BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Little Hawk
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 01:48 AM

Schenectady, tonsilectomy, appendectomy, vasectomy...

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 11:19 PM

Schenectady has at least 50% more spatulas per capita than Hull!!!

Now, why would anyone want to live in a spatula-poor place like Hull when, for the price of a one-way airline ticket and a little bus fare you can live in beautiful Schenectady where spatulas abound?

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 08:10 PM

I checked out the S'dy website. Would somebody please tell me why it has several paragraphs of tiny print followed by three inches of empty space? Haven't these people ever heard of nearsightedness, astigmatism, old age - to mention a few problems the citizens might have?

Flamenco Ted - re your spelling "shcendyddnyd" I believe that's the Welsh form.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 11:39 PM

Yes! Schenectady is back in the headlines!

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 11:24 PM

"It Came From Schenectady" sounds like a bad 50's horror-sci-fi flick.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: georgeward
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 05:25 PM

Well, not Vonnegut, but here's the quote.


Explaining the title of his anthology 'It Came from Schenectady', SF writer Barry Longyear writes:

So, where do you get your ideas?

Harlan Ellison's answer to the question above was: "A post office box in Schenectady. You send in two dollars and a self-addressed stamped envelope and they send you back an idea."

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 03:43 PM

You could always call it "Shady"
Best wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 03:39 PM

At least it doesn't have John Prescott representing it!
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: PoppaGator
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 02:30 PM

Hull not only has the shorter, more easily spelled, and more eaisly thymed name; it offers the option of dropping the initial letter: hence, 'Ull.

Upstate New Yorkers do not enjoy the option of truncating their city's name to 'Chenectady (or even 'Enectady).

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 12:22 PM

When half of Gran Canaria falls into the sea the resulting (Japanese) tidal wave will flood and wipe out the east coast of America and will end the existance of Shedworthy, leaving Hull as the undisputed capital of mudcat land. Osama Bin-liner is working on it now. Unlucky!

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 03:59 AM

Donuel, I think we'd all be much more worried if the Gulf Stream started flowing to Hull!

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: georgeward
Date: 22 Dec 04 - 01:14 AM

Following Giok's "Schenectady Calling" lead, I found not the song, but the source of the title. The following is from a fascinating page put up by Svenn Martinsen on radio DX (distance) listening from Norway, referring to to the DX exploits of a listener named Lief Salicath:

"On December 4th, 1924 Salicath heard WGY and many other stations such as KDKA in Pittsburgh, PA (Westinghouse, 326 metres, plus shortwave 100 metres) and KSD St.Louis, MO, between 320 and 450 metres. At 0327 the carrier of Schenectady, NY appeared and the station identified itself: "WGY, General Electric, Schenectady, calling." Jazz music and songs and frequent IDs followed. Other North Americans heard in Norway were WJZ New York(RCA) on 455 metres and WRAZ Troy, NY(Polytechnic Institute) on 380 metres, sharing with WGY."

Here's the URL for the interested:

http://www.northernstar.no/norwegianradiodays.htm

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:56 PM

I'd be interested in the songs too. I never heard any songs about Schenectady when I was growing up. The closest I recall is mention of the Erie Canal. I wonder if it's just me, or whether other people take where they live for granted and never explore the history or the things that make that place unique.

Kurt Vonnegut Jr. used to live on my street. He moved out shortly after I was born, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't my fault. My uncle worked with his brother Bernie, and I think I have a black and white photo of a young, curly-headed Bernie with his son riding on his shoulders at (I believe) the Schenectady County Airport.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Donuel
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:46 PM

Schenectady has lots of guns. But Hull sounds like a lot of fun. Be it Hull or Schenectady they are in for a heck of a day. They will both equally freeze. Because one is by the sea and the other from lake effect breeze. There is a strong possibliity that the melted Artic water will drive the Gulf stream so far south that Hull will freeze solid.

