NEW YORK (AP) — The Mystery Writers of America withdrew a major honor Thursday from author Linda Fairstein after other authors condemned the ex-prosecutor's role in New York's notorious "Central Park Five" case. The decision, just two days after the Grand Master Award was announced, marked the first time the group has ever rescinded the prize, which recognizes lifetime achievement and has been given to Sue Grafton and Stephen King among others. "MWA cannot move forward with an award that lacks the support of such a large percentage of our members," the group said in a statement that also pledged to re-evaluate its process for selecting honorees. "We realize that this action will be unsatisfactory to many. We apologize for any pain and disappointment this situation has caused." Fairstein, known for her best-selling novels featuring prosecutor Alex Cooper, wrote on her Facebook page that she was "extremely disappointed, of course, to have this great award-designation revoked so … [Read more...] about Writers’ group won’t honor prosecutor tied to Central Park 5
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Ninth annual ONE MusicFest takes over Atlanta’s Central Park
Nas headlined Day One of the 2018 ONE Musicfest at Central Park on Sept. 8. (Marshall A. Latimore / The Atlanta Voice) For two days, at times in the blistering sun and the pouring rain, music lovers united in the name of crunk. Nearly 50,000 fans from across the country weathered the storm and sunshine at Central Park in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward neighborhood last weekend for the ninth annual ONE MusicFest. Some of music’s biggest names, including Nas, 2 Chainz, Big Boi, Kelis, Davido, Monica, Miguel, and more performed a bevy of their biggest hits on two stages. A number of artists not on the original lineup hopped on stage to perform, including Crime Mobb, Keri Hilson and Dungeon Family member Big Gipp. “This year, we had a multitude of folks who jumped up and performed on stage,” explained ONE MusicFest founder Jason Carter. “I’m putting the consumer experience first. Next year, fans can expect a lot more of the same … [Read more...] about Ninth annual ONE MusicFest takes over Atlanta’s Central Park
Blog Li: Central parks of Yerevan
Some of parks simply reveal the culture and history of Armenia. Sidewalk cafes have already become an integral part and an important attribute of warm and sunny Yerevan. According to people, they make Yerevan a charming and interesting place to explore. Walking by the streets, you can easily get lost between the cafes, as their number grows exponentially. But, what about parks? The parks, where you can lie on a fresh lawn, drying out from the summer rain or parks, where you can simply ride a bike and enjoy your time with friends. In the very center of the city, the parks are small, and in comparison with the cities of other countries, they are simply miniature. However, I, having visited the central parks of Yerevan, was convinced that it is worth to tell about them and show them as they create charming atmosphere, and some of them simply reveal the culture and history of Armenia. Lovers' Park, English Park, Swan Lake, Park after Martiros Saryan, and other central parks have become … [Read more...] about Blog Li: Central parks of Yerevan
Freshkills Park Discovery Day: Cycling, painting, rock climbing
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Islanders were able to freely roam more than 700 acres and eight miles of trails during the Freshkills Park Discovery Day on Sunday. Residents were able to ride their bicycles -- or borrow one from the park -- and enjoy several activities and tours. "Discovery Day is an opportunity for visitors to visit and show the progress as a park, and the overall development and design, the recreation potential, bikes to borrow and activities and crafts," said Mariel Villere, manager for programs, arts and grants for Freshkills Park. Activities were offered, like wind chime making, landscape drawing, kite flying, painting a community mural and climbing the NYPD rock wall. "We made a wind chime, I saw a pair of hawks and a white-tailed deer. We painted on a mural," said Christina Ocampo of Midland Beach, who was celebrating her birthday. The free event offers New Yorkers a chance to explore the park before it opens and learn more about the landfill-to-park … [Read more...] about Freshkills Park Discovery Day: Cycling, painting, rock climbing
Music, food and rodeos: Nearly 100 festivals in Utah to explore this summer
1 of 10 View 10 Items Provided by Utah Renaissance Faire The Knights of Mayhem, led by Eagle Mountain native and world jousting champion Charlie Andrews, puts on jousting performances each year at the Utah Renaissance Faire. Related Link 40-plus places to watch outdoor movies in Utah this summer SALT LAKE CITY — Summertime, when the livin' is easy and the festivals run rampant. From film to food to music to theater — and a handful of unique city festivals and rodeos — the Beehive State has festivals to keep you busy all summer long. Here's a list of nearly 100 festivals to consider adding to your summer calendar. Note: This list is not all-inclusive, and events and prices are subject to change. Please send information on additional events to [email protected] FILM June 1: Ogden Film Festival, Peery’s Egyptian Theater, 2415 Washington Blvd., Ogden In its second year, the Ogden Film Festival will present professional … [Read more...] about Music, food and rodeos: Nearly 100 festivals in Utah to explore this summer