Rhode Island
updated
10:44 a.m.
It's happening in Haiti, and our own close neighbor, Massachusetts is on the front lines and helped score a win against AIDS. ...
Kmareka - 5:26 a.m.
Jack learns about the atmosphere from David Stookey. At least 200 people attended the alternative energy fair at the Portsmouth wind turbine today, according to organizer David Stookey. There were more than a dozen exhibitors, ranging from solar power to fuel-efficient cars to a refrigerator recycling program from National Grid. Seriously — if you have an old refrige...
Hard Deadlines - Sun 2:59 p.m. - 2 clicks 
I'm trying to keep up with an event calendar of local doings either for zilch $ or that I like. If you have anything, feel free to send. I am rightly reminded that whenever it's not a beachy day, the concession stands remain open. Fortunately, a lot of the pollution problems seems to have cleared up with Middletown's sewer work & so this now seems to have little effect here. Yeah!!! Somet...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Sun 12:02 p.m. - 5 clicks
Tech-savvy journalist Scott Rosenberg, co-founder of Salon.com, has a new book on the history of blogging, Say Everything , coming out this week, and judging by the two sample chapters posted on his Web site, it's a must-have. I loved Rosenberg's previous book, Dreaming in Code , which was a Geertzian thick description of a software development project. This time, he's turned his journa...
Hard Deadlines - Sat 7:45 p.m.
So how about her statement that she's, 'passing the ball'? Whoever is she passing it to? Is there a star player waiting to catch a great big ball of Alaska and score the winning shot? Or is the 'ball' the Republican base that is still cheering for her? ...
Kmareka - Sat 1:24 p.m. - 4 clicks
The Golden Dragon is the new Chinese kitchen at the Beach House on Park Ave in Island Park, and after getting grand opening fliers in the Sakonnet Times , we tried it out tonight, and were not disappointed. While it's not really a sit-down kind of place — it is, after all, a rocking local bar — the take-out option and online menu make it easy to swing by and pick up an order. The s...
Hard Deadlines - Fri 7:20 p.m. - 3 clicks
From Sandra J. Flowers : Summer Dance with Magnolia Cajun Band: The Newport Democratic City Committee hosts Magnolia on Thursday, July 30, at the Elks Lodge, Bellevue Avenue at Pelham Street, Newport, from 8 to 11 PM. For only $20, you'll hear and dance to great music, enjoy delicious munchies, and meet lots of nice folks. Pass the word! Magnolia Cajun Band Source: magnoliacajunband.homestead....
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Fri 3:45 p.m.
Due to recent changes in RIPTA service in the 'Fifth Ward' section of Newport, we have arranged to have their management come to Newport to explain these changes, including their 'South Aquidneck Flex Service'. The meeting, which will be announced in the tomorrow's Newport Daily News, will be held at the Newport Public Library on Wednesday, July 8th at 3:00 pm. We are working on getting RIPTA to...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Fri 3:45 p.m. - 2 clicks
Sunday at the turbine! This will be a busy weekend here in the East Bay. I'm sure everyone is hoping for a break in the weather this weekend, especially those aiming to attend the world-famous Bristol parade. And if you haven't read the Sakonnet Times story on two of the the special guests, it's worth a peek . Hint: They were in Times Square on August 14, 1945. Looking...
Hard Deadlines - Fri 8:09 a.m. - 9 clicks
School Committee member Steve Stycos provided the following update on the budget for the Cranston Schools, and explains his reasoning behing agreeing to the $25,000 payout to the outgoing Superintendent: BUDGET The Cranston School Committee passed a final budget last week that was balanced without draconian cuts to school programs thanks to federal stimulus funds, [...] ...
Kmareka - Fri 7:18 a.m. - 8 clicks
The Providence Journal leads today with this story on the effort to change the state's name from Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to just plain Rhode Island, because the word "plantation" is just to slavery-ish. It's not as though we added the word to the state's name just to say "screw you" to blacks, the way the states of Mississippi and Georgia did when they added Confederate battle...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Thu 4:09 a.m. - 17 clicks
It’s looking like July 4th is going to be a glorious day of sunshine. With that bit of good news, I bring you this week’s market update from Steve Stycos: CARROTS, POTATOES AND BEETS The Pawtuxet Village Farmers Market will be open Saturday July 4 from 9 AM to 12 PM. Summer vegetables are arriving. Last [...] ...
