From now (3:45 pm Thurs.) through the end of our weekend here at Small World Music (6 pm Saturday), we are offering you, dear Ithaca Blog readers, sale prices of 25% off all new CDs, and 50% off all used CDs, and all LPs.
This means literally thousands of titles, you know. It could really blow your mind. But not your bank account.
The only fine print exception is new CDs by local artists. We can't mess with their monies. But we will take 10 % off local CDs, out of our modest cut.
One more bit of fine print - the sale is for you Ithaca Blog readers, and not advertised anywhere else, including in the store. So, just mention the offer to get it. Ask and receive, so to speak.
We hope to see you here at Small World Music, down the driveway (not facing the street) here at 614 W. State St., between Meadow and Fulton Streets, across the street from Kinko's and Finger Lakes Beverage. You can save enough here to go buy beer and make copies, too.
Steve Burke
for Small World Music
and Ithaca NY Blog
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Weekend Picks in Ithaca, June 5 - 7
Fri. 6/5:
ABC Cafe has benefit performances tonight and tomorrow for itself, trying to pay off some debts before its closure this month. Tonight is a bayou dance party with Zydeco Trail Riders. 9 pm.
* * *
Sat. 6/6:
GrassRoots favorite and emerging star (or emerged, already) Eilen Jewell, at the Rongovian Embassy, 8 pm.
The Macgillicuddies reunite, at least for the night, at Castaways. 9 pm.
Another benefit performance for the ABC, at the ABC, with Les Forces Atomique, Johnny Dowd, Rocket Morton, Ken Hallett, and Cosmo Alpern. 10 pm.
* * *
Sun 6/7:
Teachers Lounge provides extra incentive for making a foray to the wine trail. At the Americana Winery, which features a comfortable listening room with modest food offerings and good libations. 4 pm.
cheers
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
ABC Cafe has benefit performances tonight and tomorrow for itself, trying to pay off some debts before its closure this month. Tonight is a bayou dance party with Zydeco Trail Riders. 9 pm.
* * *
Sat. 6/6:
GrassRoots favorite and emerging star (or emerged, already) Eilen Jewell, at the Rongovian Embassy, 8 pm.
The Macgillicuddies reunite, at least for the night, at Castaways. 9 pm.
Another benefit performance for the ABC, at the ABC, with Les Forces Atomique, Johnny Dowd, Rocket Morton, Ken Hallett, and Cosmo Alpern. 10 pm.
* * *
Sun 6/7:
Teachers Lounge provides extra incentive for making a foray to the wine trail. At the Americana Winery, which features a comfortable listening room with modest food offerings and good libations. 4 pm.
cheers
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Bikes, Yikes: the Extremes of Expertise
In his new book, "Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities", Jeff Mapes suggests that the growth of biking for ordinary people is thwarted somewhat by the image of bikers as spandexed gearheads obsessed with equipment, paraphernalia, and feats of endurance - more a cult than fellow travelers.
Not that our own personal bike is like an Irish farmer's, which it is, nor that we ride about as fast as one coming from (not going to) the publican's (we're just trying not to make everyone else look shabby). But we understand Mr. Mapes's point.
It hit home today when we saw an ad for a bike on Craigslist. It advertised a Fuji Espree, with "steel-lugged, 45-centimeter frame", "12-speed Sountour ARX derailleurs", and "Dia-compe 500 brakes".
Because we don't know what any of that means, except "brakes," we figured this is probably a $500 vehicle. Right?
Wrong. It is an $80 bike.
To us, these are the specs for an $80 bike:
"White. Wobbly. Upright handlebars, not the curled-over kind. Brakes on handlebars, plus on peddles."
We would feel comfortable buying that. Not the one we have to study on before climbing on.
It reminds us of an interview we read once with Paul McCartney, the prominent bass guitarist, in a specialty magazine for musicians. They asked Mr. McCartney what kind of strings he used.
"Silver, I think," he said.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Not that our own personal bike is like an Irish farmer's, which it is, nor that we ride about as fast as one coming from (not going to) the publican's (we're just trying not to make everyone else look shabby). But we understand Mr. Mapes's point.
It hit home today when we saw an ad for a bike on Craigslist. It advertised a Fuji Espree, with "steel-lugged, 45-centimeter frame", "12-speed Sountour ARX derailleurs", and "Dia-compe 500 brakes".
Because we don't know what any of that means, except "brakes," we figured this is probably a $500 vehicle. Right?
Wrong. It is an $80 bike.
To us, these are the specs for an $80 bike:
"White. Wobbly. Upright handlebars, not the curled-over kind. Brakes on handlebars, plus on peddles."
We would feel comfortable buying that. Not the one we have to study on before climbing on.
It reminds us of an interview we read once with Paul McCartney, the prominent bass guitarist, in a specialty magazine for musicians. They asked Mr. McCartney what kind of strings he used.
"Silver, I think," he said.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, May 28, 2009
J. Robert Lennon: Good Notice For Ithaca Author
J. Robert Lennon is an author living in Ithaca, who writes about it, in a sense, tempered by an imagination that sees mystery and trouble in the mundane life of a small (and officially fictional) upstate town.
His two most recent books, "Castle" and "Pieces For the Left Hand: 100 Anecdotes", received good notice in the NY Times this week.
The Times cites a dichotomy in Lennon's work, calling it both "morbid" and "fun."
Lennon will be interviewed tonight on Out of Bounds With Tish Pearlman, the weekly interview program on WEOS radio. The program will also be archived on the WEOS website.
Lennon is also a musician, recording under the name Inverse Room. His recording "Pieces For The Left Hand: 100 Songs" is advertised as "a musical companion" to his book. It is available at Small World Music, in the store or by mail order.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
His two most recent books, "Castle" and "Pieces For the Left Hand: 100 Anecdotes", received good notice in the NY Times this week.
The Times cites a dichotomy in Lennon's work, calling it both "morbid" and "fun."
Lennon will be interviewed tonight on Out of Bounds With Tish Pearlman, the weekly interview program on WEOS radio. The program will also be archived on the WEOS website.
Lennon is also a musician, recording under the name Inverse Room. His recording "Pieces For The Left Hand: 100 Songs" is advertised as "a musical companion" to his book. It is available at Small World Music, in the store or by mail order.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ithaca Festival Highlights
Everyone knows, we guess, about the financial woes from the over-reaching Ithaca Festival of 2008.
The Fest is still here, thanks to some massive, active good will and acts of charity. It needs and deserves everyone's support, so by all means, buy a button, smile, and get out there to celebrate our community.
Some highlights, by our lights:
Thursday: The lead event is the Parade, which we think is the hippest part of the whole fest. Not many towns our size have enough going on to throw an hour-long parade in homage to their own character(s), communities, and causes. The parade starts moving south on North Cayuga Street at 6:30. Integral to the parade each year is a happenstance of rain. Be prepared.
* * *
Friday: Irish music doesn't get much reeler or more jiggy than with Traonach. At the Aurora Street Pavilion on the Commons, 4:30.
The TalkToMes play that cockamamie local style in the Bernie Milton Pavilion at 6:30.
Adonai and I scratch that Hebrew-reggae itch. Aurora St., 7:30.
* * *
Saturday: Is it really the return of the Hog Tie Sessions? Bernie Milton Pavilion, 4:30.
Pan-Gypsy music from Gadje, Cayuga Street, 5:30.
Mike Brindisi and the New York Rock, and they do, on Aurora Street, 6:30.
* * *
Sunday, at Stewart Park.
All day long goes a new Jam Tent, featuring varied styles: Folk (noon), Bluegrass(1:00), Old-Time (2:30), Contra (4:00), Cajun (5:30), and Irish (7:00).
Jomo and Johnnycake play jug band music with an assortment of instruments, some they've invented, and a yodeling dog. Small Pavilion, noon.
Jali Jobateh plays Malian music on kora. Large Pavilion, 4 pm.
Ithaca's ambassadors, the Sim Redmond Band, on the Ballpark Stage at 8 pm.
have fun -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
The Fest is still here, thanks to some massive, active good will and acts of charity. It needs and deserves everyone's support, so by all means, buy a button, smile, and get out there to celebrate our community.
Some highlights, by our lights:
Thursday: The lead event is the Parade, which we think is the hippest part of the whole fest. Not many towns our size have enough going on to throw an hour-long parade in homage to their own character(s), communities, and causes. The parade starts moving south on North Cayuga Street at 6:30. Integral to the parade each year is a happenstance of rain. Be prepared.
* * *
Friday: Irish music doesn't get much reeler or more jiggy than with Traonach. At the Aurora Street Pavilion on the Commons, 4:30.
The TalkToMes play that cockamamie local style in the Bernie Milton Pavilion at 6:30.
Adonai and I scratch that Hebrew-reggae itch. Aurora St., 7:30.
* * *
Saturday: Is it really the return of the Hog Tie Sessions? Bernie Milton Pavilion, 4:30.
Pan-Gypsy music from Gadje, Cayuga Street, 5:30.
Mike Brindisi and the New York Rock, and they do, on Aurora Street, 6:30.
* * *
Sunday, at Stewart Park.
All day long goes a new Jam Tent, featuring varied styles: Folk (noon), Bluegrass(1:00), Old-Time (2:30), Contra (4:00), Cajun (5:30), and Irish (7:00).
Jomo and Johnnycake play jug band music with an assortment of instruments, some they've invented, and a yodeling dog. Small Pavilion, noon.
Jali Jobateh plays Malian music on kora. Large Pavilion, 4 pm.
Ithaca's ambassadors, the Sim Redmond Band, on the Ballpark Stage at 8 pm.
have fun -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
YouTube Film: Timmy Brown at GrassRoots, 2003
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Xn1dK7vt1Y
As posted by Timothy's good friend, my brother Patrick.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
As posted by Timothy's good friend, my brother Patrick.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Friday, May 22, 2009
Music in Ithaca, May 22 - 24
Friday 5/22: noted folkie Jamie Notarthomas does a tribute show for Bob Dylan's birthday, a tradition at Castaways. 8 pm.
* * *
Saturday 5/23: There is likely to be music at the gathering for the late Timmy Brown (see previous post), which starts at 3 pm and will likely last late.
Andy Culpepper receives favorable notice in this week's Ithaca Times for his CD of flamenco guitar. He plays at the Smart Monkey Cafe on Elmira Road at 6:30.
Hee Haw Nightmare plays rollicking old time at Castaways. Lazy Devil opens the 9 pm
show.
* * *
Sunday 5/24: Mary Lorson leads a new band, the Soubrettes, at Felicia's, 7 pm.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
* * *
Saturday 5/23: There is likely to be music at the gathering for the late Timmy Brown (see previous post), which starts at 3 pm and will likely last late.
Andy Culpepper receives favorable notice in this week's Ithaca Times for his CD of flamenco guitar. He plays at the Smart Monkey Cafe on Elmira Road at 6:30.
Hee Haw Nightmare plays rollicking old time at Castaways. Lazy Devil opens the 9 pm
show.
* * *
Sunday 5/24: Mary Lorson leads a new band, the Soubrettes, at Felicia's, 7 pm.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Gathering For Timmy Brown, Sat. 23 May
Friends of Timmy Brown will gather in his memory on Saturday 23 May, starting at 3 pm, at the off-site campground of the GrassRoots Festival, on Agard Road, a half-mile east of Route 96.
Everyone is invited, and encouraged to bring food or drink to share.
There will be a bonfire at nightfall.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Everyone is invited, and encouraged to bring food or drink to share.
There will be a bonfire at nightfall.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Timmy Brown, Rest In Peace
We have received a visit and then an e-mail from close friends of Timmy Brown to tell us that Timmy passed away early this morning.
Timmy had been battling the effects of a brain aneurysm, as noted here in Ithaca Blog over the past months.
Recently, reports came from Timmy's caretakers in North Carolina that Timmy had taken a turn for the worse and his prognosis was not good.
Timmy was an influential and beloved musician in Ithaca since the 1970's.
Like many others, we admired Timmy's musicianship and spirit, and were proud to call him friend.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Timmy had been battling the effects of a brain aneurysm, as noted here in Ithaca Blog over the past months.
Recently, reports came from Timmy's caretakers in North Carolina that Timmy had taken a turn for the worse and his prognosis was not good.
Timmy was an influential and beloved musician in Ithaca since the 1970's.
Like many others, we admired Timmy's musicianship and spirit, and were proud to call him friend.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, May 15, 2009
It Takes A Lot To Lead, It Takes Dick Cheney To Mislead
A corollary to the idea that it takes a lot to laugh, but not much to cry (yesterday's discussion) is that it's a lot easier to do bad than good.
Doing good is relatively static and cumulative. It's hard to do a whole lot of noticeable good at once. You can in sports, where with one stroke you can win a contest and make people love you, and they even keep records of it. But of course it's not a very important kind of good.
Doing bad is more immediate. It's explosive. It satisfies itches, from the simple and biological, to the complex and pathological.
Thus, in public life, it is easier to be Dick Cheney than Barack Obama.
Barack Obama is obviously not antithetical to money and power, but his values seem higher, reflecting a background battling poverty and prejudice. His successes have been in spite of challenges, not because of privilege. Against the odds, he went to Harvard Law School. He graduated at the top of his class. He went to work not on Wall Street, but as a community organizer.
That type of character makes it harder to get things done in politics than for a man like Cheney, where lust for money and power fuels a career of destruction, lying, and hate.
Obama is having a hard time finding his way now that he represents insiders at least as much as outsiders. This is why he doesn't support single-payer health care anymore, as he did as a community organizer. Now he has to represent the current health care industry as well as people, and the industry is rather more focused in its demands and its ability to extract them.
It seems the thing for us to do now is to recognize the realities of power, and keep calling out, so Obama might recall his way of old.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Doing good is relatively static and cumulative. It's hard to do a whole lot of noticeable good at once. You can in sports, where with one stroke you can win a contest and make people love you, and they even keep records of it. But of course it's not a very important kind of good.
Doing bad is more immediate. It's explosive. It satisfies itches, from the simple and biological, to the complex and pathological.
Thus, in public life, it is easier to be Dick Cheney than Barack Obama.
