Artist Gregory Coates

Gregory Coates is an established artist from NYC who lives and works out of his studio on Washington St. in Allentown. Yes, he lives in Allentown, and has lived here since 2001, but I have never seen his work exhibited here. I find that very strange. I would think a show at the Art Museum would be appropriate, since we have no fine art gallery on Hamilton St. anymore. He transforms found objects like rubber, pvc pipe, wood, rope, and plastic into powerful post-modern sculptures and installations.

How Do You Like Me Now? (top) is Coates' take on a billboard in Washington DC which showed Jesse Jackson with a bleach white complexion, blue eyes, and blonde hair.

"There is a necessity in the material I use that provokes itself. It's needy. The palette is off the street. The rubber is off the street. It's about the need to create something out of nothing, translate the physical into a separate form. I like freeing myself within the painting format simply by using found materials."- Coates

His blog is called The Unspoken Word in Allentown http://theunspokenwordinallentown.blogspot.com/

Get Outta the Way of MY Weekend

Wow. People are really in a hurry. While leaving Wegman's on Sat. after getting some take-out (not MY idea) some jerky guy nearly pushed me and my little boy out of the way so he could get in front of us and get to where he was going. He must be a VIP. We were not even walking slow. His kid was pushing his way ahead as well. My hubby said to the guy "Hey you jerky, are you in a hurry?" I was bracing myself for an altercation, but the guy never even turned around. I guess we were getting in the way of HIS weekend. Then the cars would not stop to let us cross in the crosswalk. Now I know why I don't shop at Wegman's. It's the pushy people, not just the over-priced prepared food which I think is not that great quality anyway. I do much better with the seniors on discount day at King's.

Earlier in the day, while driving on the highway, cars were darting in and out doing over 80mph. and cutting us off. We weren't exactly driving slow. I was getting really scared. And it really wrecked my enjoyment of listening to Bruce Springsteen's latest record "Magic."

It's Saturday, geez can't you slow down? I think people are just so over-worked that they go nutsy on the weekend trying to do as much as they can, and trying to get to as many destinations as possible. "Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend." I think people should slow down and think of others. You are not the center of the universe. Life is fragile and can end in an instant just because of someone's irresponsible behavior.

Get Outta the Way of MY Weekend

Wow. People are really in a hurry. While leaving Wegman's on Sat. after getting some take-out (not MY idea) some jerky guy nearly pushed me and my little boy out of the way so he could get in front of us and get to where he was going. He must be a VIP. We were not even walking slow. His kid was pushing his way ahead as well. My hubby said to the guy "Hey you jerky, are you in a hurry?" I was bracing myself for an altercation, but the guy never even turned around. I guess we were getting in the way of HIS weekend. Then the cars would not stop to let us cross in the crosswalk. Now I know why I don't shop at Wegman's. It's the pushy people, not just the over-priced prepared food which I think is not that great quality anyway. I do much better with the seniors on discount day at King's.

Earlier in the day, while driving on the highway, cars were darting in and out doing over 80mph. and cutting us off. We weren't exactly driving slow. I was getting really scared. And it really wrecked my enjoyment of listening to Bruce Springsteen's latest record "Magic."

It's Saturday, geez can't you slow down? I think people are just so over-worked that they go nutsy on the weekend trying to do as much as they can, and trying to get to as many destinations as possible. "Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend." I think people should slow down and think of others. You are not the center of the universe. Life is fragile and can end in an instant just because of someone's irresponsible behavior.

Nearly New Sale at JCC

Food prices are up, gas prices are way up, health insurance is outrageous, but you don't have to spend a fortune at the mall or at expensive designer boutiques to look tres chic. Just grab 4 bucks and go to BAG DAY. You can start your own fashion trend. Who cares what your mom thinks!

Don't miss the Nearly New Sale at the Allentown Jewish Community Center, 22nd. and Tilghman Sts. Sunday May 4, 10-4, and Monday May 5, 10-7.

Bag Day is Monday from 3-7. Fill a bag for $4, 3 bags for $10.

