We see today on Facebook that even some of our FB Friends don't know that Small World Music (our store) has moved: to the basement of Autumn Leaves Books on the Commons, cohabiting there with Angry Mom Records.
Angry Mom has the LPs. Small World Music has the CDs.
Including Richie Stearns's new one, which was how this came up on FBook, someone looking for a store to buy it from. We got it.
And we got lots more Local music, plus International, Americana, Jazz, Blues, Rock/Pop, etc.
New releases featured at the moment include Decemberists, Drive-By Truckers, Iron and Wine, Wanda Jackson, Richard Thompson, James Blunt, Bright Eyes, and Social Distortion.
Angry Mom/Small World opens at noon, 7 days a week.
Steve Burke
for Small World Music and Ithaca NY Blog
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
In Egypt, the Power of the Square
We talked briefly today with our friend Clare Grady, the often-jailed peace activist, about Egypt. She said she is thinking about "the power of the Square," as in Tahrir Square, where people are staying and demonstrating in massive numbers.
"Tiananmen Square, now Tahrir Square. There's great power when people unite physically.
"The media and the Internet are okay for communication and planning. But nothing works the way actually gathering does."
I said I never thought about it, but it seems true. "It lets people in power see you," I said. "And scares them."
Clare said, "It also lets you see each other, and builds your resolve."
Clare said she is ruminating on a gathering here in Ithaca - on the Commons, maybe. Demonstrations across the U.S. might be helpful in influencing our government.
We will be sure to let you know if Clare, or anyone else, organizes something here.
"Tiananmen Square, now Tahrir Square. There's great power when people unite physically.
"The media and the Internet are okay for communication and planning. But nothing works the way actually gathering does."
I said I never thought about it, but it seems true. "It lets people in power see you," I said. "And scares them."
Clare said, "It also lets you see each other, and builds your resolve."
Clare said she is ruminating on a gathering here in Ithaca - on the Commons, maybe. Demonstrations across the U.S. might be helpful in influencing our government.
We will be sure to let you know if Clare, or anyone else, organizes something here.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
It's A Good Night Not To Like Football
It's a good night not to like football, if you prefer the idea of lots of room outside. The Super Bowl is on tonight, and you can probably ski down main street during it.
You know, famously, Jewish people go to Chinese restaurants on Christmas. They are two groups that do not generally care that much about Christmas. So, maybe tonight, outdoor enthusiasts could all meet, get together, right downtown, anywhere they want.
You might want to check with restaurants first, tonight, though. It may be that any restaurant without a TV in the bar doesn't open tonight, for anticipated lack of interest. We hear that Maxie's is closed, for instance.
have fun -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
You know, famously, Jewish people go to Chinese restaurants on Christmas. They are two groups that do not generally care that much about Christmas. So, maybe tonight, outdoor enthusiasts could all meet, get together, right downtown, anywhere they want.
You might want to check with restaurants first, tonight, though. It may be that any restaurant without a TV in the bar doesn't open tonight, for anticipated lack of interest. We hear that Maxie's is closed, for instance.
have fun -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
On Egypt: The President and Secretary of State Look Tired
Obama and Rodham-Clinton look tired lately - maybe even soul-sick, with the hypocrisy they have to perpetuate, or think they have to, in Egypt.
The revolution in Egypt is right. But our government won't outright support it, because of money. Not just money, but dirty money.
"Democracy Now!" on the web presents clear details about the billions of "foreign aid" cash we send Egypt, with the firm understanding that they will send back most of it for weapons. They get to keep some of the cash, for their effort. But primarily it is gigantic money-laundering for Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, and others.
Our government supports the Egyptian regime because they follow instructions: take this massive money, from U.S. taxpayers, and give it to U.S. corporations, for obscene and wasteful weaponry.
Of course, we do it with a slew of countries, but Egypt has been one of the biggest and best flunkies for a while.
The scheme is the ultimate in corporate welfare and pocket-lining.
The Democratic and Republican organizations get their cut of it, naturally, or it wouldn't happen, as it is quite immoral, and should be illegal. But like many big crimes, when powerful parties get paid, it thrives.
The problem in Egypt, as far as U.S. powers are concerned, is that maybe someone new in charge won't be as reliably venal.
Obama and Rodham-Clinton, certainly, are smart enough to understand all this. They are pretty smart people. Likely, on some level, they despise the works. But they don't lead; they follow. They have to - or, again, think they do. Let them stand up against the venality, and see what happens to their coffers, and those of their colleagues.
Bernie Sanders (Senator from Vermont), for one example, would do the right thing in this situation, if it were in his power. Sanders is an independent, de jure and de facto. He is not motivated by massive money, and disdains any that is dirty. His campaign financing comes from the citizens he represents. Pretty much all others at the highest level of U.S. government are cogs. Not even by necessity, but by choice, for easy money. Nothing personal, but, you know. It is so obvious it is barely an observation.
Once, O. and R-C were well-meaning and progressive. At their best and deepest levels, they probably still are. But in the corrupt terrain of the criminal rich, they fail the public good - sometimes at catastrophic levels, like now.
