J.D. Salinger sought the private reader, who "read and ran."
His work was like his character Bessie Glass's chicken soup: consecrated, for the spirit in which it was offered. Nothing to be analyzed. Only drunk.
We liked his work very much.
Now, must run.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Give to Doctors Without Borders For Haiti
Laurie Konwinski of Ithaca has lived and worked extensively in Haiti over many years as a development volunteer.
Ithaca Blog has asked Laurie to share her insights on the situation in Haiti. She has responded, and we await word for publication.
In the meanwhile, Laurie endorses Doctors Without Borders as a seminal relief group for donations.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Ithaca Blog has asked Laurie to share her insights on the situation in Haiti. She has responded, and we await word for publication.
In the meanwhile, Laurie endorses Doctors Without Borders as a seminal relief group for donations.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Friday, January 22, 2010
Supreme Court Jesters
Now that the Supreme Court has decided that corporations are people, what if one drives another out of business? Is it murder?
Can corporations get married?
What if they're gay?
The Supreme Court shows itself to be a politicized joke, so you might as well laugh.
Maybe the sensible thing, anyway, is to make it illegal for politicians to take bribes that corporations are now allowed to offer.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Can corporations get married?
What if they're gay?
The Supreme Court shows itself to be a politicized joke, so you might as well laugh.
Maybe the sensible thing, anyway, is to make it illegal for politicians to take bribes that corporations are now allowed to offer.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ithaca Musicians Raise $5,000 For Haiti
A benefit concert on Sunday by Ithaca musicians raised over $5,000 for relief efforts for Haiti.
The money will be donated to the Doctors Without Borders organization.
Thanks and congratulations to the performers and organizers, especially Mike Stark, Jennie Lowe, Castaways bar, and the Suffer Jets roller derby team.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
The money will be donated to the Doctors Without Borders organization.
Thanks and congratulations to the performers and organizers, especially Mike Stark, Jennie Lowe, Castaways bar, and the Suffer Jets roller derby team.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
It's Your Bet, Barack
Chances are that when candidate Barack Obama promised change, he didn't mean changing historically Democratic seats in the Senate to Republican.
But this is what he's delivered, by going from the candidate of change to the incumbent of compromise.
Voters in Massachusetts showed they are upset with the lack of progressive change, and even conviction, from a Democratic party that has held all the cards in Washington for a year, but folded time and again.
The message is that if Obama won't act, the electorate will.
As the song says, "I never saw a winner that didn't bet." It's time for Obama to take back the deal.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
But this is what he's delivered, by going from the candidate of change to the incumbent of compromise.
Voters in Massachusetts showed they are upset with the lack of progressive change, and even conviction, from a Democratic party that has held all the cards in Washington for a year, but folded time and again.
The message is that if Obama won't act, the electorate will.
As the song says, "I never saw a winner that didn't bet." It's time for Obama to take back the deal.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Friday, January 15, 2010
Concert for Haitian Relief, Sunday 17 Jan.
The Ithaca music community is reacting swiftly to the tragedy in Haiti.
There will be a Haitian Earthquake Relief Benefit this Sunday, 17 January, at Castaways.
Among the dozen or so performers are some of the biggest names locally, including Sim Redmond, Jennie Stearns, Mary Lorson, Johnny Dowd, and Hank Roberts.
The concert starts at 6 pm.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
There will be a Haitian Earthquake Relief Benefit this Sunday, 17 January, at Castaways.
Among the dozen or so performers are some of the biggest names locally, including Sim Redmond, Jennie Stearns, Mary Lorson, Johnny Dowd, and Hank Roberts.
The concert starts at 6 pm.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Martin Luther King Day(s) in Ithaca
On Saturday 16 January, the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) hosts its annual Martin Luther King Day breakfast, from 9 - 10:30.
Derrick McQueen of Union Theological Seminary in New York City will speak on eradicating poverty. Community members will entertain with poetry and song.
The breakfast is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students, $10 for families of 4 and more.
For details or to volunteer, call GIAC at 272-3622.
On Monday 18 January, GIAC and other organizations from downtown and the colleges host free workshops and a lunch at the Womens Community Building. Workshops are from 9 - 11 and lunch is from 11:30 to 1:45.
Find more information at mlkdayithaca.com.
