Highland Street's Free Fun Fridays offer visitors no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts. This program was created to increase access and enrichment opportunities for children and families throughout Massachusetts during the summer months. Every Friday, from the end of June through the end of August, multiple sites are open for free.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
Commonwealth Museum
Battleship Cove
Marine Museum at Fall River
Sandwich Glass Museum
Nantucket Whaling Museum
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Lands' End Boston Light Press Event
PRESS RELEASE:
LANDS’ END FUNDS PROJECT TO RESTORE
BOSTON LIGHT BOATHOUSE
The company’s third rehabilitation project will honor country’s first and oldest lighthouse
DODGEVILLE, Wis., July 26, 2016- Today Lands’ End announced supportive funding administered by the United States Lighthouse Society, in partnership with non-profit, Boston Harbor Now, the National Park Service and the United States Coast Guard, to address the condition and needed repairs of the Boston Light Boathouse. Celebrating the 300th anniversary of Boston Light this year, the Boathouse, located on Little Brewster Island, will receive funding to repair the outdated foundation to allow for the building to be reopened as a Visitors Center for the public. This project is part of an ongoing partnership between Lands’ End and the United States Lighthouse Society.
“We are honored to once again work alongside the United States Lighthouse Society in support of the rehabilitation of a vital structure to our nation’s first lighthouse, a treasured beacon that has been beloved by the Boston community for 300 years,” said Federica Marchionni, CEO, Lands’ End. “This meaningful project is very important to Lands’ End, since our first company logo over 50 years ago was a lighthouse symbol that signifies our longstanding commitment to quality, value and service that we still believe in firmly today and will for decades to come.”
The selection of the Boston Light is in line with Lands’ End’s Lands’ Friendly campaign, a mission to continually strive to be a leader in sustainability through partnerships and projects designed to support and protect the environment. Lands’ End is also providing support through the sale of a limited edition canvas tote bag with the Boston Light lighthouse logo on it at local Lands’ End Shops at Sears for $35. For each tote purchased, the company will donate $10. Participating locations include Hanover, Peabody, Braintree, Hyannis, N. Dartmouth, Burlington and Natick.
“Boston Light is an excellent choice for this year’s rehabilitation project,” said Jeff Gales, Executive Director, and the United States Lighthouse Society. “It is the oldest operating light station dating back 300 years. It’s important to ensure the quality of the historic Boathouse so that it can eventually be re-opened to the public and the Boston Light Station overall will remain a beautiful historical landmark.”
The Boston Light is a focal point in United States history and its home city of Boston. As the first lighthouse in the country, the Boston Light lived through two world wars, three turns of the century and the evolution of lighthouses by modern day technology. Though all of that has contributed to the history, it has not lost its heritage. The Boston Light is the only lighthouse that is kept by a lighthouse keeper today. By preserving the historical structure, the history and heritage of the Boston Light will continue for generations to come.
“This rich historical landmark has a story to tell and we are happy to see that it will continue to do so with the help of Lands’ End,” said Kathy Abbott, President and CEO, Boston Harbor NOW “We hope that with these renovations, the Boston Light will continue to be a staple in the rich history of the city of Boston.”
This year’s project is continued through the partnership between Lands’ End, United States Lighthouse Society, with support from Boston Harbor Now, United States Coast Guard and National Park Services. In 2015, the rehabilitation of the Alcatraz Lighthouse was the first of this project.
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ABOUT LANDS’ END, INC
Lands' End, Inc. (Nasdaq: LE) is a leading multi-channel retailer of clothing, accessories, footwear and home products. We offer products through catalogs, online at www.landsend.com, www.canvasbylandsend.com and affiliated specialty and international websites, and through retail locations, primarily at Lands' End Shops at Sears® and standalone Lands' End Inlet® Stores. We are a classic American lifestyle brand with a passion for quality, legendary service and real value, and seek to deliver timeless style for men, women, kids and the home.
ABOUT THE U.S. LIGHTHOUSE SOCIETY
The U.S. Lighthouse Society is a national nonprofit corporation that started the lighthouse preservation movement in America 30 years ago. Education is at the forefront of Society operations, and to that end it produces a highly respected lighthouse periodical and operates educational excursions around the world. The Society is considered the hub of communication for everything lighthouse, and has been the proud recipient of numerous preservation awards including a special commendation from The White House. To date, the U.S. Lighthouse Society is made up of many thousands of members and has raised and donated over $1 million to lighthouse preservation projects nationwide. The Society serves as an important voice and a beacon of hope for those who are passionate about these national maritime treasures, and is dedicated to the continued preservation of lighthouses for future generations. uslhs.org
ABOUT BOSTON HARBOR NOW
In April of 2016, Boston Harbor Now launched as a new non-profit civic organization with a bold
mission: to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for Boston’s harbor, waterfront and islands. Boston Harbor Now works with public and private partners to expand access to open space and recreational, educational and cultural opportunities harbor-wide, to plan for and build an integrated and expanded water transportation system, and to foster economic development and growth that is resilient to sea-level rise and the effects of climate change. Boston Harbor Now plays a unique role as the non-profit partner of the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park raising funds to help the National Park Service, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the City of Boston and hundreds of youth and community organizations to build visitor amenities and recreational infrastructure like campsites and trail networks, to provide interpretive, educational and cultural programs and volunteer opportunities, and to provide free access for children and families from low-income communities.