Barack Obama is obviously not antithetical to money and power, but his values seem higher, reflecting a background battling poverty and prejudice. His successes have been in spite of challenges, not because of privilege. Against the odds, he went to Harvard Law School. He graduated at the top of his class. He went to work not on Wall Street, but as a community organizer.
That type of character makes it harder to get things done in politics than for a man like Cheney, where lust for money and power fuels a career of destruction, lying, and hate.
Obama is having a hard time finding his way now that he represents insiders at least as much as outsiders. This is why he doesn't support single-payer health care anymore, as he did as a community organizer. Now he has to represent the current health care industry as well as people, and the industry is rather more focused in its demands and its ability to extract them.
It seems the thing for us to do now is to recognize the realities of power, and keep calling out, so Obama might recall his way of old.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Senor Wences Versus Ennui, Via Dylan
Somehow, in the past few weeks, we've twice been asked about the meaning of the Bob Dylan song title, "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry."
Maybe this is not so unusual when one works in a music environment. Certainly it will be much less usual outside such an environ, so it will not exactly be a red-hot service to clarify this matter publicly, but we will do so anyway, as it happens to be raining, and a little slow in this music environment at the moment.
Here's what we wrote on our friend Mike Hanson's "Facebook" page about it. Mike plays banjo, and occasionally puzzles over Bob Dylan.
"It takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry" means that life is essentially sad. How much in life reliably makes us laugh and feel joy? Not much. Senor Wences, and that's about it. But all it takes is something as mundane as a train (lonesome whistle; going away) to make us sad.
So, the more explicit song title would be, "It Takes A Lot To Make One Laugh, Or Feel Life's Joy, But It Takes No More Than the Mere Thought Of an Ordinary Transportation Vehicle, For One Example, To Make Us Feel, Quite Disproportionately, the Fundamental Tragedy of Life"; but that would be too long.
(P.S. Senor Wences was a big guy in my hometown, NYC. The block of 54th Street where he lived is named for him. He died in 1999 at age 103.)
Cf. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YJLGOBLvfE)
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Maybe this is not so unusual when one works in a music environment. Certainly it will be much less usual outside such an environ, so it will not exactly be a red-hot service to clarify this matter publicly, but we will do so anyway, as it happens to be raining, and a little slow in this music environment at the moment.
Here's what we wrote on our friend Mike Hanson's "Facebook" page about it. Mike plays banjo, and occasionally puzzles over Bob Dylan.
"It takes a lot to laugh, it takes a train to cry" means that life is essentially sad. How much in life reliably makes us laugh and feel joy? Not much. Senor Wences, and that's about it. But all it takes is something as mundane as a train (lonesome whistle; going away) to make us sad.
So, the more explicit song title would be, "It Takes A Lot To Make One Laugh, Or Feel Life's Joy, But It Takes No More Than the Mere Thought Of an Ordinary Transportation Vehicle, For One Example, To Make Us Feel, Quite Disproportionately, the Fundamental Tragedy of Life"; but that would be too long.
(P.S. Senor Wences was a big guy in my hometown, NYC. The block of 54th Street where he lived is named for him. He died in 1999 at age 103.)
Cf. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YJLGOBLvfE)
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A Town Without Cars
The NY Times reports today on Vauban, a German suburb that is acting against the use of cars.
It is, largely, environmental activism. But it also embraces issues of safety, health, and quality of life.
Vauban is a new planned community near Freiburg, in the Black Mountain region of Germany, near the Swiss and French borders.
Freiburg - I've visited - is a lovely, historic town where fountains run water along street curbs for aesthetics and cleanliness.
The streets of Vauban are free of cars, except the main thoroughfare, where a tram also runs. Stores and other amenities are on the streets of the town, rather than in malls.
70 percent of Vauban's families do not own cars.
" 'When I had a car, I was always tense. I'm much happier this way,' " says a Vauban resident quoted in the Times, "as she walked verdant streets where the swish of bicycles and the chatter of wandering children drown out the occasional distant motor."
City planning in the past 50 years has revolved around car use. As a result, as much as 50% of greenhouse gas emissions in cities comes from cars. Vauban hopes to show that, as we created the pollution, we can reverse it with planning.
Until then, we can still change car use from rampant to rare. Or, at least, rarer.
We use our cars so much, partly, because they cost so much. If we're paying $2500 a year for insurance, maintenance, repair, registration, inspection, and depreciation, we're damn sure going to use them.
This is where efforts like Carshare of Ithaca come in, offering partial rather than sole car ownership.
We also use cars to save time. But what does that saved time turn into? Going to the gym to make up for the exercise one doesn't get while driving?
The other main component of car use is, let's admit it, laziness. The desire to get somewhere while sitting down.
Compare that to the idea of walking streets like Vauban's, with children and bikes, birds and trees, and no specters of crashes and death.
Joe McMahon of Ithaca recently posted a comment online about hoping for a day when people are as shocked and upset about a death from a car as from a strain of flu.
Information about Ithaca Carshare is at http://www.ithacacarshare.org/. Also, see the comment linked to this article from a message from Carshare.
Information about public transportation in Ithaca is at http://www.tcatbus.com/.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
It is, largely, environmental activism. But it also embraces issues of safety, health, and quality of life.
Vauban is a new planned community near Freiburg, in the Black Mountain region of Germany, near the Swiss and French borders.
Freiburg - I've visited - is a lovely, historic town where fountains run water along street curbs for aesthetics and cleanliness.
The streets of Vauban are free of cars, except the main thoroughfare, where a tram also runs. Stores and other amenities are on the streets of the town, rather than in malls.
70 percent of Vauban's families do not own cars.
" 'When I had a car, I was always tense. I'm much happier this way,' " says a Vauban resident quoted in the Times, "as she walked verdant streets where the swish of bicycles and the chatter of wandering children drown out the occasional distant motor."
City planning in the past 50 years has revolved around car use. As a result, as much as 50% of greenhouse gas emissions in cities comes from cars. Vauban hopes to show that, as we created the pollution, we can reverse it with planning.
Until then, we can still change car use from rampant to rare. Or, at least, rarer.
We use our cars so much, partly, because they cost so much. If we're paying $2500 a year for insurance, maintenance, repair, registration, inspection, and depreciation, we're damn sure going to use them.
This is where efforts like Carshare of Ithaca come in, offering partial rather than sole car ownership.
We also use cars to save time. But what does that saved time turn into? Going to the gym to make up for the exercise one doesn't get while driving?
The other main component of car use is, let's admit it, laziness. The desire to get somewhere while sitting down.
Compare that to the idea of walking streets like Vauban's, with children and bikes, birds and trees, and no specters of crashes and death.
Joe McMahon of Ithaca recently posted a comment online about hoping for a day when people are as shocked and upset about a death from a car as from a strain of flu.
Information about Ithaca Carshare is at http://www.ithacacarshare.org/. Also, see the comment linked to this article from a message from Carshare.
Information about public transportation in Ithaca is at http://www.tcatbus.com/.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Money, the Cayuga Trail, Eminent Domain, and Money
It is curious, in all the hubbub about some property owners in the West End blocking the development of the Cayuga Trail, and the threats against them of eminent domain, that nobody is mentioning actual money.
We imagine that if a business were offered $500 for a right-of-way through 5 of its parking spots, it might fight. To use another extreme example, in order to make the point, we imagine that if it were offered $5 million, it would offer to help shovel.
Has the city made firm offers to these property owners for the various rights-of-way? Have the property owners made counter-offers?
Are the money matters confidential? If so, it's hard to know who is being reasonable and who isn't. It seems about time to clear the air.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
We imagine that if a business were offered $500 for a right-of-way through 5 of its parking spots, it might fight. To use another extreme example, in order to make the point, we imagine that if it were offered $5 million, it would offer to help shovel.
Has the city made firm offers to these property owners for the various rights-of-way? Have the property owners made counter-offers?
Are the money matters confidential? If so, it's hard to know who is being reasonable and who isn't. It seems about time to clear the air.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
ABC Cafe To Close?
Expatriates of Ithaca might not have gotten the news, reported on the front page of the Ithaca Journal yesterday, that the ABC Cafe, the venerable vegetarian place on Stewart Avenue, may be closing in June.
The ABC opened in 1980. It undertook a major expansion in 1999, and took on two new partners in the past year. Despite these developments, and a longstanding, gritty determination to survive, it seems the end is near.
It's a shame, of course, when any beloved business closes, but this one particularly hurts. The Moosewood is better known, but the ABC is probably the most resolutely Ithacan of eateries, with its Orthodox vegetarianism, international menu, and sense of easy anarchy, from the mismatched tables and chairs to the varied entertainment.
We think it was Hemingway who described the process of going broke as one that happens slowly, then all at once. President Obama has said that things are going to get worse before they get better. The possible - or likely - closing of the ABC seems an example of both.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The ABC opened in 1980. It undertook a major expansion in 1999, and took on two new partners in the past year. Despite these developments, and a longstanding, gritty determination to survive, it seems the end is near.
It's a shame, of course, when any beloved business closes, but this one particularly hurts. The Moosewood is better known, but the ABC is probably the most resolutely Ithacan of eateries, with its Orthodox vegetarianism, international menu, and sense of easy anarchy, from the mismatched tables and chairs to the varied entertainment.
We think it was Hemingway who described the process of going broke as one that happens slowly, then all at once. President Obama has said that things are going to get worse before they get better. The possible - or likely - closing of the ABC seems an example of both.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, April 30, 2009
GrassRoots Performers For 2009
GrassRoots has announced its performers list for the 2009 festival.
Among the new headliners are Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Bela Fleck, Oumou Sangare, Pine Leaf Boys, and Toots and the Maytals.
The full, current list can be seen at www.grassrootsfest.org. The actual schedule is not yet done.
Tomorrow, Friday 1 May, is the final day for the "Early Bird" ticket price of $75 for the four day event. Afterwards, the Advance price is $95.
Tickets are available here at Small World Music, 614 W. State St., down the driveway. We're here 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Please bring cash or check for ticket purchases.
Steve Burke
for Small World Music and Ithaca Blog
Among the new headliners are Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Bela Fleck, Oumou Sangare, Pine Leaf Boys, and Toots and the Maytals.
The full, current list can be seen at www.grassrootsfest.org. The actual schedule is not yet done.
Tomorrow, Friday 1 May, is the final day for the "Early Bird" ticket price of $75 for the four day event. Afterwards, the Advance price is $95.
Tickets are available here at Small World Music, 614 W. State St., down the driveway. We're here 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Please bring cash or check for ticket purchases.
Steve Burke
for Small World Music and Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Pete Seeger Birthday Bash in Ithaca, Sunday 3 May
Music lovers in Ithaca are staging a party to celebrate Pete Seeger's 90th birthday this weekend.
The event is at the Small Pavilion in Stewart Park, from 12 to 6 pm. It is sponsored by the Cornell Folk Song Society, the Bound For Glory radio program, and others.
Pete will not be there in person. We are happy to say he also will not be there in spirit, in the expression that people use about someone dead. Pete is live and kicking, and he will be feted that night by a group of stellar musicians at Madison Square Garden.
Here at Small World Music, we have Pete's autograph on an Ithaca Hour note on our wall. We got it when we traveled to Beacon a few years ago at Pete's request to talk to a community group there about starting their own local currency.
The note is not for sale, but Pete's CDs are, including his release from earlier this year. We also have a number of collectible Seeger LPs at very reasonable prices.
Happy birthday to a great musician, American, and world citizen.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The event is at the Small Pavilion in Stewart Park, from 12 to 6 pm. It is sponsored by the Cornell Folk Song Society, the Bound For Glory radio program, and others.
Pete will not be there in person. We are happy to say he also will not be there in spirit, in the expression that people use about someone dead. Pete is live and kicking, and he will be feted that night by a group of stellar musicians at Madison Square Garden.
Here at Small World Music, we have Pete's autograph on an Ithaca Hour note on our wall. We got it when we traveled to Beacon a few years ago at Pete's request to talk to a community group there about starting their own local currency.
The note is not for sale, but Pete's CDs are, including his release from earlier this year. We also have a number of collectible Seeger LPs at very reasonable prices.
Happy birthday to a great musician, American, and world citizen.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Last Week For GrassRoots "Early Bird" Tickets
This is the final week for discount "Early Bird" tickets to the GrassRoots Festival.
On May 1, the Early Bird price of $75 for the 4-day festival ends, and the cost goes up to $95, until the day of the show, when it again rises.
Tickets are available at Small World Music. We're here from 11 a.m - 6 p.m.
GrassRoots does not give us credit card capacity, so please bring cash or check for payment.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog and Small World Music
On May 1, the Early Bird price of $75 for the 4-day festival ends, and the cost goes up to $95, until the day of the show, when it again rises.
Tickets are available at Small World Music. We're here from 11 a.m - 6 p.m.
GrassRoots does not give us credit card capacity, so please bring cash or check for payment.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog and Small World Music
Friday, April 24, 2009
Plenty of Music, April 24 - 26
It's practically supernatural that, on a weekend when temperate spring emerges, there are so many places to go to hear music and socialize.
Fri. 4/24: Bayou Road Krewe brings the sounds of the southern swamp to the swinging State Street scene of Felicia's happy hour. 5:30 pm.
Andy Culpepper palys flamenco guitar at the Smart Monkey Cafe, 6:30.
John Brown's Body at Castaway's. SOJA is a pretty respectable opening act. 8 pm.
A GrassRoots preview with reggae from the Overtakers, and fiddle tunes from John Specker. At the Rongo, 9 pm.
A big quadruple bill at the Lost Dog: Urban Horse Thieves, Hee Haw Nightmare, ZipWire, and Steve Gollnick. 9 pm.
* * *
Sat. 4/25: Emma's Revolution in a Cornell Folk Song Club show at 165 McGraw Hall, 8 pm. Discount advance tickets available at Small World Music.
Boy With A Fish at the Chapter House, 10 pm.
* * *
Sun. 4/26: "Healthy Food For All" benefit at Castaways, 3 pm, with Hee Haw Nightmare, Evil City String Band, The Talktomes, and Thousands of One.
have fun -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Fri. 4/24: Bayou Road Krewe brings the sounds of the southern swamp to the swinging State Street scene of Felicia's happy hour. 5:30 pm.
Andy Culpepper palys flamenco guitar at the Smart Monkey Cafe, 6:30.
John Brown's Body at Castaway's. SOJA is a pretty respectable opening act. 8 pm.