Bag day is a great deal. Last year I got an Ann Taylor jacket, Saks Fifth Ave. vintage sweater, and all sorts of kids stuff, some cool hats, men's shirts, and a Lt. Columbo-style raincoat! Be prepared to spend some time diggin through piles of clothing.

Nearly New Sale at JCC

Food prices are up, gas prices are way up, health insurance is outrageous, but you don't have to spend a fortune at the mall or at expensive designer boutiques to look tres chic. Just grab 4 bucks and go to BAG DAY. You can start your own fashion trend. Who cares what your mom thinks!

Don't miss the Nearly New Sale at the Allentown Jewish Community Center, 22nd. and Tilghman Sts. Sunday May 4, 10-4, and Monday May 5, 10-7.

Bag Day is Monday from 3-7. Fill a bag for $4, 3 bags for $10.

Bag day is a great deal. Last year I got an Ann Taylor jacket, Saks Fifth Ave. vintage sweater, and all sorts of kids stuff, some cool hats, men's shirts, and a Lt. Columbo-style raincoat! Be prepared to spend some time diggin through piles of clothing.

Do You Strip?

Keep your clothes on, I meant do you shop at strip malls? ; } And sorry, this is not about the Coyote Strip Club, I think WFMZ 69 News, "the family minded zone" has that story covered. They even led with it last night as top news.

The iconic Saylor's Diner at the corner of 19th and Tilghman will be torn down to make way for a new modern strip center! Well, at least it won't be an Auto Zone. I really miss Sunday breakfast at Saylor's, but times they change, sweetheart. They don't call it a strip mall, it's a strip center. I'd like to know what the difference is? This article answers my question : http://www.thestrategicedge.com/Articles/strips.htm Well, call it what you'd like it still sounds like a boring mall to me.

So what kind of stores do you envision in this new strip center? I think we have enough hair salons in the area. I could do without the "19th Strip&Tease." Remember "Curl up and Dye"on Sumner Ave? Eewwww!

So does anyone know what's going on with The Shanty? How could such a great location remain vacant for so long? It just doesn't make any sense. Allentown is so completely unpredictable. I see someone finally took down the awning which was falling apart. The shabbiness did kinda take away from the new celebratory "Theatre District" banners. But you could always spin that as "shabby chic!"

Well, I'm looking forward to all the fanfare when the new strip opens. Maybe they'll even have a "Dancin' on the Strip" party. I could plan that for them.

PS A special thanks to Mr. Damien's former blog for the photo

Do You Strip?

Keep your clothes on, I meant do you shop at strip malls? ; } And sorry, this is not about the Coyote Strip Club, I think WFMZ 69 News, "the family minded zone" has that story covered. They even led with it last night as top news.

The iconic Saylor's Diner at the corner of 19th and Tilghman will be torn down to make way for a new modern strip center! Well, at least it won't be an Auto Zone. I really miss Sunday breakfast at Saylor's, but times they change, sweetheart. They don't call it a strip mall, it's a strip center. I'd like to know what the difference is? This article answers my question : http://www.thestrategicedge.com/Articles/strips.htm Well, call it what you'd like it still sounds like a boring mall to me.

So what kind of stores do you envision in this new strip center? I think we have enough hair salons in the area. I could do without the "19th Strip&Tease." Remember "Curl up and Dye"on Sumner Ave? Eewwww!

So does anyone know what's going on with The Shanty? How could such a great location remain vacant for so long? It just doesn't make any sense. Allentown is so completely unpredictable. I see someone finally took down the awning which was falling apart. The shabbiness did kinda take away from the new celebratory "Theatre District" banners. But you could always spin that as "shabby chic!"

Well, I'm looking forward to all the fanfare when the new strip opens. Maybe they'll even have a "Dancin' on the Strip" party. I could plan that for them.

