Local Spice

In Cambridge, Squeeze to the Right

2010-09-17T14:51:00.003-04:00

As seen today in Cambridge near Inman Square along Prospect Street. So, when in Cambridge, Squeeze Right!

$6.99 Hobo Special

2010-06-14T14:45:00.003-04:00

Seen today at Bukowski's Tavern in Inman Square.

Crawfish in Dorchester

2010-06-14T10:15:00.004-04:00

How many folks have tried Brother's Crawfish? I've seen this place written up in Improper Bostonian and boston.com, and the IB article suggested a group of my fellow LSU alums visited the place and approved. I'm shocked by the price: $9.95 per pound! I can easily eat 5 lbs of crawfish, which would make a trip to Brother's an expensive meal out. I'm sure it's tasty, and their menu appears to have a nice selection, so I'm holding off on other comments until I visit there.

Flip Flop sesason

2010-06-13T10:43:00.003-04:00

Finally, it's flip flop season. I was just reading The Dot Matrix, who is now spending lots of time in the City that Care Forgot, making me resent the stale Dunkin Donuts coffee I've endured for almost 4 years now. But I do appreciate the seasons here, even though winter seems to last for an extra 2 months than I'd prefer, but who is counting the months, right? So it's now June, and warm weather in Boston plays a trick on you, in that it's so nice out, and such a pretty city, that you forget the horrid winter you just endured, the dry skin, the layers upon layers of clothing, and the booze you went through to make it to summer. So not sure what this post is about, just about to head to DBar for brunch.

Oh, and check out pics of both the Dorchester Day and Boston Pride parades on my flickr page.

FYI, Boston, vinyl is not sustainable

2010-04-12T13:52:00.003-04:00

I went to the down:2:earth Boston's Sustainable Living Expo yesterday afternoon--someone was handing out free tickets on Boylston Street in front of the Pru. So I went for it, and honestly it was an interesting, a small, conference expo, and I love walking through and seeing conference exhibits. Working in the field of housing development, and living in a world where everyone is drinking the "Green Building" cool-aid, peeping inside the exhibit hall was halfway work related--can I count it as overtime? So there were some interesting local groups, from local bicycle groups to small start-ups that will outfit your home with very cool gardens, etc. I can post links, don't worry. But there was, of course, the industry reps, from window manufacturers, bath and kitchen surface reps, and appliance reps.

My big beef right now is to say that vinyl, despite calling it "Virgin Vinyl," is not sustainable. I don't care what sort of energy rating those new vinyl windows gets, they are still vinyl, and it is still toxic in how its made (if you disagree go build your dream house NEXT to a chemical plant producing PVC, then call me and tell me to eat your ass), and most especially if your home is ever on fire, and then in 20 years when you want new ones, it means more vinyl in a landfill. Vinyl works for many because it's cheap, and they can spray it clean with their (vinyl?) garden hose, leading many to believe it's maintenance free. As someone who has replaced my far share of windows here on the job, I can say that vinyl windows are the cheapest replacement windows, and that you get what you pay for, so beware. And I'm not hating anyone for using them, but I do get quite annoyed when I go to a "Green" expo and find a room of industry schmucks pushing vinyl "renewal" crap to the crowd.

It's been 4 months!

2010-04-11T10:21:00.002-04:00

Spring, I'm back after 4 months of work. I'm not complaining, because as always I'm happy to be crazy busy, but I have not prioritized blogging, or socializing, etc. I did beat the winter blues by taking a trip to Mexico--always great to sport a tan in February and March here in New England. So now we are experiencing what I'll call spring weather: 50-60 degrees out sorta regularly. I've not planted my mesclun outside, and I'm starting my onions and herbs indoors from seed--b/c I'm a urban yuppie container gardener. Tomatoes and cucumbers are to follow in the next few weeks, too.

Apart from this simple update, life has been fine(er), better, etc. I need to plan some sort of summer vacation, and find a way to move to NYC, but that's another story. Oh, and I love listening to Ryan Leslie nowadays, and I'm back to Trina while at the gym.

A New Wii and them some

2010-01-13T00:00:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling better, more or less, plus I have a new Wii. I was never the video game sort, but this Wii is something to try, and get addicted to for sure. So far I say I'm an okay archer, and a decent bowler, and I'm slowly perfecting my skills at watercraft. The Monopoly game I've played, and won, and lost--and it's fun, but I find myself trying to crack the game's soft spots for when the fake players will sell, etc, and they tend to be misers.

January is moving along, slowly. I ran into a friend on the way home from the T tonight. I need to socialize more, get out, etc. Oh, and I need to get to the office ASAP tomorrow a.m. and finish this Comprehensive Permit application for work. God save Massachusetts and it's endless amounts of bureaucracy!

On another note, I'm a big Lady Gaga fan. I went to her concert a few weeks ago in December, and it changed my life. If you're cool and don't listen to Lady Gaga, then you need to, or else you'll fall off the Earth and die.

It's January, again

2010-01-06T17:16:00.002-05:00

There's an endless amount of crud in my nose, and I itch, everywhere--yay dry skin. Daylight goes away at 4pm. I'm totally disconnected from anyone I've befriended (as people quasi-befriend each other in this socially-inept town) as work keeps me totally occupied, physically and mentally, plus maybe we were never really friends. My solace is cooking! It's braising season, and I've been considering a new fancy Le Creuset dutch oven--but which size? I think I have the winter blues maybe 8 weeks too soon, so god help my liver, and god help the person who calls me out on it.

Coons for Sale

2009-12-31T11:52:00.006-05:00

Local Spice's hometown is Baton Rouge, Louisiana. While back home in the Deep Fried South over the holidays I passed (in an area I would frequent quite often way back when) a man parked in a vacant lot, selling from his truck racoons (shortened to coons), among other items (those are onions in the bags, not racoons). Here's an interesting article I found online. My brother tells me many sell the coons live, otherwise they are sold cleaned for cooking, but with at least 1 paw remaining--this is to insure the buyer they are buying a racoon and not a cat. Across the street was another man selling deep fried turkey wings--and my father makes a habit of stopping there and buying those from him. As for the racoons, I honestly think I would try it if it was on a menu or if someone was cooking it at their house, but I don't think I would try to cook it myself.

MBTA passes are not acceptable forms of identification

2009-12-30T15:54:00.001-05:00

Hooray I'm back on after a long hiatus! I saw this today at a CVS Pharmacy, and it inspired me to start blogging, again.

Local Spice is alive

2009-12-12T18:51:00.003-05:00

Yes, I'm alive, and I haven't posted in months, I know, tsk tsk tsk. I've been thankfully swamped at work, as these are busy times. I have lots of projects I'm trying to move into construction, then there's my party life--well maybe not, but when I get home, I typically fall asleep.

Stolen pumpkin

2009-10-23T22:01:00.002-04:00

Being a festive fella, I had a pumpkin on display on the front steps...until someone stole it. So my festive fall cabbages aren't worth stealing, too? Of course this means I get to buy a new one, which I'll carve up and illuminate for the Halloween treaters.

I haven't turned on my heat, yet.

2009-10-15T09:41:00.003-04:00

It's that time of the year to stare the thermostat down with a mean grimace as one refuses to turn on the heat. See, in my mind, once it's on, then I know it's on until May. This means the vintage steam heat system in my drafty apartment will then make my entire body itch for the next 6 months, inducing what we'll call body lotion/humidifier season. I'm not a native up here, and I wonder if even those native, hardy New Englanders have a secret to the misery, or do we all suffer the same? (Maybe this is why they all have grandparents now living in Florida.)