A GrassRoots preview with reggae from the Overtakers, and fiddle tunes from John Specker. At the Rongo, 9 pm.
A big quadruple bill at the Lost Dog: Urban Horse Thieves, Hee Haw Nightmare, ZipWire, and Steve Gollnick. 9 pm.
* * *
Sat. 4/25: Emma's Revolution in a Cornell Folk Song Club show at 165 McGraw Hall, 8 pm. Discount advance tickets available at Small World Music.
Boy With A Fish at the Chapter House, 10 pm.
* * *
Sun. 4/26: "Healthy Food For All" benefit at Castaways, 3 pm, with Hee Haw Nightmare, Evil City String Band, The Talktomes, and Thousands of One.
have fun -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Of Course, Obama Wants To Prosecute Cheney
As a partisan, patriot, decent person and, especially, as the one who has to clean up the horrific messes of the Bush administration around the world, there is probably no one who would like Dick Cheney prosecuted more than Barack Obama.
But, as a politician, he knows the last thing he should do is even hint at that.
In baseball, they call it tipping your pitch. In boxing, telegraphing your punch.
President Obama's job is to build the case, quietly. No doubt his able and energetic inner circle is at work on it.
Obama went to the CIA to publicly absolve the underlings who carried out the Bush/Cheney orders for torture.
This does not relax Cheney and his cohorts. Just the opposite. If the new administration were concerned with expediency rather than justice, it would go after a few little guys, and wrap it up.
That isn't happening.
Obama's adminstration will spring when the time is right. The time is right when the public makes it right.
Keep up the pressure. Obama will strike when he can say he has no choice.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
But, as a politician, he knows the last thing he should do is even hint at that.
In baseball, they call it tipping your pitch. In boxing, telegraphing your punch.
President Obama's job is to build the case, quietly. No doubt his able and energetic inner circle is at work on it.
Obama went to the CIA to publicly absolve the underlings who carried out the Bush/Cheney orders for torture.
This does not relax Cheney and his cohorts. Just the opposite. If the new administration were concerned with expediency rather than justice, it would go after a few little guys, and wrap it up.
That isn't happening.
Obama's adminstration will spring when the time is right. The time is right when the public makes it right.
Keep up the pressure. Obama will strike when he can say he has no choice.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Record Store Day at Small World Music
This Saturday is National Record Store Day. At Small World Music (physical home of Ithaca Blog), we don't have any events per se, but we do have a sale.
All new items are 10% off. All used items are 20% off.
For all you vinyl people (many have been writing us about this Day), the 20% level includes all our vinyl. We have hundreds of LPs at $1 each. We also have collectibles and hard-to-finds, from rock and roll to blues, reggae,, folk, bluegrass, jazz, international, etc.
Small World Music is down the driveway at 614 W. State Street. Hours are 11 - 6, Tuesday through Saturday. Phone is 256-0428.
Steve Burke
for Small World Music and Ithaca Blog
All new items are 10% off. All used items are 20% off.
For all you vinyl people (many have been writing us about this Day), the 20% level includes all our vinyl. We have hundreds of LPs at $1 each. We also have collectibles and hard-to-finds, from rock and roll to blues, reggae,, folk, bluegrass, jazz, international, etc.
Small World Music is down the driveway at 614 W. State Street. Hours are 11 - 6, Tuesday through Saturday. Phone is 256-0428.
Steve Burke
for Small World Music and Ithaca Blog
Saturday, April 11, 2009
NY Times Poll: Grateful Dead Show At Cornell Best Ever
The erstwhile Grateful Dead are touring again - now known simply as the Dead, with the death of Jerry Garcia (though logically, perhaps they should be the Grateful).
It might not be a big deal to a lot of people, but it apparently is to NY Times readers, who have made the Dead story the paper's #1 e-mailed feature.
If you go to the story, you can vote for the Grateful Dead's #1 show of all time. Even if you don't know or care, you can do a civic act by voting for their show at Cornell on 8 May 1977. Currently, in fact, that show is polling #1 by a comfortable margin.
Here on Ithaca Blog, you can also read the fascinating story (a first-hand account) of how one could gain admittance to that show with a sandwich from Tennessee. Just go to the "Search Blog" space at the top of this page, and search for "Tennessee sandwich." You'll see the posting, from the 30th anniversary of the show, May 2007. (You'll also see this posting again, as we just used the phrase "Tennessee sandwich" here. Twice.)
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
It might not be a big deal to a lot of people, but it apparently is to NY Times readers, who have made the Dead story the paper's #1 e-mailed feature.
If you go to the story, you can vote for the Grateful Dead's #1 show of all time. Even if you don't know or care, you can do a civic act by voting for their show at Cornell on 8 May 1977. Currently, in fact, that show is polling #1 by a comfortable margin.
Here on Ithaca Blog, you can also read the fascinating story (a first-hand account) of how one could gain admittance to that show with a sandwich from Tennessee. Just go to the "Search Blog" space at the top of this page, and search for "Tennessee sandwich." You'll see the posting, from the 30th anniversary of the show, May 2007. (You'll also see this posting again, as we just used the phrase "Tennessee sandwich" here. Twice.)
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Easter Joke
This is one of our favorite theological anecdotes. (Ellen Grady's, too. )
It actually takes place on a Holy Thursday, which is today.
It's 5 o'clock and St. Peter is wrapping it up for the day at the gates in Heaven. He checks in with God.
"Well, busy day," St. Peter says. "We were hoping to get out of here on time, with the holiday and all. Then, a minute ago, three guys show up from Brooklyn.
"They're wiseguys. Professional hitmen. Hundreds of murders. They're here because they were setting a bomb on a guy's car and it blew up on them.
"I think we can knock this one right out. Open-and-shut, straight consignment to Hell." He looks at his clipboard. "Any problem?"
God says, "Well, I understand you wanting to get home, with the big weekend, but I'm feeling especially merciful today, with Easter here.
"So, I tell you what let's do. Not to keep you too long, just ask these guys one question: 'What Is Easter?' If even one of them can I.D. it, he has an inkling of redemption, and we'll save their souls."
"You're the boss," says St. Peter.
St. Peter heads back to the gate, where the three guys are waiting. "Alright," he says, "you guys are getting a break like you wouldn't believe. If one of you can explain what the holiday of Easter is, you're all saved."
The first guy, Tony, steps forward. "Hey, I know what Easter is. It's a big holiday every winter. This big fat guy flies around the world in a cart with reindeers and gives out presents to the good little girls and boys."
"Wrong," says St. Peter.
The next guy, Fat Tony, steps up. "Hey, hold up, I know Easter. It's a holiday every summer, and everybody has hots dogs and hamburgers and lights off firecrackers."
"Sorry," says St. Peter.
"What are yous, nuts?," says the last guy, Big Fat Tony. "You're getting us killed here. I know what Easter is. They take a guy and nail him up on a big cross. Am I right?," he says.
"Keep going," says St. Peter.
"Yeah," says Big Fat Tony. "So the guy dies and they bury him in a cave. He stays in there three days. Then, on the third day, it turns out he's okay, and he comes out."
"Good," says St. Peter.
"Yeah," says Big Fat Tony. "He comes out of the cave, and he looks around. And then, if he don't see his shadow," ...
#
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
It actually takes place on a Holy Thursday, which is today.
It's 5 o'clock and St. Peter is wrapping it up for the day at the gates in Heaven. He checks in with God.
"Well, busy day," St. Peter says. "We were hoping to get out of here on time, with the holiday and all. Then, a minute ago, three guys show up from Brooklyn.
"They're wiseguys. Professional hitmen. Hundreds of murders. They're here because they were setting a bomb on a guy's car and it blew up on them.
"I think we can knock this one right out. Open-and-shut, straight consignment to Hell." He looks at his clipboard. "Any problem?"
God says, "Well, I understand you wanting to get home, with the big weekend, but I'm feeling especially merciful today, with Easter here.
"So, I tell you what let's do. Not to keep you too long, just ask these guys one question: 'What Is Easter?' If even one of them can I.D. it, he has an inkling of redemption, and we'll save their souls."
"You're the boss," says St. Peter.
St. Peter heads back to the gate, where the three guys are waiting. "Alright," he says, "you guys are getting a break like you wouldn't believe. If one of you can explain what the holiday of Easter is, you're all saved."
The first guy, Tony, steps forward. "Hey, I know what Easter is. It's a big holiday every winter. This big fat guy flies around the world in a cart with reindeers and gives out presents to the good little girls and boys."
"Wrong," says St. Peter.
The next guy, Fat Tony, steps up. "Hey, hold up, I know Easter. It's a holiday every summer, and everybody has hots dogs and hamburgers and lights off firecrackers."
"Sorry," says St. Peter.
"What are yous, nuts?," says the last guy, Big Fat Tony. "You're getting us killed here. I know what Easter is. They take a guy and nail him up on a big cross. Am I right?," he says.
"Keep going," says St. Peter.
"Yeah," says Big Fat Tony. "So the guy dies and they bury him in a cave. He stays in there three days. Then, on the third day, it turns out he's okay, and he comes out."
"Good," says St. Peter.
"Yeah," says Big Fat Tony. "He comes out of the cave, and he looks around. And then, if he don't see his shadow," ...
#
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Binghamton Shootings: Easy Guns
With the shooting deaths yesterday in Binghamton, there has been much media speculation about the mental state of the killer, but little to how he got the guns.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence rates New York State only 51 on a scale of 100 for safe gun policies.
Except for New York City, with its stringent controls, handgun registrations are permanent, not renewed - unlike, for instance, car registrations and driver's licences.
Records are kept on handgun sales, but there is no state system to automatically identify a gun owner who has committed a crime or otherwise become ineligible to possess a gun.
New York City leads the way in controlling access to murder weapons, with its re-registrations, and its policy of needs assessment for handguns. The rest of the state is overdue in following.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence rates New York State only 51 on a scale of 100 for safe gun policies.
Except for New York City, with its stringent controls, handgun registrations are permanent, not renewed - unlike, for instance, car registrations and driver's licences.
Records are kept on handgun sales, but there is no state system to automatically identify a gun owner who has committed a crime or otherwise become ineligible to possess a gun.
New York City leads the way in controlling access to murder weapons, with its re-registrations, and its policy of needs assessment for handguns. The rest of the state is overdue in following.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Call State Theater For Free Amy Goodman Tix
The State Theater will save people a trip to their box office and, with a phone call, reserve free tickets for tonight's appearance by Amy Goodman - "if you're sure you're coming," we were told.
We are, and they did.
Call the theater at 27-STATE to reserve tickets for the 7 pm event.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
We are, and they did.
Call the theater at 27-STATE to reserve tickets for the 7 pm event.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Amy Goodman and Glenn Greenwald Speak At State Theater, Tues. 31 March
Amy Goodman of the "Democracy Now" news broadcast and blogger Glenn Greenwald will appear at the State Theater this Tuesday, 31 March, at 7 pm, to receive the first annual "Izzy" Award from Ithaca College for pioneering journalists.
The award is named for the late independent journalist I.F. "Izzy" Stone.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. The free tickets are available at the State Theater box office.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The award is named for the late independent journalist I.F. "Izzy" Stone.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. The free tickets are available at the State Theater box office.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Ithaca in DC Protest Online
Local views, including text and video, of the recent DC rally against war in the Middle East are now available at http://www.tompkinsagainstwar.org/.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, March 27, 2009
Ein Klein Beruhmtheit For Ithaca in Germany, Through Ithaca Hours
Joerg Pfeiffer, a video journalist from Germany's "Der Spiegel" magazine, came to Ithaca this week on a cross-country trip he is documenting about notable places in the U.S.
His main focus was Ithaca's local currency, Ithaca Hours.
The video, viewable at http://km42.spiegel.de/, features interviews at Alternatives Federal Credit Union, Silk Oak Clothing, and Small World Music. There is also footage of Ithaca Bakery, GreenStar, Autumn Leaves Books, and Cayuga Medical Center - all Hours participants - as well as the Commons, Stewart Park, Cascadilla Creek, and area neighborhoods.
The Ithaca Hours website usually averages about 100 hits a day. Today it is about one per minute.
Danke and gut Arbeit, Joerg -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog & Hours
His main focus was Ithaca's local currency, Ithaca Hours.
The video, viewable at http://km42.spiegel.de/, features interviews at Alternatives Federal Credit Union, Silk Oak Clothing, and Small World Music. There is also footage of Ithaca Bakery, GreenStar, Autumn Leaves Books, and Cayuga Medical Center - all Hours participants - as well as the Commons, Stewart Park, Cascadilla Creek, and area neighborhoods.
The Ithaca Hours website usually averages about 100 hits a day. Today it is about one per minute.
Danke and gut Arbeit, Joerg -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog & Hours
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Is Your Facebook Information Being Marketed?
You know those fun little quizzes you take on Facebook about your real biological age, or who you were in another life?
With permission you give in order to take these quizzes, the information you provide becomes legal for sale to marketers, drug companies and, presumably, anyone willing to pay for it.
You might consider it personal that you take antidepressants, have two drinks a day, are sexually active, or consider your marriage unhappy. But you lose your right to privacy about such information when you provide it to these online quizzes, and companies such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and others are buying it.
Has your own personal information been compiled for marketing? Thirty-seven guesses, as an old teacher of mine used to say about simple questions.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
With permission you give in order to take these quizzes, the information you provide becomes legal for sale to marketers, drug companies and, presumably, anyone willing to pay for it.
You might consider it personal that you take antidepressants, have two drinks a day, are sexually active, or consider your marriage unhappy. But you lose your right to privacy about such information when you provide it to these online quizzes, and companies such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and others are buying it.
Has your own personal information been compiled for marketing? Thirty-seven guesses, as an old teacher of mine used to say about simple questions.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Alash Meets the Evil City String Band at the Lost Dog Lounge
It sounds like a wrestling card or a grade-B movie. But it is actually a fine and unique amalgam of world music, presented in Ithaca this Friday, 27 March .
It is a bill that spans the globe. Alash is a group of cowboys from Mongolia who sing in an eerie but captivating style called throat singing. From the diaphragm and throat, the singers create multiple notes simultaneously. The sound, once assimilated by the listener, reveals sounds of nature as its ultimate inspiration. Like traditional American cowboys, these men spend a lot of time in remote country, and their art reflects that.
