At least that’s how our friend Paul Kocak puts it (sounds like it should be a bit harder than that). We’d like to offer hefty congratulations to SyracuseFirst member Kocak Wordsmiths Ink on the publication of “Baseball’s Starry Night.” Owner and Chief Creative Magnet (this week’s title) Paul Kocak has penned a critically acclaimed book that relives one dramatic night at the conclusion of the 2011 Major League Baseball season.

Kocak’s first book is chiefly available via Amazon.com, although he is striving to work out arrangements with local booksellers. Paperback: http://amzn.to/H4pSof Kindle eBook: http://amzn.to/H1hGnG Say hello to our local author via Twitter @kocakwords or send your local love by buying a copy of the book.

www.BaseballStarryNight.com

As the consumer world becomes increasingly chain and corporation oriented, one large community of citizens in central New York choose to take their dollars elsewhere: to Around the World Imports.

Around the World is the only fair trade store in CNY, owned by Kevin Dabit. Dabit started Around the World three years ago when he recognized shoppers’ increasing desire for unique gift items different from mainstream products sold in large chain stores. He began by selling fair trade chocolate imported from several countries around the world. As his store increased in popularity, he expanded his product offering and decided to sell other handmade items from across the globe.

For two to three months every year, Dabit travels abroad to different countries to investigate the interesting types of items artists are creating that might interest his customers. He says that working with these artists from across the globe improve their level of living, in addition to the quality of the CNY community. He highlights the love and creativity the gifts he sells at Around the World are made with by the dedicated international artists. Every year he adds more countries to his travels. He points out his two favorite destinations to work with as Thailand and Laos because of the down to earth and loving people. While several of the countries are located in Asia, Dabit notices unique distinctions between each nation.

Around the World imports is a proud member of SyracuseFirst, promoting its buy local campaign. Dabit’s business thrives amidst a community of people who dislike going to the mall, and instead like their purchases to be natural, organic and fair trade. He says his customers enjoy hearing the stories behind each product and knowing that they are affecting someone’s livelihood in another part of the world. Dabit says, “It helps people recognize the connection we have to each other in this world.”

Dabit said over the past few weeks, customers have been going crazy over the recently imported handmade handbags from countries including Thailand and Nepal. All of the bags are made of natural resources, such as rice. Around the World also currently offers an extensive jewelry selection from countries all over the world. Dabit said that the pieces differ from anything that can be found in local mainstream malls because each item is hand-produced. The jewelry is also inexpensive, priced from seven to 22 dollars.

Overall, Dabit is thrilled with the support Around the World has received from its surrounding neighborhoods. Dabit plans to continue with Around the World’s mission to provide unique, worldly goods to the CNY citizens and enhance the quality of the local community.

**Photos courtesy Around the World Imports Facebook page**

Ale ‘n’ Angus faced competition from nine other regional winners (Buffalo, Rochester, Utica, Binghamton, Albany, Adirondack, Hudson, NYC, Long Island were represented). If you’ve traveled NY, then you know there are a number of pretty awesome burgers out there, but for we Syracusans – the best burger in the state is in our back yard. Imagine it, 10 regional competitions were held to determine the best burger in each geographical area; then the winner of each of those faced off in a state-wide battle of the burger. And a Syracuse business won. (insert moment of shining pride).

On a personal note, I’ve eaten several burgers at Ale ‘n’ Angus (they’re also a SyracuseFirst member – a locally-owned, independent business) and I’ve never left with thoughts other than ‘maybe I should go back there for dinner today,’ or ‘I should have ordered two burgers – one to take for dinner tonight.’

From the entire SyracuseFirst family, we offer beefy congratulations to the Ale ‘n’ Angus team and ask each of you reading this to visit them and order their fantastic angus.

We’re a bit late to the game on their recently announced RFP (request for proposals) but here’s the deal (click the image to enlarge):

Obviously, May 15th is tomorrow, but if you’ve had a smashing, community-based idea an couldn’t quite figure out how to get it funded – now’s your chance.