And it does not help that my oil tank is near empty, so turning the heat on means that expense despite a blow to my own ego. And to make matters worse I'm driving up my electric bill using a small box heater to break the cold until I call up the folks at my oil supplier (who are all very nice and prompt, btw).

ADORE-chester!

2009-10-04T20:34:00.021-04:00

Here is the Local Spice Top 5 things about Dorchester! I love this neighborhood! From the commute, the location, and yes, the atmosphere, the people, etc. It's a real neighborhood, and I feel very comfortable here, and I'm glad to share a brief list of 5 things I find interesting about my home.

My #1 best thing to say about Dorchester is that it's quite possibly the biggest melting pot of neighborhoods out of all areas in Boston. Despite what some may say or think, I consider Dorchester to be the real Boston, as it's where real Bostonians live, and it's quite the more authentic neighborhood than others. Not to throw dirt on anyone else, but I think Dorchester rocks because it's not like other 'hoods in Boston. From the Polish Triangle to Lower Mills, and all areas between, it's a mish-mash of different people all in this (neighborhood) together.

Ashmont-Mattapan High Speed Line

Clap Pear at Edward Everett Square

Click the link, there's a story behind it, plus it's a big huge pear in the middle of town. Thanks to partner-in-crime Tinkering with Urban Mechanics for the awesome pic.

McKenna's Cafe

It's the best breakfast/brunch place around. The staff rock the place, the coffee is always on, and the food is tasty. Prepare to wait in line on the weekend.

Malibu Beach

Don't let the name fool you, this is not exactly Dorchester meets Bay Watch, but it's still a great place. I love walking to the beach from my apartment, even if I get to listen to the symphony that is I-93 at the same time.

Check out these fellow Dorchester bloggers:

The Dottie Hottie http://www.dottiehottie.com
The Dot Matrix http://whaleheadking.blogspot.com
Dot Boston http://www.adampieniazek.com
The Dorchester Think Tank http://www.dorchesterthinktank.blogspot.com
Lower Dot http://www.lowerdot.com
Social Butterfly Experiment http://sbexperiment.wordpress.com
dotmass http://dotmass.blogspot.com
Greening of Dorchester http://greendorchester.blogspot.com

So, I live in a less desireable nabe, uh?

2009-09-16T23:42:00.008-04:00

One commenter on one local Boston real estate blog exhibits the typical class-oriented attitude found here in Boston. Despite living in a "less desireable nabe," I will likely not move to the South End or Back Bay because I frankly have to no use to live near a Fire & Ice, the Nike Store, Urban Outfitters, Cheesecake Factory, or people like him. My neighborhood is great: pretty simple, established, relatively quiet, convenient for work and play, very neighborly, plus I can afford it. I'm not saying I won't ever move, either within Boston or away from here, but I like to think any 'hood I land in won't have any these guys.

Urban Mechanics

2009-09-16T09:24:00.002-04:00

Check out Tinkering with Urban Mechanics, a new Boston-based blog any Hubber and fan from away may find interesting for local updates, news, and pictures.

Pot roast, please!

2009-09-14T21:50:00.004-04:00

I just want to vent and state that I have found finding either a beef or pork roast for sale (not on sale, but for sale, at any price) increasingly difficult. A few weeks ago I was at a local Shaw's Supermarket, and there was nothing to cook besides chicken and steak. Even today, I went to Whole Foods and the choices were pathetic. So today I found one at Savenor's in Beacon Hill (went there on a whim, the weather was nice), and promptly took it home where it was seasoned, stuffed with garlic and crushed red pepper, braised, smothered with onions, and left to cook on very low heat until fabulously tender.

And the Patriots beat Buffalo!

MBTA Grammar Gestapo strikes again!

2009-09-08T19:30:00.004-04:00

Ogunquit is so frickin' cute

2009-09-07T10:50:00.005-04:00

As referenced in a previous post, this past weekend I went to Ogunquit for the 1st time. It was a quick day trip, only being a about an hour away. The town was quite cute, adorable, very "Maine in Summer" I'll say. Of course I ended the day with a few cocktails at the Front Porch, too, wherein I realized how many showtunes I don't know. It's always a good idea to go to Maine.

I discovered for myself the boutique-lady store Spoiled Rotten, is something to see just to see. I was impressed by their fall season-inspired merchandising. And yes, I already have the mums on my front porch here in the Dirty Dot.

Awful New York License Plate Spotted in Ogunquit

2009-09-06T14:52:00.003-04:00

That's right y'all, I'm judging. Sweet damn Jesus, I hate personalized license plates, and this one illustrates why no one, even some bullshit New Yorker from Manhattan who, and I'm judging again, is probably a Yankees fan, has "Aquaman" identifying his Nissan Maxima. Once again, Sweet Damn Jesus, why?

Absolut Boston Taste Test

2009-09-02T20:21:00.003-04:00

Today I bought a bottle of Absolut Boston vodka, having only recently learned of its release. Having loved Absolut New Orleans (and I still have several bottles stockpiled in my liquor cabinet), I went off to my packie where the shelves were stocked.

My first taste I took neat, then with an ice cube, and it went relatively well, still slightly hitting me like cough syrup, all the while trying to recognize the flavors (black tea and elderflower). I can't say that in my mind I knew what the combination of black tea and elderflower should taste like, so perhaps that part of my problem. The bottle suggests mixing this vodka with grapefruit juice and ginger ale for a specific cocktail. Not having the former, I used a splash of orange juice, then followed by the ginger ale. The result is quite a nice cocktail, one I recommend.

Incorrect MBTA T-Shirts being sold to tourists

2009-09-01T19:02:00.004-04:00

Last week while schlepping around Boston with the family, playing tourist, I spotted this incorrect MBTA System Map t-shirt at Faneuil Hall. I am sorry but I cannot report the price. Take a close look and you will see the Red Line incorrectly shows the JFK/UMass stop as only along the Ashmont branch, not as the last stop before the line splits.

Monday morning, Monday schmorning!

2009-08-31T07:12:00.005-04:00

I've been off for the past week, supposedly on "vacation," but actually held up here in Boston playing tour guide and tourist with my family. I love my family, all of them, and I haven't been home much over the last year, hence I took time off from work to see them as they were in town. So now I never need to play tourist ever, ever again here--time to find a new city? Here's a list of what I did/saw:

The Freedom Trail (all of it, all sites, plus 1 guided tour downtown)
Red Sox game plus a tour of the park
Sam Adams Brewery tour--actually kinda cool times
The South Shore, Plymouth, made a day out of that.
Lots of antiquing with my mother
I've been in every tourist gift shop in this city (people buy those baked bean pots?)
Shopping at Filene's Basement, etc
Eating at Legal Seafoods, Summer Shack, plus other pubs
Cheers

My family took home more glassware than I would have imagined. Lots of souvenirs from Sam Adams and Cheers, plus my mom's antique finds. I did enjoy stuffing my face with lobster for a week, plus butter sauce, but now it's back to the gym and leaner lunches. It was a good week, and now back to the office.

Inside the Green Monster

2009-08-30T09:47:00.010-04:00

This past week I hosted my entire family as they visited Boston. I'll post more on everything we did over a week's time. The 1st post show our rock star tour of Fenway Park. I've been in Boston three years now, and in that time I've somehow managed to score an unbelievable contact who was gracious enough to allow me a sneak peek into the fabled Green Monster. The inside was quite cramped, but still, it rocked, with signatures from past employees, athletes, etc, on the walls, and it was great to see how the scoreboard works: the tiles, the small opening the scorekeepers watch the game through--all fun.

Window Sill tomatoes

2009-07-26T11:39:00.003-04:00

I learned growing up that placing green tomatoes on a window sill will induce reddening. So far it's work for me here in my north-facing kitchen window. The story is that I have twice discovered my tomato plants knocked over, the last time a few days ago this meant a few green tomatoes fell off their bushes. Oh, and check out the two red tomatoes I picked yesterday.

