GUESS WHAT? THE PLANET TURNED FIVE! 1,300 COLUMNS AND COUNTING
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, OCT. 1, 2015) — Today THE PLANET begins our sixth year. This is column 1,300. What started out as a simple writing exercise (our equivalent of a daily workout) has blossomed in a way we did not plan, could not anticipate, and would not try to replicate.
Today is a day for brevity and whimsy. Speaking of the second, we present our lawn sign:
How can you not like such honesty and integrity?
… To It’s Fullest
Whether taking care of business for Europolis Management in West Springfield or punching up a screenplay in California, whether teaching a class at the college or writing PLANET VALENTI at The Fortress, we try to do everything with total engagement. It’s been our “practice,” since we can remember. Are you washing the dishes? Do it fully. Weeding the garden? Learn a little more than what you knew. Each moment is an opportunity to be alive in every aspect of the experience. Life, as the poet once wrote, is “a bitter aspic,” but it is all we have. The idea is to “have” it fully, with “good” and “bad” running as they will in the now.
In the case of our postings here, we offer a public service that seeks to share information and commentary that will help dispel in some small way the political, social, and cultural miasma that has been become a once-lovely city’s default position.
You will have us with you for a little while more, and when we go, you will not follow. Now is the time. Stay there, stay free, and never take “the high and holy house for your pawn or treasury.”
——– 000 ——–
Feel free to send us on this anniversary whatever congratulations you want, whatever criticisms you find in an abandoned spot.
THE PLANET shall be back tomorrow with The Weekend Edition. Be sure to check us out tonight, on the tube, for PLANET VALENTI TELEVISION. It beings at 7 p.m. on channel 16. As we end every column, we love you all.
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“They’ve given you a number, and taken ‘way your name.” — Johnny Rivers, “Secret Agent Man,” (1965).
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
The views expressed in any comment section are not those of PLANET VALENTI or endorsed in any way by PLANET VALENTI; this website reserves the right to remove any comment which violates its Rules of Conduct, and it is not liable for the consequences of any posted comment as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and PLANET VALENTI’s terms of service.
Oh no, don’t go!
Congrats Dan! I
I Love the Sign, and a toast to you, Dan Valenti, for not only your honesty, but for the fortitude and bravo you extend to keep We The People informed, in the City where the lights have gone out….. and for allowing a platform for people to state their mind. Congratulations 5 Years!
Dan you are the only game in town as far as open, above board news is concerned. The suits must despise you but the people love you. Hope you do five more years.
Thanks for all that you do Dan V. Shining a light into the darkness is what is needed in this area and you do that all the time. Hope this site will be here for many more years!!!
Who is Chris Montez?
Google and get educated. The Beatles opened — opened — for him in England. That’s who Chris Montez is. Chris is now getting big bux on the oldies circuit. Great performer and an even greater person.
Dan well done. Your output, producing a daily column totally on your own, is unequalled and phenomenal. To provide this free of charge is unheard of these days. Many thanks from a loyal reader.
How Sweet it is. Thanks Dan!
Aunt Millie’s arms must be tired opening the window for 1300 homeruns! Keep ’em coming Dan, Thanks
I love it.
Thank you Dan. I start my day with you every day 🙂
…and I end my day with you Dan.
Thank you and Congratulations Dan !!
Dan,
There is so much media out there that is not worth even spending the time reading. Your site stands as a beacon of truth. Definately worth reading every day. I always look forward to reading your columns.
Just like Lennon/McCartney set words to music in such a way that made it pleasant to the ears, your skills address concerns that have meaning to every day people, served in pleasant form.
Hope you will continue for a long time to come.
A long time follower going back to the WBEC days. Don’t always agree on things, but always will have great appreciation and admiration for what you do. Thank You !!!
Dan,
Reading your column has taught me to view life, our elected leaders, and the system with a critical eye. Reading The Planet is more than passive fact gathering and opinion pondering; it is a lesson in the real world. I may not always agree with you but you are the best. Every city needs a Dan Valenti. Please keep your columns coming. We need your advice and investigative reporting. But most of all, The Little Guy needs your advocacy.
Congrats’s and thanks for all you do. Long time reader longer time friend and even a longertime admirer Heres to at least another 5 years
Congratulations! Please continue to be loud and proud! You set an example for us all.
Congratulation on the Five years. I look forward to reading this page every day.
it’s clear Dan is much loved. Congrats and thanks!
A good run, young man.
Here’s to you, Dan. May there be an additional 1300 columns or more as educational and helpful as those of the past have been.
CHUCK
Thanks, my dear friend!
Plus we get the show, you can’t beat it. Thank you Dan.
Im watching Dans show now. Anybody else think the canned noises are annoying?
I think they’re very funny
Happy Birthday Planet. Thanks for 5 yrs of shining light on all the cockroaches. I’ve really enjoyed watching them squirm.
Happy Birthday Planet!! Unfortunately I think Pittsfield and Berkshire County will give you enough material to last another 1300 posts!
I wish to thank everyone for their kind wishes. It braces the backbone and warms the heart. We’ve got a good thing going here on THE PLANET, but only because by the thousands you have decided to click on each day. LOVE TO ALL.