Rounding out the worldly tableau is Ithaca's own Evil City String Band. To Alash, maybe this music sounds exotic. But it has similar strains of remote, country lonesomeness, tempered by jubilation that comes because it has to.
The double bill is presented at the Lost Dog Lounge at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 and will probably sell out for the small venue, so get yours soon. They are available at Small World Music.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
It is a bill that spans the globe. Alash is a group of cowboys from Mongolia who sing in an eerie but captivating style called throat singing. From the diaphragm and throat, the singers create multiple notes simultaneously. The sound, once assimilated by the listener, reveals sounds of nature as its ultimate inspiration. Like traditional American cowboys, these men spend a lot of time in remote country, and their art reflects that.
Rounding out the worldly tableau is Ithaca's own Evil City String Band. To Alash, maybe this music sounds exotic. But it has similar strains of remote, country lonesomeness, tempered by jubilation that comes because it has to.
The double bill is presented at the Lost Dog Lounge at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 and will probably sell out for the small venue, so get yours soon. They are available at Small World Music.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Distracted From Our Lives
Today brings news that four major cities in Michigan are losing daily newspapers to insolvency, as Denver and Seattle have recently.
Many papers in the Gannett chain are said to be in trouble, including the Ithaca Journal.
Buying a newspaper is now old-fashioned as a system of communication. On-line is quicker and cheaper.
It is not necessarily better. The New York Times is a worthy site. So is the website of the "Democracy Now" broadcast by Amy Goodman.
There are not many others, especially considering the amount of time people spend on line. Much of what is offered is distraction - attractive, but empty.
Much media is also largely repetitive, with the 24/7 news cycle. The stories one hears on NPR are much the same in content and tone from one day to the next. Similarly, the guests and topics on even such commendable efforts as the Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann shows repeat from night to night.
Old-fashioned newspapers - the type that are fading away - dealt with local issues, of interest to a defined audience. Today, websites and other media have essentially limitless audiences, so the content is less specific - and so, ultimately, less useful to any particular place, or any community other than "virtual."
Maybe that's all we'll be left with soon, as we get less news about the real world, and more about created ones.
Sandra Day O'Connor made the point in the New York Times recently that most Americans cannot name the three branches of the American government, much less what they do. Probably a greater percentage has discussed, in the past week, the new format changes on Facebook.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Many papers in the Gannett chain are said to be in trouble, including the Ithaca Journal.
Buying a newspaper is now old-fashioned as a system of communication. On-line is quicker and cheaper.
It is not necessarily better. The New York Times is a worthy site. So is the website of the "Democracy Now" broadcast by Amy Goodman.
There are not many others, especially considering the amount of time people spend on line. Much of what is offered is distraction - attractive, but empty.
Much media is also largely repetitive, with the 24/7 news cycle. The stories one hears on NPR are much the same in content and tone from one day to the next. Similarly, the guests and topics on even such commendable efforts as the Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann shows repeat from night to night.
Old-fashioned newspapers - the type that are fading away - dealt with local issues, of interest to a defined audience. Today, websites and other media have essentially limitless audiences, so the content is less specific - and so, ultimately, less useful to any particular place, or any community other than "virtual."
Maybe that's all we'll be left with soon, as we get less news about the real world, and more about created ones.
Sandra Day O'Connor made the point in the New York Times recently that most Americans cannot name the three branches of the American government, much less what they do. Probably a greater percentage has discussed, in the past week, the new format changes on Facebook.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Learn About Ithaca Hours, and Some Italian, on YouTube
An hour-plus video about Ithaca Hours, the local money, by Italian filmmakers
has been edited down to a digestible ten minutes on YouTube.
You can find the interview with Hours board president Stephen Burke (yes, the same) by searching on YouTube for Qui New York Libera Monete.
The interview is presented in English, with Italian subtitles. So you can learn a little lingo at the same time. Italian reads well, although of course spoken it is among the loveliest of languages. Maybe the next version will be dubbed.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Hours and Blog
has been edited down to a digestible ten minutes on YouTube.
You can find the interview with Hours board president Stephen Burke (yes, the same) by searching on YouTube for Qui New York Libera Monete.
The interview is presented in English, with Italian subtitles. So you can learn a little lingo at the same time. Italian reads well, although of course spoken it is among the loveliest of languages. Maybe the next version will be dubbed.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Hours and Blog
Protest in DC: As Often, With As Many, As It Takes
We don't know how many people are at the anti-war rally in DC right now, with no comprehensive coverage of it on line yet.
We were surprised to see no mention of the rally at all in the Washington Post.
There are at least 100 Ithacans there. We congratulate and thank Nevin Sabet and her colleagues who organized bus and van transportation there from Ithaca.
The message for President Obama is clear: stop the war. Today it is loud and clear, we hope.
Every three days, Americans numbering more than the population of Ithaca lose their jobs. In the same three day span, the U.S. spends $2.5 billion on this war, now in its seventh year.
Now - right now - is the time for Mr. Obama to use his considerable talents and authority to end the war. Nothing else is as important. Only two months into his tenure, he is receiving that message. Let's hope he is also getting it.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
We were surprised to see no mention of the rally at all in the Washington Post.
There are at least 100 Ithacans there. We congratulate and thank Nevin Sabet and her colleagues who organized bus and van transportation there from Ithaca.
The message for President Obama is clear: stop the war. Today it is loud and clear, we hope.
Every three days, Americans numbering more than the population of Ithaca lose their jobs. In the same three day span, the U.S. spends $2.5 billion on this war, now in its seventh year.
Now - right now - is the time for Mr. Obama to use his considerable talents and authority to end the war. Nothing else is as important. Only two months into his tenure, he is receiving that message. Let's hope he is also getting it.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A Few Seats Available on Van From Ithaca to DC Protest
The bus from Ithaca to DC for a march on the Pentagon this weekend has filled, but organizers have contracted for two vans more. At this writing, there are 10 seats left.
The trip starts at midnight Friday the 20th to arrive in DC early Saturday, and returns to Ithaca Saturday night.
Round-trip fare is approximately $50, with a sliding scale. You can call Small World Music for information and reservations: 256-0428.
Here is information about the event for the organizers' literature:
March on the Pentagon, Saturday March 21
From Iraq to Afghanistan to Palestine, Occupation Is A Crime
March 21 marks the 7th anniversary of the war in Iraq. As the war in Afghanistan escalates and the situation in Gaza worsens, it is crucial for those opposing war to speak. Join us in an historic protest telling President Obama that war and occupation under his direction are unacceptable.
#
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The trip starts at midnight Friday the 20th to arrive in DC early Saturday, and returns to Ithaca Saturday night.
Round-trip fare is approximately $50, with a sliding scale. You can call Small World Music for information and reservations: 256-0428.
Here is information about the event for the organizers' literature:
March on the Pentagon, Saturday March 21
From Iraq to Afghanistan to Palestine, Occupation Is A Crime
March 21 marks the 7th anniversary of the war in Iraq. As the war in Afghanistan escalates and the situation in Gaza worsens, it is crucial for those opposing war to speak. Join us in an historic protest telling President Obama that war and occupation under his direction are unacceptable.
#
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
In England, Maeve Binchy Discovered Her Irishness
We don't let St. Patrick's Day go so easily, around here.
We saved for today these excerpts from an essay the Irish writer Maeve Binchy wrote for the New York Times on her calling. Like James Joyce and others, she had to leave home to discover the treasure of her own voice.
I have extracted the excerpts rather freely - that is, cloddishly, for expediency. You can see the whole piece on the NY Times site simply by searching "Maeve Binchy." It was published on 4 November 2002.
The Irish don't really think about writing, it is just a natural extension of what we do all the time, which is talking. In Ireland talk was always great, any old kind of talk.
Why be anywhere unless you could say something? Why pause and wait for an important thought to arrive? Suppose it didn't arrive?
When I moved to England, I knew I presented a bit of a problem to them because of all this incessant talking. Particularly at bus stops. In Ireland it is discourteous not to greet your fellow travelers as you wait. In London it is something done only by the insane.
If you address people at a London bus stop, they think you are going to follow them home and live with them, and they begin to panic and move away. Similarly, if you wait in a line for theater tickets or to be served in a store, Irish manners would insist that you talk briefly to whoever is beside you. English manners demand that you stare ahead as if you were alone in the middle of a hundred-acre field.
Those amazing etiquette books that advise four talkers and four listeners at a dinner party have no place in this land. Where would you find the listeners? And why invite them anywhere?
#
We hope you had a good St. Patrick's Day with much laughter and talk. Any old kind of talk.
Stephen Patrick Burke
for Ithaca Blog
We saved for today these excerpts from an essay the Irish writer Maeve Binchy wrote for the New York Times on her calling. Like James Joyce and others, she had to leave home to discover the treasure of her own voice.
I have extracted the excerpts rather freely - that is, cloddishly, for expediency. You can see the whole piece on the NY Times site simply by searching "Maeve Binchy." It was published on 4 November 2002.
The Irish don't really think about writing, it is just a natural extension of what we do all the time, which is talking. In Ireland talk was always great, any old kind of talk.
Why be anywhere unless you could say something? Why pause and wait for an important thought to arrive? Suppose it didn't arrive?
When I moved to England, I knew I presented a bit of a problem to them because of all this incessant talking. Particularly at bus stops. In Ireland it is discourteous not to greet your fellow travelers as you wait. In London it is something done only by the insane.
If you address people at a London bus stop, they think you are going to follow them home and live with them, and they begin to panic and move away. Similarly, if you wait in a line for theater tickets or to be served in a store, Irish manners would insist that you talk briefly to whoever is beside you. English manners demand that you stare ahead as if you were alone in the middle of a hundred-acre field.
Those amazing etiquette books that advise four talkers and four listeners at a dinner party have no place in this land. Where would you find the listeners? And why invite them anywhere?
#
We hope you had a good St. Patrick's Day with much laughter and talk. Any old kind of talk.
Stephen Patrick Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Monday, March 16, 2009
"St. Patrick's Day Four" Film at Cinemapolis, March 17 & 18
Cinemapolis will screen "The Trial of the St. Patrick's Day Four," a documentary about the Ithaca peace activists Peter DeMott, Clare Grady, Teresa Grady, and Danny Burns, on St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday the 17th, at 7 pm.
With a large crowd expected following the untimely death of Pete Demott last month, a second screening was announced today, for the following night, also at 7 pm.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
With a large crowd expected following the untimely death of Pete Demott last month, a second screening was announced today, for the following night, also at 7 pm.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, March 13, 2009
Music in Ithaca, March 13 - 15 (and a bit beyond)
Friday 3/13: Andy Culpepper plays flamenco guitar at the Smart Monkey Cafe on Elmira Road. 6:30 pm.
Mu-Tron Warriors and Solstice play Afro-beat and funk staples and originals at Castaways, 9 pm.
* * *
Saturday 3/14: The return of alt-country rockers Hubcap, at the Chapter House, 9 pm.
* * *
Sunday 3/15: The George Reed Trio plays trad jazz at Maxies, 6 pm.
* * *
Heads-up for next week: a couple of non-Celtic bands try St. Patrick's Day music next Tuesday: the Hogwashers at Maxie's, 6 pm; and the Orbiting Art Ensemble at the Lost Dog Lounge, 9:30. For the tried-and-true, there is a Traditional Irish Session at the Chapter House, 7 pm.
Friday, 27 March, Tuvan throat-singers Alash come to the Lost Dog Lounge, with opening act (from considerably nearer) the Evil City String Band. Advance tickets are $15. Fewer than 100 are available for this intimate venue, so quick action is recommended. Tickets are available at Small World Music.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Mu-Tron Warriors and Solstice play Afro-beat and funk staples and originals at Castaways, 9 pm.
* * *
Saturday 3/14: The return of alt-country rockers Hubcap, at the Chapter House, 9 pm.
* * *
Sunday 3/15: The George Reed Trio plays trad jazz at Maxies, 6 pm.
* * *
Heads-up for next week: a couple of non-Celtic bands try St. Patrick's Day music next Tuesday: the Hogwashers at Maxie's, 6 pm; and the Orbiting Art Ensemble at the Lost Dog Lounge, 9:30. For the tried-and-true, there is a Traditional Irish Session at the Chapter House, 7 pm.
Friday, 27 March, Tuvan throat-singers Alash come to the Lost Dog Lounge, with opening act (from considerably nearer) the Evil City String Band. Advance tickets are $15. Fewer than 100 are available for this intimate venue, so quick action is recommended. Tickets are available at Small World Music.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Two Questions About the Bathroom
Cleaning the apartment the other day brought forth two questions about household plumbing.
1. Why does the bathroom sink have an outflow slot to prevent overflowing, but the kitchen sink doesn't?
2. Why is "cleaning" the toilet no more than putting cleanser in the toilet, swirling it around and scrubbing with a brush, and flushing? It's better than nothing, but essentially you are trying to get something clean using toilet bowl water.
Why not heat up some water in the tea kettle and pour it into the toilet for this scrubbing? We use hot water to clean everything else - why not for the germiest thing in the house?
I talked to my friend JD and told her about this brain attack. She didn't wait too long before saying, "Now I know you are really crazy."
I don't think so. I know it is an odd thing to think about, but there was the toilet, and there was I, and there was the cold toilet water. And then there was the bathroom light bulb over my head.
I wouldn't have thought of it at all had I been thinking about the tax forms in the kitchen I was supposed to be working on. But of course generally no one cleans the house except when they're supposed to be doing something else they want to do even less.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
1. Why does the bathroom sink have an outflow slot to prevent overflowing, but the kitchen sink doesn't?
2. Why is "cleaning" the toilet no more than putting cleanser in the toilet, swirling it around and scrubbing with a brush, and flushing? It's better than nothing, but essentially you are trying to get something clean using toilet bowl water.
Why not heat up some water in the tea kettle and pour it into the toilet for this scrubbing? We use hot water to clean everything else - why not for the germiest thing in the house?
I talked to my friend JD and told her about this brain attack. She didn't wait too long before saying, "Now I know you are really crazy."
I don't think so. I know it is an odd thing to think about, but there was the toilet, and there was I, and there was the cold toilet water. And then there was the bathroom light bulb over my head.
