence is growing, while Lieberman's has waned since his losses as Al Gore's running mate in 2000, and against John Kerry for the presidential nomination in 2004. And while Tasini's campaign struggles for money, Lamont had a personal fortune of millions invested in his effort.
So is MoveOn moving to the realpolitik of money and strength, instead of progressive principles?
MoveOn responded to the criticism today, announcing a poll that will dictate its stance. But while designed to lessen the political heat, the response might instead draw more.
The poll asks MoveOn voters to cast a vote for either Clinton or Tasini. But there are considerable catches in the exercise.
MoveOn says that if either candidate receives two-thirds of the votes in the poll, the organization will formally endorse that candidate.
But if neither candidate receives a two-thirds majority, MoveOn will formally abstain.
Which means they might as well announce the results now: no endorsement.
Even in the largest landslide victories in American politics, the winner won't get two-thirds. In 1972, Richard Nixon carried 49 states, and didn't get two-thirds.
So it certainly seems a move disguised as democratic for an outcome that is anything but. It seems to say that MoveOn's leaders do not wish to challenge Hillary Clinton; but this gesture lets them say that they have responded to the membership.
That response is being solicited with one day's notice - on a holiday weekend. And it requires a result that only a candidate with Clinton's advantages could possibly hope to achieve.
The progressive movement needs all the help it can get in doing the crucial work of this democracy. So it is difficult to criticize a group with MoveOn's visibility.
But in politics, as in life, everyone makes mistakes. And time and again in politics we see that mistakes are not as dangerous as the failure to admit them.
The great mayor of New York, Fiorello LaGuardia, once famously said, "When I make a mistake, it's a beaut." Let's hope MoveOn can learn their New York lesson - and in a New York minute. The primary election between Clinton and Tasini is in less than two weeks, on September 12.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
"Fighting Democrat" for Central NY
Ithaca's U.S. Congressional district, the 22nd, has long benefitted from representation by Maurice Hinchey, one of the most progressive members of the House.
Now, the neighboring 29th district, long a Republican stronghold, has a chance to choose new and progressive leadership, with Democratic challenger Eric Massa running a strong campaign against incumbent Republican Randy Kuhl.
The 29th district includes much of the Southern Tier, including Schuyler and Chemung counties.
Kuhl won election to the district after the retirement of Amo Houghton, a Republican with a long and distinguished record of bipartisan leadership in Congress.
Kuhl's main commendation for the job, after an undistinguished stint in the New York State Assembly, seemed to be his party affiliation.
Kuhl's one term in Congress is similarly undistinguished, and in sharp contrast to Houghton's. In a long career in the House, Houghton was respected as a pragmatic and independent leader. Kuhl, meanwhile, voted with Tom DeLay on over 90 per cent of his votes, until DeLay's resignation in a corruption scandal. Kuhl also received money from DeLay's PAC fund.
Enter Eric Massa. Massa is a Navy veteran identified as a "Fighting Democrat" - one of the scores of armed service veterans running as Democrats for Congress this year.
The appellation is meant to contrast the military service of the Democratic candidates with the lack of service among many of the Republicans responsible for the war.
Massa seems eager to continue fighting, on the political front. He made national headlines this week with vigorous criticism of Donald Rumsfeld.
In a speech to the American Legion this week, Rumsfeld accused Bush administration critics of "myths and distortions."
In a statement released by the Democratic national party, Massa said, "After 21 months of trying to find something I can agree with Secretary Rumsfeld on, it is true: the American people are being lied to and I totally agree with Secretary Rumsfeld. What I disagree with is the fact that he's the one doing the lying." Massa specifically accused Rumsfeld of lying about current progress in Iraq.
Congressman Hinchey was among the first and most outspoken critics of the invasion of Iraq. His leadership has not been matched by New York's senators, Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer, who voted for the Bush invasion, and might speak out against it, it seems, if it becomes expedient.
Meanwhile, New York voters in the 29th district have a chance to send Hinchey an ally in an active effort for peace, and truth in government. Likewise, New Yorkers statewide have a chance to vote for a Senatorial candidate, Jonathan Tasini, who has called for an immediate halt to the war. Tasini is challenging Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for the Senate in the primary election on September 12 (see related Ithaca Blog article).
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Now, the neighboring 29th district, long a Republican stronghold, has a chance to choose new and progressive leadership, with Democratic challenger Eric Massa running a strong campaign against incumbent Republican Randy Kuhl.
The 29th district includes much of the Southern Tier, including Schuyler and Chemung counties.
Kuhl won election to the district after the retirement of Amo Houghton, a Republican with a long and distinguished record of bipartisan leadership in Congress.
Kuhl's main commendation for the job, after an undistinguished stint in the New York State Assembly, seemed to be his party affiliation.
Kuhl's one term in Congress is similarly undistinguished, and in sharp contrast to Houghton's. In a long career in the House, Houghton was respected as a pragmatic and independent leader. Kuhl, meanwhile, voted with Tom DeLay on over 90 per cent of his votes, until DeLay's resignation in a corruption scandal. Kuhl also received money from DeLay's PAC fund.