PS A special thanks to Mr. Damien's former blog for the photo

Art Work of the Day

My six year old son is so mad at me because I have not featured his work at my blog in a while. "It's all about mommy" he says. Yeah, so what's wrong with that? You can have your own blog when you grow up! He really wants to be part of an art scene. So here's one from his NYC cityscape series.

Art Work of the Day

My six year old son is so mad at me because I have not featured his work at my blog in a while. "It's all about mommy" he says. Yeah, so what's wrong with that? You can have your own blog when you grow up! He really wants to be part of an art scene. So here's one from his NYC cityscape series.

A Fun Event in Downtown Allentown

Here are some pics from Friday night's artist get together at House of Chen, taken by Zehra Follweiller. Sorry if we did not get your picture. I will be sending a group e-mail about our great ideas to those who attended and will contact those without e-mail by phone. 30 people attended the event! It was great to see some old friends and to meet new ones. Thanks to everyone for participating. Stay tuned....

A Fun Event in Downtown Allentown

Here are some pics from Friday night's artist get together at House of Chen, taken by Zehra Follweiller. Sorry if we did not get your picture. I will be sending a group e-mail about our great ideas to those who attended and will contact those without e-mail by phone. 30 people attended the event! It was great to see some old friends and to meet new ones. Thanks to everyone for participating. Stay tuned....

Artist Get-Together This Friday!

Here's the plan for the AGT this Fri. House of Chen, 732 Hamilton St. 6:30 PM.

Jenny from House of Chen told me parking will be available in the lot behind the Wachovia Bank.

We will be seated at the big round tables in the back of the restaurant. There will be a sign- in sheet so please write your name, e-mail and phone #. Optional name tags will be provided. I'll wear a name tag. Bring a pen. This meeting is not being funded by a grant, so you'll have to bring your own pens and buy your own dinner and drinks (it's cheap)! There will be some paper at each table. Please discuss the following questions with the people at your table, and jot down ideas.

1. What do you think about having a group show/event downtown? What do you think about including visual art, live music, and writing? Other suggestions?

2. What would the theme be? My idea is something about Allentown's future and facing challenges.

3. Where could we have this event?

4. Other questions, concerns, or ideas?

It would be nice to set a date, time and place for the event and just go for it. Let's set realistic goals we know can be accomplished. We don't need a lot of fanfare. The blogs can provide some free advertising.

After jotting down ideas it would be nice if people could walk around and read ideas from other tables. I will take your ideas home, and send a group e-mail. Please print out this page and bring it with you on Fri. night. There are several people who don't read blogs and don't have e-mail so they will need to see this.

Once everyone arrives I will make a short announcement, but I'm not much of a public speaker so if anyone else wants to talk, please do. Joe Skrapits, Allentown Arts Commissioner will be attending. He may want to address the group.

This should be fun! I'm looking forward to re-connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. I hope this can be the start of something positive for the arts in Allentown.

Artist Get-Together This Friday!

Here's the plan for the AGT this Fri. House of Chen, 732 Hamilton St. 6:30 PM.

Jenny from House of Chen told me parking will be available in the lot behind the Wachovia Bank.

We will be seated at the big round tables in the back of the restaurant. There will be a sign- in sheet so please write your name, e-mail and phone #. Optional name tags will be provided. I'll wear a name tag. Bring a pen. This meeting is not being funded by a grant, so you'll have to bring your own pens and buy your own dinner and drinks (it's cheap)! There will be some paper at each table. Please discuss the following questions with the people at your table, and jot down ideas.

1. What do you think about having a group show/event downtown? What do you think about including visual art, live music, and writing? Other suggestions?

2. What would the theme be? My idea is something about Allentown's future and facing challenges.

3. Where could we have this event?

4. Other questions, concerns, or ideas?

It would be nice to set a date, time and place for the event and just go for it. Let's set realistic goals we know can be accomplished. We don't need a lot of fanfare. The blogs can provide some free advertising.

After jotting down ideas it would be nice if people could walk around and read ideas from other tables. I will take your ideas home, and send a group e-mail. Please print out this page and bring it with you on Fri. night. There are several people who don't read blogs and don't have e-mail so they will need to see this.

