The Peanuts Tarot

It's not Rhode Island based, but it's so fantastic that I had to point to it.


The Peanuts Tarot! A fantastic concept brilliantly executed.

First Night Fall River is Free!

One of the nicest First Night's I've ever performed at was First Night Fall River. One of the reasons why is that it's free! That really puts people in the holiday mood! The other thing is that it's not very large, so you see more of the community come out.


Festivities begin at 6:30 pm with a Mardi Gras parade leaving from Kennedy Park, where free masks, maracas and other party favors will be given to the first 500 to arrive; travels down South Main Street to Government Center, where the first floor will be transformed into a "Candyland" theme. All 17 venues are around Government Center and will be open 7 pm-midnight. Entertainment begins at 7:30 pm, with most performers doing four sets, at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30. There will be a huge barbecue pit,a lifesize Candyland Game you can actually play, giant gingerbread house, and woodcarving demonstrations. Free ice skating will be set up next to the Fall River Post Office, and there'll be fireworks displays at 7 pm and midnight.

Sadly, they don't seem to have a website, so give them a call to see who's performing. Looking over their schedule, I noticed the Wright Brothers, the Suspenders, Alex the Jester, Sparky's Puppets, and Roomful of Blues. I can attest that all of those performers are really quite good!

Give them a call at (508) 324-2600 to get the full schedule.

First Night Providence 2003

First Night Providence is almost here! First Night Providence is Rhode Island’s most dynamic artistic celebration, a spectacular and diverse arts extravaganza mounted in downtown Providence on the eve of each New Year. Featuring nearly 200 acts in 30 indoor venues within downtown Providence, First Night Providence has grown mightily since its inception in 1985. First Night has drawn as many as 50,000 people to the day-long festivities. Family oriented and alcohol-free, the event offers a wide range of creative, often participatory activities for the enjoyment of audiences of all ages.

Beginning in the early afternoon and culminating with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight, the city becomes a stage with magicians, storytellers, poets, comedians, dancers, mimes, puppeteers, actors and musicians of every stripe.

Supported by the generosity of citizens and business, First Night has become a major player in Providence's cultural landscape.

Buttons to see all the festivities are just $12, and are available at a variety of locations. See the website for details.


You can also plan your evening using the First Night Database !

"Asco wequassunnu'mmis netop"

  (Good Morning, Friend)

The Narragansett Indians are the descendants of the aboriginal people of the State of Rhode Island. Archaeological evidence and the oral history of the Narragansett People establish their existence in this region more than 30,000 years ago. This history transcends all written documentaries and is present upon the faces of rock formations and through oral history. The first documented contact with the Indians of Rhode Island took place in 1524 when Giovanni de Verrazano visited Narragansett Bay and described a large Indian population, living by agriculture and hunting, and organized under powerful "kings".

The Narragansett website has history, programs, links, employment opportunities, a newsletter, and many other interesting things about the Narragansett tribe. Click above to find out more about the aboriginal residents of Rhode Island.

H A P P Y
H O L I D A Y S !

If you are looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, you might consider a Powerball ticket. Right now the lottery is up to an estimated $280 million ($151 million cash option)

If somebody does win the jackpot, it is going to be a very happy Christmas indeed! (actually, it will be a day late, because the drawing is on Wednesday the 25th!)

Of course, the odds of any one person winning are incredibly low (an estimated 1 in 120,000,000 chance.) That number is literally so close to zero that you have a better chance of getting hit by lightning 3 times in a row during a rainless day. But somebody is eventually going to win it, and YOU can't win it if you don't play.

Money the state earns from the lottery goes into Rhode Island's general fund, so it's possible that you could be helping out the libraries or the schools by playing. (Then again, you could have been buying expensive steaks and lobsters for the Governor of Montana when he was here.)


See the Powerball Home Page

GOOD LUCK!

King Tusk, Ringling Elephant, dies at age 57.

King Tusk, once billed as the Largest Living Land Mammal for Ringling Brothers Circus, passed away a few days ago. King Tusk, also known as Tommy, was a real trooper, and performed admirably for most of his life with the circus. He entertained millions, and he will be missed.


Rhode Island has a dead elephant in its history too. On May 24, 1826, a 12 year old Elephant (Little Bett-- only the second elephant to walk the American continent !) and her trainer were crossing the only bridge out of the village of Chepachet after a show, when shots rang out from a nearby grist mill. Little Bett was killed nearly instantly. The next day, her carcass was skinned and the hide sent off to the Boston Museum. Seven men were found guilty of the shooting, and two of them were kicked out of the Masons for their deed. May 25,1976, was declared Elephant Day, and a plaque on the bridge was placed to mark the spot where Little Bett met her maker. To this day, Chepachet continues to celebrate Elephant Day every May 25.

