Category: Resources

The Improper Bostonian Puts MC Slim JB Back in Print

For those of us who rely on great food scouts to lead us to delicious, it is good to see the MC Slim JB byline back in print thanks to The Improper Bostonian.

Since the demise of the Boston Phoenix and Stuff Magazine, we have been able to follow MC Slim JB on forums and social media. But, we love that now regular deadlines will assure us of a steady flow of recommendations.

Here are the first two reviews for The Improper Bostonian:

Hidden Manna: Soulful Puerto Rican fare, hiding in plain sight

Mittel Ground: Tim Wiechmann plugs a huge hole in Boston’s dining scene

And, here is MC Slim JB headquarters where you will find links to years of great food writing.

Twitter: @mcslimjb

Facebook: MC Slim JB

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. What's on your "Off to College" shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your back to school needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screen shot from the Improper Bostonian

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 add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

August 30, 2013
The Improper Bostonian Puts MC Slim JB Back in Print

For those of us who rely on great food scouts to lead us to delicious, it is good to see the MC Slim JB byline back in print thanks to The Improper Bostonian.

Since the demise of the Boston Phoenix and Stuff Magazine, we have been able to follow MC Slim JB on forums and social media. But, we love that now regular deadlines will assure us of a steady flow of recommendations.

Here are the first two reviews for The Improper Bostonian:

Hidden Manna: Soulful Puerto Rican fare, hiding in plain sight

Mittel Ground: Tim Wiechmann plugs a huge hole in Boston’s dining scene

And, here is MC Slim JB headquarters where you will find links to years of great food writing.

Twitter: @mcslimjb

Facebook: MC Slim JB

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. What's on your "Off to College" shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your back to school needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screen shot from the Improper Bostonian

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 add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

August 30, 2013
Poppy Says, “Time for Some Emergency Planning”

Here's Poppy with her bright red emergency bag ready to go out the door. It's also her pre-packed travel bag with everything she needs, except food and water, when we travel. (We have an emergency backpack that has a supply of food and water for all of us.)

The heart of hurricane season is here. If you have companion animals, you need a plan because, should a storm or other disaster strike, you are on your own when it comes to finding shelter for your entire family.

The City of Boston ReadyBoston program says, “Don't forget your pets! If your family needs to go to a shelter, please know that all Red Cross shelters and many others do not allow pets unless they are service animals. Talk to your veterinarian now to determine where the closest emergency animal shelter is located to ensure your pet's safety.”

Make Your Own Plan & Emergency Kit

I doubt your veterinarian will have a satisfactory answer to that question. You have to make plans for a safe place to go with your animals in case of an emergency. While large scale disasters come to mind, it could also be a water leak or fire in your building.

If you have a friend or relative who will shelter you for a few days, that is ideal. You should also have the phone numbers of a few pet-friendly hotels, both near your home and in the surrounding areas, where you might reserve a room until the immediate danger has passed and those charged with emergency management begin to offer solutions for families with animals.

MSPCA Emergency Resource Pages

The MSPCA has set up a very complete and helpful collection of disaster planning resources on their website.

They break down what you need to do into three sections:

Preparedness Before the Disaster

Evacuation Essentials

After the Disaster

Support Pending Legislation

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is act to change the current situation that leaves those of us with companion animals on our own in disaster situations.

State Senator Karen Spilka has introduced, “An Act ensuring the safety of people with pets in disasters.” It is bill number S. 1172. Contact your state senator and representative and ask them to support S. 1172. The MSPCA has a page explaining what this legistation will do and why it should be supported.

Ask the Mayoral Candidates

Since we have a mayoral race underway in Boston, you might ask those candidates what they'll do to change the city’s emergency plans to include those of us who consider our animals part of our family.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your Shopping List. Click here for savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & 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, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

August 25, 2013
Poppy Says, “Time for Some Emergency Planning”

Here's Poppy with her bright red emergency bag ready to go out the door. It's also her pre-packed travel bag with everything she needs, except food and water, when we travel. (We have an emergency backpack that has a supply of food and water for all of us.)

The heart of hurricane season is here. If you have companion animals, you need a plan because, should a storm or other disaster strike, you are on your own when it comes to finding shelter for your entire family.

The City of Boston ReadyBoston program says, “Don't forget your pets! If your family needs to go to a shelter, please know that all Red Cross shelters and many others do not allow pets unless they are service animals. Talk to your veterinarian now to determine where the closest emergency animal shelter is located to ensure your pet's safety.”

Make Your Own Plan & Emergency Kit

I doubt your veterinarian will have a satisfactory answer to that question. You have to make plans for a safe place to go with your animals in case of an emergency. While large scale disasters come to mind, it could also be a water leak or fire in your building.

If you have a friend or relative who will shelter you for a few days, that is ideal. You should also have the phone numbers of a few pet-friendly hotels, both near your home and in the surrounding areas, where you might reserve a room until the immediate danger has passed and those charged with emergency management begin to offer solutions for families with animals.