I saw Tall Ships

2009-07-14T06:30:00.008-04:00

I saw the Tall Ships this past weekend. So, they were tall, and surrounded by lots of people, many of whom were standing in amazingly-long lines to board each one. I passed on the lines, just viewed from dry land. They were fun to see, interesting to read what was posted. I got the sense they were not exactly historic, but rather modern ships made in the tradition of tall sailing ships--not sure why, but they're pretty I say. This was part of a big to-do put on by Sail Boston, so if anything it was a beautiful day, a great event, and something fun/different to see in the harbor.

Urban Garden Update

2009-07-11T19:11:00.014-04:00

Back in April I dared to plant, in containers, several of the following plants: 4 tomato plants, 6 pepper plants, 1 strawberry plant, 1 mint, 1 peppermint, and what has become a constant failure: basil. Basil hates me.

Despite the fact that Boston has been channeling Seattle (without the coffee or angst), my dainty plants have survived and have produced produce. I am pleased to present snappy pics from my own urban garden, beginning with my this season's 1st Local Spice Urban Garden tomato:

I suppose this stair is officially a 2nd means of egress, but it makes for a great place for my tomato plants to get sunlight. I don't have a south-facing location, so I've had to learn to play with angles and work the east/west light. So far my efforts have paid off, so far.

This is a red beefsteak plant. I thought it was going to die at first, and then I though it was dead, but no, it was really alive, and then it grew to over 5 feet tall, so far.

Mint! Yay! Mojitos! Anyone recommendations for what to do with the peppermint plant?

Peppers, specifically sweet green peppers, gypsy peppers, and red bell peppers. They're all taking their sweet time, but I have had some success so far. I had to pull them back onto my porch as they became popular with pesky slugs, etc..

4th of July spent in Montreal

2009-07-10T19:29:00.010-04:00

Boston, I love you, I do, but you bore the hell out of me. I can only take so many consecutive months of the stoic New England Puritan act before my liver and sanity say "son, get the hell out of town!"

So now that the weather has turned for the better and summertime is here, I packed my extended-weekend bag and headed north to the fair Ville de Montreal to enjoy the good times always had there. Apart from the food and booze-induced good times, the city is celebrating it's 30th Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, which turns out to be a largely free to event. So it was great to walk around the city and listen to some great music, too. Here are some snappy pics and captions:

The Farine Five Roses sign welcoming this weary traveler to the city. Let's say Montreal has the Farine sign, and Boston has the CITGO sign.

I rented a bicycle for a few hours using the city's new bike share service Bixi. This system rocks! There are bike racks throughout the city, pretty simple even for an idiot to use. Despite the obvious ease and enjoyment of this system, here's a note for the tourist like myself: the service puts a temporary change on either your credit or debit card of (at least for me) $214.00. I assume to make sure one will return the bike. This did not stop my bank from temporarily deducting this cash from my account, and charging me a fee because I didn't have that in my checking account at the time. Ugh. Here is someone else's pic (I stole it) of a Bixi bike rack and bikes:

That said, it was great to ride through the city, across the river the biosphere, around the parks, and I took this snappy pics of Habitat 67:

In true local spice foodie fashion, I got my poutine-eating on in true Montreal style:

A trip to Montreal is not complete without seeing the sights on Rue Sainte-Catherine. I went to a drag show at Mado, where the emcees where dressed appropriately for the USA's 4th of July (accompanied with commentary on the USA, :-0). So the show was great, def. something to see/experience when in town. See below:

So that's the touristy synopsis of my Montreal weekend. I"ll spare you the other gritty details. NOTE: If you're ever in Montreal, go ahead and do these things, but be sure to check out the museums, the library (great music collection, btw), and stroll around town. My favorite neighborhood is The Plateau, it's what every neighborhood in America wishes it could be.

Michael Jackson fans on the T

2009-06-27T10:20:00.005-04:00

So apart from the tremendous shock of losing music superstar Michael Jackson, we (the populace) now get to endure the public showings of said shock, mourn, sadness, or perhaps pride in the life and creativity of Jacko. Case in point is the focus of this blog post.

Yesterday's commute home was highlighted by a distressed fan, who boarded the Red Line at Downtown Crossing, armed with his MP3 music player LOUDLY playing the Michael Jackson hits. My first thought of course was "is he really going to play that, right next to me?" and then it was "he IS really not going to turn it down" (it was VERY loud).

Then I realized how awesome this guy was, how awesome the scene on the trian turned out to be, and how engaged everyone on the train became, as they struck up conversations with him, traded high-fives as they exited at their stops, etc. He gave one person a music CD of Michael Jackson songs that he had put together himself (makes me wonder how many freebie CDs he had made, but I didn't ask). He took requests, later playing "rock with you" and then "Beat It" by the time I exited myself. I loved the looks on everyone's face as people got on at the next few stops.

Now I just want to see a crowd all wearing Farah Fawcett wigs.

Bunker Hill Day

2009-06-17T17:16:00.017-04:00

Happy Bunker Hill Day! As someone lucky enough to have this very specific holiday off from work, I took the time to, yes, sleep late, then go shopping, but then I thought to myself "Why not go to Bunker Hill today...?" So, having my walking shoes on and not a thing else (or money) to do, I hiked over to Charlestown and played tourist. I've admittedly been to the monument before, but this was my 1st time scaling the monument's 294 steps, and then competing with the tourists at the top to get a look out the windows and take my snappy pictures. It was a beautiful day for the effort, great views, plus I went full-force and stopped in on the museum across the street.

Thankfully it was a beautiful and clear day. The views from the top of the monument were fantastic.

Hand rail at the monument's top level.

The National Park Service operates a FREE small museum across the street from the monument. I liked seeing the various drawings submitted during a competition in 1825 when the locals were planning the monument.

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Dorchester Day

2009-06-15T22:08:00.010-04:00

This is a late blog post. Times have been busy, and I've been admittedly lazy. I've lived in "The Dot" for a year now, and this was my 1st Dorchester Day. My street was closed down for a block party, and a parade passed down Dorchester Ave with everyone and anyone who thinks they should be elected to any office, anywhere. Regardless, please see (and maybe enjoy) the following snappy pics from this year's Dorchester Day parade.

Boston's own Mayor Tommy Menino (running for reelection) and Massachusetts' own Governor Deval Patrick, making the trek from Lower Mills to Columbia.

Carnival in Dorchester

The guys from College Hype (they make the Dot Rat tees)

The Sam Yoon Possee

I thought this woman was fabulous, and she posed for me. She was part of the Mike Flaherty posse.

Pole Dancing

2009-06-05T15:00:00.006-04:00

I didn't know I could take pole dancing lessons here in Boston--who knew!? It's obviously a well-established company. Any comments from the locals? I saw their flag on Boylston Street in the Back Bay the other day.

Hardcore Portuguese Soccer Fan

2009-05-04T22:36:00.006-04:00

You and I have both seen this car. It warranted a post. It's a PT Cruiser! And yes, I'm an American, and I make no excuse for having to Google "F. C. Porto" to discover it's a successful soccer team in Portugal.

Mission Hill T-shirts

2009-05-04T22:23:00.003-04:00

I love these t-shirts, which are available from Mission Hill Main Streets. All proceeds go the uber good cause of this local Main Streets group. These shirts were designed by local students, show off a great part of Boston (not all true Boston t-shirts need depict one of our awesome sports teams), and are truly "Local Spice" in my humble opinion.

