This week we lost three American Icons....Literally....
Who will ever forget the quote that was so huge it was even placed in a major horror movie created by Stephen King, "HEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEE'SSSSSS JOHNNNY !"
Ed McMahon and his Publisher Clearing House representing-self was the sidekick of the late night host Johnny Carson, who was able to hold his own even after his Tonight Show era was over. In addition, many may remember, he was the host of the "original" American Idol, but back in the day, we called it STAR SEARCH! He was a household name that many people equated to fun, trust, and quality.
Who could ever forget the woman famous for her posters, her smile, and her luxurious blond hair? If you mention Charlie's Angels, Farrah Fawcett is the Angel most people will think of first; but let's not forget the dark drama "THE BURNING BED" which thrust her back into the public eye, after a long hiatus. She had the look of a beauty queen but seemed to exude a personality of someone who was very down-to-earth.
THRILLER, DON'T STOP 'TIL YOU GET ENOUGH, BEAT IT, and countless other songs can only bring one person to mind, Michael Jackson. Who could ever forget his dance moves and his eye-popping videos. Although, controversy seemed to always follow him, people could not deny his talent and star power!
I believe three great American Icons were lost over the past couple of days...you may or may not have agreed with their lifestyles, beliefs, or characterizations, but they all had a great influence on American society during the height of their careers. If nothing else, respect the fact that they worked hard at their crafts and gave people the inspiration to go beyond the norm. May you all REST IN PEACE,
Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson.....
Peace and 1,
J. BLACK
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Saying What You Mean and Meaning What You Say...
"Rusty DePass, a prominent South Carolina GOP activist, is in trouble after describing an escaped gorilla at a South Carolina zoo as an “ancestor” of First Lady Michelle Obama.
The bout of "foot-in-mouth" disease started when Trey Walker, an advisor to S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster, posted a Facebook update about the escape of a Western Lowlands Gorilla from Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo, which occured on Friday.
DePass then replied:
“I’m sure it’s just one of Michelle’s ancestors — probably harmless."
DePass, after facing criticism even from his own party, told WIS-TV:
"I am as sorry as I can be if I offended anyone. The comment was clearly in jest."
- SNAFU-ed....Situation Normal, June 14, 2009
It doesn't shock me that this was an incident that occurred in South Carolina or that it came from a person who has influence and direct access to people in prominent leadership roles; what surprised me is that he put his thoughts on FACEBOOK and thought nothing of it. If technology is a double-edged sword then community websites are the inconspicuously hidden daggers.
Many a job has been lost, relationship has been broken, and friendship has been tested due to PUBLIC comments and pages that many believed were private.
How do you explain those words that have been put out there for ALL to see, whether intentionally or accidentally? The only question that remains is did you MEAN what you posted?
Peace and 1,
- J. BLACK
The bout of "foot-in-mouth" disease started when Trey Walker, an advisor to S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster, posted a Facebook update about the escape of a Western Lowlands Gorilla from Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo, which occured on Friday.
DePass then replied:
“I’m sure it’s just one of Michelle’s ancestors — probably harmless."
DePass, after facing criticism even from his own party, told WIS-TV:
"I am as sorry as I can be if I offended anyone. The comment was clearly in jest."
- SNAFU-ed....Situation Normal, June 14, 2009
It doesn't shock me that this was an incident that occurred in South Carolina or that it came from a person who has influence and direct access to people in prominent leadership roles; what surprised me is that he put his thoughts on FACEBOOK and thought nothing of it. If technology is a double-edged sword then community websites are the inconspicuously hidden daggers.
Many a job has been lost, relationship has been broken, and friendship has been tested due to PUBLIC comments and pages that many believed were private.
How do you explain those words that have been put out there for ALL to see, whether intentionally or accidentally? The only question that remains is did you MEAN what you posted?
Peace and 1,
- J. BLACK
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
RANDOM THOUGHTS FROM MY INTERNET TRAVELS....
Sometimes, as I travel through the "blogosphere", I come across topics that get my passionate nature flowing. I often go through the local blog sites and find topics that make me happy, sad, angry, and excited, (sometimes simultaneously). Either way, I tend to write responses that I feel should be shared with you, my readers. So here are MY random thoughts. ENJOY....
