The Wheatley Chronicle

Paraíso Saved by Andrea Placeres

2011-12-23T17:40:00.000-08:00

"Paraíso de Dios" is a very poor neighborhood in the rural town of Haina in the Dominican Republic. This Spanish name translates into "God's Paradise" but "Hell on Earth" would be a more accurate description. In 1997, a Not-For-Profit organization, "the Friends of Lead Free Children" (FLFC) sponsored a team of doctors that tested local residents for lead poisoning and found that about 90% of those tested had toxic levels in their blood. Lead poisoning is a serious health issue that has lifelong consequences. According to the Global Lead Network Website: “Globally, exposure to excessive levels of lead in the environment, the home, and the workplace impose immense costs, with many millions of adults and children suffering adverse health effects and impaired intellectual development.” It turns out that soon thereafter, Haina had the honor of being named the world's most lead contaminated site. The area's environmental pollution was attributed to a used car battery recycling plant that operated near the center of the town.

For years, FLFC supported local residents in their struggle to shut down plant. The plant was eventually closed but the battle was far from won. Left behind was a plant with stockpiles of corroding batteries dumped and buried throughout the site. The lead dust continued to contaminate the surrounding town infiltrating the air, the water, everything and everyone. Health officials discovered that expectant mothers were passing the lead in their bodies to unborn fetuses during pregnancy and breast feeding. To address this immediate crisis, FLFC partnered up with a vitamin company to develop a prenatal supplement to prevent this deadly transmission from occurring. The supplement, which contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B12, C and D, iron and folic acid was found to help prevent lead from passing from mother to unborn child.

I first became aware of FLFC's work as a volunteer for the organization in 2005. I participated that year in FLFC's annual Humanitarian Mission to the Dominican Republic which was sponsored by Health First, a New York community based insurance provider. Together with the FLFC team and a team of doctors affiliated with Health First, we traveled to Haina and other rural areas on the island, distributing prenatal supplements to clinics that service at-risk pregnant women. We were all inspired when we witnessed first-hand the fruits of our labor. We were literally saving these mothers and the children from the horrors of lead poisoning. Around us were children of all ages who clearly showed the effects of lead poisoning. We could not help them but we were preventing birth defects and learning disabilities for future generations. As we were guided through maternity wards, we could see healthy babies alongside babies that unfortunately had not received the necessary prenatal care. Seeing these young mothers smiling with their newborn babies in their arms was all I needed to convince me that our humanitarian work was important and that we needed do much more.

I was able to reach Steve Null, president of the Friends of Lead Free Children Non-Profit organization and conduct a telephone interview for this article. I had not spoken to him for about eight years but he sounded the same. He is a nonstop aggressive advocate for his organization. Steve even tried to recruit me back to FLFC to join him for his March 2012 mission to the Dominican Republic. He brought me up to speed on FLFC's activities over the past few years. There was a happy ending to the Haina story that I was unaware of. After thirteen years of pressuring local politicians and government health officials, FLFC and the local residents were able to get them to remove over 6,000 cubic meters of contaminated soil from the toxic site. This was done with the assistance of the Blacksmith Institute and Terragraphics, Inc. In 2010, the infamous site was officially inaugurated as a playground for the children of Haina. The playground has a mural of the community which advocates who fought long and hard for the playground.

For Steve, FLFC's work is far from over. He expressed concern about lead contaminants from other sources on this island nation. He emailed me numerous studies and resource materials that he thought might assist me with this article. The Global Lead Network also found: “Worldwide, six sources appear to cause the greatest lead exposures: gasoline additives; food can solder; lead-based paints; ceramic glazes; drinking water systems; and cosmetics and folk remedies. Other significant exposures result from inadequately controlled industrial emissions from such operations as lead smelters and battery recycling plants.”

Steve also reminded me that FLFC’s focus has always been on the importance of proper nutrition. Their "Nutrition for Life" program has expanded the delivery of prenatal supplements to the women in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. So far the FLFC has delivered 58 million supplements to 28 maternity hospitals. This coming March, FLFC plans to assist Clinica Altagracia, the largest maternity clinic in the Dominican Republic which has an average of 25,000 births a year.

Steve believes that his organization has been successful because they have focused their attention on one thing: insuring healthy babies. Many organizations take on too many issues and become overwhelmed. Since FLFC has very limited resources and receives no assistance from any government, they have to be very efficient. FLFC raises most of its funding to cover the expenses of manufacturing the prenatal supplements. They accomplish this by holding an annual Children's Health Festival in the Washington Heights Section of Manhattan. FLFC has no paid staff relying on a small but dedicated team of volunteers. After witnessing the difference that FLFC has made in Haina, I have decided to return as a volunteer.

Section 8

2011-12-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

From depression to recession, the Section 8 housing program is a loophole filled world. For those gentle readers out there unfamiliar with it, Section 8 housing is more formally known as “Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.” But fear not friends! I don’t plan on hurling legal lingo at you. Instead, I’d like to tell you a story of three different people who are trying to get by in this economic recession using loopholes in an old, often-amended program.

Sadly, I’ll have to walk those of you unfamiliar with it through what exactly Section 8 is and how it functions. Put very simply, Section 8 is a federal subsidy program for low-income individuals. Even more simply: they help you pay your rent and utility bills. The Section 8 program is managed on a town-by-town basis; so for example, Boston has two organizations to deal with Section 8 applicants: the Boston Housing Authority and the Metropolitan Partnership Housing Authority.

Applying is pretty straightforward: you stop by one of the offices and allow these organizations to check out whether you have a criminal record, what your income is and what your general living situation is, like if you have children. That latter part is especially interesting because as recently as a year ago, the rules dictated that a single mother must be provided with a 2-bedroom apartment, the theory being that a room was necessary for the mother and the kid. The rules also told you that a child can share the bedroom with mom until they were 2½-3 years old. But boy, oh boy, have the rules changed: Section 8 now says that 1-bedroom apartments are decent enough, and that a child up to 12-years-old can share a bedroom with mom.

Anyhow, with all of us on the same page, I’d like to share with you those three stories of people getting through this nasty recession. To keep these people – and their landlords – from getting into trouble, I’ve given them pseudonyms. The first story features a woman I’ll call Grandma. She’s getting up there in years, so that’s reason for it.

Grandma came over from the Dominican Republic a while back. She rents a 1 bedroom apartment priced at $900 per month, but she only has to pay a tenth of that.

“I qualify because of my age and how much I earn,” her grand-nephew tells me. He acts as interpreter because Grandma’s English is a little poor. “She doesn’t pay that much rent,” he adds, “the city covers it.”

Now, as pleasant as it seems that Section 8 seems to be working, there’s the flipside to the coin: Grandma owns property back in the Dominican Republic. In fact, she earns an income by renting out that property that the Section 8 authorities don’t know about; it’s completely under the table. As an aside, too: Section 8 has certain rules about what applicants can and can’t do, one being that an applicant can’t live outside the unit being subsidized for a certain period of time. Meanwhile, Grandma likes to take a month or two to visit and live with family back in the Dominican Republic.

Now readers, it seems a fair time to ask whether you think this is a fair deal. Personally, I’ve been charmed by Grandma’s sunny disposition. When I stop by to fix a leak, she’ll treat me to a song whose lyrics I can’t understand. I watch Grandma’s cockatiel dance to the song and I can’t help but smile.

When asking what Grandma thinks of her sneaky dealings with Section 8, she told me, “I don’t think it’s a bad thing. The money is there and they help me.”

Let’s call the next tenant Number 42, or “no. 42” for short – think apartment number. Another immigrant story, no. 42 and her husband are originally from Cameroon. While her husband works full-time, she works part-time and qualifies for Section 8, which pays roughly $1,000 out of $1,250 for her 2 bedroom apartment. One of no. 42’s qualifications is that she applied as a single mother, though anyone who knows her husband knows that’s a huge stretch of the imagination. This way, no. 42 receives lots of help because of her son, and because they don’t count her husband’s considerable income.

As a tertiary source of income, no. 42 also cuts hair under the table. “I want to open a salon one day,” she told me, “I already have the chairs and equipment stored, I just need to find a place to open up.”

So readers, one wonders if no. 42 and her husband working the system are wrong. I think I’ll leave it up to you to decide because I think they’re good people. They tie their garbage before throwing it into the dumpster, so it can’t accidentally spill across the parking lot. They pick up bits of trash in the hallway that I’ve ignored. And they make me feel good when I help them install a bathroom shelf or some such, scolding their son to stop watching TV and be as hard-working as me.

Oh, gentle readers. If you’ve made it this far, I’d like to thank you. I wondered whether you’d enjoy my little stories. The final tenant I’ve got lined up for you to hear about isn’t actually on Section 8. I’ll call her Mom, because that’s what she is. And doesn’t it seem fitting to finish a story about those who hoodwink the government with someone who doesn’t want to?

Mom comes from Senegal and rents a 2 bedroom apartment for around $1,100 a month. She works in the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center labs doing blood work, and has a son who’s around 19 years old.

“You know, I like it here,” Mom tells me when I see her, “but one day I’ll go back to Senegal.”

When I ask Mom what she’s planning, she tells me, “I am sending money back to family. But I have to watch out, because you know, my family, it is big. So sometimes [the money’s] not all there, you know.”

I am using money from here to build a house in Senegal,” she continues, “because there are a lot of British there and they pay a lot for rent.”

When I prod Mom to see if she has any other plans, she goes on to describe her dream of starting up a wig-store. She tells me how hair extensions and wigs and similar items are popular where she’s from, at least with the women her age. And she knows someone who knows someone who buys from China, and they make cheap hair products.

“I can make lots of money,” Mom almost whispers to me, careful not to let any prying ears in on her get-rich-quick scheme.

And there you have it, readers. Three different examples of three different immigrants making it through the recession that’s hitting America. What do you make of them, I wonder. Examples of tenacious Americanism, working the system to get ahead, or felonious thieves, skulking about and siphoning money from the taxpayers. Personally, I couldn’t ever imagine Grandma skulking.

The Importance of Being Ernest

2011-12-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

By Nick DeLuca

Journalist. World War I hero. Consummate drinker. Bare-knuckle brawler. Safari voyager. Big game hunter. Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning author.

These are just a few broad descriptions that can be used when discussing the paramount author of the 20th century; however, he was more than just a handful of adjectives. He still is. His legacy survives as a literary icon, a master wordsmith with a knack for getting the most significance out of a sequence of words or phrases that seem to be of the least importance. He is an author by whom all other authors are measured. He is Ernest Hemingway.

Born in Oak Park, Illinois—a western suburb of Chicago—in 1901, Hemingway took to writing while in his junior year in high school. As part of a journalism class, students were required to submit articles to the school’s newspaper, The Trapeze. Upon graduation he had written and published articles for, as well as edited, The Trapeze and The Tabula—the school’s yearbook—and took a job reporting for The Kansas City Star. It was by taking this job that Hemingway would build the foundation of his famous writing style and come to revolutionize the literary world.

A five-year old Hemingway (far right)

There is a reason that Hemingway is taught in almost every college level English curriculum across the United States. Hemingway’s highly touted, and arguably greatest achievement was the novel The Sun Also Rises. In it he accurately and acutely describes the lifestyle of the 1920’s American expatriates living in Paris known as the “Lost Generation.” By describing the events and people surrounding him during his stays in Paris and Spain, Hemingway came to develop his famous tightly written prose and self-described “iceberg theory” where the facts float above water and the supporting structure and symbolism operate out of sight. His semi-autobiographical approach also helped to secure realism in his works, using this in The Sun Also Rises as well as many of his later acclaimed works such as his World War I love-tragedy, A Farewell to Arms; his Spanish Civil War based, For Whom the Bell Tolls; and his Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winning novella, The Old Man and The Sea.

But Hemingway is able to transcend the ink, the page, and the classroom and touch his audience in a personal and inspiring way. Scottish immigrant and writer Andre Van Loon credits his inspiration to Papa.

“My family moved to Scotland when I was fourteen. In order to learn English as fast as I could, I read as much as I could. I read all of Hemingway in a matter of months. Reading Hemingway made me want to be a writer. To write as purely and excitingly as Hemingway at his best is one of my longest lasting ideals.”

After the success of A Farewell to Arms made him financially independent as a writer, Hemingway often took safari trips to Africa, fishing trips to Cuba, and bullfighting trips to Spain as a spectator and keen enthusiast. During one of his safari excursions he was injured in two successive plane crashes, burnt in a brush fire, and drank enough to incur diabetes. He lived the remainder of his years in constant pain and irritation, eventually taking his own life by putting a 12-gauge shotgun to his head in 1961. But perhaps it was his ability to convey his suffering through his writing that made his most discouraged audience members, like Timothy Bernard, connect with him and deter themselves from the clutches of depression.

“I was in my late 30s and had recently had some major foot surgeries. I kept working a full schedule despite being on crutches. I became physically exhausted and soon I was emotionally exhausted too. I sunk into a deep depression the likes I had never experienced before or since. I picked up The Old Man and The Sea and it spoke to the joys and sorrows of life. There was such power in helplessness, such honesty in failure. It was as if each of Hemingway’s words were lifted high above the ground by a crane, then released with such precision and power that they were permanently planted on the page. I started reading more of his works and appreciated how he doesn’t back away from life…or death,” Barnard commented.

On Sunday December 13, editor Sandra Spanier and actor Corey Stoll—who plays the role of Hemingway in Woody Allen’s 2011 romantic comedy Midnight in Paris—among others, came to the JFK Library to present and discuss the recently published The Letters of Ernest Hemingway: Volume 1, 1907-1922. The letters give insight into the lesser-known early years of author, describing his various relationships with family members, his budding friendships, and his time abroad during the war.

Spanier said the letters go beneath the “very spared, disciplined, honed-down style of his published works and reveal a very chatty, gossipy, conversationalist. We get a very different picture of Hemingway than what we get from his published works or public persona.”

In 2002, Hemingway’s home in Cuba was opened to a team of American scholars including Spanier. Over 3,000 letters and personal correspondence were found in the home’s contents. Spanier is now embarked on a promotional tour with her book on the West Coast and Pacific Northwest.

Hemingway is one of my personal heroes. His no-nonsense, straightforward, tell-it-like-it-is prose and persona are aspects that I strive for as an aspiring writer. His protagonists capture essence and direction of his moral compass, often emulating his masculine athleticism, resourceful intelligence, and stoicism under pressure. We are lucky to live in the post-Hemingway world; afforded the opportunity to indulge ourselves in his stories and escape from any weight or anxiety forced upon us from the stress of our lives. His works have effortlessly slipped the bonds of simple fiction into, and will forever hold their places in, the American canon.

Here is a link to listen to Hemingway's Nobel Prize speech.

Cutting the Cord: Wireless Power

2011-12-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

Tesla tames the lightning; picture from here

At the beginning of the 20th Century, Nikola Tesla worked to broadcast electric power through the air, bypassing power lines and making it available to everybody within range of his transmitter. He was largely ignored. At the beginning of the 21st Century, the world still mostly made do with wires for transmissions. However, this changed quickly. For example, wireless routers, once a high-end item for hard-core techies, now can be found in living rooms across America.

Broadcasting encrypted data and sending power through the air are different goals, but there are signs that dependence on wires for the final leg of power transmission are crumbling, at least on the small scale. While nobody is currently working on the scale of Tesla, several companies are now offering commercial wireless electrical power solutions, with the clear potential for residential use in the relatively near future. None of them have the ability to keep a house on the grid without a wire, but two of them are able to reduce the proliferation of cords coming out of your wall.

WiTricity, based in Watertown, Massachusetts, uses resonant magnetic coupling to wirelessly send power through the air. MIT Professor Marin Soljačić thought about the idea late one night while his wife slept, her cell phone beeping its low-power warning. He asked himself why there wasn’t a way to tap into any of the electricity flowing through his house to simply recharge the phone without plugging it in. He worked out the math in the middle of the night, got a lab-full of people at MIT to help test the theory, and a short time later WiTricity was born.

TED Talk by Eric Giler, WiTricity CEO

The coupling works like this: a base station connects to a wall outlet, much like any other electrically-powered device. This station uses a small fraction of the power from the connection to generate a magnetic field oscillating at a particular magnetic frequency. The station sends power to receiver circuits, called “capture devices,” that resonate on the same magnetic frequency. The range of the transmission varies with the size of the circuit used in the base station, but a grid of receiver circuits, or spaced layers, can expand the range of transmission. The magnetic field is asymmetrical in shape, varying with the size and shape of the circuit. It can face interference from metal objects, but only if the metal can completely block the field. Because it is generated magnetically, instead of using broadcast energy, even a high-powered field is safer for human health than your average cell phone.

The base stations are not power sinks. They are designed to stay in a low-power ready state when no device needs to draw power--much like a modern computer or plasma TV--only typically with a lower power draw than either.

The WiTricity system is good at moving relatively large amounts of power. Current regulations cap the maximum power sent magnetically at 3.3 kilowatts, for safety purposes. While their power movement is good, and their maximum efficiency is 95% of moved power received, they do have a limiting factor of relatively low range, though it is much better than the traditional magnetic induction range measured in millimeters. Without a linked circuit extending the range, WiTricity electrical transfer has a practical limit of a few meters for large circuits and under a meter for small circuits.

The company shows great potential. It is deep in talks with medical implant companies, looking at those whose devices are limited by a wired battery for recharging. Wires going into the body are an easy point of infection. Speaking at IDEAS Boston, CEO Eric Giler mentioned that infections enter the body through the entrance made by these wires, making wire-site infection the leading cause of death for people implanted with these otherwise-lifesaving devices; by eliminating the wire while allowing batteries to recharge, people whose lives have been saved by battery-powered medical implants should have an increased survival rate.

Trickle-charging items from cell-phones to electric cars to medical devices can be done safely and securely, and the proper circuit can be added onto a battery. When I went to WiTricity's offices, marketing director Yinon Weiss showed how the receiver circuits can even be used to completely replace a battery. The wireless optical mouse felt much lighter without the batteries in it, but it worked just as well. To date, the main creative use of WiTricity has been for expansive lighting displays: some lighting designers decided that they could make wonderful displays and chandeliers even better by eliminating the wires used to power them. They are clearly on to something; I would enjoy a network that could charge my laptop and light my house.

Powercast is another company that sends out power without the need for wires between stations. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this company’s technology is based on transmitting power via radio waves, using spectrum that is currently mostly unused in the US. Their system is straightforward: a base station draws power from the wall and broadcasts it in a 60º arc to receiver stations. The company has been working to expand the range and efficiency of their units. While right now the system can manage approximately a 13 meter range, the power conversion from radio waves to direct current is currently at a maximum of 70%.

Powercast kit for wireless sensors, model number P2110-EVAL-01

The company’s largest limitation is a legal one as opposed to a technological one. The US and Canada, the only places where Powercast currently does business, has strict limits on how much power may be broadcast using radio waves. The legal limit is 4 watts; the company keeps its technology to 3 watts, likely to avoid accidentally hitting the limit. The actual transmitter only pulls 1.5 watts to broadcast 3.

Three watts might not seem like a lot of power; in truth, it isn’t. This company shines with low power applications, such as a sensor network. While a laptop or even a cell-phone draw more power than the Powercast system can easily recharge, a wide-range fire alarm system is ideal: it does not use very much power but does require a fair amount of maintenance. According to Vice President Harry Ostaffe, by installing an appropriate grid of RF transmitters and the company’s “Powerharvester Receivers,” a business could put up a full suite of low-power sensors without the need to pay for hardwiring, or paying the costs of relatively high-maintenance batteries. The system would not be suitable for a lighting system, even one with low-power LEDs, but it would work well for low-power trickle charging for items like a remote control. The company focuses on items which currently use battery power that lasts from weeks to years.

Powercast is not sitting on its laurels. It keeps plugging away to improve its technology and keep it simple. Ease of use is a very important part of the company’s vision, with deployable plug-and-play solutions that do not require a licensed engineer to figure out. While currently it is working on business and military applications, home solutions are not out of the question sometime in the future. I for one would love to have fire alarms that never beep due to low power ever again.

If any companies have the know-how to make the age-old dream into a reality for the common man, WiTricity and Powercast are those companies. While Nikola Tesla would likely shake his head at the current state of wireless power, he would be happy that at least some people are finally taking it seriously.

Movie Review: Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell

2011-12-17T09:34:00.000-08:00

This movie, made by the fine folks who made the Toxic Avenger, takes place in the wasteland of Tromaville a couple of decades after nuclear annihilation wipes out most of the planet in a single day. The radiation kills most of the humans and mutates many of the survivors, but apparently plenty of them seem to be unaffected. The heroine, who was a very small girl when the world went up in flames, grows into a beautiful, sexually frustrated young woman who just wants to wash her clothes while wearing a bikini and not get raped while doing it. The film starts with a voice-over of a breathy young woman trying to display sex appeal in the middle of nuclear devastation without anything remotely sexy on the screen. I give her credit for trying, at least. No names are mentioned during the intro, or indeed at any point before the closing credits.

