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  • WBUR’s Magic Pill Podcast Has Helped Me Become Healthier: Friday Link Update

    Last October we linked to WBUR and its inspiring podcast, The Magic PilI, which also marked a long distance reconnection with one of my favorite doctors, Eddie Phillips, MD. 

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    Since that report (here's a link to it), I have only missed my morning walk on one day, when I had a nasty cold and felt it would be better to stay in and rest so I would miss fewer days.

    I also added an Apple Watch to my motivational tools and that has helped me keep excellent records on my progress. I have continued a steady, healthy weight loss trend; dropped another medication I was taking; and increased my fitness levels.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c8a52c72970b-800wi

    In case some of you don't go back to the original story or decide to pass it on to someone you know who might need help in improving their overall health, I'll repeat this important message now.

    Here is a link to the Podcast Pilot. It's a great introduction and I hope it will lead you to take one episode daily (your daily dose of get-up-and-go) for the next twenty-one days and see if you, like me, find yourself still on the move nine months from now. 

    I hope WBUR will add more episodes of this inspiring program. Anytime I feel that I'm about to slip off my training routine, I'll go back and listen to the 21 existing episodes again. But I would love to have this team offer some sort of Magic Pill continuing education and inspiration.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    6a00e54fc42bb88834014e5f699e1d970c-800wi

    Please read our disclosure policy. Since we have mentioned the Apple Watch and linked to it on Amazon, we want readers to know that we do have funds invested in both Apple and Amazon stock. 

  • WBUR’s Magic Pill Podcast Has Helped Me Become Healthier: Friday Link Update

    Last October we linked to WBUR and its inspiring podcast, The Magic PilI, which also marked a long distance reconnection with one of my favorite doctors, Eddie Phillips, MD. 

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b8d22ef1b2970c-800wi

    Since that report (here's a link to it), I have only missed my morning walk on one day, when I had a nasty cold and felt it would be better to stay in and rest so I would miss fewer days.

    I also added an Apple Watch to my motivational tools and that has helped me keep excellent records on my progress. I have continued a steady, healthy weight loss trend; dropped another medication I was taking; and increased my fitness levels.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c8a52c72970b-800wi

    In case some of you don't go back to the original story or decide to pass it on to someone you know who might need help in improving their overall health, I'll repeat this important message now.

    Here is a link to the Podcast Pilot. It's a great introduction and I hope it will lead you to take one episode daily (your daily dose of get-up-and-go) for the next twenty-one days and see if you, like me, find yourself still on the move nine months from now. 

    I hope WBUR will add more episodes of this inspiring program. Anytime I feel that I'm about to slip off my training routine, I'll go back and listen to the 21 existing episodes again. But I would love to have this team offer some sort of Magic Pill continuing education and inspiration.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    6a00e54fc42bb88834014e5f699e1d970c-800wi

    Please read our disclosure policy. Since we have mentioned the Apple Watch and linked to it on Amazon, we want readers to know that we do have funds invested in both Apple and Amazon stock. 

  • Three Exhibitions to Visit at the Museum of Fine Arts: Matisse, Cunningham, and Revival Jewelry

    One of the best things about being a member of the Museum of Fine Arts is the ability to stop in often and see some of the featured topics or exhibitions (large and small) as they call them. We included three on a recent visit. 

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    The major event of the summer is "Matisse in the Studio." It was interesting to see the collection of objects he used as inspiration for his work. It was also great to see more of his sculpture. Unfortunately our time viewing this collection was spoiled by a disruptive visitor, so we did hurry through. 

    IMG_9468

    This chair and the shadows it cast fascinated Penny.

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    She couldn't resist creating her own artwork from Matisse's studio inspiration object.IMG_9545-COLLAGE

    We were ready for a quiet break and Matisse inspired lunch at Bravo. We enjoyed duck liver paté, a dish of mushroom pasta, and sipped an excellent Rosé from Provence. It was a meal, we think, Matisse might have enjoyed. 

