Twit for Twat

With the President of the United States, the Governor of Massachusetts and the Boston Police Department using Twitter, it appears as if there's a push to encourage City Manager Michael O'Brien to use the social-media darling, Twitter, in Worcester.

Let's see how long it takes City Manager O'Brien to respond with a "yes" or a "no", and if he chooses not to Twit, don't worry, we'll see a few City Councilors jump on the band wagon before he's forced to.

White House Growing Their Own

Michelle Obama is breaking ground today on the first White House vegetable garden since Eleanor Roosevelt planted a so-called “victory garden” there during World War Two. The First Lady will get help from 5th graders from the nearby Bancroft Elementary School. We speak with the school’s principal Fay Thompson.

WBUR's Mobile post sent by SoleProprietor using Utterli. Replies. mp3

Governor Patrick: Technology To Feel Good About

The other day when I posted that the Boston Police Department was embracing technology and using Twitter, I poked around the Internet some more to find that Massachusetts' Governor Patrick, too, is on Twitter and all over the 'Net.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I may be late to the dance, so, if I need to head to the Administration Building for a "late pass", then so be it.

I find it very interesting that many of our elected officials are on the Internet using social media websites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and others, to let people know what's going on and to communicate more.

Maybe we can change Mayor Lukes's mind about bloggers and embracing technology, but, quite frankly, I can give a rat's ass if she choose to use these tools.

But it would be dope to see the City of Worcester use a medium such as Twitter to get the word out about things taking place in the city, such as when a water main breaks and you don't have water for 3-4 hours, or how the City along with the Fire Chief have decided to shut down a fire station to save a few dollars. Hey, maybe if the news is coming from a service like Twitter or Facebook it would be more palatable and I wouldn't feel so dirty when I don't receive the news. Just maybe! Wishful thinking? I hope not.

How To Divvy Up Stimulus Checks

On Beacon Hill Thursday, legislative hearings get underway as to how Massachusetts will spend about $12 billion from the federal stimulus package.



Several Patrick Administration officials are scheduled to testify about the guidelines and priorities for the federal money. The state's so called "stimulus czar" Jeffrey Simon says although some communities will directly receive federal funds, not every community will. When evaluating which projects will be eligible for the federal money, Simon says the priority is job creation.



"We want an overall strategy to play to Massachusetts' strengths," Simon says. "To try to reinforce those parts of the economy that traditionally have grown long-term, quality jobs."



Lawmakers are promising transparency, and say the Obama Administration is requiring online accounting of the money -- accessible by the public.

WBUR's Mobile post sent by SoleProprietor using Utterli.  Replies.  mp3

Woo Sunset

The weather today was awesome and ut doesn't get any better than this!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Mistrial by iPhone

So it appears that Charles Quist is onto something when calling for the City Council to do away with text messaging or checking email when Councilors should be paying attention to the City's business.

iPhones and Blackberries have done in more than one case in Florida and it's something that many lawyers and judges have to contend with in this technologically-connected age.

In other news, it appears that the Boston Police Department (http://twitter.com/Boston_Police) has joined the social-media age and have decided to use Twitter as another means for getting the word out about road closings, drug busts and lost child reunitements.

I wonder if we're going to see Worcester Police Department join the Tweeters on Twitter? Hey, it wouldn't hurt to have another line of communication when the WPD is looking for someone in connection with an accident.

Worcester Landmarks

There are so many sites, throughout Worcester, that serve as landmarks
that many quickly see and say, "That's Worcester."

Such us the case with Coney Island Hotdogs!

I remember the first time I saw Coney Island Hotdogs was in the fall
of 1991, and I was visitng a Worcester for the first time. I was
alittle taken aback because Coney Island says to me New York, and
specifically Brooklyn! And we know that in this part of New England,
folks aren't too fond of aNYthing paying homage to New York City.

I have never eaten a hotdog from Coney Island Hotdogs, but I hear they
have delicious chili-dogs. Maybe if they offered turkey hotdogs, I'd
be up for trying one.(Wishful thinking, but I can always hope.)

So, as you troop around The Woo, what sites do you view as "Worcester
true and true"? Post a comment or send us an email to WorsesterIsMAJOR@gmail.com
.

Updates & Goingons

It's been a few days since I've updated WIM since the hit and run accident. In those days alot has taken place and all good things, I must say.

I was able to teach some GED students about social media and how they play a vital role in the iterations and what the future holds. Yes, GED students are important and we know that our President is calling on everyone to "Get Busy" like Sean Paul. They're 'getting it' and I'll be sure to post more news about their projects.

On Saturday night, two St. John's alums invited me to catch the St. John's versus Lynn English High School, which St. John's won 80-62. The game was well played and I have to tip my hat to the Pioneers' cheering section that cheered and hyped their team to victory with an energy that I haven't witnessed since traveling to Morgan Town, WV to witness Boston College take on the Mountaineers.

Who says there's nothing to do in The WOO?

And, even though I wasn't able to take in the St. Patrick's Day parade in person, I was able to catch a bit of it on Channel 3. It looks like it was a good time, and I hope to attend next year, God willing.

More to come, or should I say more "goingson"? Either way, the news will be written about here no matter what Mayor Lukes or Dianne Williamson says or writes.