You won’t find this in the paper

Posted by Brittany Durgin

A new added feature to worcestermag.com is Check This. The section featured on the homepage lists a variety of events and happenings in the Worcester area that we, the staff, think you may be interested in. From skateboarding to Shakespeare, and an organ concert to smartass show, we’re hoping you can find something fun to do in the coming days by checking out this page. Check This can be found here.

Mmmm, time to eat. Worcester Restaurant Week is upon us, and additional to our story on this years event, we have an extensive list of suggested eateries for you, as well as what to expect from some of them. Find the list of restaurants here.

Watch a music video to the Boston band Lovewhip who is set to play Lucky Dog Music Hall tomorrow night, July 31. Read about the band, and watch the video here.

The art has started to be installed in Elm Park for the third annual Art in the Park event. Read about the fast approaching exhibit, and as an online extra, find a list of all the upcoming events centered around Art in the Park. The listing of events can be found here.

Guerilla marketing comes to Worcester in the form of street advertising. This story about AArow Advertising can only be found online in our Young Guns section. Read the story, and watch a 311 music video that shows the marketing in action here.

New multimedia come to worcestermag.com this week. Watch a video of the weekly Dirty Gerund show, and see why this isn’t your typical poetry reading. Watch the video here. Also, incase you missed any of these events, find photos from the Cole Porter Tribute Show, the Perfectionists opening at Davis Gallery, and the annual George Street bike race.

Muzzle ’em!

Posted by Brittany Durgin

We asked you, our readers, if Worcester should impose an ordinance on pit bulls. You said:

Should Worcester impose an ordinance on pit bulls?

Yes		58%
No		35%
I’m indifferent to the matter		7%

Read this weeks news story on the matter here on worcestermag.com

Now we want to hear your opinion on health inspections. Should restaurants be required to post their health inspection grades? New York City has implemented this practice, should Worcester follow? Tell us what you think and find out what others have said on worcestermag.com

Casino legislation: 1 step forward, 2 steps back?

Posted by Jeremy Shulkin

David Bernstein, the Boston Phoenix‘s political writer, has an interesting little bit of news to come out of the gaming legislation gridlock: Governor Patrick has publicly involved himself.

But then Governor Deval Patrick stepped in. He made an appearance for the media, to announce that, whereas he has previously demanded a bill with no slots-only licenses, he is now willing to accept a single such license, if the legislature also passes five other bills he wants.

Bernstein calls this a “freakin’ brilliant” move by the Gov. More analysis here.

Locally relevant, Senators Michael Moore and Harriette Chandler have differing views on slots. Moore supports the machines, while Chandler does not. Auburn State Rep. Paul Frost — the only Central Massachusetts politician on the gaming bill’s conference committee — will hopefully give us a call back later with some more information.

UPDATE: The Boston Globe has the latest news that a tentative  compromise has been reached, but:

The deal does not meet Governor Deval Patrick’s demands, but, with the legislative session scheduled to end at midnight tomorrow, it is not clear how the governor will respond.

Worcester Mag seeks interns

Worcester Magazine now accepting applications for Fall Internships

If you’re a student looking for an internship that will not only give you the experience and hands on learning you crave, but the published clips your portfolio demands, then Worcester Magazine has a place for you. Our interns are involved in all aspects of our weekly alternative newspaper, from concept to publication. With intern only content produced weekly, our staff relies heavily on the talents of our intern staff, creating a unique opportunity for independent work that creates content our readers will look forward to each week. For an opportunity that transcends the credits you’ll receive, fill out our online application and  embark upon a new journey of learning and exploration.

More info after the jump:

CORI reformers ship out to Boston

Posted by Jeremy Shulkin

A bus load of Worcester Criminal Offender Records Information reform activists, including groups like Neighbor to Neighbor, EPOCA and the ACLU are joining up with others at the Statehouse today to nudge state reps. and senators to push through a reform bill currently sitting in conference committee before this season’s legislative session ends.

CORI reformers say that current laws regarding ex-prisoners’ records make finding jobs difficult post-release. The House’s version of the bill, which according to demonstrator Nate Gorczynski (who does not speak for any of the organizations involved), is favored over the senate’s version, would seal felonies after only seven years rather than 15. Misdemeanors would drop from ten to three years. It would also remove public criminal records for those arrested but whose cases have been dismissed.

EPOCA and Neighbor to Neighbor have already sent out thank you notes and reminders to the representatives who have pledged their support, but in the midst of other bills currently grabbing attention (gaming, anyone?), the reformers don’t want to be forgotten in the shuffle.

“This is crunch time,” says Gorczynski.

Four Year Strong featured on iTunes

Local band Four Year Strong has made it big in the past few years. They’ve toured the country, and the world. They’ve put out a new album, and now their new music video for “It must really suck to be Four Year Strong right now” is iTune’s featured free video of the week. You can download the video for free here or simply watch it below…

The Asian Longhorn Beetle fights in the drug war

Posted by Jeremy Shulkin

This just in from one of our graphic artists:

Yesterday, (7/21) – Beetle inspectors went into the woods by my house on the north side of Worcester looking for the infamous ALB… What they found instead was somebody’s garden of marijuana! Police have harvested and confiscated the plants…

We’ve been told we can’t publish a picture of the haul, but it looks like at least three very large plants were seized.

Beetles and pot haven’t mingled this well since Rubber Soul.

Poll results: smoking in casinos

Posted by Brittany Durgin

You voted, and said…

Smoking in casinos?

Gambling and smoking go together like peanut butter and jelly		26%
Whichever way the casinos will make more money		10%
It doesn’t matter to me		2%
I’d rather die than be stuck in a tobacco cloud		24%
I don’t gamble or smoke		38%

Visit worcestermag.com today to take part in our new poll: Should Worcester impose an ordinance on pit bulls?