racist toy in goodwill window

[thespian.livejournal.com]

I was passing by goodwill in davis square tonight, and saw that they have a tar baby doll (black fabric, white button eyes, pickaninny braids, in gingham) in a rocking chair in their front window. I will call to let them know I find it distasteful*, but I do not know that a phone call will be heeded. I suggest anyone who is in Davis tomorrow (and who agrees; if you think I am out of line of course ignore this) might stop in and point out that the doll is an incredibly racist representation.

* I will go in if I have a chance, but I have to find a cherry pitter tomorrow, and davis square does not have a plethora of houseware stores, and I really miss you, Bowl & Board

Ch-ch-changes: proposed falafel shop and frozen yogurt place

[teko.livejournal.com]

I noticed today that Diva Lounge has posted a public hearing sign to discuss the proposed conversion into Amsterdam Falafelshop. According to the sign, the hearing will be Jan 18 at City Hall, 2nd floor, 6pm, if anyone's curious. What's more interesting is their proposed plans, posted here. No more bubble windows or pod-shaped bathrooms!

In looking up those plans, I also noticed a proposal on the docket to convert Farmer's Bounty into some sort of frozen yogurt shop. Those plans can be viewed here.

calendars and 24-hour places to eat

[tsuki-no-bara.livejournal.com]

two entirely unrelated questions!

a. is anyone still selling 2012 wall calendars? and am i the only person who waited this long to buy one?

b. are there any places to eat/drink that are open twenty-four hours, or that open realllllly early, say 4:00 or 5:00 in the am? (this is kind of research for a story i'm writing in which one of the main characters works the overnight shift and sometimes wants to get something to eat with his coworkers after work and before going home. it can be pretty much anywhere in greater boston.)

goodwill pickaninny doll, update

[lyonesse.livejournal.com]

i was in davis today around noon, and saw the pickaninny doll in the goodwill window. went inside, asked the person at the counter if i could talk to someone about the window display. told them it was racist and distressing, they said they'd take it out. i said thanks. half an hour later walked past again and it was gone.