The potential ROI for internet marketing is astounding. For little to no
cost, a company or individual can successfully market themselves on a
global level through hundreds of web apps, social media channels, email
marketing campaigns, and blogs (to name a few). This is an exceptional
development and one that certainly levels the playing field between
large companies and small businesses/nonprofits. The power to increase
visibility and the reach of their message or brand is exponential.
The
laws of both Moore and Metcalfe attribute to this. Moore's Law states
that every 18 months processing power doubles, while cost remains the
same. Metcalfe proposes that the value of a network grows by the value
of N squared, when N = nodes (devices or users connected to the network). Cookies (more on these later)
contribute greatly to the processing power of the internet, as networks like
Facebook become wiser about the interests of individual users, enabling
customized advertising and more direct marketing. At the same time,
however, it is important to utilize internet marketing in a strategic
manner. This is where the difference lies between personal and brand
dialogue on the web.
Over time, I have come to realize that with the
internet, sometimes "less is more." As a healthcare marketing professional, I always want to be aware of developments and understand how people are using sites -- but this doesn't mean that I jump on the band wagon and create an account for my company immediately. Sometimes, it is better to observe from a distance. Not all social sites are successful and it is important that you check out a site, before choosing to create an account. Affiliation = endorsement and in order to protect your brand, you have to implement a strategy for which sites you choose to use and scout things out in advance.
The difference between a personal account on Facebook, for example, and a brand page is substantial. Personal accounts are often used to share personal info (duh) about relationships, emotions, and daily life in a casual manner. Where this can be a very friendly, inviting approach to online interaction, it is not appropriate for a professional entity or healthcare organization. On a daily basis, I observe how my friends and family manage their personal accounts on
Facebook, Twitter, or other social networking sites. Many people do not
give much thought to how what they say on their page or sharing private information. They say what they
want, to whomever they desire and they don't worry too much about the
repercussions or how they appear to the outside world.
Professional brands cannot afford this luxury; they have a
reputation to uphold and an obligation to their clients, investors, etc. The need for careful monitoring and clear strategy is especially
true for healthcare organizations or hospitals, as they have a very high
standard to adhere to and must follow protocol to protect patient
confidentiality, in line with HIPAA. How can hospitals and healthcare orgs use social sites? I will discuss this soon in an upcoming post, but here's the short and sweet of it: healthcare orgs can use social media to share important health messages, improve visibility, market programs and services that they provide, and offer a place for dialogue. However, the web is NOT a place for medical diagnosis, clinical care or instruction. There may be some hospitals that employ secure chat rooms or LIVE interaction where patient health info is protected. Facebook is not one of these places -- yet.
Moral of the story: with the development of
so many new technologies, it seems
that the possibilities for interactive marketing are endless. A small company or program can gain a large
national presence through the internet in a very short amount of time.
Through Google and other search engines, brands can find out exactly
what their clients want and put their product right in front of the
target audience, satisfying both parties. However, without proper
application these powerful tools can do more harm than good. It is
important for a brand to set in place proper protocol for both internal
and external internet marketing policy (including one specific to social media). The brand must consider what sites or apps it chooses to use
and how these efforts will integrate into the overall marketing
strategy.
This article is the part of a series of posts that I will make throughout my graduate studies in Marketing and Communications. With a focus on both healthcare and interactive marketing, I hope to gain a better understanding for effective health messaging--which I think plays a key role in a happy, healthy society. Please leave your comments or write to me: camorous@gmail.com.
Showing posts with label Boston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boston. Show all posts
4.11.2012
Are we like the People of Panem?
For those of you with a PR day job, you must understand this sentiment: I come home from a long day at work and bask in the freedom to browse the internet for the fluffy stuff. I spend my 9-5 day staying up to date on hospital policy, clinical care, and research studies. In the evening, I ride the social wave. Interestingly, more often than not, my evening reads connect back directly to my day job. Several weeks ago, the hot topics on the internet were: the #HungerGames and #HealthCareReform.
