Donna Fisher-Jackson, a Wareham native, and currently living in Grass Valley, California, is hosting a book signing party on Sat., December 29 for her new novel, Clara & Irving: A Love Story of Past Lives from 2 – 5 p.m. at The Candleworks Restaurant, 72 North Water Street in historic downtown New Bedford. The event is open to the public. Donna is donating 10% of her book sales from the party to the Zeiterion Theatre, which plays a pivotal role in her latest book.

In her novel, Clara and Irving’s love story begins in the Roaring 20’s in the town of Onset on Cape Cod Massachusetts. They meet and marry in this golden age of vaudeville theatre, silent films, casinos and dance halls. Their love story revolves around the Zeiterion Theatre, a 1920’s vaudeville theatre which becomes the stage for their love affair in years to come.

Told through the eyes of Clara, and her granddaughter, Danielle, the novel unveils the lives of the two women, and the men that capture their hearts across time. From the 1920’s to the present time of 2010, their two stories are interwoven revealing the intimate connection between Clara and Danielle who both share a love of the theatre, and the love of a soulmate.

As the author of the non-fiction book, The Healing Path of the Romantic: Type Four of the Enneagram Personality Type System, Donna has brought to life the personality of the Romantic in her current novel of Clara & Irving. Based on the true story of a Romantic, Donna takes the reader on a journey through the world of past lives, and how the seeds of a Romantic can be planted in lifetimes ago.

The novel was inspired by the lives of Donna’s grandparents, Clara and Irving Fisher who lived in Onset, Massachusetts. They were married in the 1920’s, and had three sons – the youngest of which was her Father, Donald Herbert Fisher. Her grandparents passed away before she was born so she never knew them, but she imagined what their lives must have been like during the 1920’s at the height of the era of vaudeville theatre and silent films.

During the 1990’s, Donna worked as the Director of Public Relations at the Zeiterion Theatre, a world-class performing arts center in New Bedford, Massachusetts. She decided to write her grandparents’ love story connecting their lifetime with her own experience of working at the Zeiterion.

Donna Fisher-Jackson, M.A., CHT is now a Certified Hypnotherapist, and utilizes past-life regression in her counseling business as a healing tool. She has assisted many people in going on journeys back in time to recover memories of soulmates with whom they have traveled across time.

Donna has been working in the counseling field since 1999. Her counseling business is Iris Holistic Counseling Services. She has an M.A. in Counseling Psychology specializing in Holistic Studies from John F. Kennedy University of Northern California. She has also written the non-fiction book, The Healing Path of the Romantic: Type Four of the Enneagram Personality Type System, published in 2009.

Originally from Wareham and Westport, Massachusetts, Donna now lives in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. To receive her on-line newsletter, Iris Insights, and to schedule in person or phone counseling sessions, please visit her website at www.DonnaFisherJackson.com or call (530) 477-7863.

School on Wheels of Massachusetts is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate children experiencing homelessness by providing academic support and one-on-one mentoring so children can reach their full potential. Our main program is one-on-one tutoring at shelters and schools. We are currently seeking a Site Coordinator for one of our shelter sites in New Bedford; a Spanish speaker is preferred. The Site Coordinator supervises the tutors and students at a particular site, and is the connection between shelter/school staff, children and families, tutors, and School on Wheels staff.

Qualifications:

• Educator with classroom experience
• Leadership skills
• Spanish speaker preferred
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word

Days/Hours:

• Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00pm

Site Coordinator responsibilities include:

Tutoring

• Supervise students and tutors during designated tutoring times and provide support as needed
• Analyze learning plans and report cards to find appropriate resources for students
• Monitor the use and effectiveness of the tutoring resources
• Tutor as needed

Communication

• Communicate with volunteer tutors, shelter staff, children and families, and School on Wheels staff
• Send emails to volunteer tutors with weekly tutoring schedules
• Communicate with shelter staff, families and tutors to address any issues that may arise, coordinate any changes to the tutoring schedule, etc.
• Send weekly report to School on Wheels; this report includes a brief update on the tutoring sessions and any issues that need to be addressed