I wouldn't have thought of it at all had I been thinking about the tax forms in the kitchen I was supposed to be working on. But of course generally no one cleans the house except when they're supposed to be doing something else they want to do even less.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Small World Music Featured In "Tompkins Weekly"
We're grateful at Small World Music for the article in the new issue of Tompkins Weekly that features our business - a local, independent music store.
(The picture of us was not the daffiest-looking they took, probably. We look a little Cheshire-catty, but we could look worse.)
As the article notes, "Burke makes sure to have music by artists performing shows in town, such as Sharon Jones and Emmylou Harris." Right now, that also includes George Thorogood and Joan Baez.
"At the same time," reporter Stephen Kimball continues, "he offers the latest releases. That includes recent Grammy-winners Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and Pete Seeger." Right now, it also includes U2, Neko Case, Fleet Foxes, Animal Collective, and Van Morrison's new re-working of "Astral Weeks."
The article concludes, very simply, "Shop there." Nice!
Thanks again, Mr. Kimball, and photographer Skip Thorne.
Steve Burke
for Small World Music and Ithaca Blog
(The picture of us was not the daffiest-looking they took, probably. We look a little Cheshire-catty, but we could look worse.)
As the article notes, "Burke makes sure to have music by artists performing shows in town, such as Sharon Jones and Emmylou Harris." Right now, that also includes George Thorogood and Joan Baez.
"At the same time," reporter Stephen Kimball continues, "he offers the latest releases. That includes recent Grammy-winners Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and Pete Seeger." Right now, it also includes U2, Neko Case, Fleet Foxes, Animal Collective, and Van Morrison's new re-working of "Astral Weeks."
The article concludes, very simply, "Shop there." Nice!
Thanks again, Mr. Kimball, and photographer Skip Thorne.
Steve Burke
for Small World Music and Ithaca Blog
Modest George Thorogood at State Theater Tonight
As noted here on a recent post, there have been a lot of benefit concerts in town lately, even for our perennially cause-oriented populace.
So tonight could be a good change of pace as veteran guitar-slinger George Thorogood comes to town with his band, the Destroyers, with no agenda other than loud but light-hearted rock and roll.
Thorogood and band - nee the Delaware Destroyers, from greater Wilmington - emerged from that smallest of states with modest ambition, entertaining bar crowds with covers of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and blues songs.
The landscape widened with a record contract and some hit songs, still heard on radio today. The first was an amalgam of two songs by John Lee Hooker. Another was a faithful version of Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love."
Under pressure from his record label to write some material, Thorogood protested. "Why should I try to write songs when Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley already wrote them all?," he said.
When he tried, he had some success. The material sounds a lot like his mentors. But this is not unusual in art, nor commerce.
However modest his reach, he is good at what he does, and has been doing it a long time with essentially the same band he started with, 30 years ago.
The show comes to the State tonight at 8.
Small World Music is featuring GT & the DD's Greatest Hits CD, and CD/DVD, along with a number of the band's old LP's.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
So tonight could be a good change of pace as veteran guitar-slinger George Thorogood comes to town with his band, the Destroyers, with no agenda other than loud but light-hearted rock and roll.
Thorogood and band - nee the Delaware Destroyers, from greater Wilmington - emerged from that smallest of states with modest ambition, entertaining bar crowds with covers of Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and blues songs.
The landscape widened with a record contract and some hit songs, still heard on radio today. The first was an amalgam of two songs by John Lee Hooker. Another was a faithful version of Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love."
Under pressure from his record label to write some material, Thorogood protested. "Why should I try to write songs when Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley already wrote them all?," he said.
When he tried, he had some success. The material sounds a lot like his mentors. But this is not unusual in art, nor commerce.
However modest his reach, he is good at what he does, and has been doing it a long time with essentially the same band he started with, 30 years ago.
The show comes to the State tonight at 8.
Small World Music is featuring GT & the DD's Greatest Hits CD, and CD/DVD, along with a number of the band's old LP's.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Weekend Music, March 6 - 8
Friday 3/6: Joan Baez is celebrating 50 years as a performer with a tour and a new CD. Her State Theater show is her only appearance in upstate New York. It will be crowded. 8 pm.
"Iraqi Oud Masters Together" is a great example of thinking globally and acting locally. The show is a benefit for a local effort to help Iraqi refugees - particularly, Iraqis who acted as tranlators and interpreters for American forces in Iraq, and now need help extracting themselves and their families from danger there.
Yair Dalal and Rahim Alhaj play the oud, the classic stringed instrument of Middle Eastern music. The music is transporting in an aesthetic way - the cause in a practical way.
Tickets are $24 and all proceeds go to the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Connection of Ithaca. The show is at 8 pm, at the Unitarian Church downtown. Tickets are available at Small World Music and the Ithaca Guitar Works.
* * *
Sat. 3/7: Canadian folk band Tanglefoot are on a farewell tour after 25 years. They play at 8 pm at Sage Chapel at Cornell in a Cornell Folk Song Society show. Tickets are available at Small World Music, $15, or at the show for $17.
The Gunpoets create an original blend of hip-hop and reggae that plays out as energetic dance music. At the Chapter House, 10 pm.
* * *
Sun. 3/8: Ithaca Underground presents a triple bill at No Radio Records on E. Seneca Street: Why The Wires and Quietime from Ithaca, and Microwaves, from Pittsburgh. 7 pm. $5 cover.
The Johnny Dowd show (his band, Black Elastic) scheduled for Felicia's tonight has been cancelled.
Babik plied their gypsy jazz at the State Theater, previously. Tonight, they play around the corner, at the Lost Dog Lounge. 9 pm.
have fun -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
"Iraqi Oud Masters Together" is a great example of thinking globally and acting locally. The show is a benefit for a local effort to help Iraqi refugees - particularly, Iraqis who acted as tranlators and interpreters for American forces in Iraq, and now need help extracting themselves and their families from danger there.
Yair Dalal and Rahim Alhaj play the oud, the classic stringed instrument of Middle Eastern music. The music is transporting in an aesthetic way - the cause in a practical way.
Tickets are $24 and all proceeds go to the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Connection of Ithaca. The show is at 8 pm, at the Unitarian Church downtown. Tickets are available at Small World Music and the Ithaca Guitar Works.
* * *
Sat. 3/7: Canadian folk band Tanglefoot are on a farewell tour after 25 years. They play at 8 pm at Sage Chapel at Cornell in a Cornell Folk Song Society show. Tickets are available at Small World Music, $15, or at the show for $17.
The Gunpoets create an original blend of hip-hop and reggae that plays out as energetic dance music. At the Chapter House, 10 pm.
* * *
Sun. 3/8: Ithaca Underground presents a triple bill at No Radio Records on E. Seneca Street: Why The Wires and Quietime from Ithaca, and Microwaves, from Pittsburgh. 7 pm. $5 cover.
The Johnny Dowd show (his band, Black Elastic) scheduled for Felicia's tonight has been cancelled.
Babik plied their gypsy jazz at the State Theater, previously. Tonight, they play around the corner, at the Lost Dog Lounge. 9 pm.
have fun -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
March 21 March On the Pentagon: Bus From Ithaca
A march on the Pentagon is planned for Saturday 21 March to oppose more war in the Middle East.
On the sixth anniversary of the disastrous invasion of Iraq, Americans are awake to the futility and costs of war as a response to trouble in the region. Fewer than half of Americans who give President Obama favorable ratings approve of his plan to send 17,000 troops to Afghanistan. 82% of Afghanis oppose it.
A bus will make a round-trip from Ithaca to DC for the protest, leaving Ithaca at 4 a.m. and returning at 10 p.m. The cost is $60, subject to sliding scale.
More information about the trip is available at the web site www.tompkinsagainstwar.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
On the sixth anniversary of the disastrous invasion of Iraq, Americans are awake to the futility and costs of war as a response to trouble in the region. Fewer than half of Americans who give President Obama favorable ratings approve of his plan to send 17,000 troops to Afghanistan. 82% of Afghanis oppose it.
A bus will make a round-trip from Ithaca to DC for the protest, leaving Ithaca at 4 a.m. and returning at 10 p.m. The cost is $60, subject to sliding scale.
More information about the trip is available at the web site www.tompkinsagainstwar.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Something In Ithaca Loves A Benefit
There is something of the boulevardier mixed with benefactor in many Ithacans, loving to go out, and also loving to support good causes.
Saturday holds a mix of literature, music, and help for a worthy organization, with a book release party for Bob Proehl's "Gilded Palace of Sin." Music by Proehl's subject, the Flying Burrito Brothers, will be performed by Mary Lorson, Johnny Dowd, and others. Proceeds go to the Cancer Resource Center, on W. State Street. The event is at Castaways. Our understanding is that doors open at 8 for a scheduled 9 pm show; you might want to call. Castaways' phone is 272-1370.
On Sunday, GrassRoots Festival musicians play a benefit at the Rongo for Timmy Brown (see Ithaca Blog posting from Sunday 15 February for details). The show goes from 2 - 9 pm. The Rongo's phone is 387-3334.
On Friday 6 March, a Benefit For Iraqi Refugees presents Yair Dalal and Rahim Alhaj, master oud players and composers, whose own families are refugees of Iraq. All proceeds go to the Iraqi Refugee Connection Program, which aids former Iraqi translators and interpreters seeking refuge in the United States. Tickets are $24 ($16 in advance for students and seniors) and are available at Small World Music (256-0428) and the Ithaca Guitar Works.
Finally, as reported previously in Ithaca Blog, a benefit for the Ithaca Catholic Worker peace and justice group by Irish singer Karan Casey has been cancelled due to the sudden death of Catholic Worker member Peter DeMott, husband of concert organizer Ellen Grady. Support can be sent to Ellen Grady at 133 Sheffield Road, Ithaca NY, 14850.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Saturday holds a mix of literature, music, and help for a worthy organization, with a book release party for Bob Proehl's "Gilded Palace of Sin." Music by Proehl's subject, the Flying Burrito Brothers, will be performed by Mary Lorson, Johnny Dowd, and others. Proceeds go to the Cancer Resource Center, on W. State Street. The event is at Castaways. Our understanding is that doors open at 8 for a scheduled 9 pm show; you might want to call. Castaways' phone is 272-1370.
On Sunday, GrassRoots Festival musicians play a benefit at the Rongo for Timmy Brown (see Ithaca Blog posting from Sunday 15 February for details). The show goes from 2 - 9 pm. The Rongo's phone is 387-3334.
On Friday 6 March, a Benefit For Iraqi Refugees presents Yair Dalal and Rahim Alhaj, master oud players and composers, whose own families are refugees of Iraq. All proceeds go to the Iraqi Refugee Connection Program, which aids former Iraqi translators and interpreters seeking refuge in the United States. Tickets are $24 ($16 in advance for students and seniors) and are available at Small World Music (256-0428) and the Ithaca Guitar Works.
Finally, as reported previously in Ithaca Blog, a benefit for the Ithaca Catholic Worker peace and justice group by Irish singer Karan Casey has been cancelled due to the sudden death of Catholic Worker member Peter DeMott, husband of concert organizer Ellen Grady. Support can be sent to Ellen Grady at 133 Sheffield Road, Ithaca NY, 14850.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
"Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts": A Poem From Peter DeMott's Funeral
Peter DeMott's daughters went to the pulpit at his funeral Monday and spoke of their father, and read one of his favorite poems, by Wendell Berry. The title, I believe, is "Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front."
Love the quick profit, the annual raise,
vacation with pay. Want more
of everything ready-made. Be afraid
to know your neighbors and to die.
And you will have a window in your head.
Not even your future will be a mystery
anymore. Your mind will be punched in a card
and shut away in a little drawer.
When they want you to buy something
they will call you. When they want you
to die for profit they will let you know.
So, friends, every day do something
that won't compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace
the flag. Hope to live in that free
republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot
understand. Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.
Ask the questions that have no answers.
Invest in the millennium. Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest
that you did not plant,
that you will not live to harvest.
Say that the leaves are harvested
when they have rotted into the mold.
Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.
Put your faith in the two inches of humus
that will build under the trees
every thousand years.
Listen to carrion - put your ear
close, and hear the faint chattering
of the songs that are to come.
Expect the end of the world. Laugh.
Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful
though you have considered all the facts.
So long as women do not go cheap
for power, please women more than men.
Ask yourself: will this satisfy
a woman satisfied to bear a child?
Will this disturb the sleep
of a woman near to giving birth?
Go with your love to the fields.
Lie easy in the shade. Rest your head
in her lap. Swear allegiance
to what is nighest in your thoughts.
As soon as the generals and the politicos
can predict the motions of your mind,
lose it. Leave it as a sign
to mark the false trail, the way
you didn't go. Be like the fox
who makes more tracks than necessary,
some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection.
- Wendell Berry
#
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Love the quick profit, the annual raise,
vacation with pay. Want more
of everything ready-made. Be afraid
to know your neighbors and to die.
And you will have a window in your head.
Not even your future will be a mystery
anymore. Your mind will be punched in a card
and shut away in a little drawer.
When they want you to buy something
they will call you. When they want you
to die for profit they will let you know.
So, friends, every day do something
that won't compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace
the flag. Hope to live in that free
republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot
understand. Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.
Ask the questions that have no answers.
Invest in the millennium. Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest
that you did not plant,
that you will not live to harvest.
Say that the leaves are harvested
when they have rotted into the mold.
Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.
Put your faith in the two inches of humus
that will build under the trees
every thousand years.
Listen to carrion - put your ear
close, and hear the faint chattering
of the songs that are to come.
Expect the end of the world. Laugh.
Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful
though you have considered all the facts.
So long as women do not go cheap
for power, please women more than men.
Ask yourself: will this satisfy
a woman satisfied to bear a child?
Will this disturb the sleep
of a woman near to giving birth?
Go with your love to the fields.
Lie easy in the shade. Rest your head
in her lap. Swear allegiance
to what is nighest in your thoughts.
As soon as the generals and the politicos
can predict the motions of your mind,
lose it. Leave it as a sign
to mark the false trail, the way
you didn't go. Be like the fox
who makes more tracks than necessary,
some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection.
- Wendell Berry
#
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Karan Casey Concert Cancelled
Ellen Grady announced the cancellation of a concert by Karan Casey planned for next month in Ithaca.