MSPCA Emergency Resource Pages

The MSPCA has set up a very complete and helpful collection of disaster planning resources on their website.

They break down what you need to do into three sections:

Preparedness Before the Disaster

Evacuation Essentials

After the Disaster

Support Pending Legislation

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is act to change the current situation that leaves those of us with companion animals on our own in disaster situations.

State Senator Karen Spilka has introduced, “An Act ensuring the safety of people with pets in disasters.” It is bill number S. 1172. Contact your state senator and representative and ask them to support S. 1172. The MSPCA has a page explaining what this legistation will do and why it should be supported.

Ask the Mayoral Candidates

Since we have a mayoral race underway in Boston, you might ask those candidates what they'll do to change the city’s emergency plans to include those of us who consider our animals part of our family.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your Shopping List. Click here for savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & 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, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

August 25, 2013
Poppy Says, “Time for Some Emergency Planning”

Here's Poppy with her bright red emergency bag ready to go out the door. It's also her pre-packed travel bag with everything she needs, except food and water, when we travel. (We have an emergency backpack that has a supply of food and water for all of us.)

The heart of hurricane season is here. If you have companion animals, you need a plan because, should a storm or other disaster strike, you are on your own when it comes to finding shelter for your entire family.

The City of Boston ReadyBoston program says, “Don't forget your pets! If your family needs to go to a shelter, please know that all Red Cross shelters and many others do not allow pets unless they are service animals. Talk to your veterinarian now to determine where the closest emergency animal shelter is located to ensure your pet's safety.”

Make Your Own Plan & Emergency Kit

I doubt your veterinarian will have a satisfactory answer to that question. You have to make plans for a safe place to go with your animals in case of an emergency. While large scale disasters come to mind, it could also be a water leak or fire in your building.

If you have a friend or relative who will shelter you for a few days, that is ideal. You should also have the phone numbers of a few pet-friendly hotels, both near your home and in the surrounding areas, where you might reserve a room until the immediate danger has passed and those charged with emergency management begin to offer solutions for families with animals.

MSPCA Emergency Resource Pages

The MSPCA has set up a very complete and helpful collection of disaster planning resources on their website.

They break down what you need to do into three sections:

Preparedness Before the Disaster

Evacuation Essentials

After the Disaster

Support Pending Legislation

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is act to change the current situation that leaves those of us with companion animals on our own in disaster situations.

State Senator Karen Spilka has introduced, “An Act ensuring the safety of people with pets in disasters.” It is bill number S. 1172. Contact your state senator and representative and ask them to support S. 1172. The MSPCA has a page explaining what this legistation will do and why it should be supported.

Ask the Mayoral Candidates

Since we have a mayoral race underway in Boston, you might ask those candidates what they'll do to change the city’s emergency plans to include those of us who consider our animals part of our family.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your Shopping List. Click here for savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & 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, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

August 25, 2013
Fall 2013 Boston Hazardous Waste Collection, E Waste, and Shredding

The City of Boston has announced the 2013 Fall Household Hazardous Waste collection dates with September 7th and November 23rd next on the list.

And, on Saturday September 7th, you will also be able to drop off e-waste for Electronics recycing and shred paper at the Bayside Expo Center. So, dump those old files, checks, and such into a big box and take them along.

It's time to clean out under sinks, storage areas, and garages and remove all those unwanted hazards from your home.

Saturday, September 7th, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

University of Massachusetts-Boston Harbor Campus, Parking lot D, Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester (Map)

With Electronics Recycling and paper shredding at Bayside Expo

Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

West Roxbury Public Works Yard, 315 Gardner Street, West Roxbury (Map)

Here are highlights of the city's published guidelines from their Hazardous Waste page:

For a complete list of acceptable materials, download the flyer here.

For Boston residents only. No commercial waste will be accepted. Proof of residency required. The City reserves the right to reject materials. For more information call 617-635-4500.

TVs & Computer Monitors

The City says, "… call 617-635-4500 to schedule curbside pickup of TVs and computer monitors or place an online service request."

Latex Paint & Acrylic Paint

The city advises, "Latex/Acrylic Paint Is Not Hazardous. Latex and Acrylic Paint can be disposed of with regular trash." "… must make sure any paint left in the paint can is [be] completely dried before putting out with trash."

Get rid of the junk, and then don't bring more of it back into your home.

Clean out under your sink, your cleaning closet, gardening shed, garage, and storage areas. Once your home is free from toxic, flammable, and other dangerous materials, learn how to avoid bringing more of this stuff back into your life.

Here are three great books to help you change your hazardous ways.

And, remember, when you start any of your Amazon shopping from here, you support BostonZest and keep information like this flowing your way.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Screenshot: From City of Boston website

August 16, 2013
Fall 2013 Boston Hazardous Waste Collection, E Waste, and Shredding

The City of Boston has announced the 2013 Fall Household Hazardous Waste collection dates with September 7th and November 23rd next on the list.

And, on Saturday September 7th, you will also be able to drop off e-waste for Electronics recycing and shred paper at the Bayside Expo Center. So, dump those old files, checks, and such into a big box and take them along.