Whitey Bulger had a table of 4 at McKenna's

2009-05-04T09:36:00.001-04:00

Gotta love the humor, I suppose. I stopped into McKenna's on my way to the T this morning. I love McKenna's--great food, great iced coffee. Standing at the counter, waiting on that iced coffee, I noticed someone had purposely signed the table wait list as "Whitey Bulger" and had a table of 4. Fabulous. Makes me think of who to sign-in as next time I'm there waiting on a table. Suggestions?

Jones Hill Dichotomy

2009-05-03T21:10:00.007-04:00

A quick study of opposites. I walked around the very lovely Jones Hill this weekend. I've known it to be filled with chopped up triple deckers sold off at insane prices during the bubble, and beautiful Victorian homes (really, quite nice to be honest), plus properties still...in the eyes of flippers...having lots of potential. Yet despite the hype from the past few years, it's still an area filled with properties in need of substantial rehab (hooray for preservation!) or just demolition, or at least a decent coat of paint. Regardless of your stance or opinion of the area or of this topic, here are some snappy pics:

Puma City

2009-04-28T11:37:00.005-04:00

So I checked out Puma City this past Sunday afternoon (after stuffing my face with tasty vittles at Victoria's Diner). I did not know what to expect, apart from a large Puma Store constructed out of several shipping containers, all painted that trademark Puma Red/Orange color. I also learned that Puma International is headquartered in Boston (who knew?) nearby in the Seaport District's Design Center.

The back story is that this is a huge marketing/advertising exercise called the Volvo Ocean Race, that includes sailboats sponsored by Puma, along with Volvo, Ericsson (their team), and a few others I was unfamiliar with at the time. So here are some pictures I snapped with my phone. It was quite the par-tay on the deck in the Puma Store (with very slow bartenders), as everyone awaited the 1st sailboat's arrival.

Not the best shot--I've seen better other have take on Flickr. But still, this is it.

The Ericsson tent had a monitor set up to see how far out the sailboats were from Boston Harbor.

The interior of the Puma store's upper floor was quite the nightclub.

Warm Weather Gourmet

2009-04-25T17:10:00.007-04:00

No judging, I'm not a chef, but this quickie salad of tomatoes, cucumber, Parmigiano-Reggiano, red wine vinegar, a small amount of olive oil, plus kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper made my lunch today quite nice in the now-warm New England.

And yes, I'm *trying* to grow tomatoes on my porch.

80 Degrees out means time for Bubble Tea

2009-04-25T17:04:00.005-04:00

FINALLY it's warm, some may say hot, in Boston! I took a stroll around the neighborhood, and realized that it's now appropriate to get a bubble tea! Go to Bubble Tea Zone on Dot Ave.

I caught someone ringing the chimes at Kendall Square

2009-04-25T16:53:00.007-04:00

Sitting, waiting for the T two days ago at Kendall Square, I caught this fella ringing the chimes on the outbound side of the station. I'm not a regular at this T stop, so it made me wonder how often does someone really crank the handle. Honestly, I think it's unique, very much something I associate with this T stop--truly local spice.

Lily Allen at the House of Blues

2009-04-21T11:52:00.003-04:00

I went to the Lily Allen concert this past Sunday at the ugly Boston House of Blues. I love Lily. The above picture was the best one my iPhone could do. The HOB Gestapo quickly noticed my handy Canon snappy camera while waving their metal detectors all around my body, and made me check it with my coat--and only to have Lily Allen herself announce during the concert that she never made any request to not allow photos. So big ups to Ms. Allen for allowing those who were able to sneak their cameras in to take pictures--we're the ones buying the tickets and the music!

So the concert was great! She sang plenty (not all) of her songs, and even wore a cute Boston-inspired outfit (see above) with a Red Sox hat. I was definitely "that guy" who knew all the words to all the songs. She wore these very sexy red stockings that proved quite the wardrobe malfunction, so she had a roadie tape them up onto her thighs. At the encore she changed into a very cute knit dress with a huge lobster on it--also very cute.

My Barack Obama Chia has a mullet

2009-04-13T20:11:00.007-04:00

My Barack Obama Chia Pet just can't seem to evenly sprout!

31 Spooner Street

2009-04-05T20:53:00.003-04:00

Sitting here watching The Family Guy in my apartment, and I was just curious about the mythical Quahog, Rhode Island. Assuming Mr. MacFarlane is depicting the fabled Providence, I searched for the address 31 Spooner Street, and I found this Google map and this City of Providence link. While Google says there is a 31 Spooner Street, the City of Providence does not have this address in their tax assessor records. Still, it's interesting to know that there is, in fact, a Spooner Street in Providence--and I love Providence. And speaking of Providence and Seth MacFarlane, one of the best stores to check out is the RISD store, now located in their awesome museum, so fyi.

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Some idiot's Big Fat Greek Portico

2009-04-04T11:15:00.005-04:00

If you own a beautiful masonry bay windowed building fronting Beacon Street (or any street, anywhere!) do not attempt to mix what is an iconic architectural style with some sort of faux Greek Revival portico. So to whoever you are out there, I'm calling you out on it, it's bad. I work/deal with architects on a daily basis, and no sort of archibable from anyone could possibly convince me this looks good.

Chia Obama sprouting!

2009-04-03T14:16:00.003-04:00

My Barack Obama Chia is now sprouting! It's admittedly uneven at the moment, so we'll see if the seeds continue the upward growth pattern. Still, it's awesome.

Zaftigs now serves bad food.

2009-04-03T11:04:00.004-04:00

Zaftigs now serves bad food. This fact was first observed by a trusted and fellow foodie friend several weeks ago, but I wondered if she just had one specific bad experience. (This stuff happens, right?) NO! I went there last weekend. It was a pretty typical Saturday hauling myself out from Dorchester to Brookline's storied Coolidge Corner: the Red to the Green, then waiting for the C, put your name on the list for 30-45 minutes (sometimes more), grab a coffee at Peet's or browse the Booksmith, then it's time to eat.

Ritual aside, which I actually don't mind, the main event is the food. My requisite latkes with applesauce and sour cream were pretty good. It was the main dishes ordered at the table which upset us. One dish, a cheese/apple/bacon omelette was sent back to the kitchen with the waitress, while I somehow ate my Eggs Benedict (with wholly cooked eggs, btw), and left the hard-as-a-rock homefries on the plate. Bottom line, the place just isn't what it has been in the past, and sad to say, it's just not worth the wait anymore.

Tavern in the Square deems the season is now warm enough to eat outside.

2009-04-02T10:34:00.006-04:00

Warm(er) weather is on the way! In my own act of defiance I have put away my heavier wool coat, insisting that now is supposedly spring in New England, but it's not quite flip flop weather, yet. Regardless, seeing Tavern in the Squar e setting up their sidewalk seating made me happy, so I snapped a picture to share.

Chia Obama!

2009-03-24T22:53:00.004-04:00

So, my Barack Obama chia has arrived, and it has caused quite the stir amongst the uber-sensitive crowd at my office. That fact I find annoying, but screw that! For the record, I love Barack Obama, I voted for him, and I donated to his campaign, and I was entertained when the Chia company made him into a Chia Pet. Huzzah!!

Boston's Ugly House of Blues

2009-03-22T21:33:00.008-04:00

Today I strolled around town as the Boston weather has finally permitted pedestrianism. I was curious to see what I heard was a sorta-recently renovated House of Blues, located at 15 Landsdowne Street across from Fenway Park. What is really exciting is that in April I have tickets to see Lily Allen there! I say that despite the building's exterior.

Sweet Jesus, be a mirror, again. Bottom line, the Boston House of Blues is super god awful. I am willing to bet that the architects were inspired by Legos.

The MBTA parks where the MBTA likes when it wants fried chicken.

