Posted by “Brendan Melican” on radioball.net

Looks like Massachusetts is warming up to join the growing list of states in the US to move Salvia divinorum to it’s list of controlled substances. On 9/29/2008 legislation (H 4434) proposed by Reps Vinny deMacedo (R) and Daniel Webster (R) of Plymouth County got one step closer to a Senate vote after deMacedo agreed to strip language that would classify blunt wrappers as drug paraphernalia from the year and a half old bill. If there is anything interesting about this legislation it’s the motivation behind the move.

Youtube killed this buzz. Seriously. Debating the need to ban Salvia would certainly be an effort in futility; conversion to the team that believes prohibition in any form is bush league public policy happens on its own schedule, but does Vinny really think banning this particular substance is going to protect Plymouth County kids from their worst enemy, themselves? Anyone who has tried Salvia knows it poses no threat to ones health simply because it makes doing anything at all nearly impossible for it’s meager but awe inspiring 20 minute duration. Impossible to the degree that Salvia is the running gag in one comedians online series:
Gardening on Salvia
Driving On Salvia
Writing A Letter To Congress on Salvia

The point is, concerned parents, banning salvia wont make your kids any less dumb. Your daughter is still going to have compromising camera phone pics taken of her at some point and chances are 50/50 your son has pictures of him circulating school passed out, drunk and covered in permanent marker. They’ll do these things for the whole world to enjoy and then act shocked when the admissions officer at the Ivy League school of his/her choice knows they did these things. And guess what? Salvia, alcohol, weed, soda, video games, porn and religion are not to blame. Kids are stupid you see, and while it’s our job as adults to help them with that, simply trying to remove all the sharp corners from their lives only means they’ll grow up to bruise easy. If you want to ban something it should be access to anything that would allow them to add to their “permanent record”.

I’d suggest if you really want to keep your kids from doing salvia, let them try it. In fact I’ll bet you one, nearly worthless American Dollar it’ll be the first and last time. Wade Davis, author of Serpent and the Rainbow once described hallucinogens of the caliber of Salvia as “… rather like being shot out of a rifle barrel lined with baroque paintings and landing on a sea of electricity” and trust me on this one folks, that’s not how you describe the next big party drug. So while your local law enforcement officer will be likely to categorize Salvia as analogous to LSD or mushrooms, lets be honest, they’re no more well informed than your kids who are putting videos of themselves getting high online.

Posted by “Cassavettes” on cassavettesband.blogspot.com
Well, we certainly didn’t see this coming. Last night’s show in Worcester was, hands down, AWESOME. We played at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute for their annual pep rally, which, from the looks when we arrived, was going to be a few people at best. But by sundown, these crazy Worcester-dwelling kids were out in full force on the quad, looking to party and get free swag. We gave away a lot of stuff, but it all balanced out, really.

College shows are sweet for a couple reasons: 1) good money and 2) enthusiastic folks. Number 2, however, should be amended to say SOMETIMES. In this case, these kids were all about having a good time. They pressed right up on the big, well-lit stage we had and danced, did the wave, cheered for the goat/engineering mascot and a lion (for some reason), showed us their unique talents for free shirts, waved their rally flags, whatever. It was really cool. Not only that, but the school gave us a nice green room, free food and drinks and what not. Talk about hospitality. I hope pictures surface!

Posted by “4rilla” on 4rilla.blogspot.com

The fact that they were holding an Obama rally was the perfect opportunity for Crystal and I to walk down there this weekend and partake in the festivities and check out the lounge for the first time. The Crescent Cafe is a hop skip and a jump away from our building and sits on Canterbury street pretty much sandwiched by a defunct and dilapidated Crompton and Knowles mill to one side and a defunct and dilapidated Standard Foundry building on the other. This is certainly the heart of Main South. As Crystal and I walked up to the cafe there was good crowd of 40 or so people on the corners of Canterbury and Gardner street holding signs and chanting to passing vehicles. Right away I was happy that me made our way down the block to show our support.

We made our way inside and ordered a couple beers. We then made our way over to the information table and signed in with email addresses and contact info. Overall they were organizing for everything from bus trips to New Hampshire to phone banking to rallies, recruitment and voter registration right in Worcester. Before I knew it the crowd had moved inside so we could get down to the business of the night. Gladys Rodriguez-Parker who organized the event spoke about what everyone can do to help effect the change that we want to see by getting Obama elected thru phone banks, door knocking, NH trips etc. Next up was Stacey Luster who owns the Crescent Cafe with her husband, she proclaimed how very proud she was of the turnout and every one in the room and made a very thought provoking point of how she does not think the corner of Gardner and Canterbury streets has ever been the site of such a big sign holding event as it was this evening.