Enter Eric Massa. Massa is a Navy veteran identified as a "Fighting Democrat" - one of the scores of armed service veterans running as Democrats for Congress this year.
The appellation is meant to contrast the military service of the Democratic candidates with the lack of service among many of the Republicans responsible for the war.
Massa seems eager to continue fighting, on the political front. He made national headlines this week with vigorous criticism of Donald Rumsfeld.
In a speech to the American Legion this week, Rumsfeld accused Bush administration critics of "myths and distortions."
In a statement released by the Democratic national party, Massa said, "After 21 months of trying to find something I can agree with Secretary Rumsfeld on, it is true: the American people are being lied to and I totally agree with Secretary Rumsfeld. What I disagree with is the fact that he's the one doing the lying." Massa specifically accused Rumsfeld of lying about current progress in Iraq.
Congressman Hinchey was among the first and most outspoken critics of the invasion of Iraq. His leadership has not been matched by New York's senators, Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer, who voted for the Bush invasion, and might speak out against it, it seems, if it becomes expedient.
Meanwhile, New York voters in the 29th district have a chance to send Hinchey an ally in an active effort for peace, and truth in government. Likewise, New Yorkers statewide have a chance to vote for a Senatorial candidate, Jonathan Tasini, who has called for an immediate halt to the war. Tasini is challenging Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for the Senate in the primary election on September 12 (see related Ithaca Blog article).
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Katrina: Don't Mourn - Organize
It's the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, as has been duly noted in the media, as the media dearly loves anniversaries of things, because it creates content with no effort.
So there are lots of pictures of devastation, and hand-wringing about suffering, and scarey speculation about the next big storm. But there is not much holding to account the Bush administration, whose negligence made for more suffering than the storm itself.
Nor is there much analysis of relief efforts, and who is doing what. Mayor Negin of New Orleans makes a gaffe about the "hole in the ground" that still exisits at Ground Zero in New York, and this dominates the headlines, as the media diverts attention from the real issues, and ducks its professional responsibilities in reporting them.
It's not leading the news, but it should be: to date, school children in America have donated more money to Katrina relief than most major corporations.
(Yesterday, it was reported that while worker productivity in the U.S. increased by 4 per cent last year, real wages for workers declined. Corporations taketh, and they taketh it far away.)
The lesson is that compassion and responsibility does not come from the powerful institutions in this country. Instead, it comes from those with the least. Think what we could, and would, do with more. And then work on taking that power. As Joe Hill, the labor leader, said before his execution, don't mourn - organize. A national third party for working people - not of, by, and for corporate money hoarders and launderers - is a good place to start.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
So there are lots of pictures of devastation, and hand-wringing about suffering, and scarey speculation about the next big storm. But there is not much holding to account the Bush administration, whose negligence made for more suffering than the storm itself.
Nor is there much analysis of relief efforts, and who is doing what. Mayor Negin of New Orleans makes a gaffe about the "hole in the ground" that still exisits at Ground Zero in New York, and this dominates the headlines, as the media diverts attention from the real issues, and ducks its professional responsibilities in reporting them.
It's not leading the news, but it should be: to date, school children in America have donated more money to Katrina relief than most major corporations.
(Yesterday, it was reported that while worker productivity in the U.S. increased by 4 per cent last year, real wages for workers declined. Corporations taketh, and they taketh it far away.)
The lesson is that compassion and responsibility does not come from the powerful institutions in this country. Instead, it comes from those with the least. Think what we could, and would, do with more. And then work on taking that power. As Joe Hill, the labor leader, said before his execution, don't mourn - organize. A national third party for working people - not of, by, and for corporate money hoarders and launderers - is a good place to start.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Ithaca Fun This Weekend
The big musical event last weekend, Samite at Taughannock Park, got dampened a bit, by a day of rain. The forecast this weekend is also for rain. So we will concentrate on indoor events this time.
Saturday: Farmers Market. Not strictly indoors - better, actually, with a roof to keep off the rain, but no walls to block the breeze and the views. If its raining, the crowds will be lesser. More for you and me. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Small World Music. Shameless self-promotion time. But, as Jimmy Breslin says, if you don't blow your own horn, there's no music. We're open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spend some time on a rainy day exploring a world of music CDS and LPs. The selection is great (new arrivals: Golden Smog, Matisyahu, Linda Ronstadt and Ann Savoy), and the prices are right. Thursday through Saturday, all Reggae is on sale, 20% off. You say you want more? You say you haven't had enough? Tell you what I'm gonna do. Mention Ithaca Blog, and get 20% off EVERYTHING. Thursday through Saturday only! 614 W. State Street, across the street from Kinko's, in a garage behind the house. Call for more explicit directions, or more horn-blowing from the maestro. 256-0428.
