September 29, 2009
Commentary, Current Affairs, Economy, Media
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Living in southern (central) NH, the Merrimack Valley, has meant one or more of three papers—the pompous Goliath Union Leader, the leftist Concord Monitor, and the blue collar Telegraph (from Nashua). Since forever I have found the daily dose of news a staple of daily routine.
As we all know, the Internet has done some great damage. And the economy has pulled down heavily on the described dailys. How bad? Except for the Telegraph I have first hand experience. Here’s the rub, salt rub for those taking notes.
The Telegraph: Known for its hefty physique and a loyal local readership, the Telegraph has become a shadow of itself. Old subscribers have died off and new ones have “gone online”. This, with a bad economy, (and a shrinking advertisement pool) has made the Telegraph wispy and weak. The pathetic state of the paper only adds to the defection of readers. Why pay full freight for a skimpy paper—especially in such difficult times. The options are few and all bad—raise newsstand price, add value to the paper, or a combination.
Raising prices can be very risky. It could be poison. Adding value (or paying to bring it up to its former level of standard) might work. But it might be too little too late–running against the tide (whirlpool?) is difficult in the best fo times. In this atmosphere, an all or nothing dice throw.
Heading north the Union Leader has gone from NH’s queen to a princess without consorts. Part of being Number 1 is staying Number 1. Unfortunately (for the Union Leader) and fortunately for the rest of us, the Hippo press consortium has taken some wind out of the sails of the Union Leader. This has been done gradually. Also the readership has lightened. Add some other factors–poor economy and the Internet–outside their control, with some goofball policy changes (the TV weekly switcheroo being the bumblefumble of note), and the Union Leader looks more and more like a dinosaur at a Tupperware party.
Where is the evidence? With increasing and deepening frequency, the Union Leader has dedicated editorial space to editorials best put as “won’t you love my newspaper (and the newspaper industry) as I do, please, pretty please”.
OK put what you want there (instead of subjects like health care, the economy, etc). But pleading is a manifestation of desperation. I can offer no solution (and that goes for the others). You are in a capitalistic nutcracker.
I give the Concord Monitor credit for the way they have faced their “difficulties”. In many ways they fight the same battle as the Union Leader and Telegraph. The Monitor and The Telegraphhave a smaller pool to drown in. Both are regionals versus the statewide Union Leader.
The Concord Monitor boldly (and perhaps stupidly–jury is still out) raised their daily rates from $.50 to $.75. Again a ballsy move. The Monitor also threw a week’s worth of complementary papers on my driveway. Again good try—but done within a terrible recession—-probably not worth the effort. Last week the Monitor set up a table in front of Border’s in Concord. The handwritten (on cardboard) sign offered “Free Newspaper, Free Month Delivered, Free Online (the last one I am less sure of)”. The pleasant enough guy at the table tried to get me to sign up. I just took the paper. Again the Monitor has tried freebies and gimmicks. I can’t imagine they have made much progress—but I sense the Monitor has, of the three, inched forward at least.
As I see it, the Telegraph is in a virtual coma. The Union Leader preaches to an aging choir (and praying that the Hippo buys your blabbering butt). And finally the Concord Monitor faces a glorious and gallant end (happily bathing with the Hippo in some journalistic pastel colored fantasy world). Either way don’t forget to take your meds.
Good luck to all of you. Your public service has been crucial. Unfortunately your typeset and paper has been beaten senseless by a bunch of electrified ones and zeros. Hey you get to write your own obits. Cool.
September 24, 2009
Books, Economy
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Used books, especially history books, never go bad. On Elm Street, in downtown Manchester NH there is an itsy bitsy teenie weenie used bookstore called Lee’s Spot. It has been around forever and even the music played on the little radio is WFEA–the nostalgia station, also a landmark in Manchester. The place is claustrophobic, two parallel aisles with books, books, books, and books. I sued to work a few blocks away and spent many a lunch break browsing for history books. The prices are in the under $10 range for the most part. Browsing can be tight as space is limited and only a few visitors can elbow and jowl the experience.
