WBUR
90.9 FM
http://www.wbur.org/
http://www.wbur.org/weblogs/commonhealth/
WBUR
90.9 FM
http://www.wbur.org/
http://www.wbur.org/weblogs/commonhealth/
I heard that Cambridge officials had put a stop to the local Boy Scouts care package drive for the troops in Iraq at polling places because "political messages are not allowed inside polling places."
Now, in the interest of full disclosure, not a fan of the Boy Scouts based on their history of and current practice of discrimination, particularly of homosexuals and not a fan of the war-we need to be out of there.
]]>I heard that Cambridge officials had put a stop to the local Boy Scouts care package drive for the troops in Iraq at polling places because "political messages are not allowed inside polling places."
Now, in the interest of full disclosure, not a fan of the Boy Scouts based on their history of and current practice of discrimination, particularly of homosexuals and not a fan of the war-we need to be out of there.
However, the troops need our support and care packages mean much. The scouts were supporting the soldiers NOT any political world order. IF you substituted "soldiers in Iraq" for "victims of wildfires" or "homeless families," it would be the same act. I think that is must also be said that many of the places where people voted in this past round of anemically attended elections are community places-churches, community centers, etc. where what these scouts did would not be out of the norm.
I don't understand where common sense has gone. The head of the election commission received the complaint from one resident that the message was "pro-war." I saw one of the bulletins in Cambridge mentioning that this was taking place and nothing about it was pro-war. If anything, it was pro-'so while you are taking time out to vote, you can do even more good by dropping something of for the soldiers in Iraq that may be your child, sibling, parent, friend or someone else's child, sibling, parent, friend. The city's law department was consulted and they gave the permission to pull them.
Based on one complaint? A complaint that apparently did not reflect the true language of the flyers? It usually takes a fatality in spite of many complaints for the city to do anything constructive in the interest of public safety but they jump because someone said that they saw care package collection boxes that might have read "pro-war"?
Of course those who have for years been skewering Cambridge for its more radical, liberals elements are having a field day-witness the editioral in the Boston Herald: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/editorials/view.bg?articleid=1044992
I can't says I blame them.
Those who want to support Troop 45's effort can send funds to purchase the supplies (toiletries etc.) for care packages for the soldiers in Iraq can send them to:
Boy Scouts
Troop 45
P.O. Box 381241
Cambridge, MA 02238.
Of course checks should be made payable to Troop 45.
]]>Host: The Boston Weblogger Meetup Group
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Algiers (cafe)
Street: 40 Brattle Street
City/Town: Cambridge, MA
Phone: 617.492.1557 (Algiers)
Email: eval(unescape('%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%61%6c%61%69%79%6f%40%67%6d%61%69%6c%2e%63%6f%6d%22%3e%61%6c%61%69%79%6f%40%67%6d%61%69%6c%2e%63%6f%6d%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b'))
Description
This month's meetup will feature a discussion about political blogging and will be led by local blogger, Ofer Inbar, who was a blogger and Internet advisor to several state legislative campaigns.
All are welcome to attend. We will be meeting upstairs at Algiers in Cambridge.
The Boston Weblogger Meetup Group is a monthly meetup group for people that are interested in blogging and meeting others who are interested in blogging. Topics discussed range from blog content to blog software. All interest levels are welcome.
The Boston Weblogger Meetup Group:
http://blog.meetup.com/3/
Host: The Boston Weblogger Meetup Group
Date: Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Algiers (cafe)
Street: 40 Brattle Street
City/Town: Cambridge, MA
Phone: 617.492.1557 (Algiers)
Email:
Description
This month's meetup will feature a discussion about political blogging and will be led by local blogger, Ofer Inbar, who was a blogger and Internet advisor to several state legislative campaigns.
All are welcome to attend. We will be meeting upstairs at Algiers in Cambridge.
The Boston Weblogger Meetup Group is a monthly meetup group for people that are interested in blogging and meeting others who are interested in blogging. Topics discussed range from blog content to blog software. All interest levels are welcome.