Schenectady is pretty depressed.
Even the mansions at Altamont are in disrepair.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: georgeward
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 08:25 PM

Giok,

'Schenectady Calling' sounds like one I'd love to see, if you ever find it.

'All my Ex's Live in Schenectady' recalls a quote from some writer that all fiction plots (or may science fiction plots)come from a mailbox in Schenectady. I've been looking for that one with no success. Thought the coiner was Kurt Vonnegut (who once lived in Alplaus, where Jeri grew up), but no luck so far.

-George

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:32 AM

Well I've looked everywhere for the words and the composer of, a song I heard once called 'Schenectady Calling'. I'm pretty sure it was written by Michael Marra as a tribute to Peerie Willie Johnson, but no joy. I did find two song titles, new to me, that mention the place. One is 'A Suicide in Schenectady' by Fran Landesmann', and the other 'All my Ex's Live in Schenectady' writer untraced. It does seem to inspire odd song titles though.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:21 AM

Pocatello is spelled just as it sounds, except for the 'c' instead of a 'k' and a few other things.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Cool Beans
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 09:05 AM

George, thank you thank you!!!
That's great. I remembered a few fragments and I recall the tune. Now I can learn the song.
And where were you in 2002 when I started a thread requesting the lyrics?!
Worth waiting for. Thank you again.
CB

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 05:32 AM

Waht all this is about?

and who is schenelady?

Subject: LYRIC ADD: I Can't Spell Schenectady
From: georgeward
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 12:41 AM

I CAN'T SPELL SCHENECTADY

Intro:   I'm so very smart at all my lessons,
         Reading, writing and geography;
         But when it comes to spelling, I'm confessin'
         There's just one word that stumps me constantly.

Verse(1):   I can spell Dakota, can handle Minnesota, but
            I can't spell Schenectady,
            I can spell Havana and figure out Savannah,
            But I can't spell.....

Bridge:       Why, one time at a spelling bee
               Said teacher all at once,
               "Now, Willie, spell 'Schenectady',"
               I felt just like a dunce!

Verse(2): I spelled Anaconda and even Tonawanda,
          So what does she expect of me ?
          I just can't spell Schenectady.


V (1):    I can spell Pomona, Seattle and Tacoma, but I can't...
          I mastered Ypsilanti and Agua Caliente, but I can't..

Br:            Now teacher called on Percival,
               Who never missed a word;
               When he misspelled "Schenectady,"
               The class gave him the bird!

V(2):    I can spell Weehawken, but Teacher's alway's squawkin'
          So what does she expect of me ?


          I can spell Missoula and even Ashtabula, but I can't...
          I find Corpus Christi as easy as Poughkeepsie, but...

             Although it's such a pretty place,
             Yet isn't it a shame,
             They had to go and give it
             Such an awful funny name ?

          There is just one answer. As quickly as I can sir,
          I'm going to move to Albany.
          'Cause I can't spell....


          I can spell Beethoven and Reginald DeKoven, but I can't....
          I can spell Puccini and make with Toscanini, but I can't...

             Just try me on composers' names
             And I'll get through them all,
             I used to put the posters up
             Outside Carnegie Hall.

          I've juggled with Toplitsky and worked out Koussevitski,
          But one word gets the best of me.
          I just can't spell Schenectady!

This is from memory and notes(I do live near the burg in question). Apologies for not including composer and copyright info. I have a photocopy of the sheet music somewhere, but not where it should be.
I'll try to find it. I've no doubt the song IS in copyright.

On the website of the Schenectady County Historical Society there is a
note to the effect that the song was composed in 1948 to celebrate Kermis, an historical fall Fair date dating to early Dutch times in the Mohawk Valley. I recall no note to that effect in the sheet music.

More to come if I find that. Enjoy, - George

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Little Hawk
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 09:17 PM

Damn. If only William MacGonagall was still alive. We need him at this moment to deliver the final poetic word on this matter!

