10E2257: Whole Larder Love | "Just Grab A Seed..."

"Just grab a seed... grab a seed and pop it in the ground and see what happens..." 

You can't get more direct than that. 

Our film partners at Rough Water did a great job on this video from author/ gardener/ forager/ multihyphenate Rohan Anderson's talk held at Fringe in Somerville, MA last June. To recap, Rohan talks about sustainable eating through self-reliance including creating your own food community. This was a benefit evening organized for the Friends of the Somerville Public Library and (v happy to say) was well supported. Must say huge thanks to our Friends volunteers Meg and Kim and barman Lonnie, local purveyors Spindrift and Flatbread, Fringe for hosting us, and the presenting sponsor Barbour. Great 5 minute version of the rainy evening and talk below - snap ending... Music donated by the rugged and fancy Duquette Johnston.

10E2202: Location Scouting w/ Google Maps - Somerville

Goes way back... storefront part so neat - love the blank sign. The old J.R.'s Convenience - not to be confused with JR's Deli and Convenience. Anyone have more info?

10E2113: Awesome Box at the SPL

"The Somerville Public Library, in a partnership with the Harvard Library Innovation Lab, is launching the "Awesome Box" project at all three library branches in early February. The first municipal partnership of its kind, the "Awesome Box" will allow patrons to share "awesome" book suggestions with fellow readers by depositing checked books into the Box rather than into the regular "Returns" bin. "Awesome" books will be linked to a website for community members to learn about and explore potential book titles." - City of Somerville

This set my geekery meter to 11 - very v neat. Psyched that the Somerville Public Library (and thx Harvard LIL) released this real-world/online mix. It is basically taking people's habit of browsing the return/circulation carts in the library (i.e. looking at what others just returned as a stamp of approval) and cranking it way up. Big smile here...

10E2100: Lookback - Cuppow Spoke at SPL

A few weeks back local creators Josh Resnikoff and Aaron Panone from Cuppow came to the Somerville Public Library and gave an illustrative talk on product creation, business ethics and managing their collaborative relations. Package printer Mike Dacey of Repeat Press/Fringe was also on the panel w/ their illustrator Natalya Zahn in attendance. Following their advice we are releasing this lookback on a Tuesday...

This was the third in a series of Design Talks created by The Friends of the Somerville Public Library, (full disclosure, I helped arrange these starting with Aaron Draplin then Christine 'N'East Style' Mitchell). Social hour afterwards to continue the discussion, thanks to Culinary Cruisers and Q's Nuts.

Def' watch the above clip in HD... Video by the gents from Rough Water Films, thx guys.

friends of the somerville public library

When not busy taking pictures of package stores... I volunteer for The Friends of the Somerville Public Library. Have just begun a FB page. "Like" if you want to follow along.

The Friends of the Somerville Public Library is a not-for-profit organization that helps the library and its branches to provide programs, services and materials not covered by the library's normal operating budget. It is 100% staffed by volunteers.

As well as advoacting for all branches of the library in Somerville, we have the freedom [power? -ed] to initiate programming. Can't reveal too much yet but have a very 10enginesy slate of speakers lined up for Summer and Fall. Again, "like" to stay in touch. Or follow on twitter @Friends_SPL.

roach's sporting goods -closing

Roach's Sporting Goods in Porter Sq, Cambridge is closing shop. Lease renewal and low sales (of firearms -tough sell in Massachusetts) are major factors.

Bit of a loss. Where else can you get NikWax and fishhooks on Tuesday morning at 9am? Nowhere, that's where. A couple Old Town canoes for sale still down to almost $400 and various ephemera, but the big items including the stuffed heads have already found new homes. I didn't know these guys but would pop in every month or so for essentials (blaze Jones hats...) or gifts (pair of Caviness/Beaver paddles); they were always happy to chat. Lots of great signage and doo-dads left, stop in quick.









Still need a 3 wolves shirt? They have them. Get in quick.

raw -bleed for it

RAW have released a new graphic; Bleed For It, on their signtaure T with arm hit or larger stealth mode below. Going to be 60 tomorrow... walk into the Somerville Ave store and grab it.

