Cobb: Thinking about Greensboro

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October 04, 2005

Thinking about Greensboro

Finally, things are starting to wind down and I can begin to focus on my trip to Greensboro. I checked out the 'Ahead of the Curve' piece and the opening jazz and the easy pace of it got me in the mood to meet some fine folks, have some good food and enjoy some stimulating conversation. I'm thinking of a tree and a breeze and a smile on my face as I take a couple of days vacation from this crazy world I'm hooked into right now, to connect with some other human beings on a level not directly tied into... whatever it is I do 9-5. Or should I say 7:30 to 9, as it has been for the past 3 weeks.

I actually heard something on that video that I don't think I've ever heard before: 'Local Blogosphere'. The very idea that a city has a concept of a local blogosphere is a fairly great development. It's making me think that we're going to find out something about people power from the smaller cities and towns where 100 people can make a difference. I've been thinking about this concept for at least 20 years, or at least since the advent of the free bulletin board service and the $75 modem. I first proposed it to Theresa Hughes, who was then just about to be appointed to the California Public Utilities Commission. At the time, it must have been around 1987, I wondered if she'd mind setting up a computer and having all of her issues and schedule on it for the public to see. Little did I know at the time, there would hardly be any public to look. The idea never really got off the ground, but the City of Santa Monica did some experimenting back in those days. I suppose it wasn't until MoveOn.org that any real online politicking got noticed, but that really skipped over the municipal. I think it's got to go back.

I want to get a flavor that when I head back east in a couple days. I'll report back.

Posted by mbowen at October 4, 2005 09:55 PM

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Comments

Enjoy Greensboro. It's a nice city aside from the HUGE number of strip clubs :)
If you have some time, take in the civil rights museum.

The fall ought to be beautiful already. I am so jealous. I miss NC so much.

Posted by: Caltechgirl at October 4, 2005 11:25 PM

Glad you are in Greensboro, Cobb. Unfortunately, the civil rights museum is not open yet (but the strip clubs are).

Posted by: Patrick Eakes at October 7, 2005 10:34 AM

I'm afraid that I didn't bring enough single dollar bills for that ballet. I'm not as big a sponsor of the performing arts as I used to be.

Posted by: Cobb at October 7, 2005 10:56 AM