Drinking Liberally is gathering on the 2nd floor of the Hong Kong in Harvard for the upcoming Democratic presidential candidates debate. Be there or be conservative, sorry that's horrible, I got nothing right now, hopefully Obama doesn't run into this problem.
Sunday, June 3
Event starts at 6:30. Debate at 7.
Hong Kong, 2nd floor
1236 Mass Ave
Harvard Square, Cambridge
It's finally nice enough to get that bike out of storage and take a ride around town. If you are looking for some new routes check out TheRightRide.com, a wiki that features dangerous biking areas to avoid. Especially good for those of us who ride without helmets (deep breaths mom).
Powered by Google Maps, the site features an interactive map of locations considered dangerous by local riders. The initial list of hazards was provided by Ian Thistle, a bike enthusiast of Braiotta's acquaintance. Users can add their own hot spots using a wiki-style feature, which Braiotta plans to inaugurate this week>> For safe city biking, a wiki this way comes
Hong Kong is taking on Broke in Boston-A guide to Living Cheap in the city.
Whether you’re a Bostonian, planning a move to Boston, or just visiting, Broke in Boston is your invaluable guide to saving money.huh?! Interesting yes? I am very interested in checking out that book. Who answers no to "Would you like to spend a little less money?"
In this pocket-sized gem, you will find information on orienting to Boston and the city’s rich history; cheap places to eat; inexpensive sources of entertainment; discount clothing and furniture stores; maps of Boston and public transit; weekend getaway ideas; a listing of annual festivals; tips for apartment hunting; food and drink recipes; and much, much more.
I would like o start by apologizing. I am so sorry this wasn't posted sooner. I don't know how Rachel and I did not know about this. We know about EVERYTHING to do with Cambridge/Somerville. Well ok so we don't. But this seems like a big deal, so everyone should enjoy it for what is left of May! Apparently May is DanceMonth in Cambridge.
DanceMonth is a citywide celebration of the movement arts in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Neither a festival nor a showcase, it is a way to focus on the richness of dance that is already an intrinsic part of our lives. Still a collaboration between the Mayor's office and the Dance Complex, DanceMonth is now a Cambridge tradition and most eagerly-awaited herald that Spring is finally here, and here must be Cambridge.DanceMonth is celebrating its 14th year! They are hosting things such as Dance Distractions Tuesdays@Noon, and Workshops.
Lots of family talk lately-good bad. It goes both ways. But I love babies! They are so darn cute. For me? TBA.
PNS (Parents' Nursery School obviously) is hosting its annual spring fair.
Live music, games & crafts, bake sale, giant yard sale, and raffle & prizes! Lots of activities for kids!Saturday May 19.
I'm alive. I blame my lack of posting on my job, which has required me to spend insane amounts of hours locked in my office. Without coffee I might not be here, so in celebration I'm sponsoring free coffee day this thursday. I can't back that up. Here are the facts, the true ones this time.
Thursday, May 17th, J.P. Licks is hosting their first annual “Free Coffee Day.” Customers can visit any of seven J.P. Licks locations from open to close and receive a free cup of coffee, but that is just the beginning. In addition to a free cup of coffee on that day, guests will also be receiving a “Free Iced Coffee Card." This card will be valid through the entire summer and will allow a customer to stop into any J.P. Licks store when the weather rises above 81 degrees (1981 is the year the 26-year old shop was established) and get a free iced coffee. Why the free coffee at every location? J.P. Licks wants the Boston public to experience good coffee. They roast all of their beans on site at their Jamaica Plain headquarters to ensure customers receive the freshest cup of coffee possible. J.P. Licks is the only New England coffee company to do this.Thursday, May 17th
Nothing like getting together on a Tuesday night to have some serious conversations/debates.
Topic this week, Standards Evolving: Are we Making Moral Progress?
Moderated by Tom Clark
McIntyre and Moore Booksellers
255 Elm St.
Davis Square
7:30p-9:30p
5/15(tonight!)
For information call: 617-629-4840.
Wheelchair Accessible
I am not going to lie. I found this on the Mix98.5 website. I am saving freeloaders points in hopes that someday I will be able to earn a trip to Aruba. But enough excuses about my surfing. The great Park pursuit sounds like so much fun!
You start by registering a team online. A team must be atleast 1 adult (over18) and one child (under 18). Teams are challenged to visit six different state parks and need to complete tasks for the week. This is done on Saturday's over a six week period.
Teams will hike to amazing views, learn to fish, pitch a tent and roast s’mores, discover secrets of the past, ride a horse drawn wagon, learn about birds of prey and even how cows are milked. Each week is filled with new outdoor adventures to discover and enjoy!If you complete all six weeks you are deemed a semi finalist. You will then get to compete for several grand prize packages.
Cheap, a good cause, and a nice view!
Meals on Wheels in Boston invites you and a guest to attend the Legacy of Taste private wine tasting event. The event is $5 per person payable at the door with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Meals on Wheels programs in Boston.5/16, 5/17 and 5/18
The Legacy of Taste will be led by Master Sommelier and Master of Wine Doug Frost – one of only three people in the world to have achieved both of these remarkable distinctions.
Who makes it spring cleaning. Do people hoard more during the winter? Is it because you can finally open your windows? I am so curious why spring cleaning? Anyway, it is a little refreshing to spend the day kicking your house's ass. It just feels good after. Then I always make plans to attack something else, but i never seem to make it past that one day. If you have motivation and like to help the keep our world clean (who is going to say no to that) here are a few outdoor clean-ups.
MYSTIC RIVER CLEAN-UP. 9:30a-2p
Collect trash and debris from the riverbanks. Pokers, gloves, bags, and refreshments will all be available. Check in at the parking lot next to the Condon band shell on Route 16.
For information, call 781-391-2604
FOSS PARK CLEAN-UP. 10a-3p
If possible, bring gloves, rakes and gardening tools; flowers, trash bags, pick-up sticks and painting supplies will be provided. Email for more info.
