tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16296978858036830502024-03-12T18:52:23.521-07:00Dancy's CornerDavid B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-83013354183141749902015-11-19T07:23:00.003-08:002015-11-19T07:23:33.187-08:00Dancys Corner will be new and improved for 2015Its been a while<br />
The last few posts on here were articles that I wrote for The Utica Phoenix. The reason I am not writing for the Phoenix now is simple...no money and very little appreciation.<br />
Life has a trajectory for the goal oriented, you just outgrow certain things. For years I felt taken for granted, fulfilling the needs for grant funds and working as a multi-talented gopher. I did everything from leadership training , writing articles (for free), selling advertising and chaperoning high-school students to Hamilton College. I did all this under the belittling eye of CEO who took every opportunity to remind me I did not possess a Bachelor Degree and was lucky to have 'any' job.<br />
After all - "you are a Black Man".<br />
When the time came and I desperately needed a reference...guess what?<br />
But That is Ancient History<br />
RIGHT NOW<br />
Just about every demographic is undergoing a cultural revolution. An awakening . The Black community has regained partial custody of it's image. We have been able to rise above the phony promise of 'street careers' in rap and basketball and managed to produce a new generation of technically savvy Millenials that will surely add to the collective in ways I can only imagine.<br />
But you can't tell if you listen to our leadership. I am sick of the narrative we need our hands held every step of the way. The reality of our self determination and ability to overcome seems to have been lost on many people committed to elevating the poorer members of society. Looking outside the community for monies and help by maligning and diminishing the value of our most valuable resources that are all around us- youth.<br />
They represent an untamed mysterious mindset completely foreign to anyone in leadership. The cultural/generation gap is so wide, many sacred non-profits are struggling or happen to be in serious danger. Flailing around the community unable to even reach a target group. No doubt the Children are paying a bigger price than any adult involved. It is sad because these programs were historically supposed to help kids and anyone else. Lately it appears the most well intentioned non-profits only help the people earning a check.<img alt="" class="mainImage" data-bm="77" data-mce-src="http://carolynedgar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/boyinclassroomtakingnotes.jpg" src="http://carolynedgar.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/boyinclassroomtakingnotes.jpg" /><br />
At the heart of these failures is an unwillingness or inability to go within the community. Apprehension and impatience with generational pathologies that are congruent to the affluent experience. A disposition that can nurture an imaginary fear or very real disdain for those less educated. A quiet disgust with any accent or mannerism that exposes a cultural origin separate from Europe or middle America. The idea of gyrating teen girls dancing to the current 'pop' favorites is somehow 'nasty' or abnormal. A point of view that conveniently fits with the misogynistic , exploitive cauldron of deception that hip-hop culture has evolved into. No one can admit (red faced) that fertility dances have been appropriated into the mainstream.<br />
At the heart of all this dysfunction is an inner self loathing, a need to distance one's self from what is considered uniquely black. The very existence of Black pride, or challenging the status quo, creates a wave of unease; "don't make waves" the elders say. I have even overheard more than one black woman within the community seeking out genetic evidence to eliminate Africa as a genetic origin-'you know I have The ****** genetic marker; which means we are black Europeans' or 'I'm not black I'm Panamanian'- to mask the low esteem and distance themselves from all the negative baggage heaped upon the black community . These types of confessions always floored me but you would not be able to tell from my 'poker face'. Despite their feelings they are still Sisters whether they admit or not; we can feel the kinship.<br />
<strong>Its Ok To Be Proud</strong><br />
This is the result of swallowing an all encompassing white supremacist ideal of inferiority. You know , the ideal that turns Jesus and all his Disciples white and says Columbus 'discovered' The Americas. An ideal , by way of the typical socially distorted American education, I had swallowed, couldn't digest and threw up. I had no idea how many people share the same unconscious bias that prevents many people of color from getting their 'propers' .<img alt="" class="mainImage" data-bm="49" data-mce-src="http://sathyasaibaba.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/blackjesus.jpg" height="388" src="http://sathyasaibaba.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/blackjesus.jpg" width="341" /><br />
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<strong>Be Tenacious</strong><br />
I was able to overcome a lot of negativity to get to where I am right now. Delusional Narcissism- a blissful place reserved for hustlers that have achieved a modicum of success. Its like believing rap lyrics apply to only you, that's where I am at.<br />
Untouchable...Tenacious...Driven...Blessed and Very Lucky<br />
This blog will be used to expose those grey areas that we all operate within...the nuance laden existence that we take for granted. Its about elevation, positivity and this brand spankin new paradigm of information we live in.<br />
Its ok...we will adapt...shit like this temporary.<br />
Life will happen...so stay tuned I have a lot to share with you. I also know that in the near future I will put together words in such divine order that they will be read by half the world.<br />
there it is: Delusional- Narcissism and a Nugget of truth to whet yer appetite.<br />
I will also be starting Utica's Native Tongue Times<br />
There is a lot more to Come<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-39757368568006060852014-12-31T09:54:00.001-08:002015-01-01T08:58:12.014-08:00A Random Act of Kindness<br />
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During the holiday season in Central New York people in every community rally together to help bring Christmas to those less fortunate. In Utica/New Hartford there are multiple toy drives and annual charities like 'Stuff The Bus' and 'Operation Sunshine' that have helped hundreds of people. But every year people get lost, families slip through the cracks and spend their Christmas morning without adequate food, presents and sometimes, even a warm place.<br />
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The reasons don't matter; when there are children involved fault or bad parenting isn't the issue. In a world where 'Santa' awards those that are 'Good' and gives nothing to the 'Bad' kids; an empty Christmas can be damning to an innocent childs self esteem.<br />
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Imagine the simple thoughts that go through a poor childs mind in the county building waiting with Grandma or Mom in one of the long lines watching other kids playing, with gadgets and poking at tablets that Santa brought them for Christmas. Imagine what they are thinking when they get back to school and the inevitable 'what did Santa bring you'? conversation comes up. In the back of their minds a self loathing develops, they might even lie to feel better, to temporarily fit in. The seeds of discontent and misunderstanding firmly planted, growing into frustration at a world they have just been born into.<br />
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What happens to those people? We ask. "They often end up here" shared Dale Lintz, Food Service Director at Utica's Rescue Mission. <br />
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<br />
The Rescue Mission is one of the only places in Utica people in need of a warm meal can get one with no questions asked. A place where the needy gather in larger numbers during Thanksgiving and Christmas.<br />
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"We have families come in cold and wet....Children" Lintz explained. He paused in thought "I mean, you can tell sometimes things may be pretty bad for some people"he added.<br />
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<br />
A single Grandmother and four of her Grandchildren were recently going through that type of 'pretty bad'. The Grandmother (name unimportant) had just had four of her Grandchildren from Syracuse (N.Y.) abandoned to her. She herself had no power in her small one bedroom apartment. The kids were left with no food or change of clothes. The mother, overwhelmed with her own personal demons, inexplicably went back to Syracuse<br />
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"The kids were dropped off a couple of days before Christmas". Dale explained. "At first I didn't really pay them any special attention, I mean we feed a lot of people". Dale was refering to the kitchen at The Rescue Mission. The Grandmother brought the kids because she had no food to feed them; even if she did, there was no power to cook it. <br />
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The Rescue Mission is primarily run by volunteers and one of them , Zonia Lucas, knew the Grandmother. Seeing her in the dining room she greeted her with surprise and joy, a joy that was quickly extinguished when she realized the dire situation she and the kids were in. "I was like, 'Oh Lord, we got to do something' I couldn't believe what I was hearing" . Lucas was immediately touched by her friends plight and her first thought, after a solemn prayer, was to tell Dale. <br />
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<br />
"Well the night of the 23rd Zonia explained how bad things were for her and the kids....all I could think about was helping them"<br />
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<br />
Dale didn't waste any time, before he even left work he went to Social Media and shared the story on his FaceBook home page. What happened next is nothing short of amazing, outstanding, incredible and Angelic.<br />
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<br />
"I'm kinda involved in my Church" Dale humbly admitted. "To be honest, I just give all Glory to God for everything in my life" he added.<br />
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<br />
The response to Dale's post was immediate. His friends on FaceBook took to the streets. Gift Cards toys and money started arriving at The Rescue Mission. Keep in mind, he posted the day before Christmas Eve.<br />
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<br />
By Christmas Eve there were so many toys, he needed the Rescue Mission Van to get them delivered. But there was still a problem. The kids had no power. Honestly, what good is a bunch of toys when the kids don't have a mother,clothes, food, or a warm place to stay?<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10885531_10152672157189615_8136042046014468765_n.jpg?oh=80211245b59e7022fe5346fd16584100&oe=553D65A2&__gda__=1430087860_7f851de59ac7b4022c4b83f9719b0f4e" style="height: 564px; width: 564px;" /><br />
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"This was an emergency; I honestly didn't know at first how bad it actually was". Dale just posted about a lack of toys for some needy kids. Zonia left out the gritty details of their abandonment.<br />
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<br />
When he tried to make delivery Dale discovered they had no power and The Grandmother had sought help at The County Building; all four, wet, cold snotty nosed kids in tow. "Here we are Christmas Eve, we got all these toys, but no power" Lintz's faith has put him in a mental place where he doesn't dwell on problems but lives in solutions. He let his fingers do the walking and got on his phone.<br />
<br />
Dale called a local Hotel inquired on rates and availability and booked these total strangers a room. "I discovered the Grandmother received a grant but the power would not be on till 12/31 so I used my Credit Card.<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
The next person he called was Cecil Morris Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Prospect. "When I heard the passion in Dale's voice I couldn't let it go, God moved in his heart to help so I pledged the Church to reimburse him for the room rental". <br />
<br /><br />
<br />
So at the last minute, these four kids and an overwhelmed Grandmother with nothing to look forward to were swept up in a wave of love and compassion. They received over a thousand dollars worth of gifts, gift cards clothes and food. But one thing that they got you can't put a dollar sign on for value; its a priceless commodity and sometimes it seems to be in short supply. If we all shared it the world would be a much better place.<br />
<br />
It's called Love.</span><br />
<span lang="">Unconditional Love.<br />
</span>David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-24794041574260385872014-12-19T11:09:00.000-08:002014-12-28T21:46:11.507-08:00The Thick Blue Line<span lang=""><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Law enforcement has been a controversial topic lately. The enforcement of laws, methods applied and outcomes from those methods has been the subject of lively public debate. </span><br />
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People in and around Utica have not ignored the subject. The entire community in Utica is well aware of the two most publicized cases where it appears members of law enforcement were given free reign over the well-being (lives) of Black American citizens. Even Students at Hamilton College in Clinton demonstrated, taking part in an international 'hands up don't shoot' movement. <br />
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Along with the demonstrations a large number of hand held phone and police dashcam videos have been posted on social media, exposing a pattern of abuse and indifference among many different officers and departments nationwide. Things seemed bad enough for the President to weigh in, suggesting officers wear body cameras to accurately catalog their behavior toward the people they are sworn to serve and protect.<br />
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It does not take an expert to note the cultural consistency in the most deadly encounters. Often times the officers are White and the victims are Black. The contact is usually initiated by some petty offense like seatbelt, innadequate license plate light or walking in the street.<br />
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Sound Familiar?<br />
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Many Black Uticans have historically avoided contact with law enforcement for obvious reasons, a healthy distrust, and in some cases, fear, of what could happen if they let the police into their homes and or personal lives. Fears that have been validated by past actions of law enforcement. Imagine calling for help and getting a hard time instead. For some officers it is difficult to see some people as innocent victims.<br />
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We don't have to look to far back for examples that helped feed the distrust and fear. April 12, 2007 City Of Utica Police Officer Thomas Lindsey was gunned down. The search for evidence and a suspect was frantic; the Chief at the time (Pylman) conveniently and incorrectly blamed the crime on a black male in a hoodie. Law Enforcement swooped in on Cornhill like an occupying army. A big complaint was the treatment of the people within the neighborhood (99.9% innocent of said crime). Unfortunately many were treated like criminals.<br />
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People remember these interactions and those memories play a part in everyday decisions. Familiar faces and people with an understanding of our cultural nuances can help alleviate those, very real fears and help solve crimes. That’s exactly why many people feel Utica needs, more Black and Hispanic police officers. <br />
<br /><br />