Once everyone arrives I will make a short announcement, but I'm not much of a public speaker so if anyone else wants to talk, please do. Joe Skrapits, Allentown Arts Commissioner will be attending. He may want to address the group.

This should be fun! I'm looking forward to re-connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. I hope this can be the start of something positive for the arts in Allentown.

"News to Use" or Useless News?

Sometimes I wonder, do the blogs just serve as a complement to the mainstream media because bloggers are reacting to news stories, OR are the newspapers getting ideas for stories from the blogs? Maybe it's a little of both. I like to write about things that I am interested in. Sometimes I'll see a story in the newspaper and react to it.

When I asked the question about The Americus and wrote about the river front it almost seemed like The Morning Call was answering my questions in a series of follow-up reports. Even Bill White took a break from Movie Quotes and Dancin' With the Stars to write about The Americus at his blog. Coincidence? Maybe, or maybe they are reading the blogs to get a sense of what people are interested in so they can sell more papers. This makes sense because the news has become "give people the news THEY want" even if it's stories about puppies, celebrities, helpful hints and puffery rather than an objective reporting of the facts. WFMZ calls it "Your News" The MC calls it "News to Use." Actually most of it is useless news.

At a national level we have Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopolous who spent the entire first half of PA's Clinton -Obama debate NOT asking about Iraq, tax cuts, global warming, or No Child Left Behind. Instead they asked about Reverend Wright, bitter Pennsylvanians clinging to guns and religion, Hillary's Bosnia sniper story, Obama's link to a terrorist???? Is this what they think people wanna hear about?

I think it's a good thing that the bloggers raise issues that are important to people and the community and that there is a forum for a discussion of these issues. Maybe the blogs can be a catalyst for change. The world would be a scary place if we only had access to what the MSM has deemed as "your news" or "news to use."

What they are really saying is: "we'll turd polish anything you want into news if it raises our revenue."

"News to Use" or Useless News?

Sometimes I wonder, do the blogs just serve as a complement to the mainstream media because bloggers are reacting to news stories, OR are the newspapers getting ideas for stories from the blogs? Maybe it's a little of both. I like to write about things that I am interested in. Sometimes I'll see a story in the newspaper and react to it.

When I asked the question about The Americus and wrote about the river front it almost seemed like The Morning Call was answering my questions in a series of follow-up reports. Even Bill White took a break from Movie Quotes and Dancin' With the Stars to write about The Americus at his blog. Coincidence? Maybe, or maybe they are reading the blogs to get a sense of what people are interested in so they can sell more papers. This makes sense because the news has become "give people the news THEY want" even if it's stories about puppies, celebrities, helpful hints and puffery rather than an objective reporting of the facts. WFMZ calls it "Your News" The MC calls it "News to Use." Actually most of it is useless news.

At a national level we have Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopolous who spent the entire first half of PA's Clinton -Obama debate NOT asking about Iraq, tax cuts, global warming, or No Child Left Behind. Instead they asked about Reverend Wright, bitter Pennsylvanians clinging to guns and religion, Hillary's Bosnia sniper story, Obama's link to a terrorist???? Is this what they think people wanna hear about?

I think it's a good thing that the bloggers raise issues that are important to people and the community and that there is a forum for a discussion of these issues. Maybe the blogs can be a catalyst for change. The world would be a scary place if we only had access to what the MSM has deemed as "your news" or "news to use."

What they are really saying is: "we'll turd polish anything you want into news if it raises our revenue."

Joke of the Day

My six year old son made up this joke:

What do pigs use on dry skin?

Oinkment

Joke of the Day

My six year old son made up this joke:

What do pigs use on dry skin?