Read more about Little Bett

Even more about Little Bett
(From the Chepachet historian who helped start Elephant Day!)

Read More about King Tusk

A Tribute to Christiana Bannister

A bust of Christiana Bannister, a successful businesswoman, fundraiser, Underground Railroad worker, hairdresser, and supporter of the arts was recently honored at the State House in Providence a couple of days ago. She is the second woman and the first woman of color to be immortalized in the State House.



To read a more full account of Bannister's life, check out this article by Jane Lancaster, a fellow at the John Nicholas Brown Center at Brown University.
[ The article recently appeared in the Providence Journal, so you might need to register or sign in to see it (and it might expire)]


Read the Biographies of some other famous Rhode Island women.

RI Holocaust Museum Book Club

Every second Wednesday of the month, the RI Holocaust Museum Book Club meets at 7 pm at Borders in Cranston to discuss a pertinent book. This month it's Imperfect Justice by Stuart Eizenstat. It's a very special night, because the author himself will be there to read and will also share from his newly published book on the legal battles that continue to be a legacy of the Holocaust.

The evening is 7 pm, January 8, 2003 at Borders Book Shop in Garden City. AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM!

A KWANZAA SONG

Providence Black Repertory presents its second annual production of playwright/actor Ricardo Pitts-Wiley's holiday piece, which tells the story of Azu, an African "futureseer," through storytelling, music and dance. Part of the Performing Arts Series at Rhode Island College's Roberts Hall, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island (401-621-7122), through December 29. Curtain is at 2 p.m. on Monday, at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, at 2 p.m. (December 28 only) and 8 p.m. on Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $20/ $15 seniors and children 12 and under.

Organized Crime in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has had a bad reputation as a corrupt state, a high crime state, and a state run by organized crime (ie. The Mafia) While no state is 100% corrupt or 100% honest, truth be told, we've had our share of bad occurrences and infamous people. Here's a couple of pages that look at our not so glorious history .

New England Mafia Homepage

Mob War in Beantown (by Allan May)


The Providence Mob (by Allan May)

The New England Blizzard of 1978
If you think that the weather the last few days has been bad, you should read about what happened during the Blizzard of '78!




A personal account

Read the Providence Journal's Version

Weather.com's Storms of the Century

229 years ago today, the Boston Tea Party happened!

On December 16, 1773, American patriots dressed up as Mohawk Indians boarded three ships docked in the Boston Harbor owned by the East Indian Trading Company. They emptied 342 chests of tea into the ocean in protest of the British Parliament's Tea Act of 1773. The tea was valued at more than 10,000 pounds. This event became known as the "Boston Tea Party" and was one of the first acts of violence in America to protest taxation without representation.


Little known is the fact that Providence had its own tea party in March of 1775. This took place at the Market House, located at the corner of College and South Main Street, now owned by the Rhode Island School of Design.



Read an eyewitness account of the Boston Tea party.


Visit the Boston Tea Party museum on-line [Sadly, due to fire damage, the actual museum is currently closed]


Find out where the Boston Tea Party really happened



Click the pictures to see where the Providence Tea Party Happened.

Santa Lives in Pawtucket!

Well, at least the Santa To the Stars © does! Brady White, one of the most sought-after Santas around, lives right here in Pawtucket. He travels around the world throughout the year performing as Santa in films, television, and live appearances. His beard is even insured by Lloyds of London!

By checking his website, you can see how many seconds there are until Christmas, see a host of articles written about him, and even read about the Alzheimer Fund that he's started!

Santa arrives in Woonsocket!

In what's become an annual event, Woonsocket will host a Christmas Tree Lighting today at 4:30 pm. And then at 5 pm, Kris Kringle, the original Santa Claus, will arrive. The event takes place at River Island Park in Woonsocket, and it's absolutely free! (I believe Santa is also at all 3 major malls as well!)
(As far as I know, Brady White is not any of those Santa's. But who really knows!)

Providence Gains a Partner!

Sloop Providence Salutes the USS Providence



On Tuesday, December 10th, Providence Temporary Mayor John J. Lombardi announced a namesake partnership to establish a bond between the City of Providence and the Los Angeles class nuclear submarine USS Providence - SSN719.

The namesake partnership will support the morale of the ship's crew and their families as they return to sea, which will add a new dimension to the cultural life of our city, and introduce the students and citizens of Providence to the (non-classified) particulars required in being a sailor on a nuclear sub.


Check the website-- by the end of December, they should have an email address that will allow anyone to write to sailors aboard the ship.