Here's the thing about social justice movements: when executed well and massively, they help smart, good people act so.
That's why we must act, meet, demonstrate, vote - those of us interested in peace, justice, fairness.
In a history-making way, this is what the people of Egypt are doing, right now. Do what you can for them, and then maybe our people in power will find the strength to do so, too. And let's then see what we can do to spread this sense and wellness.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
The revolution in Egypt is right. But our government won't outright support it, because of money. Not just money, but dirty money.
"Democracy Now!" on the web presents clear details about the billions of "foreign aid" cash we send Egypt, with the firm understanding that they will send back most of it for weapons. They get to keep some of the cash, for their effort. But primarily it is gigantic money-laundering for Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, and others.
Our government supports the Egyptian regime because they follow instructions: take this massive money, from U.S. taxpayers, and give it to U.S. corporations, for obscene and wasteful weaponry.
Of course, we do it with a slew of countries, but Egypt has been one of the biggest and best flunkies for a while.
The scheme is the ultimate in corporate welfare and pocket-lining.
The Democratic and Republican organizations get their cut of it, naturally, or it wouldn't happen, as it is quite immoral, and should be illegal. But like many big crimes, when powerful parties get paid, it thrives.
The problem in Egypt, as far as U.S. powers are concerned, is that maybe someone new in charge won't be as reliably venal.
Obama and Rodham-Clinton, certainly, are smart enough to understand all this. They are pretty smart people. Likely, on some level, they despise the works. But they don't lead; they follow. They have to - or, again, think they do. Let them stand up against the venality, and see what happens to their coffers, and those of their colleagues.
Bernie Sanders (Senator from Vermont), for one example, would do the right thing in this situation, if it were in his power. Sanders is an independent, de jure and de facto. He is not motivated by massive money, and disdains any that is dirty. His campaign financing comes from the citizens he represents. Pretty much all others at the highest level of U.S. government are cogs. Not even by necessity, but by choice, for easy money. Nothing personal, but, you know. It is so obvious it is barely an observation.
Once, O. and R-C were well-meaning and progressive. At their best and deepest levels, they probably still are. But in the corrupt terrain of the criminal rich, they fail the public good - sometimes at catastrophic levels, like now.
Here's the thing about social justice movements: when executed well and massively, they help smart, good people act so.
That's why we must act, meet, demonstrate, vote - those of us interested in peace, justice, fairness.
In a history-making way, this is what the people of Egypt are doing, right now. Do what you can for them, and then maybe our people in power will find the strength to do so, too. And let's then see what we can do to spread this sense and wellness.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
"Blue Valentine," And Penny and the Quarters
We don't review movies on Ithaca Blog, because plenty of other places do that well, but we would like to recommend this picture "Blue Valentine," newly released.
We saw an advance copy "per dolem", as we say in Latin ("by means of a trick"). It has won prizes at Sundance, Cannes, etc.
We mention it not only because it is good, but because we own a record/CD store, and the film features an astonishing song by an astonishing band that, somehow, was never famous, or even known.
The song is called "You And Me." It is by a group from long ago called Penny and the Quarters. They were from Ohio and that is about all anyone knows about them.
The song is presented in a demo version, with nothing but voices and one guitar. It is a gospel-based soul ballad. It is staggeringly simple, and beautiful for that.
It is reminiscent of "People Get Ready" and "This Old Heart Of Mine," two huge soul hits. If it antedates them, it is a brilliant amalgamation. If it predates them (no one knows, at the moment), it is monumental, if that is not too strong. (For people interested in song composition and history, not to mention copyright law, it is not.)
The makers of the film are searching for any vestiges of the band, to pay them.
You can read a bit about the band on Wikipedia - or, better, hear the song on Youtube. Simply search there for Penny and the Quarters.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
We saw an advance copy "per dolem", as we say in Latin ("by means of a trick"). It has won prizes at Sundance, Cannes, etc.
We mention it not only because it is good, but because we own a record/CD store, and the film features an astonishing song by an astonishing band that, somehow, was never famous, or even known.
The song is called "You And Me." It is by a group from long ago called Penny and the Quarters. They were from Ohio and that is about all anyone knows about them.
The song is presented in a demo version, with nothing but voices and one guitar. It is a gospel-based soul ballad. It is staggeringly simple, and beautiful for that.
It is reminiscent of "People Get Ready" and "This Old Heart Of Mine," two huge soul hits. If it antedates them, it is a brilliant amalgamation. If it predates them (no one knows, at the moment), it is monumental, if that is not too strong. (For people interested in song composition and history, not to mention copyright law, it is not.)
The makers of the film are searching for any vestiges of the band, to pay them.
You can read a bit about the band on Wikipedia - or, better, hear the song on Youtube. Simply search there for Penny and the Quarters.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Richie Stearns' New CD, And Release Gig On Sat. 29 Jan.