The first scene after the unconvincingly-dubbed introduction shows a young man named Marn. He’s the hero, because his face is conventionally attractive. He is hunting a Siberian Husky, presumably for food. When he fails to kill it with his crossbow, he chases after it and is promptly attacked by a enormous dinosaur-like worm with a mouth full of teeth. Despite the worm’s considerably greater mass, Marn is able to fight off the beast by hiding behind trees, a few weak-looking punches and kicks, and a couple of strikes with his trusty 6” hunting knife. The blend between live-action and special effects actually wasn’t all that bad, especially for such a low-budget film; but the weak acting and plot really hurt.

The second scene introduces the heroine into the action. Lea, the titular nymphoid barbarian, is dressed in what looks like a denim bikini that does not leave all that much to the imagination. For somebody who has no razor blades and no access to a Supercuts, let alone a real hair salon, her smooth skin is remarkably hairless while her lustrous head of hair always clean and nicely done up in a style popular in the 1980s, which is when the film was shot. Obviously, her beauty and general cleanliness must be her amazingly useful mutant power. She is, at least, convincingly muscled for everything she ends up doing in the film. Regardless of this, she is washing her clothes by the edge of a lake, enjoying the water, when three men sneak up, intent on kidnap and rape. She fends them off for a while, hitting fairly hard, but her assailants keep getting back up. Just as she’s about to have her clothes ripped off, Marn comes in and saves the day. The both of them fight off the three would-be assailants for long enough for a mutated croc to come out of the water, steal Lea’s long-johns out of her hand, then eat the hapless assailants. In fact, every single time Lea ever encounters a monster, if anybody else is around, the monster will attack the other guy instead of her. Clearly it is her other invisible, highly-useful mutant power.

At Marn and Lea’s camp, she tends to his wound and we get the first audible dialog of the film, some 15 minutes in. For a woman who is supposedly sexually frustrated and aggressive, she is remarkably patient, snuggly, and uninterested in anything remotely sexual. For anybody hoping for occasional nudity to go with the occasional gore in the film, you can forget about it.

The next day, Marn and Lea break camp and go off on a journey to find a better place, presumably someplace where she can wash her clothes in peace. They wander through a variety of landscapes that all feature remarkably unmutated plants and trees. They end up at the beach, where she playfully wrestles with him in the water.

Cue the cut to the next scene to introduce... the bad guys. We have mutants looking for treasure on the same beach, playfully throwing rocks at each other until they get into a fight about all those painful rocks they’ve just thrown. The solemnity of the fight is undercut by the score, which plays a couple of bars from the theme song of the Three Stooges, specifically the Three Blind Mice part. Several bars later, in strides their boss, Clon, interrupting the fight by hitting the combatants. He’s wearing soft leather armor, which looks interesting because it's all black -- plus there’s a skull on each shoulder and an obviously fake skull on the cowl. Yes, it is a cowl on armor. Please, don’t ask. His mutation is obviously his protruding teeth. He and his minions end up going off in search of Lea and Marn, who were there a short while ago and obviously need to suffer for not being as ugly as these freaks.

The rest of the film involves the couple getting split up, finding each other again, and losing each other again, all while encountering mutants of various stripes, finding occasional artifacts of the world before the disaster, being chased by Clon, and somehow not getting killed by a variety of hideous dinosaur-sized mutated animals. When Lea wanders off and finds ugly stone castles, the nasty-looking art -- monstrous faces, protruding giant ribs, an oversized human skull -- makes you wonder who the architect was and why they bothered. Then you have to ask how anybody was able to actually build these things after the apocalypse and why they’d listened to the architect. Throughout it all, the monsters never try to eat the heroine. Clon, who beats up Marn routinely, inexplicably does considerably worse than Marn against apparently the same dinosaur-like worm despite stronger attacks and better hiding skills, going so far as to lose an arm. Plus, the occasional giant mutated beast erupts from out of nowhere despite a clear lack of enough local food for it to survive long enough to wait for tasty humans.

The film ends with a climactic final battle, Lea and Marn versus Clon. When Lea tries shooting Clon with a gun at point-blank range in a narrow corridor, and successfully fires the thing while pointing in the right direction, she misses completely. Marn takes the gun away gently, presumably until she can get in some practice at the shooting range. The action moves outside of the castle they were fighting in, onto the cliff face right below. Right below the cliff is bubbly brown water containing what look like mutated rhino beetles, sensing the action up above and eagerly waiting for a snack to fall. Marn gets hurt, Lea gets winded, Clon (who has apparently grown his arm back) gets eaten by the beetles, and then there’s a couple of minutes of credits where the characters names are, as promised, finally presented.

The movie has uneven sound quality, very little talking, and a lot of beautiful landscapes that shouldn’t be anywhere that normal after a nuclear disaster that turns animals into giant beasts. It stinks. That said, it doesn’t stink in all ways: the special effects were actually reasonably good, even if sometimes poorly executed; some fights were decent, closer to realistic than cinematic and containing appropriate levels of gore, whether an ear is half-bitten off or an eye gets poked out; and most of the clothing was made appropriately scrap-like and tattered, or from skins that resembled something an animal might wear when it’s walking around.

To call this movie a turkey would be an insult to the fine bird I ate on Thanksgiving. I rate it three flaming bags of poo. Despite this, if somebody were to show a marathon of Tromaville movies and has a bunch of friends ready to give it a Mystery Science Theater 3000-style razzing, it could be good fun. Otherwise, do something more constructive, like playing Farmville. Don’t waste those 82 minutes of your life. I for one will never get them back, and I dearly wish I could.

Restaurant Review: Neighborhood Restaurant, Somerville MA

2011-12-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

Walking up Bow St. from Union Square

Last month a friend of mine whom I haven’t seen in over a year called me up, looking for a chance to hang out with my household and catch up over a meal. After she suggested a place in Watertown for breakfast, relatively far from both of us, I asked, “Have you ever been to the Neighborhood Restaurant in Somerville?” That was where we ended up for a late breakfast.

When we arrived we had to sign a guest register to join the wait-list, as there was a short line outside waiting to get in. Next to the sign-in was an insulated coffee pot and some sliced sweet bread provided gratis by the restaurant, available for those hungry diners waiting for a spot. We arrived during a lull and had only one party ahead of us waiting for a seat. The line was longer when we left.

Cozy but comfortable

Inside the restaurant is fairly small, with every possible corner used to fit in diners while maintaining enough elbow room. After we took our seats, our server offered us a choice between a fresh fruit plate or cup of cream of wheat. Everybody chose the fruit plate, comprised of cantaloupe, a few pieces of pineapple and the occasional seedless red grape. Each diner was also served a small cup of orange juice and our choice of coffee, tea or hot chocolate -- all included.

My friend ordered one of the specials, the eggs Benedict, which she enjoyed. She agreed that the home-fries were some of the best she’s had around the Boston area. I ordered three eggs with toast and home-fries, asking for the eggs to be poached. While the eggs were not served on the toast -- which is made from the restaurant’s own homemade bread -- they were still firm enough to move to the toast while still having the properly runny yolks I expect in a poached egg.

The menu has plenty of breakfast items like pancakes, French toast, waffles and home-fries, all of which are served all day. They also have a number of fish and shellfish dishes for lunch, ranging from fish and chips to pork and clams in red wine to their seasonal broiled lobster. Carnivores will find slim pickings, but there are a few different options for pork, beef and chicken. New dishes are put on the menu on a regular basis, so be prepared for new options when you go in. Bring cash, though; they don’t accept credit cards, debit cards or checks.

Inside the arbor for warm weather dining

Service is always friendly in the Neighborhood, which is family-owned and operated. Despite the lines and the crowds, nobody there ever tried to hurry our meal or rush us out the door. During the summer months there is the option to dine outdoors on the patio, covered by the traditional Somerville grape arbor. Those grapes are used to make house grape jelly, which is delicious. Most everything is prepared fresh in-house, and special requests are honored as best as they can manage. Most breakfasts cost from $7-$9, and they are well worth paying a couple of dollars more than food at McDonald’s or a Burger King.

While other Somerville spots may get more buzz for breakfast and brunch, the Neighborhood Restaurant is my go-to place for a comfortable, tasty and affordable meal.

Neighborhood Restaurant
25 Bow Street, Somerville, MA (Union Square)
http://www.theneighborhoodrestaurant.com/index.html
Open daily from 7AM to 4PM

drinks: $1.50-$4.00
breakfasts: $4.99-$12.99
entrees: $7.99-19.99

All pictures are originally from the website of the Neighborhood Restaurant

UMass Boston Veterans' Perspectives

2011-12-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

“I just see, right now the military, and military families... it's not fair what they're going through, and I just feel like we have to come up with a whole new strategy.” -- Jon Stewart, 2011/06/30.

Veterans are a strong presence in UMB student life. The Student Veterans Center (SVC), located in the Student Life offices on the third floor of the Campus Center, is one of the most active student organizations on campus. Veterans serve in student government, work for the student newspaper, and generally maintain a strong campus presence. Still, while all veterans have served, their divergent personalities and experiences give each of them a different point of view. Even serving in the same branch of the service can lead to vastly different perspectives.

Caleb Nelson, recently retired from the position of editor-in-chief of The Mass Media, served in the US Navy. Patriotism and a desire for free education were early motivators: he joined in 2004, when he was 18. He left in 2008 with partial deafness in his right ear, ready for the rest of his education. He is not sanguine about the Middle East. “I’m glad we’re out of Iraq,” he said thoughtfully. “The Afghanistan war is tough to be against, because from this ivory tower it looks pretty bad... But invading in the first place caused another problem: how do we leave gracefully? We're banging around out there like a drunk guy at his sister's wedding.”

Caleb (left) on duty

Like Caleb, Caroline Necheles, former coordinator of the SVC and current speechwriter for the UMB Undergraduate Student Government (USG) executive branch, served in the Navy. She had two stints, 1995-1998 and 2001-2008. In 2006, she was injured in a motorcycle accident while on break from active duty; she is still recovering. Even when her opinions disagreed with policy, she did her duty. “I loved what I did,” she explained. “Was it beneficial, I don't know. I served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, but... I knew we never belonged there to begin with.”

Caroline Necheles (right) with Elizabeth Warren at Commencement Day at UMB

Patrick Duff, former student senator and current SVC assistant coordinator, served in the Navy from 1999-2001. He was diagnosed with PTSD resulting from his service. His symptoms include “inhibited sleep patterns, fear of loud noises and crowds, impaired memory, and occasional disorientation.” His opinion of US military interventions in the Middle East? “[T]hey are a waste of lives on both sides, and were predicated on lies which so many brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for. I would like to see the full withdrawal of American military strength ASAP, and the prompt hand-over of the country to local officials.”

Patrick Duff

Their opinions about Veterans Day vary, but each has a message for civilians.
Patrick: “I want civilians to think about veterans every day of the year, not just one day.”
Caroline: “To the civilians that look from the outside and have no understanding of what we do: We are given orders; we follow those orders. I served because it is what I wanted to do.”
Caleb: “Don't celebrate Veterans Day. Memorial Day matters much much more... [S]ave your attention for the people that are in the military now, or dead from it. What about the Peace Corps? Where's their holiday?”

“1% of the country is doing 100% of the fighting, taking 100% of the bullets, nothing gets asked of the rest of us.” -- Tom Brokaw, 2011/11/03.

Don’t wait for Veterans Day to learn about retired and active members of our military. Say hello, be polite--and above all else, respect their service.

The Reluctant Soldier

2011-12-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

On June 30, 1950, barely five years after the end of WWII, President Truman sent the US Armed Forces back into war, committing them to the defense of South Korea after it had been invaded by communist North Korea. Defending South Korea was popular at the time, with a Gallup poll showing 78% approval at the time the US sent in its forces. Not everyone was sanguine about the conflict, however. One of those people was Eliot Sommer, a native of Brooklyn, New York and a religious Jew, the man who would become my father. He was all of 22 years old when he joined the National Guard in an attempt to avoid the draft.

Eliot grew up during the uncertainty of the Great Depression and WWII. His grandfather moved from Germany to the US in the late 19th century. The family still had relatives back in the old country until the devastation of the Holocaust wiped out much of Europe’s Jewish population, including most German Jews. After the war, his family paid a great deal of attention to the formation of the modern state of Israel, and the defensive war it fought in 1948 just to survive.

Fighting and war were not favored by Eliot. He knew it was dangerous in general, lethal in its particulars, and could be hazardous to his health if he got involved in conflict. He saw the effects of the wars overseas and the effects of fighting at home. When he was a child in Brooklyn, he was bullied for the social crime of being Jewish. His father told him, “Ignore the bullies. Eventually they’ll give up and go away.” He tried to do as his father suggested. Unfortunately, his father’s advice was unsound. It only led to escalation by his tormentors. Even so, fighting was something he did his best to avoid.

He took the first good chance he could find to keep away from fighting. Eliot attended Queens College, working on a degree while serving in the National Guard. He was not pleased when his unit was called up for active service. He ended up at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, with a new course of study.

“At the Army school I studied radar repair of the SCR 584 gun-laying radar system,” he said. Radar was still a very new technology back then. Great Britain had used it to mitigate the effects of German bombing runs against England and otherwise improve its aerial superiority. During and after the war, the US stepped up its investment in radar technology and equipment. By the time Eliot joined the National Guard, radar was, in many ways, at a similar point in development as the Internet was in the 1980s: the military applications were well understood, people who could work with it were well-paid, and it was still not generally available for public use. Experts could expect good working conditions and good pay.

While spending much of his time learning radar systems and marksmanship, keeping his nose to the grindstone and going where he was assigned, Eliot did his best to stay an observant Jew. While the military didn’t have Shabbat services on Saturdays for Jewish soldiers, it did have services on Friday nights. He made it a point to go to services whenever possible, even when stationed in Germany.

However, even though the US Army wasn’t an overtly religious Christian organization, religious soldiers were predominantly Christian. Jews in the military were still uncertain about exercising their authority--and their religion--in an army that for the most part wasn’t Jewish. One of Eliot’s superior officers, a Jewish lieutenant, tried to forbid him from going to Friday night services in an attempt to curry favor with his superiors by showing he could keep his team at work. Eliot went anyways. “I told him, ‘The walls of this kaserne [German for “barracks”] aren't high enough to keep me from going.‘ He said, ‘You'll be court martialed.’ So I replied, ‘Well, then I'll see you at my court martial.’”

He didn’t get a court martial, but he was determined to leave as soon as he could. After demonstrating excellent skills using, maintaining and repairing radar equipment, Eliot was given a special presentation. The military wanted him to be a team leader in charge of a squad of radar repairmen for the Army. They would promote him from sergeant to warrant officer, with the chance to get into the officer corps in time. The Army felt this was a good deal. For an NCO looking to advance, it was a very good deal.

Eliot didn’t agree. At the end of the presentation he told the presenters exactly what he thought. “I don’t want to be in this army a second longer. I’m just a PFC, a poor fucking civilian.” Two and a half years after he joined the army, Sergeant Sommer received an honorable discharge. According to Paula Sommer, his wife of 47 years, he’d earned an Army of Occupation medal for time spent in Germany as well as a National Defense ribbon. Both were standard awards during his time in the service. He left as a certified marksman, and received a lump sum payment of $417.48, somewhere between six and eight weeks worth of pay.

Eliot used the skills he’d gained in the US Army to serve his country in a different way, working as an engineer for various defense contractors. He took breaks from that work to earn a bachelors degree from Columbia University in the early 1960s, where he met his wife-to-be Paula, and a master’s degree from Worcester State College in the early 1970s. His advice to people entering the military? “Get as much Army School training in your field of interest as you can. It can serve you well while in-service as well as when (and if) you return to civilian life. That's what worked for me.”

It worked very well for him. Eliot married Paula in December of 1963. Their daughter Deborah was born in 1967; I was born two years later, named for Paula's father who had passed away the year before. He worked primarily with defense firms until his retirement in 1988, working on systems that are still classified despite many being outmoded technology. He earned a good living as a civilian, supporting his family with the skills he learned in the military.

When asked about visiting communities of veterans, he wasn’t particularly interested. “I’m not much of a joiner,” he said with a shrug. “I never went to a VFW. I didn’t go to the Jewish War Veterans either.” He doesn’t talk about his military service often, only doing so if somebody asks him about it. While he is a veteran, he makes no special plans for Veterans Day. He spends most of his social time with friends from his local synagogue, people he knows through his extended Jewish community, and friends and relatives spread around the country. Clearly, being a veteran is not of major importance to Eliot. Still, his wife Paula said, “He knew just where to go to find [his] discharge papers.”

In late 1989, Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to the 1990 US military offensive against Iraq known as Operation Desert Shield. I considered joining the military at the time, but both of my parents discouraged me from joining. I never did join up, and have since become much more skeptical about war. For my father, who hasn’t yet seen a war he’s truly liked, this is a very good thing.

Hing Shing Pastry

2011-12-13T12:43:00.000-08:00

In my search for good pastry and baked goods, I had moremisses than hits. Even though I’m willing to pay $6-$7 for an item, all I getin return is either a sickly sweet slice of cake or crumbling cupcake. In themist of these depressing experiences there will always be a place that I know Ican turn to for a good bite. Located at the corner of Hudson Street and BeachStreet in Chinatown is Hing Shing Pastry. From moon cake to roast pork buns,Hing Shing Pastry offers a wide variety of Chinese baked goods.

The glistening egg tart sitting in the display case callsfor my attention. The flaky puff pastry tart shell is light and crispy, not atall affected by the sweet, creamy egg custard that could sometimes cause thetart shell to become gooey and mushy. The size is not too small, not too big,giving me a pastry satisfaction without feeling the sugary sickness.

While the egg tart was the perfect cure for my sweet tooth,the savory ham and egg bun was filling without giving me the feeling of beingoverstuffed. At first glance customers might not notice the ham and egg sinceit is wrapped up inside a light and fluffy bun, but the first bite will provethat you have not been ripped off. The best part about the ham and egg bun isthat the egg is real. The egg is not a plastic yellow disk that makes me ask,“Would I die if I ate it?” Ham and egg bun is a good for breakfast, lunch, anddinner. It’s still good even after the first day, just toss it in the microwavefor 30 seconds, and it seems like it was fresh baked.

Nothing beats the “bor lor bao”, or, direct translation, “pineapplebun.” When I was a child I always wondered why there aren’t real pineapples init, but my mother explained that the name comes from the appearance of the bunwhich with its crisscross pattern resembles a pineapple. On top of the bunthere is a thin layer of cookie crust made out of sugar, eggs, flour, and lard.After the baking process, the top has a crunchy, sweet crust that goesperfectly with the soft bun. To enhance the Hong Kong experience, go home andstick a pad of butter in the pineapple bun. It becomes a heavenly mix of thesweet and salty, satisfying both the sweet tooth and the salty craving.

top: egg tart. bottom: pineapple bun

Most items at Hing Shing Pastry are less than $2, whichmakes them a great stop for a quick, cheap breakfast or lunch. Perhaps onedownside to Hing Shing is their lack of drinks. Most Chinese bakeries alsoserve coffee or milk tea because they are a perfect companion to a bun or eggtart. Their lack of drinks could probably be explained by the size of theirstore. It’s quite small and there are not seats. Whatever you buy will have tobe for take-out, but their food is good enough for me to take that extra tripto another store for a drink.

For those of you who don’t speak Chinese don’t worry,because next to each item is a tag with the name of the item in English. If thetag still doesn’t help you with ordering then the group of ladies behind thecounter are always there to answer your questions.

Hing Shing Pastry

67 Beach Street

Boston, MA 02111-2130

(617) 451-1162

Price: $1.00-$2.00/item

Rendezvous

2011-12-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

High-end food for low-end prices…who doesn’t love that? Rendezvous, a restaurant located in Central Square is usually an expensive restaurant. However, on Monday nights from 5pm-10pm they have a Tapas Menu with prices ranging from 4-7 dollars. This special menu is only served at the bar where “in the know” Foodies can sit, relax, and enjoy watching the bartenders muddle tasty concoctions. Sena Kwasnik, a hostess at Rendezvous states, “The bar has a relaxing hip vibe to it. Monday nights are always full of different kinds of people. Business men, college students, and people on dates are all enjoying delectable tapas, and our tasty cocktails.” Rendezvous differs from many other restaurants because they get the majority of their items from local markets and nearby fishermen. They also grow many of their own herbs on their roof deck, making every dish as fresh as possible.

The Tapas Menu has an mouthwatering array of delicious dishes including: fried oysters, roasted baby brussel sprouts, Prince Edward Island mussels, and my personal favorite, spicy friend chick peas with kale. These Tapas dishes are bursting with unique flavors and generous portions. I went to Rendezvous with one other person; we both had empty stomachs and could not wait to devour our food. I ordered the Mint Cucumber cocktail; I am usually not a gin drinker, but it was a heavenly libation. The muddled fresh mint and cucumbers made the drink so refreshing and it went really well with our fish dishes. My friend was not in the mood for an alcoholic beverage so she got the Gulab Sharbat, a delicious concoction of lemon, pomegranate, cardamom, soda water and the best part and most amazing ingredient-rose petals. When putting the drink to your mouth your nose is filled with the sweet and delicate smell of roses.

We ordered fried oysters, baby brussel sprouts, spicy bluefish cakes, and the PEI mussels. There was an abundant amount of fried oysters per serving, at least 8-10. There were about twelve PEI mussels served with freshly baked bread from Iggy’s Bakery. I began to feel full after these two dishes but we still had two more dishes to dig into. The spicy bluefish cake was rich in flavor and had a zesty kick to it. The brussel sprouts were steamed and had diced bacon bits sprinkled on top.