Tom Chandler --Poet Laureate of Rhode Island

Tom Chandler is the poet Laureate of Rhode Island and a professor of creative writing at Bryant College. He is also the editor of the international poetry journal Bryant Literary Review


Read a couple of poems by Tom (Private Alamo, and The Lobsters (from the Adirondack Review)


Read a poem about Water Fire We Are Burning


Listen to a radio interview with Tom (from Focus RI on National Public Radio)

The Sarah Doyle Women's Center, founded in 1975, was named in honor of the prominent Rhode Island educator, Sarah Doyle. The SDWC welcomes women and men who have interests in issues of gender and in issues that concern women in particular.
The Center offers a variety of services and programs, as well as meeting space for university and community groups. The center houses an art gallery, a darkroom, an extensive library and resource center, and a student lounge. Workshops are also sponsored at the center.

Find out more about the center

Call the center at: 401.863.2189 or 401.863.1781

Visit the center at : 26 Benevolent Street Providence, RI 02912

BOOKSIGNINGS

In between the flea circus in New York (every weekend through December 29), I've got some Holiday Booksignings coming up in Rhode Island that I thought I'd mention. If you are in or near these areas, stop on by and say Hello!

You'll get a free Rhode Island removable tattoo!

Website about the book

Website about the flea circus



Monday December 9,2002 5:30-9 pm
Herreshoff Marine Museum 401-253-5000
One Burnside Street, Bristol, RI 02809

Wednesday December 11,2002 6-8 pm
Walden Books (Bellevue) (401) 846-5067
181 Bellevue Ave Newport , RI 02840

Thursday December 12 , 2002 6-8 pm
Walden Books (Connell Highway) (401) 846-7160
199 Connell Hwy Newport , RI 02840

Tuesday December 17, 2002 6-8 pm
Walden Books (Wakefield) (401) 783-0554
160 Old Tower Hill Rd Wakefield , RI 02879

Wednesday, December 18, 2002 5-8 pm
Barrington Books (Barrington) 401-245-7925
184 County Road Barrington, RI 02806


Hope to see you at one of these!

Odetta plays tonight!

Odetta, folk and gospel singer extraordinaire, will play at Chan's at 8 pm and 10 pm tonight.


You don't want to miss the chance to see her work the simple magic of her voice.


Tickets for the 8 pm show are $20 and 10 p.m. are $15, ( $25 for both shows)


Check it out at Chan's

267 Main Street, Woonsocket). Call 765-1900 for more info or reservations.

Chanukah Party! Saturday, December 7 from 7-11 pm JCC, Providence

Perspectives, a young adult organization that brings young Jewish adults 20's-30's (married or single) together, is throwing a little Chanukah party.


Join them for latkes, sufganiot, wine, other holiday food & drink, games, prizes, and multimedia chanukah happenings!


Bring a $5-$10 gift for the mystery mendel grab bag!
Contact Andy for menorah making contest rules.


You could be a winner! $6 rsvp by dec 4th, $8 at the door!
Chanukah is over and everything must go!

Check out their website!

Give Peace a Chance!

A Benefit concert for the Rhode Island Peace Mission will be held on Sunday December 8 at 4 pm. Admission is $8 adults, $5 kids, $25 family. The concert will be held at the Central Baptist Church at the corner of Lloyd & Wayland in Providence.

The concert will feature Nancy Hood with Rick Keller, Otis Read and Phil Edmonds, Joyce Katzberg, Cheryl Albright with Jim Tull and Nisha Purushotham, Mark Binder, Newman Church One Voice Band, and Bill Harley

The Rhode Island Peace Mission is a coalition of 24 religious and community organizations committed to peaceful approaches to global security. Member organizations include the American Baptist Churches of RI, American Friends Service Committee Southeastern New England Area, Baptist Peacemakers of RI, Central Congregational Church-UCC Mission & Action Committee, Diocese of Providence Secretariat for Social Ministry, Episcopal Diocese of RI, Fellowship of Reconciliation RI Chapter, First Unitarian Church Social Justice Council, The Fund for Community Progress, Green Party of RI, McAuley House, Newman Congregational Church-UCC, Priests for Justice, Providence Friends Meeting, RI Committee for Nonviolence Initiatives, RI Conference United Church of Christ Division of Church in Society, RI Peace Action, RI Peace and Justice Education Fund, The RI State Council of Churches, RI United Methodist Association, Sisters of Mercy Regional Community of Providence, Smithfield Friends Meeting, Southern RI Islamic Society, Inc., and Witness for Peace.

For more information about the concert or the organization, visit their website or give them a call 401-724-7700

If you'd like to find out about other peace-loving events in the area, visit the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) website

HEROES OF RHODE ISLAND

A couple of weeks ago, the Providence Phoenix featured articles about six individuals who are making a difference in Rhode Island. It's not how much money they've given, but the time and the energy that they've donated to their causes in hopes of making Rhode Island a better, fairer, and more just place to live.


The people they featured are:

1) Frank Shea, executive director of the Olneyville Housing Corporation, trying to bring back the Olneyville neighborhood.

