On November 3rd, 2009 I’m voting for Michael A. Tautznik for Mayor of Easthampton, and I urge you to vote for him as well. While I like Mike personally (and always have), I have held out pledging my support to any one of the four candidates until only recently. In the spirit of democracy, I had wanted to hear what all of the candidates had to say (and the ensuing public dialog) before making my decision. I have heard and read many of the ideas and arguments put forth by the four candidates, and now I am convinced that having Mayor Mike at the helm for another term will help further the renaissance that Easthampton has undergone in the past decade. And this is really the bottom line: I like the changes I’ve seen in our little city over the past decade, and they have occurred on Mike’s watch, and in most cases, with his support and direct involvement.

Of Course, No One is Perfect (Pardon Me While I Kvetch A Little)

I am really glad that there have been challengers for the position. While I do think that Mayor Mike has done a great job, I think that the appearance of contenders has brought discussion to the table that otherwise might have been left on the back burner. For example, I think that Marge is correct that roads and other infrastructure should be a higher priority than they currently are. I know someone who literally broke the wheel of her car when she drove over a mammoth pothole on East Street, and had to replace the wheel out of her pocket. And there are some side streets around town that by all rights should have been repaved a dozen years ago. But I understand that these things take money, and would require sacrifices (i.e., higher taxes) that the community is perhaps not ready to stomach.

At first blush, I preferred JP’s instinct to protect Easthampton’s water supply by standing up against the landfill expansion at all costs. But Mike has demonstrated in word and in deed that he understands that this is a nuanced issue, and that carefully and skillfully managed expansion need not necessarily compromise our main water supply. Also, a lot of Easthampton’s solid waste ends up in the landfill, so it’s only fitting that we negotiate a fair and reasoned compromise with our neighbors to the north.

I’ll be honest, I differ from Mike on the issue of Stop & Shop coming to town. While I agree that such a business would bring a much needed influx of tax dollars without adding too tremendously to the burden of the public schools or public safety officials, I just don’t think we need another grocery store / pharmacy / gas station, and this is one case where I’d like to see the innate value of “town character” trump the desire for another revenue stream. Of course, I can’t hold this argument against Mike, because admittedly, if a Trader Joe’s or a Whole Foods were to come to town, I’d probably favor that. And if there is any district where such development is to be done, the Route 10 corridor is the most appropriate.

And, too, I think that more could / should be done to market our public schools so that the public perception is that they are every bit as good as the public schools in our neighboring communities who are receiving our tax dollars via school choice. Granted, the exportation of our student body says as much about the prejudices of our children’s parents as it does about any real or perceived deficiencies. Test scores are one thing, but it’s important to consider the context of the community, and the fact that Easthampton does have quite a bit of poverty which could contribute to relatively lower scores, and the consequent misperception about the quality of the schools. Here, I think focusing on infrastructure, more technology, and more community outreach will do wonders.

I’m also not a fan of the flag being allowed to fly over the pond—un-illuminated at night, at that—for as much of the year as it does. I am patriotic, Paul Revere is one of my heroes, and I do solemnly remember 09/11/01. I am simply a nature lover, and would prefer to enjoy the crown jewel of our downtown—the view of Mt. Tom reflected in Nashawannuck Pond—unobstructed by our flag whose misplacement cheapens the experience by putting the hand of man (flag) above the hand of God (mountain). But I understand and accept that I may be in the minority on this argument, so this is really nothing but idle ranting on my part. And I doubt any of the other candidates would change it.

As a professional designer, I’d say that Mayor Mike’s website looks a little dated from a design standpoint, but the fact that he is doing it shows his tenacity. This is a microcosm of how Mayor Mike gets things done that need to get done, often on a limited budget. He is focusing on the content, which is the most important thing. Sometimes delivery and presentation affect how content is received, but trust me on this, look at the content of his experience.

No one is perfect, but Mike comes pretty darn close

I fondly remember marching alongside Mayor Mike in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in support of the Easthampton Bear Fest, the most successful public art event in our city in recent memory (and possibly, in all history). This is but one example of the ways that Mayor Mike understands the importance of, and supports the arts in our community and in our local economy. He has also shown strong leadership in the effort to renovate Old Town Hall, which houses Easthampton City Arts, the Easthampton Cultural Council, and the nascent Flywheel. And now look, we have a band shell, and our lovely pond is being dredged!

The Bottom Line

All things considered, I think what makes Mayor Mike the most compelling choice in Easthampton’s mayoral election is his passion for the city, his dedication to the arts, and yes, his experience. And to repeat what I said above, I like the changes I’ve seen in our little city over the past decade, and they have occurred on Mike’s watch, and in most cases, with his support and direct involvement. Please join me in supporting Mike Tautznik for mayor.

The Big Picture

The thing that Apple does—and that they do so well here—is anticipate and accommodate the needs of the end user. Some people have bigger hands and/or lower dexterity and benefit from a more spacious “keyboard.” Some people prefer to have their browser remember passwords. Some people prefer the efficiency of copying & pasting text. In the latest version of the iPhone software, these desires are impeccably met, and without breaking other things in the process (always a danger in the software development world). Everything just works, works well, and works intuitively.

