Tag: Boston

A Sunday Dog Salute to Geese Wranglers at Work

Recently, we had the opportunity to photograph two geese dogs and their human teammates at work in the Boston Public Garden. They were trying to make Canada Geese understand that the lagoon is not a place to settle down for the summer.

If you should see this pair with their yellow vests off-leash in this park, please understand that they are there to do an important job. They are trained to voice commands and obey instantly when asked to stop, stay, or change their position.

One of their handlers works on the lagoon from a kayak and the other (the woman in the yellow jacket) stays along the shore. The dogs work both in and out of the water.

The object of the game is to keep the birds from feeling safe in this park without hurting them. This is called site aversion by the GeesePeace model program.

"You can take a break, I've got this one," said one dog to the other!

These pups were working so hard we never did get their names. If you are in a park where you see Border Collies working on geese control, please keep your own dog on leash and away from them. These herders move very fast and it would be easy to get in their way. They might also tempt your dog to chase them.

We were worn out just watching them as we said so long to two very tired dogs.

Thanks to this team and the Friends of the Public Garden for making the park a cleaner and safer place to walk. And, thanks to other teams working in other parks, golf courses, and open spaces. It will take a sustained and combined effort to undo the human mistakes that caused the overpopulation of these birds.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a 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.

May 13, 2012
Classic “Art” Gone Punk

The classical statue representing art outside the Boston Public Library took on a punk look for a few days.

This work was created by Boston sculptor Bela Lyon Pratt, who was a teacher at the School of the Museum of Fine Art. When his mentor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, could not complete the commissioned artwork for this area, Pratt was selected to create two statues representing Art and Science.

Here's a photo of a model for the statue from the Boston Public Library Collection. (Used under this creative commons license.) I wondered if those two lamps were ever part of the finished work and checked through photographs on file from the time the libary was completed. They never appear.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a 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.

May 12, 2012
Vinny’s Tip Jar: Hospitality Industry Supporting One of Their Own

Recently, we heard the sad news that Vinny Sapochetti–the always smiling, always helpful waiter at Neptune Oyster–had been in an automobile accident and was facing a long recovery period. You may also know him from one of the other places where he's worked over the years.

His many, many friends in the Boston hospitality industry are organizing to assist him.

A very special event is planned. Here's a link for complete information.

Vinny's Tip Jar Fundraiser & Auction

Monday, May 28th, 2012, 5p.m.–10p.m.

Hotel Commonwealth Ballroom

500 Commonwealth Avenue, Kenmore Square, Boston, MA 02215

We hope you'll help to whatever extent you can. Spread the word. Send a donation. Attend the event. Or, just keep Vinny in your thoughts and send healing wishes his way.

Instead of an ad in this spot, today, we ask that you consider making a donation to the fund for Vinny.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot courtesy of Vinny's Tip Jar

May 11, 2012
TerraVino Wines: Places We Shop

We live a city lifestyle. Our shopping trips are more likely to take us to three or four small shops than to one big box store. Here in Boston, and on the road, we'll share our great shop finds with you. -The BostonZest Team!

Update: Alas we can't shop here any longer because the store closed a few months later.

Name: TerraVino Wines

Address: 234 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446 (Map & Reviews)

Phone: 617-232-1180

Do you have a roster of small, well-curated shops where you find the best selections? Let us know in the comments below or send us an email. We're always ready to add new resources to our list.

(Click on any photo for a larger image)

Shop Description: Calm and soothing. You can see the thought that was put into designing the shop. What you may not see is that it is also very green– environmentally responsible that is! Here are the details about that aspect of this store.

People: Christopher and Rayna Carbone are the owners. Christopher (above) is a Certified Specialist of Wine. But, more important than the letters after his name is his ability to communicate his love of the wines he stocks to customers with any level of wine knowledge. He asks the right questions, tries to figure out what you like, what food you are matching, offers tastes, and refines his recommendations from there.

What makes this shop special: A very warm welcome. Great wine knowledge. A carefully curated selection. Plus, a great location right off the Green Line in Coolidge Corner. You know you'll be going there soon, for something, so stop by and explore this new shop while you're there.

They say: "We believe in wines that are Real, honestly made, in the most Natural way. We offer wines that we truly believe in, allowing them to express their origins, the talent and commitment of the producers, and the inherent quality of the vintage. We put our dedication to work through our commitment only offering exceptional Natural wines that are sustainable, organic and biodynamic. "

We Say: Our first visit was like walking into a room filled with old friends. As we circled the selection, we took turns saying, "Look they carry…." followed by the name of a longtime favorite wine, producer, or importer.

