Worcester Is MAJOR!™

National Honesty Day (4/30)

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Today is National Honesty Day!

Established by author M. Hirsh Goldberg in the early '90s, April 30th was selected because "April begins with a day dedicated to lying [April Fool's Day] and should end on a higher moral note."

[Video] "The World Cup No One Sees"

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:09:00 +0000

The 2012 Olympics will be taking place next summer in London, and the city is preparing for the thousands of athletes and the millions of fans that will converge on the City.

Looking ahead, the 2016 Olympics will take place in Rio de Janiero, Brazil and, again, many are preparing to make the pilgrimage to Brazil to experience the games firsthand.

Well, before the 2016 Summer Olympics can take place in Brazil, the country is currently preparing to play host to the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

After the perceived success of the 2010 FIFA World Cup that took place in South Africa, there is a lot of talk about the 2014 games being attended by 2-times the number of people that attended the matches in South Africa.

While this will be good for Brazil, and the various businesses in the country, there is a dark side to the country playing host: The people that are some of the most marginalized are being forced from their homes, and left to fend for themselves, while the country takes over entire towns and villages to building stadiums, train stations and apartment buildings in time for the games.

In the short film, "The World Cup No One Sees", filmed in Brazil by the Worcester-based cooperative- Future Focus Media Coop- addresses the...

attempted displacement of tens of thousands of residents. But in Fortaleza and other host cities, people are resisting this social cleansing and demanding their rights to housing and their right to the city.

On October 1, 2011, in Boston, the film was shown for the first time at the International Congress of Right to the City alliance.

Goal

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 11:50:00 +0000

"A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at." -Bruce Lee

American Juggalo [short film]

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:07:00 +0000

I have to tell you right from the beginning that I have no clue what it means to be a Juggalo or Juggalette is, but from what I've seen and experienced with anyone that calls themselves part of "the family", they are believe in supporting and accepting each other as they are.

I first heard about Insane Clown Posse, often referred to as ICP, while living in Rhode Island and saw some kids in the Lincoln Mall with their faces painted and rocking, what I would call Coolio-esque braids that stood straight-up.

Fast-forward to today and the Juggalos are more prominent and I've seen a number of Juggalos and Juggalettes in Worcester. Typically, when I see one or more of them, I like to watch people's reaction to them, especially older folks.

Well, Director Sean Dunne created the short film "American Juggalo", which highlights the annual "Gathering" that takes place in Illinois over the course of 4-days filled with music, fun, drinking, getting wasted, and being with family.

Sean's film is insightful and powerful, but left me asking a number of questions: How does living a Juggalo lifestyle affect a person? What are some of the misconceptions of being a Juggalo?

Student-Athletes: Win $20k

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:01:00 +0000

A student-athlete is not an anomaly, they exist in even great numbers today due to the fact that more kids are growing up playing organized sports.

Lady Foot Locker, in conjunction with Foot Locker Scholar Athletes, is looking for you to nominate student-athlete that is well rounded both on and off the field. Shoot, you can even nominate yourself to enter to win 1 of 20 scholarships for $20k.

Applications can be submitted until January 9, 2012, and for more information about the program click here.

[Video] King Street Block Party

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:30:00 +0000

As I wrote and posted pictures from last Sunday's King Street Block Party, I decided to shoot some video with my cellphone, chop it up, and upload the video to YouTube.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did in filming it.

Got Dormer?

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:24:00 +0000

2011 AWARE: Year of the Dormer

"How Great Thou Art" Class Oct. 6-8

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:50:00 +0000

How Great Thou Art

big DREAMS: Episode 1 (Steve Nicander)

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:12:00 +0000

Earlier in May, I wrote about Steve Nicander, a man that was very BIG! Steve weighed 638 lbs., and if he had continued living the lifestyle that he had, it wouldn't have taken long for the myriad of health issues to lead to Steve's death.

Well, Steve has battled, and using the word "battle" does not do justice to what Steve has done, to change his life and he's become an inspiration to a number of people, myself included, towards living a healthier lifestyle.

Take a look at the first of many episodes featuring Steve as he works to get down to 250 lbs. so that he can have cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin that exists due to his massive weight loss.

Steve, who moved from North Carolina, currently resides in Auburn, and has been working out at Anytime Fitness on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester. I've been told that he's a "monster" when it comes to the stationary bike.

With a regime that includes cardiovascular training, weights and eating nutritional meals, Steve is on his way to weighing 238 lbs.

GO STEVE GO!

King Street Block Party pt.2

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:36:00 +0000

The party is continuing, and there's a Spanish band playing some unbelievable music!

