As some of you are no doubt aware, I am fascinated with 19th century America, and one of the most significant developments in maritime history happened 150 years ago this week. For the first time ever, a battle was fought between ironclad warships in Hampton Roads, Virginia on March 9, 1862. The Confederates had recovered the sunken steam frigate U.S.S. Merrimack and rebuilt it, converting it to a casemate ironclad vessel that they renamed C.S.S. Virginia. The Union’s vessel, the U.S.S. Monitor, was a technological marvel, made almost entirely of iron and containing a revolving gun turret, as well as flush toilets, a forced air ventilation system, and a couple dozen other new inventions. I have found the ship fascinating ever since I was a kid. Perhaps one day I will get a chance to see the recovered parts of the ship at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News.
Tag: boston local news
Looks like another weather record might fall today
Our bizarre winter weather continues. Today we may just break another old record here in Boston for temperature. It’s yet another shorts day for me. It is so strange. I can’t really say that this winter is over, because Boston has been known to have snow this late in the season, even as late as April. But it is starting to feel like winter is over. We are going to have above-average temperatures for most of this week, I think. So although some colder weather might still be possible, it seems to be becoming a lot less likely.
ETA: Another record is broken. The temperature hit 71 degrees Fahrenheit today, breaking the old record of 69 degrees set in 1902.
-Geoff
Dear Phillies fans in the family,
You are forthwith forbidden from mentioning Papelbon to us.
Abnormal weather yet again
So far today we have tied the record for the warmest March 8. I am wearing shorts today. In some ways I don’t mind, after all it’s a nice day outside. But I am concerned about the general weather trends, and the predictions that spring this year is going to be warmer than normal for us. In light of the fact that we had so little snow this year, and thus there is not much snowpack to melt this spring, a warmer spring could spell trouble for gardeners and farmers. We could have droughts to worry about. And it could mean increased risk of fires.
ETA: We broke the record after all. The old record for March 8th was 67 and it reached 68 degrees. Records have been kept since 1872. Right now here in Cambridge it is 66 degrees, with the wind clocking in at 20 mph from the south south-east.
I was hoping to plant some herbs this spring, if I can manage it. I do have a love for things that grow. Just like hobbits. Fresh herbs are so nice for cooking. Maybe I will try making some flavored vinegars or olive oils.
-Geoff
“Cupid’s arrow” 17th Century songs from Spain and the New World ~ El Fuego in concert
Hi folks,
Another fantastic concert to announce. I may be a little biased on this one as I’m running the front of house for this and am friends with the bulk of the performers, but they’re fantastic and inventive. Please come if you can.
Thanks!
~Kelly
“Cupid’s arrow” 17th Century songs from Spain and the New World.
Episcopal Church of Our Saviour Brookline, MA.
Saturday March 31st, 8:00 p.m.
Tickets at the door (cash or check only):
$15 general, $10 students and seniors.
El Fuego Early music Ensemble presents a daring program: Is it sacred or secular love? Spanish conquistadores and South American natives might have listened to villancicos with naughty lyrics and dance rhythms–at church(!)
Reception to follow.
Performers:
Elizabeth Hardy, dulcian; Teri Kowiak, voice; Dan Meyers, recorders and percussion; Camila Parias, soprano; James Williamson, viol and baroque cello. Special guest performer: Tom Zajac, recorder and percussion.
Salome Sandoval, voice, baroque guitar and artistic direction
Never mess with dog lovers
I guess I should amend that to, “Never mess with animal lovers.” For me it is a more accurate statement as I am neither a dog nor cat person but an animal person. But, it was the dog lovers who got Michael Vick sent to jail and fired by the Atlanta Falcons. Now he’s consigned to the Philadelphia Eagles, my least favorite football team. Is he still making money? Sure. But is he being watched like a hawk? Absolutely.
Also, dogs can tear him apart whenever they like.
Internet access, for the moment anyway
We have finally regained our Internet connection. We shall see how long it lasts. I honestly don’t have a lot of faith that it will last. For whatever reason, Verizon DSL seems to be too unreliable. We are hardly the only ones who seem to be having this problem, and I can find a fair bit of evidence that the problem has been going on with many Verizon DSL customers in our area for over a decade.
Nice to know that there are happy endings sometimes
The other day I was down on Charles Street in Boston and I noticed a poster about a missing dog. The stuff that was most memorable was the fact that it was a Yorkie-Chihuahua mix, and that it was left tied up outside a grocery store. Well, the owner managed to get the dog back, but it could have ended much worse. The dog could have just disappeared, never to be seen again. And since coyotes are becoming a big problem even in Boston suburbs, it is not outside the realm of possibility for a coyote to attack a dog that does not have the ability to run away. So be thoughtful with your four-legged friends and don’t make too many assumptions about where is safe and where isn’t safe. The front of a grocery store is a very public place and the dog was still stolen.
-Geoff
Dear Verizon-
We get it. We’re stuck with you. You’re like the abusive spouse that’s got us stuck in a relationship we can’t get out of. You’ve isolated us from our friends, and the only people we know who might be able to help us out are Comcast, who’s WAY worse, and satellite internet, which we can’t afford.
Save the date! ~ Sunday February 19th 3:00pm ~ The Seraphim Singers
Please join the Seraphim Singers at 3pm on Sunday, February 19th at Mission Church in Boston for a commemorative 15th anniversary concert followed by a celebratory reception.
Continue reading “Save the date! ~ Sunday February 19th 3:00pm ~ The Seraphim Singers”
The Books are Taking Over... 