Following up

[vibrantabyss.livejournal.com]

So, the end state of the cities fine accounting system is that (a) writing "water bill" on the check is NOT sufficient to guarantee the funds go to pay the water bill, (b)  about half of that check went to my 3rd (not due when I paid the check) and 4th quarter (not due, even now) real estate taxes, while unpaid water bill earned the city interest, and (c) they claim state regulations dictate the procedures, so not their fault.

Summary of their response:

They are sorry, it was a wacky edge case, but they are not allowed (by state law) to refund interest charges, or pay interest on a credit kept in one account, while the other account *for the same property* charges me interest.  If I don't like it, I can take it up with the attorney general's office.  Even if I did "waste my time" pursuing it, the most they would have to pay back is 8%.

As it is under $100, not worth fighting city hall.

Somerville Street Cleaning begins Monday, April 4

[ron_newman]

Check your street's parking signs for the days this will affect you. Generally it's twice a month on each side of the street, from 8 am to noon.

(Here's a link to the official announcement.)

Edit: Due to "inclement weather", street sweeping is cancelled for Friday, April 1. I've updated this post appropriately (thanks, pzykotic).

Farmers Market moves to Somerville High School - this Saturday only

[ron_newman]

This Saturday only, the indoor winter farmers' market will be at Somerville High School instead of the Armory. The market is part of the Mayor's Fitness Challenge. Same hours as usual - 10 am to 2 pm.

The market then returns to the Armory for four Sundays: April 10, April 17, May 22, and May 29, all 10 am to 2 pm.

Davis Square outdoor market resumes on May 25 (Wednesdays, noon to 6 pm).
Union Square outdoor market resumes on June 4 (Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm)

three Aikido dojos

[enhf94.livejournal.com]

Howdy,
I've been trying to decide which of the three Aikido dojos in Som'l to join. Near Davis includes:

• New England Akikai, nearest Davis
• Aikido Tekkojuku Boston, in Taza chocolate's building
• Shobu Aikido of Boston, near Union

I've observed classes at the NEAkikai and Tekkojuku, but am newb enough that I couldn't tell much difference. Folks at each place approached me to be welcoming and to tell me how much they liked their dojo. Prices are only slightly different. I also got the impression that NEAkikai considers itself top-of-the-heap.

I'm a total beginner, have never considered a martial art before, and am not seeking chest-thumping machismo. I wouldn't mind knowing a little boot to the head, but my priorities here are 1. not getting bored, 2. feeling supported, and 3. getting some exercise.

Wise DSLJ, care to chime in with Aikido recommendation/experience? Lyonesse? Others?



(This has been referenced in other DSLJ posts, but my request is Aikido-specific and 2011-focused. Boxing's cool, but not my thing. No jiu-jitsu, please. I already read that Oom Yung Doe is off-limits.)