Jason Brown Skates, Alright!

I'm sure there is a language for writing about figure skating although I don't know it; my only language to express skating is that of dance and music. I'm a music fan of Irish American ancestry, finding the Riverdance music particularly moving; I am culturally encoded to find the rhythms and expressions moving, sometimes enough so to bring tears to my eyes or me to my feet.

Jason Brown's performance at the recent U.S. Nationals held in Boston blended dance, music and skating with such breathtaking results that I find myself uncharacteristically at a loss for words. Indeed, his performance must be experienced to be understood.

No matter my previous awful schadenfreudeish new word inclinations, this is one skater I want to see execute without falling. The sheer joie de vivre of his performance deserves nothing less. Follow him on Twitter: @jasonbskates and stay tuned for his performance(s) in Sochi. #NotIrishAMERICANButDidUsJusticeNevertheless

Fall Sunset in Ruralville

...over the Quinapoxet Reservoir, part of the City of Worcester's Public Water Supply, hence the barbed wire:

"That’s the reason I wear the uniform — so anyone can live free in this country"

Remembering the 911 attacks 12 years ago, I offer this.

“You have a choice to shop anywhere just like he has a choice to practice his religion anywhere. That’s the reason I wear the uniform — so anyone can live free in this country. Leave the man alone."

Promoting Tourism in Boston

My mom Barbara and cousin-in-law Kim had long-planned to visit The Fahm in early May; our guests were also interested in doing a little touring in Boston. As a Hotwire devotee, I was tasked with finding lodgings for our sojourn in town. I knew of a lovely chain hotel located somewhat outside the city center that offered free parking and reasonable room rates along with a free shuttle to and from the nearest T stop but after the tragic events at the Boston Marathon finish line and subsequent city shutdown, I decided to look at other options.

Really? For Reals?

The Quabbin Reservoir is the largest inland body of water in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and primarily supplies Boston with drinking water. The Quabbin Reservoir's Winsor Dam is home to State Police Station C-7, Belchertown; since 2001 additional security measures have been in place to protect Boston's water supply. Exactly one month ago today the Boston Marathon bombings occurred, reminding everyone all over again how horrid humans can be to one another. It is entirely understandable then, when Massachusetts State Police were interested when they spotted a pair of illegally parked cars in the middle of the night at one of the park entrances, indicating the presence of trespassers.

Promoting Tourism in Boston After Marathon Bombings

My mom Barbara and cousin-in-law Kim had long-planned to visit The Fahm in early May; our guests were also interested in doing a little touring in Boston. As a Hotwire devotee, I was tasked with finding lodgings for our sojourn in town. I knew of a lovely chain hotel located somewhat outside the city center that offered free parking and reasonable room rates along with a free shuttle to and from the nearest T stop but after the tragic events at the Boston Matrathon finish line and subsequent city shutdown, I decided to look at other options.

Syrians Send Bostonians Condolences; Bostonians Respond

From Syrians to Bostonians:

From Bostonians to Syrians:

Via Americablog.com

A Fraction of a Fraction of a Fraction of a Percent

From Patton Oswalt.

"Boston. Fucking horrible.

I remember, when 9/11 went down, my reaction was, "Well, I've had it with humanity."

But I was wrong. I don't know what's going to be revealed to be behind all of this mayhem. One human insect or a poisonous mass of broken sociopaths.

But here's what I DO know. If it's one person or a HUNDRED people, that number is not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the population on this planet. You watch the videos of the carnage and there are people running TOWARDS the destruction to help out.

(Thanks FAKE Gallery founder and owner Paul Kozlowski for pointing this out to me). This is a giant planet and we're lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is, every once in awhile, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they're pointed towards darkness.

But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evil doers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago.

So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, "The good outnumber you, and we always will.""

Gotta love Big Papi...

"This is our f**king city. And nobody gonna dictate our freedom." - David Ortiz

Bizarre Events Unfolding in Boston Today

...unlike anything I have ever seen before.

Reasons to Love Boston

They know how to fix signs so they have the correct pronunciation. - via Buzzfeed

Explosions at the Boston Marathon Finish Line

Explosions at the Boston Marathon finish line have killed 2 people, sent more than 100 people to area hospitals, and bummed out elite runners all over the world. A hellish scene, apparently. More here, at the Boston Globe. 1-800-494-TIPS.

via TMZ

Reports of Marathon Runners that crossed finish line and continued to run to Mass General Hospital to give blood to victims — NBC Sports Network (@NBCSN)