Ed Said: Ed's Back!

Ed Said:
Occasional Ramblings About Arts and Entertainment

by Ed Yashinsky

In the not-too-distant past over one of our regular discussions about continuing to write for MODE (or not), a friend of mine stated, "Ed, MODE is like your college girlfriend. You break up with her every weekend, but come Monday morning you two are always walking hand-in-hand across campus." I laughed nervously because it was a hilarious statement, but it was obviously somewhat true.

Well, truth be told, I did disappear off the MODE masthead for a few months this Summer to focus on other writing projects, but now I am back — reinvigorated, rejuvenated and refreshed — with my college girlfriend.

This change of heart occurred for two reasons; first my former employer, Rite Aid, deemed me non-essential in September and gave me the daunting opportunity to start my own business (Perfect Circle Writing Services, and yes, I am available for technical, business, and creative writing projects!) and secondly, Scot (Ya know, the guy who writes the Publisher’s Note) has been redefining the tact of MODE’s with a new direction firmly in mind.

Some changes thus far have been subtle, while others are much more obvious. Most notably, MODE is appearing bi-weekly now, instead of monthly, but changes inside will be much more dynamic than doubling the number of issues on the street. MODE is being transformed into a true regional publication — an alternative news source to the staid dailies that inundate us with the same news stories day in and day out without searching for fresh angles.

In the coming months, MODE will be developing a greatly enhanced arts & entertainment section that will truly serve all of South Central Pennsylvania. While this state’s capital Harrisburg will always be MODE’s base, satellite offices in York, Lancaster, Carlisle, and Hershey will be opening soon to better facilitate stories, events, and distribution in those cities. While this means more work for our editorial staff, our desire to prove to our readers that there is something to do in Central Pennsylvania truly outweighs our need for sleep.

We’ll be expanding our music coverage dramatically. Soon you will see strong coverage of local, regional, and national events. Concert listings for the entire region are already on the MODE website (www.MODEweekly.com), and will appear in the paper in the coming issues. Shortly thereafter national music features, columns, and reviews will be premiering.

Finally, a new music feature called "The Moment of Truth" will be unveiled. It’s a simple premise. Bands throughout the region are welcome to invite MODE out to review their live performances. If you’re selected, our reviewer will come out and shoot/experience your show. If your band kicks ass, we will say so. If your band sucks, we will say so. And since you invited us, you can’t whine. (On that note, we are still looking for a tough-as-nails, music-savvy writers who are willing to stick their necks out to cover bands that are willing to stick their necks out.)

Confident bands and cocky writers should contact MODE immediately.

On the film front, MODE has been selected as Central Pennsylvania’s only MovieFone.com affiliate. We also now offers full-reviews of current movie releases as well as continuing coverage of the best B-movies and couch classics. If you want to know about the Midtown Arts Cinema (now called the City Cinema), and the numerous other regional film festivals we’re your source. It’s about time great independent films arrive in the area the same time other metropolitan areas get them.

On the food front, we will be expanding our coverage area for dining reviews and working toward a food news column so local "foodies" can keep on eye on their favorite chefs and restaurants. Also, Betty is on her way back with the best lunches in Central PA!

Finally in the arts world (our catch-all for everything else), MODE will be keeping a closer eye on dance, theater, museums/galleries, books, travel, and any other leisure activities that piques your interest. Look for the return of the One-Tank Getaway on a regular basis, as well as an expanded calendar section for the entire region.

On top of all of that there will be more columns, cartoons, and general mayhem.

Our goal is to make sure you are exhausted at the end of every weekend. We don’t want to hear anymore sniveling about the lack of things to do in South Central Pennsylvania. Quit being part of the problem, and become part of the solution. MODE will hold up our end of the deal, now hold up yours. Go out and do something.

Boy, it’s great to be back.

ATTENTION WRITERS: We are in the midst of building a strong freelance writing team that will be available to cover events and write feature articles covering the Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, Carlisle and Hershey region. If you have strong writing skills and are interested in covering events in those areas, please contact me at: EdY@MODEweekly.com.