The Boston Weblogger Meetup Group:
http://blog.meetup.com/3/
The Chicago Sun-Times says:
"Based on the national bestseller, RACE uncovers the true thoughts and emotions of ordinary Americans, both black and white, about this
country's most explosive issue. We see bus drivers, college students,civil rights workers, Klansmen, doctors, interracial couples and many
more struggling with their feelings on affirmative action, drugs,prejudice, and dashed hopes, revealing attitudes that few are willing
The Chicago Sun-Times says:
"Based on the national bestseller, RACE uncovers the true thoughts and emotions of ordinary Americans, both black and white, about this
country's most explosive issue. We see bus drivers, college students,civil rights workers, Klansmen, doctors, interracial couples and many
more struggling with their feelings on affirmative action, drugs,prejudice, and dashed hopes, revealing attitudes that few are willing
to admit in public. Featuring an interracial ensemble of nine actors,RACE reveals the opinions of your friends and neighbors – and perhaps
you – regarding the "American obsession."
"A culminating work of pain, wisdom and, dare we say it, hope."
http://www.theatreonfire.org/season.htm
2 Thursdays and Sundays, $18 Fridays and Saturdays, $10 students and seniors.
]]>The usual maudlin thoughts that are usually reserved for this day were already spent while I was sick, so I don't have anything left for my birthday, which would actually be seen as a positive.
I don't feel older or wiser and I haven't since I was 13. The years rolled on and I just would get bigger and more liable for things like bills...
]]>The usual maudlin thoughts that are usually reserved for this day were already spent while I was sick, so I don't have anything left for my birthday, which would actually be seen as a positive.
I don't feel older or wiser and I haven't since I was 13. The years rolled on and I just would get bigger and more liable for things like bills...
It's funny. I am grateful to be alive and I feel as if I should do something more to mark the occasion but anything else would be hypocrisy or plain weird.
I am bummed that the 65 degree weather of last year will not be this year. One seeming constant is that I delay any real celebration of anything until warmer weather. Details about that to come...
I did come up with a motto for this year: Know where you want to go and plan how to get there.
Last year's was probably: "You gotta be kiddin' me!!!"
2004 was: "I need a spear and magic helmet-STAT!"
Well, here's to another year full of possibilities and bumps and aches and possible growth.
And better blog entries...
]]>Domestic violence is a tough thing. I hope that those who can help will help.
And, in case anyone wonders....not a scam. I did not know the person but I know about the original sender and she is pretty savvy. Also, another trustworthy member of the list verified this information.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, this family is looking for help with the funeral. Any and all contributions will be appreciated. Thanks, Nikki
Domestic violence is a tough thing. I hope that those who can help will help.
And, in case anyone wonders....not a scam. I did not know the person but I know about the original sender and she is pretty savvy. Also, another trustworthy member of the list verified this information.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Hi, this family is looking for help with the funeral. Any and all contributions will be appreciated. Thanks, Nikki
A Statement from the family of:
Sandra Goss-Reavis
June 25, 1967 – November 2, 2006
Sandra was a loving and devoted mother, sister and friend. You could always count on her smile and laughter to brighten your day. She was very active in the church and served faithfully. She enjoyed singing in the choir and cooking for her family. She was the matriarch of her family and a sweet sister. Sandra’s life was cut short at 39 years old due to domestic violence. Her memory will live on forever within her 5 beautiful children and 4 siblings. To help defray the funeral cost the family has established The Sandra Reavis Memorial Fund, donations can be forwarded to Citizens Bank: Account number 1309007737
The wake will be held on Sat, November11, 2006 at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church located at 230 Warren St, Roxbury, MA From 9am to 10 am.. The Service will be from 10am to 12 pm.
The Family would like to thank everyone for all their support and words of encouragement during this difficult time.
The Spokesperson on behalf of the Family:
Angela Goss (sister)
617-436-6932
857-222-5322
Tonight has been up and down. There was a flurry of activity as the Matching Pledge Challenge wound down. We are half way into our 25 call goal for this program.
Eric Jackson has been spinning some great music-right now he is playing something from nice from Shirley Horn.