2009-03-22T21:18:00.006-04:00

And yes, there are plenty of "No Parking" signs around.

"I realized 99.9% of people suck and are gay"

2009-03-22T21:07:00.003-04:00

Tsk, Tsk, Tsk, will someone please beat this person with a tolerance stick! But still, not sure what else to say about the content. Plus I really don't like Green Mountain Coffee. Obviously, I was most amused, once again, by some creative Bostonian's handy Sharpie skills. Maybe they were being ironic and their pencil jeans were getting the best of them.

New desk!

2009-03-09T21:18:00.002-04:00

As mentioned in a previous blog post, I ordered a Parsons Mini Desk from West Elm. Always the last to everything, this was the 1st time I ordered furniture online. So far the product is living up to expectations: fits well into my smallish bedroom, plus it looks nice I say.

Sweet Jesus, make winter end!

2009-03-06T19:21:00.009-05:00

I admit that I have been a very bad blogger, however I am very glad to be most busy at work--yay!

So a quick post before I head off to a newly-jobless friend's Speak Easy par-tay:

If you know me, then you know I love to eat. I've been collecting a few shots lately from new places I've tried. I am not a food blogger, so once again, let's make this a forgiving platform if you disagree.

The Hen House on Massachusetts Avenue is quite a welcome change from the normal crappy food I tend to find, despite any hype, here in Boston. Well, it's fried chicken and waffles, as well as plenty of what smelled to be delicious bbq. I had the fried chicken (dark meat, always!) and a buttermilk waffle, but I screwed up by choosing their "Cajun" butter. Despite the salty butter, the chicken and waffle were pretty damn good, plus the atmosphere was quite kick-ass.

I saw that Pantry Pizza (sorry no link found) at 933 Dorchester Ave now delivers. I ordered the "Stuck in North Carolina" pizza that has spicey pulled bbq pork AND sweet potatoes, which turned out to the sweet potatoe fries. Still, it was quite tasty, or maybe I was just raveous. It was great cold the next morning.

Atomic Bean Cafe is a new coffee shop on Massachusetts Avenue between Central Square and Harvard Square. I've seen this place doing it's build out for the past few months, but now I've finally taken the time to discover what is a classic study hall type coffee shop. Plus I think it's cute.

And speaking of food, don't you think this roof insulation (a picture I took at work, I do affordable housing modernization and development work) looks like moist yellow cake with chocolate frosting?

February Update

2009-02-16T21:51:00.004-05:00

I've been insanely busy at work, plus it's freaking winter, so I'm in my own hibernation mode. Regardless, the weather has since relatively improved (it was perhaps 40 degrees F today), so I have since begun venturing back out amongst the hub bub. I have these observations and additional ramblings:

1. It's still winter, and it will be winter until May, despite what anyone's calendar says. But now we in Boston have entered the season where all clothing stores have their spring collections now properly featured, and only a selection of winter/cold weather items left, and they suck. I just don't want to buy flip flops and patch work shorts, and funky graphic t's at the Lucky store. We're all recessionistas nowadays, so put something out there that's worth buying.

2. For the love of Sweet Jesus, I hate peoples' choice in scarves. I see them as a functional accessory. If it looks like a useless rag around your neck, then that's right, it's a rag, so put it away and pull it out only if you need to polish the family silver or clean up something tragic.

3. Today I discovered that scholars have, in fact, ranked 6 former US Presidents as being worse that George W. Bush. Um.

4. Today I ordered a new at-home office desk from West Elm. It's the mini Parsons desk, in chocolate. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Proximity to Ludacris determines one's own happiness

2009-02-05T22:31:00.002-05:00

I hate being sick

2009-02-02T17:07:00.004-05:00

I hate being sick. I'm broadcasting live from my bedroom. Sound naughty? Well it's not. I'm sick. Thank the Sweet Jesus for technology, and ginger ale, and green tea, and gatorade, and night- and day-quil, and most of all, for my humidifier.

Today I took a sick day, but sadly not one of the Fridays-in-July sick days, this is a Monday-in-February sick day. And I'm too sick to sit on the couch (tsk! tsk!), so I missed watching The View and Martha Stewart! I have been, however, thoroughly caught up on CNN-like news: are we surprised Michael Phelps smokes pot? Do I care if other celebs defend Jessica Simpson's newly exposed curves? And do I really think the "music died" 50 years ago? I'd rather be at work, but that's my own lack of work/life balance, but I have stuff to do...

Boring Obama Burger at Mr. Bartley's

2009-01-15T21:12:00.006-05:00

Mr. Bartley's Cottage in Harvard Square is offering a 21-ounce 3-patty no-fixin's burger with a white plastic spoon down the center of it, all in celebration of the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Why 3 patties? Why no toppings? At least give us lettuce and a tomato slice! (maybe take out two of the three patties, too)

Buddha's Hand

2009-01-15T21:03:00.002-05:00

The smell was amazing! There was a pile of them at Whole Foods today! So what's up with these? So call me an amateur foodie, fine, I know, but still...I gotta go back and get one, then find a recipe, or something. The sweet citrus smell was quite overwhelming. Any suggestions?

Barack Obama Chia OR Chia Prez

2009-01-15T17:19:00.006-05:00

Hail to the Chi-Chi-ChiaPrez! San Francisco-based Joseph Enterprises has decided to honor the the President-Elect of the United States by depicting him as a Chia Prez. I am a huge fan of both the 44th President of the United States AND Chia Pets, but this one through me for a loop. (Now all we need is a Black Power fist pick to serve as a watering can). Go directly to this site for more information or to order. Oh, and they call this pose shown above as "Determined Obama." As the website says "CAN YOU GROW ONE? YES YOU CAN!"

Welcomed additions to my kitchen family

2009-01-13T19:08:00.006-05:00

As I referenced in earlier posts, I am now the proud owner of an Imperial Grey KitchenAid mixer. Owning one has induced a lot of baking, and thus a lot of gym-ing. Here is a pic, as per the request of one comment.

But what I have REALLY used so much since returning to the snow covered New England from the 80degrees-on-Christmas-Day-Bayouland is a fabulous "antique" (it's old, that's what I know) drip coffee pot my mom gave me (she has several, a collection, I referenced I like it, she gave it to me). See the pic. I think it's awesome, AND I will say that the coffee rendered kicks ass.

"Auckland Street will be a nicer place to live and we will have one more reason to say why Dorchester is better than Southie!! Have a great 2009!"

2009-01-12T22:02:00.011-05:00

For friends and foes unaware of the fabulousness of Boston, allow me to briefly clue you in onto the snow-shoveling-marking-your-place shenanigans very common within the area, most especially in South Boston (Southie), East Boston (Eastie), and as I've discovered Dorchester (yes, I'm not a native, for those native readers).

So it's fairly commonplace within these old-line neighborhoods in Boston that IF you shovel your car out of crazy-ass snow, that you EARN that space, it's yours...BUT, for HOW long? If you shovel it, then you mark it, and I've ALWAYS been entertained by what the locals find, somewhere and somehow, to mark their places. Before living in Dorchester I lived in Eastie, where I would find old television sets, among other applicances, marking spaces etched out of snow--and that's great, that's fine, I'm not judging, I'm just saying...it was a 20-year-old TV marking someone's space on the road in East Boston...right. The picture below is a former neighbor in Eastie who had marked their space with some sort of Public Works "slow" moving traffic sign.

This evening I found the following letter in my door here in the lovely Dorchester:

Let me walk you through the best parts:

"After you have worked hard and took a lot of time to clean out your parking spot of course you should be able to keep that parking spot for yourself for an appropriate amount of time. You have earned it."