Meet at the ramp to the Latta Brothers Pool House
CLEAN-UP FROM EARTH DAY: PARK SERVE DAY. 10a-1p
Meet at kiosk at the intersection of Boston Avenue and the Mystic Valley Parkway. Ages 8-up are welcome. Sponsored by the Friends of Alewife Reservation, the city of Cambridge, and the Somerville Dog Owners Group.
I am not writing this post to encourage you to attend, so much as to warn you.
Saturday May 12 dozens of undead will be marching down Mass Ave. I live right off Mass Ave smack in the middle of Davis and Harvard. I am not sure this is something I want to see. But hey-if this is your cup of tea-go for it! (i was a little tempted when I read there would be "thriller" dancing. I heart MJ.)
Marchers are expected to make themselves up like zombies and act the part (moaning, groaning, Thriller-dancing) along the march’s route between Davis and Harvard Squares. Rain or shine, the March will wind its way down Mass Ave. and conclude for an afterparty at The Cellar bar at 991 Mass. Ave. near Harvard SquareSaturday 5/12
I am addicted to chocolate. Not even just the candy bars, I heart everything sweet. Sometimes I just need it. Trust me though, my stomach does not need it. My belly stopped needing chocolate when I got lazy and stopped moving. I don't want to stop eating chocolate. I heart it. Maybe just some control. Cambridge Women's Center is hosting a ummm maybe you could call it an information session?
Learn to understand your craving for sweets and toCambridge Women's Center
gain control without willpower or deprivation.
We love to laugh hahahaha loud and long and clear. We love to laugh-so everybody can hear!
If you heart laughing like I do you should check out Pre-Mother's Day Comedy Rant and Rave Show.
Laughter is the best gift ever. No, not true. I completely made that up. But it would be a fun time.
Host Janet Cormier with Dorothy Dwyer, Dave Decker, Steve Duval, Brian Freer and Chris Nesmith.
Sunday 5/6/07
All Asia
334 Mass Ave, Cambridge
Central Square
7:30p
Admission $5
Are you ready to rock!?!
Thats right screw cinco de mayo-no not really. This is all part of it I swear.
The Franklin Kite and The Resonance take the stage at Tommy Doyle's on Saturday night.
The Franklin Kite and The Resonance hit the stage at Tommy Doyle's for a true Fiesta del Rock. Two parts rock, three parts Fiesta.Tommy Doyle's
If you are looking for a gift for a friend or if your mom is a booze hound (reminder mothers day is soon), check out Bread and Badger in Davis Square for homemade etched glass.
She scours craft and thrift stores for vintage vases, shot glasses, and colored candle holders in onyx, cobalt blue, or pale pink. Then, using her artist’s eye, she freehands whimsical designs — stars, anchors, flowers, sea creatures — and ink-inspired skull and crossbones or hearts swathed with “mom” banners.Magpie
Each glass piece is one of a kind, so you can be sure you’re expressing your true self.
Spring Spring spring-I love spring! Why? Mostly just because spring equals summer which equals my birthday! But until I start that celebration, I have to find others. ENTER-MAY FAIR! 24th Annual May Fair in Harvard Square.
Harvard Sqaure is shut down for the day to traffic, and opened to millions of people. Ok not millions, but sometimes feels like it when you try to walk across the street.
There will be:
*Musical performances on the crosswalk
*Performances at Eliot triangle
*Bandfest at Forbes Plaza
*Club Passim stage will be open
*Dance Stage on Church Street
*A Readers Ramble
*Chalk on the Walk(Church St)
*Largest Outdoor Human Genome Project
*Golden Shoe Hunt
Harvard Square
May 6th
12:00-6:00p
Raindate May13th
>>24th Annual May Fair
>>Chalk on Walk
It's already a long week at work and its not gonna get any better soon. Deadlines are looming and everything is keeping me up at night. If you are like me and maybe need to cope with stress a little better there is an event at Harvard Law school this wednesday night.
Coping with Stress will feature expert presentations on effectively managing stress in all areas of our lives – from everyday strains, such as problems at work/school or relationships issues, to life-changing events, such as a family member’s death or the loss of a job. Presenters include Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., author of Crazy Busy: Overstretched, Overbooked and About to Snap!, and Massachusetts State Senator Robert A. Antonioni.Wednesday, May 2nd
For the past three summers I have passed many a night playing kickball, dominating the flip cup table, and making some great friends. If this seems strange to you then you are out the loop. Come on now, World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) has been in Boston for years now. So if you need to be caught up, here is the low down. You sign up as a group or invididual at kickball.com, you show up and play some games, after the game all the teams head to the bar. Its easy and its wonderful. Do it! Leagues are in both Cambridge and Somerville.
Somerville summer league starts June 20th and Cambridge summer starts June 17th.
>> Kickball.com
Take a chance, make it happen. Pop the cork, fingers snappin'. Spin the wheel, round and round we go. Life is good, life is sweet, grab yourself a front row seat. Let's meet and have a ball-let's live for the wonder, of it all!
Whoever made up that theme song was a genius. It is catchy and people of all generations are signing it. I just left Foxwoods and now I can't get it out of my head. It isn't even like i heard it while I was there. I just think of it all the time. Similar to how I would randomly start humming my favorite song of the moment. So um yeah. You should go. Ha-I kid.
Back to me. I just got back from Foxwoods this evening. There was "the fight" so it was crazy busy, but I didn't care. I moved up in the gambling world. I went from penny machines, (Yes they have them-I have no shame!) to bettin' the ponies! That's right, I went from spending pennies-5cents per push of the button, to $6 a race. I think I have a problem. So I will be St. Clements Church tomorrow 7:15AM for the free bus ride to Foxwoods. $25 to get on the bus, but you get
-the ride
-$10 food voucher (Stay away from the buffet)
-$20 in Keno
I don't see why I wouldn't go.
Sunday 4/29
St.Clements Church
71 Warner St.
Medford MA
Bus leaves at 7:15am and returns for 7:30pm.
Fireworks-
After researching this I am not going to lie, the only thing I came up with was a news article from 2002-which i had thought was for this week. I had a whole blog on how the City
of Somerville would like to warn patrons of this display as to avoid alarm and confusion. It would have been interesting if it was real. Sadly-that was 5 years ago-so now I just have a date and time.