Stacey then introduced Congressman Jim McGovern who was fresh off a plane from Washington after voting yes to the bailout package. I give Congressman McGovern all the kudos in the world for coming deep into the District 4 hood on what has probably been one of the most hectic weeks of his political career in order to motivate folks to get out the vote for Obama. McGovern stood on top of a barstool, and addressed the 80 or so folks who were in attendance. McGovern did not hold back, calling George Bush “terrible” and “the worst President this country has ever seen”. McGovern echoed how each one of us can make a difference even if we can change just one voter’s mind, whether it is here in Mass or the battleground state of New Hampshire.

Posted by “Bill Randell” on worcesterma.blogspot.com
Our Chamber of Commerce is very weak and does nothing to support business in the City of Worcester. Our Chamber of Commerce does three things per year:
• business after hours
• once per year regarding the dual taxes
• promoting our sports teams (Tordanoes and Sharks)
These three things are not bad things, but a strong Chamber of Commerce should be doing a whole lot more then that. Can I ask readers of this blog it they are members, why? If they are not, why not. We personally are not..
Anyone hear anything from Destination Worcester or Choose Worcester? My business is one block from all three of these organizations, I have no idea who they are, what they do or what they do for businesses in the City of Worcester.
Imagine if all of these groups were effective as the Research Bureau?

Hot off yesterday’s Worcester Magazine article about the school bus-cum-mobile billboard for State Senate candidate Michael Moore, known as the “Moore Wagon” comes news that the state GOP is filing an official complaint against John Direnzo, the owner of the bus, for political finance violations.

In this week’s article, Direnzo says that he has no intention of filing an expenditure report with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, as he had a friend do the painting pro bono, and already owned the bus.

But his failure to file looks like it is a violation of state law, a fact that hasn’t slipped past the GOP.”Unfortunately for Mr. Direnzo, he might not enjoy following campaign finance law, but the law is the law and [you still] have to follow up,” says MassGOP Communications Director Barney Keller.

“The law is pretty clear…and I’d be willing to wager that the paint job on the side is worth more than $100.”

The GOP’s complaint, filed with OCPF today, calls for an expedited investigation and action with the election only a month away.

Sen. Kerry, Rep. McGovern and Lt. Gov. Murray ended up riding the train into Boston, as it made it to Worcester on time.

Here’s the takeaway:

• Worcester-Boston gets 5 more daily round trips, timed perfectly for commuters into Boston.
• The trains are added regardless of the negotiations over liability, which are ongoing. If an agreement isn’t reached, the CSX tracks will not be purchased by the state, but the trains will still come to Worcester
• The state will work on increasing clearance under bridges, allowing CSX to run double-height freight cars
• New morning schedule as of the end of the month.  Some new trains, some extended from Framingham.  Outbound to South Station(new and old combined): 4:45(arrives 6:31); 5:40(7:08); 6:05(7:46); 6:30(8:11); 6:55(8:23); 7:35(9:08).  Inbound to Worcester from Boston: 2:40(arrives 4:13); 4:05(5:24); 5:00(6:20); 5:35(7:13); 6:21(7:34); 7:15(8:52)
• This is a three (or four) stage deal.  Initially, trains get added.  A full deal, should everything be worked out, would include: A total of $100,000,000 to CSX from the state; an agreement on liability and indemnity; a relocation of CSX operations from Beacon Yard Park (to Central Mass, potentially) and the state taking over the Boston Main Line; the state acquiring the CSX New Bedford-Fall River line; EOT and CSX raising bridge clearances, allowing CSX to run double height freight cars; additional trains to Worcester in the future as elements such as CSX relocations take place; CSX “will reserve an exclusive perpetual easement for freight operations and Amtrak service over the properties being transferred.”

updated at 2:22pm

It’s important to note that this isn’t a done deal yet: the issue of liability, long a main sticking point, is still in play.

UPDATE: While liability is still an issue, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray tells us that the trains will be added regardless.

What do they get? It looks like the double height clearance the state is going to help construct is a major piece for CSX

this will improve quality of life…freight…business etc says kerry.

Quick update: We just checked service advisories and it looks like the train to Worcester that will carry the pols to Boston is on time.

UPDATE: The train did arrive on time, and the pols rode in to Boston with aides in tow.

Little shoutout to armsby abbey and mcfaddens re: the late sox game last night.

Starting right now. The word is that Lt. Gov. Murray, Congressman McGovern, and Senator Kerry will be driving into Boston as the 8:30 train will be delayed by a truck stuck under a train bridge in Westborough.

about to begin here…just waiting for senator kerry

Big news could be coming in the morning regarding MBTA commuter rail trains.