It's time to clean out under sinks, storage areas, and garages and remove all those unwanted hazards from your home.

Saturday, September 7th, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

University of Massachusetts-Boston Harbor Campus, Parking lot D, Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester (Map)

With Electronics Recycling and paper shredding at Bayside Expo

Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

West Roxbury Public Works Yard, 315 Gardner Street, West Roxbury (Map)

Here are highlights of the city's published guidelines from their Hazardous Waste page:

For a complete list of acceptable materials, download the flyer here.

For Boston residents only. No commercial waste will be accepted. Proof of residency required. The City reserves the right to reject materials. For more information call 617-635-4500.

TVs & Computer Monitors

The City says, "… call 617-635-4500 to schedule curbside pickup of TVs and computer monitors or place an online service request."

Latex Paint & Acrylic Paint

The city advises, "Latex/Acrylic Paint Is Not Hazardous. Latex and Acrylic Paint can be disposed of with regular trash." "… must make sure any paint left in the paint can is [be] completely dried before putting out with trash."

Get rid of the junk, and then don't bring more of it back into your home.

Clean out under your sink, your cleaning closet, gardening shed, garage, and storage areas. Once your home is free from toxic, flammable, and other dangerous materials, learn how to avoid bringing more of this stuff back into your life.

Here are three great books to help you change your hazardous ways.

And, remember, when you start any of your Amazon shopping from here, you support BostonZest and keep information like this flowing your way.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Screenshot: From City of Boston website

August 16, 2013
Fall 2013 Boston Hazardous Waste Collection, E Waste, and Shredding

The City of Boston has announced the 2013 Fall Household Hazardous Waste collection dates with September 7th and November 23rd next on the list.

And, on Saturday September 7th, you will also be able to drop off e-waste for Electronics recycing and shred paper at the Bayside Expo Center. So, dump those old files, checks, and such into a big box and take them along.

It's time to clean out under sinks, storage areas, and garages and remove all those unwanted hazards from your home.

Saturday, September 7th, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

University of Massachusetts-Boston Harbor Campus, Parking lot D, Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester (Map)

With Electronics Recycling and paper shredding at Bayside Expo

Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 from 9am to 2pm

West Roxbury Public Works Yard, 315 Gardner Street, West Roxbury (Map)

Here are highlights of the city's published guidelines from their Hazardous Waste page:

For a complete list of acceptable materials, download the flyer here.

For Boston residents only. No commercial waste will be accepted. Proof of residency required. The City reserves the right to reject materials. For more information call 617-635-4500.

TVs & Computer Monitors

The City says, "… call 617-635-4500 to schedule curbside pickup of TVs and computer monitors or place an online service request."

Latex Paint & Acrylic Paint

The city advises, "Latex/Acrylic Paint Is Not Hazardous. Latex and Acrylic Paint can be disposed of with regular trash." "… must make sure any paint left in the paint can is [be] completely dried before putting out with trash."

Get rid of the junk, and then don't bring more of it back into your home.

Clean out under your sink, your cleaning closet, gardening shed, garage, and storage areas. Once your home is free from toxic, flammable, and other dangerous materials, learn how to avoid bringing more of this stuff back into your life.

Here are three great books to help you change your hazardous ways.

And, remember, when you start any of your Amazon shopping from here, you support BostonZest and keep information like this flowing your way.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Screenshot: From City of Boston website

August 16, 2013
What’s Open in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules Labor Day 2013

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 2, 2013.

This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we'll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one.

Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about fishing along the Esplanade?

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Liquor stores: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to open.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services:In general, as the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Update 09.01.13: Via @NotifyBoston "8:02am [HOLIDAY] Tow Lot Open Sunday 9/1 8:30AM-5:30PM and Monday 9/2 9:30AM-4:30PM."

Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2013- There are some temporary restrictions from 8/30 to 9/5 in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.

Street Sweeping: The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash Collection:
The City says,

"Monday September 2, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Labor Day Schedule, September 2, 2013

Update: 08/20/13 – The MBTA Labor Day Schedule will be on this page through the holiday and disappear afterward.

Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the link above for these exceptions.

For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."

If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & 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, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

August 13, 2013
What’s Open in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules Labor Day 2013

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 2, 2013.

This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we'll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one.

Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about fishing along the Esplanade?

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Liquor stores: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to open.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services:In general, as the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Update 09.01.13: Via @NotifyBoston "8:02am [HOLIDAY] Tow Lot Open Sunday 9/1 8:30AM-5:30PM and Monday 9/2 9:30AM-4:30PM."

Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2013- There are some temporary restrictions from 8/30 to 9/5 in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.

Street Sweeping: The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash Collection:
The City says,

"Monday September 2, 2013

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

Delay trash and recycling collection a day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Labor Day Schedule, September 2, 2013

Update: 08/20/13 – The MBTA Labor Day Schedule will be on this page through the holiday and disappear afterward.

Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the link above for these exceptions.

For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."

If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & 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, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

August 13, 2013