Tufts University
Residential Quad
9:00pm
April 27
All are welcome.
Call Community Relations for more information
617-627-3780
There will be clothing accessories, pottery, jewelry, wood, clay, copper and glass sculpture, and art pieces of all sizes, all handmade by local artists.
If you need a little mid-week rock, check out the Enormous Room Tuesday's in April.
Tuesday, April 24th
9:30
Enormous Room
567 Mass. Ave
Cambridge Ma
>> Enormous Room
>> DJ Tym Ryan
I love reading. I really do heart it. So this should be perfect for me. I just don't think I enjoy chatting about books I read. Something about being not so smart S-M-R-T. (HAHA Simpsons is another thing I heart.) I wish I could just use someone's book club list for ideas for good reading. Or maybe instead I will check out this book club.
This week The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
The library will provide copies of the book.
Reading Interests: The group concentrates on fiction, memoirs, and popular nonfiction. Some of the past selections have been: Mountains Beyond Mountains, by Tracy Kidder; Lost in the Forest, by Sue Miller; and Love, by Toni Morrison.If interested please contact Liz at 617-349-4045
Maybe it is the nerd in me, but this sounds awesome: Science in the City – the first annual Cambridge Science Festival presented by the MIT Museum. The event starts this Saturday April, 21 and runs through the 29th. A large portion of the events are free so check out the website and get your science on.
Events I wanna hit up:
Augmented Reality
Take part in one of MIT's newest Augmented Reality simulations! In this game, a mysterious environmental problem has been discovered on the MIT campus. You and your teammates need to investigate, determine the cause of the problem, and try to stop it from becoming a large-scale disaster. You'll be assigned a GPS-equipped handheld computer to guide you around the MIT campus, where you'll pick up the clues you need to solve the mystery.
Science Carnival: The Festival Kicks Off--Literally!
Rube Goldberg, come home! Toast, balloons, a boot and a whole lot more will set the stage for nine days of science fun! Let the Festival begin with an amazing array of unique hands-on activities, music, entertainment, and refreshments. Get up close and personal with music-playing robots, alternative energy concept cars, live animals, dance contests, solar cookers
Human Genome Trail
Stroll from the Kendall Square to Harvard Square to see how we've transformed the street into the world's largest model of the human genome - and learn more about what makes you you.
Bio-Art Self-Portraits
What happens when art students examine their own skin cells in biology class? Up close and personal art, that's what! See how a photography class at Walnut Hill School for the Arts transforms images of their own cells into collages that merge biology and identity.
Machine Science Rocket Day!
Ready, Set, Launch! Machine Science, a Cambridge-based engineering outreach program, is offering a day of rocketry. Bring 2 two-liter plastic drink bottles and a tennis ball to Danehy Park on April 28th, and build your own water rocket.
There is a new free newspaper in town, BostonNow. I could compare the editorial content and features of both, in which I would applaud BostonNow for their innovative ideas (webcasting daily meetings, blogs in newspapers...) and state that currently I feel Metro includes more news, but I will not. Instead I would like to address the impact this news has had on my morning commute.
Every weekday I sleep walk to the Porter T stop, mindlessly grab a metro, and head down the escalator. Uneventful, until this week. Now I sleep walk to the T, grab my metro at the top of first escalator, get bombarded by another metro guy at the bottom, followed by a BostonNow guy. In my trance I end up with three newspapers. Then to top it off, 35 minutes later when i arrived in Quincy center I had to relive the situation, 2 metros and 1 BostonNow.
Apparently Metro is scared about the new competition, but instead of forcing newspapers down commuters throats, why not strive to provide better content and let the public choose which paper to read, or read both. A little media diversity never killed anyone.
>> Opening the Floodgates
>> BostonNow
When I think of clothes that are helping the planet-I think of a very funny King of Queens episode I watched last night. Carrie wears a very not nice green dress made completely of non processed hemp. It was large, bulky, scratchy, and just gross looking.
4march has made these pretty and conscientious.
4march is a Cambridge-based luxury women's wear design firm, uniting the talents of Amy Özay and Melissa Villa. Fusing style with global consciousness, 4march is a high-purpose clothing line dedicated to social responsibility. It is the designers' hope to challenge mainstream fashion design, seeking to create timeless clothing that abandons trend and finds its inspiration in various natural, cultural and artistic forms.Celebrate Earth. Tomorrow night. "Wear on Earth" A celebration of music, fashion and art. A collaboration of 4march, Pyara Spa and Salon, OM Restaurant, and Aveda.
Boston Globe posted an article yesterday about the percentage of people in local zip codes that made over 100k. I particullarly enjoy the map.
>> Six-figure ZIP codes
>> Six-figure Map
Tomorow is Marathon Monday. A fantastic day in boston, an excuse to drink early, run around town on a nice spring day, watch the race, and catch the sox game. Unfortunetly, its gonna rain and be horrible out.
Here are some alternative activities:
>> Trivia at Johnny D's
>> "Your Addicted to You" Reading @ Harvard Coop
Umm that is all i can find. Maybe you should just brave the storm and drink in the rain. Come on, it can't be that bad after a few.
>> Boston Marathon
I bet this will be said too many times to count. It is singles night at Whole Foods in Cambridge. Really? I mean I have heard the grocery store is an interesting place to meet people, but huh!
Local singer/songwriter Laura Vecchione will be performing selections from her CD "Deeper Waters", which you can also purchase. There will also be prizes, food, games, and wine. I'm not single, but I might go for the wine. I kid I kid.
Whole Foods
River St.
Cambridge MA.
Wednesday 4/11
7p-9p
>>Laura Vecchione
>> Whole Foods Calendar
What comes to mind? A clump of movies circa 1990. Usually feel good comedies with clap-o-meters. But this one is different. Battle of all female bands.
* Zili Misik
* Smoke Animals
* Cliché
* Burn Chesca Burn
* Aurora
These bands have all progressed from the first round.
