Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Rhode Island finalist for Race to the Top
The Ocean State is one of 19 finalists for the second round of the competition. The U.S. Department of Education will choose the winners based on each state’s commitment to changing its education policies.http://www.pbn.com/stories/51431.html
Town Council Meeting Wednesday July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The bio-future of joint replacement
http://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_stone_the_bio_future_of_joint_replacement.html
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Is it OK to have your own urban backyard chickens?
This will be decided in Providence soon. Other major cities, including New York, Portland, Denver, Baltimore and New Haven, have passed laws allowing for chicken-keeping in recent years, according to Leo Pollack, education director at the Southside Community Land Trust, which helped develop the proposed legislation and operates a farm in South Providence that has six chickens.
Proponents say the new law would also provide guidelines for enforcement officers.
The law, which is based on regulations passed elsewhere, requires that chickens be housed outdoors in a well-vented, predator-resistant hen house and require that hen houses be located at least 20 feet from any dwelling.
The law also bans roosters — assuaging fears of legalizing cockfighting — and prohibits the slaughtering of chickens.
http://www.projo.com/news/content/BACKYARD_CHICKENS_07-22-10_H4J97UO_v15.3c1c882.html
"Conviction" Betty Anne Waters Movie trailer
CONVICTION is the inspirational true story of a sister’s unwavering devotion to her brother. When Betty Anne Waters’ (two-time Academy® Award winner Hilary Swank) older brother Kenny (Sam Rockwell) is arrested for murder and sentenced to life in 1983, Betty Anne, a Massachusetts wife and mother of two, dedicates her life to overturning the murder conviction. Convinced that her brother is innocent, Betty Anne puts herself through high school, college and, finally, RWU law school (with help from Bristol's Aidan Graham) in an 18 year quest to free Kenny. With the help of best friend Abra Rice (Academy Award nominee Minnie Driver), Betty Anne pores through suspicious evidence mounted by small town cop Nancy Taylor (Academy Award nominee Melissa Leo), meticulously retracing the steps that led to Kenny's arrest. Belief in her brother - and her quest for the truth - pushes Betty Anne and her team to uncover the facts.
Watch the just released movie trailer for "Conviction", the story of 1998 RWU Law alum Betty Anne Waters' quest to free her brother from a life sentence in prison. Coming to theaters October 15, 2010.
http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/conviction/
RWU leader in Marine Law
http://www.pbn.com/detail.html?sub_id=8124fb811e58
Roger Williams University School of Law has quietly become a national leader in the field of marine law, a specialty whose importance is highlighted by the massive oil spill in the Gulf.
Fisheries management is undergoing a “revolution” nationwide, while offshore energy uses such as wind power increasingly dominate national discussions. Matters involving the ocean are like “the last canary in the coal mine of environmental law,” she suggested. “There has never been a greater need than right now” for well-qualified environmental attorneys.
Roger Williams University School of Law has quietly become a national leader in the field of marine law, a specialty whose importance is highlighted by the massive oil spill in the Gulf.
Fisheries management is undergoing a “revolution” nationwide, while offshore energy uses such as wind power increasingly dominate national discussions. Matters involving the ocean are like “the last canary in the coal mine of environmental law,” she suggested. “There has never been a greater need than right now” for well-qualified environmental attorneys.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Steve Jobs: How to live before you die Stanford speech
Orange Power Wellies
with the renewable energy experts GotWind,
use a unique 'power generating sole' that converts
heat from your feet into an electrical current. This
'welectricity' can then be used to recharge your
mobile phone.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Bristol HDC has an opening
Bristol Economic Development Commission is Active
The Business Round Table meeting they held last week with Keith Stokes was vibrant, informative, fast paced and extremely important for the economy of Bristol and for members of Bristol's business community to be heard and helped by the RI EDC headed by Keith Stokes. It was good to see all members of the Bristol Town Council in attendance as well as neighboring Economic Development Commission support and representatives from Portsmouth and Warren RI. The following is a quotation by Teddy Roosevelt sited by Mike Hudner of Bristol's B and H Shipping who participated in the forum.
"Do what you can,
With what you have,
Where you are."
