150 Years Ago (1864 6/6)

Washington, June 6th, 1864.

Dear wife,

I did not finish my letter yesterday, so will write a little more today. You ask me about the length of time I must serve. I feel a little delicacy about talking to anyone about what I have not got, but it is this way, it is for life or during good behavior, but there is no doubt but I can get out of it at any time I can give a good excuse for resigning it is the same as in the volunteer service. The government is not obliged to receive a resignation, but they do it. I should not feel like resigning during my term of service if the war lasts. If it does not last, I shall, but I must get my commission first. I think then I shall have you with me if it is a possible thing. It will depend upon where I may be, if in a fort then you can be with me, if in the field, I shall not try it.


Weekend Concert Series: Rolling Stones, Marquee Club, 1971

Have we featured the Rolling Stones for a weekend concert series before? If not, shame on us. They are a band to study and emulate if one wants to perform on the big stage one day.

I can’t say much that hasn’t already been said about them, but can say that this show comes from one of my favorite periods of their career. I really like the Rolling Stones music of the Sticky Fingers – Exile on Main Street era. Bluesy, rough, under the influence, rocking, bad-boy, stadium-packing music that stands the test of (rock) time.

I got to see them for the Tattoo You tour (“the last time they may tour!”) in 1981. Not a great album, but a good enough excuse to go see them.


Laughably Obvious Scam

But I wonder how many people really get sucked into clicking the link?

The spelling and grammar alone should be a dead giveaway.

DON’T EVER CLICK ON ANYTHING LIKE THIS!!!


150 Years Ago (1864 6/5)

Washington, June 5, 1864.

Dearest wife,

Here I am yet. This morning received two letters from you. They come double. Was very sorry to hear that Edmond Goodwin was killed. I am going to the Columbia Hospital and Carver this afternoon. Was in to Mr. Baxter’s room this morning. Told Mrs. Baxter where I was going. Gave me a dollar and told me to buy some Strawberries for some of the boys at the Carver. She gave me their names and Wards. She spends all her time for the soldiers, goes to all the hospitals and finds the wants of the boys, If she does not have a supply, impresses some one into the service and sends them next day. She had a list of the articles that they wanted where she was going today, some Lemon pies, some Rhubarb, some dried apple turn over, some oranges and some lemons. These things she pays for with her own money.


Strolling of the Heifers Book Sale

The 13th edition of the Friends of Library Strolling of the Heifers Booksale will take place in the Main Room of the Library on Friday, June 6, 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday, June 7, 8 AM to 2 PM. The Giant June book sale is the Friends’ biggest sale of the year. There will be approximately 5,000 items for sale including hardback, paperback and coffee-table books.

Book prices will range from 25 cents to $3.00 with some special interest and coffee-table books priced higher. Titles cover a wide range of subject areas as well as a good selection of fiction. All books have been donated to the Library by community members. The books are screened for good quality and sorted by subject area by Library volunteers.


Creating the Cat Alphabet

Recently, I spent some time combining two things I enjoy – pets and typography.  I know people like learning how things are made, so I thought I’d walk you through the process of creating a Cat Alphabet. Maybe you can help me profit from it. : )

The project started without much thought. I like drawing and having been using my cats as models for some time now. They are willing and able, and the bone structure of humans and other animals match up quite nicely. We all have ankles, knees, elbows, etc. You just have to get the proportions right for the animal you are drawing.

I decided to see how cats would fit into the various letters of the alphabet. I’ve been a fan of the alphabet since an early age, and started my life in graphic arts with hand-lettered posters in college.


Reset The Net

I’d be remiss if I didn’t remind you of today’s efforts to increase privacy and security on the internet.

It’s an interesting campaign, with many ways to participate. The basic goal is to plug up holes that have been exploited by the NSA and nefarious types to illegally access your personal information.

So, check out. You’ll see ways to spread the word, but also be given tools and instructions (a “privacy pack”) for increasing your personal privacy and security. There are freebies to encrypt email, chats, and browsing. They have hints for encrypting your personal computer. They have tips for professionals and suggestions of where to lend coding skills.


Host Families Needed For Spanish Teens This Summer

Host a Spanish boy this summer…for just three weeks, starting June 25! Hosting an exchange student is such a great way to expand your family’s horizons, share some summer experiences with a teen who’s eager to learn, and to make a lifelong friend from another country.

We have homes for 23 of these Spanish teens, but are still looking for families who could host these three boys: Aitor, 17 – “friendly, shy, funny.” Likes soccer, basketball & tennis. Has a 14-year old brother who is coming also. Ignacio, 17 – “Friendly and generous,” likes soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, and animals and has a 14-year old brother. Eneko, 16 (m) – plays rugby, likes music and computer games. “Shy at first but also funny and happy.”


First Wednesday at Brooks Library: Fallingwater

First Wednesday: Fallingwater, Wednesday 4 June 2014, 7 pm – 9:00

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater is widely considered one of the finest masterpieces of American architecture. H. Nicholas Muller, III, retired executive director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, shares the story—and controversy—behind the house. 