The diversity between dishes, mouthwatering tastes, and cheap prices can’t be beat. When the bill came I was in shock that after all of that food and two drinks we only had to pay $32.00. My Mint Cucumber cocktail was the most expensive item on our bill, priced at $12.00, and it was worth every penny. So, if you’re looking to impress someone with your hipness or just want a taste of high quality food that won’t make a dent in your wallet, try Rendezvous on a Monday night.

Rendevous
http://www.rendezvouscentralsquare.com/
502 Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square in Cambridge
617-576-1900
Tapas Menu $4-7
Cocktail Menu $4-12

Local Cheap and Good Foods

2011-12-11T20:23:00.000-08:00

Town Pizza of Norwood is the perfect place to go with friends or family if you are looking to find good food and drinks at a very low price. With all of the basic menu items of a pizza place and more, Town Pizza offers something for everyone’s taste buds.

Their appetizers and side orders are all between $3.00 and $7.75 and are highlighted by barbeque wings, garlic bread, and chicken fingers. One thing that I have great admiration for is the amount of effort that is put into making the chicken fingers from scratch. As most pizza places and cheap restaurants buy frozen chicken fingers, Town Pizza’s general manager James Adamos personally makes his own. “The most important thing for us as a business is to keep the customers happy,” James says, “Because there are so many other pizza places in this town, we are given the task of making sure our product is unique. If there is a pizza place on every corner, what is so good about ours?”

The process starts by taking fresh chicken breasts and beating them down. He then dips them in egg batter followed by a flour and bread crumb mix and then repeats the process. One can only imagine the amount of time that is spent on these chicken fingers alone.

All dinner plates are served with the choice of either rice of fries and a side salad. The plates are between $8.75 and $9.90 and include an amazing grilled steak tips, grilled chicken, and fresh fish. My personal favorite, the steak tips are marinated with a specialty house marinade for a full two days before serving, giving them a taste, texture, and quality that you will find at a Steakhouse restaurant.

Town Pizza’s sub menu has over 25 different and delicious combinations. The subs are served either small or large and are all between $4.45 and $6.90. My personal favorites include the gyro on a pita, a fresh mix of beef and lamb served on pita bread with tzaziki sauce, onion, and tomato, and the ham and egg sub, that is seasoned with a tasty, unique blend of Mediterranean spices.

Their refreshments include all of the Coca Cola products, vitamin waters, and various beers and wines. All non alcoholic beverages are between $1.25 and $3.00. All beers are $2.75 and all glasses of wine are $3.50. For desert, you have the option of various ice creams and frozen pies for $2.90 each.

Last weekend I chose to spend my Saturday watching college football on the big screen at Town Pizza. For less than $25 dollars I was able to order four beers, a dinner plate, and a desert. If you are looking for fresh, well prepared, and cheap foods, Town Pizza is a must try. Their gourmet twist on conventional pizza place food is what makes them unique. And let us not forget that any dining area with a big screen is a perfect place for cheap alcoholic drinks to be served.

Town Pizza
20 Broadway Street, Norwood Ma
TownPizzaNorwood.com

Appetizers: $3.00-7.75
Dinner Plates: $8.75-9.90
Subs: $4.45-6.90
Drinks: $1.25-3.50

The Pour House Bar & Grille

2011-12-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

With its strip of bars and restaurants near the shops on Newbury Street and the Prudential Center, Boylston Street is a great place for people to eat and drink well into the night.

But many of these joints are pricey, particularly for the college crowd. I've sat down at Abe and Louie's, and dropped $45 on a London broil dinner. That is something I can afford perhaps once a year.

There are, however, a few spots on the strip where you can grab a drink and a bite, and emerge with a few bucks still in your pocket. The Pour House Bar & Grille is actually known for combining a cheap eats with a tasteful atmosphere. Its whitewashed brick walls, some covered with graffiti, and neon signs at the bar give the place some edge.

With its 17 hi-definition, flat screen TVs, the Pour House is also a perfect spot to catch a game.

I recently visited the Pour House with four friends I had not seen a while. We arrived hungry. The sole guy in our party ordered up a burger -- a triple "Wisconsin," with three patties covered in blue cheese.

Burgers at the Pour House are juicy. They come with a generous amount of French fries, but you can swap-in some onion rings or a salad for a couple of bucks more. Even with the substitutions, a triple burger will only set you back about $10.

For non-beef eaters, the vegetarian burger will cost you a little more, but you will be surprised by its savory flavor, and its generous toppings.

The beer at the Pour House is tops, and the perfect accompaniment to its well-prepared (better than most) pub grub. The Harpoon UFO I had with our appetizer --
a massive plate of nachos -- was refreshing.

The Pour House offers 22 ounce frosted drafts, 12 ounce bottled domestic and specialty beers, as well as beer tini's (draft beer served in a martini glass) for only $3.25.

If you're not a beer drinker, The Pour House also offers frozen and non-frozen drinks and frappes. These make excellent dessert substitutes at the end of a meal.

For the early risers on Saturday and Sunday there is a breakfast and brunch menu worth getting up for. It is the perfect remedy for the hung-over crowd who was there the night before.

The Pour House also offers specials Monday through Friday starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday night is the establishment's "Crazy Chicken Night," where all grilled chicken sandwiches are half-off. Thursday is "Mexican Madness" night.

Service at the Pour House is quick and attentive. The only time you will see a line out the door is at night, especially on the weekends. Our party did not have to wait very long for our food to be served and our waitress never neglected us.

The Pour House Bar & Grille
907 Boylston St. Boston, MA
617-236-1767
PourHouseBoston.com

Drinks: $3-8
Entrees: $4-9

Death Proof: Cars, Girls, and Pyscho Killers

2011-12-07T06:17:00.000-08:00

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Love him or hate him, film director Quentin Tarantino and his movies receive a large amount of criticism. People either rave about his genius, or bash him for his grotesque sense of humor. Either way Tarantino's movies are incredibly well known. However, there is one movie that people seem to be surprisingly oblivious to. This is a shame because "Death Proof" is one of the most original movies Tarantino has ever made. Yes, Kill Bill was genius. Pulp Fiction was a classic, and Inglorious Basterds was great. That being said, Death Proof happens to be one of his best works yet.

Death Proof was one part of Grindhouse which was a double feature experience for the ages. Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino both combined their own films together and created another cult classic. While Rodriguez’s Planet Terror was enjoyable it was Death Proof that stole the show. The movie stars Kurt Russell as the deranged pyscho killer “Stuntman Mike” who finds enjoyment in killing young women. With his car! While Stuntman Mike is the main character, it is the ladies who make this movie more than your average “slasher." The first part of the movie features three women named Jungle Julia (Sydney Portier), Butterfly (Vanessa Ferlito), and Shanna (Jordan Ladd). These three women are on a road trip to go to Shanna’s lake house for a “girl’s weekend." However, little do they know, they are being followed by “Stuntman Mike.” As the movie progresses, you are able to see the comedic aspect that makes this movie shine. The girls are simply hilarious! Tarantino is known for his use of long dialogue in his films. However this film is dialogue full. It is the conversations and the little aspects of this film that captivate the viewer.

Eventually these three girls get killed (In Tarantino fashion) as Stuntman Mike collides with them on the road, barely making it alive himself. Just when you started to like these girls, they’re gone. After a few months, Stuntman Mike is back at it again, this time with a new set of girls on his list. These girls are Abby (Rosario Dawson), Kim (Tracie Thoms) and Zoe Bell as herself. Now here’s where the movie gets serious. After the girls take a Vanishing Point looking Dodge Challenger out for a stunt drive, Stuntman strikes again. The most entertaining car chase I have ever witnessed ensues, which lasts for seemingly almost an hour. This time the girls flip the script, and Stuntman gets what he deserves. This film started off with a few laughs, and ended in rather thrilling fashion. Throw in the occasional “Stuntman” sighting, and you get a masterpiece, which is what we have come accustomed to seeing from Tarantino. Death Proof is a classic, and everyone should see this movie! Especially if you're a Tarantino fan, and if you're not this movie will turn you into one.

Movie Review: Phone Booth 2002

2011-12-06T18:45:00.001-08:00

Cassandra Semexant

I remember the day I saw the movie “Phone Booth” starring Colin Farrell. I went with a friend; we were both so excited to see this action-based thriller that was set in New York. The year was 2002 and I was fifteen years old. I was a huge fan of suspense thrillers and I just knew that this movie was going to be great. I was wrong.

I went back again to revisit the film this past week to see if I still felt the same way about it that I had all those years ago. Unfortunately, my feelings remained the same. This is one of the worst movies ever made. There is nothing more disappointing than being extremely excited to watch a movie but it falls short of your expectations. In this movie, an arrogant man who is contemplating cheating on his wife has to choose right from wrong, forced by a sniper who uses this phone in the phone booth to threaten to take the man’s life unless he does what the sniper says.

During the course of the film there’s some humor, but the plot focuses more on this element of mystery. The camera remained in the phone booth for the majority of the time. As a viewer, I kept asking myself if he was going to make an exit from this booth, and he never did. The entire plot just seemed uninteresting. There was a lack of connection in terms of engaging the audience. It was very clear that there wasn’t much of a reality for the audience to connect to in this film. It did not make any sense to me. There are so many reasons why this movie is out of touch with reality; the fact that this complete stranger would be so intrigued by this publicist's very ordinary lifestyle did not captivate me.

Colin Farrell did a wonderful job for being in a phone booth the entire time. He was convincing in his role, and seemed to be terrified in the phone booth. My favorite actor, Forest Whitaker, always does a wonderful job whenever called to action. He played the detective who was responsible for helping bring this sniper down from his mission of getting Farrell to admit cheating on his wife and humble himself.

I am not one to spoil a movie, so I won’t. But based on my opinion, it becomes very apparent in the first thirty minutes of this movie that it will leave you scratching your head. Eventually Farrell leaves the booth, but the movie ends five minutes later. If I were to grade this movie it would receive a D-; there was a lack of suspense and was far from a thriller. If you plan to see this movie, make sure that you do not use any of your hard-earned cash because you will be highly disappointed. The only suspense about this film is why it was ever made.

Camp Alex

2011-12-04T11:25:00.001-08:00

The post office at 655 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain has been renamed in honor of a neighborhood hero. Now the flag waves in front of the Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo, United States Marine Corps Post Office Building. The ceremony this summer was attended by the family, as well as Mayor Thomas Menino, Congressman Michael Capuano, Congressman Stephen Lynch, state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz and Postmaster James J. Holland. Lance Corporal Alexander Scott Arredondo is a neighborhood hero.

Arredondo led fellow Marines through enemy territory in order to take control of a strategically important four story building in Iraq. In the midst of the battle, Arredondo was “personally clearing rooms and assuming the greatest risk … never slowing down and never showing any fear,” said the Lieutenant General in a written account. When he went to check the security of fellow Marines, he was shot by a sniper. His squad secured the building after enduring prolonged fire. Tragically, Arredondo’s wound proved fatal. For his actions he received both the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Valor and the Purple Heart. His family deeply mourns his passing.

You may have seen his father, Carlos Arredondo. He has become a familiar sight at the Occupy Boston Dewey Square site. He has a tent, with Memorials for his son and signs for different causes. He is not new to practicing his right to demonstrate. For the last six years, he and his wife have travelled the country sharing their grief, and protesting the human cost of war full-time.

He made national and international headlines on August 26, 2004. After learning of his son’s death, Arredondo Sr. smashed a windshield with a sledgehammer. He then doused himself in gasoline and got into the van of the Marines who came to his home. He set himself on fire. It was the man’s birthday. When he had seen the Marine van pull up, he thought his son had returned for a surprise visit. The grief was shocking.

Severe burns covered 26% of his body. He was self-employed and uninsured at the time. His recovery took over a year. Carlos attended his son’s funeral on a stretcher. Since that time, the family has found new ways to remember their son.

“To best honor Alex, we want to do things that will be here even after we’re gone,” Mélida Arredondo, his stepmother said.

Carlos and Mélida Arredondo have established a scholarship at Arredondo’s alma mater, Blue Hills Regional Technical School. This is the sixth year that they will distribute scholarships to Marine and Marine Reservist families.

“As a citizen of this country, it’s my duty and my responsibility to participate.” says the senior Arredondo in one interview.

Arredondo is an immigrant from Costa Rica who now lives in Boston. He can often be seen around Jamaica Plain and Roslindale, driving around in his truck which is adorned with flags and pictures of his son.

“We’ve been working in the state house with legislators, working the streets, and participating in a few marches in Dorchester, trying to change policies,” Carlos

Arredondo said in another interview. “Every day we have G.I.’s being killed, and people don’t really care enough or do enough to protest about how the war is going....As long as there are Marines fighting and dying in Iraq, I’m going to share my mourning with the American people,” he said.

Today, he seems to have found a home for his message at Occupy Boston in Dewey Square, where many veterans are demonstrating for a multitude of causes. His tent is one of the first a person encounters coming from South Station.

An eye catching bright pink peace sign stands at the entrance. Signs that say “Jobs,” ”Insurance” and “Save our Schools and Libraries” are a few more. Arredondo has a coffin holding some of his son’s things, and crosses for fallen soldiers. He shows people his son’s boots, uniform and dog tags.

Arredondo and his wife are both members of Gold Star Families For Peace. There is little anyone can do to ease the pain of losing a family member to war, however this family has found some way to reach out through the grief and connect with people, even in tragedy.

Primavera Restaurant

2011-12-03T05:52:00.001-08:00

When you walk into Primavera you can always expect a good atmosphere. This secret gem has been in the community for quite some time and has even been recognized by our own governor, Deval Patrick--who you may bump into on the occasional days he’ll pop in for breakfast. The restaurant is located right off the American Legion Highway, across the street from Wendy’s. To add to the convienence, they deliver to the seven surrounding neighborhoods from West Roxbury to Mattapan. This is a great place to come to dine on a Friday night when you’re looking for cheap eats.

I had my 22nd birthday dinner at this restaurant and it was delightful. The pictures came out wonderfully as well. Whether you choose to cater an event or go into the restaurant with a group of friends, you will not be disappointed!

The food choices range from chicken fingers and steak and cheese sandwiches to Brazilian specialty dishes. The portion sizes are fair and the presentation is simply delightful. I have never been in a restaurant before that has something for everyone yet is affordable. My favorite dish is from the Brazilian menu, a fish stew that actually melts in your mouth. You can choose from a selection of desserts to finish off your night. My favorite is the flan, a silky custard topped with caramel sauce.

Before you are seated the wait staff greets you. There is usually one waitress on shift working. For the most part the restaurant is all in the family so when you sit down you may have the opportunity to speak with the owner or perhaps his sophisticated daughter. Regardless, you can count on meeting a member of this family, and they always will make you feel right at home.

Primavera Restaurant
289 Walk Hill St
Roslindale, MA 02131

Hours of Operation:
Closed on Mondays
Tuesday-Saturday 9am-8pm
Sunday- 8am- 8pm
www.theprimaverarestaurant.com/

Appetizers $2.95- $7.95

Salads: $4.95- $9.95

Gourmet Pizzas-$ 9.99- $16.99

Cold-Hot Sandwiches- $5.50- $7.25

Specialty Dishes- $7.95- $14.95

Desserts- $2.50- $3.50

Beverages- $1.75- $2.75

Drumbline? More Like Dumbline

2011-11-30T08:06:00.001-08:00

By Nick DeLuca

There’s nothing worse than wastefully watching a movie that makes me cringe. Forget about the fact that I just blew $10 of my hard-earned money at the theatre or charged $5 to my parents’ Comcast On Demand account. That doesn’t upset me as much as sitting through a movie with a hand over my face and having to peek in between my fingers to catch a glimpse of what’s happening on the screen. I don’t do this because the movie is scary. I do it because it’s embarrassing.

In 2002, 20th Century Fox released the most moronic movie I have ever had the displeasure of sitting through. Drumline, “starring” Nick Cannon and Orlando Jones is the ridiculous story of an authority-challenging college freshman from the inner city that butts heads with the upperclassmen and conductor in order to prove he’s the best snare drummer in the marching band. Cannon’s character, Devon, has a cocky attitude and an arrogant swagger that leads one of his upperclassmen to look for a reason to derail Devon’s full scholarship and spot in the marching band. This upperclassmen and the conductor, played by Jones, realize that Devon can’t read sheet music. Shocker.

The plot is tired, the depictions of the band and its tryouts are unrealistic, and Nick Cannon is someone that I simply want to punch in the face. His ghetto-fabulous demeanor is annoying, the band auditions are like watching a military boot camp with giant bass drums unflatteringly strapped to their chests, and the idea that stadium is filled with people who’d rather see the marching band play for 20 minutes during half time instead of the football team is ludicrous.

“Dang, the crowd is louder than when the football team was on the field.”
“Cause down here it’s about the marching bands, dawg.”

No, no, no. First of all, I can’t stand this ebonic, broken-English jive talk, especially from a punk like Nick Cannon, and even if it is in a fictional movie. Second of all, in the Southeastern United States, football season is like an extended Christmas. Football reigns supreme. And while yes, the marching band is a pivotal part of the halftime show, people don’t flock to the stadium to watch Nick Cannon as the little drummer boy with a shit-eating grin on his face.

Orlando Jones isn’t half bad, but if I wanted to see the guy from the “Make 7Up Yours” ad campaigns, I’d scour the internet for “commercials that made me chuckle when I was in middle school.”

This worthless excuse for a movie tries to be too dramatic for the subpar cast and a plot that can’t keep up. I’m not surprised to see that the Internet Movie Database gives Drumline 5.3 stars out of 10.

Resident Evil: Afterlife

2011-11-29T13:05:00.000-08:00

Directed by Paul W. S. Anderson, Resident Evil: Afterlife is initially your typical, mindless action flick, which is fine in itself, but the thing that really gets my goat is how horribly close this film (and the Resident Evil film series, in general) follows the formulaic “good guys-bad guys” system, and the method they use to do it. Resident Evil: Afterlife is a 97-minute long show, starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, Wentworth Miller as Chris Redfield, Ali Larter as Claire Redfield and Shawn Roberts as Albert Wesker. And if it’s your thing, the film also features a 3D version, though I didn’t touch that feature.

Probably the best place to start is the director: Paul Anderson. If the name rings a bell it might be because of films like Soldier, Event Horizon, Alien vs. Predator or the original Mortal Kombat. Then, if you’re like me, the first two names will warm your cockles and bring back fond memories, whereas the latter two films will bring back cringes and wild outrage. The directing style for Resident Evil: Afterlife follows fairly closely to the original Resident Evil or Alien vs. Predator: Anderson will force characters into would-be heroes fighting for their and everyone’s humanity. This forced role-play is unfortunate since it screws with the survival-horror concept the film tries to draw from.

The film begins well enough, a rainy day in Tokyo ends with a Japanese businessman getting mauled by a zombie. There’s a small recap for those in the audience who haven’t bothered to waste their time by seeing the previous two films. And then the action starts in earnest when a bunch of Milla Jovovich clones attack an underground complex. Those wearing high-heels in the attack die off first, which I find acceptable, but the ridiculousness of a bunch of clones running around is pretty hard to shake. The Jovovich clones all have psychic powers and swords and things, which just add to the ridiculousness. But then you’ll eventually hit a scene where a platoon of armed guards is taken out by the single Jovovich. In itself not a bad thing, but having her run around slow-mo, jumping around pillars is a pretty cheap thrill. It should look familiar to people because it was used back in 1999, when The Matrix came out. Eventually all the Jovovich clones get blown up by some sort of black-hole device, with the real one and Shawn Roberts (as the evil scientist) escaping, but not before he stabs Jovovich with an anti-virus thereby taking away her superpowers. With a tear in her eye, Jovovich thanks him for returning her her humanity, right before they crash.

Inexplicably, it goes on to show Jovovich flying up to Alaska, displaying beautiful views of the ocean and snow-capped peaks. It’s with heavy-handed sarcasm when I say that I love seeing these beautiful features. Especially in a post-apocalyptic world, where a virus has transformed humanity into flesh eating monsters, and survival is paramount. Beautiful vistas are exactly what I thought I signed up for when I started to watch this film. Afterlife is forced to sweep up after the last movie, which was just as – if not more so – atrocious, by picking up one of the vague, useless characters and flying them both back to a desolated Los Angeles.

Eventually, these two find more survivors and an apparent salvation that, naturally, becomes a trap. Most of the survivors die; our heroes defeat the bad guy and save humanity. End of story. There isn’t much more to say about Afterlife. There is perhaps one or two decent shoot outs before the end, although I should say that I am incredibly grateful that Jovovich doesn’t fist fight the big bad monster to death (a la Resident Evil: Apocalypse) in the end. Likewise, you’re treated to the glorious return of the useless character K-Mart (played by a mute Spencer Locke).

I’d call this crime of a film a fitting end to an atrocious series that has butchered the honorable Resident Evil mantle, but this isn’t the last film. Apparently a fifth film is in the works.

