Ithaca Freeskool

One of my politics professors brought to my attention a local organization called the Ithaca Freeskool.  It’s a program that allows individuals to showcase their talents and teach them to others, no teaching degree necessary.  Classes range from “Basic Clothing Repair,” “D.I.Y. Movie-Making II,” and “Current Issues in Health Care Reform.”  There is no need for a long-term commitment, you can simply show up to one of these classes and you are not obligated to stay or contribute any money.

This is an organization that challenges the conventional system of education by offering practical teaching methods without a need for cost.  In many ways it resembles Marxist ideas of community and joint decision-making.   Of course, the downside is that anyone can teach a course, and so the quality of the teaching is debatable.  Nevertheless, it should make Ithaca College and Cornell students ponder why they’re paying so much for education.

Even the name itself implies challenge to convention with the intentional spelling of the word “skool.” The fact that so many of the courses are practical sets it apart from any education system, which should make it more appealing to students who don’t know how to change the oil in their car.

His Holiness Finds Home in Ithaca

Several years ago, the Dalai Lama came to speak at Ithaca College.  Unfortunately, it was before my time.  However, it certainly won’t be his last appearance in Ithaca, NY, for there is a Buddhist community alive and well here.  You can check out Snow Lion Publications, a local store specializing in books on Buddhist and Tibetan practice.  The Namgyal Monastrey is located right in downtown Ithaca.  It is the North American Seat of the Personal Monastrey of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Why has His Holiness picked Ithaca as his North American retreat?  Apparently there is something about our town that embraces Tibetan culture. The Monastery is also currently building a new facility for teaching, housing and retreats called the Dü Khor Choe Ling.  This will be the new location of the monastery once it has been completed.  Construction is on progress just up the road from the college.  Next time you’re driving on Danby, notice the sign for “Tibet Rd,” and you’ll see the colorful construction taking place.

Hair Stylist Fired For Not Selling Enough Shampoo

On a bitter cold Saturday in mid-February, Ithaca residents rallied outside Costcutters, a hair salon on 722 South Meadow St, to protest the firing of hair stylist Amber Little.  The majority of the protesters were representing the Tompkins County Workers’ Center, though many people stopped by and many cars honked to show their support.  Citizens also expressed their discontent with the anti-union practices of the Regis Corporation, which owns Costcutters.  I was on the scene:

More information can be found on the Tompkins County Workers’ Center website.

The Ithaca Journal also covered this story.  Check out the article here.  There is a link to pictopia.com underneath a photo asking if you want to “purchase this photo.”  As a disclaimer, I won’t ever ask you to purchase the photos I post on this blog.

This Photo Is Free

This story is still developing.  Keep it locked!

Observing Wal-Mart – A Consumer’s Playground

Outside, trash cans are packed full of happy meals, soft drinks and fast food items.  Misplaced shopping carts lie scattered across the concrete plain.  The bitter cold weather has not deterred anyone from having a cigarette.  Blue-shirted employees come equipped with clipboards, walkie-talkies, and name tags to give themselves identity.

On a Saturday afternoon, Wal-Mart is an active breeding ground for restless shoppers intent on encountering unbeatable prices, assuming they make it past the greeters.  Rarely is there ever one store where someone can have fingernails polished, hair trimmed, pictures taken, eyes examined and bellies filled.

“Jon, come here!” his wife hollers.  She has found a column of eight shelves devoted entirely to Lysol disinfectant spray cans, which are assorted in many different shapes and colors.  Jon studies each one carefully, as if the can he chooses will .  Just around the corner are Ziploc bags, which also come in a large variety of shapes and sizes.   An old woman with matching bandages on her cheeks speaks quietly to herself.  Sarah Palin’s Going Rogue is on display in the noticeably thin aisle of books, which incidentally is located right next to the much more abundant video game section.  One lucky kid clad entirely in camouflage gets a shooting game compliments of his loving mother.  Playing throughout the store are Wal-Mart TV Network televisions displaying a continuous loop of advertised products.  At the tire & lube express section, blue-collar employees work to the sounds of country music.  The Lynn Anderson song “Big Girls Don’t Cry” plays on the radio.

Wal-Mart is the Ithaca you don’t see walking the streets.  Not every Ithacan boasts buying only organic products, shopping locally, and   Not everyone has the wallet for that.  Here, people find a place that suits their family’s needs and provides a source of comfort not found in the small boutiques of the Commons.

Thank you for choosing Ithaca Wal-Mart.

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Unique Spots in Charming Ithaca, New York on Dipity.

Henry Rollins – An American Cultural Icon To Speak in Ithaca

From being a teenage outcast, to college dropout, to Haagen-Dazs vendor, to replacing the lead singer in an anarchist hardcore punk rock band, Henry Rollins has seen more shit than a cattle rancher.  And he’s coming to Ithaca.