Derrick McQueen of Union Theological Seminary in New York City will speak on eradicating poverty. Community members will entertain with poetry and song.
The breakfast is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and students, $10 for families of 4 and more.
For details or to volunteer, call GIAC at 272-3622.
On Monday 18 January, GIAC and other organizations from downtown and the colleges host free workshops and a lunch at the Womens Community Building. Workshops are from 9 - 11 and lunch is from 11:30 to 1:45.
Find more information at mlkdayithaca.com.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Flours From Finger Lakes Wow NYC Foodsters
A new line of fresh ground flours from our area are garnering big sales among foodsters at farmers markets in New York City, and notice in the New York Times.
Farmer Ground Flours are organically grown on Finger Lakes farms, and milled in Trumansburg. The grains - corn, spelt, and wheat - feature heirloom varieties.
The New York Times says, "to the delight of professional and amateur cooks and bakers... the flours are fresh, and have not sat for months in warehouses."
Farmer Ground Flours are sold at NYC Greenmarkets by Cayuga Pure Organics, a partner in the project. Cayuga Pure Organics has previously attracted notice from the Times for its dried beans, which are also sold immediately after processing, rather than stored.
Cayuga Pure Organic beans are sold locally at GreenStar Co-op, in the Bulk department and for considerably less than in Manhattan and its environs. We imagine the flours are at GreenStar, too, or shall be soon.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Farmer Ground Flours are organically grown on Finger Lakes farms, and milled in Trumansburg. The grains - corn, spelt, and wheat - feature heirloom varieties.
The New York Times says, "to the delight of professional and amateur cooks and bakers... the flours are fresh, and have not sat for months in warehouses."
Farmer Ground Flours are sold at NYC Greenmarkets by Cayuga Pure Organics, a partner in the project. Cayuga Pure Organics has previously attracted notice from the Times for its dried beans, which are also sold immediately after processing, rather than stored.
Cayuga Pure Organic beans are sold locally at GreenStar Co-op, in the Bulk department and for considerably less than in Manhattan and its environs. We imagine the flours are at GreenStar, too, or shall be soon.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Big Changes at TCAT Will Include Partial Acceptance of Ithaca Hours
TCAT, the county's bus system, is implementing major changes in routes and in fare collection.
Computerized, renewable passes will replace disposable, paper ones.
TCAT is also planning to accept Ithaca Hours, the local cash currency, in partial payment for passes.
Details about Hours acceptance are still under review, but the new passes are available now, and their use will be fully implemented by Monday 18 January.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Computerized, renewable passes will replace disposable, paper ones.
TCAT is also planning to accept Ithaca Hours, the local cash currency, in partial payment for passes.
Details about Hours acceptance are still under review, but the new passes are available now, and their use will be fully implemented by Monday 18 January.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Monday, January 04, 2010
New Years Eve Style Party on January 8
For those still smarting from the paucity of party opportunities on 12/31/09, a wang-dang-doodle type affair has been announced by Angry Mom Records, right on the heels of New Year's.
The 3rd Angry Mom Dance Party is scheduled for Friday 8 January, 10 pm, at the Chanti Lounge, above the Chanticleer Bar, on the corner of W. State and S. Cayuga Streets.
The motif for party #3, says co-ordinator Lee, is Afrobeat/dub/reggae.
More details are available at Angry Mom's page on Facebook.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
The 3rd Angry Mom Dance Party is scheduled for Friday 8 January, 10 pm, at the Chanti Lounge, above the Chanticleer Bar, on the corner of W. State and S. Cayuga Streets.
The motif for party #3, says co-ordinator Lee, is Afrobeat/dub/reggae.
More details are available at Angry Mom's page on Facebook.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Monday, December 28, 2009
Ithaca New Years Eve, 2009
We know two things about New Years Eve in Ithaca.
One is that Ithacans, inveterate socializers, keen on celebration, love New Years Eve.
Two is that bars and clubs don't do much special for NYE, probably because they don't have to.
Some striving exceptions:
Felicia's has live vocal and piano music, early, from 6:30 - 8:30. After that, it is drink specials, and whatever comes with that. No cover.
Castaways hosts a bona fide concert, with local (and international) favorites The Sim Redmond Band, and opening act the Gunpoets. Doors open at 8 for the 9 pm start. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, if any remain.