Nothing But Trouble

2011-11-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

Nothing But Trouble is easily the worst movie I have ever seen. This is a terrible shame, too, because if you consider the cast of characters you would think it would be a blockbuster hit. Celebrities such as Chevy Chase, Demi Moore, John Candy, and Dan Akroyd all help in creating this God-awful film.

Considered to be an American horror comedy, Nothing But Trouble is certainly a horrible American comedy. Directed, produced, and co-written by Dan Akroyd, the plot follows film protagonist, Chris Thorne (Chevy Chase), as he escorts Diane Lightson, played by Demi Moore, to Atlantic City, New Jersey. At this point of the film there is really no character development of either character other than the fact that they met at a soiree the night before. However, having much faith in Chevy Chase’s unique ability to elicit mass amounts of laughter, I continue to watch.

Upon driving to Atlantic City, Thorne decides to turn off the New Jersey Turnpike, and ends up in the town of Valkenvania. Shortly thereafter, he blows through a stop sign, and tries to outrun the police officer trying to stop him for the offense. Played by John Candy, police officer, Dennis Valkenheiser, finally apprehends the two after a series of man-made booby traps delays the car from advancing. Valkenheiser, a creepy, dutiful police officer, proceeds to arrest Thorne and Lightson for the violation, and brings them to appear in front of Judge Reeve Alvin Valkenheiser, played by Dan Akroyd.

At this point of the movie it is clear that the script is striving to create humor, but is failing miserably. As I watch, I am utterly disgusted and appalled at how horrible the acting is as well as how boring the movie is; I haven’t laughed once.

Akroyd’s character is over a hundred years old, and is extremely odd and annoying. The film crew makes him look old and decrepit by covering him in an excessive amount of make-up such that he is hideously unbearable to look at. He proceeds to confiscate both Thorne and Lightson’s identification cards, and holds them without bail in his courthouse, which also dubs as a weird funhouse.

Thorne and Lightson decide to make an escape, and run into several obstacles along the way. At one point of the film Thorne and Lightson split up, and Lightson finds herself in the presence of two trolls named Bobo and Lil’ Debbull. At this point I am ready to tear my eyeballs out of my head as my patience wears thin.
I continue to watch for another fifteen minutes until I finally decide to turn it off just around the point Digital Underground starts rapping in the courthouse. I don’t even understand why this is happening nor do I care. I turn the television off, and refuse to finish this terrible, horrific movie.

I wish I could inform you how this movie ends, but, trust me, it is more important that I warn you to never watch this film--ever! A horrible plot, horrific attempts at humor, and pointless subplots make this movie absolutely unbearable.

After its release in 1991 it was nominated for several Razzie Awards--awards that recognize box office bombs--including Worst Picture, Worst Actress (Demi Moore), Worst Director, and Worst Screenplay. It earned approximately $8 million at the box office, and, deservedly so, has been met with much negativity.

The Room

2011-11-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

I love bad movies. Santa’s Slay, Postal and Killer Klowns from Outer Space are a few examples of my idea of a good time at the movies. I could watch porn strictly for the acting. If something, anything, is terrible about a movie, I’m a happy guy. On a crisp, October night in 2009, however, my views on bad films were changed forever by the magnum opus of the bad movie “genre”. This was a movie called The Room.

Yes, the poster says it all.

For those of you unfamiliar with this cult sensation, The Room is a 2003 drama which chronicles a love triangle among a man named Johnny, his fiancée, Lisa, and the man’s best friend, Mark. The film’s melodrama seems to aspire to the caliber of a low-budget soap opera, but hammy acting, awkward dialogue and bizarre dead-ends in the plot leave the viewer confused, stunned and a bit disgusted. A fatal illness in a minor character receives half a minute’s observation, only to be forgotten entirely, along with a dear family friend’s drug problem which had come to a violent climax on the roof of an apartment building. First-time watchers trying to keep up with what I will generously refer to as the plot need only focus on the wayward marriage and the forbidden tryst; all diversions were meant to be auxiliary, but ultimately serve no purpose.

The mastermind behind this disaster piece is a man named Tommy Wiseau, who served as star, creator, writer, director, producer, sole fiduciary and casting director (among other things). His film maintains a constant surrealistic quality, as the viewers try to determine whether this film truly is the train wreck it appears to be, or if this is deliberate stupidity crafted by a connoisseur of the less-than-fine arts. Being an excellent promoter, if nothing else, Wiseau has refused to answer this persistent question. Showing the prescience of Ibsen or Brecht, he has allowed his piece to gain prominence with the resulting controversy he refused to resolve.

While many idiotic movies without major studio funding and A-list casting are left to rot in fetid tombs, The Room has gained a minor celebrity amongst younger viewers who crave the occasional gag reel. Independent movie houses, like the Boston area’s own Coolidge Corner Theater, still show screenings of the movie. These screenings are in the Rocky Horror Picture Show tradition, in which audience participation is every bit as important as the movie on the screen. Audience members dress as their favorite characters, toss plastic spoons at the screen (in reference to the unexplained framed pictures of cutlery seen in the background) and yell insulting comments or lines from the film, in tandem with the characters speaking them. Wiseau is available for cameo appearances at these screenings, providing ambiguous answers to questions from the audience and performing some of his cherished lines in person.

The Room has been called one of the worst movies of all time by Entertainment Weekly and The Independent. The same EW article called it “the Citizen Kane of bad movies.” Feeding the debate over the film’s intent is how meticulously crafted the disastrous qualities seem to be -- while watching, one feels that the defects so perfectly blended together cannot be an accident. I must insist that you decide for yourself. To those who will not see this movie, I’m sure my fellow fans will agree, when I quote Wiseau; “You’re tearing me apart!”

Why, yes, his heart is broken!

Bad Blood

2011-11-27T21:18:00.001-08:00

I have always believed that there was no such thing as a badmovie. Even films that were low on the watchability scale still had someredeeming quality, be it the acting, special effects or even the music. Everyfilm deserved a fighting chance, for all the effort that the cast and crew putinto the production. Having made a short and terribly bad film myself, I knowhow even your best efforts can turn to utter crap, but that still doesn’t makethe film unwatchable. I held this belief to my heart and have made it through sometruly horrible films, even the recent body of work by Nicholas Cage. All thischanged the day that I saw Uwe Boll’s Bloodrayne.

Based on a series ofpopular video games, Bloodrayne tellsthe story of a young woman who is half vampire, half human. Cursed with the unfortunatename Rayne, she goes on a revenge spree against her vampire father. Sounds goodso far if you are into this particular genre, yet this film should be used infilm schools as an example of what not to do when you make movies. From thewooden cast and an underdone script to the abysmal direction of Uwe Boll, Bloodrayneis the culmination of truly bad filmmaking. Boll is a man who is infamous forhis horrible films, which in this case, feature jarring jump cuts, horriblecostumes for the cast including an ill-fitting outfit for Loken which makes herlook like a brown log. The capper to this crapfest is a truly appalling finalmontage that recaps the entire crappy film that you just wasted an hour andhalf of your life on.

What am I doing in this movie?

The lead character, played by an awkward KristannaLoken from T3, is a dhampir, half vampire, half human who is on the lookout forrevenge against her vampire father, played by Sir Ben Kingsley. At this pointin his career Sir Ben should change his name to Sir Just Looking for a PaycheckKingsley, since so many of his latest film roles are in truly terrible movies. Hisperformance in this film isn’t Oscar-worthy, it’s cringe-worthy. Even MichaelMadsen and Michelle Rodriguez, who play Rayne’s allies, look like they wishthey were anywhere else but delivering such trite dialogue. Once scene between Rayne and Rodriguez as Kataringoes a little something like this:

Katarin: Your form is weak, lacking passion.
Rayne: It was part of my plan. I am tiring you out.
Katarin: Your plan is lacking passion as well.

Bring me a doggy bag,I feel sick. This doesn’t even count the offensive cameo by rock star Meat Loafwho plays a pimp covered in real naked Romanian prostitutes. The scene is so fetidthat you can smell the desperation and unwashed bodies without anySmell-O-Vision.

This cinematic abomination comes from a script written byGuinevere Turner, author of a great screenplay for the film American Psycho. Itis a mystery why Turner opted to write some of the worst dialogue outside aGeorge Lucas script and why the studio decided to waste millions of dollars.Even 20^th Century Fox knew this film was a waste of resources whenthey decided to give it a straight to DVD release even after spending over amillion in marketing the theatrical release. Ultimately, this film is nothingmore than a cinematic mistake, one that is not worth repeating. Save yourearned money and rent something with more quality and avoid Bloodrayne at all costs.

A Cheap and Delicious Sushi Lunch

2011-11-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

Sushi is a delicious and healthy meal that many people in Boston enjoy, as there are countless sushi restaurants throughout the city; however, a lot of these restaurants are expensive. If you’re looking for a cheap place to get a few sushi rolls for less than ten dollars—look no further! Ivy Sushi located on Brighton Avenue in Allston has an unheard of lunch deal where customers can order two maki sushi rolls and miso soup for $8.50.

Ivy Sushi serves quality and delicious sushi rolls. Customers can choose from a wide variety of maki such as the California, Philadelphia, or vegetarian rolls. The deal excludes fancier rolls like tempura; however, the lunch deal is still a wise option for sushi lovers because it is so cheap. In addition to the two rolls, Ivy seals the deal with a cup delicious of miso soup. The amount of food served in this lunch deal is a perfect portion—it will leave your tummy happy, yet not too full.

Customers can eat in the cozy belowground restaurant on Harvard Ave, or call fifteen minutes before arriving and get the lunch to go. The restaurant only has a few tables, but is never too crowded. The servers at Ivy are friendly and make sure all your needs are met, for example, they often offer to separate checks for your party. The Ivy lunch deal is a convenient and wallet-friendly solution for the sushi lovers of Boston.

Don’t spend too much for your next sushi meal and go to Ivy Sushi located at 185 Harvard Avenue in Allston, between Glenville Ave & Commonwealth Ave. Or, call ahead for your quick, delicious, and most importantly, cheap, sushi meal at (617) 202-3808.

I Can See Why the Cat is Fat

2011-11-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

Where to start? With a rare Wednesday night off I stopped by work for a late lunch with my brother. Needing to find a good restaurant for dinner I asked my friend Sinead, who was bartending, if she’d been anywhere good recently. She was honest, “No, not really,” but recommended the Fat Cat in Quincy. She said to try and get there early and definitely try the buffalo nachos. We arrived too late for a seat at the bar, but the oversized bourbon and cognac bottles immediately grabbed my attention. After getting a table and digging into the nachos, or dogging as the missus puts it, I was hooked.

When we arrived at the Fat Cat, located at 24 Chestnut St. in Quincy, the bar, about 25 seats, was packed. With hunger being a serious motivator, we chose the short wait for a table over the who-knows-how-long wait for the bar. While waiting for a table I was thrilled to find out they carried Magners, which most non-Irish bars don’t carry. I am sure that most customers find the taste their looking for with over 35 beers to choose from. Their beer prices were more than reasonable ($3.50 domestic, $4 foreign), which carried over to the liquor, too. Their eight vodka/liqueur mixed martinis are only $8 a piece, and I received a more generous portion of Maker’s Mark on the rocks than I would pour myself.

With hunger only increasing we ordered buffalo nachos as quickly as possible from Joel, our server. As we scanned the entrees, two items immediately stuck out: the rest of the menu never had a chance. We have a thing for scallops so I didn’t need to read the description on the Scallops Au Gratin (seared scallops in a creamy cheese sauce, sweet potato mashed, sautéed green beans). Also, you don’t find a full rack of baby back ribs on too many Greater Boston area menus, so we couldn’t pass it up.

The nachos arrived, entrée orders were placed, and the dogging began. I am a man of many different buffalo creations, but this was the real deal. Served on an extra hot plate, I failed to experience a cold nacho. The sour cream, salsa, bacon bits, and crumbled bleu cheese were evenly distributed throughout and the tender pulled chicken was truly scrumptious. Usually half way into a plate of nachos you get tired of them, or they get cold and soggy. This, to our pleasant surprise and downfall, was not the case with Fat Cat nachos, no sir. We had to drag ourselves away, covering the plate with dirty napkins to cease the feast.

I didn’t want to get my entrée-portion excitement up too much because, after all, nachos are nachos. But when the nacho mess was removed and replaced with the scallop and rib dishes I knew one thing: I would not be a member of the clean plate club tonight. For $17 and $18, respectively, the scallop and rib plates were serious entrees. Nachos or not, it was a lot of food for one person. We had a $21 scallop dish from dbar last week and it couldn’t compete with the Fat Cat’s. Their scallops in a creamy cheese sauce and heaping side of sweet potato mashed really hit the spot. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone perfect but we couldn’t even make it halfway through the rack. Nor was a dent put into the coleslaw or BBQ-smothered fries; they, along with the scallops and mashed, are all hanging in the fridge until further notice.

About five to ten minutes into our entrees the proverbial wall was getting closer and closer. Bridget voiced her displeasure with her choice to wear a belt, but also said she’d have no qualms with coming back next week. I couldn’t have agreed more. My favorite beer carried by a restaurant with great food, too? This was a first for me. We decided to stay for another drink after dinner, perhaps out of necessity: neither of us could move. With the belt stretching I ordered a $12 Patron margarita for desert, and they were right on point, as Sinead suggested. When I mentioned only a dash of Rose’s Lime Juice Joel gave me a funny look. If a place doesn’t even carry Rose’s Lime then chances are the margaritas are pretty good as I almost choked on the real lime pulp they used.

Two things I learned that night: The Fat Cat may be a new favorite, but I don’t workout nearly enough to go more than once a week. Two, based on the quality and price, I am rather surprised the fat cats still fit on their perches.

The Fat Cat carries appetizers and nachos from $7-$10 as well as a wide selection of wings. The menu is predominately comfort food and all entrees are under $20, with an a la carte section as well. Their beer, wine, and cocktail lists are expansive and inexpensive too. For more information check their website, www.fatcatrestaurant.com, or give them a call at 617-471-4363.

Best Burritos In Town

2011-11-22T07:57:00.001-08:00

A great and cheap place to satisfy your burrito fix is Anna's Taqueria. Anna's has six locations around Somerville, Cambridge and Brookline and offers authentic Mexican food at inexpensive prices. From the moment that you walk in, the scent of roasting vegetables and succulent meat hits your nose and you know that you are in for a real treat. The staff is warm and knowledgeable, making your handcrafted burrito, quesadilla or plate with a dexterity that boggles the mind and tempts the tummy. Once you pay and make your way to the seating area, decorated with wood tones to make you feel right at home, all your attention is on the well made and delicious meal.

Anna's Porter Square location

Anna's offers all kinds of fillings, from spicy beef and hot peppers as well as milder ones such as roasted chicken and lengua, a juicy, marinated beef tongue that is to die for. Anna's also offers Mexican sodas and horchata, an almond drink native to Mexico that goes fantastically with their specialty, a Super Boiled Chicken Burrito. They also offer a scrumptious breakfast burrito made of eggs, bacon and vegetables. Toppings include fresh guacamole, salsa, sour cream and to make it hot, jalapenos and a green hot sauce that gives a great kick.

All this plus warm tortilla chips and a drink will run you just $10. Plates and extra s are only a few dollars more and the portion size is generous. Perfect for any meal of the day, Anna's Taqueria is your destination for excellent and inexpensive Mexican food.

Real Good Burritos

2011-11-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

If you had the choice between a juicy, half-pound, fresh-ground sirloin burger and a Big Mac, I would really hope you’d choose the first. I think of burritos in these same terms. Why would you ever choose Chipotle or Q’doba when you could have Anna’s or Felipe’s? These preferred establishments have a certain quality of authenticity that a chain like Chipotle can’t even stand up to. Generally, a huge sirloin burger is a bit more expensive than a greasy patty from McDonalds, but when it comes to burritos in Boston, authenticity does not have to be costly.

If you walk into a Felipe’s or Anna’s, which are both quite similar, you will be overwhelmed by Mexican legitimacy in everything from the tiled tables to the people working behind the counter. Of all the times I’ve been to either of these places, I’ve never seen someone working who was anything other than Hispanic. A quality of realness is added to the dining experience as you listen to their Spanish conversation, blended in with the Spanish music that pours out of overhead speakers. All of the menu items are authentic, offering everything from carnitas (traditional Mexican roast pork) to homemade horchata (traditional Mexican milk and almond drink).

When you walk up to order, you basically just tell the guy what you want. You can customize anything that you order by telling the preparer what you would like on or in your dish. If you’re daring and have a decent Spanish vocabulary, they will be amused if you order in Spanish (especially if you’re white). Both restaurants are cafeteria style, so there are no waiters and waitresses. The menus include burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and various Mexican plates and sides. My usual order at Felipe’s is a chicken burrito. I have it made with cheese, chicken, rice, beans, salsa, lettuce, and sour cream. It ends up costing me less than $6 and it is definitely filling. If I were to order a burrito at Q’doba or Chipotle, it would be at least a dollar more and a lot less delicious.

Felipe’s is a “cash only” establishment, so make sure you hit the ATM before you go. Anna’s has recently begun to accept credit and debit cards, so it’s no problem there. Felipe’s is located in The Garage in Harvard Square, and Anna’s six locations include Charles MGH and MIT. The rest are listed on their website (www.annastaqueria.com). If you’re hungry and low on cash, sink your teeth into an authentic Mexican burrito from either of these excellent spots.

What Has Happened to Veterans Day?

2011-11-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

What Has Happened to Veterans Day?
By Rachel E Brundige

What has happened to Veterans Day? More specifically, what has happened to the united feeling of pride felt by all age groups on this patriotic holiday? I remember as a child going with my entire family to Veterans Day celebrations and enjoying them; my cousins and I would look forward to the speeches, the flags, and the food our mothers would cook for the gathering. Every person in attendance would be wearing their military uniform or red, white, and blue. Today, I know the Veterans and those currently serving in the military still feel a patriotic beat in their heart. However, I fear for the lack of knowledge and concern for Veterans Day felt by our nation’s high school students.

I have asked the simple question, “What does Veterans Day mean to you?” to 10 American Legion member veterans, and also 10 High School students. What were the responses I got from veterans or those currently serving in the military?

Steven Brundige, 59, said “Veterans Day is a day of honor. Sometimes people forget about the people who fought for them, and this is a day to remember to honor those who have honored you.” His brother Wayne, 61, replied, “Veterans Day should be a celebration of our past and acting military members.” Their nephew, David Kane, 19, stated “Veterans Day means a day of remembrances for our troops.” David's father, Wayne Kane, age 51, said “Veterans Day means celebrating the opportunities fought for you by veterans.”

Another American Legion veteran, Joseph Girard, age 62, boasted “It means I can be proud.” His friend, Mitchell Flore, age 73, told me “Veterans Day is a day specifically set aside to honor the friends I lost.” From across the table, Robert O'Neill, age 68, shouted “I am appreciated on Veterans Day. People actually come up to me and say ‘thank you.'" His daughter, Susan Phillip, age 32, with a softer tone agreed “Veterans Day means reflecting on the men and women who fought for our country.” Michael Walsh, 60, agreed.

However, I believe Andrew Porter, age 56, said it best when he replied “It is one day out of the entire year set aside for veterans. There should be a few more if you ask me.”

What kinds of things did High School students have to say about Veterans Day? Warning: the following is not for the faint of heart.

Kaylee McKeen, age 16, asked her friend "Don't we have that day off from school?" Maria Orandell, age 15, replied "Yes! Oh my God! When is it?!" Justin Callahan, age 17, interrupted with "she asked what Veterans Day means. It means a day for veterans." Their friend Maria Brennan, age 17, said "Veterans Day is another Good Friday" after Ashley Kenny shouted "No School!"

Bobby Andrews, age 17, told me “It means our Headmaster goes over the loudspeaker and says to remember our veterans. It is boring but it interrupts class for a few minutes.” His brother, Patrick Andrews, age 15, nodded and said the speech was "so boring." Patrick's girlfriend, Kelsey Fitzgerald, age 15, said "Veterans Day is just a day to remember veterans."

Kerry Mcnoll, age 16, said Veterans Day means she is “allowed to stay over Ashley’s house Thursday night since it is technically not a school night.” Ashley Kelleher, age 17, said "Yeah, we have the day off."

If you were to only read these quotes, you would wonder whether or not these kids cared about anything else. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Justin, I would seek to have these kids' mouths out with soap. Is there anything more important than getting a day off from school? This lack of caring by these kids towards our veterans makes me wonder how or if their family is teaching them about the importance of supporting our troops? Each of the veterans interviewed spoke of the remembrance owed to the men and women who fought in honor of our country; nowadays, does one have to be a veteran to appreciate their courage and sacrifice? In order to answer these questions, I spoke to Housemaster David Swanson on the way Veterans Day is displayed in my former High School.

According to Swanson, the celebration of Veterans Day has been “toned down in the hallways over the past decade.” Swanson, who has been a member of Braintree High faculty since 1985, says that the message of Veterans Day has escaped the lectures of faculty members. “Teachers do not want to be accused to pushing politically driven agendas,” Swanson sighed, “and in a public school environment, we must be cautious of every student’s beliefs.” The day before Veterans Day, a speech is given by the Headmaster as noted by Bobby Andrews, but is kept short to not interrupt too much class time, and keep the children’s’ attention. Nonetheless, Veterans Day is displayed as a vacation day rather than a holiday.