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 06:47 PM

Schenectady people though your heart be full,
There are many places, o'er the pond.
One of which I have to say is Hull,
A City, of which I have to say I'm fond.
Songs there may be sung about each place,
But it's not a contest one place wins.
Perhaps both of these places are alike,
So maybe we should think of them as twins.

Best wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: GUEST,Fast Eddie
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 05:31 PM

Schenectady, city of my dreams
I think of you each time the eagle screams
Your noble vistas and your graceful ways
I'll treasure for all my mortal days
No place could e'er replace you in my heart
Nor ever cause my thoughts to be apart
From that which ties my memory to you
Schenectady, without you I'd be blue
I've seen Peoria and Kankakee
And they don't mean a single thing to me
I've driven through the wilds of Pocatello
Where I was struck by a flying load of jello
I've been put down by people in Podunk
Been robbed and left for dead in Kennebunk
Been shafted by a judge in Walla Walla
And pissed on by a dog in Astabula
But never has Schenectady refused me
Nor turned its back nor violently abused me
And that is why my heart will always be
At home in my true home, Schenectady!

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Cool Beans
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 12:22 PM

No, no. Wait. I want those lyrics.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 06:16 AM

O.K, I think it's time we started talking about somewhere else....say.....Liverpool...or Birmingham(UK)....or...any suggestions.
Best wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: georgeward
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 01:31 AM

And just a bit of horn blowin' :

1922 - The first radio network -- of sorts -- debuted. It was a network of just two stations. WJZ in Newark, NJ teamed with WGY in Schenectady, NY to bring the World Series game direct from the Polo Grounds in New York. Columnist Grantland Rice was behind the microphone for that broadcast.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: georgeward
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 01:16 AM

'Giok'

I remember that concert at Proctor's Theatre in Schenectady when Peerie Willie Johnson toured with the Boys of the Lough. And he playing on the very stage from which he'd heard live broadcasts all those years ago. Another magical night.

And closer to the end of an era than we knew. The radio station he had listened to from the Shetlands, WGY, was then still owned by General Electric Co.. Fifty thousand watts. And time was you could receive it in some faraway places when the atmospherics were right.

That station had nurtured a host of country and jazz artists (among others) when radio was live.

Now the thing belong to a mega-corporation (Clear Channel), is programmed from God-knows-where with right-wing drivel, and has as much local flavor as cheap beer. Sad.

Cool beans: If this thread survives another day or so, I'll post "I Can't Spell Schenectady," the lyrics at least.

BTW the real Mayor Stratton's dad - mayor himself and then congressman - was one of the first broadcast interviews I ever did. A gifted politician...way too gifted for a couple of wet-behind-the-ears college radio wannabes ! If Brian can do as well as his dad, Schenectady MAY thrive again (I wouldn't have his job for all the Martin Guitars in Nazareth PA).

Current folk venues within thirty miles of Schenectady: Old Songs, Caffe Lena, the Eighth Step (homeless at present) among others.

- George

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 06:19 PM

www.hullcc.gov.uk/   Copy and paste to address bar and take a trip to Hull Folks....look round the site and find out what a great place it really is.
Best wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 06:08 PM

Rapaire, Pocatello sounds pretty good and certainly would appear to have more character than Schenectady. The only thing it lacks apparently is an abundance of Folk Clubs and Mudcatters...but what the heck...If and when I cross the pond, then perhaps I should put Pocatello on my visiting list.
Best wishes,

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 06:08 PM

There is, in Pocatello, something that neither Hull (any of them) or Schenectdy has.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 06:02 PM

"Sneezetown"! Ha! Ha! Ha! Come to think of it, the word Schenectady does sound like a sneeze. Canada had a government minister whose name sounded like a sneeze too: Ray Hnatyshin

"Nah...TISH...in!" "Ske...NECK...t'dy!" Gesundheit!

