Porter Square Neighbors Association

A card for Colin created on Wordle.net - thanks for everything Colin. And best of luck in school and in everything!
norah and the media lab folk!

CCTV is looking for an organized, reliable, and friendly individual with Spanish language skills to help oversee computerCENTRAL during our Wednesday afternoon Tutorial for Non-English Speakers. These drop-in hours mostly help Spanish speakers overcome the linguistic barriers in learning computer technologies by providing instruction in their native languages. CCTV staff will attempt to accommodate other languages whenever possible.

A sincere interest in helping people use computers is required, as is sensitivity to the needs and concerns of those new to computers. Must feel comfortable working with a non-profit organization with a diverse constituency.

Interns receive free CCTV Access Membership, which includes media production training and equipment and facility use.

Details & Benefits
• Work 3 hours per week for up to 4 months
• Receive free membership to CCTV
• Take free classes for the duration of the internship
• Production opportunities available
• College credit possible
• Network with the local video production community
• Get valuable teaching experience.

Available Shift
Must be available during the following lab shift:
• Wednesdays, 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Qualifications:
Knowledge of both MAC and PC computers is required.

How To Apply:
Please send a copy of your resume and 2 references to Nicole Belanger, email to: nicole(AT)cctvcambridge.org, fax to: 617-661-6927, or mail to: Cambridge Community Television, 675 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139.

?Interactive tutorials introduce students to Photoshop’s work area, tools, palettes, and functions. In session #2, the instructor helps students as they experiment with creating and modifying images. This course gives those with no prior Photoshop experience a basic foundation for continued exploration on their own.Dates:

• Tue, 8/10/2010 6:00 PM
• Tue, 8/17/2010 6:00 PM

This course is offered by Cambridge Community Television, in Cambridge, MA. Dates, times and curriculum is subject to change, and enrollment may require membership. To inquire or register for this course, please contact CCTV directly by phone: 617-661-6900

Learn how to produce a documentary by working as part of a documentary team with your classmates. The documentary produced in this class will be featured on CCTV’s Cambridge Media Map. Learn about all the different stages of production and equipment that you will need to make your very own documentary. This class will certify Access Members to checkout CCTV camcorders and reserve CCTV edit suites.Dates:

• Mon, 8/9/2010 6:00 PM
• Wed, 8/11/2010 6:00 PM
• Mon, 8/16/2010 6:00 PM
• Wed, 8/18/2010 6:00 PM
• Mon, 8/23/2010 6:00 PM
• Wed, 8/25/2010 6:00 PM

This course is offered by Cambridge Community Television, in Cambridge, MA. Dates, times and curriculum is subject to change, and enrollment may require membership. To inquire or register for this course, please contact CCTV directly by phone: 617-661-6900

Ever wonder how the weatherman can stand in front of the world? In this two-session class you will learn how to set up a chroma key studio, edit out the background in FCP, and finally insert a still or video background of your choice. Students will have created their own single shot chroma keyed scenes by the end of this class. The sky is an option, but not the limit!Dates:

• Wed, 8/4/2010 6:00 PM
• Thu, 8/5/2010 6:00 PM

This course is offered by Cambridge Community Television, in Cambridge, MA. Dates, times and curriculum is subject to change, and enrollment may require membership. To inquire or register for this course, please contact CCTV directly by phone: 617-661-6900

CCTV is looking for three organized, reliable, and friendly individuals to help oversee computerCENTRAL during drop-in hours.

A sincere interest in helping people use computers is required, as is sensitivity to the needs and concerns of those new to computers. Must feel comfortable working with a non-profit organization with a diverse constituency.

Details & Benefits

* Work 2-3 hours per week for up to 4 months
* Receive free membership to CCTV
* Take free classes for the duration of the internship
* Production opportunities available
* College credit possible
* Network with the local video production community
* Get valuable teaching experience.

Available Shifts

* Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
* Wednesdays, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
* Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Qualifications

Knowledge of both MAC and PC computers is required.

To Apply

Please email a copy of your resume and two references to Nicole Belanger at nicole(AT)cctvcambridge(DOT)org, or drop off at CCTV at 675 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139.

