knomat?

Marissa and I just got back from Massachusetts and I thought I’d contribute the 3 new things I learned about New England lingo:

1. Shopping carts = carriages.

As we entered the liquor store to stock up for Sarah G’s party, she mentioned that she’d go get a carriage. I turned around with a confused look on my face, but came to realize that what she really meant was that she’d go get a shopping cart. Silly Massachusetts-dwellers. Carriages are for horses and fancy babies.

2. I’m all set = I’m done, thanks.

I first suspected this might have been a New England thing when I noticed my former roommate (Joel, a Vermonter) responding to the bartender at Boxer’s by saying “I’m all set” when asked if he wanted another beer. My suspicion was further confirmed by Sarah’s cousin when she responded with the same phrase when asked if she wanted more food.

3. “Wicked” origins.

I’ve heard people say this before, but I guess I just never realized it was considered a New England thing.

So, these things might not come as a surprise to many of you, but this was only my second trip to those fancy states above New York, as I’ve been known to call the region in the past. Regional differences intrigue me.

… and just because I know that one of you two is going to have to bring it up, I’m going to get this out of the way now …

Last night I ventured into southeast DC to attend the closing festival for a summer youth technology program at one of the local elementary schools. The program was organized by the Capitol Hill Computer Corner - a community technology center in DC. I was excited to learn about this event, thanks to my advisor, because I’ve been trying to find opportunities to see what’s out there in the community technology field. This sounded like it would be a great way for me to get a good look at a true community technology center and see the results of their programs. What I experienced gave me a breath of fresh air. Since I started the Instructional Design program here at GMU, I’ve been concerned about my choice and I’ve been wondering where my decision to study instructional design fits in to the whole scheme of my desire to serve the community and provide better access to technology in underserved areas. My advisor has helped through some discussions and networking contacts, but this was my first chance to see the ideas in action.

Throughout the presentations, I was reminded of my days in Yonkers. Watching the kids with smiles on their faces show off the products of learning multimedia production reminded me of why I’m interested in working with community technology and youth. Particularly in areas like these, the programs that the CHCC organizes gives kids so much opportunity - teaching them valuable skills that can shape their future and give them a sense of pride and accomplishment. So many underserved areas have been left behind when it comes to access to technology. People in these communities can’t afford the technology that most of us see as a necessity and they’re being left behind while technology is dominating society and everyday tasks. Seeing programs like the CHCC and festivals like the one I attended gives me hope - hope for the future of community technology centers in underserved areas and hope for my ability to contribute to the mission of these organizations.

Huntingdon isn’t the only town with an odd combination of goods store (Raystown Music and Aquarium). Right here in Fairfax, we’ve got the Shivam Music and Spices store. I wonder what kind of “spices” they sell. Hmmm …

Last night, my dad and I noticed that there were quite a few fire whistles that seemed to be heading in the direction of our neighborhood. So, we did what anybody else would do. We stepped out of our house and walked down the street to see if we could spot the action. The sirens were definitely close, but no sign of trucks or a fire. After a few minutes, they started to head away from us. I thought this was odd since I heard them approach our general area, and then fade a few minutes later. Did they realize they were going the wrong way and turn around? Is there a massive mid-speed chase involving numerous fire trucks?

My curiosity was piqued, so I decided to hop in my car and see what was going on. I had nothing better to do, and I felt as though I was returning to my small town roots. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one walking or driving around trying to figure out what was going on. I could have easily called one of the numerous relatives or friends of the family who own scanners that monitor police and fire activity and got the scoop from them, but that would have been a cop out. I was on a mission.

I got in my car and headed into town. I could still hear the sirens and I suspected that they are somewhere close to Front Street, so that’s where I directed my route. I got to a point where I could see a bunch of people already standing out on the sidewalk looking in one general direction, so I’m convinced I’m on the right track. I turned the corner and there they are about 2 blocks away. Several fire trucks with lights flashing … sirens blaring … all congregated in one block.

But, wait. There’s no fire. I don’t see any mangled cars. There aren’t any cats stuck in trees. No. None of that. The 13 year old teener league baseball team won the state championship. They sat proudly atop the shiny red machines holding their signs and fingers indicating “#1″ high in the air. I had been so out of touch with my home town that I forgot about the gigantic celebrations involving numerous emergency response vehicles that occur when one of our sports teams wins anything beyond districts. I’m sure it happens elsewhere, but it has always boggled my mind.

Hey! We won states! Let’s send the town into a state of complete panic and shock by parading every fire truck in the county through the streets with our sirens on!