Now Rollins, who is currently the host of the successful Henry Rollins Show which airs on the Independent Film Channel, is bringing his words of wisdom and rage to Castaways on March 28th.  Rollins first hit the spotlight when he became the lead singer of Black Flag, and later his own Rollins Band.  He is known for his outspoken rhetoric on anything from President Bush, to techno music, to pop culture at large.

Growing up neglected and poor, Rollins does not look fondly back at his childhood.  He vindicated his teenage angst by lifting heavy weights in high school and eventually releasing his rage on fans across the nation with Black Flag.  He has spoken to U.S. troops as part of a USO comedy tour and has brought his stand-up routine to cities all over America.  Whether you’re a lover of music or a hater of government, Rollins is sure to please you (or offend you).

BE AFRAID ITHACA!!!

Providence Hobbies

Downtown Ithaca is known for its variety of eccentric shops located in and around the Commons.  From Evolution to Diaspora to Adult World, the city is willing to accept almost any type of boutique, no matter how strange the product.  A little-known homegrown shop known as Providence Hobbies can also be found amidst the bundle of novelty shops.

A store which specializes in hobbies ranging from RC cars to motorized planes to Magic Card Tournaments to all types of strategy games, it attracts everyone from young kids to model aircraft builders.  In addition to just selling merchandise, the store also holds tournaments on the weekends, which also serves as a way of meeting new people.

“It’s a community event,” explains Jeffrey, “that’s really what we’re about.”

Several months ago, Jeffrey Witty, owner of Providence Hobbies, had his store closed down by the state of New York because he was unable to pay the taxes to keep the store going.  “I had begun making arrangements for the next stage in my life,” he said, “I thought it was over.”  To his great surprise, his customers began donating money into the PayPal account without him even asking.  Eventually, enough money was gathered to get the store running again.

“I didn’t ask for it, but I’m very grateful,” he said.

The store is located on 308 E. Seneca St.  You can also become a fan of them on facebook.

Great Moments in Hip-Hop History

On July 3rd, 2001, Lil’ Romeo released his geniously titled first album, Lil’ Romeo. With this mindblowing collection of 18 inspirational tracks, Lil’ Romeo undoubtedly changed the face of music. Forever.

His hit single, “My Baby” is a song that really speaks to me. Romeo expertly raps: I’m a little boy, but live a big man’s life. Got girls passin’ up wanna be my wife. Got grown women wanting be in my life. By the time I’m 18, I’m not gon be nothin’ nice.

Nothing this poignant has been heard in music since Mozart. And like Mozart, Lil’ Romeo entered the realm of music at a young age. A dazzling child prodigy, his first album was released just short of his twelfth birthday. At the tender age of 11, Romeo was already deeply experienced in dating matters and clearly jaded from the experience. “I don’t need a girlfriend,” he sings as “lil mami’s” pester him for his love.

Ladies, please! You think you can handle Lil’ Romeo!? No one can handle that shit. The best part of the song is its catchy, upbeat background riff. I’ve never heard anything like this before. Which is why, eight years later, I write about this life changing piece, “My Baby.” A timeless symphony.

Hey wuz happenin’?

Check out ten of Ithaca, New York’s best and most unique (in our opinion) shops, boutiques, restaurants, and more. Whether you’re looking for food, fashion, a steamy cup of coffee, or a good book to curl up with, we’ve got it covered.

Bird-Watching in Ithaca

Over the weekend, I had the pleasure of spending a Sunday afternoon bird-watching at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.  If you don’t know what ornithology is, it’s the study of birds.  I know, bird-watching sounds kind of lame, but it’s a rewarding journey for anyone who enjoys being immersed in the peaceful serenity of nature and natural beauty.  If you don’t like bird-watching, you can just sit and chill by the pond and watch the muskrats float by.  And if you don’t like the woods, you can stay inside the lab and sit on wooden chairs and observe the patterns of the birds through high-powered lenses (pictured below).  The lab is located in scenic Sapsucker Woods, just off Route 13 by the Ithaca Airport.  While I was there, I was surprised at the number of bird species I was able to spot: a yellow warbler, a titmouse, and the native yellow-bellied sapsucker.

A bridge runs through Sapsucker Woods, located near the Ithaca Airport.

Inside the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Here lies a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, home to the Sapsucker Woods.

The best part about it is that it’s completely FREE.  In fact, they allow you to rent out a pair of expensive binoculars, and all they ask is for your name and number.  I probably could have ran away with them if I wanted to, but they’re good people.  Here is a link for directions if you are actually interested.  The best time to go is just before sunrise and just before sunset.

WATCH OUT FOR THOSE BIRDS!!!