As I pushed through the doors of the main entrance to head back to my car, I had to question Swanson’s last comment to me. Is there a political agenda behind supporting the troops? In a school which still recites The Pledge of Allegiance through the PA system every morning, why can’t the faculty separate politics from honoring veterans? What has happened to Veterans Day?

Let's Make Whoopie

2011-11-20T05:57:00.001-08:00

By Nick DeLuca

If you walk down Main Street in Topsfield, MA past the boutiques, craft stores, and sub shops, you might be lucky enough to catch a heavenly aroma that puts you in a trance. You’ll come-to in front of a building with a black and white striped awning featuring a single three-layer cake over a red-velvet door in an alleyway off the town’s busiest street. The porcelain wedding cakes on display in the single window next to the door look deliciously inviting. If you make your way inside, curious about the tantalizing smell that brought you here, you’ll notice the pictures of pastries, cookies, and candies scattered in frames along the wall. Sitting on a platter in the center of the room is the origin of the scent, an assortment of freshly baked whoopie pies.

The Topsfield Bakeshop

The Topsfield Bakeshop (formerly Demirjian Commercial Bakers) has served the North Shore and surrounding communities for over 13 years, but recently opened its new storefront in the summer of 2010. Specializing in wedding cakes, head pastry chef and owner Mary Bandereck has given the town of Topsfield something other to celebrate than weddings: her mouth-watering whoopie pies. The whoopies come in six different flavors: original chocolate, chocolate chip, pumpkin, red-velvet, oatmeal, and gingerbread. Bandereck mixes her own specialized butter-cream frosting and thickly sandwiches it between two pieces of light, fluffy, and delicious cake-like pies.

What separates her pies from the rest is not only taste and texture, but size and price. These whoopie pies are equal in diameter to that of a bagel and contain roughly 2 inches of butter-cream frosting. The real cherry on top, so to speak, is that these sweet indulgences cost a mere $3 for one, or two for $5.

“There are few things you can get as cheap and delicious as those whoopie pies,” said Jim Gilford, owner of neighboring store Gil’s Grocery. “Because she offers a great product at a great price, her business is has become very successful. Luckily for me, her customers have wandered into my store as well.”

If you’re looking for a rich afternoon snack, or a post-dinner dessert, or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth at any time of day but you’re trying to save your pennies during the economic recession, then check out the Topsfield Bakeshop’s eclectic variety of whoopie pies.

The Topsfield Bakeshop also offers their celebrated whoopie pies during the Topsfield Fair at a rustic booth aptly named The Whoo(pie) Wagon. Strategically positioned right at the fair’s entrance, The Whoo(pie) Wagon affords customers the same succulent deal of $3 for one, or two for $5.

The Whoo(pie) Wagon at the Topsfield Fair

Should you become overwhelmed by the desire to concoct your own whoopie pie recipe, or want to learn the basics of baking and cooking, or just need an excuse to get out of the house, then sign up for classes at the Topsfield Bakeshop. Bandereck offers her wisdom as an instructor for classes ranging from Cooking and Baking 101, to Cake Decorating, to Middle Eastern Cuisine. With the help of Bandereck’s 25-plus years of food and pastry experience, you’ll learn to use a spatula as a paintbrush and sustenance as a canvas. Prices vary based on the class and number of students attending.

Mary Bandereck is also a freelance food stylist. Most of her work has been featured in books specializing in baking and confections, and styling for menus, television advertising and print work. A list of her work can be found on the Styling page of her website, www.topsfieldbakeshop.com. Prices for cakes, candies, and specialty cookie favors vary depending on the specificity of the request. The Topsfield Bakeshop is located at 44 Main Street in Topsfield, MA and can be reached by phone at (978) 887-0795 or via email at mary@topsfieldbakeshop.com.

UMB 2011 Veterans' Welcome Back Dinner

2011-11-17T12:47:00.001-08:00

UMB 2011 Veterans' Welcome Back Dinner
By Felicia Whatley

University of Massachusetts Boston celebrates their veterans' service for an exclusive --by invitation only-- annual dinner at the Ryan Lounge 6:30 -9:30pm on Thursday November 10, 2011.

”It is a UMB tradition around Veterans Day started sometime after 9/11 intended to welcome back and acknowledge new and old veterans on campus. UMass Boston has been veteran friendly since the beginning of its establishment. In the first few years they were a major component of the student body, and they still are,” said Professor of American Studies, Paul Atwood, who is also the new Director of the Joiner Center. The William Joiner Center of War and Social Consequences is a center that promotes study of issues of war and conflict.

The event is sponsored by the Joiner Center, Veterans Upward Bound, Veterans’ Affairs, Student Veterans Center, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance.

“It is time for the annual dinner to welcome back all student veterans to the UMass Boston campus! This is a wonderful opportunity sponsored entirely by a variety of Veterans groups on campus, to include but not limited to: the Student Veterans Center, Veterans Upward Bound, and William Joiner Center,” stated Katie Govoni UMass Boston’s Veteran’s Center Coordinator.

The dinner is catered by Spinellis. So far this year 90 people have confirmed they will attend. Last year the event hosted 120 guests. Currently, there are over 600 veterans on campus.

“Yes, I'm looking forward to the dinner. It's going to be a bit different, as this will be the first year that Kevin Bowen isn't running it, because he retired over the summer. The campus Administration is paying for the entire thing. Last year it was enjoyable. This year I hope it is as good, if not better. Although, I fear it is going to be fewer people than last year, which I find sad,” said student Navy Veteran and Senior Caroline Necheles.

Veterans’ Upward Bound Director Barry Brodsky is also helping host the event. He said by popular demand the same menu as last year will be back, because people really liked it. “This will be a night for veterans to sit down, eat a nice meal, and hang out with one another,” said Brodsky. Upward Bound is a pre-collegiate program funded by the Federal Department of Education. Currently about 200 student veterans came through the program.

"The event is free to attend and just requires a response to an e-invitation that will be sent out. You may also go to the Joiner Center and put your name and a guests name on the guest list," stated Govoni.

This year the guest speaker will be Chancellor Keith Motley. Veterans Affairs Representative Gus St. Silva will say a few words and the Theodore Parker Award of Outstanding Service to Veterans will be presented to Marybeth O’Sullivan. She is the Outreach Coordinator for Upward Bound and is also a former Navy nurse who retired at the rank of Commander. The Theodore Parker Award was named after an Upward Bound student who tried to brake up a fight in Dorchester’s Field’s Corner and was stabbed to death in the ‘80s.

The event is known for commemorating Gold Star mothers and fathers who lost their sons and daughters to war, UMB veterans of various branches, select UMB staff and faculty-- including Carol de Souza, who helps students with disabilities and Linda McDonough from the office of Human Resources.

“There will be raffle prizes given away to some student veterans in attendance. I will post a list of available prizes once I have received them; last year students won everything from restaurant gift certificates and Bruins tickets!” stated Govoni.

Various local businesses and campus departments have donated gift certificates and coupons from Parking and Transportation, Athletics Department, and the Women’s Center for the Welcome Back Veterans’ Dinner.

To RSVP email Allison.Duffy@umb.edu

Waivers and GI Bill Helps Educate MA Veterans

2011-11-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

Waivers and GI Bill Helps Educate MA Veterans
By Felicia Whatley

The Massachusetts National Guard Tuition and Student Fee Waivers and Post 9/11 GI Bill helps Massachusetts veterans get a free education from Massachusetts state schools.

“The National Guard Waivers helped me get my certification as a Wilderness Guide from Greenfield Community College,” said Army National Guard soldier Specialist Matthew Katz, who deployed to Baghdad, Iraq in 2007 with the Massachusetts and Rhode Island 65th Public Affairs.

“It also helped me create a non-profit for Veterans http://homeofthebraveproject.org. The Home of the Brave Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting our veterans long after they come home. The transitional period for a returning veteran can be a very difficult one. Many suffer mental and physical wounds that most cannot see. This program is an opportunity to take advantage of positive coping mechanisms and have our country show their appreciation at the same time.” said Specialist Katz.

The Massachusetts National Guard Tuition and Student Fee waivers for enlisted Guard members have helped men and women attend state schools for free. Mitt Romney’s passing of the legislation in 2006 has made a positive impact to educate for our Soldiers and Air Force members. The Post 9/11 GI Bill enacted in 2009 has also helped servicemembers of all branches attend college by giving them money for living expenses while they are in college.

“The National Guard Waivers and GI Bills have helped a lot of veterans. I believe it gives a number of things to the veteran population. It gives them a place to go when they are lost after exiting the military and don't have any idea what to do next. It gives them a place where there are other veterans, so they have people who understand who they are and what they are going through without having the psychological aspect of a medical issues to hinder them from reconnecting to the civilian world,” said retired Operations Specialist 2nd Class Petty Officer of the Navy Caroline Necheles who used to detect, identify, track and report surface, sub-surface, and air contact missiles.

Necheles specialized in Air Intercept Control of fighter pilots during air-to-air combat, and she is now a Senior at UMass Boston.

The eligibility requirements for the waivers include an undergraduate or graduate degree program offered by an eligible institution. He or she must be an active member of the Massachusetts Army or Air National Guard who is in good standing and meets the following criteria is accepted for admission to, or is enrolled, full- or part-time in a Massachusetts public institution of higher education.

Also to be eligible for the waivers guardsman must have been issued a Certificate of Eligibility by the Military Division of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts applicable for any portion of the academic year, has not exceeded the 130 semester credit hours maximum, or the equivalent quarter hours or clock hours, when combined with Certificates of Eligibility issued prior to September 1, 2006 and maintains satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution, as per Massachusetts Board of Higher Education.

Specialist Katz is now in the 181 Infantry Headquarters unit said, “I got paid Post 9/11 GI Bill. It paid for all my outdoors equipment and gave me the ability to help other veterans.”

Massachusetts Army National Guard Recruiter of Dorchester Staff Sergeant Latoya Wiggins weighed in the benefits for National Guard soldiers who want to attend any of the 28 state schools in Massachusetts.

“Some come to us because they can’t pay for school or they are in debt from starting school and aren’t able to finish it on their own. We pay 100 percent of the tuition and student fees and if they are a full-time student they can get the Montgomery GI Bill to pay them $330 a month, while going to school,” said Staff Sergeant Wiggins.

"The Post 9/11 GI Bill has helped me because I don't have to have a job while I'm going to school. I can put all my concentration into my schoolwork. I can afford to actually go to school, since I didn't take the option of my grandparents paying for collage after high school," said Necheles.

She is a double major Political Science and English with minors of Creative Writing and Communications. She was very involved with the veterans on campus and during her scholastic career she was the UMB Veterans’ Center Coordinator for a year.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

“To get the Post 9/11 GI Bill you have to be a combat veteran and the percentage the soldier gets depends on how much time they have served overseas,” said Staff Sergeant Wiggins.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill went into effect August 1, 2009. Approved training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, vocational/technical training, on-the-job training, flight training, correspondence training, licensing and national testing programs, and tutorial assistance. All training programs must be approved for GI Bill benefits.

Veterans who have deployed since September 11, 2001 and have been overseas for more than 36 months will receive 100% of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. There are also new incentives, irregardless of the fact that the Guard is over-strengthed by 1,000 people. They are still recruiting.

“We will also pay up to $50,000 for student loans for a 6 year commitment in the Guard. There is also a health care professional loan that will pay back $120,000,” said Staff Sergeant Wiggins.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill will pay eligible individuals’ full tuition and fees directly to the school for all public school in-state-students, usually maxed at $7,000 for tuition and student fees. A monthly housing allowance is given at the rate of an E-5 with dependents is based on the cost of housing of the location of the school.

The Post 9/11 GI Bill also offers an annual stipend for books and supplies at most $1,000 a year paid proportionately on enrollment.

“I would recommend joining the Guard to pay for school, especially for those who wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise,” said Specialist Katz.

Last edited on: November 11, 2011 5:19 PM

The Wounded Warrior Project

2011-11-15T14:05:00.001-08:00

Few things can compare to the feelings of joy and satisfaction experienced when giving back to those who put their lives on the line in the name of freedom. For the last few years I have been involved with the Wounded Warriors Project. The goal of the organization, as highlighted on their website, is to “raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured soldiers, to help injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured veterans.” Everyone has the ability to help in achieving these goals.

One weekend every winter, the Wounded Warriors Project comes to the ski slopes of New England. They team up with AbilityPlus, an organization dedicated to teaching physically and mentally handicapped individuals how to enjoy winter sports they thought they were impossible. I have been volunteering with Waterville Valley’s Adaptive Snowsports Program for the past few seasons and the weekend of Wounded Warriors is undoubtedly my favorite. Veterans whose ages and disabilities vary drastically join each other from all over the country to learn to ski or snowboard together. My specialty is with amputees and the task of teaching these severely Wounded Warriors to be independent skiers is exceptionally challenging, but when our mutual goal is accomplished it is a tremendous feeling.

Last year my student was twenty year-old United States Marine, Connor Hundt. Only months prior he had lost both legs and half of his right arm. Connor was still getting used to his prosthetics so we were both aware that we had a long weekend ahead of us. The equipment that was best suited for Connor was a sit-down bi-ski. He would be strapped in a bucket seat that had two skis attached to it, and would use outriggers to steer and control the bi-ski. He was basically buckled into a plastic chair with skis screwed onto it. This set-up is exceptionally difficult to master, but like all sports balance is the first aspect you need to master. Connor was using muscles he had never used before, and therefore fatigue was an issue on Day 1. We stuck to the bunny hill and worked on balance, turning, and most importantly stopping. By the afternoon Connor was both physically and mentally exhausted: we called it quits so he wouldn’t be too tired the following morning.

We refreshed Connor’s skills on the bunny slope on the morning of Day 2, and then proceeded to the chair lift. Able-bodied skiers constantly mess up getting on the chair lift, and with the unique equipment that disabled skiers and riders use the chair can prove to be a very challenging task. Connor’s upper body strength proved pivotal and we were successful on our first attempt. Fortunately, learning to ski is the same for all people. Whether a student is using traditional equipment or cutting-edge sit-down gear individually designed for wounded soldiers like Connor, there is going to be a lot of falling down, bumps and bruises, and sheer frustration. Connor was a tough individual though, and refused to give up. On a cold January day this Marine did not let the elements get to him and he did not even want to go in for lunch. He was fully dedicated to accomplishing his goal of learning to ski. By the end of the second day, Connor was getting on and off the lift by himself, and skiing down the hill completely unassisted by his instructors. All that we did was ski behind him to make sure no one got in his way. The feeling of watching Connor ski independently was one I will never forget. I was skeptical after the first day but Connor did not give up.

The Adaptive Snowsports Programs accepts everyone that wants to volunteer. Just about every mountain in New England has a program, including Loon, Cannon, Attitash, Stowe, Sugarbush, Wachussett, and Sugarloaf. The Wounded Warriors Weekend is only one of many great events that Waterville’s Adaptive Program is involved in. I have had warriors return to ski on their own because they discovered something they love. They are no longer bound by their disabilities when they are on the slopes. I feel very fortunate to be able to show my appreciation to veterans in this small way. To learn more about the Wounded Warriors Project or AbilityPlus, follow the links below.

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

http://abilityplus.org/

Meet Jack Missler: 78-year-old, United States Air-Force Veteran

2011-11-14T07:37:00.000-08:00

In 1952, Jack Missler, 19, of Dedham, MA, enlisted with the United States Air Force as a Firefighter participating in Crash and Rescue missions. At the time, the United States was at war with Korea. The Korean war, a civil war between North and South Korea, was a result of the physical division of Korea by an agreement of the Allies at the conclusion of World War II. The situation escalated when North Korean forces invaded South Korea on June 25th, 1950. It was at this very juncture the United States got involved to aid South Korea.

Stationed at Truax Airfield, just outside of Madison, Wisconsin, Jack’s job was to rescue the lives of pilots severely wounded in training accidents. As a member of the 176th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, Jack recalls one of the many times he saved a pilot:

“When we came to the scene of the accident, there was smoke everywhere. The goddamned pilot was buried inside the plane--couldn’t get him out. We had to take a ladder and attach it to the door. I remember climbing up, making eye contact with the pilot, and motioning to him that he was going to be okay. We pulled that son-of-a-bitch out just before it caught on fire. Later, at the base, the pilot came into our bunk with a bottle of whiskey. He had tears in his eyes; looked at the Crash and Rescue crew and said, ‘you guys are the best.’ We all had a drink; shared a tear and a smile. I’ll never forget that.”

Jack, a graduate of Dedham High School, went into the USAF at a measly 176 pounds. When he exited three years later, he was a massive 225 pound machine. He says it was the intensity of boot camp training which caused the transformation:

“Oh boy! I remember going into camp at Sampson Air-force Base in New York. We spent 12 grueling weeks there in the winter--and boy--was it freezing. Every morning, they would rip us out of bed and make us run our asses off. We’d be out there--together as a unit--running mile after mile in the cold, freezing rain and snow. They’d beat us down only to build us back up. The instructors would have us on the ground doing push-ups, sit-ups, and anything physically grueling you could think of. But, let me tell you, it paid off. We all had each other’s backs; we loved each other; we learned respect and discipline.”

The United States Air Force was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18th, 1947 and is regarded as one of the most sophisticated air-forces in the world. Its core values are: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. Jack reflects on these values:

“If you didn’t have integrity, you didn’t belong there. That was figured in the first week, or so. The guys in my unit--they all had integrity and respect for themselves, and for each other. As for ‘service before self,’--well--that was the name of the game. You never knew when you were going to get a call to rescue a fallen pilot--never! It was scary to have to arrive at the scene of a massive plane accident, but you had to be positive and ready and willing to help. The combination of all of these qualities is what surely lead to ‘excellence in all we do.’”

Jack was stationed in Wisconsin from 1952-1955 during the Korean War, and everyday was a crapshoot as to whether or not his services would be needed overseas.

“It was a scary time--for sure--but we were ready. We were always ready. In fact, we knew how ready we were for wartime action when a plane of ours came in, and landed on fire. The son-of-a-bitch was loaded with ammunition and 50 caliber bullets were firing in every which direction from the fuselage. Christ, we all hit the deck! Luckily, the ammunition stopped firing and we were able to extinguish the fire and get the pilot out to safety before a catastrophe happened. Boy, was that a true test of our determination.”

The United States Air Force had a very important role in Korea because it was the first war in which the USA’s jet aircraft entered into battle. The different types of fighter aircraft deployed were the North American F-51D Mustang, the Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star, the Republican F-84E ThunderJet, and the North American F-86A/E/F Sabre.

Jack Missler’s squadron never got called to Korea, but he says it was very close:

“We weren’t called; we stayed in Wisconsin and conducted hundreds of training seminars. We actually trained a squadron--our neighboring troop in Truax--the 30th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, and they got called to active duty in Korea; we were that close to being called, that close! Well, anyways, they went over there to help with crash and rescues. My good friend, Winston Smith, was part of the crew. A skirmish broke out, one of the fighter jets--the North American F-86 Sabre--was shot down and crashed. Winston and two of his crew members died trying to rescue the pilot, who also died, when the plane went up in flames. One of the worst days I had in the Air Force.”

Tears bead up underneath Jack’s eyes as he recalls this experience. When asked about what being a veteran means to him, Jack takes a minute:

“It’s about wanting to help, to fight for, and to protect this country. It’s about national pride, an unending devotion to the red, white, and blue.”

When asked about his stint in the United States Air Force, Jack finishes by saying, “It was a wonderful experience. I am glad that I made the choice to enter the air-force. It was definitely a life changing experience; one to which I am indebted. We met so many great men; we shared tears, laughter, and smiles. I would do it all over again if I had the chance; I absolutely loved it.”

Shayne Cabino: A Fallen Hero

2011-11-14T07:24:00.000-08:00

With Veterans Day approaching, it’s important to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices our troops have made, and are still making. To be a veteran is to be a warrior: courageous, brave, dignified, and unwaveringly strong. This nation’s core of veterans has seen catastrophic tragedies through the perils of both World Wars, Vietnam, Korea, the Gulf War, and most recently, Iraq. Our veterans have shown an inimitable resolve in their mission to protect our country; some have lived through their fight, while countless others have died. Either way, their heroism is bred in perpetuity and there can never be enough homage paid.

All too often, veterans are stereotyped as old, retired geriatrics, and are rarely considered as young adults. I happen to know several people that have done tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan that are all under the age of 30. One in particular--a high school friend of mine--was a 19 year old veteran that never got the chance to make it out of Iraq alive.

Lance Corporal Shayne Cabino, of Canton, MA, was 19 years old when he was killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom. A member of the Marine Corps, Shayne was part of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment of the Marine Expeditionary Force based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Base spokesman, Lieutenant Barry Edwards, spoke of the Battalion’s mission objectives on the fateful day of October 6th, 2005: ''They were training and working alongside the Iraqi security forces to deny insurgents access to and from developing strongholds around the city.”