Kmareka - Wed 7:22 p.m. - 2 clicks
There's no bad drugs, only misunderstood ones. Our esteemed colleague, Rush Limbaugh, may want to donate his liver to medical science for vacuuming up prodigious amounts of acetaminophen with his hydrocodone. ...
Kmareka - Wed 6:20 p.m.
Yeah, I’m disappointed. One of the first things I did with this blog is interview Elizabeth Roberts as she pursued her candidacy for Lt. Governor. Having witnessed her in actions as a Senator for my district in Cranston, I knew she had tremendous potential, and one day I hoped she would make it [...] ...
Kmareka - Wed 4:12 p.m. - 8 clicks
Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts has decided not to run for Governor, opting instead to seek re-election, she announced on her blog today. While most commentors on her Facebook page supported her decision, a few expressed disappointment that she was not going to be seeking the top spot on the ticket. In a statement, Robert said, "I’ve spent the past few months exploring a run for governor, an...
Hard Deadlines - Wed 4:12 p.m. - 3 clicks
Since when is God voting in Senatorial elections? Can God prove his citizenship? ...
Kmareka - Wed 6:27 a.m. - 3 clicks
The Portsmouth School Committee tonight voted to recall all the teachers who had been sent layoff notices, according to chair Dick Carpender, who said that budget numbers received today from the state made the difference. "We don't know what will happen in the future," said Carpender, "But for now, it's enough." This will be good news for parents (and friends of the schools) who had been conc...
Hard Deadlines - Tue 2:49 p.m. - 11 clicks
In a fascinating case – Thomas Adams v. RI Department of Correction – the plaintiff appealed from an order and judgment of the Superior Court granting summary judgment in favor of the defendant. The plaintiff alleged that he became ill after ingesting a box of raisins distributed by the defendant as part [...] ...
Closing Argument - Tue 2:06 p.m. - 2 clicks
One of the biggest controversies brewing before the Rhode Island Supreme Court involves Section 5 of Article VI of Rhode Island’s Constitution: Section 5. Immunities of general assembly members. — The persons of all members of the general assembly shall be exempt from arrest and their estates from attachment in any civil action, during the session [...] ...
Closing Argument - Tue 2:06 p.m. - 8 clicks
The Minnesota Supreme Court has declared Democrat Al Franken the winner in the long-contested Senate race, the New York Times reports . ...
Hard Deadlines - Tue 12:04 p.m. - 2 clicks
Veteran Cranston reporter David Scharfenberg (as one of the newer hires he got downsized from the Projo when they went thin) tells the story of how Jim Taricani and other investigative reporters for TV news are being expected to do more with less. From the Providence Phoenix: There has been plenty of hand-wringing, [...] ...
Kmareka - Tue 9:28 a.m. - 7 clicks
While the budget on Governor Carcieri's desk may or may not be the final word, Portsmouth's school department is still working to calculate the bottom line impact, according to School Committee Chair Dick Carpender. "As of noon when I talked with [Finance Director] Chris Tague we still did not have any info from the Rhode Island Department of Education or the Association of School Committees," ...
Hard Deadlines - Mon 4:09 p.m. - 7 clicks
The Center for the Study of Science Fiction announced the 2009 John W. Campbell Award for best novel today, and the winners are Cory Doctorow's Little Brother in a tie with Ian MacLeod’s Song of Time . In the short fiction category, James Alan Gardner’s “The Ray Gun: A Love Story” won this year's Sturgeon Award. James Gunn, who directs the Center, said in a statement, "This is only the third...
Hard Deadlines - Mon 2:22 p.m.
Today's ProJo has a great article about fake health insurance scams. ...
Kmareka - Jun 29 - 2 clicks
A 'dog whistle' is a signal to a constituency that is couched in language that the faithful will recognize, but unbelievers will miss. ...
Kmareka - Jun 29
Portsmouth's wind turbine generator will make a spectacular backdrop for a local alternative energy festival scheduled for July 5 at from 1-4 pm at the High School. According to an e-mail sent to supporters: Energy Independence Day is July 5th! Cool Aquidneck Island, the RI Council of MoveOn.org, Channing Green Congregation, and Sierra Club RI Chapter are hosting an energy fair from 1 to 4 PM...