Set-Up

• Arrive at site 30 minutes prior to scheduled tutoring time
• Prepare site for tutoring; bring out learning materials
• Greet tutors and families and give any necessary communications such as new materials available or programs coming up
• Settle tutors and students into the tutoring space

Clean-Up

• At the end of tutoring put materials away, organize cabinets, turn off computers and talk to tutors as necessary

Training (Site Coordinators will be paid for this)

• Attend tutor training and Site Coordinator training
• Attend meetings and tutor workshops

Compensation: $15/hour

Contact:
Robin Gilbert, Program Director
508-587-9091
robin@sowma.org

What if I told you that I was going to inject something into your blood stream or teeth that in low doses can cause tremors, impaired cognitive skills, sleep disturbance, and in larger doses (and prolonged exposure) causes delirium, hallucinations, suicidal tendency, insomnia, violent muscular spasms, Alzheimer’s and cancer. Would you take it? What if I also told you this injection was banned in several European countries and most first-world countries have severely limited its use in manufacturing and health care? Would you put it into your child? Every year millions of Americans get large doses of mercury through tooth amalgam fillings and immunizations without even realizing it. There are plenty of mercury-free alternative flu shots that are readily available. Just ask your medical professional when you get your shot!

If you have amalgam fillings (those silver looking tooth fillings) you are poisoning yourself daily with mercury. If you get flu and many other shots every year, there is a good chance you are filling your blood stream with mercury and other toxins. For financial reasons, our dental and medical associations decided it was a good idea to inject mercury into our blood (through immunization preservatives) and into our teeth (through amalgam tooth fillings). Mercury has been tied to all sorts of health issues that include cancer, because it is one of the most toxic metals on earth. Thankfully, through a little education and probably a lot of cost and pain, you can reduce your mercury exposure.

What is Mercury?

I’m not a chemist, but mercury information is readily available on the internet. The Mercury Wikipedia page is a great starting point, because the bibliography on Mercury has 105 references. According to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control fact sheet on Mercury, “Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil, and exists in several forms.  Pure mercury, also called quicksilver, is a liquid metal that easily evaporates, giving off invisible, odorless and toxic vapors. Mercury cannot be created or destroyed.”

One of the first things you will learn about mercury is it was used for hundreds of years in medicine and dentistry, but the use quickly declined as scientists and doctors learned of its health hazards to humans. Mercury health effects are targeted to the brain and nervous system. Mercury poisoning can also result from exposure to water-soluble forms of mercury (such as mercuric chloride or methylmercury), inhalation of mercury vapor, or eating seafood contaminated with mercury.

Mercury and Alzheimer’s Disease

While listening to the radio one day, I heard an interview with a leading doctor who specialized in immunizations. I don’t remember his name, but he stated that getting five consecutive flu shots with mercury in it increased your chances of getting Alzheimer’s Disease five-fold. Here’s a good article on the subject, but I recommend you use Google and find some research yourself. I immediately grew curious and a little scared.

Mercury in Our Flu Shots

As a former active duty Air Force service member and current Massachusetts Air National Guard member, I’ve gotten countless shots over the years. In recent years, I’ve grown more health conscious and learned about a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal that is used to preserve milti-dose flu shots. There are single-dose shots that are used once and discarded, and multi-dose vials that provide multiple uses. While the needles are only used once, the multi-dose flu vial is stored until fully consumed. Thimerosal is used to keep it fresh and free of the growth of germs, bacteria and fungi, that can contaminate the vaccine. You can read more about thimerosal on the Center For Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

For the past two years I’ve ensured that I’ve received the single dose flu shot and I recommend that you insist on single dose shots as well. During the 2011 flu season, I tried to avoid getting the flu shot because that was the year I learned about the mercury preservative contained in them. My military unit insisted that I get the shot and I was told to visit my primary care doctor if I wanted to argue the point. I chatted with the head of the immunization clinic, who assured me that flu shots were  approved by the FDA. She had never heard of mercury in the flu shots. I still refused, so I was then passed off to a doctor. Yet again, he was another medical professional that had never heard of mercury in our flu shots. I showed him the link to the CDC’s website and he left the examination room to do some research. After 30 minutes, he returned with the ingredient and warning paperwork that came with the flu shots. He stated, “Michael, you are correct. Many of the flu shots out there contain the thimerosal preservative, but the Air Force switched over to the single-dose flu shots years ago.” He then told me that he was calling his wife to tell her to ensure that their children get the single-dose shots. He looked a bit perplexed and scared after reading the literature.