Schatz & Lyons Hurricane Katrina Anniversary Show. Greg Schatz and Jeremy Lyons are two great, street-wise musicians who come from Ithaca, but moved to New Orleans to hone their skills at givin' 'em what they want, so to speak, in the U.S. capital of such activity. They learned, and were developing nice careers in the Big Easy, when it all became very hard. They are back in Ithaca at the moment, and tonight will rock through rags, traditional and original songs, and blues, commemorating and celebrating. Chapter House, 10 p.m.
Sunday: Concert to Benefit Jonathan Tasini for Senate. See related Ithaca Blog posting ("Hillary Versus ... Jonathan?"). With Hank Roberts, Michelle Berry, Will Fudeman, et al. Castaways, 7 p.m. Suggested donation, $10.
Beyond these things, there's that old rainy-day standby, the movies. Cinemapolis and Fall Creek are featuring 6 fine films on their 5 screens, from the silly ("Little Miss Sunshine") to the serious ("An Inconvenient Truth"). Weekend matinees have discounted prices.
Enjoy yourself!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Saturday: Farmers Market. Not strictly indoors - better, actually, with a roof to keep off the rain, but no walls to block the breeze and the views. If its raining, the crowds will be lesser. More for you and me. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Small World Music. Shameless self-promotion time. But, as Jimmy Breslin says, if you don't blow your own horn, there's no music. We're open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spend some time on a rainy day exploring a world of music CDS and LPs. The selection is great (new arrivals: Golden Smog, Matisyahu, Linda Ronstadt and Ann Savoy), and the prices are right. Thursday through Saturday, all Reggae is on sale, 20% off. You say you want more? You say you haven't had enough? Tell you what I'm gonna do. Mention Ithaca Blog, and get 20% off EVERYTHING. Thursday through Saturday only! 614 W. State Street, across the street from Kinko's, in a garage behind the house. Call for more explicit directions, or more horn-blowing from the maestro. 256-0428.
Schatz & Lyons Hurricane Katrina Anniversary Show. Greg Schatz and Jeremy Lyons are two great, street-wise musicians who come from Ithaca, but moved to New Orleans to hone their skills at givin' 'em what they want, so to speak, in the U.S. capital of such activity. They learned, and were developing nice careers in the Big Easy, when it all became very hard. They are back in Ithaca at the moment, and tonight will rock through rags, traditional and original songs, and blues, commemorating and celebrating. Chapter House, 10 p.m.
Sunday: Concert to Benefit Jonathan Tasini for Senate. See related Ithaca Blog posting ("Hillary Versus ... Jonathan?"). With Hank Roberts, Michelle Berry, Will Fudeman, et al. Castaways, 7 p.m. Suggested donation, $10.
Beyond these things, there's that old rainy-day standby, the movies. Cinemapolis and Fall Creek are featuring 6 fine films on their 5 screens, from the silly ("Little Miss Sunshine") to the serious ("An Inconvenient Truth"). Weekend matinees have discounted prices.
Enjoy yourself!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Hillary Versus ...Jonathan?
Even in this celebrity-laden age, there aren't many people with first-name recognition among the American public. In politics, "Hillary" ranks high among them.
It will take "Jonathan" a while to get there. For now, "Jonathan Tasini" would probably be happy with both-name recognition.
Or even for recognition after introduction. Jonathan Tasini is running against Hillary Clinton in the September 12 Democratic primary for the U.S. senate.
It was a hard battle for Tasini to get on the ballot in the first place. Now his challenge is to compete with Clinton in public awareness.
Tasini can concede the battle for campaign funding. He has raised about $200,000, to Clinton's $44 million.
He feels the fight is for voter awareness, and that if New Yorkers would "vote for what you believe in" - his campaign motto - he would win.
Tasini makes the point that two-thirds of New York voters oppose the war in Iraq. He has been outspoken in his opposition to it, and in his criticism of Senator Clinton for her vote for it.
He has also criticized Senator Clinton for her support of Israel's military action against Lebanon, which he opposes. Tasini is Jewish and has family members in Israel.
Insurmountable as Senator Clinton's advantages might seem, the recent victory of Ned Lamont over Senator Joseph Lieberman in Connecticut's Democratic primary is an interesting parallel, and a measure of hope for Tasini's supporters.
Ithaca, with its reputation for progressive politics, has emerged as an important center for the Tasini campaign. A benefit concert for Tasini is scheduled for 7 p.m., Sunday, August 27, at Castaways, on Taughannock Boulevard.
The concert is sponsored by the Ithaca Progressive Democrats of America. Performers will include Hank Roberts, Michelle Berry, Radio London, Will Fudeman, and Susan Lytle. The suggested donation is $10. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance at Autumn Leaves, Ithaca Guitar Works, and Small World Music.
It will take "Jonathan" a while to get there. For now, "Jonathan Tasini" would probably be happy with both-name recognition.
Or even for recognition after introduction. Jonathan Tasini is running against Hillary Clinton in the September 12 Democratic primary for the U.S. senate.