The Bristol EDC mission statement is as follows:
"To provide a stable and diversified local economy by providing
support and resources to existing businesses and attracting new
business to Bristol."
Members of the Bristol Economic Commission are:
Keith Maloney - Chairman
Mike Byrnes - Vice Chairman
Gina Macdonald - Secretary
Mark Astrella - Member
Adam McGovern - Member
Andy Tyska -Member
Patricia Woods - Member
Peter Ferreira - 1st Alternate
Open - 2nd Alternate
ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2009-10
Bristol Economic Development Commission
➢ Initiated a business development program, the “Building Bridges” campaign, to enhance relations between Bristol’s DBMA businesses and RWU students, parents, faculty and staff (potentially 12,000 people) and achieving significant collaboration between the DBMA and RWU during specifically designated “Blue & Gold” Weekends during the academic year.
➢ Developed and executed the 1st Annual Bristol Business Owner’s Roundtable Discussion with Keith Stokes, Rhode Island EDC Executive Director; six business owners presented challenges they encounter and stated the support they need on the state and local level to help their businesses grow and succeed; priorities have been established and the BEDC will partner with RIEDC in pursuit of these objectives
➢ Developed, executed and analyzed a Business Owner Survey in Fall 2009 to identify opportunities to improve Bristol as a more “business friendly” community and to identify priorities for future BEDC focus
➢ Recommended revisions to the Town Zoning Ordinance to simplify and speed the signage permitting process which were adopted by the Town Council on March 31, 2010
➢ Developed, in conjunction with the Community Development Department, simplified flowcharts to guide business owners through the permitting process, as well as simplified guidelines (“blue brochure”) for opening or expanding a business in Bristol and posted both on the Town website
➢ Developed and executed a Community Business Recognition Program in partnership with East Bay Newspapers and the Warren Economic Development Commission; awards to be made three (3) times a year.
➢ Developed content and format for an EDC website that will be linked to the Town of Bristol’s website; proposal has been approved by the Town Administrator and design and implementation in process
➢ Initiated business “outreach” program to include welcoming new business owners and conducting interviews with current business owners to discuss suggestions regarding improving Bristol as a place to do business
➢ Supported and participated in the successful planning and execution of the 1st Annual Bristol “Snowflake Raffle” in support of the DBMA during the 2009 holiday season
➢ Made recommendations to update the Tangible’s Tax Form to obtain necessary electronic contact information (email address, web address, etc.) for future communication
➢ Developed and implemented a Beginner Level Computer class at the Rogers Free Library; plan to work with the Library Board and staff to build on this opportunity to assist Bristol residents develop these skills
➢ Created Business Owner Database of 600+ names & addresses combining the resources of the Town’s Tangible List, as well as the East Bay Chamber and DBMA membership lists; edited out duplicate listings and defunct businesses
➢ Completed Economic Development Assessment in conjunction with the Center for Urban and Regional Policy (CURP) at Northeastern University with a Statewide Planning Grant which will be used in the development of an Economic Development Plan for Bristol
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Mount Hope Farm Cool Jazz Party
The event will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2010 and will feature the band of Ed Massa. A raw bar and cash bar will commence at 4:00 at the cool Cove Cabin location overlooking Mount Hope Bay. This will be followed by a lobster and steak dinner at 6:00 and a live auction with many interesting, must have items (go to www.mounthopefarm.com for the latest details).
Event chairs, Joe and Betty Brito, are confident that “With great music, great food and a perfect location at the right price, it is likely that this event will sell out quickly. If you want to attend, you should make your reservations early.” The ticket price this year has been rolled back with the intent of making “Cool Jazz” more affordable and inclusive.
Invitations for the event have just been mailed, but since the mailing list is incomplete, you will want to be sure you receive an invitation by calling Mount Hope Farm 254.1745 ext. 103.
It’s Your Farm. Enjoy It!
Click on separate images once to enlarge.
How to Send HESS Packing
Here’s a key question about John Hess, who runs Hess Petroleum, and has been haunting these environs with the tenacity of Marley’s ghost for six years.
Why won’t Hess go away?