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Hollowfox
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 05:17 PM

Yo, Mohawk Scholar! I don't think you've ever actually been to Schenectady! All these posts and you've never mentioned the Pine Bush? The Hudson River is miles away. It's the Mohawk that floods the Stockade almost every year. (Jeri, I'll see if I can scrounge up my old Niskayunacorn file for old playlists.)

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 01:54 PM

I can just see you in the 'throne room' Les ;~)
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Les from Hull
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 01:05 PM

OK, bring it on...

Some more facts about Hull for you.
If you check the National Cycle Route map you'll find that we're on two routes Route 1 and Route 66!
We've got a street called 'Land of Green Ginger'.

But the major factor here on Mudcat is that there are about 50 'catters living within a dozen miles of here, and also about 20 more 'catters who were born here and moved away (fools!) or who were educated at one of our two (count 'em, two) fine universities. You can't throw half a brick here without hitting a mudcatter on the head (some of their heads are MASSIVE). Until Sneezetown signs up a considerable percentage of its meagre population onto Mudcat, it will always be an 'also-ran'. Sorry.

And don't you colonials worry about us having a 'Lord' Mayor, Hull is the most revolutionary place in the country. We actually told the King to f**k off in 1641 (he was standing outside our front gate and we wouldn't let him in). And in 1688 we took over the place from the royal governor and locked him in his own jail. All Boston could manage was a large, cold weak pot of tea.

Les
Pretender to the Throne of Hull

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 11:54 AM

Ahem, again.

Pocatello is at the confluence of two great Interstate highways, I-15 and I-84. One goes to Boise and one eventually ends up in Mexico or Canada, depending on the direction you go.
It also has a train station -- AND a buss station AND an airport.
It also has the Portneuf River, which has been canalized through town.
It rarely has a murder any time, much less every Friday and Saturday night.
It has substantially fewer drunks students than Moscow (Idaho).
It doesn't have any stupidly named suburbs like "Neverland" or "Quail Ridge. In fact, it doesn't have suburbs -- just Chubbuck and Inkom.
From the Town centre to Walmart is only a few minutes drive and a half hour will easily see you to Blackfoot.
It is also only a few minutes away from the Caribou National Forest.
Eli S. Oboler, who was an asset to the town lived there.
It's not very likely to sink into the North Sea.
Martin Gibson, who appreciates a GOOD hot dog, lives 1,800 miles away, if that matters to you.
Furthermore, Sun Valley and Park City, both most beautiful ski resorts and former sites of Winter Olympics, are in easy driving distance -- and Teresa Heinz Kerry and her hubby have a little pied a terre in Sun Valley.
There is a Folk Club, Pub 'n' Suds, where you can do you laundry and drink beer at the same time. There are also quite a number of acoustic groups, from fiddling to jazz.
The people are REAL.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Cool Beans
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 11:41 AM

But who knows the words to "I Can't Spell Schenectady"? I've been looking for them for years. (I can spell Hull, no problem).

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 10:59 AM

And the controversy rages on! When are we going to hear from Peoria?

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: GUEST,Ron Davies
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 09:00 AM

As an American and an enthusiastic but definitely amateur historian , I still have to admit several facts. Not only is Hull itself cited in folk culture, not to mention its status as a very likely contender for the center of the Mudcat world (based on participation), but it can also be considered the gateway to many other sites of folk and historical interest--one that comes to mind immediately is "from Yarmouth down to Scarborough".

It heartens me as a patriotic American and folkie that at least a few songs that mention Schenectady have been unearthed. But in addition to being the graveyard of would-be non-dictionary spellers, Schenectady (hope I have it right) is still in dire need of more wordsmiths to establish its place (though recent Mudcat efforts have certainly given Schenectady a good kick-start.)



