Why are four Jewish community philanthropic foundations supporting an antisemitic website? Prof. Alan Dershowitz has brought appropriate attention to the antisemitism of Media Matters for America, and now thanks to the Daily Caller, it has been revealed that Media Matters has been receiving contributions from the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, Inc; Community Foundation of United Federation of San Diego*; Jewish Communal Fund; Jewish Community Foundation of Cleveland.  Clarice Feldman draws our attention to this bizarre fact at the PJ Tatler. She Continue reading >>>

Worried about the impact of potential fare hikes and service cuts at the MBTA, some of Massachusetts’s most powerful CEOs have been holding meetings about the prospect of a short-term solution to the agency’s financial woes, according to the head of a group that represents the Bay States biggest employers. “If people can’t get to their jobs, we’re going to see a slowdown of economic activity here in the commonwealth,” said Dan O’Connell, president of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership. “The T issue, of course, impacts the Greater Boston area. The commuter rail system and Continue reading >>>

No protesters interrupted the MBTA's 20th public meeting on proposed cuts for next year's budget, though transportation officials still got an earful from angry commuters Thursday night. During the meeting, 137 speakers took to the podium on behalf of students, seniors, the handicapped, the ill and more, with a common message to MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis: these proposals are unacceptable. Officials say a mixture of service cuts and fare hikes are necessary to close a $161 million deficit in next year's operating budget, with one proposed scenario eliminating all bus routes in Melrose. “I Continue reading >>>

Kathy McCabe photos Howard McGowan, 87, of Malden, an advocate for elder services, speaks at the hearing. By Kathy McCabe, Globe StaffThey came with guide dogs, walkers, and backpacks. They were armed with petitions, spoke with passion, and shared common pleasDon't cut bus, subway, or train service. Don't hike fares for a ride, or to park in an MBTA lot. "This is a public service," said Lisa Huguley, 47, a disabled woman who lives in Malden public housing. "We're the public. We need this transportation. Don't take away the services we need."                                       Continue reading >>>

print Published: February 17. 2012 4:00AM PST Deaths of note from around the world:Paul Richard McDermott, 76: A business consultant who turned a moribund Advertising Club of Greater Boston into a trade organization with clout. Died of complications of Parkinson’s disease on Feb. 9 in Chelsea’s Leonard Florence Center for Living in Boston.Nathaniel Blumberg, 89: The legendary former dean of the University of Montana School of Journalism was also a Rhodes Scholar during Continue reading >>>

The Irish Times - Friday, February 17, 2012CAROLINE MADDENCARLOW FIRM Netwatch will create 50 new jobs across its Irish and US operations over the next 18 months.The property protection services firm is investing over €3 million in an expansion drive in the US. This will generate 30 new positions split between Carlow and Boston by the end of the year, bringing Netwatch’s total headcount to over 120. A further 20 jobs will be created by late summer next year.Taoiseach Enda Kenny officially launched Netwatch’s north American headquarters in Boston yesterday. He said by harnessing modern technologies Continue reading >>>

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Putting western Massachusetts front and center, the chairs of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, Rep. Joseph Wagner (D-Chicopee) and Sen. Gale Candaras (D-Wilbraham), asked state officials how they’re growing the economy in the western part of the state. Housing and Economic Development Secretary Gregory Bialecki said his office is facilitating relationships between western Massachusetts companies and large companies, like Raytheon, which specializes in military defense products.  “We’re actually going to start by talking with some Continue reading >>>

(Justmeans.com / CSR News) - LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) is pleased to announce that it teamed up with long-time partner KaBOOM! to build its 12th playground in 12 years today at the Fairfield Family Branch YMCA in Long Beach, Calif. The playground build began with a kickoff ceremony at 8:30 a.m. PT and the ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held be at 2:30 p.m. To celebrate its partnership with KaBOOM! JetBlue is inviting customers to vote on the next playground location (a) on its Facebook page. Those who vote will be entered for a chance Continue reading >>>