Oinkment

Exploring Allentown

On Sat. we went to two free events in Allentown. One was the History Expo at the LV Heritage Museum, where we got to try free samples of scrapple mit apple butter, play with some historical toys and games, and see some neat exhibits. We greeted Pip the Mouse who gave my son a free flag. I enjoyed the "Victory Garden" showcase and learned that during WWII housewives planted vegetable gardens because of food rationing. When I told my soulmate that I'd like to start a garden to feed my family, he suggested that we get some cattle too. I think if we could save money on fruits and vegetables then we will be able to pay that little extra for those custom cut steaks at our neighborhood Hersh's Market.

Our next stop was at the free opening of the "America on Wheels Museum." I heard that this project has been in the making for twenty years. It sure looks fabulous. Right next door is an abandoned, crumbling building, which really draws more attention to A-town's blight when contrasted with the shiny new museum. My favorite part of the Museum was the 1957 station wagon exhibit complete with a family of 50's mannequins. When we got upstairs for the "muscle cars" we stopped at the cafe where we saw some live acoustic music and had a $1 coke and ice cream float.

When we left we drove down Front St. and stopped in at Bucky Boyle Park and looked across the river to "Adams Island." We gotta figure out how to get there! I can't believe my hubby has lived here all his life but he did not know how to get to Adams Island. After driving around for a while we finally found the road that led to this weird little pocket of a private island community. NO TRESPASSING the sign says. Is this really Allentown? A private waterfront resort? Wow, there's so much weird stuff down by the riverfront. It really needs to be developed. What is happening with the 175 million dollar "Waterfront" project by those two young developers? Here's a link to the grand plans for the future: http://www.dunntwiggar.com/waterfront.php

I believe the Neuweiler Brewery has been abandoned for like 40 yrs. There's so much potential here, I don't get it.

Photo: Remains of the Neuweiler Brewery

Exploring Allentown

On Sat. we went to two free events in Allentown. One was the History Expo at the LV Heritage Museum, where we got to try free samples of scrapple mit apple butter, play with some historical toys and games, and see some neat exhibits. We greeted Pip the Mouse who gave my son a free flag. I enjoyed the "Victory Garden" showcase and learned that during WWII housewives planted vegetable gardens because of food rationing. When I told my soulmate that I'd like to start a garden to feed my family, he suggested that we get some cattle too. I think if we could save money on fruits and vegetables then we will be able to pay that little extra for those custom cut steaks at our neighborhood Hersh's Market.

Our next stop was at the free opening of the "America on Wheels Museum." I heard that this project has been in the making for twenty years. It sure looks fabulous. Right next door is an abandoned, crumbling building, which really draws more attention to A-town's blight when contrasted with the shiny new museum. My favorite part of the Museum was the 1957 station wagon exhibit complete with a family of 50's mannequins. When we got upstairs for the "muscle cars" we stopped at the cafe where we saw some live acoustic music and had a $1 coke and ice cream float.

When we left we drove down Front St. and stopped in at Bucky Boyle Park and looked across the river to "Adams Island." We gotta figure out how to get there! I can't believe my hubby has lived here all his life but he did not know how to get to Adams Island. After driving around for a while we finally found the road that led to this weird little pocket of a private island community. NO TRESPASSING the sign says. Is this really Allentown? A private waterfront resort? Wow, there's so much weird stuff down by the riverfront. It really needs to be developed. What is happening with the 175 million dollar "Waterfront" project by those two young developers? Here's a link to the grand plans for the future: http://www.dunntwiggar.com/waterfront.php

I believe the Neuweiler Brewery has been abandoned for like 40 yrs. There's so much potential here, I don't get it.

Photo: Remains of the Neuweiler Brewery

What's YOUR Creative Vision?

Since the deal for turning the Americus Hotel into a "boutique hotel" fell through (Quel dommage ;<) I am wondering what YOUR "creative vision" is for this property? Pretend you have been appointed to the downtown re-development, preservation, commercial, economic, historical, revitalizational, improvement and planning authority, commission, board, chamber, and committee.

Here's what I would like to see: something that meets the needs of the community. But I haven't decided exactly what that may be. I know an art gallery or two would be nice.

Let's have a brainstorming session!

Photo from 1965

What's YOUR Creative Vision?