King Street Block Party

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:29:00 +0000

While we stop to remember the women and men who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, our lives were forever changed, but with an enduring spirit and faith we will continue to heal and move forward.

Today, while it wasn't planned this way, the organizers for the King Street Block Party help us all move forward.

The fun has started and continues until 6 p.m.

You still have time to join the festivities and have some great food.

MAJOR Flooding

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Pictured is Canton Street looking west toward Quinsigamond Avenue.

Mother Nature, combined with grounds that were already water-logged, hit the City and Worcester County hard this morning.

On the commute that usually takes me all of 15-minutes, on a "bad" day, took 45-minutes today.
Everywhere I turned, there seemed to be a pool of water, and I saw a few car-casualties.

For example, on Bigelow Street, which is a side street off of Endicott Street, I saw two cars stuck, with their hazard lights flashing, in a large pool of water.

Quinsigamond Avenue was a parking lot due to a couple MAJOR pools of water, and the folks making their way from Route 146 North had to get "creative" with getting around the water.

Southbridge Street was blocked by Worcester Police nearest the Hammond Street intersection.

What areas have been affected by flooding that you've seen?

King Street Block Party Reminder

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:15:00 +0000

The King Street Block Party is taking place on Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 3-7 p.m.

If you haven't attended the King Street Block Party before, here's a snippet of what took place at last year's party!

AWARE: Public Disclosure on Property Values

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:59:00 +0000

AWARE Coalition (Accurate Worcester Assessments on Real Estate) has been busy attempting to get the word out about the fiscal year 2012 property value assessment that is taking place.

With the forthcoming mailings, we can expect notices to be published in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, along with a number of other places with the City of Worcester's website being the key place.

Stay tuned!

2011 AWARE Public Disclosure Property Values Explanation

[Video] Worcester Barber Battle

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:44:00 +0000

Earlier today I attended the 2nd Annual Worcester Barber Battle, which was alot of fun and featured a number of barbers and hairstylists from throughout Central Massachusetts and New England.

Here's a quick video that I filmed on my phone that I wanted to share. (Be sure to come back to check out some awesome pictures!)

Worcester Barber Battle 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:41:00 +0000

My barber, Tennessee, seen here wearing the overalls is competing in the Massachussetts Barber Association (MBA) battle being held at the Worcester Elks Lodge(233 Mill St.).

Happy Labor Day!

Monitoring Moves: New Cameras?

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:04:00 +0000

I ventured to Greenhill Park the other evening to check out the fields that Worcester Youth Soccer League uses for soccer, and while I was driving along Skyline Drive, towards Worcester Technical High School, I noticed some weird hanging "lights".

Well, after looking at them for a bit, I still couldn't figure out if they were lights or cameras?

My hunch is that they might be some sort of hybrid light with a night vision type camera that can see people as they're walking on the sidewalk.

I'm not sure how long they've been there, but for as many times that I've driven along Skyline Drive, this is the first time I noticed them.

So, what do you think they are?

King Street Block Party

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:15:00 +0000

Due to Tropical Storm Irene, the King Street Block Party that was initially scheduled for August 27th was cancelled, and rescheduled for Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 3-7 p.m.

If you haven't attended the King Street Block Party before, here's a snippet of what took place at last year's party!

The New School Year

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Congratulations to all the kids that are starting school throughout the City of Worcester today!

It's the beginning of a new school-year, and it's going to be one filled with learning experiences, fun, smiles, tears and greatness.

To all the teachers that have one of the hardest jobs in the world, thank you for being Positive Innovators. Know that every young lady or man you teach, interact with is one of God's children, just like you, and deserve to be listened to, encouraged, and pushed to be the best person they can be.

As my mother, who was a public high school teacher for 25-years, used to tell me, "Listen more than you speak. You have two ears for a reason, and when you're not sure of something, don't be afraid to ask a question."

Here's to a great school year!

Herb Chambers: Hip Hop+Marketing=Smart

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Alright, I'm not a fan of Kevin Youkilis, of the Boston Red Sox, and I'm sure he wouldn't be a fan of mine either, but I have to tip my Yankee-fitted hat to him and Herb Chambers for diggin' in the crates, and using a classic Hip Hop song by the legendary Biz Markie in this ad.

Major Taylor inspired footwear

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:32:00 +0000

Every year, since 2009, my friend D'Wayne Edwards, the former Design Director for Jordan Brand, sponsors a 3-week training program for aspiring footwear designers aptly titled PENSOLE.

