If brevity is the soul of wit, then Twitter must be the wittiest thing on the Internet.
For the uninitiated, Twitter is a platform for “micro-blogging,” a made-up word meaning writing entries that are very, very short. Twitter posts—which stupidly are called “tweets”—are limited to 140 characters each. The result is perfect for someone without the time or attention span to read a whole blog—it’s the Internet equivalent of scanning the headlines. Tweets allow only enough room for the most important information, and then they usually include links at which you can find out more.
Though Twitter only has around 6 million users (compared with 150 million Facebook users), it’s quickly gaining in popularity. Chances are, your favorite celebrity has one (so he or she can post 140 characters about what s/he had for breakfast this morning). Your favorite business might have one, too, to tell you about special promotions it’s running. And, now, some of your neighbors have them, too. Here’s a look at just some of the Westchester Twitterers out there.
Axial Theatre
What It Does: Gives a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s production process.
Sample Entry: “Day off from CHERRIE & JERRY rehearsals today. Back at it tomorrow… www.axialtheatre.org“
Greenburgh Nature Center
What It Does: Promotes conservation awareness and keeps updated information about the Center’s programs.
Sample Entry: “As local businesses adapt to a slow economy, some look to environmentally sound solutions to help the bottom line.http://pitch.pe/2891“
Historic Hudson Valley
What It Does: Keeps you up-to-date on HHV’s events and programs.
Sample Entry: “Dates for the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze are already set, and it’s only the beginning of March. A new record! http://tinyurl.com/d7tagn“
MidWestchester
What It Does: Links to news items about the middle of our county.
Sample Entry: “RT @WCBS880: Meteorite May Have Hit Westchester County http://tinyurl.com/cbak4p (Saturday)”
Miriam Bernstein
What It Does: Gives the skinny on local real estate.
Sample Entry: “First Time Homeowner Credit, Claim it Now!: This year, qualifying taxpayers who buy a home before Dec. 1, 2009, .. http://tinyurl.com/df2mr3”
The “O!” Show
What It Does: Blogs the run-up to the newest exhibition at Kenise Barnes Fine Art.
Sample Entry: “Work by Hovey Brock, Susan Chrysler White arriving today. Beth Dary installing too. hOOOOOOray!”
Suburbanista
What It Does: Shouts out hip, indie, and crafty goings-on in Westchester and the NY-Metro area.
Sample Entry: New York Times profiled Bronxville, New York bakers, Big Girl Baking.
http://tinyurl.com/cs42mo
Talk of the Sound
What It Does: Links to breaking news in the Sound Shore.
Sample Entry: “Confusion Reigns over New Rochelle’s Stimulus Wish List http://tinyurl.com/djb5ao“
Teatown
What It Does: Updates information about the calendar of the events at the Teatown Lake Reservation.
Sample Entry: “Sugaring season is underway! We just finished tapping 100 sugar maple trees to collect sap to boil into syrup. 40 gal sap = 1 gal syrup!”
…and, this isn’t local but I couldn’t resist
The Museum of Natural History Whale
What It Does: Ruminates on its existence bolted to the ceiling at the American Museum of Natural History.
Sample Entry: “Sometimes, when listening to Phish, I feel like I’m underwater again (for the very first time). Thanks, effects pedals.”
Following any Westchesterites on Twitter that I didn’t include? Let me know in the comments.