    Screen Shot 2017-05-31 at Wednesday May 31 20171.38.00 PM

    After lunch, we visited "Imogen Cunningham: In Focus" in the Herb Ritts gallery. We love the fact that the MFA is paying attention to great photography.

    Screen Shot 2017-05-31 at Wednesday May 31 20171.40.16 PM

    The hit of the day for both of us was the outstanding design and craftsmanship in the "Past Is Present: Revival Jewelry" collection. Be sure to pay very close attention to the micromosaic items in the cases. It could be easy to miss the fact that these images are made up of hundreds of tiny, tiny bits of material. 

    While you have a bit more time to see the other exhibitions, Imogen Cunningham: In Focus ends June 18th.

    Related articles
    Back When Harvard's Weld Boathouse Was Drafted as a Navy Training Facility…
    Welcome Luke's Lobster to Boston

  • Three Exhibitions to Visit at the Museum of Fine Arts: Matisse, Cunningham, and Revival Jewelry

    One of the best things about being a member of the Museum of Fine Arts is the ability to stop in often and see some of the featured topics or exhibitions (large and small) as they call them. We included three on a recent visit. 

    IMG_9448

    The major event of the summer is "Matisse in the Studio." It was interesting to see the collection of objects he used as inspiration for his work. It was also great to see more of his sculpture. Unfortunately our time viewing this collection was spoiled by a disruptive visitor, so we did hurry through. 

    IMG_9468

    This chair and the shadows it cast fascinated Penny.

    IMG_9483

    She couldn't resist creating her own artwork from Matisse's studio inspiration object.IMG_9545-COLLAGE

    We were ready for a quiet break and Matisse inspired lunch at Bravo. We enjoyed duck liver paté, a dish of mushroom pasta, and sipped an excellent Rosé from Provence. It was a meal, we think, Matisse might have enjoyed. 

    Screen Shot 2017-05-31 at Wednesday May 31 20171.38.00 PM

    After lunch, we visited "Imogen Cunningham: In Focus" in the Herb Ritts gallery. We love the fact that the MFA is paying attention to great photography.

    Screen Shot 2017-05-31 at Wednesday May 31 20171.40.16 PM

    The hit of the day for both of us was the outstanding design and craftsmanship in the "Past Is Present: Revival Jewelry" collection. Be sure to pay very close attention to the micromosaic items in the cases. It could be easy to miss the fact that these images are made up of hundreds of tiny, tiny bits of material. 

    While you have a bit more time to see the other exhibitions, Imogen Cunningham: In Focus ends June 18th.

    Related articles
    Back When Harvard's Weld Boathouse Was Drafted as a Navy Training Facility…
    Welcome Luke's Lobster to Boston

  • Julia Child Said You Should Make “… Good Food From Fresh Ingredients.”

    “You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.” Julia Child

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    This plate of fresh goodness only required a little scrubbing, slicing, and seasoning to become a supper for two on Sunday evening. With a plate of good bread off to the side, we were both happy.

    IMG_3283 copy

    That meal began with a basket full of fresh organic produce from the Copley Farmers Market. For information on area farmers markets, we have a post we're keeping updated. 

    Boston Area Spring-to-Fall Farmers Market Opening Dates

    IMG_9685 copy

    On Monday we added some of those goodies to a beautiful gazpacho. We try to shop with care – buy what we can use up while it's at its best, reduce the amount of food we waste, and get the best value out of our food dollars.

    We think Julia would approve of our food philosophy. 

    Related Post:

    Garnish Gazpacho with Avocado Like Panificio Does!

    About Photo Tales & Quotes: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Photo Tales & Quotes is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2017 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Where to Recycle Eyeglasses in Boston – Updating a Reader Favorite
    Pecorino Caggiano From Formaggio Kitchen South End – BostonZest

  • Julia Child Said You Should Make “… Good Food From Fresh Ingredients.”