WildFire Lounge hosts popular rockers Revision and Solstice, starting at 10 .
Don't get drunk and lose all your money -
& Happy 20/10 -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
One is that Ithacans, inveterate socializers, keen on celebration, love New Years Eve.
Two is that bars and clubs don't do much special for NYE, probably because they don't have to.
Some striving exceptions:
Felicia's has live vocal and piano music, early, from 6:30 - 8:30. After that, it is drink specials, and whatever comes with that. No cover.
Castaways hosts a bona fide concert, with local (and international) favorites The Sim Redmond Band, and opening act the Gunpoets. Doors open at 8 for the 9 pm start. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, if any remain.
WildFire Lounge hosts popular rockers Revision and Solstice, starting at 10 .
Don't get drunk and lose all your money -
& Happy 20/10 -
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Small World Music: No Place Like (Our New) Home for the Holidays
This morning we met yet another old customer of Small World Music who didn't know that our music emporium (physical home of Ithaca Blog) has moved to the basement of Autumn Leaves Books, on the Commons. And so she hasn't got that new Karan Casey CD she wanted to buy for her sister. Well, she will have it later today.
It is the busy season for buying music, so we would be derelict, not to mention meshuga, not to mention with special yuletide emphasis that Small World Music is at your service.
New CDs include Beatles reissues (and box set), Bob Dylan, Fela, David Gray, Norah Jones, Rickie Lee Jones, Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Monsters of Folk, Pete Seeger, Sting, Streisand, Swell Season, and Tom Waits. And Karan Casey.
Small World Music shares space in the basement of Autumn Leaves with Angry Mom Records. We're open seven days a week.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog and Small World Music
It is the busy season for buying music, so we would be derelict, not to mention meshuga, not to mention with special yuletide emphasis that Small World Music is at your service.
New CDs include Beatles reissues (and box set), Bob Dylan, Fela, David Gray, Norah Jones, Rickie Lee Jones, Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Monsters of Folk, Pete Seeger, Sting, Streisand, Swell Season, and Tom Waits. And Karan Casey.
Small World Music shares space in the basement of Autumn Leaves with Angry Mom Records. We're open seven days a week.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog and Small World Music
Bumper Sticker Urges: No Barking
Not that we would ever put a bumper sticker on our car, any more than we would our shoes, but we saw one today we liked.
"Wag More, Bark Less," it said.
We imagine it came from a dog owner, but of course here it was meant for the reading, i.e. strictly non-dog, population.
It seemed to us a particularly good message as people are racing around anxiously with errands to do for the holidays, and possibly feeling a bit barky. But remember, really, if the holidays are not a time for wagging, when is?
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
"Wag More, Bark Less," it said.
We imagine it came from a dog owner, but of course here it was meant for the reading, i.e. strictly non-dog, population.
It seemed to us a particularly good message as people are racing around anxiously with errands to do for the holidays, and possibly feeling a bit barky. But remember, really, if the holidays are not a time for wagging, when is?
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Ithaca Music Scene Somewhat Short-changed by "Cafe"
Yesterday we got a press release about the World Cafe radio program broadcasting, today, a performance by Lyle Lovett at Ithaca's State Theater. The show was also supposed to offer discussion of and selections from the Ithaca music scene.
The former was fine. The latter was missing.
To tell the truth, we had a feeling from the start that the promise of Ithaca-centrism was maybe a little played up. We reported it anyway. Oh, well.
One out of two isn't bad, we guess. Or is the proper response, "That's show biz"?
In any event, we were disappointed by that, but enjoyed the broadcast anyway, and appreciated the visit last month and the effort by both Mr. Lovett and the World Cafe.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
The former was fine. The latter was missing.
To tell the truth, we had a feeling from the start that the promise of Ithaca-centrism was maybe a little played up. We reported it anyway. Oh, well.
One out of two isn't bad, we guess. Or is the proper response, "That's show biz"?
In any event, we were disappointed by that, but enjoyed the broadcast anyway, and appreciated the visit last month and the effort by both Mr. Lovett and the World Cafe.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ithaca Music Goes National, Thurs. 17 Dec., on NPR's "World Cafe"
National Public Radio's "World Cafe" program will spotlight Ithaca in its broadcast on Thursday, 17 December.
The show will feature excerpts from a concert by Lyle Lovett taped at the State Theater in Ithaca, along with discussion of and selections by local musicians.