I just want to let everyone know that I have met many who feel as she does and even I had the "college educated and metropolitan-experienced superiority complex" when I first moved to Behthlehem, PA. But 7 years later, I am still in the LV and consider myself fortunate to be here. I also realized that whether you have a doctorate, degree, diploma, certification, or are just a graduate from "the school of hard knocks", we all have to put our pants on one leg at a time.
Honestly, I am just trying to be a peacemaker because with the debt of the city, community organizations losing funding, a mayoral race, and GM tanking, I believe we all should be trying to come together rather than tearing each other apart. That's just my humble opinion though..
I experience intolerance EVERY DAY in the Valley when I read these blogs in the Mcall that do NOT just come Nazareth. I experience it as I walk the streets of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton and I go into their court houses and see every one from the judge to the bailiff to the recorder is White and the only people of color in the whole building are those in shackles and heading up state. I experience it as I walk into the City Halls and go to talk about events and issues and find the leaders of the City, as well as department heads, seem surprised that this young Black man has actually rallied and organized people to do positive projects. Intolerance is not just about racial slurs, white sheets, and swastikas, it's about deliberate non-action. It's about the "ignoring" of a people when you see an OBVIOUS problem. It's about being callous to those who you know need something MORE than welfare and housing, but you just continue to hope the problem disappears and goes away.
And you are right, I am intolerant. I am intolerant of clueless leadership, an assuming public, and people who love to complain and moan but won't step out of their homes and away from the blog world to "make something happen.."
When will Allentown leadership and residents realize that no one is going to be driven away, cleaned out, or transplanted ? We "undesirables" need to be utilized because many of us would rather work than do illegal acivities. Unfortunately, with felony convictions and a lack of education and training, our opportunities are limited and far between; and I'm sorry to say, we refuse to go hungry, let our families go hungry, or even deny ourselves creature comforts, if we know of other ways, whether it is legal or illegal, to make it happen. We aren't telling you to feel sorry for us or even give us welfare, but all of the money being used for Anti-gang Initiatives should be used to create entrepeneurial opportunities and businesses which would be a TRUE Anti-Gang Initiative.
Gangs do inhabit Allentown, as well as persons of color, ex-felons and convicts, young mothers and fathers, those limited in education, and the list goes on and on. THESE are some of the residents of Downtown A-town and many are willing to do constructive and legal work/projects if given the chance. Many have families that they want to support and wish to do tasks that make a decent wage without having to constantly duck, dodge, and look over their shoulders, but if there is nothing out here but hatred, discrimination, naysayers, and government officials overlooking us as if we don't exist, well, then people will do what needs to be done to survive...
FOR THE CITY TO MOVE FORWARD, ALLENTOWN LEADERS NEED TO MEET WITH ALL ALLENTOWN INHABITANTS AND RESIDENTS.
Peace and 1,
- J. BLACK
I just want to let everyone know that I have met many who feel as she does and even I had the "college educated and metropolitan-experienced superiority complex" when I first moved to Behthlehem, PA. But 7 years later, I am still in the LV and consider myself fortunate to be here. I also realized that whether you have a doctorate, degree, diploma, certification, or are just a graduate from "the school of hard knocks", we all have to put our pants on one leg at a time.
Honestly, I am just trying to be a peacemaker because with the debt of the city, community organizations losing funding, a mayoral race, and GM tanking, I believe we all should be trying to come together rather than tearing each other apart. That's just my humble opinion though..
I experience intolerance EVERY DAY in the Valley when I read these blogs in the Mcall that do NOT just come Nazareth. I experience it as I walk the streets of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton and I go into their court houses and see every one from the judge to the bailiff to the recorder is White and the only people of color in the whole building are those in shackles and heading up state. I experience it as I walk into the City Halls and go to talk about events and issues and find the leaders of the City, as well as department heads, seem surprised that this young Black man has actually rallied and organized people to do positive projects. Intolerance is not just about racial slurs, white sheets, and swastikas, it's about deliberate non-action. It's about the "ignoring" of a people when you see an OBVIOUS problem. It's about being callous to those who you know need something MORE than welfare and housing, but you just continue to hope the problem disappears and goes away.