    “You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.” Julia Child

    IMG_9670 (1)

    This plate of fresh goodness only required a little scrubbing, slicing, and seasoning to become a supper for two on Sunday evening. With a plate of good bread off to the side, we were both happy.

    IMG_3283 copy

    That meal began with a basket full of fresh organic produce from the Copley Farmers Market. For information on area farmers markets, we have a post we're keeping updated. 

    Boston Area Spring-to-Fall Farmers Market Opening Dates

    IMG_9685 copy

    On Monday we added some of those goodies to a beautiful gazpacho. We try to shop with care – buy what we can use up while it's at its best, reduce the amount of food we waste, and get the best value out of our food dollars.

    We think Julia would approve of our food philosophy. 

    Related Post:

    Garnish Gazpacho with Avocado Like Panificio Does!

    About Photo Tales & Quotes: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Photo Tales & Quotes is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2017 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles
    Where to Recycle Eyeglasses in Boston – Updating a Reader Favorite
    Pecorino Caggiano From Formaggio Kitchen South End – BostonZest

  • Poppy Says, “June Is the Best Month to Be a Boston Dog!”

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here, telling you why, as a dog, I love June in Boston. (Should you wonder, my retainers, Ed & Penny love June in Boston too!)

    IMG_2546

    First of all, June is quieter than other months. The college people are gone and most tourist people come here a bit later in the summer. We will still have all that noisy construction, but maybe some of them will take a vacation or learn to be more polite with their noise.

    IMG_2618

    I'm not the only dog who loves a little bench time. June is the perfect month to spend some time on a park bench. Tell your people to grab a book and some supplies. Then you can pick a bench for a nap or some people and dog watching.

    IMG_2475

    Make sure an easy to use K9 Canteen is one of the supplies your servants bring. I have Ed well trained in serving water, as you can see. 

    IMG_2569

    The restaurants are not too busy. If your people are very observant and ask the right people, you might find a few restaurant patios where you can tuck under a table while you treat your hard-working staff to a meal. 

    IMG_7647

    Your people may have more company over, if they have outdoor space to share. You can see my pal Tricky here as she acted as hostess to my people on her patio, so I could have an evening of peace and quiet with a goat cheese stuffed KONG.

    Many times June has my favorite weather. Not too hot and not too cold. What more could a Duchess request of a month? So I'm calling on all the Boston dogs to get their people out to enjoy this great month in Boston.

     

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Duchess Poppy Whitehead as dictated to her retainers, Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: ©2015- 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    My Little Sunday Dog …
    A Sunday Beach Dog Playing on the Tidal Flats
    Let Your Sunday Dog Take the Lead

  • Poppy Says, “June Is the Best Month to Be a Boston Dog!”

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here, telling you why, as a dog, I love June in Boston. (Should you wonder, my retainers, Ed & Penny love June in Boston too!)

    IMG_2546

    First of all, June is quieter than other months. The college people are gone and most tourist people come here a bit later in the summer. We will still have all that noisy construction, but maybe some of them will take a vacation or learn to be more polite with their noise.

    IMG_2618

    I'm not the only dog who loves a little bench time. June is the perfect month to spend some time on a park bench. Tell your people to grab a book and some supplies. Then you can pick a bench for a nap or some people and dog watching.

    IMG_2475

    Make sure an easy to use K9 Canteen is one of the supplies your servants bring. I have Ed well trained in serving water, as you can see. 

    IMG_2569

    The restaurants are not too busy. If your people are very observant and ask the right people, you might find a few restaurant patios where you can tuck under a table while you treat your hard-working staff to a meal. 

    IMG_7647

    Your people may have more company over, if they have outdoor space to share. You can see my pal Tricky here as she acted as hostess to my people on her patio, so I could have an evening of peace and quiet with a goat cheese stuffed KONG.

    Many times June has my favorite weather. Not too hot and not too cold. What more could a Duchess request of a month? So I'm calling on all the Boston dogs to get their people out to enjoy this great month in Boston.