This obviously is not just a Utica problem, nationwide minorities are less likely to work in law enforcement even when they are the majority of the (urban) population. A 2007 survey by Bureau of Justice reveals some telling statistics. One out of four officers nationwide is a member of a racial or ethnic group. For larger cities it jumps to about 30%; but for small cities like Utica the disparity is larger. There are many theories that could explain this phenomenon. On a micro-level: a change in the unique 'culture' of individual departments with challenges recruiting would be a start. <br />
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It should be understood that Black folks do not ridicule each other for seeking jobs like police officer, that is a myth. The people that have those goals are not on the corner talking about it, they are usually active in pursuit of their goals. They usually participate in sports, do their schoolwork and prepare themselves the best way they can to achieve their goals. Quietly looking for ways to increase their chances; they start by staying out of trouble.<br />
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The City of Utica Police Department put posters up at all the corner stores in Utica's 'inner city', announcing the upcoming Civil Service exam necessary for entry to the academy. Recently a Black American recruit from Utica, Wesley Jackson, took the test and passed. <br />
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Before anyone could celebrate, he was forced (coerced) to resign one week before his graduation from the Academy.<br />
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The story was leaked to The OD and the subject of the article, written by Rocco LaDuca, was how difficult it is to find qualified minority candidates within the City of Utica.<br />
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A narrative was developed that would supposedly provide a temporary excuse for the small number of Black officers. It is a narrative that insinuates the integrity required for anyone who desires a career in law enforcement is in short supply within the minority community of Utica. <br />
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During a sit-down interview last week Jackson explained his experience. "Basically, he (Chief Williams) called me in the office and asked me to sit down." Gathering his thoughts, Jackson continued. "He told me I was the subject of two Internal Affairs investigations over the last five months and my activities off the clock had come into question."<br />
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Jackson explained he was in the final week of a 26 week training course. He was in good standing and had everything worked out he would be on the streets right now.<br />
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When contacted, Chief Williams was open and candid regarding Wesley's termination. But he also explained that he was unable to talk about the specifics of the Internal Affairs investigation (the reason for his dismissal). <br />
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"He can say all he wants about it...I can't," Williams said.<br />
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Dancyscorner asked Chief Williams if it was routine for a candidate to be investigated by Internal Affairs before hitting the streets, after all, he had passed all the necessary physicals and civil service examinations. <br />
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"No, it’s not," he said.<br />
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But Wesley’s case is different. His father, Ray Jackson, Sr., has an active lawsuit against The City of Utica Police Department and,we all know this should not matter but, he is also Black.<br />
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"It might have been the lawsuit. I honestly thought they hired me thinking my dad would drop it," Wesley thought aloud searching for reasons. "My sister, who passed away two years ago, has an old boyfriend who they thought I talked to."<br />
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When asked, "what is so important about him?" Jackson replied, "They were looking for him and since he is still at large they thought I was passing on information." <br />
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So the story gets stranger. A shadowy figure that law enforcement is looking for was tied to Jackson due to his relationship with his deceased sister. Wesley emphasized his innocence and steadfastly denies any relations with 'undesirables.'<br />
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But for him to even think they hired him because he was anything but qualified speaks to the dire reality. The collective self-esteem and trust of the Black community is at an all-time low. The <i>establishment, </i>right wing, 'Obama Backlash' (knee-jerk negativity for all things Black) has hurt Black communities all over the nation. <br />
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"They also said a lot of the guys (current cops) don't want me (on the force) and don't think I deserve to be there" Jackson added. <br />
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Jackson would have been the seventh officer among the 163 active. That’s a whopping 4% of the force. It would be foolish to assume every member of the department would welcome him with open arms but to<b> look </b>for reasons to get rid of him before he even starts is hard to overcome for anyone regardless of race.<br />
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The active Black officers have not been quoted for this article on purpose. They have <i>Sworn</i> to work within and for a system that has historically made life difficult for men just like them. They have successfully straddled the line of decency and have enforced the law with fairness and equity, like the majority of their White brethren and sisters.<br />
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Dancyscorner would like to Highlight and celebrate the valuable trust within the professional ranks that they have earned.<br />
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The leadership within law enforcement is concerned with crime. It is their first priority, however they are not <b>proud</b> of the lack of diversity. They would like to think everyone is welcome to join 'The Boys in Blue'.<br />
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</b></span><br />David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-20218592030088941512014-11-28T11:31:00.001-08:002014-11-28T11:32:58.945-08:00The DEV : A Utica Alternative<span lang=""> <br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">With the closing(death) of The Electric Company on Varick St in 2012, Utica lost one of the few bars in Utica solely dedicated to music.<br />
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Its obvious that all over Utica we have multiple choices if you just want to catch a game and have a few wings and beers. But if you want microbrews, 'down to earth' bartenders and a local band that is not playing Huey Lewis and The News covers you need a place like The DEV.<br />
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If you want a place where they will 'never' have a game on television you need a place like The DEV. A place where the lunch special is Chili one day and a Rueben the next. An eclectic atmosphere enhanced with the lively visual art of local legend Tony Thompson. <br />
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Located at 41 Devereaux St in Downtown Utica The DEV is able to double as a luncheon spot for the stable crowd at the county and state buildings during the day and then, within a few hours, transform into a nightclub for the growing number of 'hipsters' that call Utica home at night.<br />
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The sound system is always playing, either its a live band or a selection from the vast library of co-owner Tim Schram. It is possible to hear Portishead and The Grateful Dead in sequence, Smokey Robinson and The RZA within one visit. <br />
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They also feature the work of local artists on their walls. "They (the artists) actually sell most of the work they hang..." boasted server Rosie Swett.<br />
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The Owners, father and son team, Bill (Dad) and Tim Schram have discussed the reality of owning a bar for over ten years."Over the occasional six pack, my dad and I used to actually talk about 'a bar' when he retired, that was years ago" Tim reminisced.<br />
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Fast forward a few years, Bill is now retired and Tim has nurtured a successful career in graphic design (freelancing contracts for creative agencies in NYC). Tim and Bill found themselves in a unique position to pursue their dream. <br />
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"We opened in 2013 , there wasn't a lot of fanfare" Tim explained. "The first few months we operated without a liquor license just doing lunch" he said.<br />
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They got their liquor license almost year to the day of Electric Company closing. It would mark the end of a long drought in Utica nightlife. A place dedicated to local arts and music, with all fairness to the Tram, that serves beer. <br />
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"We don't just do the microbrews, we carry domestic brands to" explained 'down to earth' bartender Kayla Mcmahon during break in the afternoon shift.<br />
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The General Manager, old friend and local Chef Daniel Walter, has been with The DEV from day one. He and Tim have tinkered with the menu and format settling in on a regular weekly schedule featuring different DJ's and themes throughout the week. One of them : Video Game Night is a nineties gamer's paradise. "we have a sign-up sheet where you can play Mariocart or some other old school game" Walter explained. 'White Noise Wednesday' and Soul Saturday with DJ Thomas D round out the regular schedule. Kayla herself is featured in a regularly performing act aptly named, 'Kayla and The Tellers'.<br />
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The musical line-up varies. "We like all music, everyone is welcome...I mean, there is stuff we havn't booked yet" Tim explained perhaps noting the lack of country and western acts on his line-up.<br />
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The line-up features original acts from as far away as Dublin Ireland. " We like original music, bands that write their own tunes " Tim specified. The 'Original Act' philosophy attracts a lot of bands that would have a hard time getting on stage if it wasn't for The DEV.<br />
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The Varick St. venues seem to attract more cover bands than anything else. The Electric Company left a creative crater in the local music scene when it closed.<br />
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A lot of emerging styles and ideas in music and life are played out on stage and Utica is not always the place for original expression. There has never been a shortage of cover bands willing to play it safe by strumming rock standards everyone can sing along to.<br />
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But maybe thats all about to change. Maybe The DEV is the launch pad; the start of something big. Bands that regularly grace the stage like Comfy, or Kayla and The Tellers could easily break out. <br />
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Check out the weekly line-up thedevutica.com<br />
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Utica (The DEV). </span><br />David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-23814879684547493542014-10-29T11:44:00.000-07:002014-10-29T11:44:55.836-07:00AJ Foster: Honing His Craft <span lang="">Some people feel 'right at home' on stage, performing. It does not matter what type; singing, dancing, drama or comedy. There are people who are soo good its hard to imagine they have to do anything else to make a living.<br />
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Utica has a Comedian like that. The type of performer you can't imagine doing anything else. A young man from The Bronx New York that first called Utica home (2006) as a student at SUNY IT.<br />
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"When I first moved here it wasn't like I came to do comedy" he revealed during a telephone conversation. "I actually got into some campus events such as contests and competitions" he added.<br />
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He was chosen for MTV's Yo Mamma and ended up in The Semi-Finals. "We taped over the summer so I didn't get to see myself until November". It was AJ's first ever performance unless you count the sixth grade play.<br />
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"My classmates (at SUNY) were like you should just jump right in" when giving comedy career advice. But AJ stayed the course. "I always wanted to do this" he explained. "But getting my degree was my number one priority" he soberly admitted.<br />
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AJ did just that, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems from SUNY IT and immediately went to work; both on his comedy and his chosen trade.<br />
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AJ takes failure personal, to heart, one can be sure his professional accomplishments rival his artistic success. One of the things that seperate AJ from his contemporaries is his preparation. He is meticulous about his act and has racked up multiple competition victories in a short amount of time.<br />
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"Its weird, I mean, when AJ's on stage its like your laughing before he even says anything" offered Phil Farda, local producer from up and coming Comedy Central New York.<br />
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"I watch the greats in this business" AJ said sounding more like a student than seasoned pro."I'm always working on my craft, I always try to see what is 'behind' the laugh, why people react the way they do" he added. "But I credit my parents for my work ethic, they are both hardworking people and thats what I know" <br />
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There is a balance between proper preparation, a meticulous act and the ability enjoy the process. "There was time I was rather hard on myself, it took away from the experience" he admitted "But I gave myself a break"<br />
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Most recently AJ opened for legendary David Alan Grier from "In Living Color" at Foxwoods Casino where he also came in Second For The Last Comic Standing Competition. <br />
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"That was great he paid attention to my act. He said : 'when Im in the old folks home and yer on teevee, I'll tell everybody I knew that kid' that was pretty cool".<br />
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Many people feel the same way. AJ's rapid ascent is exciting to watch and everyone involved in the Comedy Business in The Northeast knows his name. He is one of the busiest people I know...Period<br />
