TURNAROUND - On the Road With Salt (video)

The Town of Franklin’s Public Works Department searches for a better way to use salt in the winter. Yes, familiar folks in a great production summarizes road treatments for winter travel.

If you are curious about the squiggly lines on the roads before recent storms, you can get the backstory here.

"We’ve come to expect, during winter in New England, being able to get out and drive around, even in the middle of a snowstorm.  Town and city DPW’s are using more and more road salt to keep us safe from ice and snow.  But after a storm, that salt hasn’t disappeared.  As the snow melts, the salt will be washed away and into our groundwater and soils.  High levels of sodium chloride in the environment are dangerous to plants and animals, corrosive on our cars and infrastructure, and increase health risks to humans.

In this episode, Franklin, Massachusetts DPW director “Brutus” Cantoreggi describes how he has to manage both keeping the roads safe from ice and providing clean, salt-free drinking water to the residents.  Highway Superintendent Carlos Rebelo describes the DPW’s efforts – technological, policy, and communal – to reduce how much salt they put down in the winter."

Video link -> https://vimeo.com/873725151/37d37e904c 

TURNAROUND - On the Road With Salt (video)

Your help is needed to complete the Water Service Line Inventory

The Town of Franklin Public Works Department is undertaking a federally mandated survey of all customer service pipe materials and we need YOUR HELP to complete the Town’s Water Service Line Inventory!

To complete the survey and submit your inspection findings, please visit: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/013052aa261942bf8fd7050476189e64

Your help is needed to complete the Water Service Line Inventory

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064487150311/posts/pfbid02wcucT9ubGXzndqMUuf8NEo5GBhjHB1E5KEB9A9ewPpBaN8CqSezLYp2uYencrfP7l/

FHS Gymnastics makes progress

FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) posted on Sun, Jan 14, 2024:

FINAL Franklin 129.85 vs Taunton's 136.6 

Franklin was defeated by a strong poised Taunton team this morning, always a great time competing against  them! I am proud of my team who progressed AGAIN from our meet against OA and up 2 more points. Our team continues to work things out give more of themselves, we are our own competition and we move the needle every meet. So many wins for us today! We haven't been a fully strong or healthy team since day one and watching these girls step up in ways they never thought they would have to, has been so amazing to watch. Progress is the name of the game for us and that is what we are focused on and having a blast doing it! I typically only highlight top 4's but there are so many deserving shout outs!!

FHS Gymnastics makes progress

VAULT - typically our strongest and we continued to deliver solid results. Couple of JV shout outs, Keira Bellunduno progressing to a 7.75 and Ansley Cummings with a 7.45! Ciara O'Brien getting stronger 8.15, Molly Chandler 8.35, Abby Robillard 8.4 and Ryann Chandler 8.7. 

BARS - we had so many improvements and adding in small things that were executed cleanly and they paid off. We went from counting 3 scores

last week in the 6's to counting 3 scores in the 7 's! Makayla Sanders up .1 from last meet 6.8, Ciara up .1 from last meet to 7.0, Kendra Love up .4 last meet to 7.2 and Abby R up .5 from last meet to 7.8 that may not seem like a lot but it's huge for us and the progress they are making!!

BEAM - name of the game is executing and staying on beam! Huge shout out to Bella Jacoby up .2 from last meet and NO FALLS! 7.5, Lilly Cardin put her flight back in and she landed beautifully and I'm so proud of her for going for it again! Teammate Ciara O'Brien debuted and did her job for her team with an 8.1, Abby R up .3 from last meet with an 8.25, Ryann Chandler rounding it out with a 8.35 and Molly C continues to be steady and land every skill with an 8.4 all scores that counted zero falls! 

FLOOR - is where we really shinned today! Kicking it off Molly D'Amato putting down her strongest floor routine and improving by .9 from last meet just shy of 8.0 (7.9) so proud of the work she put in!! Abby S still improving and up .3 for a 8.3 Molly C jumping up a full point to an 8.4,  Ryann C continues to work on her routine and put down a solid 8.4, Abby R up .6 for an 8.8 and Kendra up another .2 for an 8.8.

Major improvements they work hard, results are showing from their efforts they support each other and have each other's backs. Love this team!!

So proud of this team!  Keep working hard it's all starting to come together!! 