A press conference on a “transportation announcement” has been called at Union Station at 7:45 AM, and a follow-up at South Station at 10:00. Both will feature Senator John Kerry, Congressman Jim McGovern, and Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, who will ride the commuter rail between the cities.

No word on what the announcement is at this point. On the surface, we’d guess more roundtrip trains are coming to Worcester, although the rare appearance by Kerry could mean that an agreement between CSX and the state for rail ownership is finally on hand.

We’ll update this post if we hear more. Check back on the blog at 7:45 am for a liveblog of the press conference

9:42: We’ve just endured a 30 minute conversation on the potential creation of two new city employees to deal with HUD and foreclosure issues, despite the fact that Palmieri held the item for a week.  Now, a discussion on how quick we need to move on this.

9:13: Little “Robert’s Rules” intrigue for all you sticklers out there. Rosen asked Lukes to step down while her proposed items were being discussed; she refused. Actually, she just ignored him.

9:11: On the other side, Lukes wants to look at housing incentives to get college graduates and employees to buy homes. As long as they don’t throw parties with more than 5 people.

9:05: Lukes wants to regulate hookah bars and signage “before it gets out of control.”

9:02: Local ACLU head Ron Madnick: “There are other ways to carry out [enforcement] of this problem.” Colleges, use of current nuisance ordinances, etc are all possibilities. BUT, says Madnick, the ACLU will withhold comment until an official ordinance is proposed.

8:59: Listening to Councilor Palmieri and some of his colleagues, you’d think Worcester was ranked as one of the top party school cities in the country.

8:54: Lukes says she didn’t sign on because of the way the proposal was worded, but that she supports the intent.

8:53: Rosen says that if colleges don’t like this, they can either accept a PILOT program, or crack down on students.

8:50: Councilor Smith says this is a “good starting point,” acknowledging that it could effect everyone from grandparents to college kids.

8:49: Councilor Clancy criticizes the Holy Cross administration for not actually meeting with the Caro Street neighbors after Councilor Haller’s press conference following the party there a few weeks ago.

8:46: Acknowledging some of the potential pitfalls, Councilor Toomey calls for more discussion and, perhaps, an appeal board for fined parties to have a recourse.

8:44: Councilor Haller, who represents more college neighborhoods than anyone else, says this is about “more than college parties.” She says “unruly parties” are one of the largest complaints she gets from constituents. “We need to find a tool to bring these disturbances under control.”

8:43: Councilor Petty wants the legal report to include a discussion about enforcement.

8:40: Councilor Eddy on the ordinance: He was one of two councilors not to sign on. “I share Councilor Germain’s concerns…about absentee landlords…I worry that his order captures a lot of people we aren’t aiming this at.” That includes responsible landlords in nicer neighborhoods and have only occasional problems, he says, or who run into problems when they are trying to evict tenants in housing court.

8:36: The party ordinance. Essentially, Germain is talking about the Narragansett, RI ordinance that fines landlords when unruly parties are held. Not being said exactly, but Germain is discussing a side benefit: Making absentee landlords more aware of what is going on in properties they own. It’s about making everyone more aware of each other in general, says Germain. “It’s a win-win for everyone,” says Germain, mentioning students, landlords, neighbors, cops.

8:27: Screw getting pedestrians on the street. Councilor Germain wants a shuttle service from the new Union Station Garage to the Canal District and Shrewsbury Street.

8:23: Councilor Rosen, revisiting an oooooolllld item, asks if we’re still planning on putting out an (request for proposals) RFP for the fire alarm building on Park Ave. Apparently there is an interested agency.

8:21: An order we love from Toomey: asking for a report and update of some of the parking signage/restrictions in the Blackstone/Green Island hood. Right now, a lot of the restrictions are based on old manufacturing needs.

8:20: Councilor Toomey asks how does the Wall Street collapse fallout effect the city’s investments? A report from the auditor on all investments forthcoming.

8:13: An item on the agenda from the Municipal Operations committee .asking the city to contribute 25% to SectionB retirees. THAT MONEY IS NOT COMING, at all. Simply, says Barbara Haller, there is no relief at this time. A little blowup when Mayor Lukes refuses allowing Joe Casello to speak on behalf of the retirees. Gary Rosen asks for a suspension of rules to allow him a chance. Lukes says that no matter what, the retirees are not going to prevail, there is no relief, there is no money, there is no hope for these retirees.

8:09: What about last year’s concept of local option meals/hotel taxes? Gary Rosen wants to know. City Manager Michael O’Brien says it’s unlikely to pass at the state level, but other fiscal relief is being discussed by the legislature.

This is one of the most bizarre conversations we’ve heard, albeit probably needed: 11 councilors talking about how to handle state aid cuts that we don’t even know are real yet. Better than talking about after the fact, but it sure is hard to make plans without knowing the variables.