Since the deal for turning the Americus Hotel into a "boutique hotel" fell through (Quel dommage ;<) I am wondering what YOUR "creative vision" is for this property? Pretend you have been appointed to the downtown re-development, preservation, commercial, economic, historical, revitalizational, improvement and planning authority, commission, board, chamber, and committee.

Here's what I would like to see: something that meets the needs of the community. But I haven't decided exactly what that may be. I know an art gallery or two would be nice.

Let's have a brainstorming session!

Photo from 1965

Hersh's is Coming Back!

When I started blogging back in January, I wrote about the changes at Hersh's Market on 19th St. You can scroll down and view that post if you'd like. I had written about the empty shelves, stale bread, and kinda creepy owners who had not kept it an appealing old fashioned corner market. Well, now according to today's Morning Call business section, a couple has bought Hersh's from the guys who could not make a go of it and they plan on restoring it to an old fashioned market which would better serve the needs of the community. There is hope! I'm going to try to be optimistic here. They say it will have a nostalgic atmosphere, and a custom deli/butcher shop where you can have your fresh steaks cut to whatever thickness you like. (Sorry vegetarians, but I love a thick juicy steak).

Hersh's is Coming Back!

When I started blogging back in January, I wrote about the changes at Hersh's Market on 19th St. You can scroll down and view that post if you'd like. I had written about the empty shelves, stale bread, and kinda creepy owners who had not kept it an appealing old fashioned corner market. Well, now according to today's Morning Call business section, a couple has bought Hersh's from the guys who could not make a go of it and they plan on restoring it to an old fashioned market which would better serve the needs of the community. There is hope! I'm going to try to be optimistic here. They say it will have a nostalgic atmosphere, and a custom deli/butcher shop where you can have your fresh steaks cut to whatever thickness you like. (Sorry vegetarians, but I love a thick juicy steak).

"Soulmates": Mystical Crap or Real Deal?

I like to kiddingly remind my hubby that we are not just partners united by marriage, we are "soulmates." I guess if you believe that one person completes another person in a "match made in heaven" then that's a nice thought, but actually I think when two people spend so much time together they just start completing each other's sentences automatically, reading each other's minds, and eventually acting and looking like one other (just a little). For example, is it just a coincidence that he is wearing the exact same color combination I'm wearing today? It's just what happens naturally, not to diminish the romance, physical attraction, or the similar interests and values that drew us to one another. We've been together for 11 years. We do spend a lot of time together, since he works at home a lot and I'm a homemaker/artist. I find that reminding him we are "soulmates" works especially well when he casually points out to me the remarkable physical attributes of a much younger woman, as if I am really just as fascinated by this as my "other half" is.

Have you found your "soulmate?"



Picture: "Lovebirds"

"Soulmates": Mystical Crap or Real Deal?

I like to kiddingly remind my hubby that we are not just partners united by marriage, we are "soulmates." I guess if you believe that one person completes another person in a "match made in heaven" then that's a nice thought, but actually I think when two people spend so much time together they just start completing each other's sentences automatically, reading each other's minds, and eventually acting and looking like one other (just a little). For example, is it just a coincidence that he is wearing the exact same color combination I'm wearing today? It's just what happens naturally, not to diminish the romance, physical attraction, or the similar interests and values that drew us to one another. We've been together for 11 years. We do spend a lot of time together, since he works at home a lot and I'm a homemaker/artist. I find that reminding him we are "soulmates" works especially well when he casually points out to me the remarkable physical attributes of a much younger woman, as if I am really just as fascinated by this as my "other half" is.

Have you found your "soulmate?"



Picture: "Lovebirds"

Are Urban Issues Being Ignored?