We usually don't think to post here for local music shows days in advance, but this Saturday comes a large one, as Richie Stearns issues a new CD, and celebrates it at the Chapter House, at 10 p.m.
It's Richie's second release, only, apart from CDs by the Horseflies. His first, a completely solo effort (called "Solo"), was about 6 years ago. The new one has band-mates, including local cohorts, the Evil City String Band; and largely-renowned players Carrie Rodriguez and Dirk Powell.
ECSB will be with Richie at Saturday's show; other prominents too, we gather.
We recommend getting there early. It should be a large crowd.
The CD is already available at Ithaca's own retail music store, Angry Mom Records/Small World Music, located in the basement of Autumn Leaves Books, on the Commons.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
It's Richie's second release, only, apart from CDs by the Horseflies. His first, a completely solo effort (called "Solo"), was about 6 years ago. The new one has band-mates, including local cohorts, the Evil City String Band; and largely-renowned players Carrie Rodriguez and Dirk Powell.
ECSB will be with Richie at Saturday's show; other prominents too, we gather.
We recommend getting there early. It should be a large crowd.
The CD is already available at Ithaca's own retail music store, Angry Mom Records/Small World Music, located in the basement of Autumn Leaves Books, on the Commons.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Are Sports The Most Benign of Entertainments?
As a fan of the New York Jets football franchise since a tender age, we are excited about the prospect of them going to the Super Bowl this year for only the second time in their history. (The first (that is, only) time was over 40 years ago. Their current date with destiny is still only potential: one qualifying game away.)
We know it is a violent sport: much more so these days, with players strong and fast as torpedos, and concussive contacts encouraged for television.
Personally, we preferred the game in the old days, when some players were pretty athletic, but many were out there only because they ate more than most people.
Sports have the attribute of getting people happily excited, collectively, which is rare. You see it at good concerts, but those don't last long. People remember sporting events a long time.
Sports and concerts - good concerts, anyway - also share an aspect of unpredictability, or at least surprise. Unanticipated turns will occur during both, even for the performers.
We were out with friends last night who were all talking about the TV series they follow. Not only had I never seen any, I'd never even heard of most. I learned there are lots of shows on TV.
The only thing I watch on TV, about, is sports. I watch them because you absolutely cannot know what will happen. And yet, you hardly have to pay attention to find out.
The mindless entertainment of a TV series seems troublesome in its length. You have to watch it all year? Never for that.
I can commit to work and relationships over time; to avocations; not much else. Like, what else? Certainly not TV shows. A game is a few hours, one time. You barely have to pay attention. You can do other things at the same time. Do the dishes. Pay the bills. Broil. Just come back to the living room when you hear shouting.
Steve "Broadway" Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
We know it is a violent sport: much more so these days, with players strong and fast as torpedos, and concussive contacts encouraged for television.
Personally, we preferred the game in the old days, when some players were pretty athletic, but many were out there only because they ate more than most people.
Sports have the attribute of getting people happily excited, collectively, which is rare. You see it at good concerts, but those don't last long. People remember sporting events a long time.
Sports and concerts - good concerts, anyway - also share an aspect of unpredictability, or at least surprise. Unanticipated turns will occur during both, even for the performers.
We were out with friends last night who were all talking about the TV series they follow. Not only had I never seen any, I'd never even heard of most. I learned there are lots of shows on TV.
The only thing I watch on TV, about, is sports. I watch them because you absolutely cannot know what will happen. And yet, you hardly have to pay attention to find out.
The mindless entertainment of a TV series seems troublesome in its length. You have to watch it all year? Never for that.
I can commit to work and relationships over time; to avocations; not much else. Like, what else? Certainly not TV shows. A game is a few hours, one time. You barely have to pay attention. You can do other things at the same time. Do the dishes. Pay the bills. Broil. Just come back to the living room when you hear shouting.
Steve "Broadway" Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Four Cheers/Stars For Maxie's
We just got in from dinner at Maxie's, and had a great meal and great time there, and realize we probably don't express our esteem for the place as much as we should.
The food is always great. We know some people think it is expensive there, and it's true that you can spend nice money there, if you want. But you can also not, and it doesn't affect their hospitality.
We enjoyed the music, which (expensive?) Maxie's presents free, twice a week. It was a delightful scene, with happy people.
The service was impeccable, as always. It didn't matter that the total tab for two people (ordering light: a sandwich; sides; no alcohol) was less than $25. I mean, it didn't matter to them. Somehow the place has created a culture, not to be too high-faluting about it, of consistent friendliness, not to mention coolness, among the staff.
About the money. You can get a po' boy sandwich of first rank there, maybe 6 or 7 varieties, for $8.95 or $9.95, loaded down with fries. No food service fare here - everything fresh. This is not much more money than the State Diner, for goodness sake.
Whenever we have visitors, we take them to Maxie's. When they ask what's good, we say everything - order anything. And it is. When we leave, our guests invariably ask, do you know the staff? Everyone treated us so great. We say some of them, sort of; not all of them; that's just how they are.