The Vermont Jazz Center Presents: A Tribute to George Shearing

BRATTLEBORO, VT – On Saturday, June 7th at 8:00 PM, the Vermont Jazz Center presents “Sounds of Shearing,” an all-star group comprised primarily of alumni from the working bands of the great pianist, George Shearing. Under the leadership of vibraphonist Charlie Shoemake, the ensemble pays tribute to George Shearing, performing his elegant arrangements and bringing to life his legendary sound. This music typifies a refined version of jazz often called “cool jazz.” His music was swinging but accessible, nimble but never loud, complex but beautiful. Shoemake and his associates take this to heart, they’ve distilled the essence and are revitalizing Shearing’s music with passion, experience and expertise.


Shamanic Apprentice Daniel Raphael on WVEW’ “buttahmilk” Program

Its time for yet another experience you won’t soon forget..this one features,Daniel Raphael. Daniel is a shamanic apprentice who currently trains in multiple healing modalities and consciousness-expansion technologies. He splits his time between California, South America, and Gabon where he will continue to study with the Bwiti in guiding Iboga ceremonies.

Join DJ Pockets this tuesday from 6-8pm as we discuss Iboga, DMT and other related and non related topics

tune in locally to 107.7fm and online at www.wvew.org


Second Annual Southern Vermont Dance Festival Draws Top Artists, Top Faculty, Top Dance Companies

July 17-20, Second Annual Southern Vermont Dance Festival Draws Top Artists, Top Faculty, Top Dance Companies from all over New England and Offers Over 100 Different Classes, Two Master Classes, Several Lectures and Gala Concerts — all in four days in Brattleboro, Vermont. www.southernvermontdancefestival.com

“Dancing is really important. It’s not just a frivolous thing. Dancing changes lives. It makes the world a better place. It connects people and communities,” says Billbob Brown, director of dance at UMass Amherst.

BRATTLEBORO, VT—From little kids to college students to baby boomers more and more people are interested in dance. This hype has helped draw attention to dance programs at colleges and universities across the country. Brattleboro, Vermont looks to boost economic development and morale following the devastating effects of 2011’s Tropical Storm Irene by bringing back for a second year in a row, a major dance festival —The Second Annual Southern Vermont Dance Festival.


This Was Published in 1956!

The world is finite, resources are scarce,
Things are bad and will be worse.
Coal is burned and gas exploded,
Forests cut and soils eroded.
Wells are dry and air’s polluted,
Dust is blowing, trees uprooted,


BCTV Channel 8 & 10 Schedules for the Week of 6/2/14

BCTV Ch. 8 Schedule for the week of 6/2/14

Monday June 2                  

12:00 am      Road to Recovery: Treatment in Criminal Justice System

1:00 am       Green Mountain Veterans for Peace Ep.132

2:00 am       FSTV Overnight

4:00 am       Cuban Bridge: Diana Fuentes Live in Havana

5:00 am       Dana Walrath Presents: Alicheimer’s – at the Full Circle Festival

6:25 am       Brooks Memorial Library Lectures: Puffins Downeast – 4/15/14


150 Years Ago (1864 6/2)

Washington, June 2, 1864.

Dearest Abiah,

Here I am yet. Report every morning at 9 o’clock. Have just been up. Shall probably have to remain here for a week longer, perhaps two weeks. They are today examining men that came in on the 19th of May, but the number grows less every day. I see many persons here that I know. See Henry Newcomb almost every morning. His office is just across the street from where I report. He has been up to the Columbia, Carver and Campbell Hospitals with me. Saw Jacob. His health is first rate. There were many Vermonters in the Carver Hospital, but when I was there did not know it. When I returned, called at Mr. Baxter’s boarding place, and who should I find but Mr. Loring.


Giant Book Sale at Brooks Memorial Library

The Friends of the Brooks Memorial Library Giant June book sale will be held on Friday, June 6 from 10AM to 6PM and Saturday, June 7 from 8AM to 2PM.  The sale coincides with the Strolling of the Heifers weekend festivities.

The Giant June book sale is the Friends’ biggest sale of the year.  There will be approximately 5,000 items for sale including hardback, paperback and coffee-table books. A fine collection of Celtic and medieval history books will be on sale.


Weekend Concert Series: Buck Owens

This week is all about old-fashioned country music, featuring Buck Owens and the Buckaroos.

Like many, I got to know Buck Owens from the TV show Hee Haw. But he also had his own long-running show, the Buck Owens show.

Below we feature a 1990 concert, and episode two of the Buck Owens Show from 1966.


Thanks, But No Thanks

Recently the Jewish Community of Amsterdam took up the question of repealing Spinoza’s excommunication. The banishment, effected in 1656, has never been formally challenged despite many promptings over the years from within the congregation of those whose ancestors ordered Spinoza’s expulsion.

The present congregation convened its own review board, as well as comissioned an advisory board of scholars and philosophers to consider the question. Several precedents related to revoking such a harsh sentence. (Indeed Spinoza was the only one of Amsterdam’s exiled Portuguese Jews to be so disgraced.) It was established the person in question need be alive, and show some measure of recognition, as well as contrition for their transgressions.