It was a hard battle for Tasini to get on the ballot in the first place. Now his challenge is to compete with Clinton in public awareness.
Tasini can concede the battle for campaign funding. He has raised about $200,000, to Clinton's $44 million.
He feels the fight is for voter awareness, and that if New Yorkers would "vote for what you believe in" - his campaign motto - he would win.
Tasini makes the point that two-thirds of New York voters oppose the war in Iraq. He has been outspoken in his opposition to it, and in his criticism of Senator Clinton for her vote for it.
He has also criticized Senator Clinton for her support of Israel's military action against Lebanon, which he opposes. Tasini is Jewish and has family members in Israel.
Insurmountable as Senator Clinton's advantages might seem, the recent victory of Ned Lamont over Senator Joseph Lieberman in Connecticut's Democratic primary is an interesting parallel, and a measure of hope for Tasini's supporters.
Ithaca, with its reputation for progressive politics, has emerged as an important center for the Tasini campaign. A benefit concert for Tasini is scheduled for 7 p.m., Sunday, August 27, at Castaways, on Taughannock Boulevard.
The concert is sponsored by the Ithaca Progressive Democrats of America. Performers will include Hank Roberts, Michelle Berry, Radio London, Will Fudeman, and Susan Lytle. The suggested donation is $10. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance at Autumn Leaves, Ithaca Guitar Works, and Small World Music.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Non-Violence
The headline in today's New York Times reads: "Bombs Aimed at G.I.'s in Iraq Are Increasing."
The sub-head says, "The insurgency has continued to strengthen despite the killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, according to statistics from the U.S. military in Baghdad."
The story gives the details: "... the number of daily strikes against American and Iraqi security forces has doubled since January... 'the insurgency has gotten worse by almost all measures, with insurgent attacks at historically high levels,' said a senior Defense Department official... 'The insurgency has more public support and is demonstrably more capable in numbers of people active and in its ability to direct violence than at any point in time.' "
Sometimes, in discussing things like this, or trying to, if you're not immediately shut down by the sheer horror, you can be shut down by the seeming complexity. Of the geopolitics, the history, the factions, the torrent of events.
But for all the complexity, the story in the Times seems to reflect a simple truth: violence doesn't work.
Take it out of the realm of the Middle East, or geopolitics, or even politics. Take it back to the old neighborhood - or allow me to.
I read one time in a New York newspaper an interview with a Mafia captain. He was talking about conflict among Mob families and how "we try not to shoot anybody." The interviewer was a little incredulous. "Well, you know, " the Mob guy explained, "they shoot back."
We can probably say that he was expressing a practical consideration rather than a moral one. But the result can be the same, whatever the application.
Violence is wrong. Most religions and legal codes subscribe to that, even if our politicians don't, and somehow don't feel compelled to - and are not compelled to, either by courts or public opinion. But beyond that, violence doesn't work. Even if we can't be good enough to see that, we can at least be smart enough. And we can demand that standard from our leaders.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The sub-head says, "The insurgency has continued to strengthen despite the killing of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, according to statistics from the U.S. military in Baghdad."
The story gives the details: "... the number of daily strikes against American and Iraqi security forces has doubled since January... 'the insurgency has gotten worse by almost all measures, with insurgent attacks at historically high levels,' said a senior Defense Department official... 'The insurgency has more public support and is demonstrably more capable in numbers of people active and in its ability to direct violence than at any point in time.' "
Sometimes, in discussing things like this, or trying to, if you're not immediately shut down by the sheer horror, you can be shut down by the seeming complexity. Of the geopolitics, the history, the factions, the torrent of events.
But for all the complexity, the story in the Times seems to reflect a simple truth: violence doesn't work.
Take it out of the realm of the Middle East, or geopolitics, or even politics. Take it back to the old neighborhood - or allow me to.
I read one time in a New York newspaper an interview with a Mafia captain. He was talking about conflict among Mob families and how "we try not to shoot anybody." The interviewer was a little incredulous. "Well, you know, " the Mob guy explained, "they shoot back."
We can probably say that he was expressing a practical consideration rather than a moral one. But the result can be the same, whatever the application.
Violence is wrong. Most religions and legal codes subscribe to that, even if our politicians don't, and somehow don't feel compelled to - and are not compelled to, either by courts or public opinion. But beyond that, violence doesn't work. Even if we can't be good enough to see that, we can at least be smart enough. And we can demand that standard from our leaders.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Food World
Okay, so the title "Food World" is a little large for what we're going to do today.
In the future, on Ithaca Blog, we're going to write about the gamut of good food in Ithaca. Supposedly, Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than any other city in America (I say supposedly because I have heard the same thing about San Francisco. And probably that town in Wisconsin that says it, not Ithaca, is the home of the ice cream sundae, has adopted this claim, too).