So do yourself a favor - and do restaurant culture a favor, too - and go enjoy Maxie's, a really fine place, and boon to this town.
The food is always great. We know some people think it is expensive there, and it's true that you can spend nice money there, if you want. But you can also not, and it doesn't affect their hospitality.
We enjoyed the music, which (expensive?) Maxie's presents free, twice a week. It was a delightful scene, with happy people.
The service was impeccable, as always. It didn't matter that the total tab for two people (ordering light: a sandwich; sides; no alcohol) was less than $25. I mean, it didn't matter to them. Somehow the place has created a culture, not to be too high-faluting about it, of consistent friendliness, not to mention coolness, among the staff.
About the money. You can get a po' boy sandwich of first rank there, maybe 6 or 7 varieties, for $8.95 or $9.95, loaded down with fries. No food service fare here - everything fresh. This is not much more money than the State Diner, for goodness sake.
Whenever we have visitors, we take them to Maxie's. When they ask what's good, we say everything - order anything. And it is. When we leave, our guests invariably ask, do you know the staff? Everyone treated us so great. We say some of them, sort of; not all of them; that's just how they are.
So do yourself a favor - and do restaurant culture a favor, too - and go enjoy Maxie's, a really fine place, and boon to this town.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Dueling Banjos on Ithaca Sunday Morning Radio
Ithaca now has two locally-produced, marathon folk music programs on Sunday mornings.
After years of hosting Nonesuch on WVBR, Tracey Craig packed her leaving trunk a few weeks ago to start a new show, Rootabaga Boogie [sic], on a new station, WITH-FM, a little further left on the dial.
After a couple of weeks of improvising, Nonesuch has installed a new permanent host, Nicholas Hill, for the first two hours of the broadcast; the remaining hours will be hosted by a rotating cast of jocks.
We are listening to both right now. Nick sounds a little uncertain about the this and that, but inviting nonetheless. So far, his selections are tried-and-true, such as Peggy Seeger, Ewan McCall, and Johnny Cash (singing "Joshua Gone Barbados," a cover new to us, and a great one).
Meanwhile, Tracey is doing what Tracey does, an idiosyncratic take on multiple genres that she construes as, foremost, an Ithaca blend; and she should know, having done it many years, as well as presenting live shows at venues large and small.
Tracey's new show is 2 hours, versus 4.5 hours at Nonesuch. Still, she manages to pack in interviews and live studio sets by local and visiting musicians.
We hope and trust the competition will be healthy and fun for all. Thanks to Tracey for keeping on and to Nick for jumping in.
After years of hosting Nonesuch on WVBR, Tracey Craig packed her leaving trunk a few weeks ago to start a new show, Rootabaga Boogie [sic], on a new station, WITH-FM, a little further left on the dial.
After a couple of weeks of improvising, Nonesuch has installed a new permanent host, Nicholas Hill, for the first two hours of the broadcast; the remaining hours will be hosted by a rotating cast of jocks.
We are listening to both right now. Nick sounds a little uncertain about the this and that, but inviting nonetheless. So far, his selections are tried-and-true, such as Peggy Seeger, Ewan McCall, and Johnny Cash (singing "Joshua Gone Barbados," a cover new to us, and a great one).
Meanwhile, Tracey is doing what Tracey does, an idiosyncratic take on multiple genres that she construes as, foremost, an Ithaca blend; and she should know, having done it many years, as well as presenting live shows at venues large and small.
Tracey's new show is 2 hours, versus 4.5 hours at Nonesuch. Still, she manages to pack in interviews and live studio sets by local and visiting musicians.
We hope and trust the competition will be healthy and fun for all. Thanks to Tracey for keeping on and to Nick for jumping in.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
New Year's Eve, Party?
Ithaca Blog gets a lot of hits in December by people searching for "New Year's Eve party."
It's hard to accommodate these seekers of seasonal fun, because NYEve is an amorphous time in Ithaca.
All bars and clubs are open, of course. For the most part, however, they don't have A-list entertainment.
A-list entertainers want pay, and there is no incentive for bars and clubs to pay large coarse notes on 12/31, as patrons will come out anyway.
Even if the pay were good, it is a hard night for musicians, as people are listening to them even less than usual. The people are howling for beverages, as it is a night when, shall we say, giddiness, is not a source of opprobrium, in a public that is less than observant.
Against the odds, anyway, local big guys The Sim Redmond Band will have a show at Castaways, and it will be the largest event of the night. Opening is Sunny Weather, old Ithaca favorites in reunion.
SRB does it every year, so it must work for them, and one and all. It also sells out, so if interested, you should get ticketed by Castaways soon.
Overall, the party line is this: anyplace will do tonight, if you are interested in being among the drunk, disorderly, and disoriented. Every place you can think of will be packed.
Personally, what we like to do on New Year's Eve is meet some friends and eat sushi and drink champagne. Then, even if nothing else good happens all year, at least you had sushi and champagne.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
It's hard to accommodate these seekers of seasonal fun, because NYEve is an amorphous time in Ithaca.
