bostonzest

Tag: 2012

  • Get Out and Count the Birds…

     Birds

    The 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count is our Friday link. This weekend, they invite you to join the annual check of our feathered friends.

    A big thank you to The Garden Club of the Back Bay for bringing this, and so many other wonderful opportunities to have fun and learn something new, to our attention. (That makes this a double Friday Link!)

    The Great Backyard Bird Count says:

    "Warmer temperatures and lack of snow in parts of North America are setting the stage for what could be a most intriguing 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, coming up February 17-20."

    We Say:

    This is the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy nature.

    If you enter your zip code, the site will prepare a checklist of the birds you might see in your area. That can be fun to have anytime and a great start on the peaceful pastime of birdwatching. We're saving our list and will continue looking all year to see how many birds we find by this time next year.

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

     


    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Illustration: courtesy of The Great Backyard Bird Count 

    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.

  • What’s Open On Presidents’ Day in Boston 2012 and MBTA Schedules

    DSC_6093 - Version 22011-12-26-george-washington-statue-public-garden-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston on Presidents' Day and the MBTA schedules plus information on Boston parking for – February 20, 2012. We'll update this post as more information becomes available. And, if we didn't answer your specific question, leave a comment or tweet us @BostonZest. We may just add it to the list.

    Note: This is an out of date post!

    This is an old post. Here's the 2015 information on this topic.

     

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets:     Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: 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: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open.

    Parking, Boston trash, and MBTA after the ad.

    This weekend is a great time to start your tax preparation. Step one, order your software by following this link to Amazon. You can even download some versions right from the Amazon Download Store. Shopping Amazon from here keeps information like this coming your way. 

     


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

    Boston Recycling and Trash Collection:

    Recycling and trash information from the City of Boston:

    • "Monday, February 20, 7am – Saturday, February 25, 2012, 5pm
    • Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 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 Schedule Changes (Announced 2.17.12)

    "The MBTA has announced its service schedule for the Presidents' Day holiday.

    •    Blue, Orange, Green, and Red line trains will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    •    Commuter rail trains will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    •    Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule. Note: Express bus service on the following routes will operate on a modified schedule: 325, 326, 352, 354, 355, 501, 502, 504.
    •    Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown and Long Wharf will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
    •    Hingham, Quincy, and Hull commuter boat service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
    •    Quincy ferries will operate on a normal weekday schedule
    •    THE RIDE Service will operate on a Saturday schedule. Customers should contact their contractors for service information.

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)," or log onto the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & 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 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 do reserve the right to edit ads out of comments.

  • Voter Registration Deadlines & Election Dates 2012

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    Here are the deadlines you need to meet to vote in elections scheduled for 2012 in Massachusetts. 

    From the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's Office and the City of Boston's Election Department.

    • Wednesday, February 15, 2012: Last day to register to vote and change party enrollment for the Presidential Primary.
    • Tuesday, March 6, 2012: Presidential Primary Election 
    • Friday, August 17, 2012: Last day to register to vote and change party enrollment for the State Primary.
    • Thursday, September 6, 2012: Voting day for the State Primary
    • Wednesday, October 17, 2012: Last day to register to vote and change party enrollment for the Presidential Election.
    • Tuesday, November 6, 2012: Voting day for the Presidential Election.

    How to Register to Vote

    If you're reluctant to register to vote because you think it will make you more likely to be called for jury duty, we've already researched that idea and learned that it is a myth. Click here for our full report.

    City of Boston Election Department   
    City Hall, Room 241   
    Boston, MA 02201
    • The safest way to do it is to stop by the Election Department at City Hall and complete the form.
    • The Boston Elections Department is located in room 241 at Boston City Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on city holidays.
    • Complete information, including the identification documents you need, and other ways to register to vote can be found at The Secretary of State's Office
    • Absentee Ballot applications are available here

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site and keep resource pages like this one coming your way!


    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2009 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 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.

  • Training for the Wine Expo!

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    Today's Friday Link is to a piece we wrote in 2010, Staying Sober at Wine Tasting Events like the Boston Wine Expo. 

    Are you going to the Boston Wine Expo this weekend? Tell us what you're planning to bring, do, and taste? And, check back afterwards to tell us your reactions to the event and if any of our tips helped.

    We tell you:

    What to pack to help you stay sober, collect information, and enjoy large tasting events. 

    How to spit without making a mess of yourself and the event.

    How to plan your approach to the event and….

    How to tell when you've reached your capacity!

    Here's the link to: Staying Sober at Wine Tasting Events like the Boston Wine Expo. 

    Related Posts:

    Here's what we've been writing about wine.

    Fine wine glasses that are dishwasher safe? Because Ed insists on washing our stems, I can't swear to it, but the manufacturer 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.

    Details:
    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2011 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 that are part of the 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.

