Five Things: City Looks at Making Voting Easier

1. City councilors to address voting lines: Although voting on Beacon Hill went smoothly, in other parts of the city many people waited in lines up to 90 minutes long just to exercise their right. District 2 Councilor Bill Linehan has announced he wants to hold a hearing "to determine how to alleviate the long lines and delays on election day." The idea will be introduced at today's city council meeting.

2. Writer's Room accepting applications: The Writers’ Room of Boston, an urban writers’ colony providing 24/7 workspace for serious writers, is currently accepting applications for the 2013 Emerging Writer Fellowships. Located at 111 State St., in downtown Boston, The Room offers fully funded one-year residencies to four fellows in any literary genre. The deadline is Dec. 31. Application guidelines and FAQs are posted at writersroomofboston.org. Writers who do not have financial need are encouraged to apply for regular membership.

3. Shopping for a cause: On Nov. 29 and 30 from 4-9 p.m., a $5 donation to a local charity will get you discounts to various stores, restaurants and attractions at the Shops at Prudential Center. Proceeds go to the following charities: Elizabeth Stone House, Room to Grow, The Boston Bruins Foundation, Women's Lunch Place For a list of retailers at The Center, see here.

4. The buzz about town: On Monday, Dec. 3, Trojan Pleasure Carts, modeled after traditional hot dog carts, will give away Trojan vibrators at The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts, while supplies last. The giveaway was originally supposed to happen at City Hall Plaza, but the location was changed under pressure from Mayor Thomas Menino.  

5. Weather: The National Weather Service is predicting snow before 11 a.m. with a chance of rain between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.. The day will be cloudy with a high near 41 degrees.