We have one volunteer who is one of those bordering on obnoxious missionary Caucasoids who work with "minority" children and talk about "saving them" while flaunting their education. This one works for the BELL-a great organization that does great work. A donor called into pledge and she was chatting him up to donate to the foundation, which while technically not terrible was a bit of bad form by my way of thinking, since she was doing the soft press. I cringed at bits because she sounded so condescending when she spoke about the children.
]]>Tonight has been up and down. There was a flurry of activity as the Matching Pledge Challenge wound down. We are half way into our 25 call goal for this program.
Eric Jackson has been spinning some great music-right now he is playing something from nice from Shirley Horn.
We have one volunteer who is one of those bordering on obnoxious missionary Caucasoids who work with "minority" children and talk about "saving them" while flaunting their education. This one works for the BELL-a great organization that does great work. A donor called into pledge and she was chatting him up to donate to the foundation, which while technically not terrible was a bit of bad form by my way of thinking, since she was doing the soft press. I cringed at bits because she sounded so condescending when she spoke about the children.
She accidentally cut him off but then took time off the phones to call directory assistance to locate a T. J. in Lincoln, Massachusetts because she felt bad that she lost him while she was making her pitch to get them money. She got the guy's voicemail and did a great spiel about WGBH and customer service and then left her contact info at BELL.
A first-Radio Pledge did not have dinner or soda for the evening volunteers. Thankfully, I decided to eat before I came. That never happens though. Well it did not happen until tonight. I would be lying if I said that 1/4 th of the reason for my participating had to do with sampling some great food from good places. I have gone to those places on occasion.
There are four of us. Besides the missionary, there is borderline weird warehouse guy (Schwan Foods, Boston Globe and volunteers at Old Sturbridge Village) who has been here before and the older guy who loves jazz and runs the things.
Now missionary woman, F., is speaking in "slang." Apparently she is famous at WGBH and a little beyond for having met a guy that she dated at one of the pledge drives. She did testimonials about this and apparently she feels the need to run on about it.
Oh well.
I decided that it did not make sense to pay for premium service at Xanga. I will do the basic service and it has served me well.
Now she and the warehouse guy are talking about his volunteer time and dating.
I still work for the nonprofit...I have decided to stay until the end of the year.
The nervy, tidy woman has not shown herself yet. I imagine that if I show up on the weekend, she will be there.
Besides updating this blog, I have been cranking out correspondence and applying online at Borders Books for seasonal work. I want to build a little nestegg for the next year.
Now they are discussing the Evil Eye and how it's not Jamaican that do it. Painful is listening to them feebly discuss Black hair. Archie Bunker would cringe.
F. the Missionary is slowly leaving.
Oh great, she came back. She wanted to fill out the membership form that WGBH offers to volunteers. Little does she know that it is only for new memberships. No good on renewals. Warehouse guy was speaking to a donor and mispronounced 'dyslexia.' F. corrects him and tells him that he is dyslexic because he pronounced things incorrectly this evening. She followed it up by interjecting a bit further down that "there was something wrong with his head." I am sure that she thought that she was being cute and funny and was not being the least bit offensive. He didn't seem to think so.
Now she is GONE.
By the way, I met a guy on Myspace and he is nice. We are not dating but he makes me feel quite young-too young at times...
Meanwhile, I hope that everyone supports 89.7FM WGBH.
]]>The Boston Housing Authority has re-opened its Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program waiting list for Priority One applicants only. Priority One applicants are those families and individuals in most emergent need of housing such as victims of domestic violence, homelessness, displacement by fire or condemned housing and no fault eviction. Those applicants can submit their application with the Priority One Self-Certification form in person by October 31, 2006 at 5pm or by mail, postmarked no later than October 31, 2006. For a complete list of requirements, please visit the BHA's website at www.bostonhousing.org.