Hard Deadlines - Jun 29 - 3 clicks
Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch has joined 7 other state’s Attorneys General in writing to Fed Ex and urging them to properly classify their workers as employees rather than independent contractors. Thirty states are investigating FedEx Ground to determine if the company is misclassifying FedEx drivers as independent contractors through its owner-operator model. And more [...] ...
Closing Argument - Jun 26 - 4 clicks
Injured Rhode Islanders have recently won justice in Rhode Island’s trial courts: Yesterday, a Providence County jury returned a $3.5 million award in a medical malpractice case being tried by Decof & Decof attorneys Neil Kelly and Mark Brice. The defense firm was White, Carlin and Kelly. After a three-week trial, a Providence County jury awarded a [...] ...
Closing Argument - Jun 26 - 3 clicks
New for the Summer of 2009- Night time family fun at the Beach beginning July 6 Monday nights - Discount Night- 1/2 price carousel rides, $ 1.00 off admission to the Beach Bounce, 10% off all Easton's Beach clothing and beach accessories at Rosie's beach store, free ice cream for kids 8 and under, 1/2 price pop corn and more. Tuesday Nights - Family Night- Enjoy a wonderful variety of ...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 26
What can you do in 7 minutes? My mom used to make a boiled "Seven Minute Frosting." You can play "7 Minutes in Heaven." Or you can approve a State budget in the Senate Finance Committee. Although Channel 10 says it only took 5 minutes. Last year there was rebellion in this committee when it came to the supplemental budget. It took the Sen. Pres. & Majority &...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 26
The Supreme Court issued an 8-1 opinion today which held that Arizona public school officials violated the constitutional rights of a teenage girl when they subjected her to a strip search while acting on an anonymous tip that the girl had prescription-strength ibuprofen. “The issue here is whether a 13-year-old student’s Fourth Amendment right was violated [...] ...
Closing Argument - Jun 25
Ian Donnis interviewed me for his lengthy feature on new media and politics. The story also features freshman State Representative Chris Fierro and Barack Obama’s state coordinator, Rep. Ray Sullivan. Click here to check it out. The social messaging service Twitter has figured prominently during recent unrest in Iran. Activists have used short Twitter messages [...] ...
Closing Argument - Jun 25 - 5 clicks
www.rifuture.org stating that flat tax freeze bill failed. No monies for towns/cities from the state is now likely. The Office of the Health Commissioner is now restored. It's elimination was almost a million in savings. ...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 24 - 4 clicks
July 1 at 6 pm Health Care Community Dinner - The Portuguese American Vasco de Gama Hall, 15 Fenner Ave., Newport, RI Please bring your family and friends for a free macaroni and meatball community dinner on Wednesday, July 1 at 6 p.m. in Newport to share your personal story about the crisis in our health care system - and your ideas about how to fix it. Click here to let them kno...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 24 - 5 clicks
There is an interesting online article by Jim Brady, former exec editor of the "Washington Post" entitled, "Why A New (And Unusual) Pricing Strategy By A Rhode Island Paper Will Fail." The title kind of says it all. While praising the local rag (NDN) for at least trying a unique strategy to increase their income, "But to me, this model reeks of desperation. It’s as if, having ...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 24 - 4 clicks
If every council/school person on the island hasn't written the local Reps., they get what they deserve- little State funding & ever-soaring property taxes. Hey, I've done my part. After this hurdle, the State Senate, but don't expect much rebellion there, although they could surprise you- I live in hope. Lots of blah, blah about prostitution though. Of course, you could always try & a...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 24
In opening remarks before the national convention of the American Constitution Society, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse articulated a strong, well-researched rebuttal to the omnipresent Republican talking point that SCOTUS nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s ability to understand how court decisions affect peoples lives somehow means she is not suited to sit on the Supreme Court. Whitehouse argued [...]...
Closing Argument - Jun 23
The Meriden Record-Journal is reporting on a major change in the philosophy of Chris Dodd of CT. I can't believe that the people of CT would vote for anyone other than the progressive democrat, Chris Dodd. As the Record-Journal is......