And you are right, I am intolerant. I am intolerant of clueless leadership, an assuming public, and people who love to complain and moan but won't step out of their homes and away from the blog world to "make something happen.."
When will Allentown leadership and residents realize that no one is going to be driven away, cleaned out, or transplanted ? We "undesirables" need to be utilized because many of us would rather work than do illegal acivities. Unfortunately, with felony convictions and a lack of education and training, our opportunities are limited and far between; and I'm sorry to say, we refuse to go hungry, let our families go hungry, or even deny ourselves creature comforts, if we know of other ways, whether it is legal or illegal, to make it happen. We aren't telling you to feel sorry for us or even give us welfare, but all of the money being used for Anti-gang Initiatives should be used to create entrepeneurial opportunities and businesses which would be a TRUE Anti-Gang Initiative.
Gangs do inhabit Allentown, as well as persons of color, ex-felons and convicts, young mothers and fathers, those limited in education, and the list goes on and on. THESE are some of the residents of Downtown A-town and many are willing to do constructive and legal work/projects if given the chance. Many have families that they want to support and wish to do tasks that make a decent wage without having to constantly duck, dodge, and look over their shoulders, but if there is nothing out here but hatred, discrimination, naysayers, and government officials overlooking us as if we don't exist, well, then people will do what needs to be done to survive...
FOR THE CITY TO MOVE FORWARD, ALLENTOWN LEADERS NEED TO MEET WITH ALL ALLENTOWN INHABITANTS AND RESIDENTS.
Peace and 1,
- J. BLACK
Thursday, June 4, 2009
"HAMILTON FOR RENT" opens TODAY !!!
"Artists Making Use of Vacant Storefronts in Downtown Allentown - “HAMILTON FOR RENT” exhibit starting June 5
A handful of Allentown-based artists will be exhibiting their work in the vacant storefront windows along the 900 block of Hamilton Street beginning Friday evening.
This impromptu show is made up of six artists and features a variety of work including sculpture, wood carvings, street theatre puppets, mechanical animation and collage.
The exhibit shares the artists’ aspirations for downtown Allentown, which includes, of course, a thriving arts district.
This impromptu show is a unique collaboration between downtown realtor, Ron Coleman, and area artists. The show is symbiotic in that it gives the artists an opportunity to share their work with the public, while garnering attention for the vacant buildings that could hopefully result in them being profitably leased.
The show will be installed on Friday, June 5 at 3pm to 5pm and remain on public display for an indefinite time.
Artists featured in “Hamilton For Rent” include:
“Yodi” Duane Vaden – sculptor, street theatre performer, painter, etc.
Gregory Coates - sculptor/painter
Wilhelm Schmidt – wood carver
Sarah Fulton – writer/filmmaker
Matt Lewis - filmmaker
Ryan Fulton - painter
Press Contact: chenarts.info@gmail.com for more information or call “Yodi” Duane Vaden at daven27@hotmail.com."
- Yodi Duane Vaden - local artist
My good friend, Yodi, brought this "urban art exhibit" to my attention and I realized this was a GREAT idea! Not only will it improve the look of empty store fronts but it will expose those who pass by to beautiful art work they may never have had a chance to see.
Making something out of nothing to create something innovative, purposeful, and beautiful, is the way to go in A-town. Let's all be creative and push Allentown, PA forward....
- J. BLACK
www.5minutes2shine.blogspot.com
A handful of Allentown-based artists will be exhibiting their work in the vacant storefront windows along the 900 block of Hamilton Street beginning Friday evening.
This impromptu show is made up of six artists and features a variety of work including sculpture, wood carvings, street theatre puppets, mechanical animation and collage.
The exhibit shares the artists’ aspirations for downtown Allentown, which includes, of course, a thriving arts district.