]]>The Boston Housing Authority has re-opened its Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program waiting list for Priority One applicants only. Priority One applicants are those families and individuals in most emergent need of housing such as victims of domestic violence, homelessness, displacement by fire or condemned housing and no fault eviction. Those applicants can submit their application with the Priority One Self-Certification form in person by October 31, 2006 at 5pm or by mail, postmarked no later than October 31, 2006. For a complete list of requirements, please visit the BHA's website at www.bostonhousing.org. Forms are available by calling 617-988-4200 or 617-988-4549 or by visiting BHA's Housing Service Center at 56 Chauncy Street in Boston. For more information, please call 617-988-4000.
The waiting list has been closed for over 2 years and is only reopened for this month. Because there are only 2 weeks left, our office needs your help in spreading the words. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Trang Tran-Le
Legislative Aide
Office of State Representative
Martin J. Walsh
State House, RM 540
Boston, MA 02133
(W) 617-722-2090
(F) 617-626-0298
To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears.
To be led by a fool is to be led by the opportunists who control the fool.
To be led by a thief is to offer up your most precious treasures to be stolen.
To be led by a liar is to ask to be lied to.
To be led by a tyrant is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery.
-Octavia Butler
]]>To be led by a coward is to be controlled by all that the coward fears.
To be led by a fool is to be led by the opportunists who control the fool.
To be led by a thief is to offer up your most precious treasures to be stolen.
To be led by a liar is to ask to be lied to.
To be led by a tyrant is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery.
-Octavia Butler
]]>Apparently we are working really hard in Iraq and while the news broadcasts are terrible, we have to stay the course. As to North Korea, while we are not pleased with what they have done, [nuclear testing] we will work with them diplomatically to resolve the issue.
]]>Apparently we are working really hard in Iraq and while the news broadcasts are terrible, we have to stay the course. As to North Korea, while we are not pleased with what they have done, [nuclear testing] we will work with them diplomatically to resolve the issue.
Now we have come to the portion of the news conference that is always good for a chuckle-
the Q & A. Random reporter asks wreally hahd question and the president fumbles for an answer and falls back on stuttering and hyperbole to answer it. He often sounds like a naughty boy caught in a lie.
This reporter just asked a very specific question about whether or not we should acknolwedge as former Secretary of State James Baker has, that we need to change tactics.
From the president, we get:
-we are constanting changing tactics
-the goal is to create a stable country
-the stakes are high
-apparently the Clinton administration dropped the ball
-we are constanting changing tactics
-we cannot leave before the job is done
-the stakes are high
-this is the way it is in the 21st century
-we are constanting changing tactics
-we want to solve this diplomatically
-the stakes are high
A lot of his answers to the subsquent questions are answered generally along those lines and all of the complements on the reporters' suits simply will not abate their tough questions.
On that note, back to Classical music on 89.7FM...
This was my first attempt at live blogging a press conference. I imagine that I will get better with time and perhaps with another president.
]]>Next, cement dust blankets the schoolbus yard that is located in Charlestown and that serves many of the schools in Boston.
Granted, it was interesting to hear news about Charlestown that did not concern the usual hard target search for bank robbers and to witness Channel 7 boldly preempt its daytime programming to provide the most coverage out of the three major stations of both events (not seeing 'Passions' and most of 'Days of Our Lives' was no huge loss).
Well, if the school deities are upset, I'd say that Charlestown ought to light a candle, listen to them, say they're sorry and fix whatever it is.
(I know-the last sentence makes no sense but what the hey?)
]]>Next, cement dust blankets the schoolbus yard that is located in Charlestown and that serves many of the schools in Boston.
Granted, it was interesting to hear news about Charlestown that did not concern the usual hard target search for bank robbers and to witness Channel 7 boldly preempt its daytime programming to provide the most coverage out of the three major stations of both events (not seeing 'Passions' and most of 'Days of Our Lives' was no huge loss).
Well, if the school deities are upset, I'd say that Charlestown ought to light a candle, listen to them, say they're sorry and fix whatever it is.
(I know-the last sentence makes no sense but what the hey?)
]]>If you are in Massachusetts and have to see one thing on Friday, September 22 or Saturday, September 23 and you don't want to stay at home, then go see "Welcome Home, Molly DeCandia" at the Image Theater in Lowell, Mass.