(Photo above by lietk12, available under a Creative Commons license)

• computerCENTRAL: Public Lab

Hello! My name is Nicole Belanger, the new Community Media & Technology Coordinator at CCTV.

I will be facilitating the computerCENTRAL and NeighborMedia programs, continuing CCTV's work building community through access to media tools here in Cambridge. I am thrilled and honored to be here collaborating with the talented community producers, staff, and community members who make CCTV thrive.

This blog will serve as a place to highlight some of CCTV's work and programs. I hope it can also be a place for conversations about community media and technology innovation. Can't wait to chat, share ideas, and hear from you.

On May 10, 2010, Peter Alden www.PeterAldenWildlife.com took a group of people to see a little known Great Blue Heron rookery in Eastern Mass. This was sponsored by Manomet Conservation Center www.manomet.com and videotaped by Ernie Sarro on his Nature Sense series www.TheExpertSeries.TV John Harrison of Medford Wildlife Watch took the photos http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/wildlife/

CCTV is looking for two organized, reliable, and friendly individuals with media production experience to help oversee computerCENTRAL, CCTV's computer lab during our Media Lab & Edit Help hours for CCTV Access Members with Open Production Contracts.

A sincere interest in helping people use computers is required, as is sensitivity to the needs and concerns of those new to media production software. Must feel comfortable working with a non-profit organization with a diverse constituency.

Details & Benefits:
* Work 3 hours per week for up to 4 months
* Receive free membership to CCTV
* Take free classes for the duration of the internship
* Production opportunities available
* College credit possible
* Network with the local video production community
* Get valuable teaching experience

Available Shift:
* Thursday (Media Lab) - 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
* Thursday (Edit Help) - 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Qualifications:
* Required: Knowledge of MAC computers
* Preferred, but not required: Experience with Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Compressor, Photoshop CS4 and Dreamweaver CS4.

How To Apply:
Please send a copy of your resume and 2 references to Nicole Belanger at nicole@cctvcambridge.org, fax to 617-661-6927, or mail to Cambridge Community Television, 675 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139.

(Photo above by Inju available under a Creative Commons license)

• computerCENTRAL: Public Lab

Over the past two years, I've been compiling links to social media resources from around the web. Here's my list that features content from a number of sites, including , Mashable, Engadget. I've also included a link to my bookmarks at Delicious.com. I hope you find them useful. Please share your own links in the comments section at the bottom of the post.

2009

* 5 steps to a successful social media strategy
* 5 Tips for Optimizing Your Brand’s Facebook Presence
* HOW TO: Manage Multiple Social Media Profiles
* 10 Marketing Realities Nonprofits Need to Accept to Succeed
* Social Media Tracking Tools
* Why Organizational Simplicity Is Key To Social Media Strategy Success

2010

* Social media for nonprofits: Where to start?
* 21 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed
* How-to: Effectively manage your Facebook privacy settings with three simple lists
* Social Media Nonprofit Benchmarks

Delicious.com

* Colin Rhinesmith's socialmedia Bookmarks

• Technology Resources for Cambridge Nonprofits

Over the past two years, I've been compiling links to social media resources from around the web. Here's my list that features content from a number of sites, including Socialbrite, Mashable, and Engadget. I've also included a link to my bookmarks at Delicious.com. I hope you find them useful. Please share your own links in the comments section at the bottom of the post.

2009

* 5 steps to a successful social media strategy
* 5 Tips for Optimizing Your Brand’s Facebook Presence
* HOW TO: Manage Multiple Social Media Profiles
* 10 Marketing Realities Nonprofits Need to Accept to Succeed
* Social Media Tracking Tools
* Why Organizational Simplicity Is Key To Social Media Strategy Success

2010

* Social media for nonprofits: Where to start?
* 21 Essential Social Media Resources You May Have Missed
* How-to: Effectively manage your Facebook privacy settings with three simple lists
* Social Media Nonprofit Benchmarks

Delicious.com

* Colin Rhinesmith's socialmedia Bookmarks

• Technology Resources for Cambridge Nonprofits

Photo: Kids met puppets in person at the Tanglewood Marionettes show in Dana Park July 26. This toddler helped the snake charmer adjust his embouchure.