7:59: Councilor Rushton is asking for a report in the next month or so asking the City Manager for where he is going to be looking to cutback or curtail spending, based on the overall economic sense that we’re screwed, and in all liklihood will be looking at a cut in aid. Sounds like almost unanimously, the counciors who are speaking are in agreement that the city will likely be facing aid cuts. Petty is questioning if we even know what potential cuts will be though, and worries about panicking the public.

7:46: And Councilor Paul Clancy remembers the anticipated problems with locating the Tornadoes at Lake Park, leading to their building at Holy Cross. “We have to be sensitive to the neighborhoods…moreover, be sensitive to the park…I’m not sure any of this is even feasible.” Councilor Toomey calls for more conversation about exactly what the project would entail, on every end. Huge crowd here from the neighborhood opposing the plan.

7:43: Talking about the proposed Lake Ave sportsplex–lot of people not too happy with this idea, especially the concept of using park land. Councilor Germain, who sponsored the item, is holding it for a week, but says we still need to look at ways of retaining the Sharks.

7:22: We’re live and in person—right now the conversation is all about Penny Johnson, retiring librarian. Stay tuned

Blogging from the hinterlands of CT right now….we’ll be back online tonight for the City Council meeting, starting at around 7:30 or 8(the meeting starts at 7 with an executive session, we’ve been told).

Hot on the agenda: An item asking for a regulation to be drafted that would enable the city to fine owners of homes where public disturbances take place when more than 5 people are present.  Translation: When kids have a party, we crack down on their parents or landlords.

A few questions we hope to ask tonight, chiefly: Will this be used against the range of parties, or only selectively against students/young adults?

Tune back in tonight.

The Asian Long Horned Beetle regulated zone has gotten a lot bigger.

Since the Asian Longhorned Beetle invasion first reared its face in Worcester, the hope was the invasive bugs were limited to the northwest corner of the city, where they were originally spotted. But after residents phoned in reports of infected trees on the southern side of the city Saturday, DCR and the city expanded the quarantined area to include all of Worcester and the Western part of Shrewsbury. City Manager Michael O’Brien announced the expansion during a Monday press conference where he stated that the original 33 square mile quarantine zone has expanded to 62 square miles.

What does the regulated area cover now?  Check the link below.

regulated_area_alb_092808

House records indicate Congressman Jim McGovern voted in support of the failed bailout bill; we’ll have more as we hear his reaction.

There will be an Asian Long Horned Beetle related press conference today at 3pm at City Hall.  We’ll let you know as we hear more.

Andre Thompson, the city man facing charges in connection with the murder of Becker student William Smith is a well known quantity in Worcester over the past couple years, with a rapidly expanding rapsheet for a guy who is only 19.

• In August 2007, Thompson was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
• Later that month, he faced charges of driving without a license and driving improperly.  He was later found responsible on the license count, and fined $100.
• Earlier this year, his cocaine charge was continued without finding, pending several conditions; at the same hearing, charges breaking and entering in the daytime with intent to commit a felony, malicious destruction of property over $250, and four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (rock, beer bottle) were dismissed.

After a soft-launch of sorts for the past month, RealWorcester.com has officially launched.  It looks to be an interesting combination of aggregated material from local sources with some original blog content from the usual crew of Worcester bloggers.

It also looks like the site is linking to outside material at this point; during the soft-launch, they had been rerunning full articles from other sites without linkage.

In any case, welcome aboard Real Worcester.

We’re about two weeks late now, but we’d be terribly remiss if we didn’t give big props and good wishes to Mike Benedetti for his outstanding work over the past year on the 508 podcast. The weekly show, which turned one with it’s 52nd episode earlier this month, is as close as you’ll find to a Worcester edition of All Things Considered, or other NPR fare and has remained a must-listen since it launched.

Congrats Mike!

Tomorrow’s Worcester Magazine features a cover story on the battle over ballot Question 2, a binding referendum which would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana for adults.   It’s a passionate debate, with proponents of both sides fervently arguing their case in the feature story.

But there has been little, if any word from state lawmakers on their take on the issue.

In tomorrow’s issue, State Rep. Jim O’Day speaks about why he is in favor of decriminalizing marijuana, and why he is supporting Question 2.  He is the first member of the local delegation, and among the first (if not the first) in the State House to publicly declare his support.

O’Day is clear he would vote against any blanket attempt to legalize marijuana, but says “I can’t remember ever seeing the violence and rage in people who smoke marijuana that I’ve seen in people when they’re drinking.”

Check out the rest of O’Day’s comments, as well as intense arguments from both sides, in tomorrow’s Worcester Magazine.