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If you have not had the chance to see him yet-<b>get with it- </b>he will be at Hotel Utica on Dec 16th and at The Syracuse Funny Bone with Jesse Mae Peluso from MTV's girl code on Thanksgiving Weekend. In The Meantime Check out AJ Foster on his website ajfostercomedy.com for any updates.</span><br />David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-75774757178819691082014-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:002014-10-07T19:35:21.727-07:00Popeye's : I sold Out For Free Chicken.<div class="Tk" style="display: table-cell; overflow: hidden; position: relative; vertical-align: top; width: 320px;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Popeye’s Explodes Onto Oneida Square</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In most cities it is not a big deal when a new fast food restaurant opens. In the history of Fast Food, thousands of new restaurants have opened; hundreds every year. Bunting, parades and ribbon cutting ceremonies are usually not part of the deal. It’s a Grand Opening, informal gatherings of new customers is expected but what happened on October 9<sup>th</sup> was a surprise.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> So why were hundreds, some say, thousands of Uticans lined up for fifty minutes per wait to get a taste of The newly opened Popeye’s Louisiana Style Fried Chicken. October 9<sup>th</sup> 2014 will go down in history for the sheer number of people that showed up to get a taste of the popular fast food chain. A steady crowd in the hundreds jammed into the northwest side of Oneida Sq. From the size and duration of the crowd rush one would think:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A. The Chicken is free</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">B. They are giving away Chicken</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">C. You Don’t have to pay</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">D. All of The above</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I grew up with Popeye’s Church’s and KFC. A Grand Opening is just that, A Grand Opening, its only a big deal to the owner who wants to make bucket-loads of cash. The Ownership of this Restaurant, The Parikh Network have over ninety stores. They come to town equipped with a proven formula and definitely did their due diligence in regards to market research for the Utica area. It showed. Someone probably got a promotion and our (income gap) economy chugs along. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Any of the many reasons people waited fifty minutes is a testament to one of the <b>‘social nuances’</b> that resonates in Utica; the notion that there is an <b>‘outside world’</b> with things we really crave. Utica craves Chicken. Let me be clear; “Chicken from Popeye’s”. Can I say it clearer? <i>Uticans Crave Chicken From Popeye’s.</i> Incredible.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> The location at 326 Genesee St. used to be the Utica home of KFC (RIP) and then it was briefly ‘turned out’ into a Crown Chicken where the bathroom never worked. So, basically, we know all about chicken joints.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But Oct 9th was special ;when I first arrived I saw local business owner Roger Palek Jr. standing in front of his business directly across the street watching the crowd. “how was the food”, I asked. His one word reply said it all: “BANGIN”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With that I made my way across the crowded street to touch base with the ‘Grand Opening’ crew led by Dwayne Hayes. Dwayne along with colleagues David Damato and Sterling Schraugen are boots on the ground reps for The Parikh Network responsible for new locations. Snaking through traffic to get to them, I had to note the number of cars, coming from both directions, packed into the middle of Genessee St. waiting to make a left and right turn into the drive-thru. It wouldn’t have hurt to have some cops directing traffic, there were enough people for it to get out of hand, just in case they ran out of chicken.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“No Chance of That” Dwayne assured me. The festive atmosphere was punctuated by a fast moving, efficient crew of teenage Uticans. Some on their first jobs. It was nice to see familiar faces in line ordering up Cajun style rice and spicy chicken. People leaving with (sometimes three) gigantic bags of food. I was actually trying to do quick math with regard to the volume of chicken soda ect.; I surmise they fed a third of Utica. I won’t bore you with my unscientific methods, trust me on this.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After a quick chat I was treated to a sample from the menu. It tasted as good as it always did, in Chicago, before I moved to Utica I ate Popeye’s all the time. I had no idea that I missed it until I had some of the Cajun Rice….One Word…. ’BANGIN’</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So don’t fret they won’t run out and they are open daily from ten thirty to eleven . </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">nomy chugs along.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Any of the many reasons people waited fifty minutes is a testament to one of the <b>‘social nuances’</b> that resonates in Utica; the notion that there is an <b>‘outside world’</b> with things we really crave. Utica craves Chicken. Let me be clear; “Chicken from Popeye’s”. Can I say it clearer? <i>Uticans Crave Chicken From Popeye’s.</i> Incredible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> The location at 326 Genesee St. used to be the Utica home of KFC (RIP) and then it was briefly ‘turned out’ into a Crown Chicken where the bathroom never worked. So, basically, we know all about chicken joints.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But Oct 9th was special ;when I first arrived I saw local business owner Roger Palek Jr. standing in front of his business directly across the street watching the crowd. “how was the food”, I asked. His one word reply said it all: “BANGIN”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">With that I made my way across the crowded street to touch base with the ‘Grand Opening’ crew led by Dwayne Hayes. Dwayne along with colleagues David Damato and Sterling Schraugen are boots on the ground reps for The Parikh Network responsible for new locations. Snaking through traffic to get to them, I had to note the number of cars, coming from both directions, packed into the middle of Genessee St. waiting to make a left and right turn into the drive-thru. It wouldn’t have hurt to have some cops directing traffic, there were enough people for it to get out of hand, just in case they ran out of chicken.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“No Chance of That” Dwayne assured me. The festive atmosphere was punctuated by a fast moving, efficient crew of teenage Uticans. Some on their first jobs. It was nice to see familiar faces in line ordering up Cajun style rice and spicy chicken. People leaving with (sometimes three) gigantic bags of food. I was actually trying to do quick math with regard to the volume of chicken soda ect.; I surmise they fed a third of Utica. I won’t bore you with my unscientific methods, trust me on this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After a quick chat I was treated to a sample from the menu. It tasted as good as it always did, in Chicago, before I moved to Utica I ate Popeye’s all the time. I had no idea that I missed it until I had some of the Cajun Rice….One Word…. ’BANGIN’</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So don’t fret they won’t run out and they are open daily from ten thirty to eleven . </span></div>
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David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-56891427906575986602014-09-24T11:25:00.000-07:002014-09-24T11:46:36.050-07:00White (Airwaves) NoiseHow does a long struggling, underserved, marginalized group of people without financial or political clout get anything done in a city made up of 'haves' and 'have-nots'? People who have been maligned and unfairly targeted since they started appearing in sizable numbers sixty years ago. The former enjoying a privileged wealth of opportunity since they bought Manhattan with bright-beads and glass.<br />
<br /><br />
The type of People who came in search of work and a new life. But even then, back in the forties, newspaper articles were written depicting the shiftless negroes as nothing more than a parasitic group of people. Who drink all night and sleep all day. Wholesale descriptions that could not have been further from the truth. Descriptions that made life harder for those trying to carve a path.<br />
<br /><br />
You could insert any number of ethnic groups into the question but the answers for each seem to have varying degrees. With the long struggling African American community any type of significant collective power seems to be perpetually out grasp.<br />
<br /><br />
Negative Articles like the one I read have dominated the landscape ever since, and to look back in the archive through Books like Ethnic Utica (edited by James S. Pula) it does nothing but highlight the importance of <strong>A Black Voice in media</strong>, whether its print, radio or television, male or female, old or young does not matter. We need and deserve a voice in Mohawk Valley's mainstream media.<br />
<br /><br />
Its of no consequence that I am perfectly qualified to do the job and have already tested my skills on WHCL, I had a loyal following of ten or so die hard fans and the students thought I was Denzel Washington so yeah, I'm ready to fill that role.<br />
There are also a few eager white males ready to add a progressive voice to crowded conservative atmosphere. I guarantee any show that offers an alternative will be like a breath of fresh air for advertisers and businesses alike.<br />
What is needed is good ol' opportunity. I have been on Talk Of The Town twice, each time raising the standard with passion and eloquence; but why go on for free five times a week when they get paid?<br />
That's kinda insulting, invite me down to make your show better and encourage me to come down as much as possible...good idea if I could make some dough...you know?<br />
<br /><br />
Maybe its not me but it should be somebody. Keeler (middle-aged, center right, white dude) has enjoyed market share with Talk of The Town for a couple years now. Fact, both shows are interchangeable and Piersma's history with Keeler make it even more nepotistic and kinda weird. Its like a spin-off radio show.With Frank Elias to ad maturity and brevity<br />
<br /><br />
You know they know all the same people in advertising and the tight circle of media becomes a noose for anyone trying to break-in that doesn't fit in at a Tea Party rally. <br />
<br />
This is important to me; I sense a glaring hole of perception that blinds these guys from common sense when it comes to The Black Community. They fly off about Al Sharpton just short of appointing him our official spokesperson for the Black Community (insulting). Shaking their heads in a whiny tone asking 'What is wrong'?...why can't they just get it together'? <br />
<br /><br />
Why?<br />
<br /><br />
Because right after your show some guy in HR, who also wonders why 'they can't get it together' just put Trayvon's resume at The bottom of the pile. The fact is we need to have a say, let us tell the story ever once in a while. We will stick to the truth and do our due diligence, but we will avoid adding a menacing tone were none should exist or fear when it isn't scary.<br />
I would have been all over Bucky Philips when that broke, but hey, hes a folk hero right?David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-47827648742663226752014-08-25T09:22:00.001-07:002014-08-25T09:23:22.006-07:00Ferguson is just a Reminder When I heard about about the events in Ferguson Missouri regarding the shooting of an unarmed (Black) teenager by a cop I don't even think I blinked twice. I know for a fact I didn't stop what I was doing and take a knee (ala Tebow). I didn't change any of my plans for the day and saw no changes for the near future. With all the guns, mass murders and school shootings I'm a bit jaded, desensitized to the daily ins and outs of 'American Murder Stories'.<br />
But I am Human.<br />
I feel a perpetual dread regarding our current justice system and its scripted role in Urban America. The past few years I have documented a growing disregard for personal freedom and a willingness on our part to accept these intrusions as normal. I see victims lying in the street, or military Police as the final result of these sinister preparations.<br />
So yeah , my initial reaction was barely palpable but as the story developed a theme began to develop.<br />
My Facebook timeline started updating me on the latest events. The Police decided to up the ante on this downtrodden, grieving community, show the uppity ones who's boss.<br />
Visible signs of power. Armored troop carriers on an overpass.The provocative behavior of The Ferguson Police Department became the subject ; it wasn't enough to kill an unarmed kid. They also withheld some positive information and leaked other negative tidbits as they saw fit, painting a sinister picture of, up until the afternoon of August 9th, an average eighteen yr old. Sorry, pot smoking fits in with the description of average.<br />
Raise your hand if this reminds you of another unarmed kid who was killed. A kid that slipped under the radar avoiding the attention of law enforcement until finally, in a hail of bullets he was shot, in the head...and the back. This is important...in front of multiple witnesses, but hey, they are black.<br />
The thing is , those tactics would have worked if it wasn't for the provocateurs in the crowd. To me, A "Radical", they deserved to be attacked for coming to a peaceful march , mourning a death, with tanks. It was a litmus, a way to measure the resolve of a community.<br />
How much they'll put up with. <br />
A, boots on the ground model for response in many different scenarios. It seemed each tactical unit approached Ferguson as an opportunity to use all this brand spanking new equipment they received from the feds.<br />
It started to look like a Federal disaster training exercise.<br />
All this for Michael Brown? No , this was to protect a system, a growing industry of oppression. A fight we will all, Black and White, lose as long as the 'wealthy media elite' keep the argument limited to race.<br />
It became a Race Riot, the fight for justice loss. The Fight for a kid killed lost its resonance with MSNBC, playing clips of dudes fighting in the parking lot and other outlets quoting provocative racists like Kevin Szorbo. <br />
We all forget.<br />
THIS IS NOT A RACIAL ISSUE.<br />
For a second it seemed all eyes in the world were on Ferguson. The place where an unarmed teenage boy was killed by a well armed police officer. A place where there are no 'alternatives' beyond the gun. Its like a lot of places in America. <br />
Does anyone even remember Walt Washington?<br />
<br />
<br />David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-41015538723321380642014-07-30T14:29:00.001-07:002014-07-30T14:29:23.959-07:00Come Into Jamaica : Serving Up Authenticity<span lang=""> Come Into Jamaica Serves Up Authenticity<br />
<br />
Some things in life seem meant to be. Like a beautiful sunrise/sunset, the laughter of children on a summer day. Reverend Skates admonishing excellence for anyone within five square blocks of Johnson Park. And, of course, Jamaican Cousine in Utica New York. Lip smacking, plate licking Jamaican Food. The type of place you tell (brag, since found it first) your friends about. A place, if allowed to feed the world, would put a smile on every man woman and child's face.<br />
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Okay, maybe I am exaggerating the importance of really good and covenient food but no one in the immediate neighborhood or anywhere else will complain about life after walking down the street and trying a out a few of the mouth watering dishes they have to offer. The humble Uticans on that block are Lucky People.<br />
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Come into Jamaica, aptly named, is centrally located at 1224 Stueben St. , one block south of Eagle in Utica has been open nearly a month. The Ambassadors of Jamaican Soul Food have already caught the attention of hungry, well informed Uticans and a few suburbanites as well. They serve a variety of dishes starting with Breakfast at 9a.m. monday thru Saturday till closing at 11p.m.<br />
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The Head Chef, known only as Courtney and his partner Fernel , have already been involved in two popular eateries (Island Breeze I & II) but unfortunately they didnt last. The fact they built a following was not lost on them. It was a matter of timing and opportunity, a perfect unity of those two elements for this current venture to materialize.<br />
<br />
"We had to branch out" explained Fernel "We wanted to do things our way" Doing it 'our way' included gutting the old space and completely remodelling it.<br />
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People in the neighborhood, including myself (used to live in the vicinity) were curious what was going on. Dudes working non-stop. Not the encroaching mobs of suburbanites that build houses in our neighborhoods but don't employ anyone, no, these were young Black men with tape measures, tool belts and ladders. I saw Courtney covered in paint and drywall. Lets just say; word got around it was 'the cook from Island breeze' and a 'Buzz" was officially created.<br />