The Details

Voice memo is cool: no more precarious TWD incidents just to get off a “note to self.”

Horizontal Keyboard: personally I’ve gotten pretty fast with typing on the “original” keyboard layout. I think I may even prefer it. But giving an end-user an option is always a good thing.

Copy & Paste: this one has been a long time coming; it improves efficiency if you intend to use the device to do any serious editing. Not that editing is its main purpose, but it is worth noting that I am writing this post on the iPhone (at Boston’s Logan Airport). Moreover, learning how to use the new feature didn’t require a user manual; it is intuitive, because it builds upon metaphors that we already know and use (e.g., click, hold and drag). More and more, I am appreciating user interfaces that situate the instructions and the action items next to or near the element that needs to be acted upon. This is the techy manifestation of the truism that “context is everything.”

Snappier performance: it seems that Apple has removed a few frames from some of its candy-coated animations (such as applications opening and closing) that adds a sense that the device is getting things done.

Select multiple: now it’s possible to select multiple photos for emailing / deleting. I might actually use the feature for emailing; for deleting I still prefer to examine an image in greater detail than a thumbnail provides, before deciding to delete.

MMS: I can’t say that I’m personally interested in being able to send pictures with text messages, but again, to each their own. And I’m sure I’ll find a use for it, once I’ve tried it. Score another one for the end user.

Wish list

Shutter release: it may be a little late for this, but I’d like to see one of the mechanical buttons on the side of the phone be contextually transformed into the shutter release for the camera.

Wifi base station: it would be great if the iPhone could serve as a wifi base station for one’s laptop, for those times when real web work needs to be done, but no free wifi is available. This may actually this may be more of a feature request for Mac laptops; that they be able to tether to one’s cell phone account and communicate over those protocols.

Speech recognition and speech-to-text: we all know what a no-no texting while driving is; imagine being able to open, close and control applications, and compose emails and text messages by speaking them, and having the software make the conversion.

In conclusion

The technology just keeps getting better and more sophisticated. I wonder what the technology landscape will look like ten years from now.

The folks at Fuzzy Clock Productions have put together a nice video documenting the Easthampton Bear Fest group’s recent march in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. It’s 27 minutes long, so go make some popcorn. I held the distinct honor of being the dancing bear, and being surrounded by friends.

Existing clients: You’re grandfathered in. I will honor our agreements, and by the end of 2009 I will finish the projects that we have begun. If you wish, I will recommend other service providers to fulfill your continuing website development needs.

I love designing, and I love the projects and customers that I’ve been privileged to serve. But as of 2010 I plan to pursue with gusto some other creative goals (sculpture, painting, filmmaking, writing, etc.).

Thank you for your understanding of this decision, and for the support and opportunities that you have provided. It has been a pleasure to serve.

The folks at Fuzzy Clock Video did a fine job of capturing and editing a video of the Valentine’s Day festivities that transpired in Easthampton on the night of a recent Art Walk.

Our relationship has now deepened; there’s so much water under the bridge. I’ve slept in you, dreamt in you, bled, sweat, worked, loved and cried in you. I’ve skated on your ice and have swum in your water. I’ve given you my money and my time. I’ve planted flowers and trees in your soil.

For the present, at least, we are stuck with each other. Your behavior and your choices affect me as mine affect you. It is only thus that I feel entitled to comment upon your character of late, and to question your apparent path toward self-realization.

The land, the land, the land!

Let me just be blunt: you have some exquisitely fine lines. You have dramatic mountains and an aquatic centerpiece that should be the envy of your neighbors for miles to come. You have parks and trails that allow intimate access to these God-given treasures.

But now, it appears that you have begun to forsake some of these assets, perhaps lured by the promise of commercial salvation.

Traffic has increased upon your roads. Gas stations have arisen to meet the demand. Generic-looking, same-colored, high-density housing developments have sprung up on your flanks. And soon you will be host to another grocery store, gas station, and—if progress has its way with you—yet another generic drug store. How many of these soulless stores can a small city possibly need?

Furthermore, if you must develop, instead of ruining another vista by building a big, characterless, boxy cinder block and aluminum structure, why not find a way to repurpose one of your existing abandoned buildings such as the One Ferry Street complex, or the old Easthampton Dye Works building?

All I’m saying is that if you’re going to go out and get a tattoo on your face (as you should, if that’s what you really want), just please consider that it would be appropriate to choose a symbol of your emergence—such as a button, a butterfly, or a bear—rather than a big ol’ dollar sign.

Signs of the times

There has been some uproar of late concerning the signage of your constituent businesses. I can’t speak to the legality or propriety of the disputed sandwich-board signs, but I have in fact been slapped in the face by a low-hanging “open” flag or three.

