bostonzest

Category: Editorial Page

  • Do Not Block Intersection! State Law, $150 Fine

    As one of the key alternate routes, traffic coming across the Harvard Bridge (Mass Ave Bridge) onto Massachusetts Avenue in both directions was under careful scrutiny at the start of the Longfellow Bridge Project.

    DSC_6992 - Version 22013-08-03-do-not-block-intersection-grid-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We don't know if the new grid patterns painted on intersections and the addtion of signs to the lights was a direct result of having a police officer on every block. But, these things did happen at the same time. 

    DSC_6983 - Version 22013-08-03-do-not-block-intersection-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Obviously, it will take more than signs. It will take enforcement and a few fines to make any progress towards the goal of avoiding gridlock by convincing Boston drivers to obey the law.

    CHE_8862 - Version 22013-08-09-cars-gridlick-blocking-intersection-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    That law says, "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not cross or enter an intersection, which it is unable to proceed through, without stopping and thereby blocking vehicles from travelling in a free direction. A green light is no defense to blocking the intersection. The driver must wait another cycle of the signal light, if necessary." Here's a link that that section of the Massachusetts laws.

    CHE_8812 - Version 22013-08-09-cars-gridlick-blocking-intersection-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    CHE_8824 - Version 22013-08-09-cars-gridlick-blocking-intersection-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It is also illegal to stop in any crosswalk: 

    "…nor shall any such operator enter a marked crosswalk while a pedestrian is crossing or until there is a sufficient space beyond the crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating, notwithstanding that a traffic control signal may indicate that vehicles may proceed." Here's a link to that section of the Massachusetts laws. 

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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 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.

  • Do Not Block Intersection! State Law, $150 Fine

    As one of the key alternate routes, traffic coming across the Harvard Bridge (Mass Ave Bridge) onto Massachusetts Avenue in both directions was under careful scrutiny at the start of the Longfellow Bridge Project.

    DSC_6992 - Version 22013-08-03-do-not-block-intersection-grid-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We don't know if the new grid patterns painted on intersections and the addtion of signs to the lights was a direct result of having a police officer on every block. But, these things did happen at the same time. 

    DSC_6983 - Version 22013-08-03-do-not-block-intersection-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Obviously, it will take more than signs. It will take enforcement and a few fines to make any progress towards the goal of avoiding gridlock by convincing Boston drivers to obey the law.

    CHE_8862 - Version 22013-08-09-cars-gridlick-blocking-intersection-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    That law says, "The driver of a motor vehicle shall not cross or enter an intersection, which it is unable to proceed through, without stopping and thereby blocking vehicles from travelling in a free direction. A green light is no defense to blocking the intersection. The driver must wait another cycle of the signal light, if necessary." Here's a link that that section of the Massachusetts laws.

    CHE_8812 - Version 22013-08-09-cars-gridlick-blocking-intersection-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    CHE_8824 - Version 22013-08-09-cars-gridlick-blocking-intersection-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    It is also illegal to stop in any crosswalk: 

    "…nor shall any such operator enter a marked crosswalk while a pedestrian is crossing or until there is a sufficient space beyond the crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating, notwithstanding that a traffic control signal may indicate that vehicles may proceed." Here's a link to that section of the Massachusetts laws. 

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

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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 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.

  • Thinking of Our City and Our Visitors

    CHE_5254 - Version 22013-04-15marathon flags© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Yesterday, we were out taking photos of a beautiful event on a beautiful day. The marathon flags were flying from the Old South Church. A few hours later, we were grateful that we were back home downloading photos when the explosions happened.

    We're thinking about our neighbors, local businesses, and all of Boston's visitors. In a moment everything changed for them. We'll all carry a piece of this day in our hearts for the rest of our lives. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families.

    We also saw the city come together to help the runners, their families, and one another. Bostonians are good people. And, we are so proud of our emergency responders and the BAA volunteers who stood their ground and did a difficult job.

    We believe that getting back to normal is an important part of healing, and of not giving in to those who would have us live in fear. Tomorrow, we'll resume our scheduled posts about getting on with life in Boston.

    Penny & Ed Cherubino

  • Thinking of Our City and Our Visitors

    CHE_5254 - Version 22013-04-15marathon flags© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Yesterday, we were out taking photos of a beautiful event on a beautiful day. The marathon flags were flying from the Old South Church. A few hours later, we were grateful that we were back home downloading photos when the explosions happened.

    We're thinking about our neighbors, local businesses, and all of Boston's visitors. In a moment everything changed for them. We'll all carry a piece of this day in our hearts for the rest of our lives. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families.

    We also saw the city come together to help the runners, their families, and one another. Bostonians are good people. And, we are so proud of our emergency responders and the BAA volunteers who stood their ground and did a difficult job.