All bars and clubs are open, of course. For the most part, however, they don't have A-list entertainment.
A-list entertainers want pay, and there is no incentive for bars and clubs to pay large coarse notes on 12/31, as patrons will come out anyway.
Even if the pay were good, it is a hard night for musicians, as people are listening to them even less than usual. The people are howling for beverages, as it is a night when, shall we say, giddiness, is not a source of opprobrium, in a public that is less than observant.
Against the odds, anyway, local big guys The Sim Redmond Band will have a show at Castaways, and it will be the largest event of the night. Opening is Sunny Weather, old Ithaca favorites in reunion.
SRB does it every year, so it must work for them, and one and all. It also sells out, so if interested, you should get ticketed by Castaways soon.
Overall, the party line is this: anyplace will do tonight, if you are interested in being among the drunk, disorderly, and disoriented. Every place you can think of will be packed.
Personally, what we like to do on New Year's Eve is meet some friends and eat sushi and drink champagne. Then, even if nothing else good happens all year, at least you had sushi and champagne.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Not Much Christmas Spirit At The Mall
We have the kind of lifestyle where we are not obleejed to do much Christmas shopping, just a little, so we planned just one trip for the season to the malls in Lansing.
We went on Monday, in the afternoon, when we figured it might not be too fierce, and maybe actually friendly. Wrong.
For one thing, the weather is bad up there, in a hilltop micro-climate, and driving turned from safe downtown to slightly treacherous, with light snow turning to squall, and very poor seeing-action.
The traffic was nuts, with a convoy of cars trying to make a left at the Triphammer Road exit, and the exit lane on Route 13 was not lane, but line, a good ways down the highway.
Inside the mall, I can tell you briefly, I did not find a good quality in any of the things I wanted. It was also, not vaguely, harried and grim. So I sure split.
But the splitting was rough, indeed, with all roads clogged, and any semblance of driving civility subsumed, by people refusing entry to the roads to mall-leavers; running signals and signs; cutting and blocking, honking and glaring and mouthing stuff, etc.
What world is this, I wondered?- trying to keep my cool, and my spirit of giving, which was my reason to be there in the first place.
I came downtown and went to the Commons. I mean, all along, I had intended to patronize both venues, as a generous Santa and a guy trying to spread the money action around. But I can tell you, next year I don't think I'll bother with the mall.
I am partisan, as an owner of a business on the Commons (Small World Music, CD's and LP's, shameless plug; hello to all our fans who still don't know we have moved from our old place to the basement of Autumn Leaves Books, joining Angry Mom Records there).
I found the good-quality things I wanted at Benjamin Peters clothing store. I also found some nice things at Now You're Cooking and Ten Thousand Villages. That's the main thing. But another thing is that I had a pleasant time.
The traffic downtown was busy, but easy, and not heated with hate. I parked for free in the Green Street garage. My fellow shoppers were relaxed and smiley. The store people were cool and nice.
I can tell you, as one of those store owners, we are nice because we really appreciate your business, and if I did not think it was hokey, or bad reading, I would insert that word "really" four or five times or more.
At the mall, God bless the workers there, but they really have no incentive to be nice. The small business owner, on the other hand, thinks of you as great sweetness.
The clerks at the mall don't care if they never see you again - and actually, as you simply represent more work, without attendant compensation, they'd prefer not to. But independent business owners and workers consider your very presence a success, an event, and a blessing. If you think I'm overstating it, ask one.
So: I wish you luck with your gift-giving. This is really a great time of year, an affirmation of humanity, when people give and act for each other, and say charmingly nice things even just in passing: "happy" this, "merry" that. "Merry" - you know? That in itself is a great idea and goal.
In the dead of cold and dark, we strive to bring joyful life to our loved ones and the world. Not bad.
Local First Ithaca and other community groups are doing a great job emphasizing how important it is, economically, to shop at home-grown businesses. I guess here I am trying to note how much easier and more fun it can be.
All the best - and much merriment! - to you and yours for the season.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
and Small World Music/Angry Mom Records
We went on Monday, in the afternoon, when we figured it might not be too fierce, and maybe actually friendly. Wrong.
For one thing, the weather is bad up there, in a hilltop micro-climate, and driving turned from safe downtown to slightly treacherous, with light snow turning to squall, and very poor seeing-action.
The traffic was nuts, with a convoy of cars trying to make a left at the Triphammer Road exit, and the exit lane on Route 13 was not lane, but line, a good ways down the highway.
Inside the mall, I can tell you briefly, I did not find a good quality in any of the things I wanted. It was also, not vaguely, harried and grim. So I sure split.
But the splitting was rough, indeed, with all roads clogged, and any semblance of driving civility subsumed, by people refusing entry to the roads to mall-leavers; running signals and signs; cutting and blocking, honking and glaring and mouthing stuff, etc.
What world is this, I wondered?- trying to keep my cool, and my spirit of giving, which was my reason to be there in the first place.
