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)

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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!

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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.