Hess has kept the prospect of its proposed Weaver’s Cove liquid natural gas (LNG) berth and tank dangling over our heads. His leased, huge LNG tankers would frequently transit and depart via the bay route between Newport in the south and Fall River-Swansea-Somerset in the north.
Hess’s staff and mind-bending public-relations enterprises continue to disturb our peace. We’ve all said no countless times. The Interior Department of the Federal government just recently said no. The residents of Swansea and Somerset, whose safety and home values are under assault, have repeatedly said no. Marine industries, environmentalists, and every single municipality along the route of the LNG behemoths that would clog and endanger the bay and the shore, have all said no. But, like leeches, Hess hangs on.
So why won’t Hess go away? Here’s my guess. It’s the prospect of feeding Hess’s neighbor – Brayton Point power station – with the thawed out natural gas to keep its generators running. Brayton Point, had been one of the most polluting electric facilities in all of New England, long in the gun-sights of environmentalists and government regulators, fouling the air with the coal and oil it burns, and the water of the bay with the thermal output of its four mammoth generating units. Only one of those units burns natural gas, the only clean fossil fuel that Brayton Point uses.
Brayton Point is under orders to clean up its act. It has recently constructed two mammoth cooling towers to vent its thermal pollution upward instead of bay waters.
My guess it that its clean-up efforts would be complete if it would convert the three generating units that burn coal and oil into clean-burning natural gas. That could give Hess’s nearby Weaver’s Cove operation a pre-sold nearby user, and the profits to go with it. But some 20 interstate natural gas pipe lines already serve the northeast. And three LNG berthing sites are now operating safely offshore thawing natural gas off-loaded from LNG tankers. If Brayton Point pipes these sources to its units, our problem is solved – without Hess..
Also, a bill introduced by Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, now in the works in Congress, would take siting decisions away from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and restore that power to the states, localities, and the people -- where it belongs.
That would finally send our unwanted guest packing. Please tell our local Congressional delegations to throw their full support behind the Wyden legislation. In Massachusetts, that would be Senators Kerry, Brown and Congressmen Frank, McGovern, and Markey; here in Rhode Island, Senators Whitehouse and Reed, and Congressmen Kennedy and Langevin. Please do it today.
Jerry M. Landay, Bristol, 401-254-2291
Little Compton Antiques Festival on August 6th and 7th
2010 Little Compton Antiques Festival on August 6th and 7th.
Take in the gorgeous setting of Sakonnet Vineyards while
browsing antiques of every shape, style, size and era.
The two-day event begins with an exclusive Preview Party
on Friday, August 6th, including great food from Russell
Morin Fine Catering, music, wine and early buying privileges!
Partial proceeds to benefit Preserve Rhode Island.
Preview Party: August 6th from 6pm to 8pm.
$40 in advance and $45 at the door. Includes Saturday Festival Admission.
Call 401-273-5550 or emailferguson.darruda@comcast.net for reservations.
Antiques Festival: August 7th from 10am to 5pm.
Tickets are $8 at the door or $7 with a copy of any Festival ad.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Peace Vigil Saturday in Bristol
Sponsored by East Bay Citizens for Peace, a grassroots organization committed to peaceful solutions to conflict and to social and economic justice through the promotion of open, respectful dialogue.For more information contact 247-9738, eastbaycitizens4peace@hotmail.com or www.eastbaycitizens4peace.org
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Newport loses race to host America's Cup
This Bad news might be Good news in disguise!
Halsey Herreshoff and Keith Stokes (RIEDC chair) commented on this topic at last nights
terrific 2 hour Bristol Economic Development Conference titled
"Business Owner's Roundtable Discussion".
