Author: Ed

Universal Hub for Award Winning Local Coverage

Universal Hub (UH) is our Friday link. We think you should resolve to really know what's going on in Boston in 2012. You can do that by visiting, subscribing, following, and retweeting, the award winning coverage over at Adam Gaffin's site.

People ask us how we know so many things long before the story is picked up by traditional media around town. UH is the answer. Penny visits there so many times a day that if you enter the letter u in her Chrome browser Google fills in the rest– www.universalhub.com.

The world is starting to realize (and we think envy) the hyperlocal community that Adam has created. This month 415 Heat named Adam Gaffin one of the "Top Social Media Strategists to Watch in 2012."

They said, "Adam Gaffin is the hyper-local journalism wizard behind Universal Hub, a site he founded in 2005 to bring Boston-area news to citizens through a collective online effort. He also coordinates the Boston Blog Network, which helps other local bloggers connect with online advertisers, and consults small, local media and news outlets."

They listed a very elite group including: Liz Herson from the New York Times; John Pepper, Founder and CEO of Boloco; Scott Monty, who leads social media at Ford; and social media guru Chris Brogan.

Last March, Adam was also named the winner of the first #Boston Shorty Award, Twitter says, "The Shorty Awards honor the best people and organizations producing short-form, real-time social media content."

When local TV newscasts are wasting the little air time they have on "interesting" videos from around the world (that most of us have already seen on the web) and PR vidoes being passed off as news coverage, we have to support the people who are in the trenches delivering real news that is of use in our daily lives. Go check out Universal Hub!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

December 30, 2011
Toasting a New Year with Pol Roger!

We’ll be spending New Year’s Eve with Pol Roger (Champagne)– perhaps saluting the memory of the man who sold his first bottle of wine 163 years ago!

As we head toward the beginning of a new month and more importantly a new year, we always look forward to selecting an interesting bottle of bubbly. However, this time a special sparkler appeared on our door step (a gift from a friend and wine merchant) and immediately bumped everything else in line.

Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve Champagne Brut Vintage 2000– when the name on the bottle has that much going on, how could we resist?

Besides, our benefactor knows our taste is for a pinot-forward sparkler, in this case 60% Pinot Noir – 40% Chardonnay. As this champagne house puts it, the pinot supplies “body…strength” and the chardonnay the “finesse…lightness.” (Something to keep in mind when selecting a champagne to fit your taste.)

As descriptions go, we can expect the aromas of: “ripe, expressive fruit…dried apricots and poached pears and honey…” (who writes this stuff?) “…a champagne of harmony, elegance and generosity.” The wine is said to pair well with, “Rich, full-flavored dishes…Distinctive dry cheeses…”

All this just increases my curiosity and raises my expectations. But, can this storied champagne really live up to the hype? We’ll soon find out and promise to report back in early 2012– look for an “update” to this post.

That update is here: Remembering Pol Roger– New Year’s Eve Tasting Update!

Happy New Year!

For more on our wine adventures, check out:

Our Sparkling Resolution

Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

December 29, 2011
Pomelo Season: Readers’ Choice

Thanks to BostonZest readers, we remembered to look for pomelos last week. As the BostonZest archives grow and grow, we're letting readers' choices guide us to favorites from the past. If you come across a post you think should get a new spotlight, let us know. This post is from our archives but the fruit is around and still wonderful.

Here's the beautiful, heavy, lush pomelo we brought home from Whole Foods on River Street in Cambridge. We added a tangerine and lime to give you an idea of the size.

Add a comment to let us know if you spot Pomelos where you shop. Sometimes they can be hard to find.

Here's an even better measure of the size– this one is just 17 inches around. And, this is not the largest one we've had, it's average!

Inside is the prettiest pink citrus fruit!

The rind is very thick, and you can break the fruit into lovely pieces that are perfect when mixed with some romaine lettuce, toasted almond slices, and a raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

To learn more about Pomelos, here are links to those previous posts our readers were viewing…

River Street Whole Foods has Pomelos

Florida Pomelos At Costco

What's on your food lover's shopping list?

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2008-2011 Penny Cherubino

December 28, 2011
What Christmas Traditions Did You Enjoy?

Do you have Christmas Holiday traditions that you enjoy? I realized how much I love to have a wedge of panettone with my first cup of coffee on Christmas morning.

Traditions can be comforting and sometimes we don't notice that we've created a new tradition, until we think about the little things we like to do on certain holidays.

This is a month of traditions no matter which of the many December holidays you choose to celebrate and to what degree you indulge in the festivity. Some people go to movies, eat chinese food, make a favorite meal.

What are your small traditons and personal ways to mark this festive season?

Where do you like to go?

What do you love to eat?

What events to you enjoy attending?

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

December 27, 2011
Many Hands Make The Back Bay Greener

Earlier this month, we visited the Garden Club of the Back Bay's Wreath Week workshop for a story Penny was preparing for the Back Bay Sun. We wanted to post some of the photos here and salute this wonderful organization with the words of just a few of the more than 60 volunteers who make this fundraiser possible.

Here's the caption that went with the cover photo, (above)

Twenty Years of Wreaths!

“There’s something about coming here and doing this,” said Mary Ellen Udelson. “Everything else in your life kind of falls away. It’s just pure joy!” As one of the original volunteers, this was her 20th year decorating wreaths for the Garden Club of the Back Bay’s annual fundraising event, “Wreath Week.”

“Everyone has to come here to get an assignment,” said Janet Murphy from her seat at “Control Central.” She explained that the wreaths are highly personalized, and that she works with the decorators to be sure customers’ requests are reflected in the finished wreaths.

