Showing posts with label Massachusetts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Massachusetts. Show all posts
Thursday, February 2, 2017
STOP trying to LABEL us as DEMS or Hillary supporters or worse
When the media looks at what is happening in social media and on the streets, being led by intelligent compassionate women, they want to put us in a convenient political bucket. They say "Where was this passion during the election?" to imply that, if had been present, HRC would now be president. Well, that is factually untrue. It was out there in pockets they were ignoring and obviously still do, just as the Democratic party was ignoring it.
The women from the March were from several different political fronts. Many were democrats who felt that their candidate did not get the nomination. Some were independents who might have felt the same way. Others were Green party activists with Jill Stein always as their candidate. The coming together of these groups was a result of the winner, not the losers.
The party chose their candidate irrespective of the passion that was evident elsewhere and not for her.
Now the media needs to GROW UP and start doing some actual journalistic activities, which includes analyzing the force behind the movement. Is it Liberal? Is it Progressive? Or is it more than that? More than the sum of the parts?
It was not just the "Women's March on Washington " that 5 women initiated. It grew way beyond their wildest imagination. It had a life of it's own. The marches errupted all over the map of the USA and all over the world. Each had it's own format, structure, focus. None was quite exactly like another. There was a central place to register your planned march but it was not managing marches.
Unbeknown to many, the marches in some cases included "Pro-Life" and "Pro-Choice" participants.
Following up "the organizers of the Women's March on Washington posted the "10 Actions for the first 100 Days" campaign to keep up the momentum from the march."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Women's_March
Friday, February 14, 2014
Second Hand Bookstore - First Rate Experience - Bookstores and Coffee Shops in New England #2
For me books are all about the experience. Everyone could just read e-books or listen to audio books but I enjoy the experience of a paper book as do most people. I love the feel of a great binding and the visual of great graphics. I also enjoy the hunt for something special. A used bookstore will offer that every time. It is like rescuing a puppy or recycling to save the environment. You find something that was someone else's at one point in time and give it new life as yours for a price you can afford and are willing to pay. I did. I found a great Elvis Encyclopedia along with a vintage Yankee Magazine recipe book and book called "If I live to be 100", all for under $11, in a little shop along a winding route 63, off of route 2 in Western Massachusetts. It was a wonderful little experience by the name of Northfield Coffee and Books.
Northfield Coffee and Books has free WiFi and is on FACEBOOK and offers online ordering. A great PLUS for parents is that it is also Kid Friendly. I didn't have any little ones with me but several people were enjoying coffee and a newspaper with a carriage by the side of their table.It was very informal. I was allowed to browse with my coffee in hand.Very welcoming. There is also a little gift shop adjacent which expands your shopping experience beyond the book.
Like Bruces' Browser that I reviewed in my "Shop Local for the Holiday" series this shop promotes local artists and local vendors and bakers. This shop offers Deans Beans as did Bruces. They offer Lake Champlain Chocolates as we saw at Kringles. They also promote Cheshire Garden jams and mustard made in Winchester NH. Poetry night is once a month, in February it will be the 27th. Like Bruces Northfield Coffee and Books also is a local gathering place with Trivia Night being planned and advertised for March 1st.
If you are looking for an experience and not just an escape from reality, take some time out of your busy life to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with perhaps a scone or a muffin. and look for something special. You'll be glad you did.
Northfield Coffee and Books has free WiFi and is on FACEBOOK and offers online ordering. A great PLUS for parents is that it is also Kid Friendly. I didn't have any little ones with me but several people were enjoying coffee and a newspaper with a carriage by the side of their table.It was very informal. I was allowed to browse with my coffee in hand.Very welcoming. There is also a little gift shop adjacent which expands your shopping experience beyond the book.
Like Bruces' Browser that I reviewed in my "Shop Local for the Holiday" series this shop promotes local artists and local vendors and bakers. This shop offers Deans Beans as did Bruces. They offer Lake Champlain Chocolates as we saw at Kringles. They also promote Cheshire Garden jams and mustard made in Winchester NH. Poetry night is once a month, in February it will be the 27th. Like Bruces Northfield Coffee and Books also is a local gathering place with Trivia Night being planned and advertised for March 1st.