5-10 minute walk

Not sure if this signage is throughout the MBTA but really like the "5-10 minute walk" addition to this map. If there was also a circle radiating from Davis Square (just North) to show where the walk zones meet that would be even better. Why don't they have this in airports, or university campuses or hospitals? Maybe they do. #UX

giveaway -cuppow

Turn a canning jar into a travel mug... This is genius on several levels but have to admit I like it even more cause local guys and ladies dreamed it up. And created all the media for it as well.


The one thing that always struck me about buying a dedicated travel mug was the amount of resources that must have gone into making the mug in the first place. The cuppow lid takes an existing object (the good ol' Ball jar) and transforms it into an acceptable drinking vessel with only a slight modification -the changed lid. Going to say the obvious right now; this would probably work great with cold, non-caffeinated drinks too...

Durable, made in the USA, BPA free, recyclable, and it doesn’t break the bank. Buy yours for $8 here.

Great video below featuring a critical mass of Somerville's Fringe studio types all highlighting the product and ensuing media for it. They have been good enough to offer a giveaway to a 10engines reader; leave a comment or RT this and I will pick one from a hat at end of day. Over. Reader @jgothorpe won it.

I went and bought mine w/ cold hard cash 30 seconds after watching this clip...

schuyler towne reveals the inner workings of locks

This is Schuyler Towne, who is a " a mechanical security researcher" aka "competitive lockpicker". Consequently he is very interested in the construction of locks and making them more secure. There is some extreme geekery here, meaning education, and it is great. Or maybe you want to know how a master key works? Bam, video below. Fascinating stuff. He has a blog looking at vintage safes and locks that is really worth looking at too.



I wish I knew about him when we closed our front door with keys inside last month... His workshops would make a good corporate event I bet. He is pretty high energy generally (videos above are more mellow). I believe he may be speaking at the upcoming TEDxSomerville talks in Somerville, MA. Will keep an eye out.

somerville library book sale tomorrow and this weekend

I volunteer for the Friends. Will be manning the book sale Saturday and Sunday afternooons. Cheap, cheerful treasures. #alliteration

The Friends of the Somerville Public Library will hold their Fall Used Book Sale on Friday October 28th 1-4 PM, Saturday October 29th 10-4 PM, and Sunday October 30th 1:30-3:30 PM. The sale will be held at the Central Library located at 79 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA.

This year’s collection of books for sale includes most categories, but is particularly strong in the Arts, Science Fiction, Classic Literature, Cook Books, Children's Literature, Foreign Language, and lots of Audio-Video materials including vinyl records. There is also plenty of fiction.

All proceeds from the book sale are used to support cultural and educational programs at the library including the popular museum pass program. Leftover books will be donated to local non-profit groups and the Prison Book Program.

The Friends of the Somerville Public Library is a not-for-profit organization that helps the library and its branches to provide programs, services and materials not covered by the library's normal operating budget. If you would like to become a member of the Friends, or volunteer to help with the book sale, please contact the Friends by email at: FriendsSomervillePublicLibrary@gmail.com

10e vs aaw over at esquire

Esquire has run a few of these blogger showdowns online, that is pitting 2 opposing voices over some sartorial matter; are bows ties too much? can you wear white after labor day? is a summer suit ever necessary? etc...

This time I sparred with Guiseppe of AnAffordableWardrobe over western wear. (G is the guy that puts on the TopShelfFlea at the VFW in Davis Sq. -next one Oct 23rd btw, see you there right?) You can read the pithy back-and-forth here.

I do infact know G in the real world, not just blogosphere, and the coolest part was we bumped into each other this a.m. just walking down the road. Somervillage ftw.

somerville public library book sale -Oct 28, 29, 30

The Friends of the Somerville Public Library will hold their Fall Used Book Sale on Friday October 28th 1-4 PM, Saturday October 29th 10-4 PM, and Sunday October 30th 1:30-3:30 PM. The sale will be held at the Central Library located at 79 Highland Avenue.

This year’s collection of books for sale includes most categories, but is particularly strong in the Arts, Science Fiction, Classic Literature, Cook Books, Children's Literature, Foreign Language, and lots of Audio-Video materials including vinyl records. There is also plenty of fiction. All proceeds from the book sale are used to support cultural and educational programs at the library including the popular museum pass program. Leftover books will be donated to local non-profit groups and the Prison Book Program.

