1) $700,000 in loans for affordable housing projects
The Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation announced last week $700,000 in loans for affordable housing projects in Somerville. The Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) received the loans, and most of the money will be used to build an eight-unit building in East Somerville that will provide permanent housing to formerly homeless households, according to an announcement from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation. Part of the loans will go toward the completion of Saint Polycarp Village Phase III, which will be home to 31 units of affordable housing. In October, the Somerville Community Corporation received subsidies and tax credits from the state for these projects.

2) Thai tapas and Southeast Asian go-go music
Don't forget, you can sample Thai food and listen to vintage Thai pop tonight at Ronnarong Thai Tapas. The event benefits the Somerville Arts Council, and it begins at 6 p.m. or 8:15 p.m.

3) Tomorrow: Holiday after hours with Chamber of Commerce
The event is tomorrow, but we're letting you know today so you can RSVP. The Somerville Chamber of Commerce is holding its holiday after hours at 5 p.m. at The Center for Arts at the Armory. RSVP to smackey@somervillechamber.org.

4) Kid, you'll shoot your eye out
According to a press release from The American Academy of Ophthalmology, there were 250,000 toy-related injuries in 2010. To cut down on eye injuries, the organization is offering advice to parents on how to buy toys. Here's the advice:

1) Avoid purchasing toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.
2) Make sure children have appropriate supervision when playing with potentially hazardous toys or games that could cause injury.
3) If you plan to give sports equipment, provide appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses. Check with your local Eye M.D. to learn about protective gear recommended for your child's sport.
4) Check labels for age recommendations and be sure to select gifts that are appropriate for a child’s age and maturity.
5) Keep toys that are made for older children away from younger children.

Based on these recommendations, the perfect toy for children this year is Johnny Switchblade Adventure Punk.*

Here are some other appropriate gifts*:

• Number-two pencil living-room-floor slalom course, by Baby Learns to Crawl.
• Learn to whittle in the car starter set, by Learn to Whittle
• Texas Longhorn toboggan, by Need for Speed Sleds
• Flag football: chopsticks edition, by Fun Outdoors, Inc.

* These toys are fictional and not "perfect" or "appropriate for children.

5) Weather
Showers likely in the morning, then partly sunny, with highs in the upper 50s.