April 7 at the Middle East you can watch them fight to the death well not really but fight for a spot on ROCKGIRL.
The winner receives an opening spot at the ROCKRGRL Women of Valor Award evening honoring pioneering all-female band FANNY, at the Berklee Performance Center on April 20. The Battle winner’s set at the award evening will also serve as a showcase for the Verge College Music Conference. Other prizes include a Luna electric guitar, six hours of Berklee studio time, a First Act acoustic guitar, one-year Sonicbids memberships, and a consultation with publicist Public Emily.Middle East Upstairs
Tonight the Harvard Coop is hosting a discussion with Hugo Martinez author of Graffiti NYC."Graffiti NYC" New York City is where the quintessential contemporary people's art of graffiti was born. The top "writers" go "all city" when their tags can be seen throughout the five boroughs. This exhilarating selection of their work, assembled by Hugo Martinez, a leading authority on the history of street art in NYC, takes the reader on an "all-city" tour of New York, displaying the extraordinary range of its taggers and bombers.
Harvard Coop
3rd Floor
April 4, 7pm
>> Harvard Coop Events
>> Graffiti NYC on Amazon.com
Fighting global warming is the new black. Have you noticed the influx of media coverage on the topic and increased awareness of ways to help? You go Al Gore! If you are looking for more ways to spread the word there is going to be a Step it Up Somerville rally in Davis on April 14th.
The Step It Up Somerville climate rally will be one of more than a thousand actions taking place across the country on Saturday April 14th. The rally will take place in Davis Square from 11:00am to 1:00pm. (With an aerial photo at Noon).Set It Up Somerville
Step It Up Somerville will be emceed by comedian Jimmy Tingle. State Senators Jarrett Barrios and Patricia Jehlen will speak, as will Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone and Somerville U.C.C. Reverend Kerrie Harthan.
I know this isn't the Miami post you were looking for, but be patient, it is on its way!
Bartending is one of those things i feel like anyone can be taught-either by themselves, or another talented bartender. The only thing is you aren't likely to get a job if you are teaching yourself. Harvard is hosting a one day TIPS class. They say they are going to help you get a job as well!
To register call: 617-495-9657
April 7
8:30A-5:30P
Bad news bears-
Rachel and I are off to Miami for some serious soaking of the sun. We won't be around to give you your weekly activity schedule for Camberville. But, no worries, we'll be back-so don't forget to check us out next week!
We return Friday 3/30 and we'll be well rested with lots of news, fun times, and adventures for all Camberville readers!
And in case some of you are unaware-if you have any ideas while we're gone, (or ever) and would like to see them posted, send us an email! We'll take care of it for you.
The Garment District is celebrating their 21st birthday! Go celebrate with them. Scones in the morning, and cake in the afternoon!
Things such as dollar a pound, vintage clothing and costumes.
The Garment District
An Alternative Department Store.
200 Broadway
Cambridge MA.
March 24, 2007
I have always wanted to check out Healthworks, but have always been a little intimidated. Not really sure why, mostly I think it is the rumored extreme pricing. But hey what can I say i am a WOW diehard :)
Now is my chance to check it out then. Healthworks is promoting by offering 2 classes and a day pass for the gym. The only problem is this event is in Brookline. Now if only we can convince Cambridge to do the same. Your day includes two heart-pumping 45-minute classes to introduce you to the latest group exercise crazes... Smart Bells Strength Class and Cardio Stripe Tease Class. Fun for all fitness levels! We'll follow it up with a complimentary healthy snack in the Club Café, and send you home with a one-day pass for a return visit to Healthworks!
Saturday 3/31
Sign up at Healthworks by 3/29.
$10 for members
$15 for non members.
>>Funky Fitness Day
Cambridge Women's Center is hosting a four part discussion on the topic of diversity.
Cambridge Women' Center
46 Pleasant St.
Cambridge MA.
617-354-8807
Wed. 3/21 at 6:30
The discussion continues the next three Wednesday's.
3/28, 4/4 and 4/11
Childcare is available with 2 days notice.
This space is not wheelchair accessible.
Free wine tasting in your own home!
5 bottles of complimentary wine for you and your guests with a 45 minute wine course around the wines. Wine may be purchased from the distributor after the event for 30 to 50 percent off retail prices. Many added benefits for hosts as well as guests. Wines are from boutique vineyards throughout the world. All guests must be over 21.
Turn your living room into a tasting room!
You would think I would write something to do on St. Patrick's Day. Nope-sorry, I don' treally have that much interest. Yeah, I like to drink beer as much as the next gal, but it has never been one of my fav's. Anywho on to what I do enjoy :)
Prom season is coming! Can you believe it! No, I am not inviting you to my prom that was 9 years ago, although in secret I wish I could go back and do it again. I heart dancing. I digress- Prom-someone else's. Did you know the average girl spends appx. $650 on prom? That is ridiculous! Jordan's Furniture and Anton's Cleaners are pairing up to make it possible for as many girls to make it to their prom. Have an extra dress or two lying around the house? You can drop it off at any Anton's or Jordan's Furniture store.
The dresses can be any size, but must be free of damage, only “gently worn” and cannot be more than 3 to 4 years old. The prom dresses are collected and dry-cleaned free of charge by Anton’s, and on April 28, a “boutique” will be held at Simmons College in Boston where girls can “shop” for free dresses.Somerville Residents can drop their dresses off at:
Get in the spirt of St. Patrick's day with some Irish music by Danu at Somerville Theatre.
Named for the ancient Irish goddess of prosperity and the land, Danu has a strong loyalty to the tradition from which its music comes. Yet, the band still brings a fresh, inspiring approach to its performances.Fri, March 16
Spring is just about on us and that means time to rid those locks of love that have been keeping our necks warm for the winter. Here's the catch-it is for kids 7 and under. There is a fundraiser at the Somerville Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday. Children can get their hair cut for $5 by Lauren Sciaratta and then enjoy the playspace for free!
All proceeds benefit the Somerville Children's Network.
Somerville Boys and Girls Club
181 Washington St.
Wed. March 14.