I understand the reason for all of the hype. It's a big deal for the government to try to mandate something like health care, passing a law like this would set an impressive legal precedent. Even if one argues that the mandate would not infringe upon the constitutional rights of American citizens (which it could, the Supreme Court Justices have yet to determine this), it could also open the door to future legislation that crosses farther over this line. But here lies the problem: health care is essential to life and not everyone can afford it. Does everyone deserve it? I think most would agree that the answer is yes, but there are so many other factors at play here that add to the complexity of the issue. The largest of which, I think, is freedom of choice.
Ever since then, I've been itching to dig into the on-going health care debate, especially after listening to a very compelling piece that NPR did several weeks ago on the second day of Obamacare hearings for the US Supreme Court. So for a moment, let's talk universal health care reform and then maybe we can get to the Hunger Games.
I understand the reason for all of the hype. It's a big deal for the government to try to mandate something like health care, passing a law like this would set an impressive legal precedent. Even if one argues that the mandate would not infringe upon the constitutional rights of American citizens (which it could, the Supreme Court Justices have yet to determine this), it could also open the door to future legislation that crosses farther over this line. But here lies the problem: health care is essential to life and not everyone can afford it. Does everyone deserve it? I think most would agree that the answer is yes, but there are so many other factors at play here that add to the complexity of the issue. The largest of which, I think, is freedom of choice.
What's more interesting to me at the moment, is how the American public is reacting to the Supreme Court Hearings. So my thought is, let's take it to the people and see what they have to say via Twitter:
@Vision365 @darbus69 it is your RIGHT to work and pursue thosethings you want, such as healthcare. I choose not to buy insurance.
Good point. RT “@BorowitzReport: Americans should not be forcedto spend money on healthcare that they could be spending onguns.”
RT @KateClinton: Shouldn't Supreme Court judges who havehealthcare recuse themselves from this case?
Dumb tweet of the day MT @Jimi_We If SCOTUS kills ACA allAmericans should refuse to provide healthcare for congressmenand SCOTUS.
Hands off my Healthcare! We need #Obamacare!
Why don't we apply successful principles of Internet (transparency, choice) to health care? http://bit.ly/GZ7GoR
Healthcare going down? Back 2 millions being uninsured. RSupremes makg that the American way? Canucks think we're nuts!
So single-payer healthcare not only would have been cheaper & more equitable, but it also would have been more legally resilient.
So single-payer healthcare not only would have been cheaper & more equitable, but it also would have been more legally resilient.
Read the above (just a small sampling of one night's discussion on Twitter). To sum it all up: people are uneasy about change. That's old news, but, is it just the element of change that poses a threat? No, people are concerned about putting their own health in jeopardy. For this reason, we have been teetering on the edge of health care reform. We want to take the plunge, but we are scared of the consequences.
The fight over health care reform is just like the Hunger Games. The government has nurtured a society that promotes the Games (universal health care) and encourages tributes to fight to the death (provokes citizens to a place where they feel trapped); without freedom of choice. Each tribute, just like each American citizen, wants the chance to choose life (or medical care), without having to take it from their friends and peers. Therein lies the problem: when the government takes away their choice, they feel forced to protect themselves and they become animals - caring only for their personal well-being. It's survival of the fittest. They no longer trust the men and women in power.
Americans are caught between a rock and a hard place. Altruism is a strong force within democracy and they want to provide medical care for everyone, but they do not trust #Obamacare. People are too afraid that, like the Hunger Games, the system is rigged; that when they really do get very sick, they won't get the timely, high standard of care that they need and feel that they deserve. And it may be a matter of life or death. Acts of kindness and universal health care may risk the loss of their own quality care. Like so many things in life, it all boils down to self preservation, as the Tweets above show. People are suspicious. Just like in Panem, they do not trust the government to make these decisions; this can cause a great deal of unrest and unhappiness in the nation.