If you are looking for an experience and not just an escape from reality, take some time out of your busy life to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with perhaps a scone or a muffin. and look for something special. You'll be glad you did.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Bookstores and Coffee Shops in NEW ENGLAND - #1
Everyone one loves a coffee shop bookstore combination, especially in the winter. You want to shop for something you can enjoy indoors and you want to be warm and comfortable. This year especially with the long winter cold snap we are looking for someplace we can spend some time and not be in and out in 10 minutes.
Well, there are many of these combinations in New England and we will get into those over the next month or so but for a start lets mention one that might not be your first thought when you think New England coffee shop but maybe should be, Barnes and Noble.
In the New England states there are quite a few that have a Barnes and Noble cafe featuring Starbucks coffees. Beyond Starbucks offerings there are hot lunches, dessert and breakfast items from other vendors such as the Cheesecake Factory. Most cafes offer seasonal beverages for a limited time. There is usually the opportunity to pick up some great Godiva Chocolates for your sweetheart before you leave as well.
The experience is inviting and relaxing and offers more than just food , coffee and a chance to preview your book purchase, there is also complimentary WiFi for those with enabled cell phones or tablets or laptops.
Most stores offer children's activities or story-time (such as the Friday morning story-time in the Braintree MA store and the Manchester NH store or Saturday in Leominster MA store) which allow a parent a wonderful opportunity for alone time and some adult relaxation.
Many offer Nook Book Discussion groups or classes to boot (like the Breakfast Nook at the Bellingham store or Worcester MA store and Warwick Center RI).
Or just visit one for a relaxing rest stop when you are in town, like the one that can be found at the Prudential Center in Boston MA. There are several in CT( for example Canton where there are American Girl Club Meetings), one in Agusta ME and one in Burlington VT.
If you can find the right one with the right schedule this could work out to be a very eventful shopping experience without spending a lot of cash.
Not every Barnes and Nobles has a cafe and not every cafe has an event scheduled. Check with the B&N site store locator if you are looking for something specific in a specific area. It is a good time if you know what to expect.
Well, there are many of these combinations in New England and we will get into those over the next month or so but for a start lets mention one that might not be your first thought when you think New England coffee shop but maybe should be, Barnes and Noble.
In the New England states there are quite a few that have a Barnes and Noble cafe featuring Starbucks coffees. Beyond Starbucks offerings there are hot lunches, dessert and breakfast items from other vendors such as the Cheesecake Factory. Most cafes offer seasonal beverages for a limited time. There is usually the opportunity to pick up some great Godiva Chocolates for your sweetheart before you leave as well.
The experience is inviting and relaxing and offers more than just food , coffee and a chance to preview your book purchase, there is also complimentary WiFi for those with enabled cell phones or tablets or laptops.
Most stores offer children's activities or story-time (such as the Friday morning story-time in the Braintree MA store and the Manchester NH store or Saturday in Leominster MA store) which allow a parent a wonderful opportunity for alone time and some adult relaxation.
Many offer Nook Book Discussion groups or classes to boot (like the Breakfast Nook at the Bellingham store or Worcester MA store and Warwick Center RI).
Or just visit one for a relaxing rest stop when you are in town, like the one that can be found at the Prudential Center in Boston MA. There are several in CT( for example Canton where there are American Girl Club Meetings), one in Agusta ME and one in Burlington VT.
If you can find the right one with the right schedule this could work out to be a very eventful shopping experience without spending a lot of cash.
Not every Barnes and Nobles has a cafe and not every cafe has an event scheduled. Check with the B&N site store locator if you are looking for something specific in a specific area. It is a good time if you know what to expect.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
January is a time for fun
Fun in New England in January can translate into many different forms. I will list a couple and there could not be any greater contrast between the two that I am going to list than the physical exertion required. They both require a huge amount of concentration and brain exertion.
Skiing in New England is available in every state. Yes, even Rhode Island. Where you choose to ski depends on how far you want to travel, how good a skier you are and how much you are willing to pay.