So: maybe, maybe not. But we do have a lot of eateries, and a lot of great ones, and certainly a lot of great vegetarian ones. In fact, one culinary claim that is probably indisputable is that Ithaca has the best ratio of vegetarian restuarants to McDonald's anyplace.
Ithaca also has a number of fine food retailers, whose efforts we will explore at length, and often.
But for right now, we're just going to look at a few little things that I like at a couple of our food stores.
1. Bulk cookies at Wegman's. They are cheap. They are good. And you don't have to buy a whole big bag. Whole big bags tend to go a little stale a little too fast, or - the opposite problem - get finished a little too fast. Buying in bulk you can buy 60 or 70 cents worth and be happy as you thwart your natural desire (perhaps I should speak only for myself) towards gleeful (temporarily) gluttony. Try the chocolate chip.
2. Did you ever notice that sponges cost too much? You have to buy a pack of 2 or 3, and they are a little expensive for something you are going to make filthy and throw out. GreenStar Co-op sells individual packaged sponges for 99 cents, and they're good, with a scrubby side on top. They also sell scrubby-rags, two to a pack, for about the same price. Keep that kitchen clean for cheap.
3. Among monthly specials at GreenStar, in August they have quart bottles of Recharge flavored sports drink (natural Gatorade) for 99 cents. Three different flavors. I am drinking the orange right now, but I prefer the lemon. They also are selling an excellent brand of tuna fish for 99 cents. I buy each every time I go in there (and I go in there a lot - my shop, Small World Music, is two blocks away). I have to resist the impulse to tell other shoppers there that if they walk out of the store without those items, they are suckers. Actually, I usually don't resist that impulse. I say it nicer, though.
4. Wegman's and GreenStar both sell one-pound bags of organic carrots for 99 cents. They are a great snack, and an excellent antidote, or at least counterpoint, to cookies.
That's it for now. There will be plenty more to come, as I am an inveterate eater, and a great believer in being cheaper off, and encouraging good food sellers. If you are similar, please check back often.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
In the future, on Ithaca Blog, we're going to write about the gamut of good food in Ithaca. Supposedly, Ithaca has more restaurants per capita than any other city in America (I say supposedly because I have heard the same thing about San Francisco. And probably that town in Wisconsin that says it, not Ithaca, is the home of the ice cream sundae, has adopted this claim, too).
So: maybe, maybe not. But we do have a lot of eateries, and a lot of great ones, and certainly a lot of great vegetarian ones. In fact, one culinary claim that is probably indisputable is that Ithaca has the best ratio of vegetarian restuarants to McDonald's anyplace.
Ithaca also has a number of fine food retailers, whose efforts we will explore at length, and often.
But for right now, we're just going to look at a few little things that I like at a couple of our food stores.
1. Bulk cookies at Wegman's. They are cheap. They are good. And you don't have to buy a whole big bag. Whole big bags tend to go a little stale a little too fast, or - the opposite problem - get finished a little too fast. Buying in bulk you can buy 60 or 70 cents worth and be happy as you thwart your natural desire (perhaps I should speak only for myself) towards gleeful (temporarily) gluttony. Try the chocolate chip.
2. Did you ever notice that sponges cost too much? You have to buy a pack of 2 or 3, and they are a little expensive for something you are going to make filthy and throw out. GreenStar Co-op sells individual packaged sponges for 99 cents, and they're good, with a scrubby side on top. They also sell scrubby-rags, two to a pack, for about the same price. Keep that kitchen clean for cheap.
3. Among monthly specials at GreenStar, in August they have quart bottles of Recharge flavored sports drink (natural Gatorade) for 99 cents. Three different flavors. I am drinking the orange right now, but I prefer the lemon. They also are selling an excellent brand of tuna fish for 99 cents. I buy each every time I go in there (and I go in there a lot - my shop, Small World Music, is two blocks away). I have to resist the impulse to tell other shoppers there that if they walk out of the store without those items, they are suckers. Actually, I usually don't resist that impulse. I say it nicer, though.
4. Wegman's and GreenStar both sell one-pound bags of organic carrots for 99 cents. They are a great snack, and an excellent antidote, or at least counterpoint, to cookies.
That's it for now. There will be plenty more to come, as I am an inveterate eater, and a great believer in being cheaper off, and encouraging good food sellers. If you are similar, please check back often.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Car Sharing in Ithaca: Revving Up
Is Ithaca ready to become the latest U.S. city to adopt a car sharing program? A coalition of public and private groups here think so, and are working to make it happen soon, perhaps as soon as this winter.
Ithaca Car Share comprises public and private groups in Ithaca and Tompkins County that see the benefits of reducing the number of cars on our roads: benefits to individuals, freed from expensive and often wasteful car ownership (imagine owning a house, for example, that you only used for an hour a day?), and benefits to the community, which is on the verge, or maybe past it, of automotive overload on our roads.
Already on board are the city, the county, Cornell, Ithaca College, TCAT, EcoVillage, Ithaca Hours, and other civic groups and businesses.