Shayne, a mortarman, was responsible for operating the 81mm mortar when he was killed by a makeshift bomb near the city of Karmah. Also killed in the attack were Corporal Nicholas O. Cherava, 21, of Ontonagon, Michigan; Lance Corporal Patrick B. Kenney, 20, of Pittsburgh; and Private Jason L. Frye, 19, of Landisburg, Pennsylvania.

Shayne graduated from Canton High School at the age of 18, and always said it was his mission to “make the world a better place.” Upon graduating from high school, he set this goal in motion when he decided to enlist in the Marines where he underwent basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina.

Sharing a high school class together, I found Shayne to be a gregarious, larger-than-life personality. He had a charisma about him that was truly unparalleled. With an infectious smile, he would walk into a room, make a few wisecracks, and always have the people around him laughing. Shayne had the ability to drive you crazy, but you always knew there was a jocularity behind it that was driving it. Shayne didn’t have a bad bone in his body; he was authentic and sincere, charming and energetic. He was one hell of a guy, and his presence is sorely missed.

Captain Joel Schmidt, Commanding Officer of Shayne's Unit, remembers him:
“Shayne will always be remembered as the ‘skinny’ Marine who had equal or more fight and determination than any of the marines in Company G. Shayne could always be found at the front carrying more than his share of the load. Shayne used his drive to encourage all those who knew him to keep going, even when we thought we could go no further. We will forever be indebted to Shayne for bringing out the best in all of us. Shayne’s choice of service, his courage under fire, his irrepressible spirit, and drive to excel will always be at the heart of our memories of him.”

Shayne Cabino is a reminder of just exactly what it means to be a veteran: a hero, warrior, and a selfless role model. Also, his story is a reminder of how tragic, and inescapably real, war is. On Veterans Day, it is very important to remember--and truly understand--the struggle each soldier has endured for our country. Take a moment of silence, reflect, and say a prayer for all of our troops--both past and present, young and old, male and female--that risk their lives on a daily basis.

Donations can be made to:
Shayne M. Cabino Memorial Fund
18 Washington Street, Box 106
Canton, MA 02021

Soldiers from Massachusetts

2011-11-13T19:08:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day is a time of remembrance for those who have served our country. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Veterans Day on November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the national holiday, he stated: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." President Wilson’s words still ring true as America prepares to celebrate the annual holiday this Friday. It is important to not only remember those who have died, but also those who have served and continue to serve this nation. Whether it is a former classmate, friend, family member, or neighbor—everyone knows someone who has sacrificed his or her time and energy for the safety of America. What better way to honor a soldier than to ask about their experience of serving this country?

Current Chicopee, MA resident and Marine Corps Sergeant, Ryan McMillan, believes Veterans Day is “a time to honor my brothers and sisters in arms that I have worked side-by-side with in garrison, and while deployed,” and McMillan continues, “these men and women have given an unaccountable amount of time to support and defend this country.” McMillan knows this from experience: despite being a proud Marine, he says, “I have lost a lot of time with my family and friends. Countless holidays spent overseas, or in the field, or even just in another state.” McMillan has sacrificed time with his friends and family for the safety of all Americans. This Veterans Day he plans on visiting both his grandfather’s graves to honor the sacrifices they made in their lifetime. Surely, they would be proud to see a grandson who carries on the legacy of serving the United States.

McMillan has been interested in serving the United States ever since he was a young boy. He first got the impression to join the military from his father’s military career. McMillan says he was at first intrigued by his fathers uniform and gear, but as he got older, “The terrorist attacks on September of 2011 solidified my desire to join in order to fulfill what I feel is a debt of every man in this country.” McMillan joined the Marine Corps on July 11^th, 2005. McMillan was later deployed to Al Taqqadum, Iraq from January 2007 to February 2008. He served as one of two mechanics for the 2^nd Marine Logistics Group as a Motor Transport Organizational Mechanic. McMillan believes he has gained a world of experience and many positive attributes that he otherwise wouldn’t have if he had not been a part of the Marine Corps.

Marine Corps Sergeant Ryan McMillan of Chicopee, MA

Sergeant McMillan is currently stationed in Westover Air Force Reserve Base in Chicopee, MA, where he remains committed to his service until 2013. He plans on reenlisting in the Marine Corps because he says, “there are enemies out there that want to do harm to the people of this nation, and that threat needs to be eliminated.” Our country is lucky to have brave soldiers like McMillan so willing to fight for the freedoms we all enjoy.

Danielle Hansman of Holyoke, MA

Danielle Hansman of Holyoke, Massachusetts joined the United States Navy in May of 2001 because she envisioned an opportunity to one day afford college and to also travel the world. Four months after enlisting, the September 11^th terrorist attacks rocked the nation, and the Afghanistan and Iraq invasions followed.

Hansman was stationed in San Diego, CA aboard the USS Decatur and was deployed to the Persian Gulf twice. Hansman held various positions in the Navy, first as a Gunnersmate and as an armorer. She served as a small arms instructor while on shore duty and by the time she left the Navy she was a first class petty officer. Hansman says she has “gained confidence and a fearlessness that I never had before, I left the military with the mentality that no matter how hard things are, I have to push through it. There were times when I would give up when it got too hard, but I don't anymore.”

Hansman does not have any special plans for Veterans Day, but rather remains busy with schoolwork, which is a celebration in itself. Hansman joined the military to pursue her educational goals. She worked full time since she was a senior in high school to help out her family, which ultimately made her ineligible for substantial financial aid. Hansman says today, “Access to educational opportunities was worth six years of my life and could have cost more.” Today, she attends the prestigious Mount Holyoke College where she studies Psychology and Biology.

Katie Reardon of Westfield, MA joined the United States Coast Guard in 2009, which is the only branch of military under the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard does have opportunities for deployment; however, Reardon states: “I have had opportunities to deploy overseas, but unlike other branches of the military, in the Coast Guard you have to have certain qualifications and recommendations to deploy. It's a competitive application process.” She remains in the United States and conducts anti-terrorism patrols, law enforcement, and search and rescue missions in New York harbors. The service conducted at home in the States is just as important to recognize in this day of terrorist threats. Reardon works hard to make sure the United States is safe, just as she would if she were deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Reardon says, “ I believe in the job I have been trained for, and I am grateful I've been given the opportunity to participate in a bigger cause than myself. I've dedicated two years and a few months to date and I’m looking forward to the new experiences and challenges I'll face in the next 2 years.” Reardon’s contract with the United States Coast Guard will end in August of 2013. As for her plans after her contract ends, she says, “I will continue to serve in the Reserves and continue working on my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, full time.”

Veterans Day is a time of remembrance for those who have served our country. There is no better way to honor a soldier than to simply ask them about their service, what they have given up for America, or what they have gained from their position in the armed forces. It is the men and women that are detailed here that keep our country safe and out of harms way. Honor the soldiers you know this Veterans Day by sitting down with them and getting to know them, whether it’s that friend, relative, or neighbor—they’ll have something interesting to say.

Time to Switch

2011-11-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

November 5th 2011 will be known as “Bank Transfer Day,” by this day people supporting this movement are hoping that 99% of people using major banking institutions will switch to a non-profit credit union. The message sent by this movement is to stop supporting companies with unethical business practices.

USAA is a non-profit company with rates that have been number one for years. With one company you could have a debit card, credit card, insurance, and many other advantages. If you have an immediate family member in the military you may be eligible to join USAA and receive all of their perks. Even if you do not have a family member in the military you may still be eligible to join and receive the benefits of having a debit or credit card with them.

With the many benefits from being a USAA member the only thing that could discourage you from joining is the potential hassle of switching banks. However from personal experience I can tell you that it only takes about thirty minutes. Unlike Bank Of America, USAA has a real person answer the phone and they are more than willing to answer any question you may have. They are friendly, thorough and very efficient.

My favorite benefit about being a USAA member is that they reimburse every single ATM fee your card is charged and it works all over the world. Other banks can sometimes charge up to fifteen dollars for one ATM transaction overseas. Even if you are not planning on travelling to another country think about all those times you have had to stop in a convenience store to take money out of their ATM. You do not have to worry about trying to find your specific bank to deposit or take out money because you can do it anywhere. Think about all of that money that you could have right now if your bank reimbursed you for every penny. Some of these ATM fees may not seem like a lot of money at the time but using them repeatedly can cause a significant dent in your wallet.

The objective with major bank companies is to make money, but with a non-profit company you do not need to worry about being scammed with your money. So if you are still hesitant to try USAA why don’t you call them yourself and immediately get connected to a customer service agent that can answer any question and help improve your financial life.

A Profile of an American Hero

2011-11-13T16:56:00.000-08:00

Justin Black, of Norwood, Massachusetts, is a 25-year-old veteran, and one of my closest friends. While growing up, he was no different than any of the other kids in our neighborhood. He loved playing sports on summer days and building igloos in the winter. Until today, we have never spoken of his experiences at war.

Civil service runs through the Black family. Justin’s father, Mike, is a Vietnam War veteran who spent thirty years as a police officer in the city of Boston. His oldest brother, Mike Jr., served in the Gulf War, following in his father’s footsteps as a police officer. Steve, the second oldest, was medically discharged from the Marine Corps due to a chronic and severe hip condition. Joey, the baby of the family, is 21 years old. He is currently serving his second tour of duty in the Middle East.

For as long as I can remember, Justin has wanted nothing more than to continue the family tradition. As a kid, I was busy fantasizing about being a professional athlete; Justin was set on joining the Marines. I remember a few days after the September 11th attacks. We were playing baseball in the backyard, squeezing in as much play as we could before the fall weather would end our season. We discussed how the baseball players from Yankees and Mets were doing all they could to help the city of New York. I told Justin of my dream to one day be in those player’s shoes and give back to the community. “That would be pretty cool, wouldn’t it?” Justin replied. “I can’t wait for the day I can serve my country too. When it’s my turn, I’m going to give those Taliban some hell.”

Justin signed up for the Marine Corps following high school graduation. In May 2006, at 20 years old, he finally got his wish to serve his country when he was deployed to Iraq.

“I was nervous, but really excited. I knew that there would be a lot of danger involved, but I didn’t care. This is what my father and my brothers did. I wanted to be just like them, and make them proud. All those months in training really got my blood boiling. With every run, pushup, or sit-up we did, we all had one thing in mind: we were getting ready to kick some ass.”

Things were quiet during the first few weeks of his deployment. “It was tough,” he said. “We all just wanted something to happen already. We would go to bed hearing bombs going off, and we all knew it was just a matter of time before it was our turn. The nerves were unbearable. But there was nothing we could do, we just had to sit and wait.”

One afternoon the sergeant told Justin and his crew that if they should try to get some rest before the sun set. When Justin heard of this, he knew that the time had come. In only a matter of hours, those weeks of frustration and fear would come to an end.

“It was show-time and we knew it. None of us got any sleep. How could we?”

Justin had grown close with all of the men in his squad. That night, he would lose three of them to gunfire.

“It was horrific. I lost my best friend that night. He and I were in basic training together on day one, and we never left each other’s side. His name was Dan, but we called him ‘Arky’ because he was from Arkansas. I just wasn’t the same after that night, and I haven’t been since. It was as if something went off in my brain that turned me zombie-like. Almost like a machine. It is something that I am working on to this day, even though I’m at home.”

Justin served in Iraq for two and a half years and had many nights where he lost men. On his left arm, he has a tally of the enemy casualties he caused. He says it was something that helped him deal with the trauma. He has been home for almost three years, but he still has not completely found comfort in being home. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, something that consumed him entirely until only recently.

“A year into coming home, I would get out of bed in the middle of the night and start staring out the window. It was like I was waiting for someone or something. It was as if I was in those first few weeks in Iraq all over again. The war was in my past, but I was still consumed by dread.”

When I asked Justin what he planned on doing for a career, he dismissed the idea of becoming a police officer, stating that violence is something he can no longer tolerate. He is currently enrolled in a local state school and works as a bartender. He believes that by avoiding certain career choices and continuing to work with his therapist, he can come to peace with his past. With Veterans Day approaching, he knows it will be a trigger for his demons.

“I want you to tell me why Veterans Day is important to you,” I say.

After a long pause, Justin exhales deeply, clears his throat, and licks his lips. For the first time in our interview, I could truly see the pain in his eyes.

“Veterans Day is important to me because of all the people that never made it home. Obviously I am a veteran, but this day is not about me. Hell, in my eyes, it has nothing to do with me. It is that father, mother, son, or daughter that lost their lives in the line of duty. Those are the heroes. Yeah, you know what? I came home a little messed up. But I came home; those guys didn’t. It is a day I plan on spending alone. My therapist and I decided it would be best if I took some time to reflect, remember, and appreciate everything that I have.”

“What about everyone else? What do you think others should do on this day?”

Justin finally squeaked out a smile. It was the same familiar smirk that I remember from our childhood, something I had not seen since his return from his tour.

“If it was me that didn’t make it home, I would want everyone to throw a big party the night before. I would want you guys to go out and have some fun on my behalf. Then you could sleep in, eat a big breakfast, and spend the day appreciating your family and your freedom.”

I will not be with Justin this Veterans Day due to his wish to be alone. However, I will spend every moment appreciating the things that Justin has fought for.

The Significance of Veterans Day

2011-11-13T16:53:00.001-08:00

I am a 21 year old student at the University of Massachusetts Boston. With Veterans Day approaching, I begin to reflect on the significance of the holiday. Growing up, Veterans Day was just another break in my school schedule when I could spend time with friends. To be perfectly honest, I often confused the holiday with Labor Day and Columbus Day, the other two holidays on my fall calendar.

As the years passed, and the War on Terror became more poignant to the American people, my perspective on Veterans Day did not change much. It was still just another day off. I was either twelve years old and playing football at the park, or eighteen and looking for another party with friends.

It was not until four of my friends began serving our country overseas, and my social group began to shrink, that I started to realize just how important this day was for me. I now understand the worry and fear that comes from having a friend or loved one deployed during a time of war. For most of my life, I was like the majority of civilians who do not appreciate Veterans Day, due to lack of concern or simple ignorance.

I say this because it took me close to twenty years to learn the importance this holiday. I am not proud that I needed to look beyond my own selfishness to realize that maybe there was more to Veterans Day than just another night to party It took a long time, but I finally stopped thinking only about how much less fun it was without my military friends, and started thinking about Veterans Day’s real meaning.

What is most upsetting is that my ignorance was never contested. For that reason, I believe the ignorance is widespread. Aside from veterans’ families, I believe that the general public only worries about their own lives on a day when they should appreciate those who fight to protect them.

Although I am responsible for my own actions and can only hold myself accountable, I do believe that at one point in my younger years I should have faced an intervention to teach me. My personal experiences speak to the general apathy of American society.

I am proud to say that I have broken through the barriers of ignorance on my own. Instead of worrying about my own agenda and my selfish wants on Veterans Day, I reflect on all that I am grateful for. It is because of my friends, who put their own personal lives aside to fight for our freedoms, that I appreciate Veterans Day. They have dedicated their lives to the freedom of our country so that the rest of us can pursue our own aspirations.

Whether you know a veteran or not, everyone should dedicate their holiday to enlightening the young on the significance of Veterans Day.

Through Dangers Untold

2011-11-12T14:56:00.001-08:00

When my brother was a little boy, all hecould dream about was joining the army. He began watching stirring war filmslike To Hell and Back and The Longest Day. He built models of WWII warships andjeeps in full-out dioramas with fake plastic trees and battling soldiers. Bythe time he was 17, he knew that he wanted an army career, that the Army wasthe way to a better life, one that was filled with hard work, honor and glory.In the year 1989 David Krasner joined the United States Army as an enlisted manand with that one action, his family’s life changed forever.

He served in Operation Desert Storm,with some of the first combat scenes he saw that of desert, heat and gunshots,fighting alongside young men like himself. Buoyed by travel and seeing distantlands for the first time, his excitement was soon dimmed by the harsh realitiesof war. He saw his friends and fellow soldiers killed and wounded while allaround him was violence, marked by periods of dubious calm. His dedication andduty never wavered but the war going on around him brought him forcefully andsuddenly into adulthood. While he fought on the other side of the world, hisparents Charles and Bethlyn and sisters wrote and called him as often as theycould. As a family we became involved in soldier’s outreach programs, joiningsupport groups for the men and women fighting abroad and getting politicians tojoin the cause, including Mayor Ray Flynn and Senator John Kerry. When the War ended David came home, changed andbattle scarred. He immediately reenlisted.

After spending years in the Army,working his way up the ranks, Krasner left the Army after being stationed infar flung places as Germany, Panama and South America. He met and started afamily with his wife Maritza Cooper-Krasner. They now have three children together. David signed up for the US Army Reserves toserve his country and keep closer to home. He always wanted to have a foothold in theservice that he had loved and honored all his life, yet it was difficult to bestationed abroad while his wife and young children were separated by such greatdistances. We as a family grew closer and dealt with failing health and mentaldisorders, some brought on by the stress of what we as a family unit hadendured. Our faith and belief in David never faltered and we were both saddenedyet relieved when he became a reservist.

When he came home, David used histraining and schooling, becoming a leading IT professional and started his ownIT consulting firm, Expetec, now operating in New Orleans, LA. He has beenmentioned in various news stories about veterans and their challenges on thehomefront. In 2004 everything changed. David was called into active duty toIraq with little more than four days notice. As a family we were devastated.His youngest daughter was only a year old and his wife became a single parentas David was sent off once again to foreign lands. Due to exposure to chemicalsand heat and the stress of his situation, David suffered a respiratory attackcausing a cardiac arrest. His brand newbusiness was struggling and now had to close while he served over seas due tothe fact that he didn’t have the time or funding to hire someone to cover forhim while he was away. There were not enough support services for his family todeal with his departure, both emotionally and financially.

A Bloomberg Businessweek article by JeffreyGangemi spelled out the problems that David and his family were facing “justsix months after Krasner's deployment to Iraq, severe health problems forcedhim home in September 2005. Because he could barely breathe or walk, he didn'tget started rebuilding his business until three months later, when he reopenedit.”

"We lost everything," says Krasner. "Now we owe everyone andtheir brother, and my credit is horrible. It absolutely killed us."Because of his credit problems, Krasner says he couldn't get a loan from theSmall Business Administration (SBA), nor did he qualify for other governmentprograms. The franchise is now slowly getting back on its feet, he says.”

David came home to fight a new war, onethat was for his family’s survival. Over the course of three years the businessonce again began to grow. As part of his wish to expand and get out of debt,David and his family moved to Louisiana, where they have prospered, but thereis still much to be done. While he doesn’t regret one day of his service, thereneeds to be more support for the soldiers and their families so that they canserve without worry that their very livelihoods may be adversely affected. Onthis Veterans Day, I will be thinking of my brother and all the other veteranswho have given their blood, sweat and tears to protect and serve their country,We can and must do more to help them in their times of need.

Taking action on Veterans Day

2011-11-11T19:09:00.001-08:00

Many organizations and companies have been supporting veterans for years. On an individual level, we as Americans also have a variety of options to offer support. Whether the help comes from a monetary donation or from a hand-written Christmas card, it is deeply appreciated.

Some restaurants have started to offer free meals to veterans and current service members on Veterans Day. Applebee’s is showing their appreciation with a complimentary meal and UNO Chicago Grill is hosting a buy-one-get-one-free entree deal for the vets and troops. UNO is also conducting one of their well-known “Dough Raiser” fundraising campaigns with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes support for any and all veterans, troops, and their families (ReMIND.org). Not only will 20% of total sales from November 12-25 be donated to this cause, but UNO will also donate 20% of your total check if you print out and bring a voucher to dinner (unos.com/veterans).

The Department of Veterans Affairs says that about 30% of the homeless adults in America have served in the military. Thinking about food outside the restaurant, there are many food drives and local programs to help feed homeless people that operate not only on Veterans Day, but every day.

Donations are obviously the main source of support for any charitable organization, and Veterans Hospitals across the country are always in need of items as well as volunteers. Comfort kits can be composed of toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, and shaving cream. Gift cards to grocery stores and gas stations are also recommended donations. For mothers and children, blankets, rattles or small toys, and lotion are needed. Homeless veterans are in need of socks, shirts, and coats, as well as other clothes. And remember, all donations are tax-deductible.

Many churches and organizations offer personal support on an emotional level for active service members. With the holiday season approaching, Christmas cards are made and sent to troops overseas. While this seems like a small gesture, the impact can be monumental. A new program, Holiday Mail for Heroes, collects cards to send to military, their families, and veterans. You can purchase or even create your own card to warm someone’s heart this holiday season. (redcross.org/holidaymail)

Iconic symbols such as the red poppy flower or the yellow ribbon are seemingly small yet meaningful ways to show your support for the troops. The yellow bumper stickers are available for a suggested donation of $1, and the poppies are free. Donations are always encouraged for these items, and it’s a small “price” compared to what the veterans have done for us.

Microsoft and Walmart both have programs offering training and career support for returning service men and women. The transition from military into civilian life is a difficult process, and programs are being implemented to promote higher education and career opportunities.