"These offenders have shoveled out nothing because it has not even snowed yet. These spots belong to all of us on the street. We all pay taxes and they belong to the public."

My favorite section provides a measurement for when it is appropriate to claim a space for 4 days:
"Actually, Mayor Thomas Menino's rule is that one should not mark a parking spot for more than 24 hours; however, I think we can compromise and give ourselves 1 to 4 days (4 days only if it necessary. 4 days should only be allowed if the storm was 10 inches or more)."

Please see the picture for the whole letter, it's fabulous. I give credit to the letter's author for taking action against people who claim spaces for days and days after a snow storm, when it's quite obvious the sun is shining and the snow is melting, but still, there's a damn trash can in the street marking their spot. They are all lucky that I do not own a car, or else I wouldn't deliver a letter.

Here is an example of what they are talking about from Auckland Street in Dorchester:
As someone who does not own a car, I'm not hating either way. I do, however, get pissed when people can't seem to shovel their sidewalk, but that's for another post.

Unremarkable White Bread

2009-01-12T10:29:00.007-05:00

My 1st foray into home baking with my fancy new KitchenAid mixer was a loaf of unremarkable white bread. I used the recipe found in the booklet included in the KitchenAid mixer. The bread was fine, but only if one intends to eat it right away, or to make dinner rolls (yummy!) and eat a day later with left over baked ham.

Regardless, I'm posting some pics for fun:

Not sure if this is the wisest bread-making technique, but I live in a cold Boston apartment, so the radiator was the warmest thing around.

Imagine my relief when I noticed the dough actually rising! I had not totally screwed up!

Behold, one of two very unremarkable loaves of white bread. It looks quite warm and delicious on the Fiestaware.

Snow Day Breakfast

2009-01-12T10:19:00.003-05:00

No, I'm not a professional chef or a professional food photographer, but I should get some sort number of points for facing the cold and snow with a happy face, eh?

Snow Day Sunday

2009-01-11T17:13:00.007-05:00

It's Sunday and Boston received between 5 to 9 inches of snow. I estimate my street was on the high side of that range. So refusing to leave my apartment, I decided to cook. Finally putting to good use the fancy schmancy KitchenAid mixer I purchased after Christmas with my collected Macy's gift cards, I made what turned out to be a fabulous loaf of Irish Soda Bread using Ina Garten's recipe from Barefoot Contessa At Home.

I love my mixer!

The lovely thing about this recipe was it is yeast-free, so no waiting around for the dough to rise, etc. It's pretty sweet, too, and the recipe advises reduces by a tablespoon or so if one prefers the result to not be sweet, or too sweet. And the recipe calls for currants, but in the hellish frenzy that was yesterday at the supermarket (pre-snow storm) there weren't any at the Shaw's, and not a person around to direct to where to find them. So I subsituted dried cranberries, and it works very well.

Nothing says Christmas like Fried Turkey

2009-01-01T12:41:00.004-05:00

And yes, this means my "skinny" ass must now go to the gym. The polite thing to say or consider is that the extra lbs. are muscle, but we're all friends (or foes) here, and I'm all about biting honesty in case you haven't met me. My so-called New Year's resolution is to continue frequenting the gym, and in addition to consult a trainer's guidance. After the last two months of stress, Chinese take-out, Scotch, then Louisiana home cooking/holiday food/birthday cake (I'm now 29, pushing 30), I need to get serious.

Oh, and I beat the shit out of 29!

Action Figures love Barack Obama!

2008-12-09T16:45:00.004-05:00

This was seen today in the lovely Central Square here in Cambridge. For those who can't see too well, this is a street-level window display wherein there is an illustration of the now President-Elect Barack Obama being worshiped by a myriad of action figures. Be sure to check out how many Pee Wee Herman figurines are there! I love the ones who have thrown themselves onto the picture, too. Now I just want there to be one dancing with a snake figurine.

Slutcracker?

2008-12-09T10:13:00.003-05:00

Oh wow. As someone who did sit through the nutcracker ONCE, this particular interpretation strikes me as far more entertaining. I may have to check it out.

First snow of the season!

2008-12-09T10:01:00.007-05:00

I was happy and surprised this past Sunday to see snow falling outside my drafty window. Thankfully the situation did not warrant boots and shovels. I instead went to the gym, followed by some initial holiday shopping downtown, then a quick stroll through Boston Common.

For those from away and not familiar with Savin Hill, this is the view one has while waiting on the red line at the Savin Hill T stop. Look close, one can almost make out the small flurries. I've been called an "infrastructure slut" and I proudly agree and accept that title. I love this view--the rail lines, the fences, the highway walls, the sound from the traffic, the trains, then the 3-deckers on the hill, the reinforced concrete, the platform I'm standing on (which needs some attention despite its recent work, there are some caulk issues).

Jessica Simpson makes bags, too? God, help me.

2008-12-03T20:55:00.004-05:00

I am a consumer like the rest of us, but really, ladies, when choosing a purse/pocketbook/handbag/etc, please avoid choosing ones plastered with the name "Jessica Simpson" on it-most especially if it uses an ugly font. I was shocked when I saw one of these today on the T. Jessica Simpson sucks, and after a long-ass day I do not want to see your tired self, too, clutching a bag clad in her name.

And while I am on the topic of celebrity-associated fashions, I want to mention that I saw my first actual piece of House of Dereon on the very lovely Red Line!! It was a very simple, pretty unremarkable jacket designed by Beyonce's stupid momma worn by a most colorful girl on the Ashmont Line. I couldn't help but notice while listening to her speak about a girl who once owed her rent money...tragic story in her mind.

The story of my life summed up in one sentence on a calendar

2008-12-01T14:21:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T05:11:00.000-05:00

Ice Cream Turkey

2008-11-21T09:30:00.005-05:00

That's right boys and girls, it's another fabulous Baskin and Robbins ice cream turkey! This one is 100% better to one I saw last year--last year's one was sorta gray, sorta green, not appetizing. This one is what I will call fecal brown. That's right I said it! This is a blog of honesty! My fabulous and vegetarian coworker insists that as a vegetarian AND a lover of ice cream, she is very offended. I agree. Thanksgiving is all about food, and eating the appropriate food, so don't feed me ice cream turkey. I want pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, or a pecan pie, please.

Please note the label on the upper right hand side of the box that notes this turkey is not cake, feeds 16 to 24 people, and is priced at $49.99.

An Open Letter to the guy who is not Tony Montana

2008-11-21T09:18:00.005-05:00

An Open Letter to this guy on the Red Line:

I know, I get it, you're an asshole. You felt the need to sit next to me, to lean into me, to turn and repeatedly shove your backpack into my face. But thank you, because otherwise I would not have seen (and snapped a quick pic of) your *really* stupid Scarface-inspired jacket. Let's just say that just because you may like to watch MTV Cribs or find some sort of parallel between your life and that of Tony Montana does not give you the fashion license to "represent" the gang life with a painfully horrible embroidered jacket with Al Pacino's face staring me down as you talk to your baby mama about "all those young girls in class you think they all that," among other fabulous topics. And yes, when I knee your backpack and you turn and look at me, and I look you down, too, that means get straightened up.

A Vote for Change: Election Day 2008

2008-11-04T08:50:00.003-05:00

Happy Election Day!

With great relief and glee, I marched over to the backside of the Savin Hill Apartments in the very lovely Dorchester to cast my vote (see above) for Barack Obama. We're in! Finally we Democrats have been on the offensive and took no prisoners this time! As for the scene, the voting poll station was busy, but not what coworkers have reported for other areas of Metro Boston (I didn't have to stand in line when I went at 7:00 a.m.).