These various groups have various interests in promoting a car sharing program. But through many months of meetings they have seen that their interests overlap rather than compete.
Studies show that a carshare vehicle eliminates from 6 to 23 cars from the road, depending on the organization and locality. Think about that the next time you are trying to drive up east hill via Green and State Streets at 8 a.m. on a weekday. The city and county are sure thinking about it, and how much it could ease their road maintenance budgets.
Studies also show that CO2 emissions are reduced by about 50% for every participant. Thus EcoVillage's interest. Presumably, EcoVillage residents, as individuals, are also interested in the financial savings of reducing car dependency, eliminating the need for a second family car, etc.
Ithaca Hours is interested in the prospects of cutting car expenses for individuals, thus freeing up money to spend at local businesses, for local resources, to fill healthier needs. Hours has put forth an offer for an interest-free loan in local currency to the project.
TCAT, like the city and county, has an interest in less congested roads. It is also interested in promoting all ideas and efforts for better transportation in the areas it serves.
Cornell and Ithaca College - again, like the city and county - would like to reduce the amount of money and space they allocate to accomodating a mass of vehicles that might never lessen without positive action.
The colleges see car sharing as a valuable employee benefit and recruitment tool. Large local businesses do, too.
What can car sharing do for you? It is pleasant to contemplate the savings, and the creative community possibilities. You can find out more at Ithaca Car Share's website: www.ithacacarshare.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Ithaca Car Share comprises public and private groups in Ithaca and Tompkins County that see the benefits of reducing the number of cars on our roads: benefits to individuals, freed from expensive and often wasteful car ownership (imagine owning a house, for example, that you only used for an hour a day?), and benefits to the community, which is on the verge, or maybe past it, of automotive overload on our roads.
Already on board are the city, the county, Cornell, Ithaca College, TCAT, EcoVillage, Ithaca Hours, and other civic groups and businesses.
These various groups have various interests in promoting a car sharing program. But through many months of meetings they have seen that their interests overlap rather than compete.
Studies show that a carshare vehicle eliminates from 6 to 23 cars from the road, depending on the organization and locality. Think about that the next time you are trying to drive up east hill via Green and State Streets at 8 a.m. on a weekday. The city and county are sure thinking about it, and how much it could ease their road maintenance budgets.
Studies also show that CO2 emissions are reduced by about 50% for every participant. Thus EcoVillage's interest. Presumably, EcoVillage residents, as individuals, are also interested in the financial savings of reducing car dependency, eliminating the need for a second family car, etc.
Ithaca Hours is interested in the prospects of cutting car expenses for individuals, thus freeing up money to spend at local businesses, for local resources, to fill healthier needs. Hours has put forth an offer for an interest-free loan in local currency to the project.
TCAT, like the city and county, has an interest in less congested roads. It is also interested in promoting all ideas and efforts for better transportation in the areas it serves.
Cornell and Ithaca College - again, like the city and county - would like to reduce the amount of money and space they allocate to accomodating a mass of vehicles that might never lessen without positive action.
The colleges see car sharing as a valuable employee benefit and recruitment tool. Large local businesses do, too.
What can car sharing do for you? It is pleasant to contemplate the savings, and the creative community possibilities. You can find out more at Ithaca Car Share's website: www.ithacacarshare.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Monday, August 14, 2006
Coming Soon: Big Car Sharing Effort
Ithaca Blog will continue our series of articles on alternatives to automobile ownership in Ithaca by branching out a bit, and meeting with some people who are very active in bringing car sharing to Ithaca - for real, and soon.
The meeting is set for Tuesday 15 August. We will have all the details right here, as soon as possible, on what's happening and when.
Thanks for reading, and please stay with us, and tell your friends how to find us!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The meeting is set for Tuesday 15 August. We will have all the details right here, as soon as possible, on what's happening and when.
Thanks for reading, and please stay with us, and tell your friends how to find us!
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Reviews: Cinemapolis and Fall Creek Cinema
In our first Ithaca Blog posting about entertainment, we raised some issues of viewer's rights to comfort and joy, as it were, at the movies.
Why is it that people are so particular about movies they see - checking reviews, etc. - but not about where they see them? Probably because reviews of venues don't exist.
Until now. And we are happy to report that the state of the cinema - not only the art form, but the forum - is good in Ithaca.
If you've lived here a while, you know we have two independent movie houses downtown: Cinemapolis, and Fall Creek Cinema.
They can be a little hard to discover. Fall Creek Cinema is at the northern fringe of town, at the end of North Tioga St. Cinemapolis is right on the Commons, but down a flight of stairs from street level, with only a small marquee in an alley to announce it.
Once discovered, however, they become cinematic homes away from home for the movie- lover who still cherishes the public aspect of movie viewing.
The glory days of the movie houses were before the days of home air conditioning, so a chill movie house was a big draw in the summer. In Ithaca today, where home a.c. is still rare, it still is.