9a-10:30a.
>>Boys and Girls Club
I think its safe to assume that most of us like good art, but what about bad art. I know that I like bar haircuts (on other people) and bad outfits, they make me laugh, will bad art have the same effect? If you are interested in finding out there is an exhibit of pieces from The Museum Of Bad Art at Magpie in Davis through the 17th.
March 3 - March 17
Magpie
Davis Square
416 Highland Ave
Somerville MA
>> The Museum Of Bad Art
>> Magpie
Our digital consumption of information is changing every day, even when I think back to when I was in college (what was that like 3 years ago), things were so different. There was no myspace, I didn't compulsively check my email on the T, I didn't carry a flash drive on my key chain, my news wasn't pushed to an RSS feeder. As we the consumers bob and weave through these changes, advertisers are scrambling to keep up.
Woody Benson of Prism VentureWorks will tee up the discussion by reviewing media spending by category and the challenge for brands in this rapidly developing space where new and hard-to-reach audiences are constantly being created.Wednesday, March 14
Come listen to a panel of experts and their plans to address the challenges of adapting to and pioneering in this new environment. Jeff Morris from CBS/Showtime will speak about how a network-based media company addresses this challenge. Jeremy Allaire, CEO and founder of BrightCove, will explain how companies can take advantage of Internet TV and other new media. Eric Alterman, founder of KickApps, will talk about how a user-generated content company works with brands and marketers to extend their reach to new users via the net. Finally, Baba Shetty, Director of Interactive at Hill Holliday, will address the race by brands and agencies to take advantage of this changing marketplace.
Light beer drinkers beware, this beer dinner event at Redbones features stouts and porters.
Redbones
55 Chester Street
Davis Square, Somerville
Stout & Porter Dinner
Monday, March 12 @ 7 pm
$45 per person
Call for reservations -
Ladies, take some time recovering from the past weekend and prepping for St. Patrick day’s events, with a film fest catered to you.
This unique film festival will highlight women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine films by women filmmakers. The films range from animated shorts to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, body image, spirituality, relationships, cultural diversity, and breaking barriers.Monday March 12
All proceeds from the LUNAFEST premiere will go to Breast Cancer Fund.
The cold is finally gone and tomorow afternoon is suppose to be sunny and warm. Get out of the house and head down to harvard square for the first annual Spring Forward Chinese New Year event. Its a mouth full, I know.
Public Events outside and inside the Hong Kong including Rice Dough Sculpture, Calligraphy, and Paper Folding Craft Stations. Learn how to make crafts. Plate Spinning & Magic Show, Ribbon Dancing. Samples of food and fortune cookies!Sunday, March 11
Looking to improve your beer skills, not party skills like keg stands and funneling, but gown up things like pairing beers with food and cooking with beer. If so, part two of Cambridge Common's Underground Beer Series, which focuses on IPAs, is tomorrow.
Cambridge Common begins their "Underground Beer Series", which will be sponsored by BeerAdvocate. The series will focus on craft & micro beer education including, beer styles, craft breweries, pairing beer with food, and cooking with beer. The series will run from 3:30 to 5pm and will feature guest brewers/speakers each month.Cambridge Common
Get underground, get beer, get educated.
I have never been a fan of coffee, then I found something that made it all OK. Flavor shots. Well between that 6 sugars and lots of cream coffee tastes OK! But besides me, I know a lot of people truly enjoy a good cup of Joe in the AM. As well as after lunch and before you go out at night. If you are on of those people listen up!
Three days of free coffee according to yumsugar.com
We missed the first one. It was yesterday. March 8. McDonalds was handing out free coffee just for asking for it. I guess they beat out Starbucks in a taste test.
Second date: March 15. Starbucks 10A-12P Second annual "Coffee break" time.
Third: march 21. Dunkin Donuts (my true love) They are celebrating spring by giving out a free 16oz cup of iced coffee.
>> Free Caffeine fix for all!
The next best thing to free food is cheap food. There are a lot of places that have really good happy hours. I can't tell you how many times I have spent a Friday night after work hanging out at Uno's just because of their cheap appetizers. I decided to branch out recently, and I thought I would take you guys with me. Here is just the beginning to a very long list of happy hour specials in Cambridge and Somerville.
Uno
Harvard and Porter Square
Sunday-Friday
3p-7p and then again 10p-closing (12:30a)
In the lounge they have "snack hour" most of their appetizers (but watch out not all) are 1.99 or 2.99.
Grendal's Den
Harvard Square
All food is half price 5p-7:30p and then again 9p-11:30p Sunday through Thursday.
They also have the Sunday Seven. Seven items are listed for $1 from 8p-11:30p.
Chips and Salsa, 4 Bean Chili, Hummus bi Tahini, Pasta w/Pesto, Pasta w/Puttanesca, Cheese Quesadilla, and a Hamburger. (Minimum $3 beverage)
Orlean's
Davis Square
1/2 price appetizers 4p-7p weekdays.
Bukowski's Tavern
1281 Cambridge St.
Burgers and Hot Dogs for $1.69 until 8p weekdays.
Jasper White's Summer Shack
149 Alewife Brook Parkway
$3 Apps
4p-6:30p Mon.-Fri.
Only in the lounge.
Noir
Charles Hotel Harvard Square
5-4-3-2-1-0 Unwind special.
$5 Sandwiches, $4 Flatbreads, $3 Salads, $2 Skewers, $1 Sweets, and $0 Nuts.
5p-7p Mon.-Fri.
El Guapo's
704 Broadway-Somerville.
1/2 price Margarita's and appetizers. Wednesday's.
This is the only place i have heard of that has half price beverages!
Redbones
Davis Square
1/2 price appetizers in the upstairs bar.
4p-6p Mon-Fri.
And there you have it. As I said, I am sure there is more to love. If you want feel free to let me know about your favorite! Also, make sure you are careful, some places only offer happy hours in the lounge. I tried to find out all the info I could, but they aren't all so easy to find online.
TT the whats?? The bears. Huh. What a random name. If you have ever wondered where clubs got their names, there is an article in the Herald that takes away some of the mystery.