There are countless charitable organizations that send care packages, letters, cards, and gifts to active members of the military. There is even an organization called Operation Air Conditioner that accepts donations to help pay for air conditioners for troops. You can donate books, music, and movies to the troops as well. When searching for an organization to send these items to, you might come across Operation Give, which collects toys for the children of Iraq. This is an interesting organization that takes in toys and small gifts, sends them to the military, and those service men and women are able to give them out to the mothers and children they come in contact with in Iraq. Operation Give runs a number of campaigns for various things such as dental hygiene, back to school supplies, and medical supplies. (operationgive.org)

Any Soldier is an effort entirely based on voluntary support of the individual. If you go to the website (anysoldier.com) you are able to read through recent emails that have been sent by overseas military members from each service branch. The soldiers usually write a bit about themselves as well as a list of items they would like to receive. You can obtain their address after reading the terms and conditions, and send a package.

If you can’t afford to send a package overseas, there are ways to send emails and post messages on the internet for troops to be encouraged by. If you google search “ways to support our troops”, there are countless links and lists of organizations that will either collect your letters and cards, or even match you up with a service member. Don’t forget; some of the men and women don’t have family and friends to receive letters from. Even one letter or card of thanks or encouragement could give a soldier the morale and support they might desperately need.

Instead of being one day out of the year that we set aside to honor military members, Veterans Day should be a reminder of all of these great things we can do for our troops and veterans daily. It shouldn’t take a special holiday for us to realize that they are still fighting for us on the other 364 days of the year, just as they have been for decades.

Veterans Day Volunteering

2011-11-11T06:10:00.000-08:00

For most people, Veterans Day means a day off for lounging around or catching up on favorite TV shows. This year take time to give back by volunteering. There are plenty of ways to volunteer no matter what your schedule demands. For those of you with no spare time, volunteering can be done from the comfort of your own home. Have commitment issues? Sign up to help out when you can. If you have extra time and are looking for a productive way to make the most of it, volunteering is a great way to make friends and learn something new. Here are a few ideas for everyone to consider this Veterans Day:

At Home: Send Books

If you’re like me, your bookshelves are buckling under the weight of stacks of books you’ve read and then forgotten about. This Veterans Day it’s time to pass your collection of books on to someone in need. Many soldiers overseas don’t have the luxury of everyday entertainment activities such as TV, games, or movies, and access to books is even rarer.

Operation Paperback was started in 1999 to help make deployment easier for the men and women serving overseas. Created by a concerned father-in-law looking for a way to help his family, this non-profit has grown amazingly. Since beginning, Operation Paperback has sent over 1.3 million books to soldiers serving in 30 different countries.

All types of books are welcomed and encouraged, but they have a few special projects outlined on the website, including children’s books for soldiers to read to their kids via webcam and Iraqi phrasebooks.

In 2010 they shipped nearly 240,000 books. This year, they’re hoping to top that, setting the goal number of books at 250,000. But they can’t do this without your help, so log on to: http://www.operationpaperback.org

Another organization providing free reading for soldiers is a program called Books for Soldiers, which was started during the Gulf War. Soldiers request books either by genres, authors, or specific titles, and volunteers can log on to the Books for Soldiers website to see what books are needed. Find out more about this program at: http://booksforsoldiers.com/

Once a Week: Serve Dinner

If you want to get out in the community but are not sure about making a constant commitment, check out the New England Center for Homeless Veterans and sign up for a date and time to help serve dinner to homeless veterans. The US Department of Veteran Affairs estimated that roughly 100,000 were homeless in 2009, and a recent federal study published in USA Today revealed that veterans are more likely to be homeless than any other American. The New England Center for Homeless Veterans strives to reverse this issue and prides itself on being “the first and largest veteran-specific homeless shelter.” Since 1990 they have helped over 15,000 veterans and rely on donations of all kinds to continue serving veterans in need.

Dinner is served as a buffet and usually requires between seven and nine volunteers to help things run smoothly. Come alone or bring a group of friends to help out.

Sign up at www.bostoncares.org or visit the Shelter’s website at http://www.nechv.org/volunteeratnechv.html

Once a Month: Be a Friendly Face

Volunteering does not have to strenuous, stressful, or expensive. Sometimes the biggest difference comes from a smile. The VA Boston Healthcare System is looking for several volunteers to help out at their Jamaica Plain Outpatient Specialty Clinic. Volunteer opportunities range from being a front desk greeter to playing board games and leading Bingo. These services may sound trivial but it can make all the difference for patients staying at the outpatient facility.

If you can’t make it to help out in person, contribute to this great cause by donating magazines, gently used clothing, and phone cards. The free, temporary housing lodge ‘Huntington House’ located on the Jamaica Plain campus is also looking for donation items for the kitchen, including things like dish soap, mixing bowls, measuring cups, kitchen towels.

For more information contact http://www.boston.va.gov/giving/index.asp or call the program assistant at 857-364-5071.

No matter what your schedule allows, you have plenty of opportunities to show our nation’s veterans how much you appreciate their service. Veterans Day is not just for honoring and remembering; this year make Veterans Day about giving back.

A Gray Area For Confederate Soldiers

2011-11-11T04:01:00.000-08:00

When we examine the current conflict in Sudan, and look back to other civil conflicts such as the war in the Balkans in the 1990’s, it is hard to imagine that the United States was once embroiled in an internal conflict all its own. With other countries around the world seemingly engaging in civil wars multiple times each century, it seems strange to consider the American Civil War in the same realm as these other conflicts. Perhaps it is the amount of time that has passed since the Union claimed victory over the Confederacy. Or perhaps the issue lies in the name we have given to the conflict: the(italics) Civil War. There is also the fact that we, as Bostonians, did not watch our way of life and culture go up in flames along with Atlanta during General Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea.” Being on the victorious side of the war, a side that was framed with good morals and fueled by a noble cause, Northerners never really had the need or desire that Southerners did to preserve the vestiges of a now gone past. For the South, devastated by the battles that primarily took place there and stifling economic policy in the wake of their loss, the end of the war marked the end of an era and a way of life. For the North, having prevailed, once again, it merely marked the end of another chapter in the United States’ ascendancy to global political domination.

However, as we keep the nature of the Civil War in mind, and as Veterans Day approaches, an interesting question arises. We honor other Americans who have fought in various wars, but what about Confederate soldiers? Of course, there are no Civil War veterans who are still alive, but it is an interesting point to consider nonetheless. Are they not officially considered US veterans because of their allegiance to a rogue state during the war itself? They were, of course, the enemy.

The most significant event that changed the status of Confederate veterans occurred on Christmas Day, 1868, when Andrew Johnson, the president who succeeded Abraham Lincoln, pardoned all men who had fought for the Confederacy during the war. Much to the chagrin of some of his fellow Northern politicians, who did not support demonstrating such leniency to the traitors, Johnson stated:

“Now, therefore, be it known that I, Andrew Johnson President of the United States, by virtue of the power and authority in me vested by the Constitution and in the name of the sovereign people of the United States, do hereby proclaim and declare unconditionally and without reservation, to all and to every person who, directly or indirectly, participated in the late insurrection or rebellion a full pardon and amnesty for the offense of treason against the United States or of adhering to their enemies during the late civil war, with restoration of all rights, privileges, and immunities under the Constitution and the laws which have been made in pursuance thereof.”

While it is unclear if the US government, when mentioning Civil War veterans, intends to include those who fought on the side of the Confederate States of America, one thing is clear. In the South, the spirit of the Confederacy is very much alive. Confederate Memorial Day is observed in the following states, all of which are in the South: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. While each state has its own date designated to the remembrance of Confederate soldiers whose lives were lost during the war, several states have aligned the celebration with specific historical events. Kentucky and Louisiana celebrate Confederate Memorial Day on June 3rd, which is Jefferson Davis’ birthday. Jefferson Davis was the president and leader of the Confederacy. Appallingly, the state government of Arkansas has chosen to designate the third Monday in January Confederate Memorial Day, a move which combines it with Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a state holiday. Officially, they claim this date was chosen to align with Robert E. Lee’s birthday, but it remains a puzzling move nonetheless.

Of course, not every soldier who fought on the side of the Confederacy did so because of ideological conviction. Like any war, many soldiers were yielding to family pressure when they enlisted, and certainly many felt social pressure in general to enlist. While war is complicated, the loss of life is always troubling and a difficult thing to truly wrap one’s head around. The gray area that Confederate soldiers occupy in United States history is also difficult to understand, especially coming from the perspective of a born and raised Northerner. Regardless, in the South, these soldiers are honored every year as brave men who gave their lives for a cause that they truly believed in.

The Women Behind The Men

2011-11-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

To honor the men and women in the service you must always honor their families and loved ones. Every day that our troops are fighting overseas is another day that a spouse, mother, father, or child go without a fiancée, son, daughter, sibling, parent or loved one in their daily lives. The strength it takes to support a loved one in the military is something to be honored and commemorated. I interviewed two women: Susan Laskey, who was engaged to a Vietnam Veteran in the late 1960’s and Erica Oliari, who is currently engaged to a serviceman in Afghanistan. Both women had no prior involvement with the military before they met their fiancées. Though these two stories may be separated by decades of time, they are faced with many of the same challenges.

Alexandra Laskey: What does it mean to you to be a military spouse?

Erica Oliari: “To me it means being Greg's support system. I am willing to put my problems aside and be his "cheerleader" when he needs one. It also means doing whatever I can do make him smile and not feel so far away from home.”

Susan Laskey: “I was very proud to be engaged to a man who had served our country. He had traveled the world and seemed so knowledgeable and grown up, not like the other boyfriends I'd had.”

AL: What exactly is the position your fiancée has/had in the military?

EO: “Greg is in an infantry unit and he does base security. He escorts officials and generals to different bases and he spends a lot of time in towers over looking the outside of the base where he monitors people coming in and out of the base.”

SL: “Bruce joined the Navy because he didn’t want to be drafted into the army. He worked as a Gunner’s Mate on a destroyer called the “USS Collette.” The ship went up rivers, was given coordinates by soldiers in the jungles and would shoot missiles inland.”

AL: When and how do/did you get to communicate with your military spouse?

EO: “I Skype with Greg at least once a day. On average twice a day and when our schedules match up, three times a day. When the Internet is down, he borrows his roommate's international cell phone. We’re very lucky. With the job he has, he doesn’t leave the base very often. It’s an 8.5 hour time difference so when he’s waking up I’m going to bed.”

AL: Susan with modern technology it is very easy for Erica to communicate with her fiancée, what were some ways you or your friends could communicate with the men in Vietnam?

SL: “Writing letters was the main way to communicate with the boys in the service. It was a very scary time because you would rarely hear from the men you cared about. Occasionally we would get a phone call, but that was very rare. Erica and other families are very lucky to have modern technology and be able to communicate with their spouses on a daily basis. Bruce had just gotten out of the service when I met him. He was going to school on something called the GI Bill. It meant that boys who served in the military got their education paid for. So, I got to see him every day at college. It was very strange to see older boys, in army jackets and navy pea coats in our college classes alongside long hair, peace loving hippie types.”

AL: What are/were your hopes for your future with your spouse?

EO: “I hope that we're happy. I hope that we never forget how difficult this year and a half has been and never take our time together for granted.”

SL: “Our hopes were large and our wallets were bare. He was going on to graduate school and I would get a teaching job right out of college. Teaching jobs were at a premium, and art teacher jobs were especially rare. I was very lucky to land a job right away. We had no money but it didn't matter because we had youth and love. I drove our car to my job and your dad rode his bike to school. We lived in the Graduate housing on the University of Rhode Island campus.”

AL: What are some positive aspects of being a military spouse?

EO: “One positive aspect is that the military has many resources and benefits available for military spouses and their families.”

SL: “As a retired soldier there were specific companies and government agencies that gave you better rates on things like insurance, banking and loans. Bruce loved being a sailor and all the travels that he did when he was in the navy. Some friends that he made while he served were friends for life. It was almost like being in a club with a strong self of camaraderie. As a military spouse, I was a part of this group too. Upon Bruce’s death, the government paid for his gravestone.”

AL: What are some negative aspects of being a military spouse?

EO: “Being separated from your spouse is the most negative aspect. Also, the Army expects to be first in a soldier’s life, which means you come second especially when deployed. The army makes the decisions for its soldiers and you don't have any voice.”

SL: “Some boys who served in Vietnam returned home with severe emotional scars. When we socialized with other retired servicemen, the stories they would tell about being in battle were horrifying. After a few beers their "demons came out" and it was very sad to see such intelligent and patriotic young men so psychologically scarred.”

AL: Do you think men and women in their twenties should be more involved with the war going on right now?

EO: “Yes. Regardless of how a person feels about the war itself, everyone should fully support the soldiers overseas who are sacrificing their lives for us.”

SL: “Yes. This group of American “twentysomething’s” is a wave of Americans who have no personal interest in protecting our country's freedom. There seems to be no sincere patriotism any more. The good American life with the freedoms that it brings us is simply taken for granted. Our soldiers fighting in the Middle East are there to protect the rights and freedoms of other people in other nations. The folks at home are insulated from their plight as soldiers and generally speaking, seem to have no interest in the battles that they are fighting.”

AL: What is your opinion about the war going on right now?

EO: “I believe the initial reasons for the war were valid, but I think it has become too costly and irresponsible over time. I believe the millions of dollars that are spent on the war everyday could be put to good use here at home.”

SL: “I don't think our troops should be fighting and dying over there. This is not our battle to fight and I believe that this war is being kept alive to financially benefit specific groups of politicians and independent companies.”

AL: Susan what was your opinion about the Vietnam War while it was going on?

SL: “That we never should have been involved in it. Vietnam was a conflict not a war and young men were drafted based on their birth date. Many young men moved to Canada to avoid going into the service. They felt that Vietnam was not their battle to fight. They were called Draft Dodgers. Many are still in Canada. When soldiers came back from their stint in the service there were no support groups for them to join and help them assimilate back into society. The atrocities that they saw made it difficult for many of them to join normal society. Many turned to drugs and became society dropouts. It was a guerilla war that our boys were forced to fight in and were not properly trained for. If they were lucky enough to make it back to the USA there was not enough support for those who returned home with horrifying physical and/ or emotional scars.”

AL: Any additional information you would like to share?

EO: “Being apart from Greg has been very hard, but we stay focused on the rest of our lives. It also has made us appreciate the time that we do have together and in the long run I think it has made us a stronger couple.”

SL: “Going into the services, from high school, used to be an option for many young people. They were taught life skills, loyalty, camaraderie and a strong sense of patriotism. I feel that this option is no longer available to America’s youth. The men and women go into the service today are immediately sent to fight in a war that is not ours and is impossible to win.”

I think it is important to point out that both women interviewed do not think that the military should be overseas anymore. Susan’s response about the men serving in Vietnam coming home with emotional and physical scars is very bloodcurdling. Soldiers would go to an infirmary and once they were cleared they were just sent home and expected to return to a civilian lifestyle. Today if soldiers come back and cannot physically support themselves, the government gives money to their families to help take care of them. Spouses of injured veterans are able to quit their jobs and focus on giving their wounded loved ones the support they need. It is important to understand the hardships of the military coming from the spouses that pledge their loyalty to the men and women serving overseas. When honoring our servicemen, always remember to honor the families that they leave to protect and serve our country.

True Call of Duty

2011-11-10T16:52:00.003-08:00

You’ve just boarded your chopper after a narrow escape as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam, but you’re not out yet. You must navigate your way to freedom by following a meandering river through a treacherous mountain way. Fluttering up and down to deke and dodge enemies on the ground and in the sky, you start taking enemy fire. The controls become less responsive as the screen begins to blur. Turns out the seven rockets and 235 bullets you let fly at that last chopper only left a scratch. Since you decided to play on Veteran, the hardest difficulty setting with the least forgiveness, wiggle room is at a minimum. Too late. Mission failed. You took just a tad too much microscopic damage and now you must start over. Okay, slam the controller, describe with many expletives the various ways in which you have been cheated, have a smoke or a toke, and then start over. Must be nice to simply just “start over.” The most pain you have suffered is a $60 dent in the wallet for a new controller.

While the graphics and game play are so remarkable that it almost feels real, this is about as real is it ever gets for the vast majority of Call of Duty followers. With Veterans Day approaching there is no shortage of brave men and women who can inform you that in real life there is no restart button. When the enemy begins to engage you, one cannot simply turn the power off and walk away. Regardless, the Call of Duty series has millions of fans across the world. Roughly 7 million people log in and play online every day. Last year’s release, Call of Duty: Black Ops, generated over $650 million in worldwide sales in just five days, and reached the $1 billion mark before Christmas.

Are there any positive connections between this remarkably profitable franchise and the men and women it bases its game play on? Does it give back in any way? Yes, thanks to Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, the Call of Duty series lends a helping hand to veterans. Disappointed with 2008 labor statistics that showed high rates of unemployment amongst veterans, Kotick, and the publisher Activision Blizzard, founded the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) in October of 2009. The foundation is funded through proceeds from the Call of Duty games as well as events sponsored by the franchise. The non-profit’s focus is to assist veterans with both job training and placement while raising awareness about the issue. The C.O.D.E board is headed by experienced veterans and their inaugural donation to the Paralyzed Veterans of America Foundation provided resources to build a new Vocational Rehabilitation Services Center.

The endowment, like the Call of Duty franchise, has been very successful. C.O.D.E. continues to reach out and raise awareness, through grants and the media, about the difficulties of employment that many veterans face. The newest installment in the series, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, sold 9.3 million copies in its first day Tuesday, 2.2 million more than last year’s record. More record-breaking profits for the game franchise will hopefully lead to even greater success for the C.O.D.E. While most gamers will be too glued to their HD television on Tuesday to think about the veterans whose sacrifices turned into storylines for their videogame, real-life soldiers will not be forgotten. For more information please visit callofdutyendowment.org.

Fight for Equality

2011-11-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day serves as a time of reflection and remembrance for those who have helped defend and maintain America’s freedom and equality. Take a walk through downtown Boston you will find statues, memorials, and grave sites for many famous veterans. One monument in particular that stands out is of the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. The regiment, which trained in the Readville neighborhood of Boston, was one of the first official African-American units in the Union Army during the Civil War. Once President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation passed, Massachusetts Governor John Andrew authorized and oversaw the creation of the regiment.

Some may recognize the 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry from the 1989 film Glory, based on their brave story. Others, perhaps, from their monument on Beacon Street that serves as one stop on the Boston Black Heritage Trail. The reasons for their recognition stem from their bravery and influential acts during America’s Civil War. Not only were they one of the first African-American regiments in the Union, but they were also the most effective. This can be attributed to their extensive training in Readville sponsored by many famous Boston abolitionists, including Ralph Waldo Emerson. The abolitionists were not just fiscally helpful: they offered moral support and encouragement while assisting in recruitment too. Secondly, the 54th Regiment led the successful fight for equal pay amongst black and white soldiers. Initially promised equal pay upon enlisting, African-American soldiers were paid $10 a month compared to $13 for whites. In addition, black soldiers had three dollars withheld per month for clothing leaving them with a net pay of only seven dollars.

In 1863 Governor John Andrew appointed Robert Gould Shaw to command the recently created 54th Regiment. Shaw, the son of wealthy abolitionists and Harvard attendee, stood with his soldiers in protesting the wage differences. Together they boycotted their pay until it became equal. The 54th Regiment, including two sons of Frederick Douglass, left Boston in May of 1863.

On July 18, 1863 Shaw led his troops in an effort to capture Fort Wagner in South Carolina. The assault was unsuccessful and Commander Shaw was killed in action. Confederate soldiers typically treated African-American regiments with great cruelty and inhumanity and this attack proved no different. Intended as an insult, Shaw, who was white, was buried in a massive unmarked grave with his black soldiers. Although defeated and their commander dead, the 54th regrouped and continued on as one of the most successful African-American units in the Union army. For his bravery in the attack on Fort Wagner, Sergeant William Carney should have become the first African-American recipient of the Medal of Honor, but his actions were not recognized until three decades later.

Colonel E.N. Hallowell continued Commander Shaw’s fight for equal pay and on September 28, 1864 Congressed passed a bill guaranteeing just that. Black soldiers would be paid equally and in full for their service dating back to their first enlistment date. The regiment returned to Boston in September of 1865 and disbanded later that year with the end of the Civil War. Their monument on the Boston Common, constructed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, was unveiled in 1897.

The soldiers of 54th Massachusetts regiment were pioneers in many ways. The regiment consisted of decorated men who accomplished many firsts for African-Americans in service and their camaraderie was essential in fighting for and gaining equal pay. These men played a pivotal role in securing victory for the Union and for America, and their fight for equality should be remembered.

Acclaimed Americans You Never Knew Were Veterans

2011-11-10T14:15:00.001-08:00

Ernest Hemingway

Many people think of Veterans Day as a remembrance for those who fought and died for our country in the armed services. While this isn’t incorrect, the day has a slight somber connotation with it because of its direct connection with war. But there are many veterans who survive the horrors of battle and live celebrated and philanthropic lives, veterans who we have since looked to as our main sources of entertainment and amusement.

Many of these acclaimed Americans’ time in the service has been overshadowed by their superstar status. For example, before becoming a television staple peddling Jell-O Pudding Pops and headlining a show with his name in the title, Bill Cosby served in the navy for four years. He spent his time rehabbing Korean War victims before being honorably discharged in 1960.

Media magnate and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner was an infantry clerk in the U.S. Army from 1944-1946.

Before discovering his flare for entertainment in the wrestling ring and serving as governor of Minnesota, Jesse Ventura was a part of the UDT, the unit that would merge to help form Navy SEALS, for six years.