<br />
A week before they opened I stopped in and chatted. "I can't wait" exclaimed Courtney "My own Kitchen, my own spot". "Ya'll gonna have Brown Stew"? I asked, rhetorically "Just The Way Barry Max Likes it" he said referring to my son's Love for all things Brown Stew. At both of the Island Breeze spots Barry Max liked them so much he had the nickname Brown Stew for a while. I must admit the excitement is contagious Courtney had me running home to my wifey to tell her.<br />
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Hard Work Pays Off<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The amount of work put into the once grey, weathered space is impressive. The Facade is now Green with Yellow trim and the large front window has a bright</span><i><span style="color: #00b050; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #00b050; font-size: small;"> Come Into Jamaica </span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;">Logo so you can't miss it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdUxgiJtVatvaEhsbDJw6eDYe_iLlH-GYZWG04FlMB5XDYaKBvU89T1mb3LQFjL-ux8Y-r5fVsbX-HIzsdwBhWISmnme-AD98SQb6UMrcmXc5yDWuMArc9d56v0oAznfSfWE4lwDG0bJ0/h120/IMG_0349%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="Wl-O-x" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdUxgiJtVatvaEhsbDJw6eDYe_iLlH-GYZWG04FlMB5XDYaKBvU89T1mb3LQFjL-ux8Y-r5fVsbX-HIzsdwBhWISmnme-AD98SQb6UMrcmXc5yDWuMArc9d56v0oAznfSfWE4lwDG0bJ0/h120/IMG_0349%5B1%5D.JPG" style="height: 120px; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 160px;" /></a>The space at 1224 had been home to several businesses before sitting empty for a few years. Directly across the street are fairly new single family homes, in fact, the neighborhood at Stueben and James has turned the corner against the type of urban blight that has crept into other parts of Utica. </div>
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The new business seems perfectly suited for the location and definitely adds color, life, and vibrancy to a once dead corner; the rythm of reggae music, the delicious smells of curry, jerk chicken and other mouth watering dishes provide much needed culture. The new owners had been trying to find a perfect location for roughly two years; and the building perfectly located on the corner, just needed a little fixing up(total understatement). It seems meant to be.<br />
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Unique Dishes <br />
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Here are a few unique offerings worth listing.<br />
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Callaloo- Also known as Jamaican Greens it is a mixture of Collared Greens and Cod. It has a unique texture and any fan of Greens will enjoy. Courtney and Fernel made it clear there are various other ingredients they say must be identified by the discerning palate.<br />
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Cornmeal Porridge- A breakfast dish very similiar to Cream of Wheat. "We add cinnamon brown sugar...you know" Fernel explained.<br />
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They were kind enough to offer me a sample platter to re-familiarize myself when I came to interview them. I felt compelled to list these dishes.<br />
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My Favorites<br />
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They all come with choice of white rice, rice and beans and stir fry cabbage<br />
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Brown Stew Chicken/Beef<br />
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Pepper Steak<br />
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Oxtail<br />
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Curry Goat/Chicken<br />
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I ran out of room...so I came back the next day.<br />
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When you come.<br />
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Tell Em' Dave The Meatman Sent you.<br />
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</span><br />David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-70235293480155751352014-05-05T08:51:00.001-07:002014-05-05T08:57:47.127-07:00Rolling With The Citizens ExpressIt is very rare for the average citizen to get a chance to see their elected officials at work. On television we watch them pontificate on stage, wag their fingers and make huge promises to the people for their vote. That doesn't translate much; we rarely take them seriously and what they actually do is a mystery to most of us.<img src="http://www.clowns4kids.com/images/magicians_bg.jpg" /><br />
The few of us that get access or come close to an understanding of politics are usually involved in extracurricular cause that they feel passionately about. Sometimes getting a close-up just a circumstantial result of said officials job, reaching out to 'the people'. Whatever the case, the closer our elected officials are to constituents the more beholden they are to the constituency's wishes. Or, at the very least, aware.<br />
Awareness was at the heart of the third annual Citizens Express Bus Trip to Albany sponsored by Birnie Bus Co. and Little Fall's David and Chris Van Meter.<br />
The all day event included a tour of The Capitol, lunch with politicians and a live simulcast of the popular local morning show, The Talk of The Town featuring Mark Piersma and Frank Elias.<br />
When I was offered the assignment to tag along and document some of the highlights of the trip, I'll admit, I didn't know what to expect. I knew very little about the popular radio show on 100.7 F.M.. My understanding was limited to a couple of interviews. One featured Editor in Chief of The Utica Phoenix, Cassandra Harris Lockwood, defending herself against allegations of slander and libel brought by The City of Utica Police Department. It was good radio but I felt they were taking a side, so naturally when this trip came up I assumed I would be on the bus with 'The Tea Party'.<br />
Boy, was I wrong.<br />
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<strong><u>The Ride</u></strong><br />
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Our scheduled departure was 7:45 from The North Utica Wal-Mart. Birnie Bus provided one of their best coaches for the trip. A wi-fi paradise abuzz with young professionals from Leadership Mohawk Valley. This sharp, young group, all familiar with each other quickly settled into their seats. I couldn't help but notice almost all of them were smiling. <br />
Mark immediately set the pace to mellow making me regret running red lights and risking speeding tickets to get there on time. "Lets leave about eight" he says. "Some people might be a little late". And so we did.<br />
Roughly twenty minutes, good conversation and thirty jokes later we arrived in Herkimer to pick up the second load for Leadership Mohawk Valley's Government Program.<br />
Our third stop was in Amsterdam where we picked up the last group that included retired Executive Assistant, Barbara Tomasik a 45 year veteran of G.E. in Schenectady New York where she has experienced and witnessed a wave of progress/change since she embarked on her long career. She ended up sitting next to me so we chatted about technical and social advances that have altered our world, high security clearance and, of course, what was for lunch<br />
With the bus en route for the final leg of the journey Mark and Frank went about their daily business of talk radio. Jason Aiello, the hands -on producer, checked levels and made sure they had a signal. I barely noticed there was a radio show going on. One of my tactics as a journalist is to appear uninterested and engaged in my latest app so know one knows I am actually paying attention. It didn't work because Birnie Bus wi-fi works great and I 'REALLY' was engaged when I looked up they had conducted two, three, maybe five interviews and according to Frank "Dave we are going to interview you next".<br />
"Uhhhhh....ok" I replied.<br />
I'm not sure exactly what I said but it had a lot to do with potential, growth, green things and overall progress...In Utica. All wrapped up in a liberal progressive package. The main theme of my message was "Grow Green Things....Grow lots of Green Herbs".<br />
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<strong><u>The Capitol</u></strong><br />
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We arrived around ten thirty at the main Entrance to the underground concourse that runs the length of the four, symbolic towers that DEFINE our State Government and Albany's skyline. The Four Towers Stand out and upon approach one can glean what the most important business in Albany is, but what that business does, is a mystery. <br />
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Frank and Mark corralled all 43 of us to explain the itinerary for the next three plus hours. It was a busy day at the capitol. The Mixed Martial Arts Lobby was there; the Minimum Wage Lobby and The Marines all petitioning our state Government for their particular causes.<br />
If we were lucky we could get a view inside the chamber and possibly a Glimpse of The Governor himself.<br />
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We made our way to the agreed upon space where we would be eating lunch. It was a long walk, made interesting by the occasional sighting of a familiar elected official. We spotted a few Assemblymen and Legislators on the way, among them, Claudia Tenney, the 115th District Assembly-Woman and challenger to 22nd District Congressman Richard Hanna. Upon sighting Mark and Frank she greeted us enthusiastically. Gazing from afar I appraised her riding boots and purse, I can't help it, the lady has style.<br />
We continued on our endless journey through the underground concourse, which is a marvel of engineering in itself. One could think of the four towers as a huge skyscraper with its base buried in the ground with only the four towers showing up top, indestructible they will endure ,like our Government, long after we are gone. Four Strong Pillars. One Foundation.<a class="iol_imc" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" idx="12" style="height: 407px; left: 166px; top: 0px; visibility: visible; width: 542px;"><img class="mainImage" src="http://www.wunderground.com/data/wximagenew/m/MoisesRLC/65.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 407px; width: 542px;" /></a><br />
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The thought of lunch was on everyone's mind but before we ate we were led to 'The Million Dollar Staircase' for an up close and personal look at Dean Skelos, The Senate Majority leader responsible for slowing up The Medical Marijuana Bill.<br />
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After a twenty minute wait, Skelos accompanied by Joseph Griffo (47th District Senator), offered a few obligatory remarks about participation in local government. It is an art to speak important words that lead nowhere, the verbal ambiguity was forgiven, they had our hunger on their side. We did a group Photo and made our way to lunch.<br />
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There, waiting for us in The Lunch area, was Rayan Aguam The Director of Communications for Joseph Griffo. He actually provided more detail and insight to what happens in State Government than anyone. While we ate he provided details for what is referred to as The Legislative Season which runs roughly from January to June. The remaining months of the year are spent with constituents or campaigning. He also introduced some of the speakers scheduled to talk to us. Dan Levy a pollster from Sienna College's Research Institute, Marc Butler 118th District Assemblyman, Brian Sampson from Unshackle Upstate (unshackle?) and Anthony Brindisi.<br />
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There were a few eyebrow raisers during the speeches, some teaching points that resonate to this day. Dan Levy pointed out the perceived irony in Hydro-Fracking poll results which see a statistical advantage Upstate for Pro-Frackers and a statistical disadvantage the further south you go. There was also the anti-progressive stance of Marc Butler an elected official who shared his thoughts on the SAFE act and the potential for Horizontal Fracking in NYS. "It'll be like raining jobs in a desert" he promised..."at least for the first few months" he amended.<br />
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There was a particularly interesting exchange between one of the guests and Brian Sampson who erroneously stated that hydro-fracking has been done safely for the last sixty years in New York State. Wrong, if that was the case we wouldn't be spending millions for all these independent studies and Governor Cuomo would already be Golfing with natural gas big wigs. No, the horizontal fracking, which uses chemicals and water to extract the natural gas is not proven safe in all conditions and has been scrutinized even where its allowed. Sampson, looking like a guy who can take a punch, backed out of an exchange with the guest and sheepishly left the podium. That was definitely a highlight; how dare you try to mislead us, glad we had an expert because it would have worked.<br />
That was what I took away from this trip. To be diligent about my own personal relationship to an issue and let my elected official , regardless of their party affiliation know how I feel.<br />
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<strong><br /></strong>David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-87788905229675964912014-04-30T18:30:00.000-07:002014-04-30T18:30:37.160-07:00We Already Know so Talk Amongst Yourselves <br />
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Recently my Significant Other's Mother shared an interesting conversation she had. You see, she had this contractor working in her house upgrading the electrical system. At first he seemed to be a cool guy , capable, knowledgeable but ....a bit temperamental. At first, their conversations were simple, they exchanged all the regular observations we all share about the weather and the price of gas but they quickly evolved into something strange, yet familiar.<br />
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It took on a bigoted tone.<br />
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My SO's Mother is European, she still has a distinct accent. Her opinions on race and class are rooted in the 'fair' but 'unreal' meritocratic ideal. She feels the vitriolic racism that shows itself in our policies and history is an abomination. She embraces other cultures with curiosity and has always been shocked by the honest and open dislike for other cultures that her fellow white peers often share with her here in America and, closer to home, in New York.<br />
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Even more peculiar is the source of hatred...the television.<br />
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The thing is, he didn't know she has a bi-racial grandson. He didn't know she loves Morgan Freeman. He didn't know she is a World Class Track Athlete. He did , however, know she is white.</div>
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The level of comfort and almost mutual assumption that-<em> <strong>'niggers are this'</strong></em> or <em><strong>'niggers are that'</strong></em> - or that it is acceptable<strong>/</strong>appropriate to wax poetic about the alleged stupidity of Black People gives me chills. Its what makes me uncomfortable when I walk into FastTrac or Nice N' Easy out in the sticks. Its what makes me uptight when I'm the only Black guy around and things don't go my way. Its what makes me look stone-faced and clench my lips tight when I make eye contact with white dudes sporting crew cuts.</div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiUVwkB4zJwF2t-giZJ07-KgXu80h98yX2Kg7-l21KPoYJB3oFLAGoJCF_c7AAdBKtRxyFkN8l_mddnPQBMZfs_vkitanuSAmAag0ErdpS3HzuOlFrrRvIxfK25saK3NuKzIwtXwopFZlW7B-BB3HLJ3yS7yjLJHPh10gTxx8iiC37KlQqx4LKDLgTNLV6ip5io-7qMdJplrlYQCRe6ED-tOEwEyJvSeTM0CXRjjTXRGrNJAzlPw_CHV9At3fzAD3YsT9QwQGeuKpGNyKeeIs650SOQA9hGID4K9hvvSm4mDDxXmwUiqCy5AyERvMaQ62D_cZXDugC2NRjkdRWB4J7B88czEHuvZJlBHXmXHvvhE3lNAnwwrn84r8AZTbtHZfuAukne8mR-kAQPMi_GlhaveftmoBkSwvq5hkhskN1swcq-l03R3iM_OJQgVYao6mr-AuJ8lNcBtSxwB9-P3Dw=s0-d-e1-ft" style="min-height: 319px; width: 450px;" /></a><br />
