The Beantown Bloggery

My July 4th Was Great! How Was Yours?

2008-07-07T00:01:00.004-04:00

Many Thanks to dwillens, kchev, Rachel, and Lisa for Hosting
The Food Was Delicious, Especially that Angel Food Cake. Yum.

A Little Bit of Neighborly Love
And the Longest Game of Flip Cup Ever

The Fireworks Are Always Excellent Each Year
Except for Last Year When It Rained

I Love Those Smiley Fireworks

Hope Everyone Had A Great 3 Day Weekend
Now Get Back to Work!

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

July 4th 2008 Fireworks Videos

2008-07-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

For those of you that missed the Boston fireworks, here's a couple of the videos I took from where I was watching. They're only a minute or so long but take up a heck of a lot of space so I'm just going to upload two of them. The second video features the fireworks finale.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

1000 Words - 4th of July Parade 2008

2008-07-04T10:28:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July! The parade just went by my apartment an hour ago. Now there's a speech of some sort being given outside the old state house.

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July. Stay dry, eat lots of bbq, etc. And this from my friend Kevin:

"The 4th of July honors the actions of our founding father, George Jefferson, who so bravely did row his boat across the Potomac to cut down the British tax collectors' cherry tree 500 years ago. These exploits were immortalized in the National Anthem of the United States, the Star Spackled Banner. The Holiday is celebrated every four years, coinciding with the Summer Olympics."

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Gisele Has A Blog?

2008-07-03T10:50:00.003-04:00

According to the Globe today, Gisele has a blog. A blog about environmental issues. I checked it out myself and it looks like yes, she has a blog - a blog mostly written by other people. It looks like there's five other writers that are writing articles for her on the blog.

Overall, the blog isn't very interesting. Here's what the Globe had to say:

Gisele is apparently all about the chatter, blowing virtual kisses to her readers and thanking "our young columnists who prove that young people. . . have enough energy to change things."

The Brazilian bombshell has launched a "green" blog, where she opines on everything from sustainable catwalks (after strutting for Brazilian designer Colcci a few weeks ago at Sao Paulo Fashion Week, she gushed over the recycled cardboard walls and biodiesel-powered generators) to her pet project, water conservation.

Click (here) for the Globe blurb.

Click (here) to go to Gisele's blog.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Boston Globe Interviews David Mugar

2008-07-03T10:12:00.003-04:00

For those of you that haven't heard his name before, David Mugar is a big shot in Boston. His family started Star Market, he's a big philanthropist, and he's the executive director of that great 4th of July celebration that we all love so much. There was a nice chat session with him that the Globe put on their website yesterday.

Here are my favorite excerpts:

carolfromdorchester: What time do I have to get in line to get a good spot on the lawn in front of the Hatch Shell?
David_Mugar: The gates open at 9 a.m. and the line starts forming at 6 a.m. Everyone has to go through a security check and are then given a wrist band, which allows you to go in and out all day. You can only get a wrist band for yourself and it's placed on your wrist.

Joe: Coming for the first time to see fire works where is the best place to see them that is not so crowded?
David_Mugar: The best view of the fireworks is from Cambridge. There is plenty of space along Memorial Drive.

All this periodic rain we've been having is going to make the grass rather wet on the esplanade so bring camping chairs or a plastic tarp to go under your picnic blanket. And if you plan on taking David Mugar's advice and going into Cambridge along Mem Drive - I recommend that area near the MIT library that I wrote about earlier (here). Great view.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

D Street Cafe Opens Tomorrow - 7/3

2008-07-02T10:44:00.003-04:00

Sorta good news for those of you living in the Seaport District, you're getting another restaurant nearby - the D Street Cafe - which opens tomorrow.

With the recent article that the Seaport District hasn't been doing so well in terms of attracting folks to live there (here). It's good to know that some people are at least trying. I have to admit though, I'm a little underwhelmed at the restaurant description.

The restaurant, which does not have a liquor license, will be a family-friendly quick-casual eatery serving grilled burgers, sandwiches, salads and ice cream. Food will be served grab-and-go style with 80 seats on an outdoor patio. The restaurant, open May through October, employs about 11 people. It will be open weekdays for lunch and an early after-work crowd. Hours will be extended Thursday for live music.

