Rockefellers seek to change Exxon on environment

Today they'll vote at the shareholders meeting to oust the un-green Exxon CEO.

Yes it's those Rockefellers.

Sometimes large actions by well-connected people can do as much as a billion smaller ones by the little people.

Why come out now? As Neva R. Goodwin, a Tufts instructor (and the great-granddaugher of John D. Rockefeller), told Alex Beam earlier this month: "I am 63 and I've tried to live quietly, but this issue seemed to me tremendously important. ... There is real concern that Exxon could run into real trouble and may be ignoring opportunities as well as ignoring risks to its future."

Computing pioneer dies

Arthur Burks, who was 92 died. His obit is here. This isn't akin to anything in particular about Auburn. He embraced, promoted, developed and overall touted the potential of technology and computers in modern life. He made great contributions in the field, helping develop ENIAC, working with Von Neumann and creating brand new courses of study of the fledgling science back in the post WWII era.

Technology is something we need to continue to embrace as a town going forward - get our data online, utilize and enhance communications and shine light on the information and workings of the town for everyone.

State budget numbers finalized

Here

Auburn's numbers are here.

Looks like pretty much the same as what we knew on Mar 20 for local aid.

Recycling event in Worcester

No residency requirement. Pretty good for those who missed Auburn's event.

Notes: Individuals can drop off only during the public event on Saturday May 17, 2008.
Cost: There is no cost to the participants.
Limit: There are no weight limits for individual drop-offs.
Residency: There are no residency requirements.
Packaging: Please remove equipment from cardboard boxes and Styrofoam.

Materials Accepted: Computers, monitors, televisions (including big screen and wood consoles), LCD/flat panels, laptops, printers, copiers, keyboards, other computer related equipment, stereo equipment, cell and other phones, power supplies, cords, electronic games, VCRs, circuit boards, and other household electronic devices.


Link

Vote smart

Kind of an interesting website - has the positions of all the candidates across the nation - including state levels at least for Mass.

If you don't like the big 3 Presidential candidates, you can even check out the rest here.

Here's a query for 01501 zip.

Among other things you can find evaluate our state Rep Paul Frost on various issues.

Migraines not just a pain

There's some evidence they are a risk factor for stroke and heart attack according to this story.

As someone who's suffered from them in the past (my mom had them, Eleena also gets them from time to time) it's concerning. Apparently blood vessels pulsate during the headache and they may lead to other more serious issues as they get damaged. As they put it in the article, it's likely a risk factor like smoking, obesity, cholesterol etc for heart and blood pressure problems.

At the least the headaches can be debilitating. When I had them bad I just had to sit or lay in a dark quiet room sometimes for hours until they passed. At this point I only get the "lights" portion; fortunately the pain part of it is passed for me.

There's a group on Myspace for support here.

New England Regional Headache Center is in Worcester. The link is here.

Win for Marlboro - renewable energy company

Link

With the new gateway district we have the opportunity to attract businesses like this. Auburn could position/sell itself this way and needs to do so.