Local News Briefs & Tidbits – 2-12-2012

PREACHING TO THE CHOIR In a recent story that appeared online at Northampton Media, writer-editor Mary Serreze wrote about a visit by traveling Occupy Wall Street protesters to the cozily-progressive city of Northampton earlier this month. Print PDF

The SI’s All-Time Motion Picture Reviews

With the new year upon us, I thought it would be a good time to get in a good-hearted post (as so few of mine apparently are!) on a subject that all but the most ardent critics of mine would not find offensive: movie reviews. Print PDF

Considering the Alternatives: Local Politics with Some Cats Thrown In

SARNO PROPOSES CITY TAX INCREASE SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has brought out his proposals for city property taxes for the Fiscal Year 2012, and, predictably, they are a hike over last year’s rates. Sarno has proposed a residential rate of $19.99 (per $1,000) and a commercial rate of $39.53. Those numbers are up [...]

Duck Soup: The Feeding Frenzy that Comes with Anonymous Posting

- – Earlier this month we learned of the tragic killing of a beloved Muscovy duck in Westfield’s Stanley Park. The duck had been affectionately named “Ozzie” by park officials, although park visitors knew him under various different names. Print PDF

Quick Hits: Biomass Plant Moves Forward; Eleanor Powell Remembered; The “Other” Stebbins

SPRINGFIELD’S OTHER STEBBINS Hey everybody! Guess who’s got her own website and blog? Print PDF

How to Cook a Duck

Springfield Elections: Rigging the Game

Election season shenanigans are nothing new in Springfield, where the Establishment Elite have traditionally maneuvered to keep their names in the spotlight while minimizing the visibility of their lowly challengers. Print PDF

New York, New York!

Early last week I was in New York City attending a conference for the company I work for. It was my first visit to the Big Apple since I left the Army about 400 years ago, so I was just as lost this time around as I was back then. Print PDF