@FHSSports @FranklinHS @HockomockSports @fhsgymboosters @FHSPantherbook @FHSGirlsSports @FranklinMatters @MetroWestSports @KatCornetta 

Shared from -> https://t.co/Z9mqrHOrnF

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Jan 15, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong hold a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

9:00 am Ben Gardner's Boat

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm The Only Cure Is Education

1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Appetizers

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 1

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 10

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: Steve Crouteau

4:30 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Safety on the Roads

5:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

5:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Seth Glier

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Dedham 01-10-24

10:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 1 01-28-19

11:30 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Pete Smith

2:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Task Force

4:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Wachusett 01-10-24

8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v North Attleboro 01-11-24

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board: 12-18-23

11:00 am Finance Committee 01-10-24

2:00 pm Planning Board: 12-18-23

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Events for Ben Franklin Book Week January 14-21, 2024

Tues. 1/16 Ben Franklin’s Journey from Slaveholder to Abolitionist AND African Son, a discussion. Local historian Jim Johnston and Historical Commission Chair, Alan Earls, will start the discussion with Jim regarding Ben Franklin’s initial acceptance of the institution of slavery and his eventual “conversion” within the context of the 18th century world, the Enlightenment, the Great Awakening, and the American Revolution. Jim will then take the story of slavery into the 19th century with a discussion of his novel, African Son*, which traces the fortunes of an African man who is enslaved in 1815 and has his survival skills tested in his new “home” in pre- Civil War Georgia…6:30 PM at the Franklin Historical Museum. FREE

Weds. 1/17 Ben Franklin Autobiography* LIVE Readathon at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street, 9:30 AM on Ben’s Birthday, Jan 17 2023. Come and participate! Contact Alan Earls with any questions (alan.r.earls@gmail.com). FREE. Note, the ‘kick off ‘ speaker will be Franklin’s Congressman, Jake Auchincloss followed by State Senator Becca Rausch and State Rep. Jeff Roy.  Volunteer readers typically participate for 10-15 minutes in sharing this classic work of American literature. Completion times vary but the event will likely end around 5 PM. Sign up for a reading slot here or just come by to listen.

Ben Franklin Book Week

Weds. 1/17 SPECIAL Trivia Night at Teddy Gallagher’s on Main Street. The BEST TRIVIA NIGHT South of Boston happens on Tuesday Nights at Teddy Gallagher’s Irish pub in Franklin. In honor of Book Week, there will be an ADDITIONAL Trivia night on Wednesday, focusing on ‘bookish” topics — Come for the fun, bring your friends and a smartphone. 6:30 PM at 30 Main Street. See you there!

Thurs. 1/18 World PREMIERE, “The Boatbuilders” Pre-release Screening & Discussion Thursday January 18th. 6.30 PM Franklin Public Library. Join Director Gregg Seibert and Producer & Dean College Historian R. A. Lawson for a Pre-release screening of the first episode and Discussion of their new Documentary Series, “The Boatbuilders”! The docuseries uncovers the historical legacy and present-day impact of the boat building community, showcasing boatbuilders, sailors, and owners who speak to the realities of boat building today. FREE

Fri. 1/19 Get to know ‘Ben’s Books’ — Meet Reference Librarian Vicki Earls on the second floor of the Franklin Public Library, at the display case, at 2 PM for the story of the books Franklin donated to our town — what are they and how did they end up in Franklin! Attendees will receive a newly published, illustrated mini-book all about THE books! FREE

Fri. 1/19 BIG Library Book Sale. Friday, January 19th, 1:00 - 5:00 PM and Saturday, January 20th, 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. All books are just one dollar!

Sat. 1/20 Children’s Ben Franklin Story Time. 10:30 AM at Escape Into Fiction Bookstore, 12 Main Street FREE

Sat. 1/20 Ben Franklin, America’s First Scientist — a talk and demonstration by engineer-entrepreneur John Berg, on Saturday, Jan 20, 2023 from 10 to 1 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. FREE

Sat. 1/20 Bag Sale Finale of Library Book Sale. 1 PM to 4 PM  $5 per bag!

1/20 Vera Meyer and Ben Franklin’s Glass Armonica. Among Ben Franklin’s most amazing inventions is the glass armonica, a series of concentric, rotating crystal glass bowls that can be played (think of the sound of wine glass rims being rubbed). Mozart and others composed music for it. And Boston area musician and expert Vera Meyer will return to Franklin for a performance featuring many styles of music. Don’t miss the haunting, ethereal, and beautiful sounds of the armonica at the Franklin Public Library 6:30 - 8 PM. FREE (School St entrance)

1/21 Ben Franklin Considered and Reconsidered — an authorized showing of PBS interviews with modern leaders discussing the many facets of Ben Franklin. Sunday Jan 21, 2023 from 1-4 PM at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. Audience members will be encouraged to continue the discussion! FREE

Check for updates -> https://benfranklinbookweek.com/

The Children’s Museum of Franklin to start with pop ups (audio)

FM #1136 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1136 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the founders of the forthcoming Children’s Museum of Franklin; Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher. 