There's a question of whether a theater in August without good a.c. is even bearable. A good question. Maybe for real art lovers, it doesn't matter. But as barrister Roy Cohn once said, I don't want to know the law, I want to know the judge. So, give me a good movie, yeah. But show it in a box with bad a.c., and there goes the art form, for me.
We are happy to report that trips to both cinemas in the first week of August revealed two well-modulated a.c. systems. Comfortably cool - but not too cold. (Personal standards vary, of course, so the delicate might want to bring a sweater, or at least sleeves.)
Concessions at both cinemas are commendable. Good popcorn, with inventive and healthful toppings available. A good selection of drinks. And a good selection of candies, reasonably priced. (Our choice was a big box of Sno-Caps, for $1.50. No need to stop at the gas station for cut-rate Rolos.)
They do everything right, pretty much, at these movie houses. Comfortable seats. Consistent showtimes. No commercials. Repeat: no commercials.
And a friendly environment, at both places, where chances are you will see people you know, or might like to know, and can get to know. Visit Lost Dog Cafe or Maxies or Benchwarmers after the movie, and extend the pleasure. And think about how good it is to be able to do that, the next time you're thinking about Netflix.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Why is it that people are so particular about movies they see - checking reviews, etc. - but not about where they see them? Probably because reviews of venues don't exist.
Until now. And we are happy to report that the state of the cinema - not only the art form, but the forum - is good in Ithaca.
If you've lived here a while, you know we have two independent movie houses downtown: Cinemapolis, and Fall Creek Cinema.
They can be a little hard to discover. Fall Creek Cinema is at the northern fringe of town, at the end of North Tioga St. Cinemapolis is right on the Commons, but down a flight of stairs from street level, with only a small marquee in an alley to announce it.
Once discovered, however, they become cinematic homes away from home for the movie- lover who still cherishes the public aspect of movie viewing.
The glory days of the movie houses were before the days of home air conditioning, so a chill movie house was a big draw in the summer. In Ithaca today, where home a.c. is still rare, it still is.
There's a question of whether a theater in August without good a.c. is even bearable. A good question. Maybe for real art lovers, it doesn't matter. But as barrister Roy Cohn once said, I don't want to know the law, I want to know the judge. So, give me a good movie, yeah. But show it in a box with bad a.c., and there goes the art form, for me.
We are happy to report that trips to both cinemas in the first week of August revealed two well-modulated a.c. systems. Comfortably cool - but not too cold. (Personal standards vary, of course, so the delicate might want to bring a sweater, or at least sleeves.)
Concessions at both cinemas are commendable. Good popcorn, with inventive and healthful toppings available. A good selection of drinks. And a good selection of candies, reasonably priced. (Our choice was a big box of Sno-Caps, for $1.50. No need to stop at the gas station for cut-rate Rolos.)
They do everything right, pretty much, at these movie houses. Comfortable seats. Consistent showtimes. No commercials. Repeat: no commercials.
And a friendly environment, at both places, where chances are you will see people you know, or might like to know, and can get to know. Visit Lost Dog Cafe or Maxies or Benchwarmers after the movie, and extend the pleasure. And think about how good it is to be able to do that, the next time you're thinking about Netflix.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Movie Reviews: the Ithaca Blog Way
In the planning stages of Ithaca Blog, the question came up of whether, in covering life in Ithaca, we would review food and movies.
Food, surely. It provides a legitimate, perpetual excuse to get out and meal up. ("Mealing Up", in fact, will be the name of the section, starting soon.)
But movies? If you need a good movie review online, you can go to the New York Times. Instead we thought we would review movie theaters.
You know, when they review cars, they don't review what they looked at while they drove . They review the conveyance they were in.
Same with us for movie theaters. We want to know about the conveyance experience.
We want to know about the air conditioning. This is important. How ironic would it be to go see Al Gore's movie about global warming while sitting miserable in an un-air conditioned, windowless steambath? Very ironic.
On the other hand, you don't want to be sitting there with overactive air conditioning turning the sweat in your t-shirt to tiny ice crystals. It makes it hard to relax. It's already hard enough to relax with Al Gore.
And how are the concessions? First-rate, second-rate, or rank? This is important if you're in a rush and you need to know how sufficiently you need to meal before the movie. Can you save time by having coffee and a brownie at the theater? Will you be happy with that decision when you pay, and more importantly, ingest?
These are the questions. Having raised them, we are happy to answer them, in our next installment in Ithaca Blog: reviews of what we found this week at our downtown cinemas, Cinemapolis and Fall Creek, in the first week of August 2006.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Food, surely. It provides a legitimate, perpetual excuse to get out and meal up. ("Mealing Up", in fact, will be the name of the section, starting soon.)
But movies? If you need a good movie review online, you can go to the New York Times. Instead we thought we would review movie theaters.
You know, when they review cars, they don't review what they looked at while they drove . They review the conveyance they were in.
Same with us for movie theaters. We want to know about the conveyance experience.
