A Night of Noise and Groovy Music

Last night I ventured to Cornell University to watch my friend’s band “The Gummy Bears” perform for the first time in public. I saw my friend Emily before she went on stage. Bright blue tights and costume jewelry, she was looking like a rock star. I’ve been to my fair of concerts but I don’t have many friends who are in a band. There is something about watching someone close to you perform on stage that gives you an overwhelming sense of respect and appreciation for what they do. Hearing Emily sing comes with the territory of being her friend. And I love that about her! She has one of those voices that are just so strong and moving, you can’t help but feel good. Anxiously waiting for the band to perform, I was forced to listen to the band before them. I don’t even remember what the band was called but the music consisted of a loud, Loud, LOUD noise. I am definitely not a music snob who tilts her head at every main stream artist or group, but I was so disappointed with the noisy band. I didn’t get it. It didn’t make me want to shake my groove thing or evoke any emotion out of me. My ears just really hurt and I felt so terrible that they had to endure the noise. But, hey! That’s just me.

Other people appeared to enjoy it. Some enjoyed it so much that they began “moshing”. Now like I said, I don’t know a whole lot about music. I think something sounds good or is catchy and then I’m hooked. That’s really all it takes for me. When it comes to moshing and mosh pits, I don’t get it. And I don’t want to. Thrashing your head and basically your whole entire body around with a strong chance you’ll wind up colliding with other thrashing bodies is now an enjoyable time for me. Whatever floats your boat, but I don’t understand you moshing.

How did that name even develop anyways? Does there really has to be a term for people fighting to the music? Apparently. I made sure to run for cover when moshers started…well moshing when the band was playing their loud loudness. They definitely were talented on the guitar and drums and the other instruments that were required to make all that noise, but it was just too much. And each time I thought they were done playing for good, they played another song. They played another song that sounded just like the one before it and the one before that. Basically, it was just one long song with little breaks here and there. I wasn’t into it. But I was still looking forward to see my friend so I kept my chin up and stayed away from the moshing and made the best of the hot and sweaty room that kept getting warmer as people shuffled in.

All of a sudden the noisy band was finally done with the longest song in the entire world. My ears crept out their hiding spot and reappeared outside of my head. The Gummy Bears then took the stage and started warming up. The band consisted of Emily and 4 guys all wearing red dress shirts. I thought to myself, that’s one hell of a coincidence if they didn’t plan it. But I think they did and it looked cute. Two of the red shirt men played the saxophone. That is one heck of an instrument. I would love to learn to play if I wasn’t so instrument impaired. My attempts at violin, recorder, and piano were severely short-lived growing up.

After setting up the stage, the Gummy Bears immediately drew the crowd in with the saxophone playing and Emily’s soulful voice. The band performed a number of recognizable songs but really made it funky with the instruments they had. The room became so crowded that the front row I was in turned into the back. Everyone kept moving closer to be close to the band. I wanted to shuffle my way back to my initial spot but I was fearful of moshing. I didn’t know if funk music made people mosh. I didn’t think any music could make people mosh but I was so very mistaken. I remained in the back and caught the occasional arm wave of Emily as she rocked out on the microphone. I was so proud of her. I felt like such a mom who was watching her child walk for the first time. Tears didn’t stroll down my face, but they could have! The music was just so good. They jammed out to James Brown and then did an awesome and catchy Lady Gaga rendition. The crowd went wild. Everyone was dancing. Even the people that looked too “hardcore” to dance to Lady Gaga did and it really brought everyone together.

Like I said before, I really don’t know much about music. But I realized that music can really bring people together no matter how different they are. It was a nice epiphany. It was also surprising I had an epiphany at all because when I am really really hot and in a hot room, the only thing I think about is being hot and how much I hate being hot. A dreadful image, I know. I was pleased that I was able to channel my frustration of being warm into something positive. I was really able to dance and enjoy myself and watch my friend have the time of her life up there performing. It made the hot room and the loud loud band so worth it after the Gummy Bears took the stage. I suggest you all go to concerts more often especially the ones your friends are in. It makes the experience so meaningful and I really felt that way at Emily’s show.

