The ride was originally scheduled to be a full moon, lunar eclipse, MLK and a birthday ride for one of our group, on Saturday evening.  The frigid cold that continued on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday prevented us from our monthly ride on any day over the MLK holiday weekend.  Everyone was back to work which left me to do the ride solo.

The city of New Bedford, MA has always been a sanctuary city since the mid 18th century.  We were the last free port during the American Revolution and home to the Privateers who wreaked havoc on the British commercial fleet.

In the 19th century, New Bedford was a sanctuary city for runaway slaves who traveled on boats from the south, laden with cotton for the textile mills. Some came as stow away passengers and others bribed their way onto the ships. Once they arrived, the slaves were protected by a series of tunnels that kept them on the move avoiding the Federal Marshals that were hired as mercenaries for the plantation owners to bring back their property. The city continues to be a sanctuary city protecting our friends and neighbors.

Much of the city’s history is displayed on downtown building by art. New Bedford has a monthly festival celebrating our proud Art, History and Architecture on AHA night.

Fredrick Douglas and MLK tribute bike ride from John Sullivan on Vimeo.

 

Wishing all my friends a wonderful MLK day.

New Bedford was a sanctuary city during the dark times of slavery and continues that proud tradition during these dark times.

We tried to do a bike ride in honor of this great American over the weekend, but the weather did not cooperate. Wednesday’s 40ish temperature looks like the best day for a ride through the Underground RR section of New Bedford, and a visit the home of Fredrick Douglas.

I’ll be leaving Staples in Fairhaven around 11 AM for this short 10-12 mile history bike ride.

I rode my bike.

2019 Jan 6 East Bay Bike Path from John Sullivan on Vimeo.

 

I’m a big fan of going to the movies. There is nothing like the big screen, Dolby Sound and the general atmosphere of being in a theater. I have seen most of the nominees for this years Golden Globes and the following are my picks if I had a vote.

BEST MOTION PICTURE:   “A Star Is Born”.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” was a moderate 2nd place.

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama:    Lady Gaga  (“A Star Is Born”)

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama:       Rami Malek (“Bohemian Rhapsody”)

Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy:   “Vice”  Although “Green Book” was a very close second.

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy:  Olivia Colman (“The Favourite”)  this is a crazy fun movie.

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Christian Bale (“Vice”). Bale did a spot on characterization of Cheney. 

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture: Emma Stone (“The Favourite”)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture:  Mahershala Ali (“Green Book”)

Best Motion Picture – Animated:    I’m not a fan of cartoon, monster or vampire movies. 

Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language:  The only one I have seen is Roma. Because of that I can’t pick.

Best Director – Motion Picture:  I would be OK with a draw out of a hat for any one of them.  All were very well done movies.  But my vote is for Alfonso Cuaron.

Bradley Cooper (“A Star Is Born”)
Alfonso Cuaron (“Roma”)
Peter Farrelly (“Green Book”)
Spike Lee (“BlacKkKlansman”)
Adam McKay (“Vice”)

 

On the TV side my picks are Jason Bateman, (Ozark),  Sandra Oh, (Killing Eve). Michael Douglas, (The Kominski Method), or Sasha Cohen (Who is America). The Alienist as the Best TV series.

 

It was 56 F at 9 AM and very windy. Seven of us showed for the bike ride. We did detour to watch the polar plunge which drew big numbers this year. Climate change is making the plunge easier to do every year.

2019 New Year Bike and Hike from John Sullivan on Vimeo.