Also, I don't like how the polling station is on the backside of this big apartment building, sorta hidden--last time I had to really investigate and then realize that yes, I had to walk up the service ramp, through some room, and then into the polling room.

AND seeing the cover of the Metro newspaper today, I had to opportunity to vote, again!

When You're Good to Mama

2008-10-30T22:48:00.003-04:00

Dianne Wilkerson of the fabled Massachusetts Senate should take a lesson from Queen Latifah. If you're going to take cash from whoever, at least have some class! U-N-I-T-Y!

Dianne Wilkerson is not Michelle Obama, or What to Wear When Shoving Money in your Bra

2008-10-30T20:49:00.009-04:00

Dianne Wilkerson at Fill-A-Buster filling her pockets with bribe money.

Dianne Wilkerson at the No. 9 Park restaurant shoving $1,000 dollars in cash into her bra. How ladylike!

Oh Sweet Jesus, Dianne Wilkerson, bless her heart, poor thing thought she was going to get away with acting like a fool. She probably thought she was living the dream, but instead she's been living a nightmare if you read of her past. I come from a politically corrupt-as-shit part of the country, and this story just warmed my heart, made me feel at home. I've been raging lately, thinking "I can't stand to be here, I hate these people," then I get to my office and see one of the crap-ass Massachusetts elected officials has FINALLY been arrested, and for taking bribes! It's like a hug from Jesus! And not that there can't be anything else to arrest people for...have you people been blind? You spent $22 billion to bury a few miles of highway in downtown Boston, and then name a park after Ted Kennedy's dead mama, plus it seems to leak like a sieve, and has, so far, killed a few people. So when are the arrests?

Regardless, I love it, I love it all, the scandal, the drama, the fiery speeches, the "I'm innocent, I'm a victim, the man made me a target...I'm the underdog, etc" rhetoric. I walked around the office, making sure people knew, and I laughed, I cackled, it was a good day. And THEN the always-a-mess Boston Globe published something interesting: the photos!

But apart from just making this a blog post about how Dianne Wilkerson is utterly insane and shameful (and entertaining), I felt it appropriate to make known, to the ladies out there, shirts that are more appropriate to wear when trying to shove cash into one's own bra or shirt. So, I simply went to the Macy's website and found a few shirts I feel would be better to wear when, and if, one decides to meet an undercover federal agent at Scollay Square on Beacon Hill or the fabulously-named Fill-A-Buster restaurant. It would only be better if she would have been found at Clink in the Liberty Hotel or at Cuffs in the Jurys Hotel.

Does this model look like a saucy, demanding bitch? That's right! "Give me money for my bra!" At least it's button-down, so easy access, very quick. So, ladies, consider something button-down.

I know, this skinny white girl needs a sandwich and a milkshake more than a pile of cash. Good lord she's skinny. But back to the shirt: while not a button-down, I think it would be easier to shove some quick bribe cash in the chest area--better than having to reach under.

The Fall season in New England is so frickin' cute

2008-10-26T20:15:00.005-04:00

I took a trip to Walden Pond this weekend. What else am I suppose to do in this town? And let's just say that I'm not a transcendentalist, nor am I a member of the Thoreau Society. It's a beautiful place, however, worth the trip, and the colors were great.

Site of Thoreau's 1-room cabin.

My new Ork Poster

2008-10-26T20:10:00.004-04:00

Fresh from the frame shop is my new Ork Poster, one of my recent purchases I've made, that, in my mind, are doing their part to hold up the US economy. I was happy to see they have a lovely Boston Ork version, and I appreciate how they delineated the the city's many neighborhoods. So I apparently live in North Dorchester, or "NoDo" as some would say. Regardless, I like how the frame job came out, pretty simple.

8 minute chocolate cake

2008-10-26T19:59:00.005-04:00

I found this recipe on the web somewhere, I *think* Smitten Kitchen, but I'm not sure. Regardless, it's online somewhere, so I'm not the genius or the freak who first penned this recipe. It's usually called "5 minute chocolate cake," but it takes me at least 8 to 10 minutes from start to finish.

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
pinch of salt

Combine dry ingredients, then add egg, oil, milk, mix together all crazy-like. Spray a coffee mug with non-stick spray (I used good ole Pam), pour in "batter" and then microwave on high heat for 3 minutes. After those 3 minutes, let it sit in the microwave oven for approximately 5 minutes, and voila, you have crappy chocolate cake, made from scratch (!), so enjoy! This isn't going to win you any award or kudos from anyone, but if you're alone and what you need isn't carnal, but rather caloric (and preferably chocolate), then this is your magic ticket.

ULi: "Private real estate markets need to correct--lenders must force distressed owners to become motivated sellers"

2008-10-25T13:35:00.004-04:00

Check out the Urban Land Institute's Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2009. The report makes this list:

Before a rebound, Emerging Trends says the following needs to happen:

Private real estate markets need to correct-–lenders must force distressed owners to become motivated sellers.
Debt capital needs to flow-–lenders will need to learn to deal in a more stringent regulatory landscape. The commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) market must "reformulate."
Regulators need to restore confidence in the securities market. The government will insert itself into overseeing mortgage securitization markets. Systemic overhaul promises more measured debt flow.
The economy needs to improve. Falling demand for space won’t affect real estate markets severely until 2009.
The housing condition is no better and shows no signs of recovering quickly. For lenders, the "subprime mess is the tip of the iceberg." Stricter lending standards and the weak economy will continue to drain the homebuyer market. "Forget the quick fix!"

That's right, sweet babies, despite knowing that we can't trust most real estate and real estate finance professionals nowadays, I did take a moment to read through the linked article and found this list to be quite amusing. So, no shit, if you bought an overpriced house, there's no waiting anything out, you're fucked, so get over it. Life sucks for all of us.

And I will give the ULI kudos for recognizing the value, the importance, the goodness(?) of housing within existing urban areas near transit lines. Now I just need my main man Obama to throw some real bail-out style cash to Amtrak and this country's struggling transit systems, and stop building new highways every god damn day. Of course a new and improved transit system anywhere is only good if we wake up and review our land use policies, but sweet jesus, i'm on my way to brunch...

Richard Simmons has been representin' the Dirty South longer than that skank Britney

2008-10-25T13:30:00.001-04:00

Wassup 2008

2008-10-25T13:19:00.001-04:00

Vive la Obama!

2008-10-22T10:54:00.005-04:00

I love Barack Obama, I do. He's quite the stellar fella, to say the least. And I love these posters, and I loved seeing them posted in this fashion yesterday in Central Square. It makes me yell "Vive la Obama!" And they were really pasted well to the wall--it's not wrong to want to steal what is already illegal street art, right?

Vote! poster from Buy Olympia

2008-10-20T22:38:00.002-04:00

I just got this great and FREE poster from Buy Olympia today. It's printed on what is essentially newspaper, but it was FREE, so yay. It's a cool poster, I say, and I've prominently posted it in my bureaucratic cubicle in hopes of inspiring someone to vote. Given I live in the bluest of blue states, but still, every vote counts, right? Regardless, it's a cool print, and I plan to keep this site in mind in the future.

"I need a Winn Dixie grocery bag full of money right now to the VIP section."

2008-10-20T22:22:00.008-04:00

My fabulous coworker gave this shopping bag to me, knowing that I'm a true Southern Boy, and that I, in fact, "need a Winn Dixie shopping bag full of money right now to the VIP section." I love that she thought of me! And oh Lordy, Sweet Jesus, I wish this bag was full. I'll instead fill it when I'm makin' groceries at tha' Shaws or Hah-Vest. Regardless, see the video here.