    We believe that getting back to normal is an important part of healing, and of not giving in to those who would have us live in fear. Tomorrow, we'll resume our scheduled posts about getting on with life in Boston.

    Penny & Ed Cherubino

  • Thinking of Our City and Our Visitors

    CHE_5254 - Version 22013-04-15marathon flags© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Yesterday, we were out taking photos of a beautiful event on a beautiful day. The marathon flags were flying from the Old South Church. A few hours later, we were grateful that we were back home downloading photos when the explosions happened.

    We're thinking about our neighbors, local businesses, and all of Boston's visitors. In a moment everything changed for them. We'll all carry a piece of this day in our hearts for the rest of our lives. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families.

    We also saw the city come together to help the runners, their families, and one another. Bostonians are good people. And, we are so proud of our emergency responders and the BAA volunteers who stood their ground and did a difficult job.

    We believe that getting back to normal is an important part of healing, and of not giving in to those who would have us live in fear. Tomorrow, we'll resume our scheduled posts about getting on with life in Boston.

    Penny & Ed Cherubino

  • Clearly, Pedestrians Are Not Top Priority in Boston

    Since we all walk in the city – no matter what our primary means of transportation – you might think that walkers would be a top priority for the Public Works efforts. Clearly we are not. 

    DSC_2849 - Version 22013-03-25-crosswalk-snowed-in-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's a snowbank-blocked crosswalk in Kenmore Square. This was taken on Monday. I think the city has had time to clear it since the last snowfall. But, it seems to have been there for a few storms. What's more, it is in front of a building that houses seniors.

    Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, street sweepers were working hard a couple of blocks away to clear every speck of sand from the bike lanes surrounding the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. That shows what the City of Boston deems important. 

    Here's some recommended reading for those, like me, who think there is something wrong with this picture. 

    From one of the city's smart bloggers, The Walking Bostonian, Getting Our Priorties Straight. 

    And, for your book list, Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time


     

    When I read this book, I learned in detail how many of the bad decisions made in Boston's effort to make bikes a prioity hurt my pedestrian experience.

    I knew I was no longer comfortable walking on Mass Ave after the bike lanes were installed but didn't realize that any comprehensive urban planner should have known I would feel this way. Parked cars offer walkers a barrier and sense of security.

    I wonder how avoiding these sidewalks, now unprotected from high speed traffic, will impact Mass Ave businesses? What about other places that walkers will instictively avoid?

    Do you walk around the city? Do you think walking is the top priority for city planners? What are your pet peeves as a pedestrian? 

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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.

    Related articles
    How to Use Your Observational Skills in a Boston Real Estate Search
    BU Introduces New Cycling Safety Measures Along Comm. Ave
    what it means if you don't j-walk.
    Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

  • Clearly, Pedestrians Are Not Top Priority in Boston

    Since we all walk in the city – no matter what our primary means of transportation – you might think that walkers would be a top priority for the Public Works efforts. Clearly we are not. 

    DSC_2849 - Version 22013-03-25-crosswalk-snowed-in-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's a snowbank-blocked crosswalk in Kenmore Square. This was taken on Monday. I think the city has had time to clear it since the last snowfall. But, it seems to have been there for a few storms. What's more, it is in front of a building that houses seniors.

    Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, street sweepers were working hard a couple of blocks away to clear every speck of sand from the bike lanes surrounding the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. That shows what the City of Boston deems important. 

    Here's some recommended reading for those, like me, who think there is something wrong with this picture. 

    From one of the city's smart bloggers, The Walking Bostonian, Getting Our Priorties Straight. 

    And, for your book list, Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time


     

    When I read this book, I learned in detail how many of the bad decisions made in Boston's effort to make bikes a prioity hurt my pedestrian experience.

    I knew I was no longer comfortable walking on Mass Ave after the bike lanes were installed but didn't realize that any comprehensive urban planner should have known I would feel this way. Parked cars offer walkers a barrier and sense of security.

    I wonder how avoiding these sidewalks, now unprotected from high speed traffic, will impact Mass Ave businesses? What about other places that walkers will instictively avoid?

    Do you walk around the city? Do you think walking is the top priority for city planners? What are your pet peeves as a pedestrian? 

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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.

    Related articles
    How to Use Your Observational Skills in a Boston Real Estate Search
    BU Introduces New Cycling Safety Measures Along Comm. Ave
    what it means if you don't j-walk.
    Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

  • Clearly, Pedestrians Are Not Top Priority in Boston

    Since we all walk in the city – no matter what our primary means of transportation – you might think that walkers would be a top priority for the Public Works efforts. Clearly we are not. 

