An Ark Full of Newarks

What does Newark, NJ (pop. 245,000) have in common with Newark, Missouri (pop. 100)? Nothing more than the name, of course. Apparently, that's enough for the mayor and a councilwoman from those two cities -- and for officials from all 27 of the world's "Newarks" including those in England, Australia and South Africa -- to convene a meeting of Newarks every other year. The NY Times today chronicles this bizzare exercise in branding, held this year in Jersey. "We revel in our Newarkness -- whatever that is," says David W. Smith, mayor of the California Newark.

I can only imagine what these folks, so impressed by coincidence, will talk about. "Omigod, my favorite color is green, too!" But here's a serious agenda item for you Newarks. If you can straighten out your Delware cousin's pronounciation problem ("New-ARK") this meeting will be a smashing success.