Who are they targeting? There aren't many families in that area - that we've already established - so why the "family-friendly" setting. It's close to the new convention center and there are a few hotels there so I guess you would get that after work crowd. It just seems a little underwhelming compared to the Beehive and Settle's old restaurant, Bob's Southern bistro.

Time will tell I suppose. But if I want family-friendly in that area, I'll go to No Name.

Click (here) for the article.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Verizon Store Coming to Downtown Crossing

2008-07-02T10:38:00.003-04:00

I was walking to work today and passed by the storefront for the new Verizon in Downtown Crossing. They finally took off all the boards that were covering it up - so I'm guessing that it should be opening soon.

The gentrification of Downtown Crossing is now in full swing.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Wifi on MBTA Commuter Boat

2008-07-02T10:22:00.002-04:00

Most of you that this applies to probably already know this just by seeing people on the boats with their laptops and, and for those of you that don't - you'll probably never ride a commuter boat. But in case there's anyone that was missed - here's the scoop.

Starting last week, the MBTA commuter boats started offering wifi onboard.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said Tuesday it has added wireless Internet access to its 11 commuter boats. Riders can use laptop computers and other devices to access the Internet for free via Wi-Fi connections.

About 4,500 customers commute each weekday on MBTA boats. The vessels travel from Quincy, Hull and Hingham to various waterfront locations in downtown Boston and to Logan International Airport.

Anyone out there take the commuter boats? How long is the boat ride in? Has it helped you out to have wifi on board? I can imagine if its a slightly longer ride - at least 30 minutes or so - that it would be nice to be able to get on in the morning and read some news.

Click (here) for the Globe blurb.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

How Much Is Brody Paid to Hang Out With Us?

2008-07-02T10:00:00.003-04:00

Ever wonder how much those special "VIPs" make when they make a stop off at one of our Boston nightclubs? Well the Globe had an article recently on Brody Jenner and, yes, they confirmed he makes more than you and me combined and then multiplied by ten.

If you'll recall, he was at the Estate in January (here) and then the grand opening of the Marina Beach Club (here). I don't think he showed up to the casting call for his new show "Bromance" (that's a vomit-inducing title by-the-way) (here). But it's safe to say he's been here a fair number of times.

The Marina Bay Beach Club management won't disclose exactly how much they're paying Jenner to be here, but they admit it's in the neighborhood of $20,000 for two hours.

That's right folks, $10K an hour to stand around in a VIP booth and drink.

I ask him if he has spent much time in Boston, and Jenner says that his half-sister (not to be confused with his step-sister Kim Kardashian, a fellow reality star ) and her husband live nearby, so he has been to the area a few times.

Sounds like a pretty nice life. Fly to Boston, go to a party, earn $20K, and then potentially visit your half-sister - all in a weekend's work I'd say.

Here's my favorite part of the article:

"All I want are two fatties and hotties. I want hotties and I want two fatties," he says. "You can't have all pretty people up here, you know what I mean?" The bouncer nods.

All pretty people and then two fat ones. That's one hilarious mental image I have right now.

Click (here) for the Globe article.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

1000 Words - The Surrogates on Water Street

2008-07-01T12:46:00.003-04:00

Almost 300 extras and actors - joined by five articulated dummies - took turns playing dead on the Water Street sidewalk Sunday, as "The Surrogates" wrapped up a "climactic moment in the movie," spokesman Ernie Malik said. "They were crashing cars and there were dead bodies in the street. It's really the end of the movie. . . . It's hard to describe it without giving anything away." Action star Bruce Willis was not on set Sunday, but he did film a scene, in which he's seen leaving a hospital, on Franklin Street with costar (and FBI partner) Radha Mitchell Saturday.

Click (here) for the Globe blurb.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

FlexPetz Battle in Boston

2008-07-01T10:22:00.005-04:00

It's been six months since I first blogged about FlexPetz - the dog rental company that has been looking to open an outlet in Boston (here). Folks really don't want it here - their was a city council meeting yesterday to discuss a proposal to ban pet rentals.