"Welcome Home, Molly DeCandia" is a part of the Second Annual Mill City Minutes Festival, which features seven exciting ten-minute plays each evening along with dance and original featured songs.
]]>If you are in Massachusetts and have to see one thing on Friday, September 22 or Saturday, September 23 and you don't want to stay at home, then go see "Welcome Home, Molly DeCandia" at the Image Theater in Lowell, Mass.
"Welcome Home, Molly DeCandia" is a part of the Second Annual Mill City Minutes Festival, which features seven exciting ten-minute plays each evening along with dance and original featured songs.
The show starts at 8:00PM. Tickets are $15.00 ($13.00 for seniors and students.
Call 978-441-0102 for more information or visit:
Image Theater
http://www.imagetheater.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Kennedy_Cocktail
(And yeah, at this point to me it seems that any mention about the Kennedy clan is more 'entertainment' rather than 'political.')
]]>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_Kennedy_Cocktail
(And yeah, at this point to me it seems that any mention about the Kennedy clan is more 'entertainment' rather than 'political.')
]]>At any rate, I joined the Boston Organizer Meetup and someone emailed from that group about how to get started in blogging. Below is her email to me and my admittedly lengthy response to her. I was wondering if anyone elose had any thoughts about the questions she poses...
]]>At any rate, I joined the Boston Organizer Meetup and someone emailed from that group about how to get started in blogging. Below is her email to me and my admittedly lengthy response to her. I was wondering if anyone elose had any thoughts about the questions she poses...
Her Email:
Hi,
I am an organizer with Meet Up for an Italian Speakers group in
NH.
I am interested in blogging, and have a couple of topics I want
to start off with, but, I'm embarassed to say this, I don't
have a clue HOW to blog, or where to start. I'm afraid of
going to dangerous sites, and getting viruses.
Can you point me in the right direction?
Thanks,
Karen
-----------------------------------
My Reply:
Hi Karen,
I hope that you are doing well.
In terms of how and what to blog:
The best blogs are ones that are focused on a particular topic.
I did look at your profile and you are have many interests.
For example, you organize a meetup for Italian speakers. You could blog about that and how people use Italian in their daily lives or provide some knowledge about Italian language and culture to the number of us who think that the only Italian we ever need are the words, "pizza," "spaghetti" and "mafia."
I myself and working on focusing my own blog. I do blog about random topics that interest me. I try to have monthly topics such as "Websites that I visit." I don't always blog about myself but when I do I definitely have a point instead just saying, "the cat died today and I hate my mother."
One person from my meetup mentioned that he noticed that he had more readers when started blogging about his dating life rather than all of the events in his life and has so far focused his blog only on that.
I have a friend who blogs about knitting since this is her passion. So chose a topic that you are knowledgeable about and passionate about and blog about it.
Another good way to learn about blogging besides doing it of course,is to read other blogs.
I recommend the following (my comments in parenthesis):
-Universal Hub
http://www.universalhub.com/
(This website contains feeds and links to blogs about or by people from Boston and eastern Massachusetts. People share information on local news and also vent at times about different things that are unique to Boston and eastern Massachusetts. It gets a lot of traffic and the range of topics are astounding)
-The Darth Side: Memoirs of a Monster
Journal of Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith and Servant to His Supreme Excellency the Emperor Palpatine.
http://darthside.blogspot.com/
(This one is well written and hilarious. Of course it is about a fictional character but still worth a read)
-PolargGrrlPurls
http://polargrrlpurls.typepad.com/polargrrlpurls/
(My knitting friend's blog-note the use of photos to illustrate some of her entries)
-Brand Autopsy
http://brandautopsy.typepad.com/
(This is a marketing blog that is written by a former Starbucks employee. It's language is accessible to those who are not in
marketing.)
-BlogHer
http://www.blogher.org/
(It was created to promote women in blogging at every level-everything from geek girls to home girls.)