2) Sister Mary Reilly, co-founder of Dorcas Place and director of the Sophia Academy, helping to reach troubled girls ages 10-14.

3) Karina Wood and Cleora O'Connor, co-chairs of the Million Mom March, promoting grassroots democracy.

4) Roger LeBrun, URI entomologist and personal educator "Professor of the Year 2001"

5) Nellie Gorbea, president of the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee (RILPAC), bringing political organization and representation to the Latino community.

Click here to read about those 6 people in more detail

The Bert Gallery was founded in 1985 by Hugo Bert and Catherine Little Bert to showcase and preserve the rich art tradition of Rhode Island. In 1992 it moved from the Biltmore Hotel to its present location along the historic Old Harbor waterfront at 540 South Water Street. (This is the former Accident or Design Bookstore location, where I worked part time for nearly 3 years!)

With the move, Catherine Little Bert became sole proprietor. The gallery is curated by Catherine Little Bert and includes regional contemporary artists along with a series of exhibitions of 19th century Rhode Island artists. Keeping to the mission of researching, showcasing and preserving paintings from the region, Catherine has organized over fifty exhibits dedicated to trends and styles embraced by New England artists.

On the Bert Gallery website, they have a variety of information about artists and several "Attic Collection" paintings and objets d'art available for sale, as well as a calendar of events. Give them a call at 401-751-2628 for more information.

The Capitol Steps Live!

The Greenwich Odeum
Friday, Nov.29 at 6 and 9pm
$27--Call 885-9119.

The Capitol Steps are one of the funniest political satire groups working today. Their musical parodies are spot on, and they eviscerate Democrats, Republicans, and the Green Party alike with flair, comedy, and skill. I especially like the "Lirty Dies" portion of the evening. (old CDs I have talk about Jichael Mackson, Sock Ringer)
Most of the troupe are former Congressional staffers, and they know what plays in Peoria (or in this case, in East Greenwich) If you go, you'll laugh a lot!


Visit the Capitol Steps online

Buy Capitol Steps CDs at Amazon.com

Visit the Greenwich Odeum online

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

As you give thanks for what you have today, also take a moment to think about those who have less than you. One place to start thinking about those people is at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

According to America's Second Harvest's most recent survey: Hunger in America 2001, the people who receive emergency help in Rhode Island from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank are:

* 66.2% women
* 43.3% children under age 18
* 7.7% elderly
* 40.7% with less than a high school education
* 36.1% are white, 35.2% are Hispanic and 19.2% are African America.


You can help out by donating to the Food Bank (either directly or through United Way) or by volunteering.

To volunteer, please contact Kirsten French at (401) 826-3073 x212, or send her an email

To find out about various donation options, including automatic donations, call Lisa Roth Blackman at (401) 826-3073 x214, or send her an email

You can also visit the Rhode Island Food Bank site to get more information.

Overtime Parking Allowed in Providence!

The city of Providence will ease up on parking restrictions during the holiday shopping season.

Acting Mayor John Lombardi said overtime parking will be allowed in downtown Providence and on the city's East Side beginning Friday and lasting through New Year's Day.


The parking break is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Drivers who park next to hydrants, in crosswalks or in loading zones will still get tickets.

S N O W !

It's the day before Thanksgiving, and it's SNOW! Which means a busy day for most people with the shoveling, and the travelling, the frantic shopping at the market, and the making of snowmen.

If you must travel, check the weather and road conditions

You also might want to check the airports for delays

Find out about school and other closings


If going outside is too tough for you, you can try Making a snowman indoors

Buy Nothing Day State House Lawn, Friday November 29 From 10-4 pm

How would you like to get something you need without any money changing hands?

That's the concept behind Groundwork Providence's Community Swap Day this Friday, November 29.

Show up on the State House lawn in Providence on Friday between 10 am and 4 pm with either an unwanted item or the promise of your services, and you may be able to parlay that into something you do want or need. You might be able to swap your plumbing skills for a dresser, or an almost new leather jacket.

If the idea catches on, then Groundwork Providence will help set up local neighborhood bartering systems. At the Friday swap, Groundwork will make an announcement of an email discussion forum regarding bartering in the city.

Click Here to find out more about Groundworks Providence, or give them a call directly at 351-6440.

Flea Circus Featured in New York Times!

My show was featured in the New York Times on Sunday, November 23 (Arts and Leisure, page 5) in an article about the revival of Vaudeville. I've attached the first part of the article here. (To find out about the logistics of seeing the show, CLICK HERE)

---

Old-Time Vaudeville Looks Young Again.
By DOUGLAS MARTIN

You won't believe your eyes and you'll be scratching your heads in amazement!" the barker beckons.

The appeal is irresistible--- a genuine flea circus on 42nd Street. Has time spiraled in reverse? Maybe. We venture into the Palace of Variety and take in the cluttered lobby. Prominently displayed is the sturdy stool that once supported Helen Melon, the fat lady of Coney Island.