T.T. the Bear’s Place - You may have seen a show at T.T. the Bear’s, but do you
know the story of Tough Teddy? He was the beloved pet teddy bear hamster of
owners Bonney Bouley and Miles Cares, who opened their Cambridge club in 1985
and found themselves needing a name -- and fast.
I thought just letting you guys know that Restaurant Week was upon us would be enough, but no, Rachel thought otherwise. She (the boss) said I need to give you a map. It is an actually extremely helpful map. Similar to google maps, but it has all the restaurants participating. You can sort them by neighborhood, or get directions to a specific one.
>> Unofficial map to Restaurant Week Boston
It's been a while, I know. I wish I could say I have been slacking off, drinking beers, catching up with friends, and getting lots of sleep; sadly that is not the case. Instead I have been obsessively reading real estate listings, pounding numbers into mortgage calculators, dragging myself to open houses, and going blind from reading first time buyer articles; that’s right I'm thinking of buying a house. There is a slim to none chance I can pull it off this year, but I have started the process and it is slowly consuming my life. Of course I'm looking to stay in Cambridge / Somerville and I have found a few resources I thought I would pass along to you.
>> Somerville Housing Programs and Services
>> Cambridge Housing Division
>> Craigslist Real Estate
>> MLS Homefinder
>> MassHousing
>> Housing Affordability Calculator
Restaurant Week: A week where approximately 130 restaurants in and around Boston put together a three course meal (you can usually choose between 2-3 options per course) and there is a set price. Lunch is $20.07 and Dinner is $33.07
I have to be honest and say I have not yet been to a restaurant in Cambridge during restaurant week so I can't review, but I promise I will try this week.
Last year I was lucky enough to visit the Wine Cellar in Boston. A FABULOUS fondu restaurant. This year I think I will hit up Temple Bar, or Henrieta's Table at the Charles Hotel.
Boston's Restaurant Week
Sunday March 4-Friday March 9.
Here are two websites with participating restaurants. You can even reserve online for some.
>>BostonUSA
>>Unofficial Guide to Restaurant Week
Set aside your beer snob drinking pants and mark your calendar, this years New England Real Ale Exhibition is set for May 2-5.
What is Real Ale?
From Wikipedia: defined as "beer brewed from traditional ingredients, matured by secondary fermentation in the container from which it is dispensed, and served without the use of extraneous carbon dioxide".
From NERAX: Flavor is what Real Ale is all about. Cask lovers enjoy the broader range of flavors that result from the live, natural ale served at cellar temperature. There is less gassiness, less head on the beer, more beer in a glass! Some devotees want to drink nothing else. Whether or not you are that enthusiastic, NERAX is a chance to sample some of the best from the UK and USA.
May 2-5, 2007
George Dilboy Post
371 Summer Street
Davis Square, Somerville
>> New England Real Ale Exhibition
I heart the Burren. I truly heart the Back Room. Dancing to mostly 80's rock is freakin' awesome!! Here is the downside to the Burren. You have a few beers, you are having the time of your life dancing and singing along to Jesse's Girl when the lights go on. You look at your watch and it is 12:45. You feel like you just got started! But the big guys in black T-Shirts are yelling for you to get out . I have been with a few different groups of friends and that never goes over well.
Well-they have finally come through for their loyal fans.
Last year when owner Tommy McCarthy appeared before the licensing commission for approval to stay open until 2am he was told he needed to get community support. Oh and he did! He showed up this year with a petition signed by 1.877 community members. 1,228 being from the 02114 zip code.
The commission approved McCarthy’s request to extend The Burren’s closing time until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights – the bar’s current closing time is 1 a.m. on the weekends – with a few provisions. John McKenna and Andrew Upton, the licensing commissioners, asked that a limited menu be served until midnight and that McCarthy submit a plan for dealing with post-closing crowds and meet with the Davis Square Task Force every eight weeks. The later closing time will be up for review in six months.A few meetings here and there, I am OK with that-as long as I can bust out the lyrics of "Don't Stop Believin" without being cut off and kicked out.
Brattle Theatre present a free screening of the documentary THIN.
The Harris Center For Eating Disorders brings photographer Lauren Greenfield to the Brattle for a free screening of her award-winning documentary, THIN. In her directorial debut, Greenfield tells the stories of four women at the Renfrew Clinic in Florida, an inpatient facility that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders.Q&A with Lauren Greenfield and Harris Center Director, Dr. David Herzog, will follow the screening.
Need a place to flex your Scrabble muscles? H-E-L-L-S Y-E-A-H ! (18 points). Every Monday night at the B-Side, get your game on.
Every Monday @ 7:30
The B-Side Lounge
92 Hampshire St
Cambridge
>> Scrabblize
>> B-Side Lounge
It's tax season and we are all thinking of way to save a few bucks. Good to know for next year.
TAX CREDIT FOR CAR SHARING Rep. Carl Sciortino (D-Medford) proposed legislation providing up to a $150 annual tax credit to drivers who pay money for car rentals to car sharing companies like Zipcar.>> Somerville Journal - This is cool
Sagra is open in Davis, brining a taste of the North End to Somerville. The Daily Candy reviewed:
What’s on the menu? Red-wine flavored pasta matched with a bold meat sauce, salads, soups. Oh, and antipasti like green olives stuffed with meat and spices and crocchette al latte (light-as-latte egg and cheese fritters topped with grated caciocavallo cheese). A bounty of pizzas and tasty entrees rounds out the list.Sagra blends that Somerville edge with true North End flavor.
Which is to say, it’s the perfect solution.
Sagra
400 Highland Avenue
Davis Square, Somerville
>> Italian Stallion
>> sagrarestaurant.com
Seriously, how often do you see anything like that! Planned Parenthood in Davis Square is celebrating their one year anniversary. To celebrate they are giving anyone that walks into their center between 2/22 and 3/1 a free annual hormonal birth control.