Note: Photos shot with Samsung #NX1 in AUTO mode. Buy on Amazon.com (affiliate link):
Disclosure: Samsung supplied the Samsung NX1 28.2 MP Wireless SMART Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm f/2.0-2.8 "S" Lens to me on loan to play with and requested a short write-up and/or photos shared with the #NX1 hashtag.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Highland Street's Free Fun Fridays: Friday, July 22, 2016
Highland Street's Free Fun Fridays offer visitors no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts. This program was created to increase access and enrichment opportunities for children and families throughout Massachusetts during the summer months. Every Friday, from the end of June through the end of August, multiple sites are open for free.
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Cape Cod Museum of Art
Pilgrim Hall Museum
The Eric Carle Museum
Fruitlands Museum
Museum of Russian Icons
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Cape Cod Museum of Art
Pilgrim Hall Museum
The Eric Carle Museum
Fruitlands Museum
Museum of Russian Icons
Monday, July 11, 2016
Highland Street's Free Fun Fridays: Friday, July 15, 2016
Highland Street's Free Fun Fridays offer visitors no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts. This program was created to increase access and enrichment opportunities for children and families throughout Massachusetts during the summer months. Every Friday, from the end of June through the end of August, multiple sites are open for free.
Friday, July 15, 2016
Edward M. Kennedy Institute
Boston AthenÓ•um
Larz Anderson Museum
Cape Cod Children’s Museum
Edward Gorey House
Danforth Art Museum/School
Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History
Fitchburg Art Museum
Friday, July 15, 2016
Edward M. Kennedy Institute
Boston AthenÓ•um
Larz Anderson Museum
Cape Cod Children’s Museum
Edward Gorey House
Danforth Art Museum/School
Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History
Fitchburg Art Museum
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Review: MacFamilyTree 8 Demo Version
I tried a demo version of MacFamilyTree family tree software. It looks pretty, but fails to save.
DATA ENTRY
Data entry is fairly easy. You have to make sure that you choose the correct sex of the person you are entering, otherwise children get the wrong surname. This can be fixed later though.
CHARTS
If you've ever wondered how you are related to someone in your family, the relationships chart with help you figure it out:
It makes pretty looking Fan Charts:
The charts are a very nice feature of this program.
GENEALOGICAL DATA
It works with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints's free FamilySearch to allow research into genealogical data. You can then download info into your family tree, and upload info you have found that isn't there.
There is no integrated connection to Ancestry.com. GEDCOM import/export is available.
DEMO VERSION
But, if you enjoy using the demo copy and want to purchase the full version, you can't transfer anything you've entered into the demo version into the full version.
You lose everything.
Seriously! What a failure in software design. I have never seen this in a demo software program. Usually you buy the program and then unlock all the features, allowing you to save the data you have created with the demo. It would have been nice to have been given a warning about this when first opening the demo version. You only get a warning when you try to save or print.
Let's make this clearer.
You get a warning that you can not save or print, but you do not get told that you will NEVER be able to save or print the data you have entered into the demo version.
From their FAQ:
CONCLUSION
They almost had me with their Mac user interface, but after entering in so much data, and now facing the task of having to enter it in again, I might as well pause and take a look at other options including Mac software, REUNION, and the popular online and iOS solution Ancestry.com.
If the developers of MacFamilyTree want to be more helpful, they should either alert demo software users that they will never be able to save their work, or update the demo version to be able to be unlocked when paid for and then allow saving and printing of the data.
DATA ENTRY
Data entry is fairly easy. You have to make sure that you choose the correct sex of the person you are entering, otherwise children get the wrong surname. This can be fixed later though.
CHARTS
If you've ever wondered how you are related to someone in your family, the relationships chart with help you figure it out:
It makes pretty looking Fan Charts:
The charts are a very nice feature of this program.
GENEALOGICAL DATA
It works with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints's free FamilySearch to allow research into genealogical data. You can then download info into your family tree, and upload info you have found that isn't there.
There is no integrated connection to Ancestry.com. GEDCOM import/export is available.
DEMO VERSION
But, if you enjoy using the demo copy and want to purchase the full version, you can't transfer anything you've entered into the demo version into the full version.
You lose everything.
Seriously! What a failure in software design. I have never seen this in a demo software program. Usually you buy the program and then unlock all the features, allowing you to save the data you have created with the demo. It would have been nice to have been given a warning about this when first opening the demo version. You only get a warning when you try to save or print.