The Friends of the Somerville Public Library is a not-for-profit organization that helps the library and its branches to provide programs, services and materials not covered by the library's normal operating budget. If you would like to become a member of the Friends, or volunteer to help with the book sale, please contact the Friends by email at: FriendsSomervillePublicLibrary@gmail.com

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This is a great book sale. Highly recommend. Add the event now via FaceBooks

top shelf flea 4

The 4th installment of Guiseppe's Top Shelf Flea Market will be on Sunday, 23 October. Noon till 5 p.m. At the George Dilboy V.F.W. Post 529, 371 Summer Street Somerville, MA, 02144.

Further reading.

friends of the somerville library -benefit at sacco/flatbread tomorrow (aug 2)

Attention fellow 'Villens and pizza-lovers. The Friends of the Somerville Library invite you to attend our Somerville Public Library Benefit at Flatbread Pizza. Eat some incredible pizza and support the library. I'll be there doing the chat etc.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 from 5-11:30pm

WHERE: 45 Day St., Somerville, MA @ Sacco's Bowl Haven (Davis Square)

WHY: Every pizza purchased helps the Friends of the Somerville Public Library support educational programs for children and adults at the library, including the museum pass program. The Flatbread Company donates $3.50 for every large pizza and $1.75 for every small pizza sold.

WHY ELSE: Support library advocacy efforts.

WHY ELSE: Fit in some last summer reading, and check out the great used books that we'll be selling for $1.00 each. Buck a book.

ONE MORE REASON: Insanely good organicy pizza and candlepin bowling.

so this happened this morning...

Stuck on the train to Harvard Square for an hour and a half / two hours then walked down the tracks back to Porter, Superman2 style. We were never in danger. T staff gave updates and the Cambridge Jakes were into the whole rescue aspect. One donut was venting to the driver/operator... hardly his fault. #blazecapftw

repeat press -somerville, ma

'Bout a month ago I met Michael Dacey of Repeat Press, based in Somerville, MA. Dying to go round for a look at the operation and the whole Fringe workshop honestly (based in Union Sq. it houses a bunch of small businesses, some techy, some crafty). Anyway, these letterpress videos never get old... here is MD at work making a some cards for the clip's filmer Paper Fortress. #somerville

summer officially here

New York Hat Co. straw hat. No ribbon, beaten to hell... Bahamian seawater doesn't hurt.

Textile Buff & Wheel Co. bag. To call it the ultimate beach bag would be a dis-service. Wonderbag might be ok...


Easy catch by the kid.

Melange. Cape Ann guy gave us the lobster he snagged. Lighting reflexes obv'. #wingaersheek.

I don't need a tool for every job, but this shrimp peeler/deveiner has done us proud. The Quickso. Made in Boston, MA by a certain Gorton Corp. Related to Gortons of Gloucester??? No doubt there are a million grated horseradishes out there and at local markets... until someone enlightens me I rely on Farmer's. #ketchup #cocktail

3 rounds of lettuce happening now. The coldframe lettuce is all gone. Nasturtiums ablaze.

Appleton's and tonic w/ lime. Cheers to my hard working sis.
Final one below; after the S'ville fireworks these guys rolled up. Take the Boston Globe van out of Celtic Pride and go nuts on it for the Bruins season... #the _beast. #big_smile

amanda palmer + ukele = radiohead

Completely behind AFP here. But incase you forgot the old boys... god. damn. Plus is that a wagamama (they do everything in lower case) shirt on Johnny? One of the guys lived next door to our place in Brixton... but that was almost 20 years ago. Damn. They are good.

friends of the somerville library book sale -this w/e

The Friends of the Library are holding their spring book sale this week at the Central Library in Somerville, MA (79 Highland Ave; #88 or 90 bus)

Friday, May 13: 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, May 14: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 15: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the book sale help support library programs for adults and children, including the popular “museum membership” program which allows Somerville residents to visit local museums free or at a discount. These museum passes are key, did not realise the city did not pay for these... essential.

I am helping out a little, organizing, lugging boxes etc. You need the below. There are about 10,000 other books there too.