World Cafe is carried by 185 NPR affiliates nationally. In Ithaca it is broadcast on WEOS, 88.5 on the FM dial.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
The show will feature excerpts from a concert by Lyle Lovett taped at the State Theater in Ithaca, along with discussion of and selections by local musicians.
World Cafe is carried by 185 NPR affiliates nationally. In Ithaca it is broadcast on WEOS, 88.5 on the FM dial.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Big Money Comes To Fracking, With Exxon Purchase
Exxon Mobil has spent $31 billion to buy XTO Energy, a leading speculator in shale gas drilling.
Exxon Mobil brings considerable resources to promote shale gas drilling in U.S. fields discovered by smaller companies such as XTO in the past decade.
The smaller companies have indicated they might not have the resources to meet legal and environmental challenges when controversial drilling practices (known as hydrofracturing, or "fracking") come to populated areas, such as central New York, where citizen groups have formed to protest degradation of local landscapes, infrastructure, and water supplies.
Exxon Mobil's buyout certainly changes the political landscape. The company is the second-largest (behind General Electric) corporate spender in federal lobbying. It has recently come under fire for its efforts to discredit global climate change science, which it considers harmful to its financial interests.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Exxon Mobil brings considerable resources to promote shale gas drilling in U.S. fields discovered by smaller companies such as XTO in the past decade.
The smaller companies have indicated they might not have the resources to meet legal and environmental challenges when controversial drilling practices (known as hydrofracturing, or "fracking") come to populated areas, such as central New York, where citizen groups have formed to protest degradation of local landscapes, infrastructure, and water supplies.
Exxon Mobil's buyout certainly changes the political landscape. The company is the second-largest (behind General Electric) corporate spender in federal lobbying. It has recently come under fire for its efforts to discredit global climate change science, which it considers harmful to its financial interests.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Thursday, December 10, 2009
No Dime Dropped Yet On Ithaca Restaurants With Labor Violations
A press conference held by the Tompkins County Workers Center and the New York State Department of Labor finished minutes ago, with the revelation that 17 area restaurants have been found in violation of labor laws.
The violations include failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, and misclassification of workers as general contractors, thus denying them workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and other rights.
22 restaurants were investigated. State officials said that finding violations among 17 of 22 is a higher than average rate, though perhaps not a large enough sampling to be statistically significant.
The press conference brought much media to the Workers Center on the Commons, and scores of spectators. Those hoping for resolution to the political drama, in the form of names, were disappointed. The identities of the implicated businesses were not disclosed.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
The violations include failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, and misclassification of workers as general contractors, thus denying them workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and other rights.
22 restaurants were investigated. State officials said that finding violations among 17 of 22 is a higher than average rate, though perhaps not a large enough sampling to be statistically significant.
The press conference brought much media to the Workers Center on the Commons, and scores of spectators. Those hoping for resolution to the political drama, in the form of names, were disappointed. The identities of the implicated businesses were not disclosed.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Ithaca Gives 10% Off, On Dec. 10th
Dozens of businesses in Ithaca participating in the "Local First" campaign are offering 10% off all purchases on the 10th of December.
The "10 off on the 10th" promotion started at GreenStar Co-op earlier this year. If you have been at GreenStar on the 10th of a month, you know it is a big deal. GreenStar does Thanksgiving-week type business every 10th. They have to put someone in the parking lot to direct traffic.
The list of participating businesses can be found at www.localfirstithaca.org, or at Local First Ithaca's page on Facebook.
Small World Music/Angry Mom Records, physical home of Ithaca Blog, is among them. In fact, loyal reader, come in today and mention this and we will give you the jump by giving you 10% off on the 9th.
SWM/A. Mom is in the basement of Autumn Leaves Books at 115 the Commons. We're open til 8 pm tonight; from noon til 9 tomorrow.
Steve Burke
for SWM/Ithaca NY Blog
The "10 off on the 10th" promotion started at GreenStar Co-op earlier this year. If you have been at GreenStar on the 10th of a month, you know it is a big deal. GreenStar does Thanksgiving-week type business every 10th. They have to put someone in the parking lot to direct traffic.
The list of participating businesses can be found at www.localfirstithaca.org, or at Local First Ithaca's page on Facebook.
