Part 2:  Economic Forces
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By William C. Shelton

( The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and  do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff  or publishers)

I was taught in my youth that America is the land of opportunity and that my nation is the most egalitarian in the world. This overlooked a significant number of Americans who lived in poverty. But it was truer for the United States than for many countries. In 1978 the median male worker in the U.S. earned $48,302 in today’s dollars.

The winning team “Back to Basics” – Elliot Rippe, Arjun Singh, and Daniel Portillo.

By Harry Kane

In an annual event held by the Somerville Mathematics Fund, high school students designed and built marble maze mechanisms out of various “junk” materials to create what’s known as a Rube Golderberg machine. You may recall a famous instance of one of these contraptions in the beginning of the film, Back to the Future. The Rube Goldberg machine achieves a simple undertaking, such as the delivery of a marble, and transforms the process into a complex, over-engineered invention.

Renovation of Davis Square park will create a more active, community-focused park based on public feedback

The City of Somerville will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at Kenney Park on Friday, Oct. 25, at noon as work commences on overhauling the park and creating a more active, community-focused space for residents.

2013 Yawkee League Hall of Famer Mike Powers.

By David Treska

Mike Powers has been a part of the Yawkey Baseball League since 1988, spanning over 25 years and in that time he has one of the most distinguished careers in the leagues history.

A 5 time All Star Player and a 12 All Star Coach, his playing career started with the Cambridge Bucs and after a season there he joined the Somerville Highlander Alumni Baseball Club in the 1990 season.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and  do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff  or publishers)

The short and controversial life of the “tech tax” — the state’s proposed levy on software services — came to an end a few weeks ago. After a full-throttle revolt from the innovation sector, all parties — including the governor — agree the existence of such a tax would weaken the power of Massachusetts as a magnet for entrepreneurs and innovators.

Thomas Dolby and collaborator Blake Leyh will be taking audiences on a multimedia excursion to the edge of the sea and beyond with “Invisible Lighthouse Live” this coming Saturday at The Somerville Theatre.

By Jim Clark

From the 80s onward to the present day, cutting-edge musical mastermind Thomas Dolby has taken audiences through a multifarious array of imaginary worlds of wonder.

His 1982 hit single She Blinded Me With Science, from the wildly popular The Golden Age of Wireless album remains a perennial favorite from the golden age of synth-pop and proto-electronica among fans and those who just happened to be there at the time.

Honor comes only two years after city named a Bronze level community, demonstrating City of Somerville’s continued progress

If you’re on a bicycle in Somerville, you can get there from here. The League of American Bicyclists has recognized the city’s continued commitment to creating a bikeable community with a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community designation, only two years after the city earned a Bronze level designation. Somerville now joins a number of cities including New York City, Philadelphia and Boston receiving this level of recognition for its efforts to promote bicycling.

The candidates for Board of Alderman were each asked four questions and invited to describe themselves and their vision for how best to serve their ward. Their responses are presented here in alphabetical order, based on their last names, ward by ward. Ward 4 candidate Tony Lafuente did not submit answers in time for publication.

By Jim Clark

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston broke ground at Assembly Row last week, as State and local officials participated in the ceremonies heralding the commencement of construction of the family friendly entertainment venue.

Candidate for Alderman in Ward One Matt McLaughlin is having a rally tonight, Wednesday, October 23 at the Mt. Vernon Restaurant, lower Broadway, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join Mayor Joe Curtatone, current Ward One Alderman Maureen Bastardi, incumbent Ward Six alderman Rebekah Gewirtz and many more as they make the final push to elect Matt McLaughlin for Ward One Alderman. Matt surprised everyone in Ward One with his more than easy win in the recent primary elections. He faces candidate Elio LoRusso on November 5, Election Day.