May Day: A Day of Action

On April 23rd, the  Arizona Immigration Bill SB1070 was signed by Gov. Jan Brewer. This law means that all immigrants in Arizona must have their alien registration documents with them at all times and the police have the right to question anyone who they believe or suspicious that they are here in the United States illegally. Controversy has developed all over the nation because of this law, for this law is believed to enable racial profiling. Others are torn because illegal immigration is an issue that must be dealt with, but is this law the right answer? Immigrants in Arizona who fail to show their documentation are detained and may even be fined $2,500. Because this bill has created such a outroar, marches and rallies have been in effect rejecting this law. Today in Ithaca, May Day took place. It was a day of action to advocate for the rights of workers and immigrants. May Day made a statement by creating marches and holding rallies in the city of Ithaca. Everyone was welcome to participate and show their support. A 2-mile march was held which began at Cornell and ended in the Commons. If you were not able to check out May Day, there are upcoming events both at Ithaca College and Cornell University where you can show your support and be a part of history. If you have any questions or comments, be sure to leave them below and I will help point you in the right direction of people to contact!

Waffles and Toppings? Oh My! Waffle Frolic Joins the Commons

Ever dreamed of a restaurant that only serves waffles? For those waffle connoisseurs and the regular crowd of waffle enthusiasts, this dream has come true. Waffle Frolic joined the Commons on April 17th. This food option caters to anyone who not only likes waffles, but likes a whole lot of stuff on them. “The toppings are endless,” says Abigail Young, college student. They have a waffle ice cream sandwich I’ve been meaning to get next time I go there.” This waffle eatery is run by two recent Ithaca College graduates, Julia  Pergolini and Alexis Randall. In an interview, these two women said they thought of Waffle Frolic to give the Ithaca community something different and a creative late night snack option. Originally “That Burrito Place,” this new cozy caffe’ consists of a second floor where customers can lounge in couches and savor the goodness of their waffles. Both owners agree a place like Waffle Frolic existed while they were students. This dessert destination is open until 2 AM on the weekends preventing the public from going hungry. Laura Sacchi, college student, says, “Waffle Frolic is great because so many restaurants in Ithaca aren’t open that late especially on the weekends.” A single waffle is $3.50 and the toppings are endless, but not included with waffle. Sold separately, bananas, whipped cream, and chocolate and many others compliment the waffles more than you’d think. As in my previous post, the unique eateries in ithaca are truly tremendous. Have you visited Waffle Frolic? Share your thoughts below!

Chain Restaurants Make Way Into Ithaca

One of the many reasons Ithaca evokes such a charming atmosphere is the array of restaurants it has. When people envision Ithaca they automatically think of it as a town full college students. But if you roam around the commons or mosey around College Town, there are restaurants left and right that quite diverse from one another. They all bring something to the city of Ithaca. What also makes them so special is how unique they are; restaurants in Ithaca aren’t your standard chain ones. There isn’t a Red Lobster every mile. Instead there are a variety of places to dine that are different in both atmosphere, food, and appearance. Think about it. Mahogeney Grill, College Town Bagels, Viva, Taste of Thai, Wildfire, Moosewood and many other restaurants are close in proximity to one another, but they offer their customers something different. Moosewood consists of a romantically lit room, which contrasts well with the yellow wall paper. This atmosphere brings its customers a sense of comfort to go along with their vegetarian and vegan meals. College Town Bagels and Ithaca Bakery both carry breakfast sandwiches and elaborate sandwiches all of the community enjoys. Quite similar to Panera.

Despite this special quality of Ithaca, the chain restaurant rumors that have circulated are true. Panera Bread and Olive Garden are making their way into the area. Although these chain restaurants are successful, there is mixed emotion in the community. Anne Scalici, college student says, “I love Panera so I’m really excited it’s finally coming to Ithaca. It is weird though because I don’t think of Ithaca as having chain restaurants besides fast food places.” These restaurants are planned to open early this summer, bringing more business to the community. “I’m curious to see how well both Panera and Olive Garden do and if Ithaca was the right choice to open this restaurants,” says Jordan Lytle, college student. What are your thoughts on these restaurants joining Ithaca’s local ones? Could Panera take the attention away from College Town Bagels!?