Nice Touch: They have four reds and four whites available for tasting. This allows you to try wines that might be a bit out of your comfort zone and helps guide the staff to offer better recommendations for you.

Regulars say: Richard Auffrey, The Passionate Foodie said, "This is very much a hand sell store where customer service is key. Many of these wines will be unfamiliar to the average consumer, and even the avid wine lover is likely to find plenty of wines they have not tasted before. It is a very intriguing selection of wines, and there were plenty of wines which interested me."

Gretchen (@MoralBeast) and Urban Wine Dweller wrote: "The brilliant Thierry Triolet Champagne Brut from @terravinowines. Really great stuff. Perfect with sushi." Our thanks go to Gretchen for recommending TerraVino Wines.

Did you know? Another part of this couple's green and natural lifestyle is a gluten-free, vegetarian diet.

Don't Miss: Their sparkling wine selection on the center table. Here's a Grower Champagne we bought from TerraVino. You know how we love sparkling wines!

Phone: 617-232-1180

Website: www.terravinowines.com

Twitter: @TerraVinoWines

Facebook: Terra Vino Wines

While you're in the neighborhood: Coolidge Corner is home to many great, local businesses, and a fabulous farmers' market on Thursday afternoons from mid-June to late October.

Here are reports on a few of our favorite places in the area:

Michael's Deli

When Pigs Fly Bakery

Party Favors

Brookline Farmers' Market

While we love to support local shops, we also hope you'll support us when you shop on Amazon. When you click over to Amazon from one of our links, they put some change in our tip cup. It doesn't cost you anymore, but it helps keep BostonZest coming your way.

Fine wine glasses that are dishwasher safe? While Ed insists on washing our stems, I can't swear to it but the manufacture says that, the Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Forte Collection can go in the dishwasher. We do put our barware from the same line through the dishwaser all the time. How about this Stemless Snifter?

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a 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.

May 10, 2012
Brebirousse d’Argental Petit: Soft Ripe Sheep’s Milk Cheese from France

Standing in front of the cheese case at South End Formaggio, a pile of softly bulging, Brebirousse Argental Petit cheese gently called to me.

"You know I'm ripe and you know I'll be soft and runny," it said.

My nose did a few exploring sniffs in the general area of the pile of cheeses and detected no tell-tale scent of overripe.

There were sheep on the label, so this was one to learn more about. When asked, our cheesemonger said, "There's nothing about it not to like."

He knew I liked strong, sheepy cheese and warned me that this one has a more moderate flavor. But, I figured sheep milk will show its personality and richness and added one to my order. I also like to have some great, mild cheese for friends who don't like my stinky finds.

This piece of art sat on the kitchen counter, tempting the two of us with its lovely, fuzzy rind, and bright orange glow until we finished our day's work and were ready to enjoy a glass of wine and bit of cheese. I could already see it as a show-stopper on a cheese tray.

Yesterday, we showed you how we opened this plump prize with a cheese harp. Here's what it looked like about 90 seconds later.

The taste was mild in a brie-like way, but the rind was perfect and most certainly added to our enjoyment of this cheese. We continued to cut smaller wedges with the wire cutter and enjoyed every inch of our find.

Micah Shull at Fromaggio e' Meraviglioso reviewed it and said, "The interior paste looks like vanilla pudding. It is rich, creamy and thick on the tongue. Brebirousse tastes buttery, salty, with a little sweetness and hints of meadow, but not obviously a sheep's milk cheese."

The Smelly Cheese Club will provide more details on the production of this little gem.

Here are more of our post about cheese.

What's on your cheese studies shopping list? Remember click right here to go to Amazon and check out some great books on cheese to support this site!

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

May 9, 2012
Provincetown “Frenchie” with a Stand-in!

On every Provincetown visit we make a point of checking out some of our favorite gardens. This one, on Commercial Street, had a new addition– a Frenchie sculpture.

Suddenly, the real star emerged from the house, and granted a brief, private photo op!

And, just as abruptly, returned to seclusion, leaving the stand-in to deal with the next admirers!

Thanks for coming out to see us, little Frenchie!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

What's on your doggie star's shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

May 6, 2012
Made by Hand, a Handcrafted Friday Link
The upcoming, juried exhibition, “Made by Hand: a celebration of exceptional work from the North Bennet Street School” is our Friday link.

