Temping in the Yo

The following article was posted on the Something Awful website yesterday. It's a short piece documenting the author's experiences temping at the downtown SkyBank in (where else?) Youngstown:

Adventures in Temping, Vol. I, by Bob Mackey

"Yompton"

My wife (another Youngstowner) has been telling me recently of her distaste for using the term "Yompton" to describe Youngstown. Apparently, the issue has even spawned, independently of her, an anti-"Yompton" facebook group (the true measure of social import these days). I'm inclined to agree with her and her constituents, and for the same reasons. It's not so much that it's disparaging of our fair city- there's plenty of that out there- it's that its so uncreative, and more importantly, ignores the fact that Youngstown is its own unique place, for better or worse, and is not just another Compton. Anywhere can be dangerous, crime-ridden, or poverty-stricken. There's more to the Yo than that. More history, more character, more real pride. Pride- not to be confused with street cred- is not easy to come by any more.

It's mostly people outside of Youngstown who use the term. In fact, I had never even heard of the term until a friend showed it to me in the Urban Dictionary late in my high school years. It's not, I don't think, one of those homegrown phrases, like "University on the Corner of Lincoln Avenue." It's another disparaging remark from those who don't understand the place. So screw you, Yompton-users.

Defend Youngstown.

The above was copied and modified from my Livejournal site.

What You're Doing This Weekend (Prior to the Finding Mike Vagas Show)

Courtesy of Warren's Tribune Chronicle:

Oakland opening the book on ‘Liz’ Friday

By Tribune Chronicle

YOUNGSTOWN — The comedy ‘‘The Book of Liz’’ opens Friday at the Oakland Center for the Arts.

The play is a collaboration between brother and sister David and Amy Sedaris, best known for their work independently. David Sedaris rose to fame with his humorous essays on National Public Radio and ‘‘This American Life.”

Amy Sedaris is a Second City Chicago veteran who created and starred in the Comedy Central series ‘‘Strangers with Candy.’’ ‘‘The Book of Liz’’ tells the story of the Squeamish brotherhood and Sister Elizabeth Donderstock, whose cheeseball recipe provides the primary source of income for the believers. Sister Elizabeth leaves the Amish-like existence of her fellow believers and ends up on a wondrous journey in the outside world.

Robert Dennick Joki directs the play, which features Eric McCrae, Brooke Slanina, Amato D’Apolito, Denise Glinatsis, Jennifer Kuzcek, Beth Farrow and Fran Comstock.

‘‘The Book of Liz’’ will be staged at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and April 6-7 and 13-14 at the Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students and can be reserved by calling 330-746-0404.

Easter Rock Show