The Third Decade

Inside the Cochituate Standpipe

entrance to the pipe, originally uploaded by derequito.

After years of living in and around Roxbury, I finally had the opportunity to go inside the Cochituate Standpipe (the "fort") at the top of Fort Hill. The visit was lead by Rep. Byron Rushing and Discover Roxbury as they showed a film crew from This Old House around Roxbury.

It was great to see how sound the structure is overall, although there was some loose brick chipping off here and there. Unfortunately, when the park service worked on the building a generation ago, they used plexiglass instead of regular glass for the windows. Over time plexi clouds up and becomes opaque, which meant we had four windows but no view.

Oh well. Maybe a preservationist society will take up the cause and restore the monument to its former self. It would be great to have something as well-preserved and open to the public as the Bunker Hill Monument someday.

Facebook's "Mandingo President." Ugh!

There's random and then there's "random."

While posting a status update on Facebook, I was asked to prove that I'm not a spambot by completing one of those captcha text boxes. Usually they're a random combination of letters and numbers, although lately I've noticed that a combination of actual words are appearing more often. Usually the words are bland and common, but today I came across this:

What the hell is this crap?! There's no way this is random. Some techie working for Facebook or the captcha system programmed this in. People, get a grip. Barack Obama is the president for at least the next 3 years. Programming your racism into the internet will not change that.

And you, Facebook, do you have any internal codes of conduct regarding employee actions like this?

Hello, 2005.

Hello, 2005.

Yes, I realize that it's now 2010, but I was sent back 5 years in time earlier this week. While at a function at the Park Plaza Hotel, I passed by one of their computer rooms and saw this nighttime street image as the screen saver on every monitor:

 

What you see above is actually from their website. But, follow this link to see why I was transported through time.

Yup...you can imagine my shock. Years later and there it is being used without my knowledge. After a couple of days of contacting various people at the hotel, I've finally been in touch with the Marketing person. I expected to hear denial or be ready for a fight, but she's been quite lovely. She admits that they didn't know who the photographer was and she's interested in working out rights, crediting, and possibly future job ops. Woo hoo!

Wish me luck, and send advice on this kind of thing if you have it.

Happy New Year!

Annual ArtROX! Holiday Bazaar

The artists of Roxbury will be holding their annual holiday bazaar this Saturday. Stop by Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street, from 11am to 6pm for holiday gifts and original works of art.

 

Old Fashioned Roxbury Apple Festival

Just want to pass on information about this event happening tomorrow.

Eat, drink, and be merry at a free apple-themed festival evoking the spirit of a country fair. Take part in interactive cooking classes, enjoy drumming, and drink fresh cider from an old-fashioned cider press. Participate in a variety of workshops, including one by the Garden Girl on how to prepare your garden for the winter.

Bring the kids for an environmental scavenger hunt, face painting, henna tattoos, and a tour of Paige Academy that includes live chickens and a garden. Fresh chili, cornbread, and assorted baked goods will also be for sale. A live jazz band will will also perform. This event will run rain or shine.

*Workshops/Tours*
1:30-2:00 Tour of main building
2:15-3:00 Garden Girl's workshop (Umoja room)
3:15-4:00 Cooking class with Chef Nadine Nelson (Umoja room kitchen)
3:30-3:45 Tour of animals

*Please note that Paige Academy requires the removal of shoes INSIDE the facility. Please wear a comfortable pair of socks for indoor events.

Co-presented by Discover Roxbury, Earthworks, Epicurean Studio, Garden Girl, and Paige Academy. Live jazz band courtesy of Wally's Jazz Cafe.

Saturday, November 7, 1pm-4pm
Paige Academy, 28 Highland Ave, Roxbury
MBTA: Roxbury Crossing

ArtROX! at the MFA

 It's been a full week since the end of Roxbury Open Studios ended and I've finally looked at the photos I took during the October 2nd ArtROX! opening reception at the Museum of Fine Arts. It was a labor of love getting that together, but having a the event come together successfully was a beautiful thing. Local artists participating in Roxbury Open Studios (including me) had their work displayed in the second floor rotunda as part of a juried viewing and we interacted with MFA and ROS patrons during a night featuring music and food. It was a great experience and one I hope we can repeat next year.