Under the proposed ordinance, any individual caught renting a dog would be fined $300, and the pooch would be impounded.

The City Council is schedule to vote on the proposed ban on July 9. If it is approved, the measure moves on to the mayor.

It doesn't look good for FlexPetz. "No one at the hearing opposed the ban, and no one representing FlexPetz attended."

It's going to be a tough fight for FlexPetz. It's probably a very small subset of people that want to rent dogs so badly that they'd go up to bat for FlexPetz of their own volition. Also, for those that really love dogs, they would probably either OWN one, or be horrified by the prospect of a dog rental service.

I'm typically against increased government power in telling me what I can and cannot do. But then again, this business is trying to rent out a living thing by the hour. I just wonder if there would be such an uproar if they were trying to rent out goldfish instead of dogs.

Click (here) to read the article.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

July 4th Festivities in Boston

2008-07-01T01:38:00.003-04:00

July 4th in Boston is awesome. It's definitely one of my favorite times of year. Going to the Hatch Shell to listen to the concert, watching fireworks, bbq'ing - I can hardly wait. I'm also happy because it's one of the few national holidays that I actually get off from work.

Anyhoo, Bloggery Reader Sanjay shot me a note asking where I liked to watch the fireworks from. There's a couple of places that are pretty great: If you're a college student (or a hot girl) - spend the next three days befriending guys at one of the MIT fraternities with houses on Beacon Street. Every year, when I was in school, we'd all go up to the roof (which overlooked the Charles River) - bring up a few huge speakers - and watch the fireworks. It was an amazing view.

After I graduated, my friends and I sought out some lawn space on Memorial Drive near the MIT library. We had a pretty nice view from there - albeit lower to the ground - and there were food vendors there selling slushies and fried dough.

If you get a chance to go hear the Boston Pops concert, that's also a great experience. Here are the times for the concerts:

Thursday, July 3rd Concert
4:00 pm – Oval Opens
8:30 pm - 10:00 pm – Concert

Friday, July 4th Concert & Fireworks
9:00 am – Oval Opens
8:30 pm - 10:30 pm – Concert
10:30 pm – Fireworks Show

PS. If anyone else has suggestions on where they like to watch the fireworks, I'm all ears. Who has a roofdeck they want to volunteer? =)

More info can be found (here) at the official event website.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Film Boom in Massachusetts

2008-07-01T01:30:00.003-04:00

There was a very nice piece in the Globe this weekend on the effects of the movie filming boom in Massachusetts - filled with nice statistics.

Seven major feature films have been shot here in the first half of 2008 (two are still filming), and another two are scheduled for the second half, according to Nick Paleologos, executive director of the Massachusetts Film Office.

"If the actors don't strike we could end up with 10 or more for this year - which would be a new record," he says, noting that eight films were made in the state for all of 2007 and just two in 2006.

The article also had A few other cool tidbits of information like a snippet on Brickyard VFX, a Boston based company, is doing the visual effects for both The Proposal (here) and The Surrogates (here).

And then the bad news: Just as we attracted all these movies thanks to the movie credits, other States are now getting jealous and bumping up their tax credits.

The Massachusetts tax credit is strong at 25 percent, but this year Michigan raised its tax credit from 20 percent to 42 percent.

But then again it's winter in Michigan 11 months of the year, so hopefully the climate there will make it more difficult to film movies featuring seasons other than winter (just kidding, DanDan)

Click (here) to read the article.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

The Globe Reviews Buses to NYC

2008-07-01T01:09:00.003-04:00

This past weekend's "Money & Careers" section in the Globe had a front page piece reviewing the different bus options for traveling to NYC. There's not too much more than what you can find in my "Traveling to NYC" blog entry (here).

In this culminating article, Nicole Wong compares five lines: Bolt Bus, Mega Bus, Lucky Star, Fung Wah, and Greyhound/Peter Pan. Her top choice - Bolt Bus.

I personally have ridden all of the bus lines except for Mega Bus. I'd have to say that if I were to rank them, I'd put Greyhound/Peter Pan last, then Fung Wah, then Lucky Star, and then Bolt Bus on the top.