Let's make this clearer.
You get a warning that you can not save or print, but you do not get told that you will NEVER be able to save or print the data you have entered into the demo version.
From their FAQ:
I want to try MacFamilyTree before buying, what do I do?
Please download the demo version here. You cannot save or export your entries using the demo version. Additionally, iCloud is not supported in the demo version. Please note that entries created with the Demo Version can not be transfered to the full featured version from the Mac App Store!
CONCLUSION
They almost had me with their Mac user interface, but after entering in so much data, and now facing the task of having to enter it in again, I might as well pause and take a look at other options including Mac software, REUNION, and the popular online and iOS solution Ancestry.com.
If the developers of MacFamilyTree want to be more helpful, they should either alert demo software users that they will never be able to save their work, or update the demo version to be able to be unlocked when paid for and then allow saving and printing of the data.
Friday, July 08, 2016
If/Then in Boston.
We saw If/Then Musical last night and were blown away by the talent of Jackie Burns who played the lead character, Elizabeth.
Jackie was the understudy of Idina Menzel for the title role of this play on Broadway. You can see why. In addition to her thoughtful acting, her voice is truly amazing. At one point int he play, Carol turned to me and said, "She does this multiple times."
This was at the point of a powerful solo, packed with emotion.
It was incredible to watch as she left everything on stage as if she was experiencing everything for the first time, and sharing it with us.
At a few points during the play, they audience couldn't help but let go their emotions.
During one sweet kiss, a woman nearby softly said, "Awww..." Everyone around us smiled at that...
The play follows Elizabeth through two different paths that her life would lead depending on the choices that she makes. Her life becomes both happy and sad, and she becomes both weak and strong. I didn't expect that the writers would go there, but they did. There are some powerful moments here.
In addition to Jackie Burns, Anthony Rapp, you know him from RENT, brings his unique voice and portrayal to the character of Lucas. Also featured is American Idol's Tamyra Gray as Kate. Tamara did an excellent job. Matthew Hydzik brings power and nuance to the role of Josh.
The staging is RENT-like, starting out with a guitarist on stage, but it's the floor to ceiling video displays that become part of the show to indicate where in NYC the action takes place. Also innovative was the staging for scenes that took place in the NYC subway system.
IF/THEN at the Boston Opera House July 5 - 17.
cc Broadway In Boston #IFTHENTour
Monday, July 04, 2016
Highland Street's Free Fun Fridays: Friday, July 8, 2016
Highland Street's Free Fun Fridays offer visitors no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts. This program was created to increase access and enrichment opportunities for children and families throughout Massachusetts during the summer months. Every Friday, from the end of June through the end of August, multiple sites are open for free.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Plimoth Plantation
Peabody Essex Museum
Cape Ann Museum
Buttonwood Park Zoo
Children’s Museum in Easton
The Hall at Patriot Place
Provincetown Art Association and Museum
Friday, July 8, 2016
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Plimoth Plantation
Peabody Essex Museum
Cape Ann Museum
Buttonwood Park Zoo
Children’s Museum in Easton
The Hall at Patriot Place
Provincetown Art Association and Museum
Friday, July 01, 2016
It's Half-Way Through 2016 and The Boston Globe Still Doesn't Know How to Feature Video in the Newspaper
Here's the FRONT PAGE story as printed in the JUNE 30th Boston Globe.
No mention of online video content.
Image: Front Page
Nothing here either, in the continuation, or the associated story.
Inside: Story continues
Are you a reader of the Boston Globe ePaper? No luck there either, it's just a copy of what you see in print.
Click a link in the ePaper to see the story on it's own. Still no videos.
Image: ePaper story
The only way you'd see this is to go to BostonGlobe.com here, For this massive caterpillar invasion, it’s crunch time.
Oh look, there's video:
Image: Story with video
BONUS
Scroll down to see a BONUS VIDEO from YouTube, embedded with this attribution: "A YouTube user uploaded a video of the sounds made by the caterpillars:"
Image: YouTube Video
A YouTube user.
Seriously?
That's their credit? The YouTube user has an account name, masspromote.
What a joke.
The Boston Globe has a lot to learn.
No mention of online video content.
Image: Front Page
Nothing here either, in the continuation, or the associated story.
Inside: Story continues
Are you a reader of the Boston Globe ePaper? No luck there either, it's just a copy of what you see in print.
Click a link in the ePaper to see the story on it's own. Still no videos.
Image: ePaper story
The only way you'd see this is to go to BostonGlobe.com here, For this massive caterpillar invasion, it’s crunch time.
Oh look, there's video:
Image: Story with video
BONUS
Scroll down to see a BONUS VIDEO from YouTube, embedded with this attribution: "A YouTube user uploaded a video of the sounds made by the caterpillars:"
Image: YouTube Video
A YouTube user.
Seriously?
That's their credit? The YouTube user has an account name, masspromote.
What a joke.
The Boston Globe has a lot to learn.