The fight over health care reform is just like the Hunger Games. The government has nurtured a society that promotes the Games (universal health care) and encourages tributes to fight to the death (provokes citizens to a place where they feel trapped); without freedom of choice. Each tribute, just like each American citizen, wants the chance to choose life (or medical care), without having to take it from their friends and peers. Therein lies the problem: when the government takes away their choice, they feel forced to protect themselves and they become animals - caring only for their personal well-being. It's survival of the fittest. They no longer trust the men and women in power.
Americans are caught between a rock and a hard place. Altruism is a strong force within democracy and they want to provide medical care for everyone, but they do not trust #Obamacare. People are too afraid that, like the Hunger Games, the system is rigged; that when they really do get very sick, they won't get the timely, high standard of care that they need and feel that they deserve. And it may be a matter of life or death. Acts of kindness and universal health care may risk the loss of their own quality care. Like so many things in life, it all boils down to self preservation, as the Tweets above show. People are suspicious. Just like in Panem, they do not trust the government to make these decisions; this can cause a great deal of unrest and unhappiness in the nation.
In MA, we pay a high percentage of our annual salary to healthcare benefits, as the result of the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law (2006), implemented by Mitt Romney during his time as governor. For many single workers, like myself, this translates to 1/3 of my monthly pay check - a high price to pay. I am rarely sick enough to need medical attention, so this number does feels unjust.
I understand the resentment towards #Obamacare. However, this is no excuse for neglecting those who need medical attention. So what do we do? What if Americans want both free choice and universal health care? Can we have our cake and eat it too, or is this one big Catch 22?
I understand the resentment towards #Obamacare. However, this is no excuse for neglecting those who need medical attention. So what do we do? What if Americans want both free choice and universal health care? Can we have our cake and eat it too, or is this one big Catch 22?
2.27.2012
Time for a Change
It is a new year and a new era for me. This blog has tracked my progress in the field of Journalism from the very beginning of my tenure. However, the time has come to take this platform (a rather holdge-podge of articles and memoirs) and turn it into something more targeted and mission driven. That being said, I am not abandoning my work...you will still be able to search back through the archives and find my early writings.
Now...the transition. Moving forward, I would like to dedicate this space as a canvas for reflection and sharing insights into the world of social media management. The key to successful social media campaigning (especially for a nonprofit) is the ability to stay abreast of the latest discoveries, and to make your own and to share them. This collaborative environment stems from Mark Zuckerberg, himself, and the Facebook philosophy of open information interaction. Instead of keeping his product a secret, Zuckerberg has attempted to make Facebook available to anyone who has an interest in exploring the network. The Facebook backend, templates, and profile fields are open to everyday users and developers, alike, to develop ideas and expand upon their platform as much as they desire. This democratic approach sets a precedent that allows for positive feedback, and sharing of information that leaves the user feeling valued and empowered. I believe that this cultural change does not discount the need for careful monitoring of social media sites and a continued effort for brand name protection, but it broadens our horizons in a world where a narrow perspective on life, limits opportunity. Well done, Mark.
Now...the transition. Moving forward, I would like to dedicate this space as a canvas for reflection and sharing insights into the world of social media management. The key to successful social media campaigning (especially for a nonprofit) is the ability to stay abreast of the latest discoveries, and to make your own and to share them. This collaborative environment stems from Mark Zuckerberg, himself, and the Facebook philosophy of open information interaction. Instead of keeping his product a secret, Zuckerberg has attempted to make Facebook available to anyone who has an interest in exploring the network. The Facebook backend, templates, and profile fields are open to everyday users and developers, alike, to develop ideas and expand upon their platform as much as they desire. This democratic approach sets a precedent that allows for positive feedback, and sharing of information that leaves the user feeling valued and empowered. I believe that this cultural change does not discount the need for careful monitoring of social media sites and a continued effort for brand name protection, but it broadens our horizons in a world where a narrow perspective on life, limits opportunity. Well done, Mark.
4.04.2011
Carbon Offsets: An Unearthed Treasure or Pain in the Asset?
It’s like driving a car, attempting to follow a complicated map with no straightforward directions: so frustrating! Then along comes the modern day GPS system that is easy to use; you enter data and it spits out your destination. Easy as pie.