It's a competition that pits the high school and college students, split into academic-level specific tracks, against each other to see who has the skills, and desire to create a product that very well could be manufactured and sold at retail.

Well, this year, Sarah Sabino, better known as S4 within the sneaker community, is a Bostonian studying at Massachusetts College of Art & Design who was selected to participate in the "college" track of PENSOLE, which is held at the University of Oregon.

Students that participate in PENSOLE learn everything from sketching their designs with a number 2 pencil, thus the name, along with selecting materials, and, finally, presenting their concepts to some of Nike's top executives.

Well, my friend, ShowIdeez, attended the final presentations and closing ceremonies, and was able to film this quick interview with Sarah where she explains the inspiration behind her cycling shoes, which she drew from cycling World Champion Major Taylor.

Enjoy!

Fine'em Danno!

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:33:00 +0000

Schools throughout Massachusetts are about to open within a few weeks, and with that comes the nervousness of getting the right clothes, making sure the right Trapper Keeper is bought (OK, maybe not a Trapper Keeper, but whatever the kids are using these days to keep their paperwork organized), the right shoes/ sneakers, and, of course, the perfect hairstyle or haircut.

The other nervousness, that exists with the parents that are allowing their child to ride the school bus to and from school.

My nervousness is of a different kind; it's for the kids crossing the streets and drivers too busy on their cellphone, eating, arguing with children in the backseat that don't see the bus's flashing STOP sign.

Too many times have I seen this scenario play out on Main Street, and the many side streets throughout Worcester.

Well, maybe we can borrow a piece of technology from Medford, Quincy, and Seekonk who've outfitted a few school buses with video cameras that records the violaters as they drive by the flashing STOP sign.

In reading this article posted on Boston.com:

Cameras mounted behind the bus’s extended stop-sign arm capture vehicle license plates of any traffic coming from both directions on the street. Video images are then fed to local police for review to assess whether a moving violation took place. If the answer is yes - and if a measure pending on Beacon Hill should become law - a citation would be mailed to the vehicle’s owner.

With the increase of traffic cameras within the City, I'd push for cameras on school buses to be tried, as a pilot, in Worcester.

I, too, think that the number of violations would be enough to make parents, and Worcester Public Schools take note, and advocate for cameras on many, if not all, school buses.

Drug Testing TANF

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:20:00 +0000

Earlier this year, Governor Rick Scott of Florida pushed for and signed into law the requirement for drug testing anyone that receives cash welfare assistance. (Cash welfare assistance is different from food stamps and housing assistance.)

The law, which took effect on July 1, mandates that any adult that applies to the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Family program will be tested for drugs by the Florida Department of Children and Family Services. The person receiving the aid would be responsible for covering the cost of the testing, estimated at $35 per test, and may be able to recoup that money in their assistance if they qualify.

So, the person that is looking to feed, clothe and house a needy child, which is the primary role for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) program, must be tested, to make sure that the funds the caregiver receives do actually go towards feeding, clothing and housing a child or children?

Well, immediately after Governor Scott made his intentions known regarding making it a law, the ACLU quickly jumped in the fray, and called the law unconstitutional; a direct violation of the Fourth Amendment. The amendment reads:

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

While the ACLU has been involved in previous court hearings that were eventually struck down, Governor Scott's law is different from the previous rulings which involved employees who are mandated to undergo random drug testing due to their position.

I wonder if Governor Deval Patrick ever considered such a law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?

Well, we know that a number of people would look at Governor Patrick side-eyed, and wonder why he's "picking" on the poor.

And, I know that Governor Patrick, who stated in a Boston Globe interview that he won't seek re-election in 2014, is dealing with bigger issues, such as the 300,000 unemployed Bay State residents.

I just hope that the next governor, whoever she or he is, doesn't waste taxpayer dollars, similar to what's taking place in Florida.

The larger issues that are facing Floridians, and the millions of people in the United States of America are the disparities that exist for education and access to resources.

I mean, why only test the TANF recipients when Governor Scott or President Obama could decide to test every person because each one of us, that lives in the USA, receives some sort of "benefit".

Think about it for a second.

A retired schoolteacher, that receives Medicaid could be tested, along with folks, say, living in Monson, MA, who are still dealing with the devastation from the tornado that ripped through the region in June, could also be subjected to being tested because they received federal emergency relief money, or what about the kid that has worked multiple jobs in order to save and attend college, but has to apply for students loans and grants, she/he, too, could be tested for drugs.