Mercury in Our Amalgam Fillings

Like millions of other Americans, I got tons of cavities when I was a child and had several “silver” fillings or amalgam fillings. As a child, you really do trust your doctor or dentist. Through my younger years, the dentist put seven amalgam fillings in my mouth. I recently got them all removed and luckily my dental insurance covered it. I removed them because as you eat hot foods, you heat up the amalgam fillings and release mercury into your mouth and digestive system.

Amalgam fillings and any use of mercury in dentistry are banned in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. These countries concluded that there are plenty non-mercury based fillings and it is silly to poison people and our planet. Additionally, the World Health Organization reports that “mercury from amalgam accounts for 5% of total mercury emissions and that when combined with waste mercury from laboratory and medical devices, represents 53% of total mercury emissions.” Not only are we poisoning ourselves with the toxic amalgam fillings, but we are poisoning our food supply and land with mercury.

Conclusion 

Mercury is toxic, yet sadly, all around us. Thanks to the mercury we dump into our rivers and oceans, it’s in our fish. Any wonder why the polar bear is one of the most toxic animals in the world? Mercury is in our shots and for many of us in our teeth. I made a conscious choice to ensure my flu shots and teeth are free from mercury. Make a choice in your life to insist on single-dose shots for yourself and your family and friends. If you have those “silver” amalgam fillings, visit your doctor as soon as possible and see if he/she is qualified to remove them. The time, cost and short-term pain will ensure you live with less mercury in your life.

The last 16-months have been busy for New Bedford singer-songwriter Craig DeMelo, as his wife Stacy had a baby boy, Colton, in July 2011. In February, Stacy will give birth to their second child, a girl they plan to name Ayla.

He’s also been writing a lot, and on Saturday, March 2, 2013, he’s set to open for Ed Kowalczyk, former lead singer of the alternative, multi-platinum, rock band LIVE, at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, Mass., in a concert presented by JKB Booking of Dartmouth.

Growing up, DeMelo enjoyed LIVE’s second alum, Throwing Copper.

“I used to love it when I was a teenager,” DeMelo said. “It was a great CD, so I’m hoping he plays a lot of those tunes. He’s got a great voice. I’d love to be able to stick around, watch his whole set, and hopefully chat with him. We’ll see what happens. I’m looking forward to it.”

While he hasn’t released an album since 2008, DeMelo, who won Limelight Magazine’s “Male Vocalist of the Year,” in 2010, has been writing continuously. Since putting out his last album, The Whiskey Poet, he’s written at least 25 songs, and recorded a few, as well.

“I don’t want people to think that I’ve given up on recording original music,” he said. “I have been writing and playing a lot, I just have to get in there and record it. It’s been kind of an ongoing process because I had a son, and now I have a little girl on the way. We bought a house, but eventually I should be putting out something new.”

Having so much material, he said, is part of the problem.

“I’ve written so much stuff that when I get into the studio, I don’t know what to record,” said DeMelo. “I don’t know if I should be getting done the songs I have piled on the shelf or these new things. Part of me wants to get in there and just bang them all out, but I know that’s going to be a long, expensive process.”

Despite the amount of material he has, he’s not sure if he wants to release a full-length album or an EP. He’s also contemplating doing a live studio recording.

“When I say live, I mean just going in and playing and recording the songs live, not multi-tracked,” DeMelo said. “It would save time and it would be something I’ve never done before.”

Either way, he’s happy with the few songs he has recorded at Sounds Interesting Studio in Middleboro, Mass. His friend Brian Cass has been helping him lay them down.

“He did two tracks and they came out great,” DeMelo said. “I’m looking forward to getting back in there probably right after the holidays. It’s a really nice studio.”