"She's so big and so fat that it takes four men to hug her and a boxcar to lug her," a sign proclaims.

We plunk down $4, and within minutes are listening to Professor Adam Gertsacov, every bit the fantastical impresario, in his purple top hat and cash-register voice, introducing us to the wondrous insects itching (sorry) to perform. Yes, they can pull objects more than 100,000 times their weight, and, yes, Shakespeare wrote his most famous line about the species: "To flea or not to flea."

Midge and Madge are the stars of the Acme Miniature Circus of Performing Fleas: they pull chariots, walk the high wire and, truth to tell, are visible only through the magnifying glass Professor Gertsacov uses to move them about with tweezers. The finale comes when he puts the fleas in a cannon and blasts them through a ring of fire.

Were there really fleas? Maybe, maybe not. What surely existed was a high-spirited glance back at an entertainment form that had been dead as a doornail on 42nd Street since Professor Hecker's Show at Hubert's Dime Museum closed in 1957. It is part of a revival of old-time show business in New York City ? with plenty of echoes nationally ? that includes vaudeville, burlesque, sideshow, baggy-pants comedy and the circus arts, all with more than a dash of the urban self-consciousness associated with performance artists.

READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE.

The Rhode Island Dance Home Page


From Ballet to Hmong Dance, from Dance cruises to Dance classes to square dancing, if you want to get the skinny on Dancing in Rhode Island, this is the best place to do it. Check out ridance.com for more information.

And here's the dance listings for Saturday November 23 from the Providence Phoenix

Saturday, November 23

A CAJUN DANCE with music by Magnolia will take place at 8 p.m. at the Blackstone River Theatre, 549 Broad St., Cumberland. Admission is $10. Call 725-9272.

THE GREATER PROVIDENCE CONTRADANCE, with music by Smoke and Mirrors, will take place from 8-11 p.m. at the Oaklawn Grange, Wheelock St., Cranston. Admission is $6. Call 828-3229.

THE SIDE SPLITTERS SQUARE DANCE CLUB will hold a dance at 8 p.m. at the Joseph Martin School, Landry St., North Attleboro, MA. Admission is $5. Call (508) 399-7034.

Pianist Gail Niwa

"ETHNIC MEETS CLASSICAL: DANCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD" In 1991, pianist Gail Niwa became the only woman ever to win the Gold Medal at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. She will perform an amazing variety of music along with Christine McLeavey, including works by Brahms, Abeniz, Chopin, and Dvorak. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday 11/22 at the Courthouse Center for the Arts, Rt. 138, West Kingston. Tickets are $18 ($16 seniors, $9 children and students). Call 782-1018 for more information.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 5-9 PM

Whether you're an artist, an admirer of art, or just someone who is looking for something to do this Thursday, you should check out Gallery Night Providence.

Gallery Night Providence is a free, fun-filled introduction to Rhode Island's exciting art scene. On the third Thursday of every month (except December), twenty-five of the city's hot "art spots" open their doors and invite you to a visual arts party. 4 different trolleys will take you around (for free) to different art galleries, where you can see some of the best and greatest local and even national art. Most of the galleries have wine and cheese, and some have special events going on just for you.

Gallery Night Providence is the perfect way to see some great art on your own terms!

Visit their website for more information

New England Wireless and Steam Museum

The New England Wireless and Steam Museum is an electrical and mechanical engineering museum emphasizing the beginnings of radio and steam power. The museum honors engineers who achieved greatness and served the public good by analyzing and solving tough engineering problems. The museum is both archival and educational.

In 1875 Rhode Island was the world center of the stationary steam industry. According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) the New England Wireless and Steam Museum has the finest collection of Rhode Island made engines, together with the finest collection of original stationary steam engine drawings.

This museum preserves the original Massie coastal wireless station which was moved from Point Judith, Rhode Island. This station, built in 1907 to communicate with marine shipping, is the oldest surviving, originally equipped wireless station anywhere. It symbolizes the very start of the electronics industry - a Plymouth Rock of the radio, TV, cellphone, satcom, Internet, computer, CATscan and all the other marvelous creations of electrical engineering. The significance of the Massie station is enormous.

The museum's assembly hall is an 1822 neo-classic New England meeting house which, like the Massie station, was moved to be saved from demolition.

The New England Wireless and Steam Museum is entirely volunteer-based. They host scheduled groups such as school classes, engineering societies, club or association meetings etc, but do not have the staff to handle walk-in visitors  except by prior arrangement.  To make an appointment, call (401)885-0545, FAX (401)884-0683 or email: newsm@ids.net.

You can also visit their website for an indepth look at their collection and activities.