The concert was planned for March 23. Ellen and Karan announced the show last Thursday. Ellen's husband, Peter DeMott, died suddenly later that day.
At present, there are no plans for re-scheduling.
The concert was planned as a benefit for Ellen and Peter's group, the Ithaca Catholic Worker.
Donations to the DeMott - Grady family can be sent to Ellen Grady, 133 Sheffield Road, Ithaca NY, 14850.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The concert was planned for March 23. Ellen and Karan announced the show last Thursday. Ellen's husband, Peter DeMott, died suddenly later that day.
At present, there are no plans for re-scheduling.
The concert was planned as a benefit for Ellen and Peter's group, the Ithaca Catholic Worker.
Donations to the DeMott - Grady family can be sent to Ellen Grady, 133 Sheffield Road, Ithaca NY, 14850.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, February 20, 2009
Peter DeMott, Man of Peace, Rest In Peace
Peter DeMott of Ithaca died yesterday in an accident while working. He was 62.
Peter was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and Marines who became one of the leading anti-war activists in America.
Peter once told the New York Times he could not remember how many times he had been arrested for civil disobedience. "I usually round it off to a couple of dozen times," he said.
Most recently, Peter was imprisoned for participating in a non-violent protest on March 17, 2003, at the start of the Bush administration's invasion of Iraq.
The protesters, known as the St. Patrick's 4, included Peter's sisters-in-law, Clare and Teresa Grady, and Daniel Burns of Ithaca.
Peter leaves behind his wife, Ellen Grady, and their 4 daughters.
News of Peter's death was broadcast nationally this morning on the Democracy Now program.
A memorial service is planned for Sunday, from 3 - 7 pm, at the Women's Community Building. A funeral Mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church on Monday, at 12:45.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Peter was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and Marines who became one of the leading anti-war activists in America.
Peter once told the New York Times he could not remember how many times he had been arrested for civil disobedience. "I usually round it off to a couple of dozen times," he said.
Most recently, Peter was imprisoned for participating in a non-violent protest on March 17, 2003, at the start of the Bush administration's invasion of Iraq.
The protesters, known as the St. Patrick's 4, included Peter's sisters-in-law, Clare and Teresa Grady, and Daniel Burns of Ithaca.
Peter leaves behind his wife, Ellen Grady, and their 4 daughters.
News of Peter's death was broadcast nationally this morning on the Democracy Now program.
A memorial service is planned for Sunday, from 3 - 7 pm, at the Women's Community Building. A funeral Mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church on Monday, at 12:45.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Irish Singer Karan Casey In Benefit Concert In Ithaca, March 23
[Please note: this concert has been cancelled, as explained in a subsequent Ithaca Blog posting. We leave this initial posting up, to clarify the chain of events.]
Irish singer Karan Casey will perform a concert to benefit Ithaca Catholic Worker, the peace and justice group, om Monday 23 March.
The concert was announced today by Ellen Grady of the Catholic Worker.
The event will be Ms. Casey's sixth performance in Ithaca to support peace and justice work. The first was as singer with the Irish group, Solas. Since then, she has appeared with her own quartet.
The concert will be in the auditorium of Anabel Taylor Hall at Cornell.
Ithaca Blog will report ticket details as soon as they are set.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Irish singer Karan Casey will perform a concert to benefit Ithaca Catholic Worker, the peace and justice group, om Monday 23 March.
The concert was announced today by Ellen Grady of the Catholic Worker.
The event will be Ms. Casey's sixth performance in Ithaca to support peace and justice work. The first was as singer with the Irish group, Solas. Since then, she has appeared with her own quartet.
The concert will be in the auditorium of Anabel Taylor Hall at Cornell.
Ithaca Blog will report ticket details as soon as they are set.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Benefit Concert For Timmy Brown
Timmy Brown, #1 reclusive mainstay of the Ithaca music scene, suffered a brain aneurysm some months ago, and continues to recuperate in hospital in North Carolina, near the GrassRoots Festival outpost there.
A benefit concert has been announced to help with Timmy's expenses. Some of the biggest names in Ithaca music will participate, at the Rongovian Embassy in Trumansburg, on Sunday, 1 March.
Featured performers will include Sim Redmond Band, Jennie Stearns, Evil City String Band, Paso Fino, Chicken Chokers, and Who You Are.
The event is scheduled from 2 - 9 pm.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
A benefit concert has been announced to help with Timmy's expenses. Some of the biggest names in Ithaca music will participate, at the Rongovian Embassy in Trumansburg, on Sunday, 1 March.
Featured performers will include Sim Redmond Band, Jennie Stearns, Evil City String Band, Paso Fino, Chicken Chokers, and Who You Are.
The event is scheduled from 2 - 9 pm.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Hard Times At the Downtown Post Office
We don't blame the dedicated (and over-worked) staff there, but the paucity of service at the downtown post office is reaching critical proportions.
It's bad, and will get worse, with new shorter hours this month.
On a trip there Monday afternoon, the line was the length of the building, and would have gone out the building, except people turned around and left rather than wait outdoors. There were 20-plus people on line, and 2 clerks. The wait was over half an hour.
On a trip this morning, it was better, though not good: a 15-minute wait for service.
The only way to avoid this postal purgatory is to arrive after the last delivery truck leaves at 5:25 pm. This is kind of beside the point, of course, to go a day before your mail will move, but that's the way it is.
Now, however, this will no longer be possible, as the office will no longer stay open until 6:30, but will close at 5.
Of course, if you get there at 5, there is no guarantee you will be served before the 5:25 departure of the truck.
We guess the new cuts, and the usual short-staffing, has to do with the deficit the post office incurs. It is hard to imagine, however, that this particular branch loses money. It is understaffed by at least half, with captive customers who will stay and provide business even if it means wasting a significant part of their work day.
We think it's time for local officials and business leaders to talk with the bosses at USPS.
It's becoming a municipal issue, considering the loss of economic productivity caused by what is essentially a utility, or at least a vital public service.
Surely the USPS has figures that show the amount of business at this branch - our sole downtown facility - cannot be handled by two staffers (which goes down to one, when one goes on break).
In the meantime, we recommend you do like we do. We bring books. Big, big books. And crossword puzzles. (The Sunday puzzle. The dailies are too short.)
If the USPS bosses can't or won't do anything, maybe we can stave the losses to the local economy by creating some ancillary businesses out front: news stand, lunch wagon, shoeshine booth, watch repair? And inside, chair massages, ear piercing, tattoos?
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog (and Small World Music's mail order division!)
It's bad, and will get worse, with new shorter hours this month.
On a trip there Monday afternoon, the line was the length of the building, and would have gone out the building, except people turned around and left rather than wait outdoors. There were 20-plus people on line, and 2 clerks. The wait was over half an hour.
On a trip this morning, it was better, though not good: a 15-minute wait for service.
The only way to avoid this postal purgatory is to arrive after the last delivery truck leaves at 5:25 pm. This is kind of beside the point, of course, to go a day before your mail will move, but that's the way it is.
Now, however, this will no longer be possible, as the office will no longer stay open until 6:30, but will close at 5.
Of course, if you get there at 5, there is no guarantee you will be served before the 5:25 departure of the truck.
We guess the new cuts, and the usual short-staffing, has to do with the deficit the post office incurs. It is hard to imagine, however, that this particular branch loses money. It is understaffed by at least half, with captive customers who will stay and provide business even if it means wasting a significant part of their work day.
We think it's time for local officials and business leaders to talk with the bosses at USPS.
It's becoming a municipal issue, considering the loss of economic productivity caused by what is essentially a utility, or at least a vital public service.
Surely the USPS has figures that show the amount of business at this branch - our sole downtown facility - cannot be handled by two staffers (which goes down to one, when one goes on break).
In the meantime, we recommend you do like we do. We bring books. Big, big books. And crossword puzzles. (The Sunday puzzle. The dailies are too short.)
If the USPS bosses can't or won't do anything, maybe we can stave the losses to the local economy by creating some ancillary businesses out front: news stand, lunch wagon, shoeshine booth, watch repair? And inside, chair massages, ear piercing, tattoos?
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog (and Small World Music's mail order division!)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
February 14 Alert
Okay, lover-men and -women, get moving. February 14 is 3 days away, this Saturday, and you don't want to suffer from procrastination.
Jewelry stores are like other stores - they run out of good stuff. Wait too long, and what you're likely to find are things you either don't like, or can't afford.
We recommend Mickey Roof's shop, the Jewel Box, as a place with interesting goods. They are neighbors of ours here at Small World Music, in the enthralling West End of Ithaca.
We would be remiss if we didn't mention beautiful music as a natural expression of romantic ardor. The new CD by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss is nice (and also just won the Grammy for album of the year). Small World Music also has sultry Jazz, lively Latin, and the proverbial Much More.
For you unsigned soldiers of love, let us recommend a way to turn this otherwise tough day into a day of opportunity. Go to the "search" function here on Ithaca Blog and type in Valentines Day to see our posting from last year, where we boost a scheme ("Valentines Day Tip For The Unattached"). It couldn't hurt.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog and Small World Music
Jewelry stores are like other stores - they run out of good stuff. Wait too long, and what you're likely to find are things you either don't like, or can't afford.
We recommend Mickey Roof's shop, the Jewel Box, as a place with interesting goods. They are neighbors of ours here at Small World Music, in the enthralling West End of Ithaca.
We would be remiss if we didn't mention beautiful music as a natural expression of romantic ardor. The new CD by Robert Plant and Alison Krauss is nice (and also just won the Grammy for album of the year). Small World Music also has sultry Jazz, lively Latin, and the proverbial Much More.
For you unsigned soldiers of love, let us recommend a way to turn this otherwise tough day into a day of opportunity. Go to the "search" function here on Ithaca Blog and type in Valentines Day to see our posting from last year, where we boost a scheme ("Valentines Day Tip For The Unattached"). It couldn't hurt.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog and Small World Music
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Movies For The Possibly Shallow (Three Cheers)
I had to tell my movie (and other) friend JDD today, no and Holy Toledo, I do not wish to go see this picture, "Let The Right One In."
I never heard of it, and didn't need to, once I saw the website. The decision process took 20 seconds, or as long as it took me to read the words "dark" and "disturbing," and to see the promo picture of a young woman looking haggard yet bored as blood trickles out her mouth.
No, thanks. I know movies are an art form, and I don't mind being edified, but I don't want to be horrified. In most circumstances, I will prefer to see people not bleeding, and in the best situation, making jokes.
As Bob Dylan wisely noted long ago, it takes a lot to laugh, and just a train to cry (they take people away; they blow lonesome - emblematic, see).
We saw "Frost/Nixon" last night, and that was smart and serious, yet without any torture (except maybe Nixon, of himself).
Life has plenty of darkness and disturbance for me without inventing more. "Let The Right One In" is an ironically good title. It ain't me, babe. Likewise, I will prefer good dreams over nightmares, tonight.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
I never heard of it, and didn't need to, once I saw the website. The decision process took 20 seconds, or as long as it took me to read the words "dark" and "disturbing," and to see the promo picture of a young woman looking haggard yet bored as blood trickles out her mouth.
No, thanks. I know movies are an art form, and I don't mind being edified, but I don't want to be horrified. In most circumstances, I will prefer to see people not bleeding, and in the best situation, making jokes.
As Bob Dylan wisely noted long ago, it takes a lot to laugh, and just a train to cry (they take people away; they blow lonesome - emblematic, see).
We saw "Frost/Nixon" last night, and that was smart and serious, yet without any torture (except maybe Nixon, of himself).
Life has plenty of darkness and disturbance for me without inventing more. "Let The Right One In" is an ironically good title. It ain't me, babe. Likewise, I will prefer good dreams over nightmares, tonight.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, February 06, 2009
Things To Do in Ithaca, Feb. 6 - 8
There's a lot to do, and possibly warmer weather for it.
Fri. 2/6: The Hogwashers at Felicia's happy hour, 5:30 pm.
The Small Kings, at the Community Center Cafe in Dryden, 7 pm.
Stars, indie pop from Canada, at the State Theater, 8 pm.
Bob Marley Birthday Celebration, with Kevin Kinsella. Castaways, 9 pm.
* * *
Sat. 2/7: Paint-Off Benefit for the Ithaca Festival. Instant masterpieces while-u-wait by area artists. Music by Eric Aceto, Kevin Kinsella, and Hank Roberts. Center Ithaca, 7 pm.
John Specker, GrassRoots Festival favorite, in performance for the Cornell Folk Song Society. McGraw Hall, Cornell, 8 pm. $15 advance tickets available at Small World Music; $17.50 at the door.
Candypants, with the Ones, Chapter House, 10 pm.
* * *
Sun. 2/8: Jennie Lowe (formerly Stearns), with Chris Seeds and Erin Arin, at Felicia's, 7 pm.
Long John and the Tights at Bound For Glory, Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell. First set, 8:30 pm.
have fun -
Steve Burke
Fri. 2/6: The Hogwashers at Felicia's happy hour, 5:30 pm.
The Small Kings, at the Community Center Cafe in Dryden, 7 pm.
Stars, indie pop from Canada, at the State Theater, 8 pm.
Bob Marley Birthday Celebration, with Kevin Kinsella. Castaways, 9 pm.
* * *
Sat. 2/7: Paint-Off Benefit for the Ithaca Festival. Instant masterpieces while-u-wait by area artists. Music by Eric Aceto, Kevin Kinsella, and Hank Roberts. Center Ithaca, 7 pm.
John Specker, GrassRoots Festival favorite, in performance for the Cornell Folk Song Society. McGraw Hall, Cornell, 8 pm. $15 advance tickets available at Small World Music; $17.50 at the door.
Candypants, with the Ones, Chapter House, 10 pm.
* * *
Sun. 2/8: Jennie Lowe (formerly Stearns), with Chris Seeds and Erin Arin, at Felicia's, 7 pm.
Long John and the Tights at Bound For Glory, Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell. First set, 8:30 pm.
have fun -
Steve Burke
Awesomeness in the Modern World
From what I hear around me, there is a surplus of awe in the world today that is practically phenomenal.
Almost every day, I achieve an act of awe. At least one. People tell me so.