At shows, whether he’s gigging on his own, as a duo, trio, or with a full band, he often improvises while performing original songs. He recently purchased an iPhone and downloaded an application that allows him to record audio, which he uses to document melodies or riffs so he can referring to it later.

“I’ll literally write a song on the spot,” DeMelo said. “When that happens, I’ll grab the phone and record it during a break so I don’t forget it. [My friend and guitarist] Kevin [Smith] will say to me, ‘Is that new?’ and I’ll be like, ‘I just made it up.’ I’m not a jazz player, but I love that about jazz music. I love that it’s free wheeling and improvisational.”

Smith played on DeMelo’s The Whiskey Poet, and describes the guitarist as “phenomenal.” He also thinks his son, Colton, is pretty amazing. A lot of people often ask DeMelo if he’s written a song about Colton, and said he’s been working on a couple ideas.

“I have one song that I’ve messed around with and used the idea of being a father and I’m trying to continue with that,” he said. “He’s definitely a new inspiration, that’s for sure, and I’m assuming my daughter will be the same way. He sees me play and he wants to walk over and touch the strings. He watches and listens to the sounds. I know he likes music, and that’s a good thing. He loves the musical numbers on all the shows he watches.”

Other children he gets a kick out of playing for are his students, as he is a high school English teacher in New Bedford. At times, he brings his guitar with him to class.

“They look at me completely different,” he said. “It’s cool to let them see that side.”

Tickets to his March 2^nd show at the Narrows Center for the Arts with Kowalczyk can be purchased at www.narrowscenter.org. The Narrows show is expected to sellout prior to the event so it’s advised to get your tickets soon.

Katie Botelho, co-owner of JKB Booking, said it was a “no brainer” selecting DeMelo to open for Kowalczyk.

“We enjoy giving talented, local musicians, like Craig, the chance to open for well established musicians,” she said. “Their talent needs to be shown outside of local bars and pubs so people can really pay attention to what they have to give. Not only does it benefit the artist, but it benefits us as well.”

Learn more about DeMelo at www.thewhiskeypoet.com and www.craigdemelo.com. For more info about JKB Booking, visit www.facebook.com/jkbbooking.

Do you want to lose weight? Get in shape? Tone up? Lose that arm flab or stubborn hip or waist fat? You’ve seen the Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters on TV and what kind of shape they are in. Do you want to look like one without the bruises, fat lips, black eyes and cauliflower ears? Now you can!

Hematoma F.C. Gym continues to grow with a new offering for health and fitness. This program is a NO HARD CONTACT required program that focuses on improving health and fitness levels. The first week is FREE for new students!

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the world’s most difficult sports requiring an incredibly high level of athleticism. This program involves the exercise, strength and conditioning aspects that produce the bodies we see on television. You will learn to punch, kick, elbow, knee, “shoot”, sit-out, hip heist, bridge and more. It combines all of the elements of kickboxing, wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without the hard contact. This is done through a variety of solo and partner drills. You will learn to do all the “moves” you see on television without the sparring and hard contact.

This class is open to teenagers aged 13 to adults of any age, men and women alike, and lasts 45-60 minutes. You will shed weight FAST, lower your blood pressure, develop muscle tone, improve cardiovascular endurance, shape, develop your core, make new friends, improve self-confidence, and feel great about yourself in QUICK fashion.

In addition to being a class for health and fitness it also serves as an introductory class for those interested in the actual MMA class. This is a required class for all new fighters. It will take 1-3 months to graduate from this class and earn your “white shirt” which is a requirement to enter the intermediate class. Even if you have prior experience, this class is mandatory. This is not because a fighter can’t handle the intensity, but because the primer (warm-up and review) is very fast paced and does not allow for time for instruction. By learning the primer before entry into that class, this will allow the primer to move at its normal pace and not interfere with the workout.

Disclaimer: There are a number of partner drills involved and by its nature there is some intensity and of course accidents do happen. While there is no sparring in this class, protective gear is suggested. While a mouthpiece is mandatory, a protective cup, and knee pads are suggested.