This is the analogy that Tom Kineshanko gave, when describing his company’s carbon offset identification and monetization software platform, a tool called OffsetID. Habitat Carbon Assets, founded two years ago in Vancouver, British Columbia, is on a mission to help Cleantech sellers benefit from carbon offset revenue from the sale of their technology.
Like all of his life’s work– Kineshanko is also involved with several other clean energy nonprofits– Habitat’s overall mission is to decrease carbon emissions quickly, by encouraging more and more businesses to transition over to clean energy fuel.
This is the analogy that Tom Kineshanko gave, when describing his company’s carbon offset identification and monetization software platform, a tool called OffsetID. Habitat Carbon Assets, founded two years ago in Vancouver, British Columbia, is on a mission to help Cleantech sellers benefit from carbon offset revenue from the sale of their technology.
Like all of his life’s work– Kineshanko is also involved with several other clean energy nonprofits– Habitat’s overall mission is to decrease carbon emissions quickly, by encouraging more and more businesses to transition over to clean energy fuel.
10.03.2010
Trunks exposed: Ancient Trees Felled in Boston Garden
On the first cold Saturday of the season, I took a stroll through Boston Common (my new backyard) and found city workers busy as bees, hacking down some of Boston's nicest old trees.
Unfortunately, I am not a girl scout and I failed my wilderness badge at summer camp, so I cannot tell you the type of tree (although, if you do have this special "natural" talent, you may be able to decipher this from the photos of the trunks). Honestly, I was shocked at the width of the trunks (I have yet to see California Redwoods with my own eyes) and the beauty of the rings, which emanated from the core of the trunk- like waves rippling in a pool.
5.11.2010
Boston Celebrates Green on Earth Day
Students from towns across the state of Massachusetts and New Hampshire got permission to take time off school on April 22, 2010 to honor global commitment to the environment. Gathering on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston, hundreds of people enjoyed a free lunch time concert by bands They Might be Giants and Citizen Cope.
The event was hosted by Boston’s independent and solar-powered radio station (WXRV) in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The choice of venue reflected a new model of dynamic outdoor space created with the intent of bringing Bostonians together to enjoy the city.A Variety of environmental groups, clean energy organizations, and organic food companies were present giving out t-shirts and samples. I tried some humus with pita in a small container- delicious, healthy, on-the-go snack!
By Catherine Moore, camorous@gmail.com
4.23.2010
Not for the Weak of Heart
Crew is a mysterious sport that remained foreign to me until I started dating a rower last spring. Then, naturally, I wanted to know everything about it- hoping to better understand my man's obsession. Yeah, right! I am nowhere nearer to understanding the sport than I am to deciphering the meaning in life. Rowing is one of those things that you have to dive into if you are going to survive. You can't just stick your toe in and try it out- it doesn't work that way.
The athletes wake up at 5 am to trudge down to the boathouse and venture out onto the still water. They row their guts out, eat three meals worth of food, sleep, and then they do it all over again. It is never ending- I don't know how any varsity collegiate rower gets any academic work done, because their free time is spent eating and sleeping. (Kinda like a newborn baby) However grim this lifestyle may seem, these boys are ripped and they would tell you in a moment that all of their blood, sweat, and tears are worth the 6 minutes of glory when they finish a 2K in record speed and perfect synchronization.
Some say rowing is a metaphor for life--it's a sport that relies not merely on talent, but on unmatched discipline rooted in passion. It forces the athlete to "dig deeper" and push his or her personal limits. The athlete must achieve the ultimate balance of rowing independently and in unison.
New to the sport, I am completely naive. I jump at the opportunity to get up at early hours and skip down to the dock to take photos for my blog. I shiver by the water's edge and strain my eyes to decipher who is who in the small skull down river. "Go BU," I shout into the still-dark sky. Oops, that's Northeastern. Never mind.
It's not my fault I got confused. I can't see a darn thing in the fog and the sun has barely appeared behind the Boston skyline. Why does this sport have to be so unconventional? Can't the crew gods mandate race time at a "normal" afternoon hour, complete with ballpark stands and popcorn vendors like other traditional American sports? Of course not. Rowing is not for the weak of heart.