Meg and Erin fill us in on their Franklin story, the idea for the museum, starting as a pop up or mobile museum for now to help build interest and community excitement.

There are opportunities to help volunteer and contribute in other ways as well as financially. The show notes contain links to their web page with their pop up schedule and contact and contribution forms.

Let’s listen to my conversation with Meg and Erin

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1136-childrens-museum-franklin-starts-with-popups-01-10-24

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Franklin Children’s Museum -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/ 

Events -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.org/events 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The Children’s Museum of Franklin to start with pop ups (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 17, 2024 Meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 17, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. December 20, 2023   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/december_20_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. January 3, 2024  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/january_3_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: FISH of Franklin

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Franklin Food Pantry Update - Tina Powderly, Executive Director 

b. Discussion: Homelessness Report - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-05: Termination of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as well as Dedication of Revenues Thereto, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-05 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-05_-_termination_of_and_dedication_into_the_opioid_settlement_stabilization_fund.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Migrant Housing Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_jan_17_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for January 17, 2024 Meeting

FHS wrestling go 2-1 at Algonquin Quad meet on Saturday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, Jan 13, 2024. 

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 3 vs. Westwood, 7 – Final

Nifty move by Julia Flynn moving the puck out from behind the net then putting it short side for the 🚨. Panthers trail 3-1 in the second.

Dennett to Flynn through the neutral zone. Julia finds top corner far side.  Panthers trail 4-2.

Julia Flynn picked up a loose puck in the D zone, took it the length of the ice and finished strong

https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1746306011130966275

Wrestling = Algonquin Quad (Franklin) 

Good day of wrestling in Algonquin, Franklin goes 2-1 with a wins against Westford Academy 57-21 and Algonquin 54-27 and a loss too West Springfield 48-34.

Pins from Charlton(1), Nash(2), Caccevelli(3), Sauer(2), Carlucci (2), Griffen(1),Rosenberg (2), Lawler(2), Large (2), Pritoni (2), Francois(1). OW goes to Roman Caccevelli with 3 pins  

https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1746237040411251177

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-13-24/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Franklin TV: PEG in a Nutshell – 10

The State of Streaming Media - 2024

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 01/14/2024

The On-demand Streaming Video (SVoD) industry has been around long enough to have a history. The novelty is long-faded, and maturing is afoot. There were late-comers to the party. Predictably, most of these more recent arrivals didn’t survive because there wasn’t much growth opportunity left at the buffet table. Even the players with large legacy libraries are seeing profits dwindle. Today they struggle with the same issue that legacy networks and cable carriers do. Remember, Bill Clinton’s quip? “It’s the economy, stupid.”

In this case it’s the cost of programming – quality programs that folks will seek out. No one is making any money. Their business models are being ‘tweaked’ (optimized). That translates into higher subscriber fees, tighter password sharing limits, and/or also including – commercials. Note that you can’t skip over their ads.

The two big take-aways: New TV is becoming more like old TV, and like old TV, eventually there will be fewer streaming choices due to consolidation.

In 2018 I anticipated an asymptotic point would emerge in about 5 years. Today, the U.S. Cable TV homes that don’t have streaming service is only 5 percent. That statistic clearly indicates a no-growth market – saturation – the stable asymptote.

On-demand Streaming Video (SVoD) industry

The SVoD industry average annual churn rate for streaming services is 50 percent, meaning many services are also struggling to keep their customers. Again, offering quality ‘binge-worthy’ programming – consistently – is costly. Further, binging is becoming restricted – fewer ‘full-season drops’ are giving way to ‘3 episode, teaser’ drops, then weekly drops that ‘encourage’ (force) subscribers to hang on longer.

What does all this mean for local studios like us? Cord-cutting was initially a way to save on home entertainment. However, it reduces our revenue from Comcast and Verizon. Over the next 5 years we anticipate some stabilization at a revenue reduction of about 10 percent. It means keeping our operating costs down while continuing to offer the most (and best) local programs possible.

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM

All Franklin residents are invited!

The next monthly Veterans' Council meeting will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street.