September 22, 2009
Food, Mature ADULTS ONLY
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This is the first beer review. I put this in the adult/mature category simply for the drinking age issue. Responsibility matters here.
First a plug for Barb’s Beer Emporiumin Concord NH. They specialize in a diverse selection of beers. Sold individually or the more popular six mix pack. So those who like variety vs. quantity, rack em’ up.
Another note, I was late in getting into drinking. Even at college where beer and such was cheap, easy and come 1984, legal, I could not get into it. Even having a brother a Frat Prez could not convert me. Of course most beer was lager, soda with a hangover. I’ll pass.
Things turned differently in Costa Rica, Peace Corps country. Beer drinking was practical, official, part of the job description and better than the water.
Since then I have enjoyed drinking for the taste, flavor, the unique character.
Monty Python’s Holy Grail Ale joins that line-up. The bottle labeling is typical Python–snide, cutesy, in your face smart alacky.
This Black Sheep Brewery ale (“tempered with witches”) is fruity, slightly acid yet well balanced. I found the ale refreshing without being heavy. Much like the troupe, this ale has plenty to offer with the Spam Spam Spam Spam Spam.
September 20, 2009
Sports
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I am not much of a team sportsman. I like watching, not playing. Having gone to Dartmouth football games since I was a wee one (mid-1960s), I never tired of the fall sky, the fresh air and the roar of the game. Never mind I went to UNH, Dartmouth was (and is) a part of fall in NH. Of course most of the old guard has passed on or moved so I found myself alone on Saturday the 19th, 2009.
2008 was a terrible year for Dartmouth football. They could not win a game. And in the case of UNH v. Dartmouth it was team manslaughter. Coach Buddy Teevens decided at the end of last season to make his players have an “on season” focus off season. This meant more time in the workout room and little things that mean a lot come kickoff.
Then comes home and season opener. The day is pure fall beautiful: sunny and warm with a light cooling northwest wind. The Colgate crowd has arrived and Dartmouth’s president Kim is in the stands. Let’s rock.
From the outset Dartmouth showed some mettle. In a seesaw battle Colgate and Dartmouth scrambled (and fumbled) for the ball. Dartmouth took a blocked field goal to a two point conversion. But outside of a solid defense in the first half, Dartmouth offense was sporadic, especially the always iffy throwing game.
Come the second half, Dartmouth’s offense, despite sweat and effort, moped along, unable to best Colgate’s efforts. In defense, Dartmouth crumbled like a cookie. Colgate did manage some deep aerial penetration which Dartmouth cold not match.
And yet Dartmouth’s place kicking game was fantastic, easily outdoing Colgate. Unfortunately building a game plan on field goals, extra points, and punts is hardly realistic.
Happily, despite getting smashed 34-15, Dartmouth football was batter than last year. Of course going from an “F” game to a “D” to “D+” game is relative. Colgate played a clumsy “C” to “C+” game; enough to take down Dartmouth, but not more than a starting point.
Next week Dartmouth faces UNH. By all accounts (and recent history) one may think that the meeting will be a Davy and Goliath affair. Even the Masters of Realm (Patriots during a Superbowl) can have bad days. At least Dartmouth (and Teevens) are showing improvement and potential.
My advice: work on your running game offensively and defensively take on UNH’s breakthrough aerial offense.
Finally, there was a factor in this last game that neither Dartmouth nor Colgate could control—officiating. As clumsy and unccordinated the game playing was, the officiating looked, to eyes in the stands, equally, if not more, distracted and discombobulated. Not that the officals did not call fouls, delays of game, etc. But it seemed they missed (overlooked?) a whole gameful of such things. I don’t think better officiating would have helped Dartmouth. Both Dartmouth and Colgate made plenty of errors. But the season is still young and everyone is getting back into their groove. For Dartmouth that means NOW.
September 17, 2009
Books
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Locally we have a Swapshop at the town “dump”. There you can drop-off (leave) stuff and grab stuff you like. Among the goodies found are books. It is matter of luck, fortune, and timing. The other day I found a nice tome by Paula Mitchell Marks. She wrote a book called In a Barren Land: The American Indian Quest for Cultural Survival, 1607 to the Present.
This book greatly informs about the perennially ignored story of the struggle of the natives. Even though the shooting stopped at Wounded Knee, the natives had to fight battles in the courtroom and in council meetings. Those who question the competency and sincerity of the government will find food for thought.
September 10, 2009
Economy
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As mentioned in a recent post (Market Daze), I mentioned that Market Basket was a basic, blue collar market. To prove me wrong, Market Basket changed their usual paper print flyer to a more glossy, deeper colored Labor Day version. Special occasions do call for such things. I don’t mind them doing this once in a while. I won’t be happy having Market Basket becoming yuppified.
September 6, 2009
Geography, Lists
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As a kid I got to travel a fair amount. As an adult I traveled too. Among the places I have seen I have compiled a list of Memorable Places USA
Greeley Park (Nashua, NH): It was mybackyard’s backyard, literally out my backdoor. A city park it stretched from Manchester to the railroad tracks. There were tennis courts, ball fields, pools, slides, and outdoor gym equipment including some very serious swings. The toilets were in a stone fortress (where many a wedding took place). There were fields and woodlands, ice cream trucks and special events. Few things were’nt done there (from the sublume to the foolish). From weed to adult mags, to used sterno and lost frisbees, one never knew what could be found there. God bless the Drunken Bugle Corps and all who wail on her.
St. Croix River (Maine/New Brunswick border): This goes back to summer of 80 or 81. My brother had taken a two week canoe trip with Maine Wilderness and had a great time. I naturally followed the next year. But instead of sun and fun I got cold, wet rain, day after dreary day. With the movie Deliverance on my mind I went deeper into the Maine wilderness. I did not get along with my fellow travelers. The blueberry pancake mix had artifical blueberries (in Maine!!!!!!!), and yeah I got dunked into the chilly Croix. The worst and most memorable was getting shot at from the Maine side by some nut jobs. Not only was I now a member of the Spent Cartridge Club, but I was convinced I would never see NH again.
Camp Coniston (Grantham, NH): God’s gift to the YMCA. A family icon since the late 60’s, Coniston was and is a playground and a garden of Eden for the pure, wholesome growth of kids to adults.
LAX (Los Angeles, California): Yeah an international airport. Take-off point for two trips to Asia and site for a most restless overnight, I appreciate it for what it was and why its there. Life was sure different pre-9/11. Spend a night camped out in the International Terminal. I don’t think so–but then again I have not checked “Airport Camping” since before 9/11.
Dinosaur World (Eureka Springs, Ark): Home also to a 200 foot Jesus, the cement jurassics were more to my liking. Back in thw 70’s my Dad and Grandma took me to this park where half a dozen life size and painted giants dotted the landscape. Cool, real cool. Prett tame by today’s snooty standards. School chums thought I must be have been working the sterno. But nope. No dope.
Farragut North (Washington, DC): Great a Metro stop. How profound. Well back in the summer of 83 it was where the day began and ended. I was a fresh faced, naive knitwit from NH “interning” on Capitol Hill. Despite a flawless character, I was more of a drag then an asset. I pined for lost love and to this Farragut North was the summer’s epicenter for the good, bad, and unforgettable of the Summer of 1983.
Union Building (Madison, Wisconsin): Summer of 1986. UNH was past tense. India lay ahead. And Madison lay between. Living (and learning) in the nation’s heartland I loved the Union Building for beer, brats, popcorn, and pop rock. I may not have quite mastered Telugu, but I got a good dose of CSN & Y and Bucky Badger yogurt.
U Wisconsin Madison Library (Madison, Wisconsin): Site of the most serendipidous event yet recorded. I only went there once, but obce was enough. I ran into one Ramesh Polisetty. He had just graduated from UWM and was starting a job soon in Nashua, NH, my hometown. I had just been graduated and after Madsion I was headed to Vizakhapatnam his “hometown” (his dad was in the railroad business so he moved often). Once we got over the mutual incredolouslessness, we decided to plan on meeting each other’s family. So it was and so it became. And to this day we are still friends.
Coca-Cola Museum (Atlanta, GA): If ever there was a temple to commerce this place gets my vote. Not only is the process and history laid out, but there is a tandem room for sampling the elixir. Cripes did I drink myself silly. My host Cody can attest to my “altered state”. If the South ever wants a rematch om the Civil War, I know who will win in the soda refreshments category. Not that I am a pimp for corporate America, but CC puts on a good show.
Andover Inn (Andover, MA): Mein Got! What a spread. Went there for a wedding (David/Carolynn) and left with a whole new attitude. This locale has a claim to fame that puts other to shame. Andover Inn is the only place in New England that serves rijstafel. Rijstafel is an Indo-Dutch buffet that defies the senses. Course after course comes coursing thru. Beer and rice are the pillars between which they run. Hot, spicy, sweet, cool, tender, hard, tart, tangy. That is rijstafel and only (I mean ONLY) at the Andover Inn. Rijstafel may not be for the meat and potato crowd.
POW Museum (Sumter, GA): Pretty sober place. I visited it soon after opening. Hometown targeted history museum where we see how our boys and girls suffered under the care of our enemies. Most powerful peice was the stockade for Andersonville. Life was tough as a rule back then. But add cruel imprisonment and uckkk!
Memorial Field (Hanover, NH): Where Dartmouth football plys its trade. Since I was a little one, the family ventured there to see Dad’s college team go at it. Back in the day we’d tailgate. And there was the post game party. We’d take our seats in the “balcony” section where fall in the Upper Valley was to be marveled at. To this day, we of the Johnson Horton clan make the journey.
Golden Dragon/Kahala (Nashua, NH): The Dragon was the original “Chinese” restaurant in my eyes. It was the only place downtown I could get a PuPu Platter. It was also were I saw my first bar fight and got propositioned by a whore. The Dragon is timeless.
The Kahala was the standard “family” Chinese restaurant in 1970’s/80’s Nashua. Mai Tai, Moo Shoo, and Dragon Lady crept into the vocabulary because of the Kahala.
Spring Street Junior High (Nashua, NH): Yes there was Mt. Prison (Mount Pleasant) Elementary School. But Spring Street (aka was truly the melting pot of Nashua youth. We were tough, sophisticated, and squeezed between a funeral home and a post office (and fronting a Catholic Church). We were cool and hip and ate our lunchs in a basement bomb shelter. We had a tunnel to link the two buildings (Quincy and Spring Street or Main). Our teachers went by the names of Crawford, Dube, Sinkavich, Axton, and Minichiello. We were right downtown with Super Sub, Crosby’s Bakery, and The Library within easy reach. It was a big jump to cross the Nashua river from the wealthy North End. They tore the place down, every stinkin brick.
Every stinkin brick.
Honorable Mentions:
Alex Shoes, Wingate Pharmacy, King Ridge Ski Area, Indian Head Ski Area, Blanchard Hill Ski Area, Portland Harbor, Martha’s Vinyard, James Hall, Camp Sargent, Nashua Country Club, Nashua Mall, Royal Ridge Mall,
September 6, 2009
Corrections
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New blog. Messy. Couple of errors–got Michael Jackson’s Birthday wrong, he’d be 51 not 50.
Also under Market Daze, I mentioned a market in Nashua. It should be 20th Century not 21st Century. I think it was on High Street and might currently be a Salvation Army.
So much for doing my own stunts.
September 3, 2009
Economy, Food
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I go to Burger King (in Concord, NH) once in a while. I am particular to their breakfast menu. But one can’t help noticing their paper place mats.
The last trip I noticed they were on a “C’mon Get Angry!” campaign. They pushed the “Angry!” onions and “Angry!” sauce for Whopper, Tendercrisp and Chicken Sandwiches. Fair enough I guess. But “Angry!”–isn’t there enough anger in the air. Advertise, by all means. But Angry!–yeah I am not hip, not even close. But I’d suggest “royal”, “rockin”, “spicy as your tastes”. Just don’t be—Angry! Please.
September 3, 2009
Environment
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September is still new. But the leaves are already turning. One landed on my front stoop, all red and quite dead. Fall is falling. Dress appropriately.
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