This impromptu show is a unique collaboration between downtown realtor, Ron Coleman, and area artists. The show is symbiotic in that it gives the artists an opportunity to share their work with the public, while garnering attention for the vacant buildings that could hopefully result in them being profitably leased.
The show will be installed on Friday, June 5 at 3pm to 5pm and remain on public display for an indefinite time.
Artists featured in “Hamilton For Rent” include:
“Yodi” Duane Vaden – sculptor, street theatre performer, painter, etc.
Gregory Coates - sculptor/painter
Wilhelm Schmidt – wood carver
Sarah Fulton – writer/filmmaker
Matt Lewis - filmmaker
Ryan Fulton - painter
Press Contact: chenarts.info@gmail.com for more information or call “Yodi” Duane Vaden at daven27@hotmail.com."
- Yodi Duane Vaden - local artist
My good friend, Yodi, brought this "urban art exhibit" to my attention and I realized this was a GREAT idea! Not only will it improve the look of empty store fronts but it will expose those who pass by to beautiful art work they may never have had a chance to see.
Making something out of nothing to create something innovative, purposeful, and beautiful, is the way to go in A-town. Let's all be creative and push Allentown, PA forward....
- J. BLACK
www.5minutes2shine.blogspot.com
I'M NOT A BUSINESS MAN, I'M A BUSINESS, MAN !"
"In the vicinity of the Fabulous Renaissance Plaza at 9th and Hamilton, we have two more victims of the renaissance. Spooner's Cafe on Hamilton, and the new Crave Lounge have both closed, apparently unable to make a profit from the rebirth-ed downtown of the Pawlowski Administration. How will Pawlowski spin this one? They went the way of the New York Floral, so it is good news for the city, making way for new business in the blossoming metropolis?
Now I need to find a new place for lunch, as these were my favorites.
What is left downtown? No one knows, because everyone has abandoned the place. I predict PPL is the next to go, when their free ride on taxes goes away.
There is a Pawlowski sponsored Arts Organization (is that a contradiction in terms?)trying to start up on the other side of 9th. Of course, not in the Arts Walk area. No arts orgs want to go there. Even the City has given up on the concept after spending boku bucks to create it."
- posted by DJ MENACE
My good friend, DJ Menace, posted the previous blog and while I am very hesitant to take sides and point the finger of blame at anyone, he does make a valid point. What is the City doing about all of these vanishing businesses?
It seems the crusade to rid A-town of "trouble spots" has gone awry and backfired!
There have been alot of businesses that have closed up shop in the past year and very few, if any, have been replaced. The scary part is that small businesses are the very "blood" that is keeping downtown Allentown surviving.
I mean, between LANTA moving the bus stops off of Hamilton Street and the City going after and closing night spots/bars, it almost seems conspiracy-like.
If the master plan was to get rid of alot of the so-called "undesirable merchants", it seems to be working but unfortunately, many of the "desired" ones are being sacrificed, as well.
Peace and 1,
- J. BLACK
Now I need to find a new place for lunch, as these were my favorites.
What is left downtown? No one knows, because everyone has abandoned the place. I predict PPL is the next to go, when their free ride on taxes goes away.
There is a Pawlowski sponsored Arts Organization (is that a contradiction in terms?)trying to start up on the other side of 9th. Of course, not in the Arts Walk area. No arts orgs want to go there. Even the City has given up on the concept after spending boku bucks to create it."
- posted by DJ MENACE
My good friend, DJ Menace, posted the previous blog and while I am very hesitant to take sides and point the finger of blame at anyone, he does make a valid point. What is the City doing about all of these vanishing businesses?
It seems the crusade to rid A-town of "trouble spots" has gone awry and backfired!
There have been alot of businesses that have closed up shop in the past year and very few, if any, have been replaced. The scary part is that small businesses are the very "blood" that is keeping downtown Allentown surviving.
I mean, between LANTA moving the bus stops off of Hamilton Street and the City going after and closing night spots/bars, it almost seems conspiracy-like.
If the master plan was to get rid of alot of the so-called "undesirable merchants", it seems to be working but unfortunately, many of the "desired" ones are being sacrificed, as well.
Peace and 1,
- J. BLACK
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