This is just one awkward conversation. <em>One of many</em>. The awkwardness hit closer to home when the contractor met me. He knows what he said and how vitriolic, insulting and hateful it was. She felt no need to tell him her personal beliefs, why stop him, according to her, he was on a roll.<br />
An equal dose of hatred for gays, blacks and anything else that wasn't white and Christian. <br />
How many times has that same conversation been met with total agreement, ironclad affirmation for what is Good and Proper...American...White.<br />
How many people have been turned away from or not even considered for employment, housing, good service at the restaurant based on choices that these type of people make.<br />
How many of you are okay with it? Say nothing when they yell nigger at the screen when their favorite team loses. Or Bullies a stranger in public.<br />
When I look at whose in jail and for what. The overwhelming numbers of disenfranchised all in the same demographic, society starts to look sinister. <br />
Against me or anyone who can't blend in.<br />
Then cases like Donald Sterling (Clippers Owner) or Cliven Bundy captures the whole Nation's attention. Systemic hostility like the backwards atmosphere at the Nursing Home in Rome with the racist staff and client. The Client who flipped if a Black nurse came near him/her. <br />
The Solution?<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="mainImage" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYEAQpay7k3mbrRxC6GK3kb0pA9gwsbVwpWYvEdqlot6Z6gcTHqF_1DurpoMmGoH9L_Ff7rw_FNxmKDY_EZC9k-TyLqHc2wDGiKxwJ4utJzgCVvJkDJ0-BkHE00PwzIUrliFhnD0NZ4GX/s1600/No+coloreds.gif" style="background-color: white; height: 168px; width: 246px;" /></a> 'NO COLOREDS'!?!?!?!??!</div>
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A sign placed at the main nursing station to let all the Black American's to stay in their place.</div>
How could a climate of racism exists here in The Mohawk Valley that sees nothing wrong with posting a 'NO COLORED' sign at work? How can any management get that comfortable to think its okay. <br />
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<strong>I know how this happened</strong>. It is a multi-pronged disregard for Black People , our opinions are insignificant and don't matter. If they do, you can't tell. <br />
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At least in most instances. A close friend went through the same thing in a professional environment. Everyone was white and one guy always dropped the n-bomb, making his extracurricular hatred plain to all. She reported him to human resources; he was written up and even better had no idea who did it.<br />
Everyone employed there was white (see the irony?).<br />
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Remember a couple of years ago the Rome Capitol Theater played a (Super racist film) Birth Of A Nation against the protests of the NAACP and every other African American in The Mohawk Valley. It was played because of the sheer number of requests to see it. A replaying of The Good Ol' Days for The Good folks of Rome who want 'Their America' back.<br />
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Its our America too lets quit making these types of mistakes. Have a little regard for your fellow citizens even though we play a small role around here.</div>
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We also need to remember how far we have come and how much closer as a people we REALLY are. There are a lot of Black families with white people in them and many white families with Black people as well.</div>
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In the meantime I refuse to allow myself to dwell on things like this to much. Eye contact with the contractor's shaky psyche was enough. You can glean a lot from smiling while looking in another man's eyes. <br />
Then I said "So, what kind of man are you"?</div>
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A few of them might already race. They may do mini-bikes or bicycle motor cross. Others, who want to be President of The United States may be running for class president or in the debate club. Same with sports, little league Pop Warner, AYSO. We know everybody "<em>aint gonna make it to the big leagues"</em><br />
As life goes, we rarely hit the bullseye when it comes to 'childhood dream job'. <br />
Most of us, due to circumstance take advantage of some immediate opportunity that pays the bills; change our minds and ultimately don't come within striking distance of NASA or even class president. But for a few, the childhood dream is an adult reality and they began living it the moment they raised their young hand.<br />
We all have something we do well and under the right circumstances we can hone our talent to a level of perfection that will awe any that behold it. Not all of us never get the discover or take advantage of our god given gifts but sometimes we do and the results can be incredible.<br />
Auto Racing is a competitive sport, it requires discipline, patience, good reflexes and the ability to balance all those attributes with sheer recklessness. An instinctive endeavor with consistent winners and losers. <br />
Pretend you've been at it (racing) twelve years . You are on your fourth season, double mortgage, wife wants you to quit this expensive hobby. What if you looked over in the other lane and saw an eight yr old pass you by?<br />
That's exactly what happened when Claude Hutchings Jr. first got hold of the racing bug.<br />
He was The eight yr old. <br />
In his words "Well my dad had this Slingshot Go-Cart with about sixty horsepower and he just entered me into the race" According to Claude Sr. it wasn't that simple. "I entered The Slingshot and he drove it, we didn't ask, Junior had been driving on our property for four years by then" shrugging his shoulders "he knew how to drive".<br />
Indeed he did, the competition was either to embarrassed or didn't notice The Tired Iron Repair Driver's age, just his consistency.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><img class="mainImage" src="http://autophiliac.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/saab-9-3-night.jpg" style="background-color: white; height: 515px; width: 515px;" /></a><br />
Junior made history at eight years old, as the youngest driver to get behind the wheel.<br />
He quickly was entered into Junior II Pro Series. He was a younger driver but was not outclassed he placed third in points his first season behind the wheel.<br />
He stayed in The Junior Pro series but still couldn't get enough so Claude Sr. entered him into he 4cyl Super Stock where the little boy became a Man behind the wheel. <br />
Between 2007-2009 Tired Iron Repair driver Claude Hutchings Jr. has wracked up 42 first place wins and three Championships at tracks all over the Northeast.<br />
"Its a Team, our crew Chief Mark Hale, Chief Mechanic Al Laraby and Of course my wife, Carol, we all make it work, those guys have been with us since 2008" revealed Hutchings Sr.<br />
Last season he entered the team into a regional multi-race multi-state competition with a very savvy draw. The ROC Race of Champions .. Despite the higher level of competition Claude Jr was the youngest ever to win The First Place Trophy.<br />
A Highlight of his career<br />
"Its getting to the point where people see Junior on the board and its like, 'oh no' I guess where racing for second" Hutchings Sr bragged.<br />
He has a reason to be proud his young son is a Junior at Clark University majoring in Mechanical Engineering and he's entering his 13th yr as a successful Race car Driver.<br />
Tired Iron Repair Saqiout, where they make race car driver's.<br />
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David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-50872539777254887382013-12-29T10:46:00.000-08:002013-12-29T10:46:34.549-08:00Medical Marijuana where do we Stand?Medical Marijuana is on fire. Literally and figuratively, the controversial (dated) topic of legalization has finally made its way into the forefront of The New York State Legislature. Right now, as I write this article, there are twenty States (including The District of Columbia) that have allowed the legal possession of Marijuana.<br />
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Progressive, practical, cutting edge, States and municipalities that have agreed to unburden themselves of a legal responsibility that sometimes overwhelmed limited resources.<br />
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I'm not writing this to champion the success of repealing marijuana law. The point of this article is Utica. I'm not concerned with the rest of the country. I'm wondering what role, if any, we stubborn Utican's play in the<em> inevitable change</em> in laws. <br />
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When pot is legalized, will Utica accept this with open arms; poised to take advantage? Or will she resist due to moral or personal conflicts of interest? Like the some States did with Affordable Care Act.<br />
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Just like the local Democrats initially rejected the possibility of an Obama nomination (over Hillary), many people around here don't think its possible Marijuana will ever be available legally. How backwards can you get? All the evidence points toward a legal Medical Marijuana law and better yet, an economic boom from it.<br />
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There are two Senate Bills -SB1682 & SB4406- submitted by Sen. Velmanette Montgomery and Sen. Diane Savino and one Assembly Bill -AB6357- submitted by Richard Gottfried. <br />
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All three bills will allow the distribution acquisition and production of Marijuana for medicinal uses.<br />
The fact is, people are already acquiring it for recreational and medicinal uses. These laws will relax the burden of shame from those terminally ill people that really need the relief that potent strains of marijuana have been proven to provide. Currently the only way they can get relief is by breaking the law.<br />
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Many people ask; Why is this important? For one, marijuana is proven to be less harmful than alcohol and just like prohibition from alcohol the societal effects of the marijuana prohibition seem to be worse than the substance itself. College Educations derailed, families broken up and young peoples lives altered beyond repair from being caught in possession of a small amount of a pretty harmless drug. Even more sinister are the stop and frisk laws in New York City that primarily targeted young black men in a disproportionate manner resulting in thousands of arrests for marijuana possession.<br />
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Upstate New York has enjoyed an unholy alliance with downstate for decades. They help keep The Prisons full and we vote for the ridiculous "Rockefeller Type" legislation that insures it. This law will relax the flow, making room for the type of people that should be behind bars instead of creating them behind bars.<br />
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I envision a ripe future with multiple dispensaries employing a few hundred jobs per city.<br />
We are perfectly located in the center of the State and with the high quality offerings from The Adirondacks I'm sure we would quickly earn a reputation among Gourmet Cannabis circles.<br />
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Can you see it? Just close your eyes. Full Coffee shops in downtown Utica? Wholesalers along Broad St? The Mayor cutting two ribbons a week. <br />
I can.<br />
I am allowed to dream.David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-58231941418037931892013-11-25T07:30:00.000-08:002013-12-29T16:18:31.151-08:00Neil DeGrasse Tyson Comes Down To Earth<a href="http://nerdsinbabeland.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/neildegrassetyson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://nerdsinbabeland.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/neildegrassetyson.jpg" width="213" /></a> On Wednesday November 20, 2013 world famous Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson came to Mohawk Valley Community College to give his latest lecture aptly entitled: "Latest Discoveries in The Universe".<br />
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If you don't know who Neil DeGrasse Tyson is you either have no interest in science and no television or you never read the names of the special correspondent on the news during International celestial events. He is the contemporary 'Carl Sagan', original host of the popular television series The Cosmos and author of many books on Space. In fact. Tyson does not have a problem admitting his fondness for Sagan and he even credits him for his success. But there is no doubt Tyson is carving his own terrestrial path in the world of astrophysics.</div>
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Neil DeGrasse Tyson is the 'go-to-guy' when it comes to simple, digestible explanations for complicated phenomena in Space. When the Chelyabinsk Meteor exploded over Russia last year, The Today show called Tyson. If there was a sci-fi laureate for The United States he would be It. Taking the grand dimensions of that explosion into a package fitting 30 Hiroshima's...whoa.<br />
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Degrasse's relative popularity can also be measured by the many media projects he is involved with. He is currently the host of NOVA on PBS and is scheduled to appear in a re-make of Carl Sagan's popular science series The Cosmos (14 episodes). In addition he is The Director of The Hayden Planetarium. <br />
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What more can he do? Perhaps write a few books. Which he has managed to do as well. All this, while keeping a tight lecture schedule. The event at MVCC treated at least 1,500 people to a wide ranging powerpoint lecture that focused on Discovery. New Discoveries, knowledge and the 'state of the art'. <br />
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On stage, swishing in comfortable loafers, dressed in Blue jeans and a blazer, the charismatic 'uber nerd' chomped/smacked on, local product, Mercers Ice Cream, shattering the uptight image of proper, quiet preparation. The mostly twenty something crowd chuckled at his numerous, witty asides throughout the lecture and paid attention for the entire two hours without interruption.<br />
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Sitting still wasn't easy for everyone. MVCC President R VANWAG donated 25 seats to local non-profit For The Good Inc for the struggling Study Buddy Program. As a result, twenty three kids got to see Neil DeGrasse Tyson break down black holes and magnetic pole shifts. His broad appeal was obvious from the ripples of laughter pulled out of the younger kids.<br />
The Black screen with nothing on it....Black Hole..."A perfect picture".<br />
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That joke really cracked up the seven and eight year olds, they had to be quieted down. It was refreshing to see some kids challenged and others intrigued. At the end of the day, science was 'cool'. The dire predictions about our future promoted by some climatologists and politicians were skillfully avoided. the overall tone of his lecture focused on discovery, curiosity (Mars Rovers, pun intended) and possibility.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><img class="mainImage" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.5031207489699972&pid=1.7" style="height: 515px; width: 954px;" /></a><br />
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As an adult I was excited to go but it was equally exciting to see this experience through a child's eyes. Neil DeGrasse Tyson is important for multiple reasons. His knowledge has propelled him to the front of the class and the camera. He didn't catch a ball, he can't rap, none of that. He is good at math. You can see the rest.<br />
David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-14211667771618687412013-11-17T23:12:00.000-08:002013-12-29T17:19:24.163-08:00Black Men of Substance(what are we full of)<br />