I'll also give credit where it's due. My involvement in bringing ArtROX! to the MFA comes as a direct result of being a part of the initiative which I roundly criticized a year ago. Turns out the museum is serious about engaging communities of color and diversifying its programming and audiences. With another year left in my tenure on that committee, I hope to continue building connections between the museum and the communities around it.

Jamaica Plain Open Studios

JP Open Studios is this weekend. Over 200 artists - including me - will display work throughout the neighborhood on Saturday and Sunday. The opening reception is tonight, 6pm-10pm, on the third floor of 670 Centre St. Refreshments will be served. Come out for the day or for the weekend and support local artists.

Food events in Roxbury

In the wake of a somewhat limited best-of list by the Improper and the demise of the Banner (which is already rumored to be making a comeback), it's up to individuals in greater Roxbury to share what's happening with news and events. I'll do my part by starting off with a pair of upcoming food events organized by Discover Roxbury:

A Celebration of Roxbury cooking class
Roxbury is home to a multitude of ethnic groups. Despite their differences in origin, all groups have one thing in common, they cook with soul. Participants in today’s class will cook foods from the American South, Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Prepare for a flavorful ride that includes items such as Suya-spicy kebobs from West Africa, Ginger Beer, Rice and Beans, and Passion Fruit Trifle. In addition to learning what the cuisines have in common, the class will enjoy a tasty meal prepared together.

July 22, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Limit 15 people.
Advanced enrollment ($50) by purchasing tickets or calling 617-427-1006.
Haley House, 12 Dade St, Dudley Square.
MBTA: Bus #1, 8, 47, Silver Line to Melnea Cass. Parking is available.


Berries in the 'Bury: high tea at the Shirley-Eustis House
Royal Governor William Shirley's Georgian mansion is one of only four remaining country houses in America built by a British Royal Colonial Governor. Experience this unique and grand colonial masterpiece during a special High Tea. The menu will incorporate seasonal berries, currants, and cherries. Participants will also tour the grounds, including the historic gardens and fruit trees. The recommended dress code is smart casual, with hats for ladies.

July 23, 4pm-6pm. Limit 20 people.
Make reservations ($30) by purchasing tickets or calling 617-427-1006.
Shirley-Eustis House, 33 Shirley St.
MBTA: Bus #15 and 41. Limited on-street parking.

I also received an email this morning about a free meeting on Thursday evening focused on making new connections and communicating across the media gap in the Black community. I already have plans and can't attend, but I'm interested in hearing the outcome of the meeting from anyone else who goes. Info below:

The Baystate Banner - our community newspaper has halted the Presses ...

http://www.boston. com/news/ local/massachuse tts/articles/ 2009/07/08/ as_bay_state_ banner_closes_ black_community_ loses_a_voice? s_campaign= 8315 

 

The Radio Stations (WILD & Hot 97) have Vanished...How Do We

Communicate with one another...stay in touch..exchange information? 

 

Join us for a Powerful Event - "The Exchange of Ideas"

bring your business cards to

OM Restaurant  92 Winthrop St, Cambridge  (Harvard Square)

Thursday July 16, 2009   5:30 - 9 PM

Michael Jackson

Rest in peace.

The Color Purple: Recommended

If you're in the Boston area and haven't bought tickets for The Color Purple yet, buy them soon. I had the good fortune of seeing the show last night for the opening and have the feeling that any remaining tickets will be snatched up soon.

Despite the heavy storyline, the musical is full of life, light, and humor; I didn't expect to laugh and be moved as much as I was. The entire cast was great and presented solid singing, dancing, and acting, although the woman who plays Sophie stole the show. A good deal of the crowd quoted her line "hell no" during intermission and on the way out of the theater. She also received some of the loudest applause at the curtain call. Celie, of course, was good, too. The actress convincingly played Celie from childhood to middle age, and through all phases of innocence, struggle, and rediscovery. Overall, though, the whole cast was fantastic.

So, go see The Color Purple. You won't be disappointed.