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The Greater New Bedford unemployment rate is much higher than the rest of Massachusetts, but believe it or not there really are a lot of jobs available for qualified applicants. Sometimes the barrier to a new job can be the lack of information on available job openings.  To solve this, each week New Bedford Guide will be working with the New Directions Southcoast (also known as the Greater New Bedford Career Center) to inform job seekers about the hottest jobs in the area. We will define “Hot Jobs” as those jobs that need to be filled by the employer immediately. For those looking to search some large job databases, checkout my Best Job Search Resources for New Bedford Residents article. Unless noted otherwise, those interested in these positions or want more information should go to the Greater New Bedford Career Center at 618 Acushnet Avenue. Here are the Hot Jobs as of December 17th, 2012:

1. Sanitary Inspector #1655114 – FUNCTION: Minimizes environmental health and sanitation problems, and continues to decrease the rodent and vermin population within the community by law enforcement and education.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Conducts inspections throughout the City to ensure compliance with State Sanitary Codes and numerous other State and local regulations, Issues Violation Notices to achieve compliance with health codes. When Initiates litigation against parties who fail to comply with departmental notices. Assists with performing inspections of eating and drinking establishments or dwellings used for human habitation to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid Massachusetts driver’s license or ability to obtain one at the time of appointment. Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) background check.

2. Diesel Mechanic/Mechanic’s Helper #1655466 – F/T 1st & 2nd shifts, 2 years verifiable exp. Must have own tools.

3. Data Entry Clerk #1656587 – Maintains department accounts and payroll. Provides clerical support. Applies basic accounting principles in maintaining financial accounts and records; may be required to prepare payroll and maintain personnel records; makes general ledger entries; accounts for receipt and disbursement of cash transactions and cash accounts; reconciles cash books. Enter all information and data required by computer programs. Performs clerical work of ordinary difficulty. APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 12/21/12.

4. Account Clerk #1656586 – Maintains department accounts and payroll. Provides clerical support. Applies basic accounting principles in maintaining financial accounts and records; may be required to prepare payroll and maintain personnel records; makes general ledger entries; accounts for receipt and disbursement of cash transactions and cash accounts; reconciles cash books; operates adding machines, computers; answers telephones; and operates simple calculators in connection with this work, Performs clerical work of ordinary difficulty.
APPLICATION DEADLINE 12/21/12

5. Revenue Clerk (Part-time) #1656595 – First Transit is looking for a Revenue Clerk (part-time) to be responsible for counting company’s revenue. Collects and counts fixed route and demand response revenue for local transit authority for two locations. Selected candidate will be responsible for the daily delivery of cash reports to the Finance office and for completing all bank depository documents along with the transporting of cash from money room to vault.
Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma, or equivalent. Previous money handling experience preferred. Adding machine and currency and coin counting machine skills helpful.

6. Switchboard Operator #1656631 – Answers telephone and route calls promptly, determines the priority of each call based on the callers request, take messages for staff as needed, notifies supervisor when need arises to vary office hours so a substitute can be arranged, calls answering service each morning for messages, notifies appointments staff of any canceled appointments by patients, responsible for overhead paging within the Health Center. 2-4 years experience as a receptionist in a relevant field. Computer literate. High School diploma or equivalent. Minimum one year of technical training in relevant field. Strong verbal, organizational and interpersonal skills. Bilingual in Spanish/Portuguese preferred. Ability to work weekends, evenings, and occasional holiday hours.

“Isn’t it wonderful that none of us need wait a moment before starting to change the world.” – Anne Frank

Regardless of what the perception is of our city, there are a lot of positive things happening in New Bedford. Our City hosts several major events throughout the year, our fishing industry is second to none, we are one of the most artistic cities on America, and our downtown district has come to life in the last decade. These things don’t just happen by chance. People stepped up with an idea and effected change in our city. With a little time and effort, every citizen of New Bedford can effect change in the city through a legislative-type process. The problem is, most people do not know the process of using your local city government to effect change in your neighborhood. Need a stop sign on your street? Think a city ordnance is outdated and needs updating? There is a process in our city government that every citizen can take advantage of to change your our city for the better. I hope to show everyone how the process works through research and physically exercising the New Bedford legislative-type process.

