Clayton

That was the name of the black tailed prairie dog that I worked with for years in my museum job.  She passed away a few years ago at a good old age, but I still miss her.  She was a bit pudgy even by prairie dog standards, but she was a cute little thing.

She loved to snack on nuts of different types, she was always amusing on stage when taken out for educational programs for kids and adults alike, and she loved her chin scritches.  She was full of personality, quite content to tell you to bugger off when she didn’t want to be bothered, loved to make up her own comfy sleeping spaces, and was a little tyrant when she felt like it.  I learned a lot about prairie dogs because of her, so when I received the following email from the HSUS I knew that I needed to talk about it, and talk about Clayton, here.

Continue reading “Clayton”

Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act

We’ve all seen the photos that float around on the internet.  They show soldiers in Afghanistan or Iraq with their German Shepherds curled up together after a long day of work.  The MP off duty with helmet for a pillow, her dog sitting dutifully by her side.

What you may not know is that the military currently classifies these animals as “equipment” and that when their working careers are over there is no guarantee that they’ll end up adopted or go home with their handlers.

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Black Cat Appreciation Month

No, not Black Cat Awareness Month, Black Cat Appreciation Month.  Just ask Geoff how much he likes the phrase “raising awareness“.  Go ahead ask him, I’ll wait.

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Musical Offering: Les Grâces sacrées‏

Matthew Halls sends greetings and news of his latest concerts.  They’re coming up soon so don’t miss them!

~Kelly

Dear friends and colleagues,
You’re warmly invited to attend a concert of sacred music from the Versailles chapel this weekend.  Performances on Oct 6 and 7.  See the missive below.
Yours,
Matthew

Dear Friends of Musical Offering,

We invite you to join us as we open our second season, Le Goût Français!  Naturally, we will be exploring French music of the 18th century.  We begin with program entitled Les Grâces sacrées, featuring Claire Raphaelson and Julia Cavallaro singing stunningly beautiful sacred music, by Boismortier, Campra, Clérambault and Couperin.  For programing and venue information, to listen to excerpts from previous concerts, and find out more about us, visit www.musical-offering.org

Claire Raphaelson, soprano
Julia Cavallaro, mezzo-soprano
Sarah Darling, violin
Sarah Paysnick, flute
Rebekah Ahrendt, viola da gamba
Matthew Hall, organ

 
We offer two performances with receptions following each.  Tickets are $15 at the door.
 
Saturday, October 6, 4:00 PM
Lindsay Chapel at First Church, Cambridge
 
Sunday, October 7, 2:00 PM
Lawrence Room at Church of Our Saviour, Brookline

Women’s voices and the election

This was in my inbox from Ultraviolet.  They have a petition going and everything.  There’s not much to be said that I can say better than they’ve said.  Take a look, sign it, add your question and add your voice.

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Meravelha presents “Daydreams and Desires”‏

This is from Teri.  I hope you can make it to one of these concerts.

~Kelly

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Hello Friends!
I wanted to invite you to Meravelha’s debut full-length concert, “Daydreams and Desires.”
This is my first self-directed concert, and I am very excited to be bringing this soulful music to life with such talented colleagues!
Performers:
Teri Kowiak, voice
Jaya Lakshminarayanan, voice and harp
Josh Schreiber Shalem, vielle
Catherine Stein, voice
Tim Whipple, voice
October 13, 8PM    Parish of the Messiah, Newton — Wine and Cheese Reception to follow
$15/General  $20/Priority Seating
Free upgrade to priority seating when reserving tickets in advance!  Reply to this email to reserve tickets.
October 21, 3PM    The First Congregational Church of Natick — Reception to follow
$15/General
Sweetest day special!  Come with a loved one (or just a friend) and get two tickets for $25!
November 4, 3PM   The Loring-Greenough House — High Tea to follow
$15/General–This is a small, intimate venue, best to reserve tickets in advance!  Contact lghouseconcerts@aim.com
You can find more information on us at www.meravelha.com.  Check back periodically, as I will be making updates!

Hobby Lobby and Women as 2nd class citizens

I have to admit that I’d never heard of Hobby Lobby until the first time I went to Alabama with Geoff.  The first time I actually laid eyes on one I started laughing.  I couldn’t believe that someone would actually name their store something that utterly ridiculous.  It turns out that’s not the limit to their ridiculousness.

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Ensemble St. Germain – September 23rd – 4:00pm – Natick, MA

Ensemble St. Germain is back with a second performance of A lot of Alain.  We had a great time last time and we hope that those of you who missed it last time will join us for this performance.

Here’s the review from last time in case you’re interested.

Morceau de lecture   Gabriel Faure
Aria pour flute et orgue   Jehan Alain
O Quam Suavis   Jehan Alain
Tantum Ergo   Jehan Alain
Prelude et fugue sur la nom A.L.A.I.N.   Maurice Durufle
Messe Modale en septour   Jehan Alain
Pavane   Gabriel Faure

First Congregational Church, Natick Center
4:00pm
Sunday September 23, 2012
Tim Macri, Director

This is a free concert; free-will offerings accepted at the door.

I hope to see you there.

~Kelly

My Civil War Walking Tour for Historic New England

Hello everyone.  I have been meaning to put up a link to the new tour that will be led by yours truly, so here is the link to the first one, which will be on September 22nd.  That day is the 150th anniversary of the issuing of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, so it is a pretty appropriate day, I think.    If you have the time, come on out and learn some history with me.

civil war walking tour
Come geek out with me and celebrate American History!

-Geoff