Stacey Richards (left) was a first year volunteer. “I’m not creative, but I can do this… And, someday,” she said with a big smile, “maybe I’ll do wreaths.” She was preparing ribbons for the bow makers with Louesa Gillespie. “Whatever you do is fun, here– doesn’t matter what your job is. And, there’s something for everyone,” Gillespie said.

“Margaret and I have the hands that are made for it,” said Nancy Devereaux who was making bows with Margaret Pokorny. Good hand strength is needed to fashion the lively bows that are one of the trademarks of these wreaths.

“It’s controlled pandemonium,” said first-timer, Nancy Stone as she helped to organize materials. “You can come here for 10-minutes or for 10-hours and, either way, you feel equally as purposeful.” “And, it’s so festive, it really is.”

Darwin Cordoba has been volunteering since 2009. He spent his day off from Ralph Lauren on Newbury Street creating wreaths for the Garden Club.

“It’s fun, and it’s for a good cause,” said Glenda Mattes who spent the past two “Wreath Weeks” helping one of the senior decorators. This year she was, “…picking out things that would go with my bow,” for the wreath she was about to create.

“Many of the most important jobs are stuff like keeping things orderly, sweeping the floor, checking to make sure things don’t fall off,” said Sherley Smith. Testing a finished wreath included giving it a good shake and tugging at the design elements to be certain they were secure.

Related posts:

Ed's Wreath Week Video

How they make those wonderful bows– a Video starring Margaret Pokorny!

Thanks to everyone who begins their Amazon shopping from here. When you stop by BostonZest on your way to Amazon and click on one of our links or amazon items to get over there, you help support our work. Amazon rewards us when we send shoppers their way. It doesn't cost you any more but it puts a few pennies in our pocket.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

December 26, 2011
Merry Christmas to All!

Our own Maggie Mae is our Sunday Dog today. She's here to wish everyone a happy holiday for whatever holiday you choose to celebrate.

And, if you need information about Christmas Weekend, we've gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions right here.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

December 25, 2011
No Chimney? No Problem for Santa!

If you've ever been concerned about being passed over by Santa because your house doesn't have a chimney, relax! We're talking about "the jolly old elf." Gaining access is not a problem! However, being caught in the act during daylight could prove a bit risky.

Then again, he does have a huge list and a limited amount of time, and despite that whole thing about being "lively and quick," getting an early start can't hurt.

But, I have to admit that I've always pictured Santa as being… taller. My mistake! It's all right there in "A Visit from St. Nicholas," aka ("'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), most often attributed to Clement Clarke Moore.

Remember, the "little old driver?" And, "a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer?" Of course! We're just glad to be able to bring you this rare look at the amazing elf in action.

Oh, and, if you're hoping to catch Santa making his big (or, little) entrance, it might be a good idea to check the balcony, just in case.

It's still not too late to give an Amazon Gift Card!

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Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people that are part of the places and services we cover. Often, those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

December 24, 2011
Phone Book Attack: Here’s an Opt-Out Link

Last weekend, Back Bay homes had piles of unwanted phone books dumped on their front steps. The photo above is a single family home, so you can imagine how many were left at buildings with 40 or 60 apartments.

How do Bostonians feel about this topic?

Click over to Universal Hub, and read the comments on the post, Our annual mid-winter ritual: The rotting of the abandoned phone books. Adam Gaffin also links to his 2008 and 2009 phone book conversations.

This week he took a poll. We got two different phonebooks yesterday – which to toss in the recycling? Go over and add your vote!

Did you know that you can opt-out of having phone books delivered to your home?

In response to complaints, the Association of Directory Publishers has set up an opt-out program at this site, www.yellowpagesoptout.com. We're making this site our Friday Link!

You do have to register, and then you can opt-out of the phone books from those businesses that belong to this group. We were able to elimate three deliveries with one visit.

Of course, if you live in a multi-family home, you will have to encourage your neighbors to join you in the opt-out effort.

Wider Pilot Progam Underway

The good news is that Brookline and Cambridge are working with the Product Stewardship Institute and Catalog Choice on a pilot opt-out project. The test will make it possible for residents to stop the delivery of unwanted phone books, catalogs, coupons, and credit card solicitations. It will also measure the number of requests and program efficiency. The Product Stewardship Institute will issue a project report in the fall of 2012.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

December 23, 2011
The Night of the Radishes: Readers’ Choice

Did you know that tomorrow, December 23rd, is Noche de Rabanos or The Night of the Radishes in some regions of Mexico? It is a time of celebration with displays of elaborately carved radishes.

Photo by Travis S.

Yes, this photo shows some of the little ones we know and love, but the main sculpture is made from giant radishes (they can be more than 6 pounds) grown for this purpose. More photos of fabulous carvings here.

We might have forgotten it this holiday except that a post we did on carving radishes last August keeps popping up this week in the list of pages that visitors are coming to BostonZest to read.

It's fun to learn about other cultures and how they celebrate. We'll soon be out looking at the ice carvings around Boston. But tomorrow, in Mexico, people will gather around radish carvings.

Here is every tool you might ever need to carve radishes or any other vegetable. Or, how about whittling? That just takes a pen knife or here's a kit with everything you need.

International Culinary Carving Set 80 Piece, Wood Case

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: by Travis S. Used under creative commons license. Here's his photostream on this topic.

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

December 22, 2011
Bringing Home the Solstice Green

Winter Solstice occurs tomorrow morning at 12:30 AM EST. The shortest day of the year will be followed by the longest night.

This bicyclist was bringing home an evergreen for his holiday celebration. I wonder if he is aware of the early origins of the tradition of bring evergreens indoors for the winter solstice?

Solstice was an important day for the Druids, the Celtic priesthood class. As a part of the celebration of the solstice, they brought evergreens indoors and had a ritual of decorating the trees. Sound familar?

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2011 Penny Cherubino

December 21, 2011