This article is the beginning of a several month long process of showing how to nominate change through your New Bedford government. I have four goals that I hope to accomplish.

1. Initially explain the process as best I can through some research. That’s what I hope to begin to accomplish with this article!
2. Come up with and nominate three change items. E-mail me at info@newbedfordguide.com if you have an idea!
3. Follow along and review the process as the three change items either fail or succeed. I’ll work with our city council, committees and mayor’s office, and document the process.
4. Get New Bedford residents to understand the process and effect change in their neigborhood and city.

I started the process by talking to Ward 2 New Bedford City Council member and current City Council President Steven Martins to help explain the basic process of nominating change. Basically, any New Bedford resident can nominate change by contacting one of the City Council members and having them nominate the legislation through committee and city council sessions. If the nominated change item makes it through committee and the City Council, it would then head to the mayor for signature. That’s the basic process, but of course it is not that simple. Depending on the change item requested, it could be city, state or federal item and could get referred. For example, getting a street light added to a busy intersection is a Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) item. The process would start at City Hall, but would get deferred to the DOT for action. The process of items getting nominated by a City Council member, going through committee and eventually landing on the mayor’s desk for signature is for specif New Bedford issues that can be acted upon locally. You’d also have to stay active in the process and show up to the city council session to answer questions and defend your change item.

Nominating Three Legislative Items
To exercise the process, I’m seeking nominations for change items. Is there something that really bothers you about the New Bedford? Is there an outdated ordnance that needs to be modernized? A new ordnance that needs added? Post a comment here or e-mail me at info@newbedfordguide.com. I have a few ideas, but I’d like to make this a community exercise.

There are two UFC events back to back Friday and Saturday evenings, so this installment will differ compared to previous ones. The beauty of the events is that they are on cable TV as opposed to Pay-Per-View and therefore “free.” For those who have been following the sport for some time, you will recall a time where no event was free. Time, they are a-changing.

Main Card (FX Channel):
155#: George Sotiropoulos (14-4) vs. Ross Pearson (15-6) wins by TKO in RD3!
170#: Brad Scott (8-1) vs. Robert Whittaker (10-2) wins by Unanimous Decision!
155#: Colin Fletcher (9-1) vs. Norman Parke (17-2) wins by Unanimous Decision!
185#: Hector Lombard (31-3-1 1NC) vs. Rousimar Palhares (23-4) wins by TKO in RD1!

Preliminary Card (FUEL TV):
145#: Chad Mendes (12-1) vs Yaotzin Meza (18-7) wins by KO in RD1!
205#: Igor Pokrajac vs Joey Beltran wins by Unanimous Decision!
170#: Mike Pierce (16-5) vs Seth Baczynski (18-9) wins by Split Decision!
170#: Ben Alloway (13-3) vs Manuel Rodriguez (9-4) wins by KO in RD1!
155#: Brendan Loughnane (5-1) vs Mike Wilkinson (8-0) wins by Unanimous Decision!
205#: Nick Penner (11-3) vs Cody Donovan (8-2) wins by KO in RD1!

Ultimate Fighting Championship on FX 6 takes place on December 14, 2012 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Queensland, Australia. The preliminary card starts at 6 p.m. EST on FUEL TC. The main card begins at 9 p.m. EST on FX Channel.

Submission maven and Aussie George Sotiropoulos is facing gritty Brit Ross Pearson. Both fighters have very aggressive, entertaining styles and putting them in the ring together should translate into fireworks. George began his UFC career in 2007 and strung together a 7 fight win streak, including notable wins over Kurt Pellegrino and Joe Lauzon. Sotiropoulos likes to begin fights standing since most people do not want to be anywhere near the ground against him as his submission style is highly aggressive, active, dangerous and unorthodox. He knows that he can’t reveal all his playing cards and will have to strike to find opening to take it to the ground. With two losses back to back including a KO at the hands of Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos, all eyes and pressure will be on him to perform.