The Liberty Hotel's ugly carpet

2008-10-18T12:44:00.005-04:00

Sweet Jesus, be a mirror! I understand that hotels can make numerous interior design choices beyond what any sane individual may knowingly and responsibly want for their own home, office, or anywhere. But why, Sweet Jesus, would such a fancy-schmancy place as the Liberty Hotel choose such god-awful carpet for their ballroom? Maybe they wanted carpet that would be more repugnant than the Back Bay MILFs and Cougars all preying on the youngish breeder boys in the lobby. Don't get me wrong, the lobby and central area of the hotel is beautiful. The food served at the banquet I attend was bad, bad, bad, bad.

Oh, and if you're in the bar there called Alibi, don't order anything, it sucks.

At the office...

2008-10-18T12:42:00.002-04:00

A fabulous coworker wrote this post-it for me, to help inspire me. I'm not 100% sure it worked.

Sarah Vowell at Brookline Booksmith

2008-10-11T10:00:00.005-04:00

Sarah Vowell is one of my favorite authors. Like many, I appreciate her humor, writing style, wit, sarcasm, and love of history and it's many unknown details. Her new book The Wordy Shipmates tells of the early Massachusetts Puritans. She read a few excerpts from the book at Brookline Booksmith in Coodlidge Corner and answered a round of questions from the audience. She tried to not dwell on the real premise of the book: how the early Puritans were just like crazy Americans today, insisting that God is on our side, that we're 100% justified in all our actions, etc etc. She hinted that her next book would be about the history of Hawaii, finding a connection between Hawaii and New Englanders and Puritans who, in the 19th Century, decided to "colonize" Hawaii, and so on. That will be quite the read! Oh, and she signed my copy of her new book--she writes big, too.

Give Me Your City Hall

2008-10-04T20:29:00.005-04:00

I saw this today at the Harvard Square T station. I'm not sure what to think of these ads in general, but I like this section of one. If only aliens could descend onto Government Center and demand to take away Boston's City Hall Building. But would the city leaders then building some sort of Po-Mo crap city hall?

Moonwalks in Harvard Square

2008-10-04T12:57:00.004-04:00

I took this picture last night while in Harvard Square. I more like the feet and hands (?) added to the fella, apart from someone showing us where to find the Moonwalks.

Captain Bubbles, the pirate-themed laundromat in Central Square

2008-09-30T20:36:00.010-04:00

Not sure what to say besides it's a laundromat in Central Square, pretty nondescript, except it's decorated in a pirate theme. Oh, and there was a Chihuahua taking a break from doing someone's laundry (see the pictures). I have passed this place too many times to count, but today I noticed its door and had to step inside to investigate. The place was vacant, minus the puppy on the counter. I was quite impressed with the pirate theme that was obviously NOT in preparation for Halloween.

Fabulous pirate artwork!

Wash, Dry, and Fold for $1.00 by the puppy

I can only assume the chihuahua was taking a break from doing the laundry.

I [heart] the Housing Bubble

2008-09-27T15:41:00.002-04:00

I love the housing bubble. I love thinking back to when I first moved to Boston, and listening to the MANY, the NUMEROUS, and OBNOXIOUS people insisting that the cost of housing in the fabled Massachusetts would never go down, and that I was misinformed, delusional, and rather ignorant to even begin to believe that there could be any possible negative issue arising in the real estate market. I still believe, as I did then, that a property's value is best realized by the rent(s) it will generate. Right now I live in a fabulous $1,200/month 2-bedroom unit 2 blocks from the Savin Hill station, making for a very lovely and easy commute to Cambridge. This means I am paying the equivalent of a $200,000 mortgage at 6% for 30 years. My unit is approximately 1,060 sq. ft, so at that rate it's $189/sq. ft. In my humble, belittled opinion, this is a below market rate per sq. ft. for Dorchester, sadly. Also, this is before the property tax and any maintenance costs associated with this unit. Thankfully I have kick-ass landlords who have owned this property since before the Sweet Jesus turned water into wine, so they're not the nickle and diming type of folk--I get the idea that this building is paid for, not like my last place, good fucking god.

Nevertheless, when I see the unit across the street, and one a few doors down, selling for $300K+, I wonder, "who?" "wtf?" "why?" "do they assume no one has a calculator?" More people should read Robert Shiller, or just go here.

And, if you are curious for some academic facts, check out this quack, who just recently owned up to the fact that despite his fancy status, he really hasn't a fucking clue as to what the market will do.

DNA Lofts and their ugly cabinets

2008-09-26T10:11:00.005-04:00

This is my 2nd blog post regarding the now-on-the-market DNA Lofts in Dorchester. Once again, I'm not hating on someone for creating additional housing units in Boston, or for taking what is a very nice masonry building and converting it from its former industrial use to a residential one. I am, however, hating the ugly blue cabinets (see the Redfin listing here). One blog I read mentioned some of the design elements perhaps working in Miami or somewhere else, but not Boston. I think these blue kitchen cabinets should not work anywhere except in a Lego museum employee kitchen, if there is such a place. I like the site, I like the building, but I would prefer the unit delivered vacant and requiring me to install my own cabinets than buying a unit with these--because THEN I have to budget in removal and disposal of all this crap! Oh, Sweet Jesus, be a mirror!

Note to developers: Not everything from Ikea or Ikea-looking is good. It's a store where one gets cheap shit for their home, and we all know that. We've all been there, maybe not to Ikea, but we've had those experiences where we know it's just a cheap thrill and it's over, but paying $377/sq. ft. for it is laughable. If I wanted to live in a insanely weird kitchen I would pitch a tent in a 7-11.

Local Spice Rant: Office Computer System

2008-09-26T09:57:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I hate working for a public entity, but most of the times it's fine. So I get that everything I seem to touch is public record, that I'm supposedly developing affordable housing for the public good, etc etc, and that's all fine n' dandy. But why must be have a completely back-ass computer system that filters the most trivial sites as either "game" or "pornography" among other tags. I now can't visit Craigslist.org or a restaurant like Harvest Cambridge. I have also discovered that YouTube is not universally blocked, nor Facebook or MySpace (not that I use those at the moment). All I want to do is look for a used washing machine for sale in the Boston/Cambridge/Brookline area!

PETA and Breast Milk

2008-09-24T13:55:00.003-04:00

An utter bust? PETA wants Ben and Jerry's to substitute cow's milk with human breast milk in their ice cream.

So what would the flavors be, then?

Is that coffee down my pants?

2008-09-24T13:46:00.003-04:00

I snapped this pic today while at lunch. I love advertisements and the copy found within them. Oh, and I like Dunkin Donuts, it does the job well enough.

I like the MFA

2008-09-24T13:37:00.003-04:00

One aspect to life in Boston I do enjoy is the relatively easy access to the Museum of Fine Arts, among other museums. I took this pic, however poorly, last weekend. I have a membership card and it's truly one of the best buys in this over-priced city. I saw the art nouveau exhibit a few weeks back, and that was alright, and I'm curious to see the new Assyrian art exhibit from the British Museum.

Elvis mural on the People's Republik

2008-09-13T23:04:00.006-04:00

The mural on the People's Republik on Mass Ave depicts a man who really looks like Elvis Presley. That's all I'm saying. I'm not hating the bar, it's great, but the mural...

Text "COPLEY" to 46305

2008-09-13T22:26:00.002-04:00

Saw this today in Copley Square, not sure if I'm 100% sold on how it looks right in the middle of the place, but it's fun I say. Now I'm on the hunt for more red pin things.

No oxycontin at Walgreens in Central Square

2008-09-13T22:16:00.003-04:00

In case anyone may wonder, there isn't any oxycontin or equivalent generic available at the Central Square Walgreens. There is, however, plenty of Listerine to purchase and drink on the street. That said, I love Walgreens, I do.