A Really Good Deal

This is not the world's biggest secret, but it is good information to know (especially if your back is aching from all of the shoveling that the past three weeks have required): When a parking ban is declared by the mayor in Boston, parking garages throw open their bay doors to residents. And this is the best part -- it is for a reduced rate.

The best accommodation that I have encountered in the past few years is the parking at the Landmark Center in Fenway [Brookline Street]. For a mere $5 a day, you can avoid an extended shovel-out session for each storm. I avoided this past storm for a three day stay at the Landmark, saving almost $100 off the regular rate! All you have to do is show proof of residence. To find restricted streets and reduced-rate parking, head over to the city's page.

Having been on both sides of the dilemma, I would certainly recommend cracking out the wallet rather than the shovel -- especially with this winter's brutal storms.

Til next time!

So. Much. Snow.

At this point, I think it is something like day 17 of Snowmageddon. I am not completely sure; I just know that it has been snowing, and it has been snowing for a long, long time. And at this point, I don't even know what the full local impact is. Buses are delayed, trains are not running, some cars will be unrecoverable until May, and many two lane roads have been halved, causing large (but not uncomfortable) delays due to the typically patient New England turn-taking approach to sharing one lane on a two way road. Har har.

In a few weeks, we will hear from the various news outlets that this surge of storms cost X amount of dollars, Y number of hours of overtime, and Z amount in lost profit for local businesses.

It's that Z that is the most troubling, I think. We all know someone with a tie to a local business, and we have probably all seen the various ups and downs of its ownership. If you are lucky enough to work from home or have a snow day, it might be worth it, then, to boot up, parka up, scarf up -- whatever it takes -- to brave the great outdoors for a block or two. Get a cuppa from a nearby coffee shop. Have a pastry from a close-by bakery. Grab a slice from the local pizza joint. You'll probably enjoy a little bit of fresh air, anyways. It hasn't been easy being so cooped up!

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying move mountains; if walking outside in this weather is reasonably safe, comfortable, and seems genuinely pleasant, then go for it! And remember, common sense and directives from the mayor and governor supersede any recommendation that I might make.

If you are stuck inside, then try to make the most of it. Start up that Netflix, enjoy whichever locally-sourced treat you may have picked up, and spend some time resting your feet on the couch (you work hard!). If you're feeling a bit inspired, make some art, read a new book, or call a family member you haven't spoken to in a while. Or, if time has gotten away from you in the post-Christmas season, catch up on some cleaning.

Just because it's Snowmageddon outside doesn't mean it has be a lost day inside.

But don't forget about those things you may have left out. ;)

Til next time!

Good Coffee... at Home!

Heads up to all interested parties: Trader Joe's on Memorial Drive in Cambridge is selling off these amazing three-packs of coffee beans for only $4.99! If you are a person of refined coffee tastes - but not quite a coffee snob - this is perhaps a good use of that five dollar bill you just found crumpled up in your laundry. It sure makes for some nice coffee at a great price, anyways, and why wouldn't you want that in the midst of our third major snow storm in as many weeks?

Til next time!

Beatles Throwback

I have to preface this by saying that my parents have possibly the best collective taste in music.

Thanks to my mother I was introduced to the Beatles, Elton John, and Tom Petty. Thanks to my father, I was introduced to Ray Charles, B.B. King, Lou Rawls, Roy Orbison, and even Kris Kristofferson (well, his song-writing, anyways). Thanks to both of them, my fiancee and I, her parents, my aunt, and my parents were at the Chevalier Theatre in Medford for the January 16th concert by the Beatles tribute band 1964.

What a good time!

The foursome that makes up the present day replica of Paul, John, George, and Ringo are fantastic. They sound like the Beatles. They play like the Beatles. They even joke and rag on each other like the Beatles. While it is true that the band has plenty of artists doing covers, there is only one that has been labelled the "best on Earth" by Rolling Stone.1 They are, in all sincerity, a living, breathing museum.

Having grown up with their music playing through my parents' (first) tape decks and (then) CD players, I thoroughly enjoyed the concert. And, having read The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story by Vivek J. Tiwary and Andrew C. Robinson, I thrilled at how close the performance was to the vibe of the early days that was set out in the biography's pages. I can't imagine a better way to revisit the history of the band than pairing a read-through of the graphic novel with a ticket to 1964.

Throughout the entire evening, it was incredibly easy to forget the time and place. (Though it is true that every once in a while a flash went off that quite literally shed light on the present era and locale.) Multiple times I had to remind myself that I was still, in fact, watching a cover band and not the real thing. Between the banter and the set list - 1964 easily switching from the mega hits to the lesser-known ones - the entire performance had an air of authenticity.

If you find yourself confronted with the opportunity, please, step into this time machine. If you are too young to have experienced the British Invasion firsthand (like me), you will understand all of the intangibles about the early Rock and Roll movement that words and stories can't always deliver. If you lived the Beatles experience, then get ready for it all over again.

Til next time!

The One Part of the Apartment that I (Mostly) Decorated

Velcome to my bar. Ah ah ah.

Not sure why the Dracula voice snuck in there... perhaps it's because I am rereading it. And perhaps because he is such an excellent (read: not) host to Jonathan Harker.

Now on Instagram!

I am delighted to announce that Don't Look Down, Beantown is now on Instagram. You can follow along on the @dontlookdownbeantown page. There you will find much excitement; already there is the Prudential Tower, Harvard, the Charlestown skyline, and doughnuts. Here, have a quick peek:



Prudential at night



Harvard's entry/exit gateway



Charlestown skyline

I know, I know. No picture of the doughnuts. What gives? Well, it's its-own-post worthy, so I am saving it for later. And, yes, it is a continuation of my Union Square saga/quest for the glorious maple bacon doughnut (parts one and two).

Truth be told, it is the renewed inspiration and passion for this little project that I am most excited about. It is easy to fall out of the habit of keeping up, especially when life gets busy. I won't lie, though, I am a bit intimidated - there is already a countless number of talented Bostonians sharing their experiences in the Bean via Instagram. I am happy to become one, too, and hopefully prove myself a distinct voice in the crowd.

Til next time!

Suspension of Disbelief

These were taken within driving distance of the city. Within sight of the Prudential. A literal hop, skip, and jump over the Charles. 

How can this be real? Below three dollars? I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't just paid it.

Happy holiday travels, everyone.

Til next time!