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What if you could be on the cover of a magazine? A well respected publication read by millions? Flipped through by bespectacled professionals in Dr. offices all over the country. Read cover to cover by people who have college degrees, houses, businesses, children in College. </div>
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People that hire, fire, vote and educate could read about you; able to get a peek inside your easy or difficult life. They could fill in mental gaps of curiosity about people they think are similar to you.<br />
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You could explain , in detail how you make it day to day, how you got to where you are. Why you do what it is you do. Obviously you would probably take great care to leave out any unsavory or illegal activity. Why would you or the very mainstream publication that chose you for the cover want to celebrate that?<br />
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Enter Jay-Z , in Vanity Fair, explaining why he will be a good sports agent for the November 2013 Issue : <br />
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<em>Jay’s checkered past taught him a few things that he says will come in handy in his new role as a sports agent: “I know about budgets. I was a drug dealer,” he tells Robinson. “To be in a drug deal, you need to know what you can spend, what you need to re-up. Or if you want to start some sort of barbershop or car wash—those were the businesses back then. Things you can get in easily to get out of [that] life. At some point, you have to have an exit strategy, because your window is very small; you’re going to get locked up or you’re going to die.”</em><br />
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Lets dissect this. Look at this closely. He is on the cover as a successful businessman. <em>Chosen </em>for that cover by other successful businessmen. The same type of men that chose Kendrick Lamar as a coverboy for The GQ Man of The Year issue( ironic choice considering the unflattering<em> 'new minstrel'</em> article they wrote). <br />
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The difference is Lamar, an emerging voice in contemporary hip-hop, shunned the short shrift he was given in the article which depicted him and his crew as a malt liquor drinking, ho pimpin' mob without knowing them. He was so angry he refused to enter the annual, star studded bash in Los Angeles a week ago. The writer of that article tried to portray the same low brow path to riches that all black boys gone good achieve after they master the game of crack dealing and hustling. A path too many are ready to sign on the dotted line to pave. A path that is also avoided by thousands of hard working kids today.<br />
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So Jay-Z A man who has built an empire based on wise, well timed decisions. About whether to kill someone or not? No, he runs a label and has clothing deals. He owns publishing rights and is involved in multiple business ventures. I'm sure he is done with decisions relating to transport and safe houses. I'm inclined to think he never really sold drugs for a living, he would literally be jeopardizing all his childhood friends by even admitting it, which they would probably resent. The fact is, real hustlers don't go on magazine covers and talk about it. But it sounds good in an interview and on a make-believe album bio doesn't it? Even Vanilla Ice lied to get 'street cred' (who made that up?)<br />
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Equally shocking is Jay's quote relating to a re-up. Backing up the subtly, sinister notion that every car wash and barber shop in a Black Neighborhood is involved in drugs. With that quote, he is even validating , in a way, profiling by law enforcement. Thanks Jay.<br />
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The dude can buy city blocks and he is using 'couch 'mack' terminology. Belittling the powerful platform that he barged onto.It would be different if he was a white dude talking about a moonshine empire, but he's not. He is a black man. Much maligned and rarely trusted. He is part of a group of men that go to jail at an exponentially higher rate than anyone else. Often for doing the same thing as everyone else, drugs.<br />
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Because of shit like this we are getting close to minstrel status and no one wants to say a word. I'm sure his knowledge of the pros and cons of buying a car wash or barber shop with kilo profits will help a lot with all the clauses that can be in a multi million dollar sport contract.<br />
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It is time rid ourselves of The old 'crack dealer gone good' narrative, it is not doing us Black Folks any good. Like dealing somehow 'prepares' you. His success, and the celebration of it, in this context, is an insult to all the Black MBA's that still sell crack (see where I'm going here?) and aspire to Rap.<br />
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We also have to consider the readers of the publication. Crack dealers are exciting to them. They don't know any better, Jay-Z does know better and more importantly, Jay-Z needs to remember what he knows, bstarting with who we really are, who he 'really' is. Inventors, builders, survivors, Warriors and Leaders. <br />
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The Question lingers: Why do they, GQ, Vanity Fair, choose Jay-Z, Kendrick and write what they write?<br />
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Each and every African American that has people around them that 'really' achieve need to ask that question as well.<br />
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Ok enough of that, we will revisit Jay-Z later. Harvard is up next. Did anyone know there is a fellowship of of Nas at Harvard University? Its rhetorical, I'm here to tell you there is. They are attempting to canonize, what I consider to be the most desperate form of art in existence. <br />
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Unlike singing and dancing which makes the person doing it feel good. Hip-Hop often describes (it didn't at first) and even glorifies the <em>struggles</em> in life. The tight fitting, suffocating existence in poverty that stifles dreams and can offer escape through clever use of words. The goal? To be rich. Pretty simple right?<br />
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I consider myself a hip-hop historian. A product of Generation X that helped cement the artform into popular culture. But I don't need to defend it or attack it, I'm just wondering why Harvard wants to discuss Nas and ignore the phenomenon of Mass Incarceration. <br />
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Apparently an anonymous donor put up the money. A quote from Nas in The Guardian about The Nasir Jones Hip-Hop fellowship at The WEB Dubois center for multicultural studies alleviated some of my apprehensions : <br />
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"<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/hip-hop" target="_blank" title="More from the Guardian on Hip-hop"><em><span style="color: #0066cc;">Hip-hop</span></em></a><em> is important like computer science," he said. "The world is changing. If you want to understand the youth, listen to the music. This is what's happening right underneath your nose."</em><br />
<em>The fellowship was first announced in July, when Nas declared himself "over-the-top excited" about the scheme. "My hopes are that greed for knowledge, art, self-determination and expression go a long way. It is a true honour to have my name attached to so much hard work, alongside great names like Henry Louis Gates, Jr and WEB Du Bois and to such a prestigious and historical institution, and all in the name of the music I grew to be a part of."</em><br />
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Lets Dissect this. Look at this closely. Nasir was approached by Professor Henry Luis Gates (A Black Man). He mentions computer science, a greed for knowledge, art, self-determination. What is more important is what he left out. The obvious asides about 'the hood' and dead homies. That narrative is tired, out of style like The Doo rag. One that we all, including Nas, know has not served us well.<br />
Here Here for Hawvud!!!!!<br />
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<br />David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-78693812880667387572011-05-08T21:48:00.000-07:002011-05-08T23:04:17.529-07:00366 Days<a href="http://www.charlescity.org/natives/images/deerskin.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.charlescity.org/natives/images/deerskin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><em>Yes it has been that long.</em><br /><em>366 Days.</em><br /><em>Dayum!!!!</em><br /><em>What was I doin with meself?</em><br /><em>What was David Bass Dancy up to?</em><br /><em>All I can say is: "I have thought of this day for a long time"</em><br /><em>During my hours long travels throughout Upstate New York I would often think about what My next post would be about.</em><br />But you need to understand<br /><em>I have been a participant in the chaotic maelstrom that I routinely ducumented while living and surviving as a </em>Freelance Journalist.<br />Have you ever seen a House with Deerskin siding?<br /><em>I have.</em><br />Have you seen rural poverty up close?<br /><em>Fuedal Lords in the Backcountry?</em><br />I have.<br />The choice between Gas and diapers is daunting when the closest Wal-Mart is eight miles away.<br />You Get it right?<br />This pliable, manipulatable populace is the backbone.<br /><em>The Law?</em><br />To many, the courts and law enforcement are just simple symbols of Government. The sheriff doesn't bring by Deermeat or preserves, firewood, bullets...no ...he brings trouble.<br />I have been able to see, <strong>up close,</strong> rural poverty and, of course, Urban Poverty.<br />I have seen Hoarders on an epic scale.<br />America is Strange.<br />I am a Witness.<br />A humble observer.</div>David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-52032171381260191682010-05-08T08:33:00.000-07:002010-09-20T12:38:31.903-07:00Asbestos Claim at New Census Building<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjy7k12w_TIKHD0EC98R4E7pT79KWL_CRqXtsK3P2GeshXbnf1e0pwmBWcg-UjSyPGlV0EzJJXlatvvME-mA3Ppgmso6ko7CVglbL74H3LJxkHSYHRx3gB_EJsCx_mof0woUSxMCAkhFg/s1600/Toon558+.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjy7k12w_TIKHD0EC98R4E7pT79KWL_CRqXtsK3P2GeshXbnf1e0pwmBWcg-UjSyPGlV0EzJJXlatvvME-mA3Ppgmso6ko7CVglbL74H3LJxkHSYHRx3gB_EJsCx_mof0woUSxMCAkhFg/s320/Toon558+.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468998855697534018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />An area man who previously worked at The Doyle Hardware Building, new home to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Utica</span> branch of The U.S. Census Bureau, claims Asbestos was removed from the building improperly possibly endangering workers and the new tenants.<br />These bombshell allegations are being made by a man who says he witnessed firsthand, the illegal removal and possible dumping of dangerous toxic substances from the historic Doyle Hardware Building across from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Utica's</span> historic Union Station.<br />Dan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Olah</span>, a local contractor and the ex-owner of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Elwoods's</span>- a popular eatery located at 614 Columbia St. that burned down in a death related arson on Dec 20 2007- stands behind his claims and said he has also brought the situation to City Hall's attention.<br />"I personally went down to City Hall on two occasions" he said. "I spoke with Angelo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Roefaro</span>, the mayor's secretary and Robert Sullivan." Shrugging his shoulders, he continued. "Nothing has been done." <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">he said<br />Olah</span> did not stop at City Hall, he also went to the Labor Department's office at the State Building. "I spoke with a guy named Robert, he told me personally they found asbestos in there"<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Olah</span> was referring to Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Varano</span> a state worker in the Labor Department that deals with asbestos. At press time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">GCN</span> was unable get a quote from him.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why Speak Now?</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Olah</span> worked at the building for three months and says he walked off the job because he felt his health was at risk.<br />"I was actually working on a restaurant (remodelling) that was going in another part of the building. I have been a certified Asbestos Abatement Contractor so I know when you are dealing with dangerous substances and the proper way of removing them...they were loading up U-Hauls and taking them somewhere to dump" he said.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Olah</span> had enough when he realized what was allegedly going on. "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">C'mon man,</span> you got these young guys who need money to feed their families and this guy has them doing stuff for $15.00 an hour that can make not only them sick but it can get their kids too" he said, showing obvious emotion.<br />The guy he was referring to is Stewart <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Banntyne, a developer and</span> the current owner of The Doyle Hardware building. Since Bantyne purchased the building he has put his money where his mouth is as an advocate of Downtown <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Utica</span> and its financial potential. Banntyne's sizeable investment and the fact he made it in an area that has been ignored for decades during hard economic times is exactly why, Olah says: "no one has done a damn thing."<br />Robert Sullivan, head of revitalization for Utica said Olah has an ax to grind. "From what I know he has a few claims against the city already and he is frustrated" he said.<br />Sullivan made it clear he passed Olah's complaints to the proper people and it was all handled. "This thing all went above me, beyond my authority" Sullivan said.<br />Regarding Sullivan's assertions Olah admits his frustration with Utica and his treatment after his building burned down. "My building, business which I invested $500,000 in was damaged by arsonists...damaged" he emphasized "then they (City of Utica) go and raze my property within a week without proper notification...I mean, you tell me what is going on."<br />Olah likens his treatment to being chased out of town. "I helped turn around that block (600 Columbia) a lot of other businesses were happy with me there...one little incident and everything changed."<br />That incident was a fight and subsequent beating that started inside Elwood's. "These guys beat the crap out of some kid...I stopped it and they said they were going to burn me down." Apparently they did ( burn him down) and that is where Olah's complaints begin. "They ignored me then and they are ignoring me now" he said.<br />At press time we were unable to obtain a response from Stewart Banntyne but there will be lot more on this in future postings. As far as Angelo Roefaro is concerned he denied ever speaking with Dan Olah and does not recollect any conversations regarding Asbestos at The Doyle Hardware building.<br /><br /><b:if cond='data:post.url'><br /><a expr:href='"http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=" + data:post.url'><img alt='www.tips-fb.com' border='0' src='http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a398/syilpid/share_on_facebook_2.png'/></a><br /></b:if>David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-86734611851884171422010-05-08T08:23:00.000-07:002010-09-20T12:38:31.900-07:00Tougher Questions are ComingThis is a link to the latest video. It is me at The Common Council meeting. The excellent production was done by Larry T. Jr. who is in charge at Acumen Media check em out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjzTCkll6Ow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjzTCkll6Ow</a>David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-75460872332710802112010-04-27T08:59:00.000-07:002010-09-20T12:38:31.902-07:00Common Council Meets about Investigation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiJXSfkLxQb0gs7pF_eO4yfwvCdBYbK2ixTc4lEWiS6BYNszdYU8490HllwsqhtJO-_ukMzvdlV4DI20PVnhJOWPeecg-TuxJTHJhyvQqaWY74ZMjGHh0LbX1XFULdoEYT00I25fedWu7/s1600/keystonecops.