bostonzest

Tag: Adam Gaffin

  • Make Universal Hub a Morning Habit

    We all have morning routines. Universal Hub (UH) is part of mine. Since keeping up with local news is important to me, I read newspapers and each morning I visit Universal Hub to get a very local update on what happened overnight or the latest on first responder incidents that I heard on our scanner.

    Screen Shot 2017-05-23 at Tuesday May 23 20179.06.39 AM

    This late day incident in Chelsea is a great example of why you want to check UH when you hear more sirens than usual, see helicopters circling, or smell smoke. When this was taking place, someone over on the Reddit Boston forum asked about all the state police vehicles on Route 1. Another forum member said that they found out what was happening by going to UH! Good to know I'm not the only one. 

    In addition to the great work of Adam Gaffin and a few regular posters, this can be a good source of crowdsourced information. Regular readers know the commenters with good, reliable information and those with a worn out drum that they beat at every opportunity. 

    As more so called news operations become promotional vehicles for network shows or sports teams, it's important to find your own sources of local news. Universal Hub is one of the best. 

    Support Universal Hub

    As with many other sites, Universal Hub is supported by advertising, affiliate programs, and contributions. 

    There is a link that asks readers,

    "Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) donation."

    You'll find the place to click by scrolling down in the right hand sidebar. The next time you get a great, timely, local answer to your question, "What's going on right now in Boston?" click the link and drop a few coins in the UH tip jar. 

    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
    Screengrab from Universalhub.com 

  • Turn to Universal Hub When You What to Know What’s Happening in Boston

    Here's one of my top tips for newcomers to Boston. If you want news that really matters to your life in Boston, you need to know about Universal Hub.  

    Universal hub

    It's usually the first site I visit each morning. And, when I want to know what's going on: why traffic is stopped on Storrow Drive or why I'm hearing helicopters or non-stop sirens, I call up Adam Gaffin's @universalhub timeline on Twitter. 

    Update

    Stories are updated not only by Adam, but also by commenters, photographers who contribute to the Universal Hub photo pool on Flickr, and by members of the UH community who send additional information to the site via twitter.

    Punny uh

    What's more, much of this hard work is done with a good dose of fun whenever possible. Adam has turned headline writing into a pun art. Some of the world's greatest punsters have been known to participate in a string of punny comments that will have you moaning in that good way that only bad puns can create.

    Mainstream Media Failure

    Local TV news has lost me as a viewer because more and more of these programs have become promotional vehicles for the station, the network, or a sports team. They may present stories, but they are from who knows where, about things that have no impact on your life. Why? Because they have video and because they are really about entertainment rather than news.

    Instead of a half hour of news, you get seven minutes of local news, endless sports and political blather, and lots of hype. They just take the feed from the network to fill the time. If I want local news, I have to turn to sites like UH. 

    Support Universal Hub

    As with many other sites, Universal Hub is supported by advertising, affiliate programs, and contributions. 

    Last year Adam added a link that asks readers,

    "Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) donation."

    You'll find the place to click by scrolling down in the right-hand sidebar. (Or, if you are a long time user, click here and make that contribution now.) The next time you get a great, timely, local answer to your question, "What's going on right now in Boston?" click the link and drop a few coins in the UH tip jar. 

    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
    Screengrabs from Universalhub.com 

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  • Ask @UniversalHub for the Best Crowdsourced Answers In Boston

    Funny how people find a way to get great answers to their questions. Lately, I notice more and more people who direct queries on so many topics to Adam Gaffin (@UniversalHub) and those who follow him on Twitter.

    What's happening

    Since Universal Hub (UH) is one of the most reliable sources of hyperlocal information in Boston, people do ask what's going on when they see police or fire action in their area. 

    Onion soup

    Sometimes the requests are a bit delicious like this one for onion soup.

    Donate luggage

    Or, kindhearted as in finding a place to donate something.

    Skillet jpg

    Or, an opinion from others about a product you might want to buy. 

    Sometimes when the replies flood in, you'll find them gathered as a collection on Universal Hub like this on the best Southern-style Biscuits and Gravy. When you come across one of these, be sure to click on and read the comments posted directly on the UH post.

    Ed and I both rely on Universal Hub for breaking news and fun information and we highly recommend you do the same. Follow @UniversalHub on Twitter and stop by the Universal Hub site a few times a day, especially when you see something that makes you wonder, "What's happening?"

    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

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  • The Bradford Hotel, Elks Hotel, Tremont House – Answering a Twitter Question

    Today's history post about the hotels that have stood at 275 Tremont Street in Boston came about because of a question directed at Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub over on Twitter. 

    Screen Shot 2016-01-11 at Monday, January 11, 20168.56.42 AM

    I took a quick look at some old maps superimposed on today's google view and saw that the building was once the Hotel Bradford.