With the Pennsylvania primary coming up on April 22, you would think that the presidential candidates would be focusing on urban issues. Pennsylvania has 14 metropolitan areas, the ABE area being one of them, and more than 80% of Pennsylvanians live in those areas. Is it just assumed that the cities will vote Democratic, or is it because more voters live in the suburbs? Is it because urban issues are being overshadowed by the economy and Iraq? Obama lives in the city of Chicago and was a former community organizer, Hillary Clinton represents New York City. They should have some good ideas, and I'm sure they do, but they are not talking much about them. American cities drive the national economy, attract business and tourists. I believe it is important for our cities to thrive. Speaking of tourists, I've heard our mayor even has plans to attract tourists to Allentown by opening a new downtown "boutique hotel." C'est tres chic! ;}

Some important urban issues include crime, city revitalization (this is where the arts can help), crumbling infrastructure, underperforming schools (another place the arts can help), early childhood education, programs for at-risk youth (this is another area where the arts can help), poverty, housing, mass transit, did I mention crime? Pretty important stuff if you ask me.

The candidates like to talk about energy independence and dealing with greenhouse gases. Many of their ideas include making cities more livable for families, and better transit (high-speed rail for example), yet the suburban van driving moms and SUV dads seem to dominate the campaign scene.

I think in order to move the country forward the candidates need to talk about the real issues confronting our cities. How about starting with New Orleans? Remember them?

UPDATE: I just read at Mcall.com that the deal fell through and the Americus will not become a "boutique hotel" after all. Quel dommage!

Photo is a Lego sculpture that is supposed to symbolize the rebuilding of New Orleans

Are Urban Issues Being Ignored?

With the Pennsylvania primary coming up on April 22, you would think that the presidential candidates would be focusing on urban issues. Pennsylvania has 14 metropolitan areas, the ABE area being one of them, and more than 80% of Pennsylvanians live in those areas. Is it just assumed that the cities will vote Democratic, or is it because more voters live in the suburbs? Is it because urban issues are being overshadowed by the economy and Iraq? Obama lives in the city of Chicago and was a former community organizer, Hillary Clinton represents New York City. They should have some good ideas, and I'm sure they do, but they are not talking much about them. American cities drive the national economy, attract business and tourists. I believe it is important for our cities to thrive. Speaking of tourists, I've heard our mayor even has plans to attract tourists to Allentown by opening a new downtown "boutique hotel." C'est tres chic! ;}

Some important urban issues include crime, city revitalization (this is where the arts can help), crumbling infrastructure, underperforming schools (another place the arts can help), early childhood education, programs for at-risk youth (this is another area where the arts can help), poverty, housing, mass transit, did I mention crime? Pretty important stuff if you ask me.

The candidates like to talk about energy independence and dealing with greenhouse gases. Many of their ideas include making cities more livable for families, and better transit (high-speed rail for example), yet the suburban van driving moms and SUV dads seem to dominate the campaign scene.

I think in order to move the country forward the candidates need to talk about the real issues confronting our cities. How about starting with New Orleans? Remember them?

UPDATE: I just read at Mcall.com that the deal fell through and the Americus will not become a "boutique hotel" after all. Quel dommage!

Photo is a Lego sculpture that is supposed to symbolize the rebuilding of New Orleans

Have You Seen THIS?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtuRJYJ0Nao&NR=1

Please watch this video of Tribune/Morning Call owner and billionaire Sam Zell responding to Orlando Sentinel photographer Sara Fajardo's question about the role journalism plays in the community. Zell says that "journalists need to focus on what readers want that generates more revenue." Fajardo said "what readers want are puppy dogs."(referring to soft feature stories.) Then she said "we also need to inform the community." When asked later about her question she said:

“I was trying to affirm that I understood what he meant about revenue and that, as a journalist, I understand the need for soft news. It’s important, but sometimes a newspaper has to question authority and question things that are happening in the community and cause us to be unpopular and cause us to lose advertisers, and where does he stand on that?”