I'm all for every human being doing what they can to contribute to society, you know, making the world a little better. I have little patience for "sponge cakes". The "sponge cakes" get no love from me, but, at the same time, I'm the type of person that gives spare change to panhandlers. Hey, I'm not all bad.

Worcester World Cup 2011 Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:54:00 +0000

Ghana vs. Albania

Last weekend's Worcester World Cup games were great; played by women and men that love the game, and put on a show for the community to witness.

While I wish more folks were in the stands, cheering on the players and teams, the fans that were there with their vuvuzelas, drums and flags made it a great warm-up for me for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, taking place in Brazil.

Women's Division
In the women's division the teams that made it to the semifinals were:

Portugal vs. Ecuador
USA vs. Columbia

I missed the game between Portugal and Ecuador, but I was told that Portugal put up a great fight, but Ecuador was too much for them and Ecuador won by a score of 2-1.

USA vs. Columbia

In the match between USA and Columbia, the Columbian squad was very disciplined with the ball, and had some very good set plays that turned into goals. The final score was 3-0 in favor of Columbia.

Team USA player attempting to stop Columbia attacking offense.

Team USA starting to advance the ball.

Women's Final- Columbia vs. Ecuador

Columbia vs. Ecuador: Ball possession

In the women's final between Columbia vs. Ecuador, it was very obvious from the opening whistle that both teams were fatigued, but the Columbian team seemed to find a boost of energy.

Columbia vs. Ecuador: Columbia on the attack

With midfielders that were "greedy geniuses" with the ball, the Columbian team moved the ball effortlessly down the field, and made runs that resulted in a few good shots on goal. Columbia led
2-0 at the half.

In the second half, Columbia, again, put together some good runs, and scored 3 more times.

Columbia vs. Ecuador: Columbia controlling the ball on the attack

The final score was 5-0, and Columbia was crowned the Women's 2011 Worcester World Cup Champions.

Ecuador congratulating Columbia on their 2011 Worcester World Cup win.

ACE vs. CETS (Youth Game)

Men's Division

Albania vs. El Salvador: Intense action

For the men's quarter-finals, there were a number of great match-ups, such as:

Brazil vs. USA
Iran vs. Kosovo
Nigeria vs. Albania
El Salvador vs. Togo

Brazil defeated USA. (I didn't see this match.)

In the match between Iran vs. Kosovo, I was told that it got ugly when a number of players had to be separated and players had to be ejected. (I didn't see this game, but if there was a low point for this year's games, it was what transpired during this match.)

For the match between Nigeria and Albania, it was a match of the disciplined versus the undisciplined.

Albania played under control, was very purposeful with the ball, and had a handful of set plays that allowed them to get some very good shots on goal.

The Nigerian team featured a number of athletic and talented players, but they never seemed to be able to put a together a play or get the ball to the open player at an opportune time.

Albania went on to win 2-0.

In the match between El Salvador vs. Togo, El Salvador too played with discipline and wound up winning the game by a final score of 1-0.

Men's Semi-Finals

Albania vs. El Salvador: Final score 2-0 Albania

Brazil vs. Iran: Final score 2-0 Brazil

Brazil vs. Iran: Brazil advancing the ball

Men's Final

Albania vs. Brazil: Men's Final

In the men's final game, which paired Albania versus Brazil, there was an influx of people in the stands.

I soon looked around the stands, and they were abuzz to watch David battle Goliath.

In this story of David versus Goliath, David, being played in this match by Albania, was no match for the behemoth Goliath, played by the ever-present and looming Brazilian team.

Brazil scored first, and even though it was only one goal, it seemed to take the wind out of team Albania's sail and made their feet that much heavier; the fatigue-factor became more evident.

Brazil controlled the game from whistle to whistle, and when it was all said and done, the Brazilian team had trounced Albania 3-0 to win the 2011 Worcester World Cup trophy.

Brazil celebrating their 2011 Worcester World Cup victory!

Laces tied tightly
The women and men that organize the Worcester World Cup are an amazing group of people! What started as seed has grown and blossomed into an amazing weekend-long event that features the diversity that exists in Worcester.

A Texas-sized hat tip to you and all of the volunteers that created such a great event and I look forward to next year's Worcester World Cup 2012.

How to register to VOTE!

noreply@blogger.com (Dee Wells) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:46:00 +0000

It's hard to believe, but the City Council preliminary elections will be taking place next month on September 20, 2011.

If you're not registered to vote, there's still time to register (deadline Aug. 31st), and participate in this year's election.

To request a form you can click on this link, which will take you to the Secretary of State's website.

Or, if you have a printer and would like to print the form and mail it to the City Clerk's Office, you can download the form here.