Hudson Mohawk Magazine

There are many opportunities to visit open mics and stand up comedy performances around the capital region. What makes a set funny? I guess that’s a matter of taste and delivery. But we wanted to hear more about what standing on a stage is like for comedian Twon Wood, and he joins Caelan McPherson and Sina Basila Hickey.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine,

First, Mark Dunlea interviews Citizen Action about their efforts to mobilize people for the Sept 17 NYC UN Climate Rally.

Then, Lovonia Mallory interviews local filmmaker Ricarlo-Luis Grevely.

Later on, Brea Barthel brings us more reading suggestions.

After that, comedian Twon Wood joins us to talk about what it’s like to stand in front of a crowd and tell jokes.

Finally, Thom Frances showcases the work of poet and wildlife rehabilitator J. Lester Allen

Ian Hauck, head of Adult & Reference Services for Troy Public Library, recommends four recent books. "The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness" (Waldinger & Schulz, 2023) reports on the finding from an 80-year study that the strength of social connections is the strongest factor in happiness. "Symphony of Secrets" (Slocumb, 2023) is a fictional account of a male composer taking credit for the work of a black female composer. "Who Gets Believed?: When the Truth Isn't Enough" (Nayeri, 2023) explores the challenges that women, refugees, and others face in having their experiences believed by doctors and others. "Breasts and Eggs" (Kawakami, 2021) is a Japanese novel reflecting on motherhood and daughterhood. For more details, visit www.thetroylibrary.org. To find other libraries in New York State, see https://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/libs/#Find. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Thom Francis welcomes poet and wildlife rehabilitator J. Lester Allen to the stage for a reading at The Linda, WAMC's Performing Arts Studio, hosted by the Hudson Valley Writers Guild and literary journals Hobo Camp Review and Trailer Park Quarterly.

Allen's poetry covers topics from growing up with his brother and single dad, friends who have passed, and why there might be a raccoon in his apartment.

Tens of thousands are expected in NYC on Sept. 17 for a rally and march to End Fossil Fuels being held in conjunction with the United Nations' special meeting on climate. A key focus is to urge President Biden to take stronger action to halt fossil fuels. Bob Cohen of Citizen Action is helping to organize buses from the Capital District for the event. He talks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine. Bus info at https://www.nyclimate.org/capitalareaclimatenewtwork

David Swanson, Co-Founder of World Beyond War, will be a featured speaker at the 25th annual Kateri Peace Conference on Sept. 8 and 9. He talks with Mark Dunlea of Hudson Mohawk Magazine about ending war, including the wars in Ukraine and Yemen. He also wrote recently about how the media such as the NY Times miscovers war. https://davidswanson.org/the-new-york-times-tries-to-lie-about-ukraine-without-lying/

Like many regions, the capital region has lacked a real sense of community around photography, especially photography as an art form. So, photographer Robert Cooper brought together a group of photographers, with a range of backgrounds in photography, to share their work, geek-out on photography books, and collaborate on projects. New members are welcome!

Learn more https://www.instagram.com/artsyfartsyphotocollective/

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine:

We begin with Mark Dunlea’s interview with Michael Klare on the climate crisis and the collapse of civilization.

Then, for the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington we hear a local person’s memory of that event.

Later on, we introduce you to a new group called the Artsy Fartsy Photo Collective, that focuses on photography as an artistic medium.

After that, Lavender reports on the need for adoptions and volunteers at Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, which is currently at capacity for animals and is turning new animals away.

Finally, we speak with retired meteorologist Hugh Johnson to find out what’s happening with weather in other parts of the country, and what we can expect in our area for this upcoming holiday weekend.

Cafe Euphoria has used surveys and social media to get customer and community feedback and has been radically transparent with the evolution of a business and the difficulties and joys along the way. Sina Basila Hickey visited Cafe Euphoria to speak with Atsushi Akera.

Dr. Erika Martin, an infectious disease researcher at University at Albany, gives us some insight into the rise of covid cases. She spoke with Sina Basila Hickey about what to understand about this moment, ways to protect oneself, and how to be mindful of others.