   

“Oooooh!”

Spectators gasped as the big flower flipped over and turned into a dancer in a blue gown. Johann Strauss’s “Blue Danube” played, and a courtly gentleman took the dancer's hand. A red butterfly hovered discreetly over the pair; they circled the stage and waltzed off into space.

The magical dance was part of “The Fairy Circus,” presented by puppeteer Peter Schaefer and his Tanglewood Marionettes on July 26 at Dana Park in Cambridgeport. The show drew a sizeable crowd on this bright, breezy Monday—285 people, according to a head count by Julie Madden, Director of Community Arts for the Cambridge Arts Council (http://www.cambridgema.gov/CAC/Community/summer.cfm). This was the seventh event to be presented this month in the Council's "Summer in the City" series.

Slides:  1. Peter Schaefer with dancers    2. Ballerina    3. Child examines marionettes after the show   4. Kids from Camp Kaleidoscope with Schaefer; Fairy Princess is in front in pink robe   5. Fairy Princess gives hugs on request  6. She also shakes hands   7. Child examines snake charmer    8. Snake charmer with white rabbit   9. Community Arts Director Julie Madden (l) with Peter Schaefer
    
Madden introduced Peter Schaefer, the man behind the marionettes. He has been working with puppets since he was a teenager.

“I did a summer program with a puppeteer, and that was how I learned the business,” he said. “My wife Anne builds the puppets, and we work out the programs together.”

They chose the name “Tanglewood” because it sounded like it had something to do with puppets, Schaefer said.

“They’re made of wood, and there’s a lot of tangled string.”

The troupe’s home base is in Ware; they perform throughout New England. Information about them is on line at http://www.tanglewoodmarionettes.com.

The hour-long performance moved fast. A gangly clown did stunts; a ballerina pirouetted; a juggler flipped balls around (how on earth did he do that?); a big hairy spider did a shuffle step and dashed out into the crowd—with Schaefer at the controls—bringing shrieks and laughter from the audience. A gnome grabbed a hose and sprayed people with water. A snake charmer played a mysterious melody that brought his serpent swaying up out of the basket, then switched to a blast of jazz that launched the beast into a dance frenzy.

Part of the fun is being able to see the puppeteer in action. Peter Schaefer stands behind a low backdrop that lets his audience see what makes the characters move. The effect was intensified on this occasion as the brilliant noon sun cast sharp black shadows on the backdrop from his hands and apparatus. For actions involving three characters—two dancers and a butterfly, for example—he held a set of controls in his teeth.

After the show Schaefer set the racks of marionettes out on the field so people could handle them and see how they worked. He walked through the crowd, carrying the pink-robed Fairy Queen suspended by her strings. She presides over the festivities.

“Would you like to shake hands with her?” he asked as kids crowded around. “Would you like a hug?”

The queen was happy to oblige.

  

• NeighborMedia Cambridge

RazorsInTheNight.mp4

oi oi skinhead, get yr hair cut!

http://razorsinthenight.com/
http://www.myspace.com/razorsboston

Whole episode HERE

• Bandwidth

By Karen Klinger

While in recent years Cambridge has been named as "America's walking city" by one national publication and given high marks as a town for bicyclists by another, city officials are hoping to give people another reason to get around without cars through a pilot program that aims to use social marketing techniques to promote the virtues of moving on two feet, two wheels or public transportation.

Called "CitySmart," the grant-funded initiative is in its second year and based on similar programs that have shown success in Europe, Australia and some other American cities. In an effort to maximize awareness within a smaller subset of the population, the program administrators decided to focus last year on Cambridgeport and this year on North Cambridge. A brochure the city is distributing headlined "Hello North Cambridge, Meet CitySmart" explains that all North Cantabrigians can receive kits with information about transportation alternatives and goodies such as stainless steel water bottles and pedometers by contacting the program and providing some basic feedback about their needs and interests.

The program's point person at city hall is Jasmine Laietmark (jlaietmark@cambridgema.gov), who recently co-led a beginner's bike ride around North Cambridge and Fresh Pond with the aim of encouraging people, even those with young children (and the children themselves), to get out and pedal and to observe the rules of the road while doing so. Her co-leader was Dan Pugatch, a mechanic at the Broadway Bicycle School in the city, who said he started leading similar rides on a monthly basis when he heard people say they'd like to ride, but were so fearful they were inclined to stay on sidewalks--never a good idea.