-Said and Done
THE LIFE & TIMES IN ANGELA'S REALM
http://acartwrightstudio.blogspot.com/
(Yes, Penny from Lost In Space has a blog and she is worth the visit. It is definitely a blog that reflects the essence of who she is-it is
artistic, personable and personal.)
-The Bronte Blog
http://bronteblog.blogspot.com/
(This blog has definitely evolved in its design and its content. At first it merely reported all events Bronte taking place in Great Britain. I have seen more reviews and comments. I also like that the design has been updated as well.)
-McChronicles
http://mcchronicles.blogspot.com/
(Blogging about the good and the bad of McDonalds)
-How I Am Becoming An Astronaut
http://damarisbsarria.blogspot.com/
(Definitely a great example of blogging about something that you know and are passionate about. She has been great about giving her readers insight into how engineers prepare the shuttles for their various missions. She has also updates us on her progress training as an astronaut)
-From Jerusalem With Love
http://mattlebovic.blogs.friendster.com/from_jerusalem/
(Another friend who actually studied journalism and public relations. I and several others who have read his blog have encouraged him to
turn this into a book, which he will)
-Brontëana
http://bronteana.blogspot.com
(Another Bronte blog from someone located in Canada. Note the use of design to give it a 19th century Victorian feel.)
-What' Your Brand' Mantra
http://brand.blogs.com/mantra/
(Another marketing blog written by a woman who hits it out of the park every time with her observation on what works and what could work better when it comes to marketing. The design and content of her blog was initially very businesslike and conservation. She decided to relax a bit, which is be reflected in her photo.)
-DISGRUNTLED BOOKSELLER
A blog about: Being a Disgruntled Bookseller • Books • Bookselling • Bookstores • Customers (and why I sometimes hate them) • Cow-workers •
Other stuff
http://disgruntledbookseller.blogspot.com/
(An interesting rant about work.)
-On the other hand
An experiment in independence
http://www.joshourisman.com/
(One of the blogger meetup member's blog)
-More Explore
http://www.moreexplore.blogspot.com/
(My effort)
In terms of what type of blog tool (software) to use:
It depends on what you are seeking to do. All websites are open to being hacked
into at one time or another. If your computer has a good antivirus program, you should be fine. I will admit that I am not deeply
knowledgeable when it comes to blogging software, so I would defer to one of my friends who has this knowledge. I can definitely post your question about this to the meetup and have them contact you. You can also pose your question to the members at BlogHer. As I said before, it is frequented by women of all levels of expertise in blogging so there are tons of geek girls who can tell you more about the finer points of software.
I can tell you that as a person just starting out, blogger.com is a good site to use for a blog. It is free and easy to use. You do not have to worry about embedded ads, especially ones you do not want. It has some nice templates.
Livejournal (which is owned by the same company as Typepad.com) is also another good one and for the same reasons.
Typepad and WordPress are the tools of choice it seems for those who have professional blogs because they provide more options for
templates and adding things. Both though are not free are also not free.
Microsoft and Yahoo offer blog space though I have not been as motivated to use them since blogger.com (owned by Google by the way)suits me just fine.
The social networking sites such as MySpace, Friendster and TagWorld offer free blogs. However with Friendster you have to deal with embedded ads that you may not like, unless you upgrade your free membership to premium and pay for the privilege of not having ads.
Also, the type of tool you use is influenced by what the focus of your blog is. If you are just blogging about something personal that interests you and you are not very concerned with attracting a following, then you should use something simple like blogger or LiveJournal. If you are going to use lots of images and have lots of links and blogrolls and need more flexibility in how you use the blog template, it might be worth it to pay for something like Typepad.
I hope this was helpful to you. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions and I will try my best to get an answer to you.
--------------------------------------
Any thoughts?
Please scroll through and remember.
Victims and Heroes who died at World Trade Center
Gordon McCannel Aamoth
Maria Rose Abad
Edelmiro (Ed) Abad
Andrew Anthony Abate
Vincent Abate
Laurence Christopher Abel
William F. Abrahamson
Richard Anthony Aceto
Erica Van Acker
Heinrich B. Ackermann