Before garnering acclaim as a Pulitzer Prize winning author, Ernest Hemingway served as a volunteer ambulance driver on the Italian front in WWI. The injury he suffered inspired his masterful novel A Farewell to Arms.

Thirty Presidents of the United States have served in the military, whether in state militias or the reserve corps. Though, six of them did not engage in combat.

It is with a happy heart that we should celebrate, not mourn, our veterans. Veterans Day is a time where we are able to reflect on the people who protect our freedoms everyday. Without these famous individuals, and those who don’t share the limelight and fly under the radar, we would be unable to call ourselves “The land of the free, home of the brave.”

Halloween Edition: The Hot Coffee Conflict has heated up!

2011-11-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

The UMASS – Boston campus is as quiet as a ghost town. A civil war has broken out amongst the student body: supporters and the so-called collaborators of Sodexo duked it out with an insurgent population loyal to Dunkin’ Donuts, with both sides taking heavy losses. The wounded Dunkin’ Donuts supporters consoled each other in the Campus Center, one of whom I was able to convince to share his story:

“It was mayhem! Those Sodexo freaks were dropping balloons filled with their nasty ass coffee all over us! A couple of us threw our cups back in retaliation, but I still got a face full. Some joker with a Super Soaker 9000 filled it with hot sauce and cold coffee. I still get the shakes, thinking about it.”

The Hot Coffee Conflict reached a boiling point a week ago when an apparent group of protesters began what started as an “Occupy UMB” movement. The movement grew exponentially when it began supply members with Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, including a wide variety of flavors ranging from blueberry to toasted almond. Eventually, foam coffee cups began appearing in trash cans all over UMASS – Boston, catalyzing the righteous indignation of the Sodexo supporters whose ocean of love for their recyclable cups became a tidal wave of outrage at the transgressors.

Bands of marauding students now roam outside the buildings. Students, driven mad by caffeine overuse and constant battle, have regressed into tribes separated by their affinity for specific coffee flavors. A recent skirmish between the Hazlenuts and the Coconuts, begun by an argument of whose flavor was “the true nut,” ruined The Steelworker art piece, which the more coherent tribesmen have renamed “The Caffeine Giver.”

Halloween Edition: There's No Trick To It: Sodexo's Top-Notch, Fine-Dining Cuisine Is a Real Treat

2011-11-04T21:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! When I entered the dining hall at UMB for an afternoon lunch, I almost fucking passed out. The succulent smell of delicious, fine-dining cuisine made my fucking mouth water. As If I were a rabid dog, saliva spewed off my chin as I raced past the friendly food rep at the front door.

With an unparalleled alacrity, I dashed to claim my spot in line for a delicious, decadent combination meal. Jesus Christ! It was my luck day: a heaping plate of dried-up turkey thighs--presumably fried in pig fat--slathered in a shit-pigmented gravy.

Sodexo's Wonderful Turkey Dinner

Need extra salt for that?

No worries! The perspiration cascading off the Sous Chef’s mustache will suffice just fine.

As the consummate professional slaps the bird on my plate, I ask to have, in its accompaniment, a side of brown rice.

MmmHmm!

A plume of steam pirouettes into the air and I am not yet convinced that it’s due to fresh, hot food as much as it is to miasmic, toxic fumes.

As I carry my tray throughout the cafe, I double check to make sure I’m not in heaven. Fucking Burger King! Holy Shit!

How could I have passed up the chance to inflate my arteries with a nice piece of processed shit smothered in mayo, ketchup, mustard, onions, pickles and cheese?

Passing the BK, my eyes catch sight of pizza slices. Immediately, I am catapulted back to the time I had to visit my geriatric grandmother in the hospital. My momentary reverie is then punctuated by the irreversible urge to puke all over my sweater.

Just before the spittle spatters, I see—glowing in the distance like a beacon—fresh sushi!!!
Holy shit! Fucking Sushi??? Wow, the butterflies flutter like fucking torpedoes deep inside my stomach and—in a maniacal rage—I knock some poor decrepit lady to the floor in my haste to get my hands on some grade-A, quality fucking sushi.

Sodexo's Authentic Japanese Sushi

Happier than a pig in shit, I skip like a school-girl to the checkout line.

Wow, is this meal about ready to kick the shit out of my hunger, or what? I mean, my hunger is like a little midget bastard facing Goliath; no fucking chance in hell.

Fucking teardrops as big as bowling balls roll down my cheeks and I’m not quite sure if it’s the result of pure glee, or the fucking onion powder smeared all over the bird—surely a last measure to disguise its rancidness.

Well, whatever it is, I am fucking stoked when I finally reach the cashier.

With a smile that could stop a fucking heartbeat, she rings my order up. As she does so, I can’t get her to shut her yap. She’s so polite that she’s asking me about my day, my life, and my academic ambitions. Holy shit, I’m pretty sure I just witnessed this lady’s jaw jump right off her fucking face.

Jesus Christ, I am so fucking blown away by this lady—whose altruism is tantamount to fucking Mother Theresa’s—that I give her a big hug and kiss before I head to the wonderful tables that aren’t dirty or anything.

I sit my ass in the plush, leather-cushioned couches that adorn the dining hall and I draw my fork.

I take one bite of the delicious slab of meat and—holy fuck—I am transported back to the days of yore when the fucking Indians met the Pilgrims! This is like the original fucking Thanksgiving feast. This domestic fowl is so goddamned delicious, I’m afraid my glands are going to explode out of my ears. Is it the dryness of the Griswald-bird or the paralysis of my throat muscles— due to extreme excitement— that causes me to expel a swirl of turkey detritus and diet coke straight into my lap?

Surely, it is the latter because the incendiary sparks of joy and excitement cause a raging inferno around my leather couch. I am so happy with my gobbler that I eagerly cleanse my palate in preparation for the sushi.

Wow! As I look down at the presentation, my mind shatters into a thousand pieces. Mounds of wasabi and fresh, pickled ginger—it’s fresh when it’s colored piss-yellow, right?—surround the sushi rolls. As I pop the first roll, I feel as though I have popped ecstasy; fucking pure molly. Serotonin rushes like a goddamned tsunami throughout my entire body. I can hear the fucking gongs of Japan resonating loudly in the distance. Suddenly, I am wearing a sumo-wrestler’s outfit. This is the best sushi I have ever had.

As I make for the door, I am so stuffed that I shit my sumo diaper. I mean, all of that delicious fare had no part in ravaging my poor digestive system, did it? I mean, it’s entirely possible to shit your pants, directly upon finishing a meal, if the food is fresh and chemical-free, right?

Whatever the reasoning, it’s fitting because, like I said earlier, I am happier than a pig in shit! They say you defecate in your pants when you die. Fuck, I clearly must have died and gone to heaven.

Thank you, Sodexo, for providing the best food this side of the Mississippi.

HALLOWEEN EDITION: Soda now breeds teen violence

2011-11-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

A shocking discovery has been made early this week after an incident at a Dorchester public school prompted researchers to take a look into teen violence. The new number one cause of teen violence has been named: soda. This caffeinated beverage of countless flavors is what most children switch to after breast-milk and have since been unable to stop drinking. Violence is now added to the list of side effects that soda-drinking can cause.

The incident occurred early Monday morning when a young man allegedly drank a full liter of Mountain Dew before coming to school with a gun in hand. He recalls the morning with detail.

“I woke up with a serious headache because I hadn’t had a sip since dinner the night before when I threw the entire pan of Spaghetti O’s at my mom. I was mad because she bought the kind that didn’t have meatballs. Like, why would she buy that? Whatever. The pan left a huge bruise on her arm but she deserved it,” the suspect said.

He says that he walked to the convenience store around the corner from his house and bought a bottle of Mountain Dew as soon as he woke on Monday morning.

“I went home and drank some, then I brought it with me to the bus stop. Some kid informed me that my shoe was untied and I picked up a recycle bin that was next to me and knocked him over with it. I paused to take a swig from my bottle and then I hit him again as soon as he stood up. He didn’t get on the bus.”

The bus driver, Melanie Valdez, recalls the journey after picking up the suspect from the stop. “He seemed to be fuming when he stomped up the steps of my bus. I don’t know what his problem was, but he proceeded to punch a few kids as he walked down the aisle to the back seat. He sat in the back and started drawing graffiti on my windows! Dead policeman stick figures and swastikas and guns...and a bird too.” Valdez recalls.

When police checked the bus later on Monday, they found a small boy crouching under the back seat where the suspect had been sitting. He was literally shaken, but managed to give us a few statements.

“When he came back...he pointed a gun at me...forced me to hand over my Coke bottle, and he told me to get on the ground. I was so scared I...wet myself. And so I was embarrassed, scared and soggy, and I didn’t want to get up. Can I change my pants now?”

The suspect arrived at school with the concealed weapon in his jacket and bottle in hand. He headed for the library at approximately 7:45.

“There was this mean lady who made me cry when I was a kid because I couldn’t say liberry, and I got this urge to do something about it. I brought the gun with me that I stole from my friend’s dad because of the influence of video games such as Grand Theft Auto, of course. I drank my last sip and threw the bottle at some kid in a wheelchair. I pointed the gun at the lady’s face but then I was tackled by one of those weird kids that never drinks soda. One of those organic freaks.”

The gun was luckily recovered and the young man was restrained until police arrived and took him into custody.

Unfortunately, this incident is not unique. Reports have been made all over the world of violent outbreaks in teens.

But why now? Why after all these years of good old pop and fizz are we now hearing of such effects? Ingredients are being carefully analyzed as well as any possibilities of tampering with the product, but so far nothing has been found. Please report any and all incidents of violence in your teen to 1-800-SODASBAD. Your efforts will allow researchers to strengthen the link from soda to violence and hopefully find out what has recently and rapidly changed in the exchange from bottle to teen body.

The Woman In Black: A Salem Theater Company Production

2011-11-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

“Ghost stories... tell us about things that lie hidden within all of us, and which lurk outside all around us. They show human beings in the grip of the extremes of powerful emotions, at key moments and turning points in their lives. They also frighten delightfully, give shape, form and substance to our darkest and most primitive and child-like fears and imaginings, and, perhaps most importantly of all, they entertain.”
-Susan Hill

Within the realm of storytelling, truer words may have never been spoken. This is especially true in the case of “The Woman In Black.” Originally written as a novel in 1983 by Susan Hill, the story was very quickly adapted to a stage play format by Stephen Mallatrat in 1987. Holding the record of being the second longest running play in the history of London’s West End, it has spread far and wide, striking both fear and wonder into the hearts of millions all around the world. On September 29, 2011, the Salem Theater Company (STC) in Salem, MA started performing their own production of the play, creating the perfect transition into the festivities that are usually celebrated in the city this time of year.

But what exactly is the play about? In the original novel by Hill, the story centers around Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor from London in the late 19th century. In the beginning of the story, Arthur is summoned to attend the funeral of the late Alice Drablow, a reclusive widow who resided in the small eastern town of Crythin Gifford. As Arthur sorts through the papers left behind at her estate, he begins to find a connection between the late Mrs. Drablow and the Woman in Black, a mysterious phantom who has haunted the town for several decades. The deeper Arthur delves into the long-hidden secrets concerning the ghastly figure however, the more the hauntings seem to be following him. What follows is an amazing and sincerely terrifying experience that is unlike anything most readers have ever seen.

As for the stage adaptation by Mallatrat, it remains faithful to Hill’s book, with one major difference. The play opens with an older Arthur reading from a manuscript of his story that he has evidently written himself in an attempt to share his tale with family and friends. Arthur has also hired a young actor to help him, but ends up being berated by him due to his poor delivery. After a heated argument, they agree to act out the story, with the actor playing a younger Kipps, and Arthur himself playing the roles of all the other characters he met, along with narrating the tale.

While the set changes from production to production, the play boils down to one thing: two men acting alone on a stage. A few chairs and chests act as “props” (which the actor and the older Arthur use gratuitously), with most of the story being carried by the character’s themselves. This holds especially true for the STC, which had perhaps the most simplistic set I’ve ever seen for the show. Don’t be alarmed however, for this isn’t a criticism of the production, but more of a commendation of the actors who are able to deliver a masterful, emotional, and terrifying performance with fantastic results.

Like many modern horror films, the first third of the play does move at an admittedly slow pace, although is still ripe with exposition important to the story. The play very quickly begins to pick up pace however, upon the first sighting of the Woman in Black herself. Throughout the rest of the play, every audience member is kept glued to the edge of their seat, never wanting to miss what may be another passing glimpse of the dark specter who takes to flitting across the edges of the stage. While the “play-within-a-play” style may seem cumbersome to some, it works perfectly in this play, allowing for an extra surprise by the end of it (don’t worry, no spoilers will be revealed).

What makes this play stand out from other productions that I’ve seen however, is the acting of David Allen George, who played the part of the older Arthur Kipps. As I said before, what the play is really about, is two men performing together on a stage, and George does an incredible job in making the production come to life in front of your eyes. Throughout the play, as they act out Kipps’ manuscript, he responds emotionally to many of the things that are being acted out. It is the power and believability of these outbursts that suspend disbelief and envelope you completely in the story. While the Actor, played by Allen Vietzke, also does a tremendous job, his emotions seem less complete. Although this may seem like a criticism, I think it speaks to his character; he is an actor by profession, and a good one at that, but he holds no personal connection to the story; that is, until the end.

Even for those who aren’t fans of the genre, “The Woman In Black” is an amazing horror story, and one that I always make a point of seeing whenever it is playing in the Greater Boston Area. Fans of the play, and horror stories in general, will be happy to know that a major motion picture of “The Woman In Black” is slated to come out February, 2012, starring Daniel Radcliffe (of Harry Potter fame). Whether you see this production, or one performed elsewhere, or simply wait for the movie, I can guarantee a chilling and haunting tale of the likes that you have never seen before.

For those interested on other shows coming up soon at the STC, you can visit their website at: www.salemtheatre.com

“The intent of the show is to frighten - so if it doesn’t, it’s nothing. The fear is not on a visual or visceral level, but an imaginative one. There are no gouts of blood nor any but the simplest of special effects.”
-Stephen Mallatrat

Governor Dukakis

2011-11-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

On October 6, 2011 former Massachusetts Governor and Democratic presidential nominee, Michael Dukakis, visited Professor Maurice Cunningham’s Massachusetts Politics class. He spoke and answered questions about both his terms as governor, his presidential run, his life, and current issues.

Dukakis was very comfortable, naturally, speaking in front of the class. He was honest about some of the mistakes he made, like promising no tax hikes before his first term as governor or losing to Ed King between his first and second terms. An avid T rider, Dukakis mentioned how a gas tax could add much needed revenue to the struggling Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Governor Dukakis riding the T to the State House during the Blizzard of 1978

When asked about the sacrifices he had to make during his elected career Dukakis gave a surprising answer: none. His explanation was even better. Dukakis said that before being elected governor he sat down with his wife, Kitty, and they made two rules. The first was that he would be home for dinner every night at 6:00 p.m. He would still attend meetings and events after dinner, and for a time Kitty was working at night too, but he would be home for dinner every night. The second rule was that he would devote one day a week, Sunday, to the kids and family. No politics whatsoever. There were only a few exceptions to the rule, such as the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in which case a different day was devoted to the family. He said that by keeping those two rules he was able to effectively hold office without missing out on or sacrificing family time. He noted that the dinner rule had to change when he ran for president, but by that time his children were already in or out of college, saying that he would not have run for president if they were still in middle or high school.

I found his response to be very touching and honest, not what I had expected at all. At first I thought he must be lying, he had to have made some sacrifices, but his response removed any doubt. There were many questions for the former governor and the students were very engaged, which doesn’t always happen with guest speakers. Many of the students liked that he has decided to teach about something he is both knowledgeable and passionate about, as a professor at Northeastern University, instead of moving on to the private sector which is always an easy and profitable option for those once elected to high office. His visit was well received. On his way out, one student commented, “Government these days needs more people like him.”

Halloween Edition: "The Real Housewives of Grove Manor" ★★★★

2011-11-02T06:47:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, the new hit reality show "The Real Housewives of Grove Manor" premiered on Bravo. The reality show is set in the Braintree Massachusetts' nursing home, Grove Manor, and gives viewers insight into the lives of Braintree's eldest. I sat down with one of the stars of the show, Vera Brady, to discuss her new fame and next week's episode.

Rachel: "It is a pleasure to have you here Vera, thank you for joining me."

Vera: "Sure, sure, you're welcome. Now let's make this quick, or else I'm going to miss Wheel of Fortune."

R: "Um okay. Tell us Vera, how has becoming a reality TV star changed your life?"

V: "Well people won't leave me the fuck alone, for starters. Just yesterday some cooze kept yapping her trap to me while I was in line at Tedeschi. All I wanted to do was get my pack of Virginia Slims and Quick Pick lottery ticket in peace, but God forbid she allows me that!"

R: "Yes, I can imagine how tough it will –"

V: "And those damn grandkids of mine! They already had me six feet under before the show and now all I hear is 'Grammy'-this and 'would you like some warm milk before bed'-that. Do I look like a goddamn kitten to you? Do I have soft fluffy ears and whiskers? For heaven's sake, I haven't purred since the 60's!"

R: "How about your costars? How is their new fame being handled?"

V: "What a bunch of fudge packers! You all think 'oh boo-hoo, poor Betty' because she has you fooled into thinking she has Alzheimer's. She's got a good thing going, you know? She 'accidently' wanders into Charlie's room at night because she 'forgets where she is.' And Dorothy! God that woman makes me wish I died in child birth! Her baking tastes like shit, and she thinks no one notices she cheats in Bingo; lady, we know it didn't take you that long to find your napkin under Tom's table. She's a regular Blanche Dubois, that one."

R: "Before we wrap this up, can you give our readers a sneak peek into next week's episode?"

V: "Sure, let's see. . . Betty auditions for a Frank's Red Hot Sauce commercial, Dorothy gets a coupon for Metamucil, and I shit myself during a sponge bath."

Well, there you have it folks. Don't miss the second episode of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Grove Manor" on Sunday, 8/7c.

Halloween Edition: Muppets Occupy Sesame Street

2011-11-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

AP - This week a group of rogue Muppets calling themselves the “99 percent brought to you by the letters F and U” took over Sesame Street. Camping out in front of the landmark Hooper’s Store, Occupy SS’s spokesmuppet Oscar the Grouch called on Sesame Street leaders Gordon and Maria to change the way Muppets on the famous street have been treated for more than 20 years. “I’ve been living in garbage while others like Big Bird have been living in DIY communes while Bert and Ernie sold out by working for the man. Humans on the street are living in houses with real walls! Now I love my garbage can but for most of us, we have no choice but to live on the street. Elmo has to draw himself a house for cryin’ out loud!”

Protesters gather at Mr. Hooper's Store to give Gordon and Maria the bird

Other muppets appear to feel Oscar’s anger at the way things have been handled by the human contingent on Sesame Street. One Cookie Monster stated “I haven’t been able to get my cookies at Hooper’s Store because of the lack of job opportunities here. Meanwhile the percent brought to you by the number 1 are rolling in cookie dough and we are left behind.”

Couch Potato Loses Remote, Still Ignores Hot Wife

2011-10-31T18:46:00.000-07:00

From the Onion Newbs Network

Jeremy Holden, 42, of Massapequa NY, was relaxing at home watching “The Simpsons” this Sunday when he discovered his remote control was missing. At the end of the first segment he reached for his remote, hoping to mute the commercials, only to find it was gone. “I dunno what happened to it,” said Jeremy. “I could swear I’d left it on the arm of my chair, but when I went to look for it, Bam! no remote! It really sucked. I mean, ‘The Simpsons’ has godawful ads.”

His wife Tranh, 23, a mail-order Vietnamese bride, seemed to think it was good that her couch-potato husband might have to sweat for a few days. “Him always watching TV and not spending time with me. Him lose remote, good riddance. Want more playtime. You want playtime with me?” she asked, holding a chess board. When asked if her husband was paying more attention to her, she shook her head. “No, him complain him have to get up to change channel. Not even notice when I give lap dance.”

Neighbors Walter and Selma Burren, 54 and 56, had hopes that losing the remote would be good for Jeremy’s marriage to his extremely attractive wife. “I mean, he’s spending his time watching Monday Night Football and doesn’t even seem to notice when those ripped Marines come to the house,” said Selma.

Walter agreed. “Yeah, she welcomes them inside wearing a negligee, a Scrabble board and a smile, and he just watches tee-vee, scratches his crotch and drinks crummy beer. You’d think he’d want to get freaky with her more than once a month, but no-o-o! I think he has a hard-on for jocks instead. He once told me he used to play Dungeons and Dragons, you know? Doesn’t he still have some gamer mojo?” He paused to yell across the street, “Hey, Tranh, are we still on for our Monopoly marathon threesome this Thursday?”

However, neighborhood speculation of renewed marital harmony in the Holden household were dashed when Jeremy publicly announced on Tuesday that he’d ordered a new remote control from Amazon. “Yeah, this one has a homing beacon, so I’ll never lose my remote again!” Dozens of neighbors went to console Tranh for her loss and set up playdates, while shares of game company Milton Bradley rose 3% on the news.