It happened today at the store. The cashier told me what I owed, and I said, "I'll give you cash." And the cashier said, "Awesome." I got the same response the day before when I told the cashier I would pack my groceries in the bag I brought.
I'm not trying to awe people, which I think might hinder their duties or ability to concentrate, but it doesn't seem to, so I guess it's alright.
It's funny that so many people are so awed in an era when radical innovation is so commonplace, and the people who express the least awe are the ones who ostensibly should feel it most.
If my father, for instance, who still has a rotary phone, is awed by the fact that people today have private conversations in public spaces, including rest rooms, for example, on devices that can also take pictures, and are out and about in public rest rooms, he hasn't let on.
Maybe it is just younger people, who are naturally exuberant, although when I was younger, there still was not so much awe. I do recall there was a certain appreciation of "excellence," and maybe a surplus of that.
I do remember probably awing this kid Frankie DeRizzo, once, when a group of us were walking through the park, and I spat, in an arc in front of me, and kicked the expectoration with the toe of my boot into another arc of perhaps 25 feet. Frankie didn't realize that it was an ice cube, and not a gob of saliva, so the laws of physics and chemistry had not really been circumvented, as he thought. But he didn't say it was awesome. He said something unprintable, and then something incoherent, and I soon came to realize that his perception of the situation was affected by some plant matter he had smoked. I do, however, think he was pretty much awed, at least momentarily.
I don't mean to suggest that all these awed people are smoking plant matter. I hesitate to think what things would be like, if they did. Phantasmagorical, I guess.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Almost every day, I achieve an act of awe. At least one. People tell me so.
It happened today at the store. The cashier told me what I owed, and I said, "I'll give you cash." And the cashier said, "Awesome." I got the same response the day before when I told the cashier I would pack my groceries in the bag I brought.
I'm not trying to awe people, which I think might hinder their duties or ability to concentrate, but it doesn't seem to, so I guess it's alright.
It's funny that so many people are so awed in an era when radical innovation is so commonplace, and the people who express the least awe are the ones who ostensibly should feel it most.
If my father, for instance, who still has a rotary phone, is awed by the fact that people today have private conversations in public spaces, including rest rooms, for example, on devices that can also take pictures, and are out and about in public rest rooms, he hasn't let on.
Maybe it is just younger people, who are naturally exuberant, although when I was younger, there still was not so much awe. I do recall there was a certain appreciation of "excellence," and maybe a surplus of that.
I do remember probably awing this kid Frankie DeRizzo, once, when a group of us were walking through the park, and I spat, in an arc in front of me, and kicked the expectoration with the toe of my boot into another arc of perhaps 25 feet. Frankie didn't realize that it was an ice cube, and not a gob of saliva, so the laws of physics and chemistry had not really been circumvented, as he thought. But he didn't say it was awesome. He said something unprintable, and then something incoherent, and I soon came to realize that his perception of the situation was affected by some plant matter he had smoked. I do, however, think he was pretty much awed, at least momentarily.
I don't mean to suggest that all these awed people are smoking plant matter. I hesitate to think what things would be like, if they did. Phantasmagorical, I guess.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
John Specker Fiddles In Town This Saturday
Another harbinger of yearly summertime fun at GrassRoots Festival (advance tickets go on sale at Small World Music and other locations on Valentine's Day) is a rare other appearance by festival favorite John Specker, this Saturday, for the Cornell Folk Song Club.
John is a mighty big man at GrassRoots, where he appears every year, from the enclave in Vermont which he rarely leaves, otherwise.
Usually it's just John, his fiddle, his chair, and his stomping feet, tapping the primordial to summon the sublime - the John Lee Hooker of mountain music. Sometimes, lately, he is accompanied by his two daughters, in whom he clearly delights.
The show is at 165 McGraw Hall at Cornell. We suggest getting tickets early. They are available at Small World Music now, for $15 ($17.50 at the show).
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog & Small World Music
John is a mighty big man at GrassRoots, where he appears every year, from the enclave in Vermont which he rarely leaves, otherwise.
Usually it's just John, his fiddle, his chair, and his stomping feet, tapping the primordial to summon the sublime - the John Lee Hooker of mountain music. Sometimes, lately, he is accompanied by his two daughters, in whom he clearly delights.
The show is at 165 McGraw Hall at Cornell. We suggest getting tickets early. They are available at Small World Music now, for $15 ($17.50 at the show).
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog & Small World Music
Friday, January 30, 2009
Now At Small World Music
We haven't apprised IBlog readers of what music is featured at Small World Music lately (i.e., run an ad). Thus:
- "Notorious" soundtrack
- "Cadillac Records" soundtrack
- Bruce Springsteen, "Working On A Dream" (regular and deluxe versions)
- Bon Iver, "For Emma, Forever Ago"
- Vampire Weekend
- Odetta, "Best of the Vanguard Years", "Tin Angel", "Odetta and The Blues" (CD's); "At Carnegie Hall" (LP)
- Animal Collective, "Merriweather Post Pavilion"
- George Thorogood and the Destroyers, "30 Years of Rock" (regular and deluxe versions)
- Emmylou Harris, "All I Intended To Be"
- Rosalie Sorrels and Utah Phillips, "The Long Memory"
- Ani Difranco, "Red Letter Year"
- and more: Neko Case, Patti Griffin, Buddy and Julie Miller, Evil City String Band, Orbiting Art Ensemble, Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis...
And on the $5-and-less table: The Strokes, Sex Pistols, Super Cat, Taj Mahal, Terri Evans, Natacha Atlas, John Pizzarelli, World Concert featuring Jai Uttal, Pavement, Iron Maiden, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Beat Farmers, Christine Kane, Matthew Sweet... and many more.
Hope to see you soon. For our out-of-town readers, mail order is available (and for all readers, special orders our specialty - just call, write, e-mail, or stop in).
Steve Burke
for Small World Music and Ithaca Blog
- "Notorious" soundtrack
- "Cadillac Records" soundtrack
- Bruce Springsteen, "Working On A Dream" (regular and deluxe versions)
- Bon Iver, "For Emma, Forever Ago"
- Vampire Weekend
- Odetta, "Best of the Vanguard Years", "Tin Angel", "Odetta and The Blues" (CD's); "At Carnegie Hall" (LP)
- Animal Collective, "Merriweather Post Pavilion"
- George Thorogood and the Destroyers, "30 Years of Rock" (regular and deluxe versions)
- Emmylou Harris, "All I Intended To Be"
- Rosalie Sorrels and Utah Phillips, "The Long Memory"
- Ani Difranco, "Red Letter Year"
- and more: Neko Case, Patti Griffin, Buddy and Julie Miller, Evil City String Band, Orbiting Art Ensemble, Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis...
And on the $5-and-less table: The Strokes, Sex Pistols, Super Cat, Taj Mahal, Terri Evans, Natacha Atlas, John Pizzarelli, World Concert featuring Jai Uttal, Pavement, Iron Maiden, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Beat Farmers, Christine Kane, Matthew Sweet... and many more.
Hope to see you soon. For our out-of-town readers, mail order is available (and for all readers, special orders our specialty - just call, write, e-mail, or stop in).
Steve Burke
for Small World Music and Ithaca Blog
We Giff You Bets on The Super Bowl (Game, and Halftime)
First, Aretha Franklin laid claim to "My Country, 'Tis Of Thee" at the inauguration. Now, Bruce Springsteen is taking on the Super Bowl, as this year's halftime performer.
Word is that Springsteen had been asked many times before, and always turned it down. Maybe he feels more comfortable at this ultra-American pageant now that there is a president to have hope for. (Cynics might wonder if it's because he has a new album to promote, but he's had those before.)
So, along with pondering the outcome of the game, there is the question of what Springsteen will play; the band's set list is a secret as closely-guarded as the teams' playbooks.
First, the game. Arizona has the capacity to surprise, and against most other teams we would take them here getting 6 1/2, but we think Pittsburgh is old-school enough to play not just to win, but to beat the spread for its fans, which a team is not supposed to do, and we think most wouldn't, but the Steelers would. So, the Steelers giving the points. Simple as that.
As for Springsteen, we think he will definitely avoid "Born In The USA," an anti-war song long misinterpreted as a jingoistic anthem. We'll guess that as his old-time number he will do "Glory Days," a bouncy enough song that also happens to be about a washed-up would-be athlete.
There's time for 4 songs, so we reckon 2 will be from the new album. "My Lucky Day" and "The Wrestler" would both be appropriate for the day. Then, as a message song, he might reprise "The Rising," which he performed at the Lincoln Memorial before Inauguration Day; or he might be magnanimous and cover a song by Woody Guthrie or Pete Seeger, as he has put to record.
We wish you luck with your bets, or congratulate you on your sensible indifference to such folderol. Have fun, whatever your proclivity.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Word is that Springsteen had been asked many times before, and always turned it down. Maybe he feels more comfortable at this ultra-American pageant now that there is a president to have hope for. (Cynics might wonder if it's because he has a new album to promote, but he's had those before.)
So, along with pondering the outcome of the game, there is the question of what Springsteen will play; the band's set list is a secret as closely-guarded as the teams' playbooks.
First, the game. Arizona has the capacity to surprise, and against most other teams we would take them here getting 6 1/2, but we think Pittsburgh is old-school enough to play not just to win, but to beat the spread for its fans, which a team is not supposed to do, and we think most wouldn't, but the Steelers would. So, the Steelers giving the points. Simple as that.
As for Springsteen, we think he will definitely avoid "Born In The USA," an anti-war song long misinterpreted as a jingoistic anthem. We'll guess that as his old-time number he will do "Glory Days," a bouncy enough song that also happens to be about a washed-up would-be athlete.
There's time for 4 songs, so we reckon 2 will be from the new album. "My Lucky Day" and "The Wrestler" would both be appropriate for the day. Then, as a message song, he might reprise "The Rising," which he performed at the Lincoln Memorial before Inauguration Day; or he might be magnanimous and cover a song by Woody Guthrie or Pete Seeger, as he has put to record.
We wish you luck with your bets, or congratulate you on your sensible indifference to such folderol. Have fun, whatever your proclivity.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, January 29, 2009
G.O.P. (Grumpy Old People) in Lockstep Vote Against Obama
House Republicans voted unanimously against the economic stimulus bill which President Obama personally went to the Capitol to endorse.
All 177 House Republicans voted no. The bill passed, 244-to-188, with 11 Democrats against.
The lockstep voting by Republicans is in stark contrast to Obama's broad efforts for open-mindedness in Washington.
Eleven Democrats voted against their party. Every Republican voted the same.
The G.O.P. seems to be missing the message of Obama's election, which was to replace ideology with pragmatism in Washington.
In 1993, every House Republican voted against the deficit-reduction bill that became the hallmark of the Clinton years. The G.O.P. seems stuck in that same mindless adversarialism.
"That was then, this is then" is not going to be a winning philosophy in 2009.
For his part, Obama shows cheer. After the vote, he hosted a cocktail party at the White House. House Republicans were there. One wonders what the Grumpy Old People found not to like. Surely they did. Walter Matthau would have found something!
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
All 177 House Republicans voted no. The bill passed, 244-to-188, with 11 Democrats against.
The lockstep voting by Republicans is in stark contrast to Obama's broad efforts for open-mindedness in Washington.
Eleven Democrats voted against their party. Every Republican voted the same.
The G.O.P. seems to be missing the message of Obama's election, which was to replace ideology with pragmatism in Washington.
In 1993, every House Republican voted against the deficit-reduction bill that became the hallmark of the Clinton years. The G.O.P. seems stuck in that same mindless adversarialism.
"That was then, this is then" is not going to be a winning philosophy in 2009.
For his part, Obama shows cheer. After the vote, he hosted a cocktail party at the White House. House Republicans were there. One wonders what the Grumpy Old People found not to like. Surely they did. Walter Matthau would have found something!
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Ithacan Audrey Stewart's Peace Mission in Gaza
Audrey Stewart of Ithaca recently went to Gaza with Kathy Kelly, a multiple nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, as a proponent of peace and an observer of the warfare there.
Kathy Kelly appeared today on "Democracy Now" with Amy Goodman.
The trip lasted six days. Kelly and Stewart stayed with residents just outside the area where people were told to evacuate. Kelly told Goodman, "Every eleven minutes, there would be a huge bomb thudding down on the neighborhood."
Kelly and Stewart traveled to a number of area hospitals. Doctors reported that the majority of victims were non-military, including many elderly and children, and that lack of medicines and materials led to much suffering and death in the 22-day assault.
Kelly said that the United States gives more than $2 billion in aid to Israel annually, and called on the Obama administration to "abandon these military projects" irrevocably and immediately.
"I think if we take a wait and see attitude, that could quickly morph into inertia," Kelly said.
The broadcast and transcript can be seen at the website for Democracy Now.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Kathy Kelly appeared today on "Democracy Now" with Amy Goodman.
The trip lasted six days. Kelly and Stewart stayed with residents just outside the area where people were told to evacuate. Kelly told Goodman, "Every eleven minutes, there would be a huge bomb thudding down on the neighborhood."
Kelly and Stewart traveled to a number of area hospitals. Doctors reported that the majority of victims were non-military, including many elderly and children, and that lack of medicines and materials led to much suffering and death in the 22-day assault.
Kelly said that the United States gives more than $2 billion in aid to Israel annually, and called on the Obama administration to "abandon these military projects" irrevocably and immediately.
"I think if we take a wait and see attitude, that could quickly morph into inertia," Kelly said.
The broadcast and transcript can be seen at the website for Democracy Now.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Kudos For "Light In Winter" Festival
Congratulations to the Light In Winter festival of the arts and sciences as it closes, today, another successful run.
The intrepid off-season festival braves certain frost and potential blizzard to bring Ithaca a captivating amalgam of events - of music, dance, and magic; about astronomy, physics, math, cuisine - at venues large and small around town and on campus.
Also deserving praise are the festival's many generous supporters - large and small businesses, the colleges, and many individual donors, as well as many volunteers.
Not to mention the people of Ithaca, who will go out in single-digit temperatures on a Saturday night in January and fill the State Theater to see dance rather than sit home and watch TV.
Thanks again, Light In Winter. Now: only three weeks until GrassRoots Festival tickets go on sale.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The intrepid off-season festival braves certain frost and potential blizzard to bring Ithaca a captivating amalgam of events - of music, dance, and magic; about astronomy, physics, math, cuisine - at venues large and small around town and on campus.