Pearson is just pure fun to watch. There will be no surprise here. Pearson comes to strike and knock you out. Don’t be surprised if George obliges him and we have a boxing match. Pearson is 5-3 in the UFC and similar pressure will be on him to perform and win. In essence, both fighters are painted into a corner and will have to win and do so impressively. NBG Pick: Georges Sotiropoulos.

In this fight we have two mini-Hulks facing off. You will be hard pressed to find two guys with more muscle in any division. Both me seem to have that “born to fight” mentality. Cuban Hector Lombard came to the UFC from Bellator as a highly lauded prospect. In Bellator he was smashing people and doing so easily. He came to the UFC in July at UFC 149 and faced Tim Boetsch but lost a Split Decision and looked flat, at times confused, and even lethargic. Much more is expected of him this time around and he has his hands full with Brazilian Rousimar Palhares who has a submission game that revolves around leglocks. Ultra aggressive and highly dangerous, it’s pretty much a given, that if he gets hold of a leg, his opponents will forfeit soon after. NBG Pick: Hector Lombard.

There are the Lightweight and Welterweight finals of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ TV show on the main card, and vets Chad Mendes, Joey “The Mexicutioner” Beltran, and Mike Pierce to keep your eyes on.

Come back for the results, updates and animated gifs. What are your picks for the headline fight between Sotiropoulos and Pearson? Does Palhares catch Lombard in a leglock, or does Hector come alive and return to his Bellator ways Who wins the bonuses?

Main Card (FX Channel):
265#: Roy Nelson (18-7) vs Matt Mitrione (5-1) wins by KO in RD1!
155#: Mike Ricci (8-2) vs Colton Smith (5-1) wins by Unanimous Decision!
265#: Pat Barry (7-5) vs Shane del Rosario (11-1) wins by KO in RD2!
155#: Melvin Guillard (47-12-3 1NC) vs Jamie Varner (20-7-1 2NC) CANCELLED
145#: Jonathan Brookins (14-5) vs Dustin Poirier (12-2) wins by D’Arce choke in RD1!

Preliminary Card (FUEL TV) @ 7:00
170#: James Head (9-2) vs Mike Pyle (23-8-1) wins by TKO in RD1!
135#: Marcos Pancini (20-4-1) vs Johnny Bedford (18-10-1) wins by KO in RD2!
155#: Rustam Khabilov (14-1) vs Vinc Pichel (7-0) wins by TKO in RD1!
170#: Nick Catone (9-3) vs T.J. Waldburger (15-7) wins by Triangle Choke in RD2!

Preliminary Card (Facebook) @ 5:30
135#: Reuben Duran (8-3-1) vs Hugo Viana (6-1) wins by TKO in RD1!
155#: Mike Rio (8-1) vs John Cofer (7-3) wins by Armbar in RD3!
125#: Jared Papazian (14-8 1NC) vs Tim Elliot (8-3-1) wins by Unanimous Decision!

It’s the second Thursday of the month and that means it’s AHA (Art, History & Architecture) time in downtown New Bedford starting at 5 p.m. this evening. There are dozens of events with most businesses downtown providing entertainment and extended shopping hours. With only 12 days left until Christmas, today is a perfect day to knock out some Christmas shopping while supporting some local businesses. If you decide to come downtown early, don’t forget that you get 2 hours of free parking at the meters, the Custom House Square parking lot, and at the Elm Street and Zeiterion Theatre parking garages. While there are dozens of events scheduled for this AHA!, here are seven events that I recommend attending.

1. “Peace & Joy” Postcards From New Bedford at Artworks! (384 Acushnet Avenue)

Swing by Artworks! and participate in the latest Postcards From New Bedford Project. Here’s your chance to “write and send holiday greetings by postcard from New Bedford to those we love all over the world.” Be a New Bedford ambassador and support a great local project! There will also be a special live music performance by “Jesus Andujar & Grupo Sazon” and Salsa dancing.

2. Craft-O-Rama at the UGLY Gallery (246 Union Street)

Looking for a locally produced gift for that special someone? Swing by the UGLY gallery and puck up some locally produced art, craft and design.