Have You Seen THIS?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtuRJYJ0Nao&NR=1

Please watch this video of Tribune/Morning Call owner and billionaire Sam Zell responding to Orlando Sentinel photographer Sara Fajardo's question about the role journalism plays in the community. Zell says that "journalists need to focus on what readers want that generates more revenue." Fajardo said "what readers want are puppy dogs."(referring to soft feature stories.) Then she said "we also need to inform the community." When asked later about her question she said:

“I was trying to affirm that I understood what he meant about revenue and that, as a journalist, I understand the need for soft news. It’s important, but sometimes a newspaper has to question authority and question things that are happening in the community and cause us to be unpopular and cause us to lose advertisers, and where does he stand on that?”

A Time For Action

I think fear is what holds people back from speaking out or taking action to change something that they believe is unjust or unfair. Many people are afraid to question authority or to stand up to the powers that be. So they become apathetic or they just try to ignore what's bad if it doesn't affect them personally. I think this is part of the reason why we have so much corruption and bad behavior in our society, because not enough people speak out against it, not enough people act to demand change.

Our newspaper reports on what its editors decide is newsworthy. As concerned citizens, we can write letters to the editor, but the editor can change our words so they fit in with what his/her agenda is. The editor can even decide what subject matter is allowed and what is not. We can write comments at an on-line forum but the editors can delete whatever comments don't fit in with their view of what is newsworthy. This is not right. So, frustrated people with a voice write blogs. They have taken action and it is working. They won't tolerate being force fed the viewpoint of a select few. Neither will their readers. People are taking action against being edited and muzzled.

It's just plain cruel for the newspaper to not acknowledge Bill Villa, a grieving father who has legitimate questions regarding a justice system that is supposed to be fair to all, regardless of one's social status or connections. Bill has been banned, blocked, deleted, and muzzled by the Morning Call. Please take the time to read his story and the comments at Bernie O'Hare's blog. (See previous post for link). I believe Bill's hard work and persistence for the truth will pay off.

More people should be willing step up to the plate and swing for the fence.

Photo: Bill Villa, writer, musician, and activist-dad

A Time For Action

I think fear is what holds people back from speaking out or taking action to change something that they believe is unjust or unfair. Many people are afraid to question authority or to stand up to the powers that be. So they become apathetic or they just try to ignore what's bad if it doesn't affect them personally. I think this is part of the reason why we have so much corruption and bad behavior in our society, because not enough people speak out against it, not enough people act to demand change.

Our newspaper reports on what its editors decide is newsworthy. As concerned citizens, we can write letters to the editor, but the editor can change our words so they fit in with what his/her agenda is. The editor can even decide what subject matter is allowed and what is not. We can write comments at an on-line forum but the editors can delete whatever comments don't fit in with their view of what is newsworthy. This is not right. So, frustrated people with a voice write blogs. They have taken action and it is working. They won't tolerate being force fed the viewpoint of a select few. Neither will their readers. People are taking action against being edited and muzzled.

It's just plain cruel for the newspaper to not acknowledge Bill Villa, a grieving father who has legitimate questions regarding a justice system that is supposed to be fair to all, regardless of one's social status or connections. Bill has been banned, blocked, deleted, and muzzled by the Morning Call. Please take the time to read his story and the comments at Bernie O'Hare's blog. (See previous post for link). I believe Bill's hard work and persistence for the truth will pay off.

More people should be willing step up to the plate and swing for the fence.

Photo: Bill Villa, writer, musician, and activist-dad

Support Grieving Father On a Mission

Please consider writing a comment in support of BILL VILLA at Bernie O'Hare's blog, regarding The Morning Call Editorial Board's curiously stubborn refusal to meet with him.

>http://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/2008/03/despite-sixty-six-requests-morning-call.html#links

Sheena Marie Villa - Dancer and Dance Teacher

3/23/81-3/24/06

Support Grieving Father On a Mission

Please consider writing a comment in support of BILL VILLA at Bernie O'Hare's blog, regarding The Morning Call Editorial Board's curiously stubborn refusal to meet with him.

>http://lehighvalleyramblings.blogspot.com/2008/03/despite-sixty-six-requests-morning-call.html#links

Sheena Marie Villa - Dancer and Dance Teacher

3/23/81-3/24/06