We want to know about the air conditioning. This is important. How ironic would it be to go see Al Gore's movie about global warming while sitting miserable in an un-air conditioned, windowless steambath? Very ironic.
On the other hand, you don't want to be sitting there with overactive air conditioning turning the sweat in your t-shirt to tiny ice crystals. It makes it hard to relax. It's already hard enough to relax with Al Gore.
And how are the concessions? First-rate, second-rate, or rank? This is important if you're in a rush and you need to know how sufficiently you need to meal before the movie. Can you save time by having coffee and a brownie at the theater? Will you be happy with that decision when you pay, and more importantly, ingest?
These are the questions. Having raised them, we are happy to answer them, in our next installment in Ithaca Blog: reviews of what we found this week at our downtown cinemas, Cinemapolis and Fall Creek, in the first week of August 2006.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Car Owning: A Compromise
In four previous pieces here on Ithaca Blog, we've looked at TCAT, Tompkins County's bus system, and analyzed its operations, and seen that TCAT has much to offer Ithacans looking for alternatives to polluting, expensive, wasteful automobile ownership.
A couple of drawbacks to being without a car: car ownership is convenient, and a car is helpful to one's social standing, or at least social life. These drawbacks have already been acknowledged and accepted.
But of course, they can't be dismissed.
As a healthy fellow, living downtown, single, I can take care of a lot of my needs without a car. But it's a lot harder for someone with a family, or poor health, or living in a remote area.
The status issue, I do feel. Earlier in this series we mentioned the "loser" aspect of being without a car. A good self-image can help that. But what is hard to help, is becoming a ride mooch on your friends.
You don't want to. You try not to. But say you're making plans with someone, and they're driving, and you're not. You will end up riding with them. Once, twice, a few times. It's no big deal . Yet.
You will try to make it up to them. You'll buy gas. You'll pay for the movie. But guess what? They will still end up getting annoyed. At least a little. Maybe not soon. But eventually.
Let's give them full credit. No friend wants to be valued for their resources, or their convenience. That's how it can feel.
So it is really a matter of autonomy. Pardon the pun. Your driving friend is autonomous, and wants you to be, too.
It's a large issue. Because, ironically, autonomy is a big part of getting away from cars in the first place. How autonomous do you feel at the gas pump, paying three dollars a gallon to burn into the sky, because you have somewhere to go, and you don't have a choice? Paying what they tell you, when they tell you? I'm from Brooklyn and I know that relationship. That's the relationship between addict and dealer.
The oil companies, of course, make profits drug dealers only dream of.
The solution, maybe, in fighting one dependence without adopting another, is to replace car owning with car sharing. And to use shared cars along with public transportation, biking, and walking.
The movement for car sharing is flourishing in Europe and now, with the awareness of global warming and the rise in gas prices here, finally in the U.S. Recently, in Ithaca, there have been meetings among some groups interested in bringing the idea here. The next turn in this Ithaca Blog series on carlessness will be to chart this movement, see what it's about, what the options are, and see how the effort can be hastened.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
A couple of drawbacks to being without a car: car ownership is convenient, and a car is helpful to one's social standing, or at least social life. These drawbacks have already been acknowledged and accepted.
But of course, they can't be dismissed.
As a healthy fellow, living downtown, single, I can take care of a lot of my needs without a car. But it's a lot harder for someone with a family, or poor health, or living in a remote area.
The status issue, I do feel. Earlier in this series we mentioned the "loser" aspect of being without a car. A good self-image can help that. But what is hard to help, is becoming a ride mooch on your friends.
You don't want to. You try not to. But say you're making plans with someone, and they're driving, and you're not. You will end up riding with them. Once, twice, a few times. It's no big deal . Yet.
You will try to make it up to them. You'll buy gas. You'll pay for the movie. But guess what? They will still end up getting annoyed. At least a little. Maybe not soon. But eventually.
Let's give them full credit. No friend wants to be valued for their resources, or their convenience. That's how it can feel.
So it is really a matter of autonomy. Pardon the pun. Your driving friend is autonomous, and wants you to be, too.
It's a large issue. Because, ironically, autonomy is a big part of getting away from cars in the first place. How autonomous do you feel at the gas pump, paying three dollars a gallon to burn into the sky, because you have somewhere to go, and you don't have a choice? Paying what they tell you, when they tell you? I'm from Brooklyn and I know that relationship. That's the relationship between addict and dealer.
The oil companies, of course, make profits drug dealers only dream of.
The solution, maybe, in fighting one dependence without adopting another, is to replace car owning with car sharing. And to use shared cars along with public transportation, biking, and walking.
The movement for car sharing is flourishing in Europe and now, with the awareness of global warming and the rise in gas prices here, finally in the U.S. Recently, in Ithaca, there have been meetings among some groups interested in bringing the idea here. The next turn in this Ithaca Blog series on carlessness will be to chart this movement, see what it's about, what the options are, and see how the effort can be hastened.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
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