When you watch rowing, you are not a spectator. You are the coxswain, the stroke, the bowman. You are following the eight as it moves along the river edge. You are cheering and screaming and telling them to "Pull!" Your heart is beating fast and you can almost feel the boat move beneath you. And you forget for a moment the early hour, your freezing hands and toes, and the lack of morning coffee. You only have eyes for the boat moving on the water.
At the end of the race, when the horn blows and the oars slow, you look to see the expression on their faces; the deep disappointment and rage that surfaces as the men peel their shirts over their heads and hand them to their opponents. Or, the better scenario, a contagious grin on the face of each rower as he steps onto the dock in victory.
By Catherine Moore, camorous@gmail.com
The athletes wake up at 5 am to trudge down to the boathouse and venture out onto the still water. They row their guts out, eat three meals worth of food, sleep, and then they do it all over again. It is never ending- I don't know how any varsity collegiate rower gets any academic work done, because their free time is spent eating and sleeping. (Kinda like a newborn baby) However grim this lifestyle may seem, these boys are ripped and they would tell you in a moment that all of their blood, sweat, and tears are worth the 6 minutes of glory when they finish a 2K in record speed and perfect synchronization.
Some say rowing is a metaphor for life--it's a sport that relies not merely on talent, but on unmatched discipline rooted in passion. It forces the athlete to "dig deeper" and push his or her personal limits. The athlete must achieve the ultimate balance of rowing independently and in unison.
New to the sport, I am completely naive. I jump at the opportunity to get up at early hours and skip down to the dock to take photos for my blog. I shiver by the water's edge and strain my eyes to decipher who is who in the small skull down river. "Go BU," I shout into the still-dark sky. Oops, that's Northeastern. Never mind.
It's not my fault I got confused. I can't see a darn thing in the fog and the sun has barely appeared behind the Boston skyline. Why does this sport have to be so unconventional? Can't the crew gods mandate race time at a "normal" afternoon hour, complete with ballpark stands and popcorn vendors like other traditional American sports? Of course not. Rowing is not for the weak of heart.
When you watch rowing, you are not a spectator. You are the coxswain, the stroke, the bowman. You are following the eight as it moves along the river edge. You are cheering and screaming and telling them to "Pull!" Your heart is beating fast and you can almost feel the boat move beneath you. And you forget for a moment the early hour, your freezing hands and toes, and the lack of morning coffee. You only have eyes for the boat moving on the water.
At the end of the race, when the horn blows and the oars slow, you look to see the expression on their faces; the deep disappointment and rage that surfaces as the men peel their shirts over their heads and hand them to their opponents. Or, the better scenario, a contagious grin on the face of each rower as he steps onto the dock in victory.
By Catherine Moore, camorous@gmail.com
4.20.2010
12.18.2009
Debut at The Boston Globe
The beginning of something great:
"Tynan Teachers, Students Rally for Sick Girl"
By Catherine Moore, Spring 2010 Globe Correspondent
"Tynan Teachers, Students Rally for Sick Girl"
By Catherine Moore, Spring 2010 Globe Correspondent
12.15.2009
Winter Classic Involves Flooding Fenway
By Kristine Leahy and Catherine Moore
(Content from WEEI.com)
12.07.2009
12.06.2009
Bergeron, Thornton, Wheeler- About Facing Former Teammate Kessel and Defeating Toronto 7-2
The Garden was aglow last night-charged with momentum and the need for redemption, the Boston Bruins held their ground and defended their territory with the ever-present support of their fans egging them on.
By Catherine Moore and Kristine Leahy, courtesy of WEEI.com (visit: http://bigbadblog.weei.com/sports/boston/hockey/bruins/2009/12/06/bruins-dec-5-post-game/)
Kessel Winces at his Performance
The Boston Bruins made a strong case for playing on home turf with their 7-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, after losing (an embarrassing spectacle) less than 24 hours earlier in Canada. The TD Garden was jam-packed with over 17,000 fans Saturday night- ready to cheer their team to victory and boo returning former Bruins player, Phil Kessel, for all it was worth. The game was feisty- with hat throwing, fights breaking out at every turn, and some nice pucks in the net.