But while I personally think that an “open” flag in front of a business is slightly tacky and overstates the obvious, I wouldn’t be swift to punish the proprietor who feels she needs to hang one, if it instills a sense that prosperity is more certain. And I don’t mind making the extra effort to avoid being whacked in the head as I walk by.

As a friend of several local business owners, I have a vested interest in the positive results of marketing & advertising efforts, so I am loathe to condemn any reasonable expression as “illegal.” If you want to split hairs, it’s possible to assert that your allowing an American Flag to hang unlit at night (over a pond, no less, in inclement weather) is illegal. It certainly violates certain principles of the U.S. Flag Code. And what is the gridlock that slogs through your central arteries at rush hour, if not an affront to the public health and safety? What of pedestrian rights?

Where’s the plan, Stan?

Aren’t you developing some sort of Master Plan, Easthampton? What does it say about your character? Who are you? What kinds of suitors are you hoping to attract and keep? Or are you sublimating your coupling urges and instead being alone unto your beautiful self?  There seems to be much ado these days about zoning ordinances and the like, and questions of whether it’s smart to proceed wantonly as you try to develop prosperity.

Please, my beauty, consider what’s ephemeral, what’s permanent, and what is potentially damaging on many levels. Realize the weight of your every decision. If you’re feeling sentimental, go into Big E’s and look up at the enlarged images of the way you were more than 100 years ago. Recognize some of that beauty in your current self, and strive to retain as much of it as you can!

I believe in you.

Learning to Ride a Unicycle

Overlook the fact that my camera—a Canon Powershot A85—is seriously messed up and capturing everything in a purplish sabatier effect, and you’ll get the idea of where I’m at in my quest to learn to ride. What fun!

August 2-3 was an intense weekend! Along with 6 friends on my street, I took a motorcycle rider safety class. We learned to ride over obstacles, swerve safely, ride in the rain, shift gears, corner sharply, stop abruptly, ride straight, and do pretty figure 8s in a limited amount of space. It was hard work, and it was worth every minute.

Holden Smith

Boston buddy Holden Smith makes a foray into indie film making with his little ditties documenting the Jenny Holzer exhibit/installation at Mass MoCA, ivy blowing in the breeze, and shadow-chasing and almost colliding with a bicyclist on the streets of New York. But my favorite one of all, especially now that temperatures are in the nineties, is this one of Homer, Alaska ice car racing. Super-cool! Check out Holden’s “Culture Crawl” blog, and his YouTube pages (art and travel).

Cher Love Strong (YouTube and MySpace) a.k.a. ~Local Media~

Cher has been a fixture in the Northampton, Massachusetts music scene for as long as I can remember, diligently and artistically documenting local bands in photos and video. Here’s one of The Figments performing 10,000 Napoleons at the Iron Horse.

JibJab

The folks who brought us This Land, the brilliant and hilarious satire on the Bush/Kerry presidential standoff are now back at it with an equally brilliant take on the Obama/McCain showdown: Time for Some Campaignin’, set to the tune of Dylan’s The Times They are a Changin’. Good stuff. I actually landed a cameo appearance in this one, an action scene with Uncle Sam that sends me airborne near the end. Enjoy:

Given all the wet weather of late, we had wondered whether we were going to get to see fireworks at all this Independence Day weekend. Our hometown fireworks display—typically one of the best around—was cancelled all together. Greenfield had set a rain date of today, but it wasn’t needed. The fireworks went off as planned. Greenfield puts on a great show.

Where: ECA Gallery, in the Old Town Hall at 43 Main Street, Suite 4, Easthampton, MA 01027

What: Free wine, cheese, fruit and other snacks + look at paintings.

When: Saturday July 12, 5-8 PM. If you miss the reception you can still see the show until August 4th. Contact ECA Gallery directly for gallery hours: (413) 527-8278.

Hope to see you there!

I just got back from attending An Event Apart in Boston. The whole experience was amazing, from the brilliant slate of speakers to the new friends I made (Matt, Raeanne, Josh, Kelley, Yoann and Barry) to the opportunity to have lunch with Eric Meyer and discuss the nuances of sizing type for the web. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. (I’m looking at you, next year!)

I am pleased to present my most recent web design project, the redesign of friend and fellow Easthampton artist Maggie Nowinski’s website.

Maggie Nowinski had wanted a site that would showcase her work, and that she could update on her own, so she asked me for help. Naturally, I turned to WordPress, which is a great tool for such a job.

I used the excellent NextGen Gallery plugin to implement the art galleries.

Visit the site: http://maggienowinski.com/

I recently put finishing touches on one of the most unique and personal art projects I’ve ever collaborated on: a decorated belly cast. Dear friends—and their then nascent first son—supplied the raw form; I provided the flower petals and the paint.

Click the image above to display a more detailed version.

What a difference a day off makes! I found a hole in a fence and wiggled through. I left only footprints and took only pictures. And now I have an intimate understanding of the beautiful iconic creature whose exterior has always intrigued me from a distance. I hope and wonder what will become of this forgotten complex. Condos? Live/work art studios? A scooter factory? a mega-fitness center?