Doubtless with good reason, drivers in Massachusetts have been criticized for often not knowing that under the law, bicyclists have just as much right to the road as they do. But the bikers have also been taken to task--again with good reason--for failing to obey traffic rules such as stopping for red lights and stop signs and not using their arms to signal left and right turns. Before the start of the recent ride, Pugatch carefully went over those rules and some others, such as pointing to potholes or other hazards to the bikers behind you.

The bicycle ride was just one of a number of events CitySmart has participated in this year, including a two-wheeling tour in May sponsored by the Cambridge bicycling committee and a "family day" last month at Rindge Field behind the Peabody School on Rindge Avenue. On August 3, CitySmart will be at the "National Night Out" neighborhood party, also at Rindge Field and on September 16 is slated to take part in a "story walk" with a back-to-school theme at the Peabody.

From now until October 1, North Cambridge residents who want any or all of the transportation kits CitySmart is offering can do so by going online to www.cambridgema.gov/citysmart or calling 617-349-4631. The program brochure says they can receive as many as they'd like, and everyone who signs up gets a basic kit. The choices include:

Basic Kit: Information about getting around in Cambridge and coupons from local businesses, packaged in a reusable CitySmart shopping bag.

Transit Kit: MBTA schedules, maps, business coupons and a free Charlie Card holder.

Bicycling Kit: A Boston Bike Map, reflectors, a tire patch kit and coupons.

Walking Kit: A pedometer, water bottle, walking guides and coupons.

Ridesharing Kit: Information about how to start or sign up with a carpool or rideshare program.

Kids' kit: Stickers, stick-on tattoos, chalk, crayons and activity books on safe walking and bicycling on neighborhood streets. Each book has information for parents about teaching kids safety tips.

The kits will be delivered by the Somerville-based Metro Pedal Power bicycle delivery service.

CitySmart says its primary goal is to "achieve a shift of approximately 10 percent of single-occupant vehicle trips to more sustainable modes, such as walking, bicycling and transit." Based on what an expert panel for "Prevention" magazine found in 2008 when it proclaimed Cambridge the nation's premiere city for walking, that should not--theoretically--be hard to do. Among Prevention's findings: a higher percentage of Cantabrigians walk to work than in any other U.S. city; Cambridge ranks seventh in use of mass transportation and is the 12th lowest in ratio of cars to households; and the city has more parks per square mile than anywhere else in the United States.

The Prevention experts also gave the city credit for its section of the Minuteman Bikeway, a "rails-to-trails" path that is the nation's best known and most utilized former railroad track converted into a bicycling and walking path. The Minuteman--which calls itself "America's most celebrated bike path"--has been inducted into a rails-to-trails hall of fame.

In addition to Prevention's accolades, "Bicycling" magazine has given Cambridge an "honorary mention" on its list of best cities for biking (while consistently criticizing Boston as one of the worst, although conditions for two-wheelers across the Charles River have improved markedly in the last couple of years since Mayor Thomas Menino discovered the joys of bicycling).

With all that Cambridge has going for it, the folks at CitySmart are hoping that more and more people will start thinking, as their literature says, that "Biking, walking and transit take you where you need to be. Whether it's a trip to the grocery store or a day at the beach--getting there really can be half the fun."

Organizations providing partnerships and resources for CitySmart include: Livable Streets Alliance (www.livablestreets.info); Green Streets Initiative (www.gogreenstreets.org); WalkBoston (www.walkboston.org); Cambridge Health Alliance (www.challiance.org); Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (www.massbike.org); Zipcar (www.zipcar.com); MassRIDES (www.commute.com); and MBTA Trip Planner (www.mbta.com/rider_tools/trip_planner).

To see a map with the boundaries of what the city considers North Cambridge (Neighborhood 11), go to: http://www.cambridgema.gov/~CDD/cp/neigh/maps/neighmapindex.html

• NeighborMedia Cambridge

On August 6-7, Cambridge Community Television will celebrate the production of the 50th episode of Bandwidth TV, a local music program, with a 25 hour marathon of Bandwidth TV episodes. Programming will begin at 11:30 PM August 6 on CCTV’s Channel 10.

