Don’t Go There! on Today

Well I see that your review of my hometown is pretty much based on just your opinion and not any facts.

Elmira New York

During the civil war it was one of the biggest northern prison camps.

The underground railroad had significant history running through this town.

It isn’t just the burial place of Mark Twain. He owned a home here and spent his summers writing his books.

Elmira college is the first college to offer women a bachelors degree.

As for notable people other than Mark Twain I would beg to differ that the only other person we offer is the waste of space Tommy Hilfiger.

Ernie Davis – First African American to receive the heisman trophy (You may have heard of him since they just made a movie about him. The Express is the name of the movie)

Brian Williams – News Anchor of NBC news

Eileen Collins – The first female pilot of a space shuttle and the first female commander of one.

There are other people who have contributed to historical and entertainment value as well.

I don’t have that much faith in wikipedia but you should actually do some research on out area. Oh and all cities have cat problems. I see while you were here you read a news article and decided to take the most ridiculous one and publish it in your book.

I have not read your book or don’t know what else you say in it about Elmira (all i got read was on this site http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/27648312/?pg=29#TDY_DontGoThere_081111) I wont be reading your book. I am also more than certain that I am not the only one from a town that you put down that you have heard from, but at least I have said what I wanted to.

I am sure this won’t be up long for people to read anyhow though.

DON”T GO THERE! Don’t go to see Peter on his book tour. This book is a mean-spirited way for him to fatten his wallet while making fun of quaint little towns that he has probably never visited.

I’m from Ashland, the Center of the Universe and initially thought Mr. Greenberg’s comments were comical. I knew he was just trying to sell a book, bless his heart. But his comments to our local NBC affiliate were smug and pompous.
He refused to admit that he didn”t understand the reasoning for our nickname.
It’s difficult to find Mr. Greenberg a credible travel editor if he didn’t take the time to learn why Ashland is called the Center of the Universe. On my first trip to New York City, I certainly didn’t expect to see any orchards, but appreciate why it is called the Big Apple. Homework first, then try to make a buck.

I AM from Elmira…and I couldn’t agree more.

Elmira is DEAD…Long Live E-Troit Rock City!

I agree with Mary Beth. I don’t plan on fattening this mean-spirited “author’s” bank account. I am from a town near Fountain, MN and it is a beautiful, safe yet small community. How can you judge someplace you have never been. The children that are on the picture in the brochure he made fun of is advertising the Bike Trail that is very popular for bikers and exercise enthusiasts. Their claim to fame is just a small town’s way to joke. Maybe Mr. Greenburg should try writing a book about something important.

Peter,

I am from Cedar Rapids. Our 5 smells are how a lot of us make our living. How can you down play that??? And as far as our the flooding goes, we as a city have pulled together and worked very hard to recover from this disaster that was not anyones fault. How about giving Cedar Rapids credit for what good we have done instead of bashing us for our smells. By the way Mr. Greenberg, did you ever consider putting part of your book proceeds toward the flood relief??

i think that the most insulting part of peter’s book towards cedar rapids, iowa, was the aftermath of what 100 flooded blocks did to our city..yea of course we had to re-open a landfill, and yes it did not help at all the city’s smell, but like u noted peter, 100 BLOCKS were FLOODED, meaning thousands of people lost EVERYTHING…where else would u put 100 blocks worth of peoples belongings?? And were u here in June of 2008 to help find a place to put all of it? Highly doubtful…Your book does nothing more but sicken and lose all respect from the community of cedar rapids. As people continue to struggle everyday, just for some normality in their life since the Flood of 2008, you have nothing more to do but to sit on your toosh and write about what u did. There is no intelligence at all in your writings. Not at all about how u spoke of cedar rapids, and all the other towns in your book… shame on u.

I agree completely with Tarah!

why is it that Peter can slam Cedar Rapids IA when the whole community is still suffering for a 500 yr flood and I cant tell Peter how I feel ? PLEASE display my previous comment

Cedar Rapids Stinks? I don’t think its the town I think its you Mr Greenberg? I think your book belong’s in CR’s recycling factory, that way the real stink dosn’t effect anyone else. Since you were to lazy to get out of your car and help just 1 of the hundred’s.. I feel some of your proceeds should go to help rebuild CR. It won’t be much since your book is such garbage, but little bit helps. It might help one child replace his or her playhouse lost in the flood. It will help us wash away the foul taste left behind by you. Don’t mess with a town hit by Natural Diaster.
Iowa City IA