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465195208947372466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiJXSfkLxQb0gs7pF_eO4yfwvCdBYbK2ixTc4lEWiS6BYNszdYU8490HllwsqhtJO-_ukMzvdlV4DI20PVnhJOWPeecg-TuxJTHJhyvQqaWY74ZMjGHh0LbX1XFULdoEYT00I25fedWu7/s320/keystonecops.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Mayor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Roefaro's</span> secret investigation that has attracted so much attention lately may not be so secret after all. During the common council caucus on Monday (4/26) Bill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Morehouse</span>, common council president, opted to go to executive session so sensitive details about the investigation would not be leaked.<br />Without the Mayor in attendance (or J.K. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hage</span> III) one has to wonder how any questions were going to be answered. And, if the council is unaware of the nature of the investigation then why call the Executive Session? These questions and many more were raised by two of the six reporters in attendance.<br />"It seems <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">everytime</span> you want to avoid the public you use these broad interpretations of the law" said one, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">reffering</span> to judge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Garramone's</span> interpretation of executive session guidelines. "I want this on the record that I object to the Executive Session" said another.<br />Garramone countered "these guidelines are specific...it's in the law".<br />A prolonged debate between the local press and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Garramone</span> ensued leaving neither side satisfied. Bill M<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">orehouse</span> took it as a sign to adjourn and made his first unsuccessful attempt. But not before letting each person know where he stood on the issue. "The people were not served today" he said.<br />There were a lot of people on the council who wanted answers; among them, Lorraine <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Arcuri</span>. She openly questioned Ed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Bucciero's</span> blind support when he gave a yes vote during the Board of Estimations meeting. She wondered aloud how much can be spent. "Does he (J.K.HageIII) have a blank check?"<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Zecca</span> cleared the air with his extensive knowledge of budget protocol. "There is a $15,000 cap on spending" he said, adding, anything additional would have to be re-approved.<br />The caucus was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">briefly</span> interrupted again when a reporter who just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">received</span> breaking news asked the Council about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Gro</span> West and their possible involvement in the probe. no one on the council was aware of any connections with Gro-West. But one need not look to far to see the connections.<br />It is conceivable that Gro West, a non-profit based on State St. in West Utica is involved. The group has been dealing with the city for over a decade. They have been involved with many revitalization projects and have figured prominently in the effort to turn around urban blight.<br />Today (4/26) the O-D reported a source within city government admitting as much but no one wants to talk about who in the city may be affected by the probe.<br />Some early frontrunners are former czar of economic development Bob Sullivan.<br />Why Bob?<br />His sister, Linda Sullivan-Fatata, is the missing link. We all need to ask ourselves why she is not handling the internal probe. After all, she is corporation council for the city of Utica.<br />Perhaps there is a conflict of interest.<br />Michael Cerminaro is another frontrunner. His many gaffes as comptroller could have potentially cost us millions. The most recent are unnerving because he seemed totally unaware of the mistakes until the mayor enlightened him.<br />The plot thickens.<br /><br />check <a href="http://www.gothamcitynews.com/">http://www.gothamcitynews.com/</a> for more</div>David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-44263554288079905472010-04-21T09:39:00.000-07:002010-09-20T12:38:31.900-07:00Not So Secret Investigation Reeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAq1vEyl0OMrAia8oKc-twg7vVAW89nGQuz-__l2-xxMSTuleSePxZIr0SLyE87-0gg-XzmOjgW3bOCgKKACiGEXBqKeRu0JGPzFEO-HJdzsZ8V8-lSf5I-goifeGvpxISkPLd4z2qOSP/s1600/tweed-3863-20080304-142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462666963489959858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 314px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAq1vEyl0OMrAia8oKc-twg7vVAW89nGQuz-__l2-xxMSTuleSePxZIr0SLyE87-0gg-XzmOjgW3bOCgKKACiGEXBqKeRu0JGPzFEO-HJdzsZ8V8-lSf5I-goifeGvpxISkPLd4z2qOSP/s320/tweed-3863-20080304-142.jpg" border="0" /></a> There are lot of things in Utica that, to a casual observer, may seem strange. Boy Brown, Crazy Richard (RIP), The Lady with the Doll and Rainbow Young are usual suspects. Now enter politics into the equation and it gets downright weird.<br />Just like Chicago, another machine politics town, Utica has a unique balance of power that shifts from time to time, causing multiple ripples throughout the community. Sometimes those ripples resonate far beyond Utica. Other times no one feels a thing but something major still happened. Think plate tectonics. In California we call it Earthquake.<br />Such is the mystery of Utica politics and the uncertainty sorrounding the ‘Not So Secret’ investigation at City Hall. There are rumblings everywhere. Speculation, rumor and all manner of misinformation.<br />What stinks here is the fact that tax payer money (out of a budget stretched thin) is being used to conduct an internal probe of a nature that is only known to the Mayor and the Lawyer that is doing the billing.<br />$150.00 per hour is nothing to sneeze at. Especially when the scope and breadth of the investigation is unknown. Is there a cap on spending?<br />I’ll go out on a limb and answer that myself: yes. It would be absurd to think the acquired council could run up an unlimited bill. Right?<br />The city Comptroller, Michael Cerminaro, bravely vowed not to pay for this -’Not So secret ‘- investigation until he is brought up to speed. After all, it is possible his opinion could matter. But we need to be aware of the fact that Cerminaro was not in attendance during the vote for approval at the Board of Estimations meeting. This particular vote, he said , was not on the agenda for the meeting, which he also claimed he looked at.<br />Bold statement, considering anyone at City Hall is a possible target of the probe. History has taught us cynical citizens: if you dig in any department of the city, any city, you will more than likely find something out of whack, a mistake. Not just Utica but America as a whole, the world even.<br /><br /><strong>So what gives?<br />Is this a witchhunt?</strong><br /><strong>Subterfuge to keep critics on their heels?<br /></strong><br />It is possible that in some strange way we are transforming into an era of integrity. The slow march towards accountability is one we have been on for a long time. Transparency in government is at the foundation. There is not much of that in this case.<br />To his credit, the Mayor has not shied away from any of his controversial decisions. High on the growing complaint list, were the multiple appointments and raises he liberally doled out to those closest to him. And more recently: his handling of public safety. He has not wavered in the face of his critics. Why should he? Being elected means you have power; but the culture of nepotism and ‘the good old boy’ network is starting to retard our growth and hasten our decline.This investigation simply adds more salt to a palpably lower morale around City Hall.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>And couldn’t it be possible the Mayor is using this as some sort of political leverage at the taxpayers expense?<br /></strong><br />In a perfect world, with a robust economy, no one cares about City Hall. No one questions who the Mayor hires or gives raises to. In a perfect world the Mayor does not have to take a full page ad to tell his side of the story in a fair manner, in his words.<br />We all need to grow up.<br /><br /><strong></strong><strong>Maybe he (The Mayor) has a plan B?</strong><a href="http://www.gothamcitynews.com/?attachment_id=695" rel="attachment wp-att-695"></a><a href="http://www.opednews.com/populum/uploaded/tweed-3863-20080304-142.jpg" rel="lightbox[693]"></a><br /><br />Perhaps the newly drafted Masterplan, which will be revealed on 4/22 at the Utica Library, holds the keys to success that will change the odor sorrounding City Hall to an aroma. Maybe Bill Morehouse, Common Council President, who has planned a future meeting-or Executive Session- with the Mayor, will inform the public. No date has been set. We are all at the edge of our seats.<br />Until then we collectively hold our noses<br /><br />see my thoroughly self-edited version of this article at <a href="http://www.gothamcitynews.com/">http://www.gothamcitynews.com/</a>David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-15493358701602801882010-04-16T10:54:00.000-07:002010-09-20T12:38:31.903-07:00Gregory Johnson Announces his run for 116th AssemblyOn Thursday April 15, 2010 the politically quiet 116th New York State Assembly district just got interesting with the announcement of a Republican challenge to the firmly entrenched Democrat incumbent, Ro-Ann Destito, who has held the office for 20 years.<br />Gregory Johnson, a first year Councilman in Marcy, made his announcement in the midst of a turbulent political climate that has ignited a lot of different grassroot movements in the Mohawk Valley and abroad.<br />With historic Ft. Stanwix in the background, serving as the perfect patriotic prop, Johnson made his announcement in front of 1,500 supporters. With a blustery wind beating at his back he outlined a list of issues that have angered many people in the 116th to a chorus of cheers and whistles. He proudly stated his affiliation with the Tea Party and his frustration with the status quo.<br />Johnson says he will bring a 'sky is the limit' approach to this campaign. The retired airline pilot graduated from Whitesboro High in 1969 (same year as good friend, 24th congressional candidate Richard Hanna). He started his career in the airline industry with Mohawk Airlines in 1970. By 1979 he was a pilot with empire Airlines and would eventually retire with US Airways as a Captain.<br />"The moment I got the job (Mohawk Airlines ticket counter) the goal was always to be a pilot."<br />Johnson aimed high then and he is aiming high now.<br />Johnson also knows his connection to any type of <em>reformist </em>or <em>populist</em> movements will attract all kinds of rhetoric. "There are two words I never want to be associated with" he said, holding up his index finger. "Those words are:<em> fight</em> and <em>change"</em> adding clarity, he continued. "I would rather use:<em> work(with)</em> and <em>overhaul</em>"<br />It is set, there will be a Republican challenge for the 116th Assembly. It will help shape the future political landscape that is surely going to go through some changes.<br />"I am not running <em>against</em> Ro-Ann Destito" Johnson said "I am running <em>for</em> the 116th"<br />At press time Ro-Ann Destitio has not announced a decision to run or not.David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-82505429136767310032010-04-16T10:19:00.000-07:002010-09-20T12:38:31.902-07:00A Hearty Welcome to New England's Chris King<em>Chris king is truly a Brotha from anotha Mutha. He has exposed a number of cover-ups and continues to shed light in some of the darker corners of New England Politics.</em><br /><em>I hope the Readers of Dancys's Corner are inspired and do your part to keep integrity and transparency in the forefront of local and National politics.</em><br /><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><em><strong>No matter where you are.</strong></em><br /><em><strong>Get involved, go to the occasional City Council meeting. </strong></em><br /><em><strong>These elected officials work for you</strong></em>.<br /><em></em><br />check Chris out at <a href="http://www.kingcast.net/">http://www.kingcast.net/</a> and tap in.<br /><br />This is an excerpt from Chris's latest entry:<br /><br /><br /><em>KingCast to Senator Letourneau on SB 154 being properly tabled: "I told you so.... a year ago!"<br /></em><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvR05GugtrpbrQwC8L_zBs6R_kIRahsS0T_b1rnd2cN4dAbmYOSxUNiLTuc79tQW-BdqPHSrT-gQ13XwBdQdXDlJhy0e-_xuMJYS7jEdLy-lWVWYyB4TEDBWbQsy67-_nFbhM-xRVEd8/s1600-h/Bad_Blood_650R"></a><a href="http://christopher-king.blogspot.com/2010/01/kingcast-north-country-residents-appeal.html"><em>Blam.</em></a><em><br /><br />Then I told Senator D'Alessandro and the Public Works Committee the </em><a href="http://christopher-king.blogspot.com/2010/04/kingcast-says-cool-cats-win-bad-cops.html"><em>same thing.</em></a><em> At the risk of being redundant (said redundancy being occasioned by your hegemonic attempts to shove this ill-founded legislation down the throats of North Country residents) maybe you get the message now.<br /></em><br /><br /><strong><em>I think they get the message Chris.</em></strong>David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-17115760769230894292010-04-08T07:26:00.000-07:002010-09-20T12:38:31.903-07:00Local Gardens Elevate CommunityThe word <em>Trailblazer</em> and Utica are rarely mentioned in the same sentence. But when it comes to civic (city sponsored) Community Gardens we can proudly claim <em>Trailblazer</em> status.<br /><br />Utica is the first city of its size in Central New York to donate land and resources toward the building and maintenance of Community Gardens that have successfully provided food and nutritional education to the poor.<br /><br />"It is great so far, a lot of hard work, but we need more funding to take this to the next level" shared Cassandra Harris Lockwood, CEO of For The Good Inc. and one of the forces behind the original community garden on Linwood Pl..<br /><br />"We started out with an idea and a donation from a philanthropist (Richard Pertz)...that got us going" she explained.<br /><br />With a small donation to work with, all they needed was land. The newly elected Mayor of Utica, David Roefaro, came to the rescue and donated land (vacant lots) and the first garden was started.<br />Even in this climate of fiscal conservatism and huge cuts to City services Utica saw the value of a small investment in this program.<br /><br /><strong>"The results were positive from the outset". </strong><br /><strong></strong><br />"We have developed a positive relationship with a lot of community partners" Lockwood was referring to the many other non-profits and Colleges that have gotten involved with the gardens since they started three years ago.<br /><br />The number of gardens has increased with the participation in the community. With the cooperation of the City of Utica, For The Good has added two more locations : Jay St and Noyes.<br />"Jay St was a gift from Wal-Mart...they provided the wood and expertise to get it built" Harris-Lockwood said. "But we need this type of commitment from the philanthropists"she said highlighting the irony of a non grassroots (some might say anti-Mom & Pop) Organization like Wal-Mart willing to offer support.<br /><br />She listed the many groups that have offered money or 'in-kind' support.<br />"Proctor High School Youth Costruction Initiative helped build raised beds, The Community Foundation provided resources to build a shed, Cornell Co-operative Extension provides seeds, RCIL does a healthy cooking and nutrition class and The Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees provides people...there are many more".