As you'll recall, my first experience with Bolt Bus was rather terrible (here). I've ridden Bolt Bus two more times since then and the ride has been a little better. The biggest thing for me is the additional legroom that Bolt Bus has when compared to Lucky Star. When you're sitting for 4-5 hours, a little extra legroom goes a long way.

Lucky Star, however, allows you a bit more flexibility in terms of letting you just buy a ticket 15 minutes before you want to leave - whereas for bolt bus you have to buy a scheduled ticket and stick with it. Also, the Lucky Star drivers speed like it's going out of style - thereby getting you to NYC in record time. My last few Bolt Bus rides took almost 5 hours.

I think the biggest thing you need to keep in mind when riding these discount buses is that more often than not, something is going to go wrong - afterall you only paid $15 for your ride. Whether it's traffic, a bus showing up late, no air conditioning, a few crazy passengers on board with you, etc - most of the time, you get what you paid for. Take it with a grain of salt.

Click (here) to read the article for yourself.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Summer Restaurant Week 2008 - Early Reservation

2008-06-30T13:23:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again. Summer Restaurant Week is coming up in about a month and a half and those of you with American Express cards can make advanced reservations. Restaurant week is actually two weeks and runs from August 10-15 and August 17-22.

Lunch is $20.08 for a 3 courses and dinner is #33.08 for 3 courses.

Cardmembers enjoy an exclusive early reservation period 6/30–7/18. And their meals can help support hunger relief, too. For each transaction made on any American Express Card at a participating restaurant during Restaurant Week, American Express will donate $.25 to Project Bread's Food for Kids Fund, up to $10,000.

To make your reservation: call the restaurant, tell them you're an Amex cardmember, and make you early reservation.

Click (here) to access the official restaurant week website.

Click (here) to go to the Amex website that mentions the early reservation promotion.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Congrats to Alicia Zitka - Miss Massachusetts 2008

2008-06-30T11:47:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Miss Alicia Zitka who won the Miss Massachusetts pageant this past weekend.

Miss Zitka beat out 18 other contestants to earn the crown during the pageant at Bristol Community College, where she performed a contemporary lyrical dance as her talent and won a preliminary swimsuit award.

She will now get the chance to compete for the title of Miss America at the pageant in Las Vegas in January.

Good luck in the upcoming Miss America pageant.

Click (here) for the article on Miss Zitka's win.

Click (here) to go to the Miss Massachusetts website.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Seaport Not As Lively As They Hoped

2008-06-30T07:00:00.002-04:00

The front page story yesterday in the City & Region section of the Globe was an article about how the Seaport District isn't as settled as people were hoping. What do you expect? There's no T stop (except for the Silver Line), only a handful of restaurants, and no supermarket.

There's an apartment building there (Park Lane) that I checked out a couple years ago. It was really nice, but still a bit pricey - especially the parking. The Seaport District is not downtown - you CANNOT charge $400 a month for parking - it's highway robbery.

Still, after years as a wind-blown wasteland, the waterfront is beginning to show signs of life, some of it quite vibrant. The $800 million convention center has been booked beyond all expectations, Morton's steakhouse is a draw, Salvatore's has a contingent of local regulars, and LTK Bar and Kitchen is attracting curiosity-seekers from around the region. Prominent area chef Barbara Lynch is developing a restaurant in Fort Point Channel and Louis Boston owner Debi Greenberg has expressed interest in moving over from Newbury Street. Ten years from now, as people have been saying for nearly 10 years, this area should be the hottest place to be.

I've always been a fan of the Seaport District. They have great lofts there, none that I can afford, but they're pretty nice.

Click (here) to read the Globe article.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Michael Chiklis Day in Andover - 6/27

2008-06-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

I'm sure you know him from "The Commish" or maybe "The Shield" or maybe those somewhat awful Fantastic Four movies. What you may not know, however, is that he's from Andover, MA. June 27th, 2008 was declared Michael Chiklis Day in Andover as the actor visited and recieved the key to the city.