Since 2005, Bandwidth TV has featured some of the Boston-area’s most popular (and underground) independent artists from a variety of genres, many of which are award-winning acts. Each half-hour program features in-studio performances with the bands, plus interviews.

Bands featured on Bandwidth TV include:

• Razors in the Night (Phoenix Best Music Poll 2010 - Best Punk Act in Boston)

• Girlfriends (Phoenix Best Music Poll 2010 - Best Garage or Psych Act in Boston)

• Debo Band (Phoenix Best Music Poll 2010 - Best World-Music Act in Boston, and Boston Music Awards 2009 - International Music Act of the Year)

• Tijuana Sweetheart (2009 Boston Music Award nominee for Punk Act of the Year, and featured in Guitar Hero II and Rock Band)

• Zili Misik (Phoenix Best Music Poll 2009 - Best World-Music Act in Boston, Boston Music Awards 2008 - Outstanding International Music Act of the Year)

• Big Digits (Phoenix Best Music Poll 2009 - Best Dance, Electronic Act in Boston)

• Three Day Threshold (Winner: 2006, 2004 and 2003 FNX/Boston Phoenix Music Poll, "Best Roots Act,” Winner: 2004 and 2003 Boston Music Award, Outstanding Roots Act)

In addition to highlighting local bands, Bandwidth TV also draws together media makers who are passionate about music; Bandwidth TV is planned, shot, and edited primarily by CCTV volunteers. “With the help of a dedicated group of hosts, editors, and studio crew, plus the show’s increasing popularity with local bands, we are able to crank out one episode every month,” said Marissa Acosta, CCTV Studio Facilities Coordinator.

Being a non-commercial, independent music production allows Bandwidth TV to embrace the full diversity of the local music scene. “When it comes time to pick a band for the next Bandwidth shoot, we look through the list of bands we have found, or who have contacted us, for artists whose genre we have either not featured at all, or not featured in a while,” continued Acosta. “In addition to independent rock and hip-hop, other genres we have showcased have included Noise, African, Opera, Metal, Latin, and Marching Band.”

Bandwidth TV is an offshoot of CCTV’s Bandwidth Music Library, which is available to CCTV producers for use in their productions. To date, 87 artists have licensed their music for use in CCTV productions, providing local artists with an additional avenue for exposure by having their music added to local, non-commercial video productions.

“If you are a local band, we encourage you to submit your music to CCTV’s Bandwidth Music Library, or contact us if you are interested in being featured on the show. If you are a music fan, be sure to tune in to the Bandwidth TV marathon, or view the episodes online,” said Acosta.

Cable subscribers in Cambridge can watch a marathon of all 50 episodes on CCTV’s Channel 10. Razors in the Night will kick off the 25-hour marathon on August 6, 11:30pm, and the other episodes will play all day on Saturday, August 7. Those who do not live in Cambridge can still view all of the episodes online at http://www.cctvcambridge.org/bandwidth

Bandwidth TV is regularly televised on CCTV, as well as public access channels in Boston, Somerville, Brookline, Malden, and Belmont. Click here for play times, and to view episodes online.

Tom Hall (tenor sax); Rob Bethel (cello); Eric Hofbauer (guitar); Luther Gray (drums); Todd Brunel (bass clarinet): live from the Vortex Other Dimension Festival, Cambridge, MA, July 22, 2010.

This artist poses by her quilt during Cambridge Open Studios 2010

DEAR TWIGHLIGHT
Sum perfect five am, an lo birds a’twerping,
hollering for food, behold the Lord
loving the sun awake with song
(as I scream my free inside)

A tall, decades old doze awakens in me
and still
tree of poets, my ears seek you always
artists' ‘scape, your colors,family black intonate me

I have too feigned for art-light, your gift is
my private peek at brilliant spark of God

sparkle, shine,

may I grab onto your windswept
features, nibble the gift He gave you,

share with others
while I still
have
a chance

© Toni Bee
July 25, 2010

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