They both think that the need is to invest and build on the current
momentum and to create a business model at Fort Adams (in Newport)
becoming a world class sailing center with multi-year pre-regatta
qualifying races. Halsey noted that there should now be a shift of focus
- that Fort Adam's should become more than the America's Cup recipient
and to be "the Sailing Capital of America" partnering with
state and private enterprise.
http://www.pbn.com/stories/51001.html?preview_key=000c33ecaaadeae85852b30277ed9efc
Potter League Dog Classes
Year by year Bristol is gaining more people who own dogs (some irresponsible ones) - that's why training is becoming more and more important. These classes are extremely reasonable in price and the instructors are highly trained and professional. All lessons are open to the public. You do not have to have adopted from the Potter League to participate.http://www.potterleague.org/ServicesPrograms/DogObedienceClasses/ObedienceTrainingSchedule/tabid/256/Default.aspx
Thursday night concerts at the John Brown House in Providence
Family Circle Magazine August 2010 issue
Transforming Education in Rhode Island
"Transforming Education in Rhode Island"
Deborah Gist, RI Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to speak at the ALN public forum on Thursday, July 22, to be held at CCRI, Newport, from
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Ms. Deborah A. Gist will provide an overview of the significant progress her Department's made since she began her tenure as the Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education just a year ago.
As Commissioner Gist states, "Rhode Island has made progress in improving its education system, yet we all can agree that we must do much more to improve performance for all of our students. In particular, we must address our achievement gaps. If we want great schools across Rhode Island - the best in the world - then we are responsible for creating that greatness - all of us. I am ready to link arms with educators, leaders, and residents throughout the state to bring a true education renaissance to Rhode Island."
Ms. Gist has been recently recognized as one of the '100 Most Influential People' byTime magazine...
Please join Alliance for a Livable Newport for this important and informative evening.
For more information or to submit questions which you would like addressed by Ms. Gist, please contact: info@livablenewport.net
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Nirschel resigns as RWU President
RWU said the school’s Board of Trustees accepted Nirschel’s resignation on July 2 after he had met with Chairman Richard L. Bready last week.
Bready notified faculty, staff and students through e-mail Tuesday.
“Over the past several weeks, Dr. Nirschel and I have discussed the future direction of the University, and we came to the mutual decision that now is the right time for a change in leadership,” Bready said in the message. “Change is healthy, and the resignation of Dr. Nirschel marks an important turning point for this institution.”
In the separate RWU statement, Bready said, “Transitions at any institution present challenges and opportunities, and Roger Williams is well prepared and positioned for this one. “The Board of Trustees has established a search process for a new president, and the office of the chairman will appoint interim executive leadership shortly.”
The school credited Nirschel with accomplishing much during his tenure. “Roger Williams currently has a strong faculty, great academic programs, excellent facilities and a solid financial position,” RWU said.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Bristol EDC welcomes Keith Stokes on Thursday, July 8
Bristol's Economic Development Commission (EDC)
welcomes
KEITH W. STOKES, Executive Director, Rhode Island
Economic Development Commission (RIEDC)
to the First Annual Bristol EDC Sponsored
Business Owner's Roundtable Discussion
Thursday, July 8, 2010
at 7:00 pm in the Burnside Building
(Corner of Court and Hope Streets)
Refreshments will be served.
AGENDA
Pledge of Allegiance
Opening Remarks – Keith Maloney, Chairman, BEDC
Welcome – Ken Marshall, Chairman, Town Council
Bristol Business Owners Comments -
Bob Chew – Alteris Renewables
Victoria Fonseca – Revival
Mike Hudner – B&H Shipping Group
Ed Mack – Tri-Mack Industries, Inc.
Merritt Meyer – Mosaico CDC
Andy Tyska – Bristol Marine
Response and Comments - Keith Stokes, RIEDC, Executive Director
Roundtable Discussion – BEDC and RIEDC
Summary Remarks & Next Steps – Keith Maloney
Adjournment
This promises to be an excellent event. Please make an effort to attend - especially if you are a
business person or are interested in our business climate.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
News from the Potter League
Email Joyce Barton at joyceb@potterleague.org for more information.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Fireworks are on the Fourth!
If you are a dog lover and a dog owner chances are you have a hard time celebrating Bristol's
Fourth of July parade and the fireworks. Now that Rhode Island has made fireworks LEGAL it's become an all out war trying to protect dogs from fireworks abuse. This and the continual shooting of guns in the parade makes it hard for dog lovers and their pets to have a good time this time of year. (Flag painting by Jasper Johns)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Save the Date: Summertime Jazz at Cove Cabin, Mount Hope Farm
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