You don't need an appointment or to even buy anything! Anyone who walks in during office hours can enter the raffle.Located at 260 Elm Street in the heart of Davis Square, Planned Parenthood provides area residents with access to birth control and emergency contraception. It also offers pregnancy testing, with results in less than thirty minutes, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“We dispensed 4,500 packs of birth control pills and 900 packs of emergency contraception. We’ve also developed a great relationship with the community, including the Somerville Arts Council and local artists, whose work we showcase in our waiting room,” said Melanie Lown, center manager.
The Harbus (student weekly for Harvard Business School) posted a review of Mugueca Restaurant in Inman Square. Since I'm looking to hotten up my bod, maybe I should try it out.
Brazilians are world-renowned for their beautiful bodies. One of the secrets to obtaining the god-like Brazilian body can be uncovered by observing their diet. Brazilians hold a love for healthy cuisine, which plays an enormous role in any holistic health and fitness plan. To experience healthy Brazilian food at its finest, visit Muqueca Restaurant in the charming neighborhood of Inman Square.Muqueca Restaurant
Mardi Gras is here.
If your knowledge of Mardi Gras only goes as far as boobs, beads, and booze then here are some facts for you:
The ultimate Louisiana boil of crawfish, potato, and corn served according to tradition - spilled out on newspaper covered tables - will take you to New Orleans on Mardi Gras. Appetizers and New Orleans beers complete the meal. $40 per person.For reservations call 617.628.2200.
Personally I am more of a fan of big ball bowling, but if you happen to be into little balls, aka candlepin bowling, Sacco's Bowl Haven in Davis has a coupon for free shoe rentals.
>> Dan Bruno's Bowling Post
>> Sacco's Bowl Haven Coupon
Kids softball teams are being formed. Kindergarten through fifth graders-whether it is to get out some energy, make some new friends, or stick with a hobby they love. Here's the downside. They need gloves. If you have any spare gloves floating around your house please email: bgibson@cpsd.us
I've seen the coming soon sign up in the window for a few weeks, but now its official, Boloco is open in Davis on Elm st as of 2.16. The really great news is that on this thursday, 2.22, it's free burrito day. From 11am - 7pm just stop by and get a free burrioto.
>> Boloco is OPEN
>> Boloco
Brattle Theatre is hosting it's Twelfth Annual Bugs Bunny Film Festival. Who didn't enjoy that "wascally wabbit" at some point in their lives!?!
As usual, our featured attraction is a program of films featuring everyone’s favorite rabbit. One reason Bugs is so admirable is his ability to be master of any situation – from bullring, to outer space, to the French Foreign Legion, Bugs is almost always able to swing the setting to his favor. With antagonists like Yosemite Sam, Marvin The Martian and, of course Elmer Fudd, he has to be!2/16-2/22
Cage is at the Middle East this weekend. Dark, real, hip hop....
While there is a whole lot of information here, none of it is filler; everything detailed below was instrumental in making Cage who he is at this point, and the story below is one of the most insane, crazy, tortured and triumphant stories you could imagine. Cage’s life has gone from watching his father shoot heroin, to addiction and violence and mental institutions to cutting an album for Columbia Records and being a rising star in the heyday of the NYC independent rap scene, to the final culmination and personal triumph that this album has become. It’s a brand new record from someone who has been through more extreme circumstances than most people could ever imagine, and has come out triumphant and a better person because of it, and whose artistic vision now reflects this.Sat Feb. 17th
Porter KFC / Taco Bell is all borded up. Closed forever, who knows. Cambridge Croncile questions whether this is a result of the Walden st bridge renovations. Seems unlikely to me, are they worried their foot traffic is down, they are still on that main road, whats it called again, oh yeah Mass Ave.
>> Porter KFC Closes
How did this Valentines day treat you? Did you buy the right gift and plan the perfect date? If the day didn't turn out as planned, whether you ended up spending it alone or on a not so hot date with your significant other, you might want to spend the weekend getting some remedial lessons. The Cambridge Center for Adult Education is sponsoring two sessions of Valentine's Weekend for Exploring Love, one for singles and one for couples.
We'll explore your goals, hopes, fears, experiences and beliefs about dating and relationships. And we'll look at attitudes and expectations about dating you may hold that have derailed many a relationship such as pedestalization, infatuation, rejection, and pessimism. Related discussions will focus on some of the relationship 'training' you have received together with understanding the presuppositions, negative attitudes and experiences that appear to validate relationship pessimism.Valentine's Weekend for Exploring Love - Singles
I still haven't seen Borat, but from what I hear, even if you have you will want to again. This Saturday and Sunday MIT's screening of Borat is open to the public and only $3.
Saturday, February 17
7:00 and 10:00 pm
Sunday, February 18
10:00 pm
MIT 26-100
Cambridge
>> MIT Lecture Series Committee
>> Directions
Brett Rosenberg is hitting the road for Nashville soon so check him out while you still can. This thursday at Toad.
The Brett Rosenberg Problem
Thu. Feb 15
10pm
FREE
Toad
1912 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Porter Sq)
>> Toad
>> Brett Rosenberg
The other side of Valentine's Day. No one to give those flowers to- no worries, one of the most romantic spots in Cambridge is hosting a singles party.
A sit-in/stand-up cocktail party to mark a new "holiday" to be known at Saint Singles Day—a day that celebrates the freedoms of singularity and the ability to find mono-happiness without the tacky cards, flowers and chocolates. Paid entry to this event gets you one drink from our libation liberation menu and plenty of delicious nibbles. UpStairs will issue a special prize for the best original artistic rendering of Saint Single. Great Live Music, too!
If you happened to catch Girl Talk fever at Boston's Middle East show, you might have been tempted to hop on a Fung Wah bus and head straight to Brooklyn for Gregg Gillis' next gig at Studio B. And if you happened to compare the two shows, you might realize that Brooklyn can quickly turn into a savage concrete jungle where joyful dancing quickly becomes aggressive pushing, shoving and crowd surfing. 