<br />The Linwood Garden houses 36 raised beds that keep the roots of the vegetables away from potentially dangerous elements in the soil. The Jay St Garden is an exact replica of Linwood that was built last year. Noyes will be the third installed in consecutive years. There is also an heirloom garden donated by Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce President Frank Elias on Genesee St. next door to Utica Roasting Company.<br /><br />"Noyes will house 30 beds this year but we will have room for up to 80" Harris-Lockwood said. What will be missing is money. Because For The Good Inc is the main facilitator of the gardens; the technical expertise such as the layout, number of raised beds, crop rotation and simple daily maintenance has been handled solely by Harris Lockwood and volunteers of For The Good Inc.<br /><br />"We are getting to a point where the responsibility (of The garden's maintenance) is beyond what we are willing to ask someone to do (for free)" Harris-Lockwood admitted. "We have applied for multiple grants at a much higher level".<br /><br />Harris-Lockwood was very clear about what is needed. "Added funds will simply keep the Gardens operating ...we are in danger (financially)...we need help".<br /><br /> Harris Lockwood will be taking her message to SUNY Morrisville on Earth Day (April 22). Her message will be heard by the appropriate audience- College Students. The idea is catching on. Harris Lockwood has also offered her model to the people of Haiti, through Senator Kristin Gillibrand, to apply these methods in their rebuilding efforts.<br />In many bad ways, Utica is leading the pack in Central New York. But no one else is doing <strong>this.</strong> For once we are in first place for doing something for the good.David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-29389346189671293252010-04-05T07:04:00.000-07:002010-09-20T12:38:31.901-07:00What is going on Uptown?Uptown <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Utica. </span></span>Two words, when put in the proper order, can inspire thoughts of heady conversation, good food, good music, strong coffee and gourmet beer on tap. Those are all good things; but until now, those thoughts were reserved for the well informed minority of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Uticans who regularly hang there</span></span><em>.</em><em> </em>As spring and summer quickly advance the numbers of well informed regulars continues to grow.<br />Only an expert demographer could accurately gauge the group most inclined to visit or regularly hang out in Uptown. But to the casual observer, and member of a fringe group of struggling artists that hang out anywhere, I can attest to the wide range of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Uticans</span></span> that are prone pull up a chair at the cafe or get a table at one of the two restaurants that call Uptown home.<br />"We all work together" shared Lauren Helmer General Manager of The Hadley-Balkan (2006-2008 Genesee St.). She was referring to the many creative promotional specials like<em> 'Dinner and a Movie'</em> that they run with their neighbor, The Uptown Theatre. The spirit of cooperation between the different businesses extend beyond the Uptown Theatre; it is truly a business community.<br />Mini-Coopers, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Saabs</span>, BMW's - hip-cars - compete for the limited parking with Ford Tempos old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hondas</span> and bicycles.<br />The drivers? They work, buy art, eat out, drink gourmet beer and like movies. They tend to support the efforts of local farmers and try to do their part to combat climate change by attending lectures, riding bikes and driving the occasional hybrid.<br />Because of it's unique atmosphere, Uptown <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Utica</span></span>, a small cluster of businesses that intersect at Emerson and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Genesee</span></span> St. is establishing itself as one the hippest places to hangout in The Mohawk Valley.<br />But you need to ask yourself: <em>Am I cool enough?</em><br />If you are into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">NASCAR</span></span>, prefer lots o' Ketchup with your steak and have no appreciation for art or conversations about changing the world; Uptown probably is not for you.<br />It is a place where display menus are hand painted and servers have pierced eyebrows. A place where college students drink (coffee) and do their homework on laptops.<br />Uptown is a place where you can attend shamanic drum circles twice a month (The Other Side), listen to local poets plan a show, students debate a lecture or just do the crossword (Cafe Domenico).<br />Uptown is a place where you can hear an Irish Band, Mandolin players and Utica's own Rusty Doves all in one week.<br />Uptown is the place that recently played host to international Jazz star Jane <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Monheit</span></span> who performed for an intimate crowd (75) at The Other Side (2011 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Genesee</span></span> St.), a non-profit cultural universe of it's own that adds a considerable sum of integrity to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Uptown's</span></span> growing popularity and cultural importance.<br />Uptown has been historically anchored by popular shops like <em>Uptown Automotive-</em> a thirty year success story owned byJim Amado-that revolves around <em>Model Cars</em> and rare <em>Hotwheels</em>. And The Historic Uptown Theatre.<br />Uptown has always been pedestrian friendly and, on good weather days, it reaches it's potential as a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">sundrenched</span></span> center of all kinds of activity. It could be described as a less crowded, quiet alternative to the Spring Break atmosphere of beer soaked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Varick</span></span> St.<br />No, there are no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">tatoo</span></span> shops, no pizza joints ( although there used to be) and no Police on stand by for beer brawls. It is a mature, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ecclectic</span></span> atmosphere. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">perfect</span> place to bring visiting friends when you want to make a good impression.<br />Simply put, it is a model Renaissance District. Previously driven by a now defunt dry cleaner, a number of unsuccessful pizza joints and The newly rescuscitated Uptown Theatre. It used to be a part of town most of us just drove through on our way to doing whatever it is we do. Now we slow down, take a look. And some of us even park, get out and go see what's going on Uptown.<br /><br /><strong>Uptown Plaza (2007 Genesee St.)</strong><br />Listed first because it lies right at the edge of the action in Uptown. Uptown Plaza lies on the Northeast side of Emerson Ave and Genesee St. it is home to about seven suites each housing a different business. Uptown's prosperity has never been in these businesses hands. There are specialty shops that include the Old Training Gym for MMA fighter Matt Hamill (that appears empty), a CPA and a couple of empty suites begging for a creative entreprenuer to take advantage of the spike in foot traffic. The most successful businesses in the Plaza, Uptown Automotive,("A Hobby Shop For car Nuts") and Mohawk Valley Music Supply have been operating before the current spike in interest.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Cafe Domenico (2009 Genesee St.)</strong><br />315-798-8077<br />The first business to provide a solid social foundation to the area is Cafe Domenico. Entering it's eighth year (7/22), Domenico's has been growing in popularity since it's opening in 2002. It's importance is not overlooked.<br />"Domenico's is an area of critical mass where a lot of different people can share ideas" said Adam Spiridilozzi a local artist, student, and a regular member of the Domenico's community.<br />Domenicos is also one of the businesses that everyone has been to. It is moderately to low priced and there is a good chance you won't overstay your welcome by nursing a twenty minute coffee waiting for late friends.<br /><br /><strong>The Other Side (2011 Genesee St)</strong><br /><a href="http://www.theothersideutica.org/">http://www.theothersideutica.org/</a><br />The only non-profit on the block has been extremely active in it's first year. Still in it's infancy (non-profit years) this collection of intellectuals, artists and local activists has helped transform more than the culture of Uptown.<br />They provide a LGBT teen meeting space (rare by any standard), shamanic drum circles (twice a month), a series on climate change, Talkin Bout Jazz musical series (debuted with Jane Monheit) and of course The very successful Imagining America series of free lectures sponsored in part,by Hamilton College.<br />The Imagining America Lecture series alone is worth the price of admission, the fact that it is free will elicit feelings of guilt for anyone in attendance that doesn't give a donation. Where else in Utica can you go and learn about foreign service (espionage) from an expert? Where to get farm fresh local eggs or homemade rootbeer? Why our economy was in danger of collapse?<br />They also host poetry readings, live Improv and are open to just about anything that can help elevate the community conversation. The Other Side is aptly named.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Balkan-Hadley Restaurant Bar (2006-2008 Genesee St.)</strong><br /><br />The Balkan-Hadley Restaurant Bar 315-507-4264<br /><br />The Balkan-Hadley Restaurant Bar is really two restaraunts in one.<br /><strong>The Balkan</strong>, which is open year round for lunch and dinner, is the lower priced more accessible option for the Uptown diner. it has its own menu and all lunches come with soup salads and a basket of bread. They have multiple sandwich options as well; feel free to order anything from grilled to deli style. There are ten dinner options that all come with rice or potato and vegetables. To <em><strong>Gotham City News</strong></em>, a low budget operation, the best thing about the Balkan is price, everything, including Steak Au Poivre is well under twenty bucks.<br /><strong>The Hadley</strong> could be described as the upscale version of The Balkan. Compared with the other businesses in the area they are priced above the market. It has not hurt them, they have a lower priced option right next door under the same roof. Lobster, Rack of Lamb, Grilled Veal Chop and , of course Delmonico Steak compete for popularity amongst the high rollers.<br />Remember to ask about dinner and a movie.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Uptown Theatre (2012 Genesee St.)</strong><br />The Uptown-315-797-0020<br />The Theatre has been given a new lease on life. It is home to video game tournaments live action performances and, of course, movies. Remember to ask them about dinner and a movie.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Green Onion (2014 Genesee St)</strong><br />The Green Onion-202-276-1049<br />The newest addition to The Uptown scene is The Green Onion. On October 22nd they will celebrate their first year. The intimate little Barspace next door to Uptown theate is a departure from the usual Utica drinking experience all the way down to it's real Cork dartboard, well heeled bartenders and really good microbrews.<br /><br />See you Uptown.David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1629697885803683050.post-45081141585010079812010-03-31T08:53:00.002-07:002010-09-20T12:38:31.902-07:00Rome Capitol Theater' s Showing of Birth of A Nation: Educational?At 7:00p.m. on April 17th Rome's Capitol Theatre will be host to a viewing of D.W Griffith's controversial 1915 film: Birth of a Nation.<br />For those of you in the dark, Birth of a Nation, filmed in 1915, is the first epic Blockbuster in American History. Noted by film scholars for it's technical breakthroughs in directing and editing it is equally reviled by civil rights activists and older African Americans for it's stereotypical depictions of Black folks at their worst.<br />Due to the subject matter, centered around the civil war and reconstruction, many consider it a lightning rod for old school southern racist.<br />The images of too dumb to know any better, happy slaves and chicken eating, toe picking black Congessman is just too much for some to handle.<br />Many blame the movie for attributing to a climate of violence during the times (20's). When it was released in 1915 lynchings were on the rise and would eventually reach a statistical peak several years after. The early 20's were also wrought with race riots all over the United States . These were not typical riots. They were attacks on Black communities by armed white people. The theme was always the same, domination of the 'uppity' black community.<br />What gets lost is the subject of the film: Reconstruction. Reconstruction, a few years after the Civil War was the first time Black Americans were on any type of equal footing with white people. Blacks held office taught in schools served as Postmaster, you name it.<br />What happened?<br />The Federal troops left and the dominant planter class, ex-plantation owner waged war with prosperous black ex-slaves to 'set things right'. This began a bloody terroristic campaign that would forever taint the image of The South to African Americans.<br />To racist whites it was called Redemption.<br />It is natural for people who have witnessed the outcomes of these events to feel a little uncomfortable with any imagery that reminds them of the causes.<br />For those lined up in protest against the showing, their reasons are simple.<br />It's racist.<br />"Why now" asks Utica's Loretta Johnson, a longtime member of the NAACP.<br />"Why do they have to show it now? I mean, look at the current climate, people are freaking out over health care and there seems to be an unusual amout of veiled racism". Johnson was reffering to the historic passage of healthcare legislation that has been the source of intense debate for almost a year.<br />"Now that it's over some people are angry, especially around here(Mohawk Valley)".<br />On March 22 a group of African Americans along with mayor James Brown of Rome met to discuss alternatives to showing the film.<br />The group, with the Mayor in agreement, want the showing moved or cancelled.<br />"Cancelling is out of the question, we have put too much into planning this, we have been thoughtful with our planning as well" said Art Pierce the artistic director at Rome Capitol Theatre.<br />Pierce has invited Hamilton College Professor of Film History Scott Macdonald to introduce the film and he has also assembled a multi-cultural panel of Mohawk Valley residents to keep it all in perspective.<br />"We are also going to play a live musical score, the original" Pierce said.<br />Despite his care in planning Pierce said they were unable to reach a compromise.<br />Sharing his emotions Pierce said "I think emotions are high right now, we tried to have discussion but we could not get anywhere...they walked out, a few stayed, but most of them left".<br />Those that stayed were able to share their fears and discuss possibilities. Never the less, Pierce feels he is misunderstood, but sees a positive in establishing a dialog with the Black community in Rome.<br /><br /><strong>Why Now?</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />The Rome Capitol Theatre has been doing a silent film series since 2002. "We have been getting a lot of requests for this film, in fact it is the most requested movie since we started this" Pierce said.<br />One could wonder why this movie? Why do soo many people want to see it.<br />"Well, it is a materpiece" Pierce added.<br />Morbid curiosity? A reminiscence of times past perhaps? Let us all hope it is all about how far we have come from the dark days of ignorance and violence. Let us all hope it is about learning from our mistakes.<br />"It is a racist film" admits Art Pierce, the man responsible for organizing this viewing.<br />"It also has a lot of value as an educational tool"<br />Yeah I agree but we need to know our history before we can learn anything from it.David B. Dancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16076492622244270149noreply@blogger.com0