Omaha.net - Local Writing from the Heartland

Teens Reaping More Than They Sow

Christy Pooschke — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:23:20 +0000

Teens Learn Business Skills and Gardening at Gifford Park

When I look around at what young folks are eating these days, it really concerns me.

Facebook Prompts About-Face From Omaha World-Herald

Jordy Clements — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:27:24 +0000

A gay couple's Facebook group affects real change

In one view, this is simply the story of two women, Kristin Wilke and Jessica Kitzman, a newly engaged couple who were denied the opportunity to announce their engagement in the “Celebrations” section of the Omaha World-Herald. In another view, this is the story of a generation, weened on social media, inheriting a fight for social equality that, while once bloody, can now be waged non-violently, electronically.

Footbridge Phobia Not (Very) Funny

Vicky DeCoster — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:30:00 +0000

Fear of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge grips one couple

The $22 million dollar Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge officially opened to the public on September 28, 2008, and since then, thousands of people have walked on the 3,000-foot path that stretches over the Missouri river from downtown Omaha, Nebraska, to Council Bluffs, Iowa. But there are still two people who haven’t crossed the bridge and probably never will without the assistance of a hypnotherapist, prescription medication, and blindfolds.

MarbleSpark Launches Project OpenBook

Ann Troe — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:13:23 +0000

Local Creatives Design Children's Book and Charity

Omaha, you have to meet Phil. Actually, I have to meet Phil! We ‘met’ through a mutual Twitter friend, Susan, of s.n.baird communications. I mentioned Phil briefly in my article on Twitter. He and I have exchanged many emails, and we have talked on the phone.

An Interview with Omaha Entrepreneurs SponsorPark

Jordy Clements — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:12:11 +0000

New company connects sponsors to sponsorship opportunities

Many people, business owners included, will have absolutely no need for the service SponsorPark provides. But for certain individuals and organizations, SponsorPark will be a revelation—the perfect company offering the perfect set of tools.

loom Weaves Omaha

Jordy Clements — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:54:15 +0000

An interview with DJ Brent Crampton

When most of America hears the word loom, they probably picture medieval spinsters hunched over ancient wooden machines or Dickensian children in Victorian sweatshops.

OK. Maybe the New York hipsters start salivating over selvage denim.

Either way, it’s different in Omaha.

When people here hear the word loom, they know you are probably talking about the frequent parties hosted by Brent Crampton and Jay Kline. This recognition is a testament to the hard work they’ve put into creating loom—the pair has taken the word out of the past and thrust it into the future of Omaha’s dance scene. Literally.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of My Summer Reading

Lisa Sheppard — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:29:14 +0000

Dealing with the guilt of not reading more

Beach reads and chick lit were not on my reading plan this summer. Instead I had hoped to get to some of the classics that I’ve never read and reread some old favorites. The days were to be filled with Dickens, Austen, Shakespeare, and even Chaucer. I did manage to reread Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights with high hopes that I might enjoy it more reading it as an adult. While I did have a better understanding of the characters, I can’t say that I liked the book any better. I much preferred sister Anne’s Agnes Grey.

All Young Girls Are Machine Guns? That's What She Said

Jordy Clements — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 01:05:10 +0000

Absurd Musical Insights from Slo-Fi Records

In the wake of Napster, Lime Wire, BitTorrent, and a sour economy, believe it or not, people are still making records. And they’re still throwing parties. Thursday marks the CD Release Party for Secret Attic Records (9pm, The Slowdown). This is newest album from Slo-Fidelity Recordings artist Rebecca Lowry, better known as All Young Girls Are Machine Guns.

Adopt a Pug, Rescue an Angel

Terra Hamlin — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:28:16 +0000

A "special delivery" leads to some trying choices

It was sometime in the late summer many years ago. Around 8pm we got a phone call from my niece, MiLea.

“Aunt Terra, I found a pug” I am sure she called because I had an 8 year old pug at this time, and I certainly was not looking for another one.

“Oh I see,” I replied. “Honey, I am sure that she has to belong to someone, pugs are very expensive dogs, she must have gotten lost.” Now my niece lives out in the country, there are not many houses or people around, and “town” is a bit of a drive. I figured that someone in that very small community must have lost this pug.

Ramadan 101: Lessons in Islam

Beth Katz — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:49:41 +0000

A conversation with scholar-educator Dr. Hussein Rashid

August 11th marks the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan, a month of fasting and reflection for Muslims all over the world, including those living here in the United States. Like Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, Islam uses a lunar calendar which makes Islamic holidays appear to float on the Gregorian calendar.