    DSC_2849 - Version 22013-03-25-crosswalk-snowed-in-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's a snowbank-blocked crosswalk in Kenmore Square. This was taken on Monday. I think the city has had time to clear it since the last snowfall. But, it seems to have been there for a few storms. What's more, it is in front of a building that houses seniors.

    Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, street sweepers were working hard a couple of blocks away to clear every speck of sand from the bike lanes surrounding the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. That shows what the City of Boston deems important. 

    Here's some recommended reading for those, like me, who think there is something wrong with this picture. 

    From one of the city's smart bloggers, The Walking Bostonian, Getting Our Priorties Straight. 

    And, for your book list, Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time


     

    When I read this book, I learned in detail how many of the bad decisions made in Boston's effort to make bikes a prioity hurt my pedestrian experience.

    I knew I was no longer comfortable walking on Mass Ave after the bike lanes were installed but didn't realize that any comprehensive urban planner should have known I would feel this way. Parked cars offer walkers a barrier and sense of security.

    I wonder how avoiding these sidewalks, now unprotected from high speed traffic, will impact Mass Ave businesses? What about other places that walkers will instictively avoid?

    Do you walk around the city? Do you think walking is the top priority for city planners? What are your pet peeves as a pedestrian? 

    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 Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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.

    Related articles
    How to Use Your Observational Skills in a Boston Real Estate Search
    BU Introduces New Cycling Safety Measures Along Comm. Ave
    what it means if you don't j-walk.
    Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

  • High Back Booths or Irish Snugs, a Solution to the Noise Problem?

    Are there restaurants you don't go to because of the noise level? I have a long list of places I've put on my, "not worth it because of noise level" list.

    Do you miss those old high back booths that gave you some protection from the sounds crashing around the interior of an otherwise great place to dine? 

    IStock_000006571503XSmall

    Photo: iStockphoto photo

    I saw a link between two discussions over on the Boston Board of Chowhound. One was about  "Great Booths." Someone was looking for the highest back booths they could find. Members of the community gave a few suggestions like Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain.

    From the answers, came an interesting twist to Irish Snugs. These were small rooms within Irish Pubs where you could have a tipple in private if you were a woman or perhaps a policeman on duty. 

    Here is one sample image.

    Here's one for sale on eBay should you want your own.

    There are also ongoing discussions about the noise levels in area restaurants. 

    Ideas for good food and quiet conversation?

    Let’s make a list of obnoxiously loud restos (This one ran to 48 replies as of last check.)

    Good, Quiet Restaurant in Back Bay? (only 6 replies here)

    If you put the word "quiet" into the Chowhound Boston seach box, you'll find dozens of conversations. 

    While I know that it's not going to happen, wouldn't it be nice if a few spots were set aside in some of the unreasonably loud restaurants so that those of us who would like to try the food could reserve a snug or high backed booth with no speakers nearby or a private volume control for the nearest ones? 

    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: iStockphoto.com 

    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.

    Related articles
    Urban noise 'reduces bird diversity'
    Acoustical Solutions Releases Noise Pollution Infographic
    It's Irish Soda Bread Season!

  • High Back Booths or Irish Snugs, a Solution to the Noise Problem?

    Are there restaurants you don't go to because of the noise level? I have a long list of places I've put on my, "not worth it because of noise level" list.

    Do you miss those old high back booths that gave you some protection from the sounds crashing around the interior of an otherwise great place to dine? 

    IStock_000006571503XSmall

    Photo: iStockphoto photo

    I saw a link between two discussions over on the Boston Board of Chowhound. One was about  "Great Booths." Someone was looking for the highest back booths they could find. Members of the community gave a few suggestions like Doyle's Cafe in Jamaica Plain.

    From the answers, came an interesting twist to Irish Snugs. These were small rooms within Irish Pubs where you could have a tipple in private if you were a woman or perhaps a policeman on duty. 

    Here is one sample image.

    Here's one for sale on eBay should you want your own.

    There are also ongoing discussions about the noise levels in area restaurants. 

    Ideas for good food and quiet conversation?

    Let’s make a list of obnoxiously loud restos (This one ran to 48 replies as of last check.)

    Good, Quiet Restaurant in Back Bay? (only 6 replies here)

    If you put the word "quiet" into the Chowhound Boston seach box, you'll find dozens of conversations. 

    While I know that it's not going to happen, wouldn't it be nice if a few spots were set aside in some of the unreasonably loud restaurants so that those of us who would like to try the food could reserve a snug or high backed booth with no speakers nearby or a private volume control for the nearest ones? 

    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: iStockphoto.com 

    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.

    Related articles
    Urban noise 'reduces bird diversity'
    Acoustical Solutions Releases Noise Pollution Infographic
    It's Irish Soda Bread Season!