"You are entering rarefied air," Town Manager Reginald "Buzz" Stapczynski told the 44-year-old actor as he handed over the representative key to the town where Chiklis was raised. Only two other keys have been given out that Stapczynski could remember, one to a visiting principal from China last fall and the other 12 years ago when a group from Andover, England, came to visit. No other entertainers, including Andover native Jay Leno, have a key to the town.

Congratulations to Mr. Chiklis. It's nice to have your accomplishments acknowledged by the community that you came from.

Hopefully one day I'll do something awesome and Plano, TX will decide to give me a key to their city. Hehe.

Click (here) for more pictures from Michael Chiklis Day

Click (here) for an article about the event in the Eagle Tribune.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Sir Ben Kingsley Staying at the Ritz

2008-06-27T12:55:00.002-04:00

It's usually the Ritz or the Four Seasons. That's where most of the celebrities stay when they're in town. Occasionally though, they might stay at the new Liberty Hotel or the Intercontinental. That being said: Sir Ben Kingsley has been staying at the Ritz while he's in town filming Ashecliffe (here).

We briefly caught up with Sir Ben Kingsley at the Ritz-Carlton the other day, and the celebrated actor said he's nearly wrapped up work on "Ashecliffe," the Martin Scorsese movie that's kept him busy in Boston for the past few months. Kingsley told us he had wanted to teach an acting class while in town, but his hectic schedule wouldn't allow it. A big-time tennis fan, Kingsley likened his "Ashecliffe" costar Leonardo DiCaprio to Wimbledon favorite Roger Federer, a reference we didn't necessarily understand. Does Leo wear a headband?

Click (here) for the Globe blurb.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Contest - Be the Opening Band for Coldplay - 7/1

2008-06-27T10:21:00.004-04:00

Do you have a band? I mean a real one - it doesn't count if you're playing Rock Band at home on your Playstation. This is pretty exciting, here's your chance to enter a contest to open for Coldplay when they come to to the TD Banknorth Garden on August 4th (here).

Imagine performing before one of the biggest bands in the world. The lights go down and the stage is yours. Here is your chance. Live Nation and WFNX are giving your band the opportunity to go on before Coldplay at TD Banknorth Garden on Monday, August 4!

To enter, simply sign up by following the contest link below. All entries must be submitted from July 1 - July 7.

Click (here) to sign up for the contest. It basically entails you making a video of yourselves and uploading it onto Youtube. I didn't read the rest of the rules because I don't have a band.

PS. If anyone needs a pianist, cellist, or guitarist for their band, I'm your man. Just kidding, I haven't played in years - you're way better off going to the New England Conservatory or Berklee School of Music.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

North End Summer Feast Schedule 2008

2008-06-27T10:15:00.002-04:00

Doh, I already missed one of the feasts that took place in early June. That's ok, there's plenty more running through the rest of the summer. For those of you that haven't been to one yet, there's a bunch of Feasts that take place in the North End during the summer. I went to a few of them last year like St. Anthony's Feast (here) and The Fisherman's Feast (here) - and those were just random weekends that I'd happened to go there.

This year, I had the foresight of pulling the schedule so that I can actually plan my jaunts over to the North End and now so can you. Here's the schedule.

June 28, 2008
Society of Saint Jude Thaddeus of Boston
Procession

July 6, 2008
Maria del Graze Society
Procession

July 13, 2008
St. Rocco Society
Procession

July 20, 2008
St. Domenic Society
Procession

July 25 - 27, 2008
St. Joseph Society
Feast Celebration
Battery & Hanover Streets

August 1 - 3, 2008
St. Agrippina di Mineo Society
Feast Celebration
Battery & Hanover Streets

August 8 - 10, 2008
Madonna Della Cava Society
Feast Celebration
Battery & Hanover Streets

August 14 - 17, 2008
Fisherman's Feast of the Madonna
Del Soccorso di Sciacca Society of Boston
Feast Celebration
Fleet & North Streets

August 29 - 31, 2008
San Antonio Di Padova Da Montefalcione, Inc.
Feast Celebration
Thatcher & Endicott Streets

September 1, 2008
St. Lucy Society
Feast Celebration
Thatcher & Endicott Streets

September 7, 2008
Santa Rosalia Di Palermo Society
Procession

Click (here) to go to the official North End webpage.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Chefs in Shorts Charity BBQ - Tonight