RIslander - Jun 23
The opinion article in the NDN on Wed. certainly caught my eyes with Rep. Loughlin screaming, "Socialized Medicine- Don't go There." Socialized medicine. I haven't heard that bugaboo since I was a h.s. debater with the topic of whether or not we should adopt Medicare. It was in the early 1900's that the AMA decided to torpedo attempts to supply Amercian's health care coverage w...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 22 - 3 clicks
This is the time to send your message to your two Senators- Reed & Whitehouse. Sen. Reed has come up with an alternate program which does NOT offer a strong public health insurance option. Want health insurance costs to go down? The only way this will happen is to control drug costs & take some of the profit out of it, along with better management. It needs to be ready on day one. Tha...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 22
Eileen, Did you get anything at the Child and Family fundraiser? There were all kinds of sizes! I bought some wonderful items, including a really neat hat! What a good way to raise funds for a great cause! Sandra Flowers ...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 22
Your legislators want to know- truly. E-mail them or leave comments here. What do you think about the elimination of the new Insurance Regulators' office? Elimination of state aid? Freezing of school aid? Addition of new gas tax? Capital gains' tax elimination? Raising of the limits for Inheritance taxes? You can't expect them to fight for you if they don't hear from you. They certainly will hear...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 22 - 2 clicks
Let your local legislators hear from you now! The guv's budget is out for months, but the Houses' for only a week prior to the vote. This is the link for sending a message to your legislators to repeal the flat tax & help restore general revenue sharing to our District. ...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 22
Here is what the flat tax costs you the local property tax payer. The % is the amount your taxes will need to go up to make-up for the proposed general fund monies no longer to be received. All this for less than 15 wealthy individuals (19 in Newport, 22 in Portsmouth)). End or freeze the flat tax & aid will be restored. Seems like a no-brainer to me. Sorry, this tax NEVER made any sense ...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 21 - 3 clicks
On the George Stephanopouls program this a.m. Senator Chris Dodd, the great supporter, with Ted Kennedy, of the public option for health care wiped the floor with Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who like all republicans is supporting the......
RIslander - Jun 21
Under the House's proposed General Budget, aid to towns & cities will be deep-sixed. % = amount of municipal budget loss Middletown $829,818 3.8% Newport $1,564,837 2.92% Tiverton $547,575 3.34% Little Compton $89,670 1.93% Portsmouth $554,736 2.84% This could be restored in the flat tax were frozen or eliminated. But we wouldn't want to actually help all of us with our own monies, would...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 19 - 3 clicks
Newport County residents and employees of the local hospitality industry will be eligible for free admission or other discounts at a number of local attractions during “Newport County Days” on Sunday and Monday. The event is sponsored by the Attractions Council of Newport County. To receive the discount, visitors must show proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or other identification wi...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 19 - 4 clicks
Ophelia's Wardrobe is a fundraiser for the Ophelia Sessions held by C & Family of Newport Co. They have new/used designer clothing for all! Tickets for the $60 preview & auction Fri. nt. while the actual sale is Sat. & Sun. at Wakehurt (Ochre Point & Leroy- good luck with parking). 10-4; 10-2. Yes, I'll be there and NO there will be nothing there that is size 12 or size 8- 81...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 19 - 3 clicks
Come to a free yoga class Newport Hospital Wed Jun 24 noon ! All-Level YogaEIE Community Room, 3rd Floor MacLaurin, Newport Hospital New Session begins the week after. Wednesday noon $48 for a 6 week pass Single class $10 Janne Sahady, Registered Yoga Teacher Call 401-465-6577 Other yoga possibilities this summer– First Beach Monday series July 6: 6-7PM Zumba Dance- Linda Rawstron July 13...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 19 - 4 clicks
To kick off the Habitat for Humanity, East Bay RI Chapter upcoming build, we will be hosting our inaugural fundraising event June 19th at the Rotunda Ballroom on Easton’s beach in Newport. Ticket price will include appetizers and cocktails (yes, open bar!) as well as entertainment and a silent auction. The carousel will be open for rides and we will have a presentation detailing the upcoming buil...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 19 - 3 clicks
Today the AP announced that it will distribute work by four investigative non-profits being: "the Center for Public Integrity, the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University, the Center for Investigative Reporting, and ProPublica." This is a six month trial arrangement due to the fact that newspapers rarely offer investigative reporting while there is an ever-increasing non-profit...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 16
All you need to know about the public option for health care and whether it is good for the people is that these three groups--long known to gouge the people for $$$---America's Health Insurance Plans, an industry trade group, the......