You can skip the shipping step (say that five times fast) entirely by visiting our friends at 2nd Nature Studio in Franklin Square. Here’s the address:

525 Plum Stree, Suite 101
Syracuse NY 13210

Their space is pretty cool, and only a stones throw from the Franklin Square branch of Freedom of Espresso. Grab a shirt, a cup of coffee and head about your day.

(of course, the shirts are available online here, shipping charges apply)

May 18th is Bike to Work Day.

That’s right. Get that bike out of the garage, put on a helmet, roll up those pant legs, and ride to work! Why on earth should you ride (instead of drive) to work? The League of American Bicyclists gives us several reasons: 1. save money/time, 2. preserve your health and/or the environment, 3. explore the community, 4. get from A to B.

According to the American Community Survey, 1.1% of Syracusans commute via bicycle (the national average is .53%), the highest percentage of any city in New York State. It also means we have work to do – communities such as Madison, Wisconsin (6.0%), Portland, Oregon (6.0%), and Cambridge, Massachusetts (6.8%) are way ahead in prioritizing cycling as a form of commuting.

It’s time for us to get out there and give it a shot. May 18th is Bike to Work Day in Syracuse. Get on your bike and ride!

(Syracuse Bike to Work Day is social: There’s a facebook event page, and the hashtag to follow on twitter is #CuseBike2WorkDay)

Over 250 people visited Craft Chemistry, and for 2 hours a good section of North Salina was bustling. Right at noon the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, Andrew Greacen turned on his amp, Recess coffee started to flow, and Cuse Mob began.

This short post is in recognition of each and every one of the participants of Cuse Mob. This event was a clear indication that our community craves the unique experience that Syracuse offers. Cuse Mob aims to promote and contribute to that experience.

Thank-you, and we’ll see you at the next Cuse Mob!

Where and when
If you haven’t heard yet, it’s at Craft Chemistry (745 North Salina Street, Syracuse. Directions here). We’ll get going at 12pm.

What to bring
Yourself. And friends. $10, cash (we think of this as a starting point, not really a limit). Wear something orange (for fun, not required).

Where to park
The streets in front of and surrounding the store have on-street parking. If you’re a little further downtown, there are surface lots/garages available (click for a parking map from the Downtown Committee).

What to expect upon arrival
Cuse Mob has been gaining momentum and excitement for the last several days. We expect a fun atmosphere, and hopefully a lot of people! Please come prepared to wait outside of C2 for a short time as we cycle through ‘mobbers’ as quickly and efficiently as possible

Share the experience
Cuse Mob is a social event! Bring your smartphone, camera, flip cam, etc. We want you to take pictures, tweet (#CuseMob), post status updates, check-in on Foursquare (Swarm badge, anyone?) – have fun with it!

Craft Chemistry (745 N. Salina St) is home to numerous products designed and crafted by local entrepreneurs and artists. According to their Facebook page, ‘[Craft Chemistry] provides an alternative shopping experience offering goods that are unique, original, inspired by contemporary trends, and can’t be found anywhere else in the City.’

This place rocks. If you haven’t been, well, join us on Saturday and you’ll see how awesome it is. Incredible local products, t-shirts, posters, jewelry, pottery – you name it – are just a part of the store. It also doubles as a small art gallery (in fact, the last day of the current exhibit “The Black Series” by Amanda Zackem, is this Saturday).

The owner, Briana Kohlbrenner, is a star in the community. She has organized the Salt City Urban Art and Craft Market, the Syracuse One-Take Super 8 Film Festival, and was listed in Central New York Magazine’s “12 to watch for in 2012.”

The weather for Saturday is going to be magnificent. Bring your fine selves over to Craft Chemistry. It’s going to be a fabulous event, we’re going to meet new people, buy cool stuff, and have an amazing time doing it. Plus, the after-party for the mob is at Sparky Town - the multiplied awesomeness can’t be denied!

Put Syracuse First this Saturday: Come to CUSE MOB!