By Catherine Moore and Kristine Leahy, courtesy of WEEI.com (visit: http://bigbadblog.weei.com/sports/boston/hockey/bruins/2009/12/06/phil-kessel-talks-after-7-2-loss-to-bruins/)
12.04.2009
Bruins Start Winning at Home Now, too...
Wednesday night the Boston Bruins turned up the heat and beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 at the TD Bank Garden. Are the black and gold bringing it home for good? Let's hope so!
By Catherine Moore and Kristine Leahy, courtesy of WEEI.com (This content can be found at: http://bigbadblog.weei.com/)
11.18.2009
Pats Look Towards Jets, Put Colts Behind Them
Belichick is on to bigger and better things, after the Patriots' devastating loss on Sunday in Indianapolis- especially considering most people blame him for the bad call that lost them the game. Wednesday morning NE coach talked about continuing to improve as the season progresses and the high hopes the Pats have for the next seven games of the regular season. Tom Brady affirmed this statement. In front of his locker- next to a not so happy Randy Moss- Brady was all smiles. He said that the Pats are anticipating this weekend at home and looking at it as their next chance to shine- minus any sort of cloud lingering from last game. Wihite joined the crew, saluting #9 Isaiah Stanback for his performance- filling in as QB from the practice squad. The team was in agreement: we need more Isaiahs to step up!
By Catherine Moore and Joe Zarbano, thanks to WEEI.com
See Link: http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2009/11/18/patriots-locker-room-uncut-1118/
11.13.2009
Very Superstitious
Friday the 13th from Taylor Aldredge on Vimeo.
Friday the 13th...comes around again.
By Catherine Moore, camoore@bu.edu
11.12.2009
Men's Soccer Finishes Strong
The Boston University men's soccer team finished their season strong, despite a disappointing loss to Hartford. The Boston University women's team faces UConn tomorrow night at Boston College for the first game of the NCAA tournament. Stay Tuned...
By Catherine Moore, camoore@bu.edu
11.06.2009
Grab a handful of Carrots instead of a handful of Chips- Yes, even the BBQ ones!
P. Pierce Fights Childhood Obesity from Catherine Moore on Vimeo.
Fall 2009, Celtics star Paul Pierce promotes his FitCLub 34 to get kicks movin' and a groovin' and healthy as can be. Paul Pierce strives to fight childhood obesity by showing kids how choosing to eat right, stay active, and participate in activities such as break dancing, yoga, step, double dutch jump rope, hip hop, and aerobics can make a difference in how you feel. (In collaboration with Harvard Pilgrim Health Care group)
10.01.2009
Water Warriors
The first morning in October, the Boston University Men's Crew Team trekked out into the cold to the DeWolfe Boathouse for rowing practice. Once out on the water, Coach Tom Bohrer encouraged the boys to "listen to the boat," while Olympic rower and team captain, Meindert Klem, kept the team on track.
By Catherine Moore, camoore@bu.edu
9.15.2009
Boston: 9 am Along the Charles River
BOSTON, Mass. (9/15/2009) -- Early morning runs along the Charles River are a simple Boston pleasure. As the old adage goes, you don't realize what you're missing until you force 
yourself out from under the warm covers. This is the city of Boston at its best. The people I see and the scenes I witness, remind me of the diverse character surrounding me.
The esplanade pedestrian path takes its traveler right along the water's edge, giving him or her a breathtaking view of downtown; silver skyscrapers rising out of shimmering water into a pale blue sky.
As I come to the final bridge before the Museum of Science, I cross over the bridge and pass a
filming crew for Ben Affleck's new movie. A group of five to ten men dressed in black shirts that read "Massachusetts Film Crew" load and unload a large truck, camera equipment blocks my way, but I use this as an excuse to pull out my point and shoot and click a few pics.
