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Month: May 2016

Yes, cannoli

May 27, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

They used to joke there are only two types of people who live in Pittston: Italians, and those who wish they were Italians. We’re talking ethnic descent here. Pittstonians are Americans. But we do treasure our roots. And celebrate the… Continue Reading →

Cannoli, Pittston, St. Joseph Marello Parish Picnic, Tompkins St.

Why stop with art?

May 25, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

The story goes that when Winston Churchill was asked to cut funding for the arts during World War II in order to spend more money on the war effort, he responded, “What do you think we are fighting for?” But… Continue Reading →

Art in school, Education, Program cuts, Public schools budgets, School budgets, Winston Churchill

Frankly speaking

May 20, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

I’ve eaten a Fenway Frank, a Phillies Frank and last Friday night in L.A., a Dodger Dog. But nothing compares to a Chicago Dog, the wieners they serve at Wrigley Field. I confess I am a hot dog fan. Which… Continue Reading →

Ballpark hot dogs, Chicaco Dogs, Dodger Dogs, Hot dogs, Wrigley Field

Three words, impeccably spoken

May 18, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

Phil Sayer died on April 13. You don’t know him. Unless you’ve been to London. Then you do. Sort of. Sayer was the voice of “mind the gap” on the London Underground. If you’ve ridden the subways in London, or… Continue Reading →

Helen Mirren, James Bond, Mind the gap, Queen's English

Our ‘Mayne’ man

May 13, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

I need a haircut. What little I have is getting long, and as I watched Sports Center on ESPN Thursday morning it occurred to me that if I let it grow for another week or so I’m gonna start looking… Continue Reading →

Kenny Mayne

It’s been a while

May 11, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

I find myself doing something these days I haven’t done in some 20 years … following the NBA. Yes, professional basketball, a game that has changed so much (is there such a thing as “traveling” any more?) it sometimes makes… Continue Reading →

Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Steph Curry

2% Ed, 98% Fest

May 6, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

“EdFest” is a misnomer. I readily admit and happily take credit for clicking the first domino that resulted in the annual musical celebration that bears my name at Luzerne County Community College, but that’s the extent of my involvement. The… Continue Reading →

"433", "EdFest", Crockett of Froggy 101, Gary Mrozinski, Luzerne County Community College, Music Recording Technolocy, Nick Anselmi

A Bridge not far enough

May 4, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

It’s said the first rule of show business is to “leave them wanting more.” The reunited 8th Street Bridge didn’t just adhere to that rule last Saturday night, it was the rule. The legendary local rock band, arguably the best… Continue Reading →

River Street Jazz Cafe, The 8th Street Bridge

About the Optimist

Ed Ackerman Ed Ackerman, a consulting editor and columnist for the Greater Pittston Progress, has served the people of Greater Pittston for 48 years, starting in the newspaper field at age 17. The Pittston resident will share his thoughts in this blog and in a weekly column published in the Progress. greaterpittstonprogress.com

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