But Gillis was, without exception, the main attraction. Right before he stepped on stage, I found myself standing on the stage steps with my best friend. We watched Gillis sound check through headphones before he got on the mic and announced he had to use the bathroom. After he ran through the crowd to relieve himself, he appeared back on stage wearing a sweat suit and white sweatband around his head like a fucked-up, endearing version of Jane Fonda. He warmed up the audience with "Once Again" and the words "Ass Jigg-jigg-jiggilin" reverberated through the crowd while he danced, jumped and threw confetti in the air on stage solo. )
As more and more bodies packed onto the stage, it became a barbarian battle to dance; chicks began elbowing me to jockey for a better position next to the laptop while seven or eight photographers snapped photos of the chaos. At one point, I turned to the girl next to me who kept elbowing me in the ribs and demanded to know if she really wanted to fight me during Girl Talk. She declined and then left.
Eventually, the chaos on the stage almost pushed Gillis' laptop and table into the crowd, causing security to clear the area. As a big man escorted me to the stage steps, I saw that the crowd on the floor was no better; bodies were packed up against bodies, people were sweating like they were at an Aerobics class, and there was basically no room to even breathe. Every surface in Studio B was covered in steam; the Ladies' bathroom was so full of steam that you couldn't see anything in the mirrors. Girls slumped against the walls and panted, or dunked their faces in the sink to cool down. Gillis tried to mellow things out by asking the crowd to "Move as one" and cool things off.
But the atmosphere was relentless; Studio B might as well have been a steam room. It seemed as if the audience would have gladly ripped Gillis apart out of joy, if only to take home a souvenir finger or piece of clothing to prove they had been there. And that might have been the only real problem with this show; compared to the jovial dancing of Boston, Brooklyn was like a savage posturing contest; there wasn't enough room for everyone to fit into the frame of every picture, and basically chaos ensued.
This doesn't say anything about Gillis, however. How he managed to keep playing while a demented crowd of dancers pushed and pulled at him is beyond me. I have to wonder how much longer audience-stage-dancing will live, because based on the insanity of Brooklyn, it might endanger the man's life.
But by the end of the night, we were happily danced-out as we tumbled out onto the sidewalk and saw the crowd in front of Studio B with steam rising up off of their skin. With exhaustion, we sat down on the curb to rest. And although the chaos was tiring, Brooklyn hipsters aside, it proved once again that Girl Talk is completely relentless and mostly pretty famous.
Valentine's Day is fast approaching. As commercialized as it is, I am still a fan of the day. It has something for everyone SINGLE-girls night out bashing ex's. COUPLE-finally a day that forces him/her to buy you something nice.
I know i know, you shouldn't need a day to say that, but there are so many people out there that REALLY need that. Buying flowers or giving a special card is not something people think of on a random basis. And yes, we all deserve some of those every once in a while. I, personally, am a huge fan of celebrating a day later. Cheaper, less crowded and still special! No one ever love had to be on 2/14.
Anywho-I just wanted to warn you, there will probably be quite a dew valentine's day ideas in the upcoming days. Now onto today's idea: Skate and Date.
Kendall Square Community skating will host a special “Date & Skate” event on Valentine’s Day. Tunes include romantic favorites from the past to chart topping songs of today, with special dedications encouraged. Warm up inside the skaters pavilion with some hot cocoa and free valentine cookie decorating.Wednesday 2/14 12:00p-8:00p
As someone that just served 4 days on a Jury in this Cambridge Courthouse, I foud this info interesting.
It's a 23-story building with 90,000 pounds of asbestos.>> Hundreds Of Court Workers And Prisoners Moving Out
One of my all time favorite movies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, is playing this week at Coolidge Corner along with psychological follow up.
Monday, February 12, 2007Just in time for Valentine's Day, Science on Screen presents this mind-bending romance from the minds of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and director Michel Gondry. Jim Carrey stars as Joel, a man struggling to come to terms with his painful breakup from Clementine (Kate Winslet). When Joel learns his ex has undergone an experimental procedure to erase all memories of their tumultuous relationship, he decides to the do same. But as the procedure starts to take effect, he discovers he's not quite ready to let go and starts hiding his memories of her away in places where they don't quite belong.
To help us get our brains around the subject of what exactly goes on with our own memories is Harvard Professor of Psychology Daniel L. Schacter, whose research focuses on the psychological and biological aspects of human memory and amnesia, as well as the effects of aging on memory. Prof. Schacter is the also author of three books and numerous papers, including THE SEVEN SINS OF MEMORY.
Celebrate science the right way at Redline on Febrary 12th in honor of Darwins birthday. Free addmission, apps, cake, and a room full of science geeks who will get your jokes.
The objective of Darwin Day Celebration is to encourage organizations and individuals to celebrate Science and Humanity every year, on, or near, February 12, Darwin's birthday. At this juncture in history, the world has become so small and interdependent that we need a Global Celebration to promote a common bond among all people. The Darwin Day Celebration was founded on the premise that science, like music, is an international language that speaks to all people in very similar ways. Charles Darwin is a worthy symbol on which to focus, in order to build a Global Celebration of Science and Humanity that is intended to promote solidarity among all people of the earth.Monday, February 12
This friday Feb, 9th there will be a peace vigil on Cambridge Common in Harvard Square. It is not a political event so dont worry about long speaches and what not. And if the spirit moves you, Sat, Feb 10th there is a Mass Peace Action meeting in Belmont. Follow the links for more info.
Friday February 9th
Cambridge Common
Harvard Square, Cambridge
6 to 9 PM
>> Cambridge Peace Vigil
>> MA Peace Action
If you are looking for a montage of tripy videos to spice up the otherwise lame film season, check out the E-flux Video Rental at Harvard’s Sert Gallery from February 8–April 13, 2007.
E-flux Video Rental (EVR) is an installation comprising a free library of over 600 works of video art selected by some of the international art world’s leading curators and critics.One of the peices includes superimposed text over close ups of couples having sex. I just thought you would like to know.
The installation includes more than 600 videotapes on specially-constructed shelves, two VCR/monitor stations, and a membership desk and collection management system. A changing selection of works showcasing the depth and breadth of the collection will be showing on at least one of the monitors during all times the exhibition is open to the public.
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