Blogger Roll-call
Topic: Pre-Con Prep
The Wall Street Journal did a nice article on the bloggers at the DNC. Unfortunately, they skipped me, but that's probably because I was a late addition to the blogger line up. Headin' to the con in a bit. News & pics soon.

Pre-Con Wrap-Up
Topic: Pre-Con Prep
Howdy. Picked up my press credentials at the Westin today (see below), then wandered from the Back Bay down past the Boston Common to Government Center and then on to the Fleet Center. Security was everywhere as promised. Not too much traffic downtown. I think all the locals have been properly scared off. Saw a couple protest marches - both very peaceful - but given the large number of police, I'm not surprised. Lots of curiosity seekers and tourists out today. Many delegates in from all over the country were strolling about taking in the city before the convention begins in earnest on Monday. The DNC media guide says there are just over 4,000 delegates here, along with 15,000 members of the media. Yes, Fifteen Thousand. Additionally, there are about 15,000 other guests, including politicians and foreign dignitaries. That means that there are about 34,000 folks in town for the convention, that's an increase of about 8% of the population of Boston proper.

In addition to the pictures below, taken with my cam phone, I snapped a few more with my digital cam and posted them here: july252004/index.html. I'll be posting via cell phone during the day, then adding additional commentary and pics each night.

Delegates on the T
Topic: Pre-Con Prep

The T was loaded with DNC delegates arriving from Logan Airport and heading to their very scattered hotels.

News trucks @ Govt. Ctr.
Topic: Pre-Con Prep
Many, many news trucks parked all over Gov't Ctr. to cover the opening ceremony on Sunday night. Word is that the Fox News truck had covered up it's logos. I didn't see that, but wil look for it tomorrow. (Thanks to Cath for the tip.)

Truck security
Topic: Pre-Con Prep

Sand truck blocking Friend St. 1 blk from Fleet Ctr.

Security forces on Park St.
Topic: Pre-Con Prep
Well-armed & armored security troops block off Park St. from the passing anti-war march going down Tremont St. The goal was to prevent the marchers from heading up Park St. to the State House.

Anti-war march on Tremont St.
Topic: Pre-Con Prep

March on Tremont
Topic: Pre-Con Prep
Bike cops clearing Tremont St. in advance of an anti-war march.

Falun Gong at Copley Plaza
Topic: Pre-Con Prep

The Falun Gong demonstrating @ Copley Plaza. Preparing to march. (Sorry for the small image...I had the cam phone set on low resolution. Ooops. Crisp image, tho.)

Police @ Copley Plaza
Topic: Pre-Con Prep

Large police presence for Falun Gong demonstration.