    Card00130_fr  

    (image from a private collection)

     2380177299_ab22cb468c_z

    (Image from The Tichnor Brothers Collection Boston Public Library)

    Originally it was the Elks Hotel, designed by the architectural firm of McLaughlin & Burr and dedicated in 1926. It was in the heart of Boston's Theatre District because it served as the headquarters of the Boston Lodge 10 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. This organization began as a fraternal group for the entertainers who would be working in this area.  

    0

     (image from a private collection)

    While I did not find any images or postcards, the Bradford Hotel became Tremont House and then was converted to a Courtyard by Marriott. You can see that today in this Google Streetview.

    Screen Shot 2016-01-11 at Monday, January 11, 20169.16.30 AM

    Katie responded with a nice thank you and brought the subject of music into my quest. Yes, Katie, this building did have an important place in the world of music, but it was jazz rather than opera. I'll tell you about that tomorrow with a link to a great three part interview that provided confirmation and a primary source for what I found mentioned elsewhere. (Here's the link to that part of the story!)

    Elks Hotel

    Update 01/15/16: The folks over at Back Bay Houses contributed the image of this postcard to add to our post.

    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
    Images: as credited under each one.

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    Universal Hub for Local, Local, Local News

  • The Bradford Hotel, Elks Hotel, Tremont House – Answering a Twitter Question

    Today's history post about the hotels that have stood at 275 Tremont Street in Boston came about because of a question directed at Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub over on Twitter. 

    Screen Shot 2016-01-11 at Monday, January 11, 20168.56.42 AM

    I took a quick look at some old maps superimposed on today's google view and saw that the building was once the Hotel Bradford.

    Card00130_fr  

    (image from a private collection)

     2380177299_ab22cb468c_z

    (Image from The Tichnor Brothers Collection Boston Public Library)

    Originally it was the Elks Hotel, designed by the architectural firm of McLaughlin & Burr and dedicated in 1926. It was in the heart of Boston's Theatre District because it served as the headquarters of the Boston Lodge 10 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. This organization began as a fraternal group for the entertainers who would be working in this area.  

    0

     (image from a private collection)

    While I did not find any images or postcards, the Bradford Hotel became Tremont House and then was converted to a Courtyard by Marriott. You can see that today in this Google Streetview.

    Screen Shot 2016-01-11 at Monday, January 11, 20169.16.30 AM

    Katie responded with a nice thank you and brought the subject of music into my quest. Yes, Katie, this building did have an important place in the world of music, but it was jazz rather than opera. I'll tell you about that tomorrow with a link to a great three part interview that provided confirmation and a primary source for what I found mentioned elsewhere. (Here's the link to that part of the story!)

    Elks Hotel

    Update 01/15/16: The folks over at Back Bay Houses contributed the image of this postcard to add to our post.

    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
    Images: as credited under each one.

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    Mastering Hamersley's Roast Chicken Recipe
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  • Universal Hub, When You Need to Know What’s Happening in Boston Right Now!

    If you want news that really matters to your life in Boston, you need to know about Universal Hub. 

    Universal Hub screen shot

    I have shortcuts to get to UH, as many fans call it, on every computer in the home, my iPhone and iPad. It's usually the first site I visit each morning. And, when I want to know what's going on: why traffic is stopped on Storrow Drive or why I'm hearing helicopters or non-stop sirens, I call up Adam Gaffin's @universalhub timeline on Twitter. 

    What's more, much of this hard work is done with a good dose of fun whenever possible. Some of the world's greatest punsters have been known to participate in a string of punny comments that will have you moaning in that good way that only bad puns can create.

    Mainstream Media Failure

    A few times this week, I've turned off the local news because more and more of these programs have become promotional vehicles for the station or the network. Or, they are filled with stories, from who knows where, about things that have no impact on your life. Why? Because they have video and because they are really about entertainment rather than news.

    Instead of a half hour of news, you get three minutes of news, endless sports blather, and lots of hype. They just take the feed from the network to fill the time. If I want local news, I have to turn to sites like UH. 

    Support Universal Hub

    As with many other sites, Universal Hub is supported by advertising, affiliate programs, and contributions. 

    Last year Adam added a link that asks readers,

    "Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) donation."

    You'll find the place to click by scrolling down in the right hand sidebar. The next time you get a great, timely, local answer to your question, "What's going on right now in Boston?" click the link and drop a few coins in the UH tip jar. 

    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
    Screengrab from Universalhub.com 

    Related articles
    Welcome Luke's Lobster to Boston
    Canoe Racing on the Charles: 1930s Marathon Style
    Champagne Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée, Love at First Sip!