Judy, or What is it Like to Be a Robot? by Tom Sgouros
Friday November 15 8 pm--$7.00

AS220, 115 Empire Street, Providence

Call 861-9190 for more info (AS220- Cafe)

Have you wondered what would happen if your kitchen appliances were smart enough to complain about their life? Described as "My Dinner with Android", Tom and his robotic friend Judy explore such themes as free will, stage magic, imagination and how you explain a chair to someone who can't sit down. I've seen the show, Tom is a good friend of mine, and I'd highly suggest seeing the show! Tom just came back from a California tour of the show.

You can read a lot more about Judy at www.sgouros.com

From November 13-23, Perishable Theatre is putting on a series of staged readings. No Frills. No Fuss. Just 2 Bucks. Take a flyer on some exciting new plays by Aishah Rahman, Kathleen Jenkins, Jordan Harrison, and a bevy of RAT (Regional Alternative Theatre) playwrights (edited and conceived by Caridad Svich. Check out the website for the details (not all plays play all nights.)

Also at Perishable, on Friday November 15, is the return of Blood From a Turnip, Rhode Island's Late Night Puppet Salon. Watch some of the best puppeteers from New England and New York try out new work, revive old work, and convivially gather. The show starts at 10 pm, and costs just 5 pieces of lettuce to enter.

Call 401-331-2695 for reservations or more information.

New York Times article on Weiners, Coffee Milk, and Johnnycakes.

The November 13 NY Times wine and food section had a great article about Rhode Island foods. You can click here to read it (you may have to sign up with them, or log in (for free) in order to be able to view the article.

Among other places, it mentions Wein-O-Rama in Cranston, Olneyville Weiner in Providence, George's of Gallilee, Del's, and Kenyon's Mill. It's a pretty complete article, and made me want to get out and drink some Coffee Milk!

=========
PLAY READING ON FRIDAY
=========

A new play called SLOW FALLING BIRD by Christine Evans, set in a hallucinatory version of the
Woomera Detention Centre in the South Australian Desert.

The play is free, it's at 8:30 pm Friday November 15 in downtown Providence,
and if you want to go you have to email the playwright for directions :


Tell her Adam sent you.

=========

==========

Free Rhode Island Documents

Secretary of State Edward S. Inman III is pleased to announce a free offering of historical state documents from the surplus collection of the Rhode Island State Library.

The State Library has available 508 separate items published between 1829 and 2002. These documents were produced by the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of state government; and cover a wide spectrum of topics. These include: audits, constitutional convention histories, historic buildings, legislative study commissions, military units and campaigns, biographies and memorials for famous Rhode Islanders; and landmark speeches and opinions of the governors, legislative leaders and supreme court.

The Rhode Island State Library
The State House, Room 208 and Rotunda
82 Smith Street
Providence, Rhode Island

Wednesday, November 13th , 2002
4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Libraries and Historical Societies
5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. General Public

-->View a list of the documents (sorted by date)

For more information, call Thomas R. Evans, State Librarian or Greg Facincani, State Publications Clearinghouse Director
(401) 222-2473

The Patriots after going gangbusters for the first couple of games, and then going cold for the next few games, seem to be on track and have won their last two. Here are their remaining game schedules for the regular season.

SunÊ11/17 08:30 PM at Raiders ESPNÊ A Ê
SunÊ11/24 01:00 PM Vikings FOXÊ H Ê
ThuÊ11/28 12:30 PM at Lions CBSÊ A Ê
SunÊ12/08 01:00 PM Bills CBSÊ H Ê
MonÊ12/16 09:00 PM at Titans ABCÊ A Ê
SunÊ12/22 08:30 PM Jets ESPNÊ H Ê
SunÊ12/29 01:00 PM Dolphins CBSÊ H Ê

H = Home Game A = Away Game

Season Results Summary (as of 11/11)

Won = 5 (55.56%)Ê|ÊLost = 4 (44.44%)Ê|ÊTo Play = 7

To get up to the minute headlines, and news, check out the Patriot's official website

>A Renewable Energy Workshop

The Environment Council of Rhode Island, the Apeiron Foundation and The Rhode Island Renewable Energy Collaborative invite you to attend:

A Renewable Energy Workshop

Thursday, November 14, 2002
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Workshop will be held at The American Lung Association of Rhode Island at 298 West Exchange Street on the corner of Brayton in Providence.

This FREE two-hour workshop will look at consumer choices, policy impacts, availability and strategies for action in the arena of renewable energy in our state. The workshop will also introduce attendees to the RI Renewable Energy Collaborative and its programs.

Presenters will include:
Dan Cartier, Owner, Alternative Energy Consultants
Anne Marie McShea, Green-e Mid Atlantic Coordinator, Center for Resource Solutions
Bradley Grove Hyson, Executive Director, The Apeiron Foundation
Erich Stephens, Executive Director, People's Power and Light

This is a unique opportunity to unite the RI environmental community behind strategies to promote renewable energy in our state. A complimentary dinner will be provided. The workshop is free but space is limited. To reserve a spot, please contact the Apeiron Foundation at info@apeiron.org or call (401) 397-3430.