All Franklin residents interested in Veterans' activities and events are welcome to join us.

Meetings are held the third Thursday of every month.

For more information, please contact the Veterans' Services Office: (508) 613-1315.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/veterans-council-meeting-january-18-2024-700-pm

Veterans' Council Meeting - January 18, 2024 - 7:00 PM

The Rainbow Connection: A 6-week Workshop at SAFE Coalition

Via Ted Cormier-Leger: 

Parents, LGBTQ teens and Allies- here is an exciting new opportunity in Franklin thanks to my friends at the Safe Coalition.  

Contact them directly for more information -> info@safecoalition.org

The Rainbow Connection: A 6-week Workshop at SAFE Coalition

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/1443010241/posts/pfbid037nL8Yesyjst5DzteZLuw3cYwhJgHkVP3LfrWQi3m2SxHC2PyxA29XHB9VmC522Scl/

Mental Health Crisis series continues with discussion on Franklin Police response

"Yesterday (1/09/24) Clinicians Kallie Montagano and Sonja Wagner joined Dr. Bergen for an interview on Franklin TV. 

They discussed the new Franklin Police Co-Response Program, what it’s like working alongside police officers, how they assist us on calls, trends they're seeing in our community, and how they can close the gap on those who need services."

Once the video recording is available, the schedule for Comcast/Verizon subscribers will be shared. 

Once posted to YouTube, that link will also be shared.

The current playlist on YouTube contains 3 video episodes ->  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbAODFjFPJ0xz0S1gE-frJKC3DuBz20PA

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C179H3qxfWN/

Choices: "You have power in your choices"

pcarlson4@gmail.com͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌  Choices Peter Carlson — January 11, 2024 As we step into the promising year of 2024, we reflect on the power of choices that shape our lives. From the clothes we wear to the chocolate we savor, each decision reflects our values and beliefs. At Wright Old School Chocolate (WOSC), we believe in the importance of discernment and intentional choices. In these moments of contemplation, the Serenity Prayer resonates deeply: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." You have power in your choices.  We encourage you to consider what truly matters to you. Why do you choose the chocolate you indulge in, the stores you shop at, the clothes you wear, and even the individuals you support politically? Be intentional, informed, and let your choices be guided by science and facts. From this information, allow your passions to be expressed by your purchases and use of time. WOSC stands apart, driven by values that prioritize your experience with chocolate over economic considerations. Our commitment extends beyond satisfying your sweet cravings; we care about our planet, our humanity, and the rich diversity of plant life that could enhance our lives if given the chance. WOSC wants the chocolate to satisfy your tasting experience and give you satisfaction that you are being a good steward of the earth. We invite you to discover WOSC in stores (go to bottom of the linked page), at markets, or conveniently order online. Experience firsthand why choosing Wright Old School Chocolate is a decision you'll be glad you made. As we bid farewell to a fantastic 2023, we express our gratitude for your support. Here's to a sweet and fulfilling 2024! We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to continue serving you with delightful chocolate experiences. Thank you for choosing Wright Old School Chocolate. View original post Wright Old School Chocolate, 127 Old West Street, Walpole, MA, 02081, United States Powered by Squarespace

Human ‘behavioural crisis’ at root of climate breakdown, say scientists | Climate crisis | The Guardian

“We’ve socially engineered ourselves the way we geoengineered the planet,” says Joseph Merz, lead author of a new paper which proposes that climate breakdown is a symptom of ecological overshoot, which in turn is caused by the deliberate exploitation of human behaviour.

“We need to become mindful of the way we’re being manipulated,” says Merz, who is co-founder of the Merz Institute, an organisation that researches the systemic causes of the climate crisis and how to tackle them.

Merz and colleagues believe that most climate “solutions” proposed so far only tackle symptoms rather than the root cause of the crisis. This, they say, leads to increasing levels of the three “levers” of overshoot: consumption, waste and population.

They claim that unless demand for resources is reduced, many other innovations are just a sticking plaster. “We can deal with climate change and worsen overshoot,” says Merz. “The material footprint of renewable energy is dangerously underdiscussed. These energy farms have to be rebuilt every few decades – they’re not going to solve the bigger problem unless we tackle demand.”

Continue reading the article online at The Guardian (subscription may be required) ->  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/13/human-behavioural-crisis-at-root-of-climate-breakdown-say-scientists

A globe at a CES technology consumer show in Las Vegas this week. Climate experts claim ‘creativity and innovation are driving overconsumption’. Photograph: Ethan Miller/Getty Images