Street Jazz

On television I see all sorts of wonderful ads for cities across the United States - come to Scranton! - and I have often wondered , just how do we promote Fayetteville? Especially now that our tax receipts are way down?

We used to be the “Athens of the Ozarks,” but few even remember that wonderful description.  To some, we are the “New York City of the Ozarks,” but that hasn’t caught on far and wide just yet.

We used the known be known as the town where old hippies came to die, which, while sounding a tad ghoulish, has a certain charm about it.  But somewhere along the line, somebody  - with more influence than common sense -  decided that Fayetteville was really no different than say Rogers or Bentonville - two more prosperous but really boring cities.

Fayetteville has a lot of character and a lot of history. We have a lot to offer those who visit our town - more than just the over-blown “Entertainment District.” Just imagine the ads promoting our fair city.

Because we really are different from other communities in Northwest Arkansas, and proud of it. We are innovative, and creative, and unique.

Why not promote that? At least we could say, “Come to Fayetteville - at least we’re not Rogers or Bentonville.” Works for me.

We ain’t “funky” no more, though. I think the Funky Train left the station a while back. Maybe it’s time for a new description. Ideas, anyone?

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Democrat-Gazette gets headline wrong

Arkansas Democrat Gazette Business section headline:

Spirit of U.S. shoppers droops to two-year low.

What? American shoppers are calling Suicide Hotlines in record numbers? They are on anti-depressants? They’re beating their kids?

No, just turns out they are spending less money. It’s the retailers whose spirits are at a two-year low, I suppose.

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It Could Still Happen Here Department

Most novels dealing with a possible fascist takeover of the United States deal with great political battles. Philip Roth's excellent "The Plot Against America" instead tells the story of one Jewish family (the Roths) in Newark, New Jersey, and how they are affected by the election of Charles Lindbergh to the office of president.

It is a gripping story of a family torn apart by the smug fascism that "Lucky Lindy" brings to America. There are scenes dominated by famous figures like Walter Winchell and FDR, but they are figures on the horizon. The real story here is age-old - how a family stays together in the middle of a national nightmare.

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Quote of the Day

Serving God is doing good to man. But praying is thought an easier service and is therefore more generally chosen. - Ben Franklin

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A politician’s favorite quote - just think of the most inept mayor, alderman, or president that you know of.

I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal.  - Hal; "2001 A Space Odyssey."

rsdrake@nwark.com