Amazonian Indians To Speak On RIC Campus

Three Yanomami warriors


The word Yanomami means "human being".

The Yanomami are an indigenous tribe (also called Yanamamo, Yanomam, and Sanuma) made up of four subdivisions of Indians which live in the tropical rain forest of Southern Venezuela and Northern Brazil. Each subdivision has its own language. They include the Sanema which live in the Northern Sector, the Ninam which live in the southeastern sector, the Yanomam which live in the southeastern part and the Yanomamo which live in the southwestern part of Yanomami area.

Of the approximately 20,000 Yanomami alive today, about 12,000 of these are Yanomamo.

Three Yanomami Indians from the Brazilian Amazon will be on the Rhode Island campus to speak about their indigenous education program from 12:30-2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 6th, in Gaige Hall 100. Slides will be shown and questions will be taken from the audience. Don't miss this unique opportunity to see and hear about life in the Amazon rainforest from the perspective of its traditional inhabitants.



Link about the Yanomami

Photographs of the Yanomami

Institute of Maya Studies Yanomami Links

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

Take a look at the results of the election (available after 9 pm TODAY)


Read The Projo's extra section on the election,including where to vote, profiles of candidates, etc.

Rhode Island Storytellers in Concert

November 8-10,2002

The Third Annual Rhode Island Storytelling Festival will be November 8 - 10, 2002. It features some of the finest local storytellers around.

Here's the schedule:

November 8 - 7:00pm--- $5.00/$20.00 family rate

Spooky Stories at Little Compton Community Center (Click for web site )

Tellers are Christopher Carbone, Cindy Killavey, David Mello, Carolyn Martino, and Piper Padillia.
This event will be sign language interpreted.

Saturday, November 9 - 2:00pm--FREE

Sullivan School Family Center in Newport .
Multicultural stories with Christopher Carbone, Abigail Jefferson, Leeny Del Seamonds ( 2002 storyteller of the year ) Cindy Killavey, Clare Vadeboncoeur.
This event will be sign language interpreted.

Saturday, November 9,- 7:00 pm-- BY DONATION

at the Hibernian Hall on Wellington Ave. in Newport.

Featuring the amazing Leroy White in Concert.


Sunday November 10 - 2:00 pm-- $5.00/$20.00 family rate.

at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown.

Hosts Cindy Killavey, John Tierney and Burt the Raccoon present tellers Mark Binder, Katie Latimer, Leeny Del Seamonds, and Ann Marie Forer.
This event will be sign language interpreted.


For more information, call 1-800-538-3034 (outside RI). In RI call 847-5148 or
visit the RI Storytellers in Concert website.

The Society of American Silversmiths is the world's #1 resource for anything related to the silversmiths' art and craft, and it's based right here in Rhode Island!

SAS was founded in April 1989 as the nation's only professional organization solely devoted to the preservation and promotion of contemporary silversmithing, specifically in the areas of holloware, flatware, and sculpture. Its Artisan members, those silversmiths both practicing and retired, who now or used to smith as a livelihood, are provided with support, networking, and greater access to the market. SAS Artisans are silversmiths who have been juried into the Society based on their outstanding technical skill. SAS also educates the public in demystifying silversmithing techniques, silver care, restoration & conservation, and the aesthetic value of this art form through its free consulting service.

On their website, you can play a silver jigsaw puzzle, find out about fine silversmiths, discover new ways to care for your silver, and track the spot prices of silver and gold.

If you are a silversmith and want to join, or are interested in silver and want more information about silversmithing, please Visit Their Website or give them a call at 401-461-6840.

Green Building Workshop

Saturday, November 9th, 2002 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Urban Environmental Lab, room 106
Brown University Providence, RI

Sponsored by The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)

Please note: Registration is limited to 45 people for this workshop.

Registration is $85 or $60 for NESEA members. You must pre-register. Call 413-774-6051 for registration information or visit NESEA online



Join Bob Chew, from RemodelWrights, Corp. and SolarWrights, Inc. for an introductory course on the topic of Green Building. Both new construction and renovations will be covered. Learn what homeowners can do with existing structures to lower their environmental impact using state of the art options such as photovoltaics or solar hot water. This workshop will cover both the "nuts and bolts" of construction as well as place building into the larger context of sustainability. Bring your questions and a set of house plans or just sign up for a day guaranteed to enlighten and inform.