Flying Right with Ithaca’s Airport

On Sunday, March 14th my 6:05 AM flight in Ithaca took off without me. I awoke at 6:45 AM in complete disarray. How did I oversleep? Who misses their flight? Those questions and many more filtered my brain as I began to panic. I had plans to fly from Ithaca to Chicago for spring break with a connection in Detroit. All these plans disappeared as I recognized my stupidity for missing my flight.

The thing is, I fully prepared myself for this flight. I went to sleep at a reasonable hour, packed up the car the night before, and I was aware of daylight saving time. No matter how well or how poorly you plan for a trip or anything of the sort, things cannot always fall to place. My 4:00 AM alarm clock may or may have not gone off. I’ll never know. Darn you, daylight saving time. But should I really blame that?

When I first woke up, I was too confused. I kept looking at the clock for some form of reassurrance that the time was wrong, that I hadn’t actually missed my flight. But I did and I needed to figure out what I was going to do. First, I called the airline I was traveling on, ready to explain my situation in hopes of sympathy and any kind of help. I was on hold for about 15 minutes when I realized that there was no hope for my travel plans.

Before I got too dramatic, I searched other forms of transportation. There was a 13 hour bus ride from Syracuse to Chicago and an 11 hour train ride from Rochester to Chicago. Phew, I had options. Unfortunately they all entailed over 10 hours of travel time. Yikes, it was going to be a long day.

But you know what, it was my fault. I missed my flight and now I had to deal with less desirable travel arrangements. I decided that I was going to take a bus to Rochester and take the Amtrak to Chicago. There was so much thinking that had crossed my mind and it was only 7:30 AM. It was going to be a long day for sure.

Before purchasing my bus and train ticket, I called the airline one last time. “Thank you for calling. Your call is important to us. However, today our phone lines have received heavy volume, but we will be with you as soon as we can” said the message. I then decided to take matters in my own hands and pay the Ithaca airport a visit. When I got there, I hurriedly ran inside looking absolutely pathetic. someone had to help me right? If that meant paying for an entirely new flight, then the 13 hour train ride was looking pretty good to me.

I scanned the small airport and instantly spotted my airline’s kiosk. As I began to open my mouth, I realized no one was there to listen to me. I read a sign, “Will Return at Noon” and all my hopes once again faded. I asked a kind security fellow what to do and he assured me to come back at noon in order to figure out my situation.

It was 8 AM now and I was wide awake and entirely too perky. Even I was annoyed with myself for how alert I was. I decided to listen to the security fellow and come back at noon. Somehow when I returned home, I fell back asleep. It was nice but when I woke up I remembered my messed up travel plans and became upset again. Not ready  to throw in the towel and just buy my train ticket, I went back to the Ithaca airport. I even unpacked the car because I was that certain no one and nothing could help me. Pretty depressing, but hey that’s how I was feeling.

When I got back to Ithaca’s airport, I slowly walked inside sulking. There was someone at the kiosk though, which brought somewhat of a smile to my face. I looked up at the man behind the counter and said it to him bluntly, “I missed my flight this morning. Do I have any options?” Before he could respond, he was already typing away. One click here, one click there and then he looked up. “Looks like there’s nothing today. Would you be  alright with flying out tomorrow” he asked me.

It took me awhile to process this because I completely surprised that there was hope for me. I was preparing myself to suffer for missing my flight. Again, who does that!? I nodded back to him expressing my gratitude and that anything at all works. Several more clicks on the computer and he handed me an itinerary. I was good to go. I kept asking myself if this was real life and that I wasn’t sleeping, again.

I was so thrilled there was an option for me that involved me up in the air. When I asked him about an extra fee for the new ticket, he shook his head. I didn’t have to pay extra for my stupidity? What a gift this was to me! I literally left the airport skipping.

What’s wonderful about flying out of a smaller airport is that you’re not just a seat number on a plane or a potential subject to be searched at security. You mean much much than that and I truly felt that way  by how much effort the man was making to ensure me an enjoyable spring break. Cheers Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport!