Also deserving praise are the festival's many generous supporters - large and small businesses, the colleges, and many individual donors, as well as many volunteers.
Not to mention the people of Ithaca, who will go out in single-digit temperatures on a Saturday night in January and fill the State Theater to see dance rather than sit home and watch TV.
Thanks again, Light In Winter. Now: only three weeks until GrassRoots Festival tickets go on sale.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Is It Historic Even If No One Cares?
That is the question brought to mind by George Bush, Jr.'s final press conference.
Technically, as his last, it was historic. The White House certainly treated it as such, telling news media it would have to limit the number of attendees from each organization, because of the event's obvious draw.
They needn't have worried. The crowd, like mass destruction weaponry, was nowhere to be seen.
Not even the usual crowd. In fact, at go-time, there were rows of empty seats, which White House interns were rushed in to fill.
The shame, of course, is that the media didn't have the guts to turn on Mr. Bush when he was dangerous, rather than inconsequential.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Technically, as his last, it was historic. The White House certainly treated it as such, telling news media it would have to limit the number of attendees from each organization, because of the event's obvious draw.
They needn't have worried. The crowd, like mass destruction weaponry, was nowhere to be seen.
Not even the usual crowd. In fact, at go-time, there were rows of empty seats, which White House interns were rushed in to fill.
The shame, of course, is that the media didn't have the guts to turn on Mr. Bush when he was dangerous, rather than inconsequential.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Celebrate. Then Participate.
One of the slogans for working and progressive Americans has for years been Joe Hill's admonition, "Don't mourn, organize."
What a pleasure it is today to change that in one's mind to "Celebrate, then organize."
Barack Obama becomes president today due to inspired personal leadership, but also, and ultimately, because of unmatched organizing efforts for this change.
Today is a culmination in our nation's history, but only an indication of the possibilities for its future.
It depends on us. One long campaign ends. A broader one begins.
Now, it's up to us to extend this triumph. Obama stops winning if we stop working.
As Obama takes his oath, let's each take one, to dedicate ourselves to one another as we expect President Obama to dedicate himself to us.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
What a pleasure it is today to change that in one's mind to "Celebrate, then organize."
Barack Obama becomes president today due to inspired personal leadership, but also, and ultimately, because of unmatched organizing efforts for this change.
Today is a culmination in our nation's history, but only an indication of the possibilities for its future.
It depends on us. One long campaign ends. A broader one begins.
Now, it's up to us to extend this triumph. Obama stops winning if we stop working.
As Obama takes his oath, let's each take one, to dedicate ourselves to one another as we expect President Obama to dedicate himself to us.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Light In Winter Festival, January 23 - 25
Light In Winter, Ithaca's annual Festival of Art and Science, might have gotten a little eclipsed by the inauguration in winter this week.
But there will be plenty of time to recuperate from the doings in DC before the festival next weekend.
There are dozens of events spread over three days: magic with Jeff McBride at the State Theater, "music of the spheres" with the Cornell Symphony Orchestra, dance, films, workshops ("Celebrating Caffeine" and "the Whys of Winetasting" at the Statler), and talks ("A Short History of Nearly Everything" and "Is God A Mathematician?" at Cornell). And much more.
For full details, visit http://www.lightinwinter.com/.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
But there will be plenty of time to recuperate from the doings in DC before the festival next weekend.
There are dozens of events spread over three days: magic with Jeff McBride at the State Theater, "music of the spheres" with the Cornell Symphony Orchestra, dance, films, workshops ("Celebrating Caffeine" and "the Whys of Winetasting" at the Statler), and talks ("A Short History of Nearly Everything" and "Is God A Mathematician?" at Cornell). And much more.
For full details, visit http://www.lightinwinter.com/.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, January 16, 2009
Martin Luther King Breakfast, Sat.17 Jan., at BJM
The annual community breakfast celebrating the Martin Luther King holiday is Saturday 17 January, 9 - 11:30, at the Beverly J. Martin school gym.
The event is sponsored by the Greather Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC). There will be speakers, workshops, and music.
The cost is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students, $10 for families of 4 or more.
More information is available from GIAC, 272-3622.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The event is sponsored by the Greather Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC). There will be speakers, workshops, and music.
The cost is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students, $10 for families of 4 or more.
More information is available from GIAC, 272-3622.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Bob Petrillose
It is touching to see the many fond tributes to Bob Petrillose in the Ithaca Times of January 14.
The Times reported Bob's death last month of Parkinson's disease.
For decades, Bob was an Ithaca icon as proprietor of the Hot Truck on Stewart Avenue, a nighttime oasis for hungry Cornellians.
As an undergraduate, I knew Bob from my tenure as a dishwasher at his family's restaurant, Johnny's Big Red. Bob cooked for the restaurant as well as working the truck.
My most vivid memory of Bob is from Tuesday, 9 December 1980.
John Lennon had been killed the night before.
I was a long-haired kid and a very big fan of Lennon's since early childhood. I was having trouble keeping my composure the day after, and considered calling in sick for my shift at Johnny's, but didn't.
When I walked into the kitchen, I was alone. That was good. I put on an apron and started work. I tried to keep my head clear of the irrevocable event. But I couldn't, and all of a sudden bust out crying.
At that moment, Bob walked in. I turned away, but he saw me.
He didn't say anything as he started work himself. After a while, though, he said, without looking up from his work, "A great musician is taken from us."
That surprised me because I didn't think of Bob as a guy who would particularly know or care much about John Lennon. I figured it was for my benefit, and I appreciated it.
Then he said, with a shake of his head, "There's no rhyme or reason to that bullshit," which I thought was the best possible thing anyone could say. The rough sentiment, the gentle obscenity, made me feel better at a time when I would have bet a million dollars nothing could make me feel better. He looked at me, and I nodded, and neither of us said another word all night.
Bob was a great family man, a great community man, a hard-working man, and a no-bullshit guy. I know Bob's family and I know they won't mind that last accolade. It's true.
My deep condolences to the Petrillose family, for my old boss, a greatly admired man.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The Times reported Bob's death last month of Parkinson's disease.
For decades, Bob was an Ithaca icon as proprietor of the Hot Truck on Stewart Avenue, a nighttime oasis for hungry Cornellians.
As an undergraduate, I knew Bob from my tenure as a dishwasher at his family's restaurant, Johnny's Big Red. Bob cooked for the restaurant as well as working the truck.
My most vivid memory of Bob is from Tuesday, 9 December 1980.
John Lennon had been killed the night before.
I was a long-haired kid and a very big fan of Lennon's since early childhood. I was having trouble keeping my composure the day after, and considered calling in sick for my shift at Johnny's, but didn't.
When I walked into the kitchen, I was alone. That was good. I put on an apron and started work. I tried to keep my head clear of the irrevocable event. But I couldn't, and all of a sudden bust out crying.
At that moment, Bob walked in. I turned away, but he saw me.
He didn't say anything as he started work himself. After a while, though, he said, without looking up from his work, "A great musician is taken from us."
That surprised me because I didn't think of Bob as a guy who would particularly know or care much about John Lennon. I figured it was for my benefit, and I appreciated it.
Then he said, with a shake of his head, "There's no rhyme or reason to that bullshit," which I thought was the best possible thing anyone could say. The rough sentiment, the gentle obscenity, made me feel better at a time when I would have bet a million dollars nothing could make me feel better. He looked at me, and I nodded, and neither of us said another word all night.
Bob was a great family man, a great community man, a hard-working man, and a no-bullshit guy. I know Bob's family and I know they won't mind that last accolade. It's true.
My deep condolences to the Petrillose family, for my old boss, a greatly admired man.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
National Safety Council Calls For Total Cellphone Ban While Driving
The National Safety Council, which previously lead the campaigns for mandatory seat belt use and against drinking and driving, has now called for a total ban on cellphone use while driving.
Not just hand-held phones, but hands-free phones too.
The Council cites statistical evidence that cellphone users are 4 times more likely than other drivers to have accidents: the same ratio for drunk drivers.
The rate is the same for both types of phone.
New clinical evidence identifies the particular cognitive distractions of cellphone use while driving.
Ordinarily, drivers continually look around them. Cellphone users, studies show, tend to look straight ahead.
Laboratory evidence also shows that the brain is less receptive to activity from the retina during phone conversations.
Studies do not show these results with conversation with a passenger, or with listening to the radio or an audio book. Apparently these activities, taking place wholly within the car, do not take away from the cognitive senses of operating a car.
Remember when you didn't have to stop the car to smoke? That used to be okay for everyone, too, as long as you cracked open the window a little.
It might be a good time to get into a highway franchise business. See you at the rest stop.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Not just hand-held phones, but hands-free phones too.
The Council cites statistical evidence that cellphone users are 4 times more likely than other drivers to have accidents: the same ratio for drunk drivers.
The rate is the same for both types of phone.
New clinical evidence identifies the particular cognitive distractions of cellphone use while driving.
Ordinarily, drivers continually look around them. Cellphone users, studies show, tend to look straight ahead.
Laboratory evidence also shows that the brain is less receptive to activity from the retina during phone conversations.
Studies do not show these results with conversation with a passenger, or with listening to the radio or an audio book. Apparently these activities, taking place wholly within the car, do not take away from the cognitive senses of operating a car.
Remember when you didn't have to stop the car to smoke? That used to be okay for everyone, too, as long as you cracked open the window a little.
It might be a good time to get into a highway franchise business. See you at the rest stop.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Congress: Heads In Sand on Gaza
In a non-binding vote last week, the U.S. Senate supported the Israeli attacks on Gaza. The House is expected to do the same this week.
It shows again that our leaders lack the will to stand against violence when it is perpetrated by allies, and profitable for U.S. arms makers, no matter the suffering, injustice, inefficacy, or the opposition of U.S. citizens.
Democratic politicians are particularly culpable. Polls show that registered Democrats oppose the Israeli attacks by a 24-point margin.
The Democrats are also particularly short-sighted. Hillary Clinton's go-along-to-get-along support for the invasion of Iraq cost her the presidency.
Consider the results of the "cake walk" Dick Cheney predicted in Iraq. Expect similar results in Gaza. The military attacks on citizens there will weaken moderates and strengthen militants. Prospects for negotiation lessen with each death.
Our responsibility as citizens here is to shorten the inevitable lag time between what we know is right, and politicians acting on it. Please write to your representatives today.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
It shows again that our leaders lack the will to stand against violence when it is perpetrated by allies, and profitable for U.S. arms makers, no matter the suffering, injustice, inefficacy, or the opposition of U.S. citizens.
Democratic politicians are particularly culpable. Polls show that registered Democrats oppose the Israeli attacks by a 24-point margin.
The Democrats are also particularly short-sighted. Hillary Clinton's go-along-to-get-along support for the invasion of Iraq cost her the presidency.
Consider the results of the "cake walk" Dick Cheney predicted in Iraq. Expect similar results in Gaza. The military attacks on citizens there will weaken moderates and strengthen militants. Prospects for negotiation lessen with each death.
Our responsibility as citizens here is to shorten the inevitable lag time between what we know is right, and politicians acting on it. Please write to your representatives today.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Friday, January 09, 2009
Economic Relief and Health Care: Doing It Ourselves in Ithaca
Since 1991, Ithaca has had its own money, Ithaca Hours; and for the past decade, a community health organization, the Ithaca Health Alliance.
The Hours currency system started in response to a recession that left people living paycheck to paycheck, or not even so well. A group of Ithacans decided that if the problem was a shortage of money, why not just make more?
The result is a system that circulates over $100,000 worth of bona fide paper currency, creating jobs, stimulating business, and keeping wealth in the community.
With the economy much worse now than in 1991, there is a flood of interest in local currencies. Last month both Time and Newsweek ran prominent articles publicizing Hours and other local currencies.
The Hours website, http://www.ithacahours.org/, steadily receives about 1,000 visits a month - until lately. Last month the site received over 2,600 visits.
The Hours Board of Directors is busy answering all the inquiries from media and economists, and from other communities wanting to start their own systems.
The Board is looking to expand to meet the demands. The Board meets once a month, for no more than 90 minutes - so the work, while plentiful, is well-managed and not arduous. If you are interested in getting involved, at this particularly exciting time, please contact the Board president - yours truly - at sworldmu@twcny.rr.com, or at Small World Music, during business hours (256-0428); or through the Hours website.
Like Ithaca Hours, the Ithaca Health Alliance is a community organization tackling a major social issue: the lack of health care for many citizens.
The Health Alliance is holding an informational meeting on Friday, 30 January, at the Unitarian Church, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. The Alliance will be discussing its free Health Clinic; its Health Fund, which provides financial assistance for health care; and other projects.
Childcare will be provided at the meeting, and there will be door prizes. For more information about the IHA, see their website, http://www.ithacahealth.org/.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The Hours currency system started in response to a recession that left people living paycheck to paycheck, or not even so well. A group of Ithacans decided that if the problem was a shortage of money, why not just make more?
The result is a system that circulates over $100,000 worth of bona fide paper currency, creating jobs, stimulating business, and keeping wealth in the community.
With the economy much worse now than in 1991, there is a flood of interest in local currencies. Last month both Time and Newsweek ran prominent articles publicizing Hours and other local currencies.
The Hours website, http://www.ithacahours.org/, steadily receives about 1,000 visits a month - until lately. Last month the site received over 2,600 visits.
The Hours Board of Directors is busy answering all the inquiries from media and economists, and from other communities wanting to start their own systems.
The Board is looking to expand to meet the demands. The Board meets once a month, for no more than 90 minutes - so the work, while plentiful, is well-managed and not arduous. If you are interested in getting involved, at this particularly exciting time, please contact the Board president - yours truly - at sworldmu@twcny.rr.com, or at Small World Music, during business hours (256-0428); or through the Hours website.
Like Ithaca Hours, the Ithaca Health Alliance is a community organization tackling a major social issue: the lack of health care for many citizens.
The Health Alliance is holding an informational meeting on Friday, 30 January, at the Unitarian Church, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. The Alliance will be discussing its free Health Clinic; its Health Fund, which provides financial assistance for health care; and other projects.
Childcare will be provided at the meeting, and there will be door prizes. For more information about the IHA, see their website, http://www.ithacahealth.org/.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
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