I came downtown and went to the Commons. I mean, all along, I had intended to patronize both venues, as a generous Santa and a guy trying to spread the money action around. But I can tell you, next year I don't think I'll bother with the mall.
I am partisan, as an owner of a business on the Commons (Small World Music, CD's and LP's, shameless plug; hello to all our fans who still don't know we have moved from our old place to the basement of Autumn Leaves Books, joining Angry Mom Records there).
I found the good-quality things I wanted at Benjamin Peters clothing store. I also found some nice things at Now You're Cooking and Ten Thousand Villages. That's the main thing. But another thing is that I had a pleasant time.
The traffic downtown was busy, but easy, and not heated with hate. I parked for free in the Green Street garage. My fellow shoppers were relaxed and smiley. The store people were cool and nice.
I can tell you, as one of those store owners, we are nice because we really appreciate your business, and if I did not think it was hokey, or bad reading, I would insert that word "really" four or five times or more.
At the mall, God bless the workers there, but they really have no incentive to be nice. The small business owner, on the other hand, thinks of you as great sweetness.
The clerks at the mall don't care if they never see you again - and actually, as you simply represent more work, without attendant compensation, they'd prefer not to. But independent business owners and workers consider your very presence a success, an event, and a blessing. If you think I'm overstating it, ask one.
So: I wish you luck with your gift-giving. This is really a great time of year, an affirmation of humanity, when people give and act for each other, and say charmingly nice things even just in passing: "happy" this, "merry" that. "Merry" - you know? That in itself is a great idea and goal.
In the dead of cold and dark, we strive to bring joyful life to our loved ones and the world. Not bad.
Local First Ithaca and other community groups are doing a great job emphasizing how important it is, economically, to shop at home-grown businesses. I guess here I am trying to note how much easier and more fun it can be.
All the best - and much merriment! - to you and yours for the season.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
and Small World Music/Angry Mom Records
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Captain Beefheart, Christmas Music, 2010
Captain Beefheart, the singer and composer, died this past week, and due to social media, his music is all around, at least among my facefriends.
It is a pointed counter to the seasonal music one hears all around at Christmas, which even if well-meaning, is mostly insipid and pretty bad. Beefheart's music can be pretty bad, too, but in a different way: interesting, if not actually crazy.
He always seemed to me a few steps from living in a lot. But he was lucky, as well as talented (he probably earned more life-time from his paintings than his records), and he had a productive career, and seemed to live as he wanted.
We presume his music is available all over Youtube; but haven't checked. See if you can find "The Dust Blows Forward" from the "Trout Mask Replica" LP of 1970 or so. It is a poem, or a lyric unaccompanied by music; and it is funny.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
It is a pointed counter to the seasonal music one hears all around at Christmas, which even if well-meaning, is mostly insipid and pretty bad. Beefheart's music can be pretty bad, too, but in a different way: interesting, if not actually crazy.
He always seemed to me a few steps from living in a lot. But he was lucky, as well as talented (he probably earned more life-time from his paintings than his records), and he had a productive career, and seemed to live as he wanted.
We presume his music is available all over Youtube; but haven't checked. See if you can find "The Dust Blows Forward" from the "Trout Mask Replica" LP of 1970 or so. It is a poem, or a lyric unaccompanied by music; and it is funny.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Monday, December 06, 2010
Benchwarmers Restaurant Closed
We were scheming a semi-promptu meeting with some friends who, like us, are big fans of the New York Jets football team, which meets its arch-rival NFL club, the New England Patriots, in a large, nationally-televised contest tonight.
Benchwarmers Restaurant on the Commons is generally an excellent venue for such a meeting: a sports joint with lots of TV's, a sports-and-TV-appropriate menu, and swell crowds when big games are going.
But we walked past yesterday, and saw sheets of brown paper covering the windows, and a small sign that said, "Closed For Rennovations."
Well, maybe, if "rennovations" is a synonym for "evver." That was our immediate wise-guy thought.
Our second thought, or maybe first feeling, was sympathy for a good business that we guess hit hard times.
We're sorry to see them go and will miss them. So will downtown in general and the Commons in particular.
Good luck and best wishes to the Benchwarmers crew.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Benchwarmers Restaurant on the Commons is generally an excellent venue for such a meeting: a sports joint with lots of TV's, a sports-and-TV-appropriate menu, and swell crowds when big games are going.
But we walked past yesterday, and saw sheets of brown paper covering the windows, and a small sign that said, "Closed For Rennovations."
Well, maybe, if "rennovations" is a synonym for "evver." That was our immediate wise-guy thought.
Our second thought, or maybe first feeling, was sympathy for a good business that we guess hit hard times.
We're sorry to see them go and will miss them. So will downtown in general and the Commons in particular.
Good luck and best wishes to the Benchwarmers crew.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Weekend Out, 12/3,4,5
The weekend is supposed to be relatively warm, or warmer than subsequent weekends will be, so it is a good weekend to go out, also before you get too busy and all. There is good music in town all weekend.
On Friday, David Bromberg returns to the State Theater. Bromberg was one of those young hotshots - though always a funny, self-deprecating one - who now is an elder statesman of American acoustic music. 8 pm.
On Saturday, the Suffer Jets roller derby team joins No Radio Productions for a "Derby Disco" night at the lounge above Delilah's (formerly Wildfire's), 106 S. Cayuga Street. No doubt it will be funky. 9 p.m.
Also on Saturday, Johnny Dowd presents his new program, Songs For Lovers, at Castaways. With alt-country rockers, Hubcap. 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Jennie Lowe Stearns plies the intimate confines of Felicia's, from 7 - 9 p.m. Then, at Castaways at 9 p.m., Langhorne Slim, a singer-songwriter out of Brooklyn with some grit.
have fun
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
On Friday, David Bromberg returns to the State Theater. Bromberg was one of those young hotshots - though always a funny, self-deprecating one - who now is an elder statesman of American acoustic music. 8 pm.
On Saturday, the Suffer Jets roller derby team joins No Radio Productions for a "Derby Disco" night at the lounge above Delilah's (formerly Wildfire's), 106 S. Cayuga Street. No doubt it will be funky. 9 p.m.
Also on Saturday, Johnny Dowd presents his new program, Songs For Lovers, at Castaways. With alt-country rockers, Hubcap. 9:30 p.m.
On Sunday, Jennie Lowe Stearns plies the intimate confines of Felicia's, from 7 - 9 p.m. Then, at Castaways at 9 p.m., Langhorne Slim, a singer-songwriter out of Brooklyn with some grit.
have fun
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Our Friend's Cold
Our friend C. wrote on Facebook about her terrible head cold, and we might think this is a rather slight matter for someone to write about, except we have this same head cold, and know it is dire, and a great issue indeed, if you will pardon the pun.
It has lasted two weeks and shows no signs of abating. One tries to hurry and get better before Thanksgiving, when traveling to see family, but that might be like trying to fall asleep fast because you have to get up early. It doesn't work.
This cold has us thinking about the nature of mucus, because we have produced more of it lately than an elephant, and realize now that mucus is not finite.
If you can't write about a head cold to your innocent and unsuspecting friends, what malady can you? You can't just casually write about some real chronic disease you have. That's too serious. And no one wants to read about anything that involves, let's say, inside your pants. Forget that.
So, head colds it is for the Internet. We have been eating a lot of soup lately, and saltines. When shopping, we noticed a variety of saltines that is unsalted, which seems really wrong. It should have another name.
feel better -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
It has lasted two weeks and shows no signs of abating. One tries to hurry and get better before Thanksgiving, when traveling to see family, but that might be like trying to fall asleep fast because you have to get up early. It doesn't work.
This cold has us thinking about the nature of mucus, because we have produced more of it lately than an elephant, and realize now that mucus is not finite.
If you can't write about a head cold to your innocent and unsuspecting friends, what malady can you? You can't just casually write about some real chronic disease you have. That's too serious. And no one wants to read about anything that involves, let's say, inside your pants. Forget that.
So, head colds it is for the Internet. We have been eating a lot of soup lately, and saltines. When shopping, we noticed a variety of saltines that is unsalted, which seems really wrong. It should have another name.
feel better -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Free CDs For You Today at Angry Mom Records/Small World Music
Here we are at Angry Mom Records/Small World Music, in the basement of Autumn Leaves Books, on the only day of the week when we staff the store ourselves. And we realize it has been a while since we publicized the place, in which we have keen interest.
So, as we have done before, we make this special offer to Ithaca Blog readers: come in today, and pick out not one, not three, but two free CDs for yourself from our extensive selection of used, bargain-priced CDs from the $5-and-less shelves. Totally free - like, no purchase necessary.
We know it's short notice, but we just thought about it. The offer is good today only, while Steve works. Tomorrow, with George and Lee, it would confuse them. You have til 8 p.m.; the rain is not so bad.
See you soon!
Steve Burke
for Small World Music & Ithaca NY Blog
So, as we have done before, we make this special offer to Ithaca Blog readers: come in today, and pick out not one, not three, but two free CDs for yourself from our extensive selection of used, bargain-priced CDs from the $5-and-less shelves. Totally free - like, no purchase necessary.
We know it's short notice, but we just thought about it. The offer is good today only, while Steve works. Tomorrow, with George and Lee, it would confuse them. You have til 8 p.m.; the rain is not so bad.
See you soon!
Steve Burke
for Small World Music & Ithaca NY Blog
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Chevron Spends $4 Billion For Shot at Hydro-Fracking
The Chevron Corporation has purchased the Atlas Energy company of Pennsylvania to obtain a stake in the natural gas fields of Pennsylvania and New York.
The deal is worth over $4 billion in stocks and cash.
The gas fields in Pennsylvania, New York, and elsewhere in the eastern U.S. have only recently become accessible, through a controversial process called hydro-fracking, which pumps toxic chemicals into the ground to free the gas.
Concerns for water safety have led to popular and political opposition to hydro-fracking, including calls for outright bans.