3. Card Readings and Tattoos at MUSE Studio (516 Pleasant Street)

Are you going to find the love of your life in 2013? Going to get hit by a car next week? Stop by MUSE Studio to get your fortune told or to get a removable platinum henna tattoo. Don’t forget to pick up a unique gift in the store!

4. Wine Tasting at Travessia (760 Purchase Street)

AHA! is simply more enjoyable after a few glasses of wine!  Stop by Travessia for a complimentary barrel tasting of 2012 Riesling and Pinot Noir Rosé, both made in our winery here in New Bedford with 100% locally grown grapes.

5. Listen to Some Christmas Carols 

Throughout the evening, the New Bedford High School Drama Club will be caroling for the season along William Street and at Custom House Square. You can also stop by the Pilgrim United Church (634 Purchase Street) from 7-8 p.m. to enjoy some old-fashioned Christmas caroling with John Nicolaci at the piano.

6. Make Your Own Chrismas Present

Are there better gifts than the ones you make? Head over to the Buzzards Bay Coalition (114 Front Street) to make your own New Bedford seashell Christmas ornament. You can also join Ruth & Abby, the 19th Century Ladies, at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park (33 William Street) and make some holiday pins.

7. Open Mic at Cafe Arpeggio (800 Purchase Street)

Warm yourself with some hot chocolate, coffee or tea, and enjoy some fresh made snacks while enjoying some great local musicians. Thursday evening from 7-10 p.m., Cafe Arpeggio hosts the best open mic in the area. Drink some liquid courage at Travessia and show off your musical talent. Today’s the day you become a star!

The Greater New Bedford unemployment rate is much higher than the rest of Massachusetts, but believe it or not there really are a lot of jobs available for qualified applicants. Sometimes the barrier to a new job can be the lack of information on available job openings.  To solve this, each week New Bedford Guide will be working with the New Directions Southcoast (also known as the Greater New Bedford Career Center) to inform job seekers about the hottest jobs in the area. We will define “Hot Jobs” as those jobs that need to be filled by the employer immediately. For those looking to search some large job databases, checkout my Best Job Search Resources for New Bedford Residents article. Unless noted otherwise, those interested in these positions or want more information should go to the Greater New Bedford Career Center at 618 Acushnet Avenue. Here are the Hot Jobs as of December 10th, 2012:

1. Plumbing & Gas Fitter #1649047 – ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Enforces plumbing-related codes, including the 248 CMR and International Fuel & Gas Code, and local plumbing codes such as those for fire protection sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, etc. Issues stop-work orders, correction notices and citations. Performs on site inspections of plumbing systems. Performs plumbing inspections of all plumbing fixtures examining for vent size, grade and size of pipe, and examines all joints for proper sealing to insure that there are no leaks, etc. Performs water tests on all completed plumbing, examining for sealing and leakage, etc.

2. Collections Representative #1648446 – Responsible for the collection of overdrawn deposit accounts via telephone contact with customers, resolve customer issues with regard to negative balance, negotiate repayment terms. Must provide consistent quality customer service to customers. 6 months collections, customer service or Telemarketing Experience.

3. Electrician Helper #1651836 – Must have two years experience as a helper and graduated from an electrical program.

4. Site Coordinator #1651876 – Must be 20 yrs. old and be EEC Certified Site Coordinator. Degree preferred. Site Coordinators are responsible for:

Planning and implementing curriculum to group of children grades K-6, ensuring that staff and children follow policies and procedures, accuracy in attendance taking, following EEC regulations. Site coordinators work directly with the children of the program and are also part of the ratios in the room.

5. Group Leader #1651874 – Candidates must show an ability to effectively interact with parents and children on a range of issues. Must also demonstrated skill in developing and leading a range of children’s educational, recreational, and social activities. Group Leaders must be able to demonstrate ability to make mature judgments in difficult situations. We are looking for individuals that can connect with our families and make them feel welcome in our association.

6. Teller #1650493 – Ability to work within established policies, procedures and guidelines. Identify customer needs and refer financial products and services. Consistently seek to delight our customers and deliver exceptional customer service with a positive attitude. Contribute to a positive team environment in the banking center through teamwork, team spirit and coaching. Minimum of six months customer service experience.