And I really have to do something about this "cookie problem"--have already tried many times.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: GUEST,Ron Davies
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 08:40 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 08:33 AM

Sorry for shooting blanks!
Canada used to have a Hull but we got rid of it. :-}
                  Obie

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: GUEST,Obie
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 08:30 AM

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 04:58 AM

Cruise down Leven Canal to River Hull

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 04:57 AM

Alimentary my dear surgeon, alimentary.

giok;~)

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 04:49 AM

Hull has a canal?

i never seen it!

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 04:42 AM

GUEST Schenectady loving Mohawk scholar.....In answer to your post.
Hull is at the confluence of two great rivers one of which is the famous Trent, which runs from near Stoke on Trent to Hull and the North Sea.
It also has a train station.
It also has a canal.
It is murder there every Friday and Saturday night.
It has substantially less drunken students than Leeds.
It doesn't have any stupidly named suburbs like "Neverland"
From the Town centre to the middle of the North Sea is only a few minutes drive and a half hour sail towards Zeegbrugge. It is also only one hour away from Robin Hoods Sherwood Forest.
Sir jOhn( Who is an asset to the town) DOES live there.
Though it may sink into the North Sea, its people and style will live on!
Thankfully, Martin Gibson lives nearer you!
Furthermore, Scarborough, a most beautiful beach resort is in easy driving distance.
There are more Folk Clubs than one can think of to name.
The people are REAL.

Perhaps you would like to add to your previous list and get back to us.
Best wishes.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 01:46 AM

Now, now Little Hawk... The State of New York did NOT go to GWBush. You can't hold Schenectady responsible for his election. Not their fault!

Blame everyone who bought Tobey Keith's last two aCds for that.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 12:33 AM

Man, I am so impressed that I am almost ready to leave glorious Ontario and move to Schenectady! I said...almost. First get rid of George Bush and his entire cabinet and also abolish both the Democratic and Republican parties. Establish a national health care insurance system that serves all Americans equally. Then get out of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Guantanamo, and a bunch of other foreign places. And stop building atomic bombs. And bring jobs back to America instead of exporting them to Asia. (not that I'm accusing Schenectady of being the main force behind all those things, it's just a general set of problems, that's all)

And then, I'll give it serious consideration.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: GUEST,Schenectady Loving Mohawk Scholar
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 10:37 PM

Hmmm....all you nasty mudcatters not respecting Schenectady as you should! For Shame! A pox on your houses.

It is NOT a suburb of Albany..or Fort Orange as you British probably still call Albany. How dare you insinuate such a thing.

Schenectady...which I was told to pronounce in Mohawk as "skuh-nehk-dah-da' (with the apostrophe standing in for a glottal stop) with No stress on any one symbol...is indeed a fair town. fair indeed.

Schenectady could aslo kick Hull down with one foot tied behind its head.

Somewhere in the four thousand verses to "Low Bridge Everybody down!" there must be mention of Schenectady, no?

Hull should stand in sheer AWE of Schenectady. Bow down to Schenectady even!

Because:

It's on the Great River Hudson.
It's next to the OTHER great NY River, The Mohawk which everyone forgets.
It has a Train station
The old Eerie Canal runs by it
There's been a couple of famous murders there
It has substantially less drunken students than Fort Orange (Albany)
It doesn't have stupidly named suburbs like Albany's the Slingerlands ( now there's a village to be named in a song)
From town Center to forested outskirts is a 15 minute drive
Sir John DOESN'T live there
It will not sink into the North Sea soon or even later!
Martin Gibson doesn't live there either

What's not to love?

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 09:12 PM

And then there's Guelph, Ontario. And Penetanguishene. And Moosejaw. And Capuscasing.

Subject: RE: BS: Schenectady jealous of Hull
From: Rapparee
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 09:05 PM

Ahem.

If you're going to mention such places as Rancho Cucamonga, Kankakee, Oswego, Meredosia, and Walla Walla, you should also mention

Pocatello.

Named for a chief of the Shoshone and the only Congressionally chartered town in the US -- and mentioned by name in the DT itself.

Can Schenectady say the same? Can Hull (any of them)?