Up ahead, I almost trip over a homeless man on my way down the bridge steps to reach the Storrow Drive overpass. The gentleman apologizes and, uncharacteristically (I assume) for a runner, I stop and extend my hand in greeting. "I'm Catherine," I say, asking if I can take a picture of him. He shakes his head and puts up a cigarette-laden hand, to block his face. I would rather you didn't, says the man named Husar. "I'm in several books, you see..." He tells me to look him up in Street Soldier, a book written by Edward MacKenzie, jr., Phyllis Karas, and Ross A. Muscato. He says that they allege he is connected to the Irish Mofia and to the infamous Boston gangster, Whitey Bulger. Okay, Nice to meet you sir, gotta keep running!
I pass multiple more street dwellers (6 to be precise) alongside the river, whose presence seems much more peaceful in the serene setting than it would in the middle of Government Center, surrounded by concrete and steel. The men and women I find have built themselves a nest for the night and are snuggled under old blankets or bags of retrieved garbage, asleep and at ease.
My last stop is the stop I have been anticipating all morning. But, the two Russian fishermen who set up camp on a small embankment along the river are no where to be found this morning. I am devastated. Sure that it was me who scared them
Oh well, another morning, another time, another place. Perhaps.
yourself out from under the warm covers. This is the city of Boston at its best. The people I see and the scenes I witness, remind me of the diverse character surrounding me.At 8:30 am, I head down Commonwealth Avenue, dodging the occasional sleepy student and trying, unsuccessfully, to listen for the ring of a bicycle bell. If I hear the tinkle of the chimes, I might just be able to jump out of the way, before a bike whizzes past, so close that it skims the skin on my left thigh.
Crossing over the BU bridge to the Cambridge side of the river, I pass the Boston University boathouse. Proud of its fine look and gold-edged trim, this morning I hear and see the crew boys pulling up to the dock, after a solid 2 hours out on the water.
The esplanade pedestrian path takes its traveler right along the water's edge, giving him or her a breathtaking view of downtown; silver skyscrapers rising out of shimmering water into a pale blue sky.
As I come to the final bridge before the Museum of Science, I cross over the bridge and pass a
filming crew for Ben Affleck's new movie. A group of five to ten men dressed in black shirts that read "Massachusetts Film Crew" load and unload a large truck, camera equipment blocks my way, but I use this as an excuse to pull out my point and shoot and click a few pics.Up ahead, I almost trip over a homeless man on my way down the bridge steps to reach the Storrow Drive overpass. The gentleman apologizes and, uncharacteristically (I assume) for a runner, I stop and extend my hand in greeting. "I'm Catherine," I say, asking if I can take a picture of him. He shakes his head and puts up a cigarette-laden hand, to block his face. I would rather you didn't, says the man named Husar. "I'm in several books, you see..." He tells me to look him up in Street Soldier, a book written by Edward MacKenzie, jr., Phyllis Karas, and Ross A. Muscato. He says that they allege he is connected to the Irish Mofia and to the infamous Boston gangster, Whitey Bulger. Okay, Nice to meet you sir, gotta keep running!
I pass multiple more street dwellers (6 to be precise) alongside the river, whose presence seems much more peaceful in the serene setting than it would in the middle of Government Center, surrounded by concrete and steel. The men and women I find have built themselves a nest for the night and are snuggled under old blankets or bags of retrieved garbage, asleep and at ease.When I reach the Boston Sailing School, there are already two folding chairs set out on one of the wooden docks. Up at 7 am, Ryan and David have staked their claim on tanning territory. They are determined to get every last ray of September sun, before "it's too late." Good ole New England advice.
My last stop is the stop I have been anticipating all morning. But, the two Russian fishermen who set up camp on a small embankment along the river are no where to be found this morning. I am devastated. Sure that it was me who scared them
away, I check two other spots for signs of their misshapen fishing hats and red and white striped chairs, but to no avail. I knew when I spoke to them yesterday, I should never have used the only phrase of Russian I know ("I love you").
Oh well, another morning, another time, another place. Perhaps.
By Catherine Moore, camoore@bu.edu
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