The Moonshadow Tavern Goes BIG

Right in the heart of the Ithaca Commons sits the Moonshadow Tavern, where students and townies congregate to dance, drink, and be merry. The bar is most popularly known as Moonies. Prior to its expansion on Feb. 26, Moonies customers were trapped like sardines in its long, but very narrow space. Pushing and shoving was the price to pay to enjoy the upbeat ambiance at Moonies. The bar’s recent expansion includes an additional room, which has become the spot to really get your groove on. “It was harder to dance before the expansion. I used to feel trapped and had trouble going anywhere,” said Maddie Rimpas, a college student. Now with the additional room, Moonies has earned more popularity, making the bar even more crowded. Although Moonies is still packed on the weekends, there are some people unenthused about the “new” Moonies. “It feels more like a club than a bar. Moonies used to remind me of an old-school bar and that’s why I liked going there so much” Abigail Young said, a college student. Could the “new” Moonies now lose its devoted customers because of its expansion? With the dance room, do you see yourself going there more or less? Drop me a comment below and share your thoughts. Expansions are good and are certainly needed if people are literally falling over each other to fit inside the room. But if this expansion changes the atmosphere, was this new room worth it?

Chilly at Chili Fest

This weekend was the 12th annual Ithaca Chili-Cook Off and Winter Fest right here in the commons. People from the area and nearby all congregated in this chilly weather to enjoy some various types of chili. From tomato-ey chili to really spicy ones, Chili Fest catered to all pallets. Not only does this event, similar to Applefest, bring the community together but supports and promotes the local restaurants. There are over 30 restaurants that participate in a competition at Chili Fest where they are judged on which restaurant makes the best chili as well as other things. In order for the public to try and enjoy all the available chili. The event began Saturday at 11:30 A.M. and downtown was instantly crowded with chili enthusiasts. Despite the warm atmosphere of chili being tasted, the bitterness of Ithaca’s winter overshadowed the event. Hands were in pockets searching for warmth but at least mouths were fired up and toasty. Chili Fest as well as other events in the commons always bring such excitement and support amongst the Ithaca community. If only the weather would permit. These events are fun ways to spend a day, but be weary when you start to feel numb. Chili may not be able to cure that.

Observation: The Wegmans Bully

One of the perks of living in the Ithaca area is Wegmans. You may laugh and think, “how much fun can a grocery store be?” Well if you go to Wegmans, than you know. Not only is it a grocery store, but it has just about everything. From kitchen ware to lawn chairs, Wegmans has got it all. Even the customers and employees appear to be happy shuffling along the store. Outside of Wegmans, it’s a different story.

Cars slowly make their way through the parking lot of Wegmans hoping for the closest spot in proximity to the store. Tensions rise when this is not an option and cars with disgruntled drivers/passengers circle the lot like snakes awaiting to catch their pray. In this case, a parking spot. The driver in a silver Nissan Altima found hope in the distance. With her eagle eye, she spotted an available parking space not too far from where she was looking. Without hesitation, she accelerated the car, dodging pedestrians and shopping carts. As she turned the car left into the parking spot she anxiously waited for, there was an interference to her parking mission.

A mean green minivan parked to the right of her had its passenger door wide open, preventing the Nissan Altima from completely  parking. The woman in the Nissan Altima slowly inched her way into the spot cautiously to avoid a collision. All of a sudden, “SLAM!” The mean green minivan’s door shut, but no driver was in sight. Immediately, the Nissan Altima woman drove into the spot and successfully completed her parking mission. After turning the car off, the woman in the Nissan Altima quickly got out and briskly walked towards the Wegmans entrance. As she turned around to assure herself she locked her car, the driver in the mean green minivan got out of her car. Her boots hit the pavement so aggressively, there was no way this woman wanted a pleasant Wegmans experience. As the Nissan Altima woman turned back around towards the store, she heard “HEY LADY!” in a raspy, almost monster-like tone. It was the mean green minivan woman and she had something to say. The Nissan Altima woman curiously turned back around, unaware of who or what exactly was talking to her. “You almost hit my car!” she said as she made her way closer to the Nissan Altima woman. “Lady! You almost hit my car!” she repeated, perhaps to make her statement more effective. Bewildered as to what was happening, the Nissan Altima woman merely stared at the Wegmans bully causing her trouble. “I was trying to get into the parking spot,” she replied back. The Wegmans bully was not ready for their encounter to end. “You could have broken my door by how reckless you were driving,” the Wegmans bully said.Shaking her head, the Nissan Altima woman was not ready to sink to the bully’s level. The Nissan Altima woman’s hands tightened around her keys and purse as though she had enough. “I didn’t!” she said, “Am I supposed to apologize for almost doing something?” she asked the Wegmans bully.