Check out more about each ski area at the 60 individual ski area links below:
Connecticut has 4:
Connecticut
Maine:
Skiing in New England is available in every state. Yes, even Rhode Island. Where you choose to ski depends on how far you want to travel, how good a skier you are and how much you are willing to pay.
Check out more about each ski area at the 60 individual ski area links below:
Connecticut has 4:
| Mohawk Mountain |
| Mt. Southington Ski Area |
| Ski Sundown |
| Woodbury Ski Area |
Maine 11
New Hampshire 16
Another winter pastime in New England is Casinos and the options are growing all the time. Most casinos offer hotels, spas, restaurants as well as concerts along with gaming. Again the choices include Rhode Island but not Massachusetts or Vermont. Another option in most coastal states gaming is accomodated via cruise ships. With Vermont you have neither but across the border in New York there are several. Massachusetts has several proposals on the table in several areas, eastern, central and western parts of the state.
New Hampshire:
Hampton
Ocean Gaming at Hampton Beach
Hampton Falls
The Poker Room
Keene
Keene Poker Room
Manchester
Manch Vegas Poker Room
Milford
The River Card RoomConnecticut
Mashantucket
Foxwoods Resort Casino & MGM Grand at Foxwoods
Uncasville
Mohegan Sun
Bangor
Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway
Oxford
Rhode Island:
Lincoln
Newport
Sunday, December 29, 2013
End of the year is Here with New ways to Trade or Sell Unwanted Christmas Gifts locally and also Plan for a unique and local New England New Years celebration
One of the best new things I found this year was local yard sale sites on Facebook. I have used several of them both to buy and to sell with no issues. I sold my old Nintendo Wii with several games for a really good price. No packing or shipping costs to bother with as the buyer came to pick it up. I purchased clothes, accessories and furniture. In some cases I made arrangements to meet the seller in a public area. In others I went to their home. Expectation is cash on delivery or pickup. Some sellers also deliver for free if the buyer is close enough, the item is big enough and they have incentive enough to get rid of the item. There are no fees as with online auction sites and no maintenance as with a retail website. Try it out for yourself but as with all internet commerce be careful and be safe. Meeting in a public place is usually the best way to go. In the event that you have to go to a residence consider not going alone.
Here are a few of the New England based sites:
General New England:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHsales/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NEOYS/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/364418907021356/
Rhode Island:
Fall River RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/414949921965372/
Kent County RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/kentcountyyardsale/
Providence RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/providenceriindooryardsale/
Massachusetts:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/525077990884078/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/488079204632543/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/684728868217442/
New Hampshire
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHOnlineYardSale/
Vermont:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/386446478086932/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTyardsale/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTOnlineyardsale/
Maine:
https://www.facebook.com/AugustaOnlineYardsale
https://www.facebook.com/groups/maineyardsale/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/304529732968073/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/476282399076134/
Connecticut:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/194088927343890/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/206000129422209/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175305839301627/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/348489075226022/
Most of these are closed groups that require request/approval to join. The criteria is usually that you live in the locality. The links above are the more state generic. As you browse these sites you will get a feel for which ones suit you best. If you search for specific cities and towns, many have their own even more local pages/groups.
After you have gotten rid of all your unwanted/unneeded gifts you may want to spend your new found cash or some of your gift cards on a New Years celebration in New England. Here are some unique options:
New Years Eve at the New England Aquarium offers dancing with the Penquins at a Black Tie Affair.
You must be over 21. For men a Jacket is required and for the ladies cocktail attire is expected.
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-2014-at-the-new-england-aquarium-tickets-6345713199?aff=zvents
Another option that is more family friendly and less expensive but no less unique is to ring in the New year at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Brookline Ma
Consider the 4th annual, wildly popular, New Years Eve in RI at the convention center in Providence which features a masquerade ball from 9 pm to 3 a.m. With food, drinks, music, dancing, prizes and optional extras. Get your tickets to the event and much more http://newyearseveri.com/
If you have more of a snowy venue in mind you might consider partying at Stratton in Vermont.
http://www.stratton.com/events-and-activities/events/2013/12/new-years-eve-celebration.aspx
This is of course a very family friendly set of events with kids crafts early in the day and a Torchlight Parade and Fireworks with a couple of special 21+ parties planned to start at 9pm for a fee.
