The I&M is reporting that there's no school today. Why in my day we never let a little snow get in the way of edumacation. We used to walk 20 miles to school and back, uphill both ways in the snow. And we liked it. 

I wish I was there. Making ads here in CT. I miss all of the good stuff. 

He's just been fired. Here's his exit interview with the I&M.

http://www.ack.net/derensis121710.html

In the past few days, news has come to light about a major security breach at Gawker Media, which has uncovered the inherent security weaknesses of sites that require a username and password. Click to read one such story:

Why not use same password everywhere? Gawker shows us.

Starting at 5 PM, the BOS will interview the three prospective companies to handle Nantucket's Town Counsel duties. Please attend. And please raise you voice if anyone from the BOS calls for a vote that evening without explaining their positions on whether and why our existing Town Counsel should be replaced. 

The Sconset Beach Preservation Fund people are again proposing a beach and bluff protection plan, albeit on a much smaller scale. 

Another Sconset Bluff stabilization plan unveiled 

This measure is being floated long with a change to the town bylaw which was established at the 2008 ATM which states that all such projects could not be undertaken without a vote at town meeting and not until the coastal management plan was complete. The proponents of the plan wish to place the power in the hands of the five selectmen to decide if the project can go forward. 

Here's my prediction:

FAIL (as the kids like to say these days.)

Here's the truncated story: Conflict of interest charges lodged against two selectmen

But for anyone who really wants to get both sides of the story, I suggest picking up the paper and reading to the end. ASAP was the only applicant for these funds. They would have received the funds even if Whitey and Kopko hadn't voted. But I guess when politics are concerned and public employees' jobs are being cut, it's better to write a 16 page letter to discredit and stir up a hornet's nest than to do the work of the people. 

10-2 at the Nantucket Yacht club. Lots of cool, handmade crafts, many made by teachers and students at the school!

For those of us unable to attend and witness the flash mob rendition of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" during stroll in person, I want to thank all of those involved. Although I only saw the videos, it certainly was a magical moment on Nantucket and so exemplified the community spirit and love we are all so proud of. Huge kudos to the person who thought of it, all thouse that must have worked so hard to organize it, and especially the participants. Nantucket is truly a magical place. Can't wait to get back. You made my day.

A forum, sponsored by Students for Sustainability will be held on Thursday December 16th at 6pm in the Large Group Instruction room (LGI) of the high school. Student leaders will be providing information about the turbine at the school and will answer any questions. 

I've been wondering. Who are the next leaders of our island? We have a finite number of people and an even more finite number of leaders. I've made a list of prominent islanders. You can add you own. Please rate each one and tell us who you feel you are more or less likely to vote for to be on the Board of Selectmen in 2011.

As I write this, it's 2:45 AM and my pies are baking, so I thought I would post a few things that I'm thankful for, and  hope that others will do the same when they have a chance. 

I'm thankful to live in a beautiful place. A place that is unique. 

I'm thankful for those people willing to work hard to make sure Nantucket stays that way. 

I'm thankful for 20 years with my wife and I look forward to the the next 20 and beyond. 

I'm thankful for my dog, Seven, who is always happy to see me. 

It's that time of year again, and since the old YACK post is gone, I thought I would post this anew. 

The back-up turkey this year will be a rolled, boned grilled turkey stuffed with ground pork, cream, sage, caramelized onions and more:

Here's the pic of the cider-brined bird:

G. 

Nantucket friends, Seven and I will be down in front of the Bean from 1:30 to 2:30-ish today to get our remaining signatures for a petition to put a warrant article in April Town Meeting to make it a bit more difficult for the powers that be to put a parking garage downtown. If you're a registered voter, come say hi and sign!