Before the Wegmans bully could respond, the Nissan Altima woman proceeded to Wegman’s for the final time without looking back. “You could have hit…” the Wegmans bully said and then stopped. It was too late. The automatic doors of Wegmans were already closed. The Nissan Altima woman did not hit the mean green minivan, but the Wegmans bully needed to start a fight.

The Little Boutique that Could: A Business Story

A store where its bold pink and yellow colored walls and zebra-striped curtains complimented its clothes, are now folded and put away. Located in the heart of Collegetown, Ithaca’s Some Girls experienced the economic crisis first hand and have made the tough decision to close. This past year was especially difficult due to the birth of Urban Outfitters in the Commons as well as other factors. Their devoted customers enter the store one last time to engage in the biggest sale they have ever had and to say their goodbyes. Owner, Margaret Partyka, states, “It’s sad. Our welcome back sale turned into a goodbye one.” Although the decision to close was a responsible one, the employees are truly heartbroken. Manager, Mandy Bennison comments, “We’re trying to be positive because we know this was a right choice to make, but Ithaca was a home to us.” Fortunately, Some Girls is a small chain and has two other boutiques that are still going strong. Their locations are in Syracuse and in Troy, NY. Regardless, losing Ithaca’s store was the last thing they wanted.

Some Girls launched in Ithaca during 2007 and was instantly a hit. “It was amazing,” Partyka mentions, “For such a small store, our popularity was tremendous. It was something different than the mall.” Some Girls is definitely unique. The hottest trends from Los Angeles, Paris, and Las Vegas flooded the shelves and hangers weekly right in the small city of Ithaca, NY. Emily Clamp, a student from Cornell University states, “The store was definitely very well known since Ithaca doesn’t have that great of a shopping scene.” No matter what the age, Some Girls prides on catering to ages 16 and 60 at reasonable prices. “There’s something for everyone, no matter what the style or wallet size,” Partyka believes.

Over time, the popularity of Some Girls grew less and less. Clamp comments, “It’s a major hit or miss. I can either find a ton of really cool going-out clothes or nothing at all which was frustrating.” Another Cornell student, Rachel Kellen, found Urban Outfitters to offer a lot more than Some Girls. Kellen states, “I don’t remember the last time I’ve been to Some Girls since Urban Outfitters came to Ithaca.” To help bring back the Some Girls flair it once had, the employees held more sales and promotional events. They held a champagne and cupcake party as well as a “Give Thanks Sale” during the holiday season to help those less fortunate. All in all, it was not enough. Partyka states, “It’s how a business works. At the end of the day, you need to do what will be best.” To preserve the Some Girls name and its future in Syracuse and Troy, letting Ithaca go was the best business move for them. “We’re adding by subtracting,” Bennison firmly believes. Closing Ithaca’s store is painful, but now there will more focus on the other two stores, the Some Girls website, and their own clothing line. Their line, House of Bimbo, is a graphic tee shirt and accessory line that was started in 2006 that is continuously growing. “We’ll miss Ithaca very much, but we are looking ahead and we have a lot to look forward to,” Partyka and Bennison admit.

Welcome to my “What’s Happenin?” Blog

Hello all! My name is Erica Conte and I am 21 years old living in Ithaca, New York. I’ve created this blog to give you the inside scoop on the town and fill you in pretty much on what’s happening here (hence Blog’s title). I know winter here can make this city look a little grim, but I’ll do my best to make it brighter by offering news of any sort, fun and exciting anecdotes, and basically share with you what  makes Ithaca great or not so great at times. Enjoy.

Signing off,

Erica