Lessons from an election

NOV. 11, 2011 — I lost a city council election Tuesday.

It’s OK. I’m glad I tried. More people need to take their shot.

[logo_final_dot_letterhead] But being on the other side of the press as a candidate provided an interesting twist to my normal role as a columnist. Over the last 10 years, I’ve been on the giving end of politics — giving politicians everything from ideas to a hard time about various policy proposals. Now after taking a beating at the polls, I thought you might find it interesting to learn some of the lessons that politicians experience all of the time during elections.

Comparing the Big Easy with the Holy City

AUG. 1, 2011 – Walking around an Uptown neighborhood in New Orleans has the feel of Hampton Park in Charleston: airy homes on lots with lush trees in a semi-tropical climate where summer steaminess is as accepted as white on rice.

But there are differences in these two famous Southern cities, both heavily influenced to this day by early European settlers. Here are some observations on how Charleston and New Orleans are similar and different:

Piccolo Spoleto to offer 700 cultural events

MAY 12, 2011 – With 700 events on tap during the city’s coming Piccolo Spoleto festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. “Piccolo is so important because it gives the opportunity to our local artists to be showcased against the backdrop of Spoleto Festival USA,” said Ellen Dressler Moryl, head of the City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs at a Tuesday meeting of the Rotary Club of Charleston. “These two festivals provide a stunning economic impact which benefits the entire state of South Carolina.”

Jack Alterman: Still taking a shot at great shots

JAN. 10, 2011 – Day in and day out, getting the good shot has been the motivation for noted Charleston photographer Jack Alterman.

“If I don’t go out and shoot pictures every day, I don’t feel like I’ve woken up,” the Charleston native said recently. “It’s just something I’ve got to do.”

New Spoloto poster: Yuck

I like to paint. I like art. I like modern art a lot. I even like odd conceptual modern art. But I am befuddled by the newly unveiled poster for the 2010 Spoleto Festival USA, slated to begin at the end of the month in Charleston. The world-renowned festival and world-renowned artist it commissioned have thrust something into the public domain that doesn’t seem worth the paper on which it is printed.