Portland Maine is celebrating again this year.
https://www.facebook.com/NewYearsPortlandMaine
Several venues are offering parties. Check out the venues and the ticket prices.
http://www.newyearsportlandmaine.com/venues.html
Not to be outdone, Hartford CT's First night has over 40 events to explore. These city sponsored events offer the most for a varied age and interest group. The Bushnell Carousel will be open as well as the ice rink in the park to name a few. You want to check out the options and come prepared.
http://www.firstnighthartford.org/
Last but not least, it needs no introduction, is of course the 38th annual Boston's First night. So much to do and see and so little time. Here is a guide to help you decide when and where to start.
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/blog/2013/12/26/guide-first-night-events-2013-2014/
Who has not heard or seen on TV the great ice sculptures that can be found all across the city. Theater, dance, puppets, performers of every genre will be on display. Check out the FB page as well.
https://www.facebook.com/FirstNightBoston
Have fun, be responsible and safe into the New Year!
Here are a few of the New England based sites:
General New England:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHsales/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NEOYS/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/364418907021356/
Rhode Island:
Fall River RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/414949921965372/
Kent County RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/kentcountyyardsale/
Providence RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/providenceriindooryardsale/
Massachusetts:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/525077990884078/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/488079204632543/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/684728868217442/
New Hampshire
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHOnlineYardSale/
Vermont:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/386446478086932/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTyardsale/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTOnlineyardsale/
Maine:
https://www.facebook.com/AugustaOnlineYardsale
https://www.facebook.com/groups/maineyardsale/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/304529732968073/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/476282399076134/
Connecticut:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/194088927343890/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/206000129422209/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175305839301627/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/348489075226022/
Most of these are closed groups that require request/approval to join. The criteria is usually that you live in the locality. The links above are the more state generic. As you browse these sites you will get a feel for which ones suit you best. If you search for specific cities and towns, many have their own even more local pages/groups.
After you have gotten rid of all your unwanted/unneeded gifts you may want to spend your new found cash or some of your gift cards on a New Years celebration in New England. Here are some unique options:
New Years Eve at the New England Aquarium offers dancing with the Penquins at a Black Tie Affair.
You must be over 21. For men a Jacket is required and for the ladies cocktail attire is expected.
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-2014-at-the-new-england-aquarium-tickets-6345713199?aff=zvents
Another option that is more family friendly and less expensive but no less unique is to ring in the New year at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Brookline Ma
Consider the 4th annual, wildly popular, New Years Eve in RI at the convention center in Providence which features a masquerade ball from 9 pm to 3 a.m. With food, drinks, music, dancing, prizes and optional extras. Get your tickets to the event and much more http://newyearseveri.com/
If you have more of a snowy venue in mind you might consider partying at Stratton in Vermont.
http://www.stratton.com/events-and-activities/events/2013/12/new-years-eve-celebration.aspx
This is of course a very family friendly set of events with kids crafts early in the day and a Torchlight Parade and Fireworks with a couple of special 21+ parties planned to start at 9pm for a fee.
Portland Maine is celebrating again this year.
https://www.facebook.com/NewYearsPortlandMaine
Several venues are offering parties. Check out the venues and the ticket prices.
http://www.newyearsportlandmaine.com/venues.html
Not to be outdone, Hartford CT's First night has over 40 events to explore. These city sponsored events offer the most for a varied age and interest group. The Bushnell Carousel will be open as well as the ice rink in the park to name a few. You want to check out the options and come prepared.
http://www.firstnighthartford.org/
Last but not least, it needs no introduction, is of course the 38th annual Boston's First night. So much to do and see and so little time. Here is a guide to help you decide when and where to start.
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/blog/2013/12/26/guide-first-night-events-2013-2014/
Who has not heard or seen on TV the great ice sculptures that can be found all across the city. Theater, dance, puppets, performers of every genre will be on display. Check out the FB page as well.
https://www.facebook.com/FirstNightBoston
Have fun, be responsible and safe into the New Year!
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