Tom Wheaton photographed last evening's protest on the Common over the Maine same-sex marriage vote.

Copyright Tom Wheaton. Posted in the Universal Hub pool on Flickr.

The Globe reports on the first annual Freedom Rally on Boston Common since voters decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Health Care For All, HFCA, organized a Labor Day rally and march in support of health care reform, which started with speeches at the gazebo on the Boston Common and ended after a march and more live music at Copley Square.

To set a festive tone at the gazebo, a funk band followed by a rag time band played as the crowd of thousands gathered. Speakers on the gazebo included Rep. Michael Capuano, AG Martha Coakley, Rep. Stephen Lynch, Mayor Thomas Menino, Rep. Ed Markey, Rep. John Tierney, Betty McGuire from SEIU, a representative from Doctors for America, and a woman who told her story about needing surgery and being uninsured.

The first grant by Awesome Foundation (NOT a subsidiary of the Human Fund), will pay for a giant hammock on Boston Common, Mass. High Tech reports.

Hansy Better, an architecture professor at RISD, got the $1,000 grant to design and install the hammock - which will offer free rides to the public - assuming the city Parks Department gives a permit.

Scooters parking legally - see if you can spot the problem in this photo, taken at this morning's Boston Common Scoot-in by organizer Jeff Cutler.

The Herald reports several restaurateurs are interested in turning a concrete building last used as a Boston Common men's room into a cafe. Possible sticking point: Whether the cleaned-up joint can get a liquor license.

Building a restaurant chain on toilets.

And "Thriller" tribute. At 5 p.m. today (Sunday), BostonTweet reports.

Mike Mennonno walked by the revival tent on the Tremont Street side of the Common yesterday morning:

... "Do you know about Jesus Christ?" he called out to me.

"Je-whoosy-whatsy?" I said, not breaking my stride.

"Jesus Christ," he repeated. "Your personal lord and savior?"

"My personal what?" I said, stopping and looking at him screwy. "Did I win an iphone? What is this?" ...

Richard Beaubien reports the Frog Pond carousel was originally supposed to be up for a two-week test go-round. But it already seems like a Common tradition:

Right now it's only running until about 9pm. Still it's a really nice addition to summer evenings. Word is if all goes well, it may become a permanent fixture. How can you help? Well if you're down there spend a couple of bucks to put the lid on the ride. And call 617-635-2120 or email bcfpond@yahoo.com. Let them know that you like it.

Copyright Richard Beaubien.

More on Frog Pond and the carousel.

Presumably, there's a reason the guy was dressed as a pickle.