We never cease to be enthralled by the work that comes from the students and alumni of this Boston treasure and look forward to seeing this collection of hand-made objects painstakingly crafted by the school’s students and alumni– from elegant furniture and one-of-a-kind musical instruments to exquisite jewelry and ornate hand-bound books.

Here's a sneak preview they have shared with us! In the photos below (left to right) are:
- Handmade pendant by Laurie Berezin, NBSS ‘11
- Handmade fiddle by David Golber, NBSS ‘98
- Decorative bench by Jerry deRham, NBSS ‘83
- Hand-bound book cover by Kevin Sheby, NBSS ‘13
- Grandfather clock by Juan Pablo Blanco, NBSS ’12
Click on the small photos above to see a larger version in the viewer window.
- What: Made by Hand: a celebration of exceptional work from the North Bennet Street School
- Where: Main Lobby, 125 High Street, Boston MA (map)
- When: Monday, May 7 through Friday, May 18, 2012
- Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm daily.
- Admission: Free
- Handicap Access: Yes
- Reservations: Not required.
- Nearest parking: 125 High Street garage. Limited street parking (metered).
- Nearest T stop: South Station (Red line)
- More Information about the show: 617-227-0155 or see the online page.
If you clicked over to the North Bennet Street School site, it may have made you think that you'd like to learn a new skill or give someone you love the chance to explore the life-changing opportunities inside those walls.

Here are some books to inspire you to do just that, at any age!

It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Now: HOW TO CREATE YOUR SECOND LIFE AT ANY AGE

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One

The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World
Details:

North Bennet Street School

39 N Bennet St.

Boston, MA 02113-1914 (map & reviews)

(617) 227-0155

nbss.edu‎

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Courtesy of the North Bennet Street School

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often those comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We reserve the right to edit ads out of comments.
May 4, 2012
Dot by Dot: Recent Work by Artist Bob Oppenheim

Tonight, a show of recent work by our friend, Bob Oppenheim opens at the Trustman Art Gallery at Simmons College. This is a great opportuntiy to not only see some of Bob's work but also to add another venue for exploring art to your leisure time list. The gallery exhibits the work of professional artists and has a yearly exhibition of student work.

Dot by Dot

April 30-June1, 2012

Monday through Friday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m

Gallery reception, Tuesday May 1, 5pm-7pm

Closed May 18th

Trustman Art Gallery
Main College Building, Fourth Floor
300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115-5898 (map)

What's on your Mother's Day shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

April 30, 2012
Sunday Dog, Ginger Has a New Home!

Ginger is a very lucky Sheltie, she’s found a new home in Boston. Actually, this four year old beauty told us that the finding part was done by her new person with the help of New England Sheltie Rescue. Ginger admitted, “I never made it to the available page [of the website] … I had a perfect applicant waiting for me!”

As soon as we saw this pair, it was obvious they were a match that was meant to be.

Ginger had only been in town for a week (when these photos were taken), but already seemed comfortable with the neighborhood. She came right up to us to say hello and get pats. Her new pal told us, “She goes up to every dog, no matter how big, and they don’t growl at her. She’s not afraid. She’s so friendly.”

More formally known as a Shetland Sheepdog this Scottish breed is extremely loyal, loves to please, and is very good at taking direction. In fact, when it comes to brain power, Shelties are ranked sixth in Stanley Coren’s “The Intelligence of Dogs.”

After spending some quality time together, we left Ginger to keep an eye out for more new friends. She’ll undoubtedly develop a big following. I wonder if she has a facebook page, yet? See ya, girl.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Would you like to adopt a beautiful companion like Ginger? There are some resources to help you make your decision and get your life together off to a great start. This book from PetFinder, Petfinder.com The Adopted Dog Bible: Your One-Stop Resource for Choosing, Training, and Caring for Your Sheltered or Rescued Dog is one of our favorites.

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a 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 out of comments.

April 29, 2012
Completed and Stunning: The Provincetown Library

After watching the progress of its renewal for years, it was a great pleasure to see the Provincetown Library completed and totally beautiful on a recent visit.

Here's a bit about the history of the library and the building.

Related Posts:

Clams Card, Don't Go To Cape Cod Without it!

Our Provincetown Post Collection: We just love this place!

What's on your weekend getaway shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

April 28, 2012