  • Universal Hub, When You Need to Know What’s Happening in Boston Right Now!

    If you want news that really matters to your life in Boston, you need to know about Universal Hub. 

    Universal Hub screen shot

    I have shortcuts to get to UH, as many fans call it, on every computer in the home, my iPhone and iPad. It's usually the first site I visit each morning. And, when I want to know what's going on: why traffic is stopped on Storrow Drive or why I'm hearing helicopters or non-stop sirens, I call up Adam Gaffin's @universalhub timeline on Twitter. 

    What's more, much of this hard work is done with a good dose of fun whenever possible. Some of the world's greatest punsters have been known to participate in a string of punny comments that will have you moaning in that good way that only bad puns can create.

    Mainstream Media Failure

    A few times this week, I've turned off the local news because more and more of these programs have become promotional vehicles for the station or the network. Or, they are filled with stories, from who knows where, about things that have no impact on your life. Why? Because they have video and because they are really about entertainment rather than news.

    Instead of a half hour of news, you get three minutes of news, endless sports blather, and lots of hype. They just take the feed from the network to fill the time. If I want local news, I have to turn to sites like UH. 

    Support Universal Hub

    As with many other sites, Universal Hub is supported by advertising, affiliate programs, and contributions. 

    Last year Adam added a link that asks readers,

    "Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) donation."

    You'll find the place to click by scrolling down in the right hand sidebar. The next time you get a great, timely, local answer to your question, "What's going on right now in Boston?" click the link and drop a few coins in the UH tip jar. 

    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
    Screengrab from Universalhub.com 

    Related articles
    Welcome Luke's Lobster to Boston
    Canoe Racing on the Charles: 1930s Marathon Style
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  • Documenting the Longfellow Bridge Project

    This week's Friday Link is the Longfellow Bridge construction progress Flicker photostream created and curated by photographer Sarah Bourne.

    Longfellow progress

    Here's a Longfellow cover shot that Penny did for a Back Bay Sun assignment in 2011.

    Sarah has reserved the copyright to her photos. Because we try to always honor a photographer's wishes, we can't use one of her photos here. But, be assured, this collection is a great record with wonderful photos showing the progress month-to-month.

    A tip of the hat to Adam Gaffin over at Universal Hub (UH) for bringing this collection to the attention of his readers. Not only is UH the best place for breaking news, but it also shares some great Boston features that might be overlooked if not for this invaluable site. 

    Thanks to Sarah for her great work. Please take the time to click through the stages of construction and the seasonal changes along the river.

    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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

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  • Documenting the Longfellow Bridge Project

    This week's Friday Link is the Longfellow Bridge construction progress Flicker photostream created and curated by photographer Sarah Bourne.

    Longfellow progress

    Here's a Longfellow cover shot that Penny did for a Back Bay Sun assignment in 2011.

    Sarah has reserved the copyright to her photos. Because we try to always honor a photographer's wishes, we can't use one of her photos here. But, be assured, this collection is a great record with wonderful photos showing the progress month-to-month.

    A tip of the hat to Adam Gaffin over at Universal Hub (UH) for bringing this collection to the attention of his readers. Not only is UH the best place for breaking news, but it also shares some great Boston features that might be overlooked if not for this invaluable site. 

    Thanks to Sarah for her great work. Please take the time to click through the stages of construction and the seasonal changes along the river.

    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: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

    Related articles
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    Petie Prances & Kicks Up His Heels with the Joy of Spring
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  • Universal Hub for Local, Local, Local News

    When I enter the letter U into my Chrome browser, UniversalHub.com is the top choice on my list of websites beginning with that letter. It's where I go when I want local news. 

    Universal hub

    I have shortcuts to get to UH, as many fans call it, on both my iPhone and iPad. It's usually the first site I visit each morning. And, when I want to know what's going on, why traffic is stopped on Storrow Drive, or why I'm hearing non-stop sirens, I call up Adam Gaffin's @universalhub timeline on Twitter. 

    Mainstream Media Failure

    Every night, I wind up clicking away from local newscasts because, instead of local news, they offer up international coverage or some viral video from Los Angeles. Rather than out doing their jobs, they just take the feed from the network to fill the time. If I want local news, I have to turn to sites like UH. 

    Support Universal Hub

    As with many other sites, Universal Hub is supported by advertising, affiliate programs, and contributions. 

    Adam recently added a link that asks readers,

    "Help keep Universal Hub going. If you like what we're up to and want to help out, please consider a (completely non-deductible) donation."

    You'll find the place to click by scrolling down in the right hand sidebar. The next time you get a great, timely, local answer to your question, "What's going on right now in Boston?" click the link and drop a few coins in the UH tip jar. 

    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
    Screengrab from Universalhub.com