     

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Duchess Poppy Whitehead as dictated to her retainers, Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: ©2015- 2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
    My Little Sunday Dog …
    A Sunday Beach Dog Playing on the Tidal Flats
    Let Your Sunday Dog Take the Lead

  • 2017 Concerts in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library

    Once again the Boston Public Library comes through with free entertainment for those of us who take advantage of the endless ways this Boston resource serves the public. The Concerts in the Courtyard series for 2017 begins today and will continue through August 30th.

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    Here's what the folks at the BPL have told us about this season:

    "The Courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square, one of Boston's most beautiful spaces, is filled with music during free, one-hour concerts throughout the summer.  

    Can't sneak away from the office for our noon performances? We will be streaming the Friday concerts live on our Facebook page."

    Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. All the concerts are free.

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    June schedule:

    Area 9 Quartet, Friday, June 2, 12:30 p.m. Area 9 Quartet is a Boston-based ensemble dedicated to exploring the rich, diverse, and ever-growing chamber music repertoire for saxophone.

    Marco Mares, Wednesday, June 7, 6 p.m. Marco Mares is a singer-songwriter from Mexico City who showcased his fresh and honest pop sound in his debut album Para Ella (2014). Marco’s interactive performances highlight fun, funky pop mixed with romantic Spanish lyrics.

    Boston Philharmonic, Friday, June 9, 12:30 p.m. Join members of the Boston Philharmonic as they perform chamber and quartet music, taking their passion out of the concert hall to the public as part of their education and community outreach program, Crescendo!

    Francesca Crowley, Wednesday, June 14, 6 p.m. Francesca’s influences include songwriters such as Stevie Nicks, Norah Jones, and Joni Mitchell, and she strives to create new and different music inspired by her life.

    Project STEP, Friday, June 16, 12:30 p.m. Project STEP (String Training and Education Program) recognizes that certain racial and ethnic minorities are vastly underrepresented in classical music. Their mission is to address this imbalance by identifying musically talented children from underrepresented Boston and surrounding communities and providing them with comprehensive music and string instrument instruction.

    Maro Maro, Wednesday, June 21, 6 p.m. Maro Maro is a singer-songwriter, pianist, and guitarist from Lisbon, Portugal.

    Francisco Roldán, Friday, June 23, 12:30 p.m. Colombian-born guitarist Francisco Roldán plays solo and chamber music nationally and internationally. Roldán presents a concert of lyrical, rhythmic, and sensual music by Central and South American composers on the classical guitar.

    Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m. Aliya Cycon Project (ACP) blends Aliya Cycon’s soulful compositions with characteristics of traditional Arabic music to create an unforgettable East-meets-West experience.

    Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) Intensive Community Program (ICP), Friday, June 30, 12:30 p.m. The Intensive Community Program is a rigorous instrument training program that brings quality classical music instruction to underrepresented communities.

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    July and August schedule:

    • Brandon Diaz, Wednesday, July 5, 6 p.m. 
    • NorthStar Duo, Friday, July 7, 12:30 p.m.
    • Samuel Batista, Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m. 
    • Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 14, 12:30 p.m.
    • Niu Raza, Wednesday, July 19, 6 p.m.
    • Joel LaRue Smith, Friday, July 21, 12:30 p.m.
    • BEARD, Wednesday, July 26, 6 p.m. 
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, July 28, 12:30 p.m.
    • Harshitha Krishnan, Wednesday, August 2, 6 p.m.
    • Kenn Morr Band, Friday, August 4, 12:30 p.m.
    • Sleeping Lion, Wednesday, August 9, 6 p.m.
    • Boston Philharmonic, Friday, August 11, 12:30 p.m.
    • Venezuelan Project, Wednesday, August 16, 6 p.m. 
    • Night Tree, Friday, August 18, 12:30 p.m.
    • Abby Carey, Wednesday, August 23, 6 p.m.
    • Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 25, 12:30 p.m.
    • Amber Olivia Kiner, Wednesday, August 30, 6 p.m.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • 2017 Concerts in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library

    Once again the Boston Public Library comes through with free entertainment for those of us who take advantage of the endless ways this Boston resource serves the public. The Concerts in the Courtyard series for 2017 begins today and will continue through August 30th.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c791e447970b-800wi

    Here's what the folks at the BPL have told us about this season:

    "The Courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square, one of Boston's most beautiful spaces, is filled with music during free, one-hour concerts throughout the summer.  