Small World Music/Angry Mom Records, physical home of Ithaca Blog, is among them. In fact, loyal reader, come in today and mention this and we will give you the jump by giving you 10% off on the 9th.
SWM/A. Mom is in the basement of Autumn Leaves Books at 115 the Commons. We're open til 8 pm tonight; from noon til 9 tomorrow.
Steve Burke
for SWM/Ithaca NY Blog
Friday, December 04, 2009
"Local First Ithaca" Builds Area Economy
It is a little disconcerting to see the word "only" in the headlines alongside " 11,000 U.S. jobs lost in November."
But the reality is that this is - only - 10%of the number of jobs lost in either October or September.
President Obama is supposedly rolling up his sleeves now to create a jobs program.
We like the guy; but his record so far, on war and Wall Street, is weak, to say the least.
Maybe on jobs, the one-time community organizer will finally hit his stride.
In the meantime, in Ithaca, we have our own model for helping ourselves and one another: the Local First Ithaca campaign is in its second season of promoting local businesses at holiday time.
Take a look at their web site (http://www.localfirstithaca.org/) and Facebook page for all their activities and promotions. Among them is "10 % on the Tenth," where many participating businesses (there are over 100) offer 10% off all purchases on December 10th. There is also a drawing, at the end of the month, for gift cards, for the proverbial lucky winners, of $50, $100, and $250.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
But the reality is that this is - only - 10%of the number of jobs lost in either October or September.
President Obama is supposedly rolling up his sleeves now to create a jobs program.
We like the guy; but his record so far, on war and Wall Street, is weak, to say the least.
Maybe on jobs, the one-time community organizer will finally hit his stride.
In the meantime, in Ithaca, we have our own model for helping ourselves and one another: the Local First Ithaca campaign is in its second season of promoting local businesses at holiday time.
Take a look at their web site (http://www.localfirstithaca.org/) and Facebook page for all their activities and promotions. Among them is "10 % on the Tenth," where many participating businesses (there are over 100) offer 10% off all purchases on December 10th. There is also a drawing, at the end of the month, for gift cards, for the proverbial lucky winners, of $50, $100, and $250.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca NY Blog
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
The Anti-Fracking Effort Needs You: Big Benefit Concert, Sat. 5 Dec.
Judging by Ithaca, the campaign against "fracking" - that is, hydrofracturing, a toxic chemical drilling procedure proposed for natural gas extraction in our region - seems a sure winner. A thousand people turned out at a hearing at the State Theater last month, on a weeknight, to speak against the dangerously unregulated practice.
Remember, though: Ithaca is different. In 2000, more Ithacans voted for Ralph Nader for president than for George Bush. In 2008, Tompkins County was the only county outside of New York City to vote for Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary.
When a group of Ithacans left the county last week for a public hearing on fracking, they were the only voices in opposition. The others were for taking the money the gas companies are offering, and worrying about poisoned water later.
So: it will be an uphill fight. Whatever support you can give is crucial.
On Saturday 5 December, the three leading bands from Ithaca play a benefit for the effort. Donna the Buffalo, the Horseflies, and the Sim Redmond Band unite for "Life Is Water: A Concert to Defend the Finger Lakes Against Unsafe Gas Drilling" at the State Theater.
Show time is 8 pm. Reserved seating is $12.50 - $24.50.
Proceeds benefit the Shaleshock Citizens Action Alliance: www.shaleshock.org.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
Remember, though: Ithaca is different. In 2000, more Ithacans voted for Ralph Nader for president than for George Bush. In 2008, Tompkins County was the only county outside of New York City to vote for Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary.
When a group of Ithacans left the county last week for a public hearing on fracking, they were the only voices in opposition. The others were for taking the money the gas companies are offering, and worrying about poisoned water later.
So: it will be an uphill fight. Whatever support you can give is crucial.
On Saturday 5 December, the three leading bands from Ithaca play a benefit for the effort. Donna the Buffalo, the Horseflies, and the Sim Redmond Band unite for "Life Is Water: A Concert to Defend the Finger Lakes Against Unsafe Gas Drilling" at the State Theater.
Show time is 8 pm. Reserved seating is $12.50 - $24.50.
Proceeds benefit the Shaleshock Citizens Action Alliance: www.shaleshock.org.
Steve Burke
for Ithaca Blog
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