Topics will include:


* Siting and orientation of new construction
* Green building materials
* Building simple
* Durability
* Reducing your environmental footprint
* Energy Usage
* Renewable Energy systems


Robert Chew is president of RemodelWrights, Corp. and SolarWrights, Inc. of Barrington. He will be joined by an impressive panel of experts in the field of residential construction including Pat Congdon of the RI State Energy Office, Erich Stephens of People's Power & Light, Ned Reynolds from Conservation Services Group, and Rick Arnold of Insulated Concrete Forms of New England. Handouts will be available for attendees.
For more information, visit Chew's website at www.earthfriendlyhomes.com.

TERROR HILL

The only Gothic Halloween Terror Attraction in New England!

The show performs every evening from 7-10 pm through November 2, and takes about 20-30 minutes to go through.
It cost $15 to go, but there is a $3.00 off advertisement at their WEBSITE

Call 1-866-5-TERROR for more information.

---

Are you prepared? No glitzy sets, overbearing hype, or campy cartoonish characters. Only real, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, life threatening... Horror!
Features more horrific experiences than the human mind is equipped to handle! No breaks, no help, no mercy. Every turn reveals a new, unexpected and totally inescapable HORROR!

Don't believe it? Think we're making it up? We're NOT!
YOU WILL BELIEVE!

TERROR HILL - ENOUGH TO MAKE A GROWN MAN CRY!


1-866-5-TERROR

website: www.terrorhill.info

KOYAANISQATSI/ LIVE!

featuring Philip Glass & the Philip Glass Ensemble
performing live to accompany
Godfrey Reggio's breathtaking film Koyaanisqatsi
Saturday, November 2, 7pm
$40, $35, $30 ($20 partial view)

(includes Orpheum Theatre $.50 restoration fee)

Orpheum Theatre
1 Hamilton Place, Boston
Reserved Seating

"Mr. Reggio's images haunt the viewer, accompanied by one of the most startling and original soundtracks ever written." - New York Times

Koyaanisqatsi, which means "life out of balance" in the language of Hopi Native Americans, contrasts views of the natural against the man-made, and the rural against the urban. Using slow motion and time-lapse photography, Reggio's breathtaking film turns the American landscape into a panoramic dream. This very special viewing features Philip Glass and his ensemble performing live to accompany this modern film classic.


One of the most influential musicians and composers of our time, Philip Glass worked for over three years composing the music to accompany Koyaanisqatsi and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score. The music encapsulates many of the compositional innovations that have served as Glass' trademark for three decades.

To order tickets, Call World Music/CRASHarts (617) 876-4275
Mon. - Fri., 9am - 5pm

All phone orders are subject to a $3.00 handling fee per ticket. World Music/CRASHarts members are exempt from handling fees for 4 tickets per concert.


Find out more about World Music/CRASHarts

Visit the Koyaanisqatsi website

An Evening of Jewish Renaissance

On Oct. 26, from 7 p.m. until midnight, "An Evening of Jewish Renaissance," a celebration of adult Jewish learning and culture, will be held at the Jewish Community Center of Rhode Island. This year's highlight is an Israeli Shuk (marketplace) in the social hall on Sunday. Vendors directly from Jerusalem will offer a vast array of Israeli goods. Program participants may also choose from 40 educational and cultural study sessions.

For further information, call Robin Kauffman at 331-0956, ext. 180, or check the website at www.bjeri.org.

[NOTE: The Website does not seem to be functional. Probably best to call!]

Also at Brown, two Jewish music events of note:


10/26 9 pm (Saloman Hall 101 on the Brown Campus)

a Klezmer concert from the wonderful band Yarmulkazi


10/27 at 12 noon (Saloman Hall 101 on the Brown Campus)

Kol B’Yachad’s, Jewish A Cappella music. (and brunch!)

OPEN ARTIST STUDIOS IN FOSTER
Saturday, November 2 from 10-4:30

Take a country ride to visitÊ artist studios in Foster, Glocester and Scituate that will be open to the public on Saturday, November 2 from 10:00-4:30. It's free!

Wander from studio to studio using the map provided by the event organizers -- fosteringArts.org.


See art-in-the-making, historical homes & studios, and country views. There's an all-day Silent Auction featuring the art of participating artists and a closing party, too. The start, finish and auction location is the South Foster Fire Station in Foster.


LastÊ year, this wildly successful event drew more than 1,000 people to Rhode Island's untamed Northwest corner. Come see why!

Rhode Island Roads in Bad Condition

A study, funded by the construction industry, states that 1 out of 4 bridges in Rhode Island need improvement, and that 1 out of 5 state roads also need improvement.


While I haven't seen this study, I found a study online[PDF] that looks like its basically the same study from a couple of years ago.


Naturally, I'm all for safer roads. And you should be too. But I'm a little leery when the same guys who will be making most of the profit over building the safer roads have also funded the study about the roads, and are doing the budget projections in terms of asking for how much the state should get.



I wish that there had been a COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT study of the road conditions done.



Read a projo article about the new study.