2008-06-27T10:06:00.004-04:00

Looking for something to do tonight that will benefit charity and wreak havok on your diet? Check out the 11th annual Chefs in Shorts BBQ that's going on tonight. You gotta indulge a little sometimes otherwise you'll go crazy (that's why after three consecutive nights of salads, I went to Popeye's last night and got some fried chicken - delicious)

Please join us as great chefs from around the city fire up the grills for a night of great food and fun! Tickets can be purchased for $60 a person and includes beer, wine and tastings. Proceeds from the event will go to the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Click (here) to see the list of participating chefs - it's a pretty extensive list. Oh and you can buy your e-tickets there too.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Banditos Misteriosos Scavenger Hunt - 6/28

2008-06-26T10:22:00.002-04:00

Is it the weekend yet? The days are just dragging along. At least we're halfway there - time to start planning for the weekend.

If you're looking for something to do outside this Saturday, check out the Banditos Misteriosos Scavenger Hunt. It's being hosted by the same folks that brought that pillow fight in Copley a little while back (here).

Boston is a playground. Banditos Misteriosos is the city's mysterious playmate. We are an organization composed of just-everyday-people-ready-for-fun who are dedicated to bringing Boston alive with a slew of activities that are free, open to everybody and most importantly, just a little bit out of the ordinary.

This will be a “passport scavenger hunt”. So don’t worry, we will provide everything you need, merely show up with energy and shoes! All the items on the list exist within less than a 5 mile radius starting location, so there is no need for alternative transportation. You will be able to complete all the missions by mere foot work!

You have to register to participate, so if you're interested be sure to do that prior to Saturday.

Also, it's supposed to rain Saturday, so bring an umbrella or something.

Click (here) to go to the official scavenger hunt website.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Farewell to Good Time Emporium

2008-06-26T07:00:00.004-04:00

This is the 2nd time I'm writing this post. I wrote the whole darned thing and set it to publish and it disappeared. Strange. Anyhoo, here we go again.

I was pretty sad when they closed the Hooters in North Station. Not because of the food and not because they had hot waitresses, but because they used to show pay per view UFC matches on their tvs.

After they closed, the only other place I knew of to watch the fights was Good Times. Now that's disappearing too.

OK, Somerville, you wanted an Ikea in Assembly Square. But did you realize those rice paper light fixtures and assemble-your-own bookshelves would displace Skee-Ball? The Good Time Emporium announced it will close July 1 so landlord Federal Realty Investment Trust can demolish the building and make way for Ikea.

They're looking for locations to reopen, but if they don't - I'll just hafta forgo the fights cause UFC fights aren't worth $40.

Click (here) for the Globe blurb.

PS. I was just notified that there is a Facebook Group entitled "Save Good Time Emporium." You can join it (here).

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com

Boston Harbor Hotel Summer In The City - 8/25

2008-06-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

Every summer the Boston Harbor Hotel hosts a series of events during the evenings of the week - from Tuesdays through Fridays. I walked past a few of the events last year - it was pretty nice (here).

The events started this week and will run through the end of August. Now that I live so much closer to that area, I think I might try to swing by more of the events.

Summer Soul Tuesdays
Summer Soul will take place every Tuesday night, from late June to late August 2008 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The Boston Harbor Hotel will host different R&B and soul singers with their bands.

Summer Swing Wednesdays
Summer Swing allows guests to come and dance the night away with family and friends to the sounds of the White Heat Orchestra on Wednesday nights, from late June to late August 2008 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Blues Barge Thursdays
The Blues Barge -- a floating stage anchored behind the Boston Harbor Hotel -- provides the setting for some of the hottest local and national blues artists. The 2008 series will include performances every Thursday evening until August 23rd, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Moonlight Movie Fridays
The Movies by Moonlight series offers guests a chance to revisit a few of time's most memorable films such as Some Like it Hot, Rio Bravo and The Hustler. The 2008 series will continue every Friday night until August 31st, starting at dusk.

Click (here) for additional details.

Know of Any Interesting Boston News or Events That You'd Like to Share?
Email me at beantownblog@gmail.com