Chevron, ExxonMobil, and other corporations are spending billions for the chance to drill even though the price of natural gas, and the demand for it, are low.
Opponents to hydro-fracking say that citizen protest can add to the cost of operation, and derail potential profits. In Ithaca, the Shaleshock organization is a leading voice of opposition: www.shaleshock.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
The deal is worth over $4 billion in stocks and cash.
The gas fields in Pennsylvania, New York, and elsewhere in the eastern U.S. have only recently become accessible, through a controversial process called hydro-fracking, which pumps toxic chemicals into the ground to free the gas.
Concerns for water safety have led to popular and political opposition to hydro-fracking, including calls for outright bans.
Chevron, ExxonMobil, and other corporations are spending billions for the chance to drill even though the price of natural gas, and the demand for it, are low.
Opponents to hydro-fracking say that citizen protest can add to the cost of operation, and derail potential profits. In Ithaca, the Shaleshock organization is a leading voice of opposition: www.shaleshock.org.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Monday, November 08, 2010
Marathoners Run Fast
It was a beautiful day in the city yesterday for the running of the New York Marathon.
Nobody seems to mind that a lot of the city shuts down for the race. Most New Yorkers are running from something, and admire people who can run away from their problems, if just for a day.
The winner, Gebre Gebremariam, ran the course in 2:08:49. This is less than 5 minutes per mile, for 26 miles. He had to pull away from his nearest competitor in the final mile. This means he was still going fast.
This is also what it means. I go to the gym, but I can't run a 5-minute mile. So if Gebre Gebremariam and I were to race each other 26 miles, and he spotted me the first 25 miles, letting me sit in a beach chair with my feet up at the 25-mile mark until he showed up after running that distance, he would still kick my ass.
I'll go to the gym today anyway. Congratulations to all marathoners.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Nobody seems to mind that a lot of the city shuts down for the race. Most New Yorkers are running from something, and admire people who can run away from their problems, if just for a day.
The winner, Gebre Gebremariam, ran the course in 2:08:49. This is less than 5 minutes per mile, for 26 miles. He had to pull away from his nearest competitor in the final mile. This means he was still going fast.
This is also what it means. I go to the gym, but I can't run a 5-minute mile. So if Gebre Gebremariam and I were to race each other 26 miles, and he spotted me the first 25 miles, letting me sit in a beach chair with my feet up at the 25-mile mark until he showed up after running that distance, he would still kick my ass.
I'll go to the gym today anyway. Congratulations to all marathoners.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Kristallnacht Remembrance at Cornell, Sun. 7 Nov., 1:30 P.M.
Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, was a series of attacks against Jews in Nazi Germany and parts of Austria on November 8 - 9, 1938.
Virtually every synagogue in Germany was set on fire. Graves were uprooted. Homes were invaded and people beaten to death in the streets. Businesses were robbed and destroyed. 30,000 Jewish men were abducted and sent to concentration camps.
Today at 1:30 p.m., , Cornell hosts "Commemorating the Holocaust - Affiriming Community,"
in the auditorium in Sherman Hall, in the Veterinary School, on Tower Road.
President David Skorton will speak.
Cornell Plantations is the site of a sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy called "A Garden of Stone - A Holocaust Memorial." Goldsworthy uses natural and found materials to make site-specific sculptures. His work is known world-wide.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Virtually every synagogue in Germany was set on fire. Graves were uprooted. Homes were invaded and people beaten to death in the streets. Businesses were robbed and destroyed. 30,000 Jewish men were abducted and sent to concentration camps.
Today at 1:30 p.m., , Cornell hosts "Commemorating the Holocaust - Affiriming Community,"
in the auditorium in Sherman Hall, in the Veterinary School, on Tower Road.
President David Skorton will speak.
Cornell Plantations is the site of a sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy called "A Garden of Stone - A Holocaust Memorial." Goldsworthy uses natural and found materials to make site-specific sculptures. His work is known world-wide.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Friday, November 05, 2010
Land Grab By Gas Company
Chesapeake Energy Corporation announced a deal to buy mineral rights to half a million acres in the Appalachian basin, to drill for natural gas.
The purchase includes parts of Tompkins County.
The dangers of the drilling process called hydro-fracking have been publicized in the documentary film, "Gasland", and by a local grassroots group called Shaleshock.
The language of Chespeake's chief, Aubrey McClendon, is eerily telling about the company's huge financial resources (the purchase was for almost a billion dollars) and casual attitide towards environmental stewardship.
"We've been poking around and we saw something we liked and we bought it," he said.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
The purchase includes parts of Tompkins County.
The dangers of the drilling process called hydro-fracking have been publicized in the documentary film, "Gasland", and by a local grassroots group called Shaleshock.
The language of Chespeake's chief, Aubrey McClendon, is eerily telling about the company's huge financial resources (the purchase was for almost a billion dollars) and casual attitide towards environmental stewardship.
"We've been poking around and we saw something we liked and we bought it," he said.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
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