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
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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
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