Moriarty Comments On Restructure Hearing

Town Councilor Shaun Moriarty

I try not to fall into the trap of conspiracy theories and Machiavellian plots, but one can't help but wonder with the actions being taken.

After a very public and vocal call to action for delay in a rushed restructuring plan of Southbridge Middle/High School, the School Committee has scheduled a "Special Meeting" for Tuesday, May 26 at 7:00pm at the former Southbridge High School auditorium at 25 Cole Avenue. 

The Sounds Of Silence

Ken O’Brien

Loyal readers of The O’Zone may have noticed a recent decline in comments on this blog.

Trust me, I’m still getting them.

However, they have become so vicious, abusive and, in many cases, libelous that I have refused to publish them.

Now, I think that I have demonstrated an ability to engage in banter as well as having a respect for humor.

However, in the last two weeks, there has been an absolute absence of any intelligent arguments advanced against the opinions that I have expressed.

Editor’s Note: A Courtesy Request

Ken O’Brien

As O’Zone readers are aware, several recent articles have generated a good number of comments.

Many, in fact most, of the comments are anonymous. I have no issue with this, provided commenters abide by the guidelines I have posted.

However, it would greatly facilitate conversation if anonymous posters would adopt a screen name. This would make it easier for others to reference your comments.

Doing this is quite simple. Under the “comment” form you will see a drop down menu. When you click on this it will ask you to “select profile”. Select “Name/URL”. When the responses box comes up insert your chosen screen name in the name field and leave the URL field blank and press “Continue”. You can then post and that screen name will appear ahead of your comment.

Your cooperation will certainly be appreciated by all.

The Sum Of All Facts

Ken O’Brien

Back in April, after the hoopla regarding the O'Zone's publication of the Arbitration decision in the case of Jonathan Jacobson, I conducted a poll of readers regarding whether the current principal of Southbridge High should stay or go.

At the conclusion of the article reporting the results of the poll, I wrote the following; “My prediction; I’ll end up being the villain in this black comedy.”

Yesterday I encountered an old friend (I’m talking a friend of over 40 years). We share a number of friends, many of whom are intimately involved in this affair. 

The Whole World Is Watching

A Valentine To The O’Zone Readers

Ken O’Brien

One of the frequently overlooked realities about the world wide web is that it is, in fact, worldwide.

Even as inconsequential a site as The O’Zone, once it is published, filters out to an audience that knows no boundaries.

With that in mind, I thought it might be interesting to share with you one of the interesting set of statistics that Google provides to its bloggers.

These are reports on where the visitors to our sites are coming from geographically.

Tea Bugged

Kenneth M. O’Brien

I have recently been the subject of criticism for permitting the use of the term “teabaggers” on this site.

Now, I have made it clear that I will not allow the use of libelous speech.

I have similarly indicated that I will not condone indulgence in the use of language that is not acceptable in polite company.

This particular term, however, has caused some reflection.

A number of the bravest souls have voiced their objections in anonymous comments.