    Can't sneak away from the office for our noon performances? We will be streaming the Friday concerts live on our Facebook page."

    Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. All the concerts are free.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73df9e8f1970d-800wi

    June schedule:

    Area 9 Quartet, Friday, June 2, 12:30 p.m. Area 9 Quartet is a Boston-based ensemble dedicated to exploring the rich, diverse, and ever-growing chamber music repertoire for saxophone.

    Marco Mares, Wednesday, June 7, 6 p.m. Marco Mares is a singer-songwriter from Mexico City who showcased his fresh and honest pop sound in his debut album Para Ella (2014). Marco’s interactive performances highlight fun, funky pop mixed with romantic Spanish lyrics.

    Boston Philharmonic, Friday, June 9, 12:30 p.m. Join members of the Boston Philharmonic as they perform chamber and quartet music, taking their passion out of the concert hall to the public as part of their education and community outreach program, Crescendo!

    Francesca Crowley, Wednesday, June 14, 6 p.m. Francesca’s influences include songwriters such as Stevie Nicks, Norah Jones, and Joni Mitchell, and she strives to create new and different music inspired by her life.

    Project STEP, Friday, June 16, 12:30 p.m. Project STEP (String Training and Education Program) recognizes that certain racial and ethnic minorities are vastly underrepresented in classical music. Their mission is to address this imbalance by identifying musically talented children from underrepresented Boston and surrounding communities and providing them with comprehensive music and string instrument instruction.

    Maro Maro, Wednesday, June 21, 6 p.m. Maro Maro is a singer-songwriter, pianist, and guitarist from Lisbon, Portugal.

    Francisco Roldán, Friday, June 23, 12:30 p.m. Colombian-born guitarist Francisco Roldán plays solo and chamber music nationally and internationally. Roldán presents a concert of lyrical, rhythmic, and sensual music by Central and South American composers on the classical guitar.

    Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, June 28, 6 p.m. Aliya Cycon Project (ACP) blends Aliya Cycon’s soulful compositions with characteristics of traditional Arabic music to create an unforgettable East-meets-West experience.

    Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO) Intensive Community Program (ICP), Friday, June 30, 12:30 p.m. The Intensive Community Program is a rigorous instrument training program that brings quality classical music instruction to underrepresented communities.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019104fc4104970c-800wi

    July and August schedule:

    • Brandon Diaz, Wednesday, July 5, 6 p.m. 
    • NorthStar Duo, Friday, July 7, 12:30 p.m.
    • Samuel Batista, Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m. 
    • Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 14, 12:30 p.m.
    • Niu Raza, Wednesday, July 19, 6 p.m.
    • Joel LaRue Smith, Friday, July 21, 12:30 p.m.
    • BEARD, Wednesday, July 26, 6 p.m. 
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, July 28, 12:30 p.m.
    • Harshitha Krishnan, Wednesday, August 2, 6 p.m.
    • Kenn Morr Band, Friday, August 4, 12:30 p.m.
    • Sleeping Lion, Wednesday, August 9, 6 p.m.
    • Boston Philharmonic, Friday, August 11, 12:30 p.m.
    • Venezuelan Project, Wednesday, August 16, 6 p.m. 
    • Night Tree, Friday, August 18, 12:30 p.m.
    • Abby Carey, Wednesday, August 23, 6 p.m.
    • Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 25, 12:30 p.m.
    • Amber Olivia Kiner, Wednesday, August 30, 6 p.m.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2008-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino