release the hounds!

feel like it's time to bombard the midwest with our thoughts?

GLUEspace has some ideas how:

"If you agree that it’s been way too long since our nation had a plan for fixing our cities’ problems, you could make your voice heard, by either: (1) writing to the presidential frontrunner of your choice, or (2) writing to the editor of your local paper. Below are some samples that you could follow (See full list of Great Lakes papers with links to editorial/letters pages below). Just some ideas to get you going."

more here.

Also, props to Abby for making it into Newsweek this week. Read more here.

accent on youngstown

The Accent Media Matters blog presents a new project:

"My next big announcement, is our new Accent Media webcast called, Accent on Youngstown. We have been thinking about putting together a :30 minute television show or infomercial for a couple of months, and have decided to test the waters with a :10 minute webcast on our website, blog and MySpace pages.

We will be starting out with at least a bi-weekly pre-recorded webcast, and possibly weekly depending on our workload. We will playing around with the format the first few weeks to see how it best works for us. The plan is to get into a groove to tape segments at our studio on Wednesdays, and have the webcast up by Thursday evening or Friday morning."

read more on their project here.

YR's experience last night

Youngtown Renaissance reviews his thoughts on a community meeting last night, but first reflects on being quoted in the local newpaper:

"I feel like I have something clever to say, but it never quite comes out quite like I think I said it."

I keep wondering how frustrating it must be for public officals to open their paper the next day after a big story to see their main taking points slightly altered. They must be wanting to get across a message, and to have it amended (not amended maliciously however) has to be rough.

Anyway, back to his blog:

"Now, to the meat of last night's discussions. First, we'd like to thank those who attended. It was a real success, not only because gatherings like this can so easily devolve into bitch sessions. Everyone brought constructive insights and experiences to share and respectfully shared the floor with others. There were representatives of city government, law enforcement, criminal justice, public education, newspaper journalism, as well as humble rank-and-file citizens (including me)."

"There are plenty of logistical questions to be answered. It will take time to work up to the successful framework that will support this. I don't know who will support it and how. I don't know what the right size is, and that will probably vary depending on location; the size of a cell on the north side will be different than on the south side or east side. But we've got to organize, with the help of every official and unofficial body that is willing to participate.

It's going to take every block, every school, every church, every community center, every hospital, every business, every civic organization, every non-profit organization, every arts organization, every book club, every sentient individual. As part of our basic modus operandus, we must commit to opposing criminal and violent acts. We walk together at scheduled times, we own the streets, we're visible, we see each other, we talk to each other, we meet regularly, you know my name, and I know yours."

More great thoughts on this topic here.

accent-uating the positive

Accent Media looks back at their 2007:

"Of course the biggest thing for Accent Media, was our move to Downtown Youngstown.

. . . The 4,500 available square feet was perfect for growing into. We could use half of it immediahttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.giftely, and have first option on the second half as soon as we were ready. No walls would have to be moved, there was a sound room and a special effects room and a full studio all just waiting to be used. Three months of hard labor later, painting, decorating, moving equipment in, etc., we proudly held our Open House on Thursday, August 16th with none other than Rick and Mary Jo singing for us as we invited 300 of our friends and neighbors to check out the new spot. We love showing off the place and giving tours, so if you haven't had a chance to stop by, just give me a call and I will take you on a personal guided tour."

You can read more details about finding a place in downtown youngstown here.

news: 04 Dec 2007

MAYNSTREAM Launches New Magazine

review of red carpet party at B&O Station downtown for new Youngstown music magazine

Youngstown Magic Sends Ohio State to the BCS

Youngstown's Bob Stoops, head coach of Oklahoma, kicked Missouri's butt to send OSU to the Championship.

Youngstown's Jim Tressel, head coach of Ohio State, will be going to New Orleans as #1 in the country.

Youngstown's Bo Pellini, now at LSU and new head coach for Nebraska, should just leave the South now and get busy with the Cornhuskers.

Youngstown's Mark Mangino, head coach of Kansas, can be proud of reaching the #2 ranking this season.

All of these men, who so impacted 1-A football this season, have one thing in common . . .

news: 03 Dec 2007

Mahoning County CVB Steps It Up

A new group has been organized by the Mahoning County Convention and Visitor's Bureau called the Valley Volunteer Corps.

They are looking for volunteers for the Summer Festival of the Arts, held at Youngstown State University in early July; the annual PONY softball tournaments; and guides for tour buses.

To volunteer, call (330) 740-2130.

The group is also creating three local advisory councils to find out how hotels, restaurants, and attractions can use the bureau to promots their industry.

community networked volunteerism => a stronger Yo

WYTV's Trabert heading Back to Wichita

Consolidation is forcing the author of this report away from the Yo.

Will WYTV continue to maintain the progressive causes that made them a better media company, even as their management structure changes?

With work like this, many would argue they set the standard for other television stations in the Mahoning Valley.

And no more "We the People" on weekdays.

Vince, we hardly knew Ye.