RIslander - Jun 16
I'm lifting this post from "The Cat's Meow" from MPL. Too bad kids can't pick this up from school computers- remember, they've banned me & anyone using blogspot. Because the school dept. can & no one complains. Nope, we wouldn't want them to know anything about their own public library, would we. Young adults can obtain a pen pal from- R.I.! No postage required. Way Cool! "...
Rhode Island's Twelfth - Jun 14
Ted Kennedy has been sidelined by his own health problems for a time...he has tapped his good friend Chris Dodd to fight the good fight...the inclusion of a SINGLE PAYER-GOVERNMENT OPTION...in any legislation that is passed by the Congress. I......
RIslander - Jun 11
Donald Lally, a south kingstown representative, under the thumb of Speaker William Murphy of the RI legislature is Chair of the Judiciary Committee. Murphy has told Lally not to report the same sex marriage bill to the floor of the......
RIslander - Jun 10 - 4 clicks
I watch the Morning Joe program each morning. The actual stars of the program are Willie Geist and Mike Barnicle. Willie took on the sports reporting again this a.m. and nothing could have been better. Barnicle showed his strength in......
RIslander - Jun 9
The moderates in the U.S. Senate are under pressure to wipe out the concept of a government single payer health care plan. They are folding to the big bucks insurance companies and their price gouging ways. It's time for the......
RIslander - Jun 9
How embarrassing is it for RI that CBN, the Christian Conservative Pat Robertson's network, chose RI for a story on same sex marriage because the leadership in the legislature and the Gov. are in agreement with CBN and the Christian......
RIslander - Jun 9
CQ rates the RI Governor's Race as Tossup between the Democratic nominee and former Senator Lincoln Chafee who is running as an independent. The only Republican, so far, to step forward is Rep. Joe Trillo...CQ gives him no chance whatsoever...gee,......
RIslander - May 29 - 4 clicks
A recent poll by Brown University, published in the Providence Journal, shows that 60% of RIslanders are ok with same sex marriage. The full text of the poll was also published by the Projo... This begs the question, then, where......
RIslander - May 28 - 2 clicks
Not a peep out the White House yesterday on the California Supreme Court decision to let prop 8 stand. It is bad enough that Obama has let down the gay community on so many promises, but not to even acknowledge......
RIslander - May 27
In a devastating report released by the feds, Rhode Island had the highest rate of people 12 and older who had used illegal drugs in the past month — 11.2 percent. North Dakota had the lowest rate, 5.7 percent. Vermont......
RIslander - May 27 - 4 clicks
If you are looking for my choice for the Supremes, Mr. Obama, Pamela Karlan is my definite choice as the perfect faceoff to Scalia...but Kathleen Sullivan, also from Stanford would be a great choice, too....
RIslander - May 26
Our great man, Willie Geist, did his fill in for the usual sports commentator on Morning Joe today...he was absolutely perfect...a great combination of sports knowledge and humor. I still don't understand why MSNBC doesn't let the Big Will do......
RIslander - May 26
The Obama administration in pushing for health care for all Americans MUST also give us all the opportunity to sign up for the Single Payer Option. Single Payer Option in health care is where: "All Americans would receive comprehensive medical......
RIslander - May 25 - 2 clicks
The glbt or gay political community is upset that President Obama has yet to move on their issues and if he wants their continued support, they want to see action: "They believe the Obama White House and the Democratic-controlled Congress......
RIslander - May 21
President Obama spoke on terrorism and Guantanamo today. He made it clear that he will close Gitmo, and most importantly the United States will not engage in torture. Cheney in his speech, as one commentator noted, treated the U.S. Constitution......
RIslander - May 21
President Obama, who these days is moving further and further to the right on war issues, should read this great column by Maureen Dowd. Cheney Grabs a Third Term - NYTimes.com Source: www.nytimes.com...
RIslander - May 20
Clearly, President Obama is a sensitive, intelligent, and moral man. He proved that again today at the graduation ceremonies at Notre Dame University in Indiana. As proud as I was of President Obama, who despite his views that clash with......
RIslander - May 17
All the awful stuff Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld did over the last eight years is really horrifying for anyone who believes in America's greatness and it's usefulness as a light in the darkness for all those who believe in the......
RIslander - May 17