  • Valentine’s Day 2012 – Romantic Dining in Boston

    Planning a Valentine's Day Dinner that is as perfect as this lovely rose takes some planning.

     DSC_4810 - Version 22011-11-29-valentine-rose-apricot-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    UPDATE: This is an outdated post. Here is the 2015 version of this information!

    Reservations at wonderful, romantic restaurants go quickly. But, we have lots of ideas for all types of celebrations for budgets of all sizes. Today, we'll address where to dine. There are more ideas on some of our past Valentine posts. These are from other times so check for details with the places mentioned.

    This is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so expect many special prix fixe menus and don't be surprised if you have to leave a credit card to guarantee a reservation.

    Some of you enjoy trying the special holiday menus at your favorite spots. Others avoid dining out on days like this unless they can order off the regular menu. We've noticed at least one fine dining venue that is going with a special Valentine's Day menu on, "February 10th, 11th, 14th, 17th & 18th" and another offering a restricted menu from the 10th to the 14th. So, you should be on the lookout for special menus beyond that one official day.

    When A Valentine Lunch, or Dinner is on the Menu… 

    Related Posts:

     

    Sophisticated Pink Sparklers for Valentine's Day

     

    Your Special Place, Free Romance for Valentine's Day

     

    Valentine's Day Live Performances at Half Price

     

    Eight Tips on Buying Jewelry for Valentine’s Day from an Expert

     

    Romance at the Gardner Museum- Valentine's Weekend Destination. 

     

    Romantic Dining in Boston with a Foreign Travel Theme (Some of our favorite restaurants offer an authentic taste of the cuisine they serve. A place where the decor, music, and food all bring you to another land.)

     

    Valentine's Day 2009 – Dining in Boston 

     

    Beacon Hill Hot Chocolate and Ice Skating on the Common (A Romantic but inexpensive date.)

    Need some Valentine's Day gift ideas? Click over to Amazon and do some planning, and if you do buy something there, they'll put a few coins in our tip cup.  

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

     

     

  • What’s Open in Boston & MBTA Schedules Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2012

    Here's a run-down of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day– January 16, 2012. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

    Update: This is an outdated post. You'll find the information for 2016 at this link. 

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    Photo of Martin Luther King Memorial by Scott Ableman AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved

    Restaurants, Bars: Open

     

    Convenience Stores: Open 

     

    Supermarkets: Open

     

    Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose


    Liquor Stores: 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: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

     

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

     

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

    The City website says,

    "Martin Luther King Jr. Day

    Monday, January 16, 7am – Saturday, January 21, 2012, 5pm - Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorcheser, 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."

     

    "Street Cleaning: No MONDAY Cleaning (resumes 12:01AM Tuesday)"

     

    "Tow Lot: CLOSED from 1PM SAT. 1/14/12 to 7AM TUES. 1/17/12"

      

     

    MBTA Schedule Changes: Updated 01.12.1

    The press release says:

    "The MBTA today announced its service schedule for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, Monday, January 16, 2012.

    • Blue, Orange, and Red line trains, and Green line streetcars and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    • Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on its regular weekday schedule. 
    • Commuter boat services from Hingham, Hull, and Quincy will operate on regular weekday schedules. 
    • Inner Harbor Ferry Service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 
    •  The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule. 

    For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TDD 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com

     

    Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

     

       

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Photo of Martin Luther King Memorial by Scott Ableman used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved

  • Remembering Pol Roger– New Year’s Eve Tasting Update!

    DSC_0582 - Version 22012-01-08-champagne-food-pol roger-2000-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Though I hardly knew him, I feel like I’ve lost an old friend. Our bottle of Pol Roger Extra Cuvée de Réserve Brut Champagne Vintage 2000 was that good.

    As promised, here’s an update to our Toasting a New Year with Pol Roger! post.
     
    IMG_4431 - Version 22011-12-31-champagne-food-tasting-cheese-bread-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Opening the bottle and carefully splashing our glasses half full, it was the aroma that commanded our attention. I thought, toasty. Penny said it reminded her of almonds.

    The first sip had us using words like: mellow, lush, citrus notes, smooth with a dry finish, and just enough fruit for balance.

    DSC_2909 - Version 22011-12-31-champagne-food-tasting-cheese-bread-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While outstanding on its own, this champagne was equally impressive with food. Trying a perfectly ripe piece of Truffle Tremor from Cypress Grove Chevre and long-time favorite Ascutney Mountain we found each enhanced the taste of the other. Bites were improved by sips, sips were improved by bites!

    DSC_2866 - Version 22011-12-31-champagne-food-tasting-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Truffled pâté with Penny’s own spicy cranberry chutney, plus a Dijon and sweeter bourbon molasses mustard did not intimidate our Pol Roger. It all worked!
     
    As with all high-end champagnes we’ve tried, this one drinks well as it warms– actually revealing more of its character. You’re quite a complex guy, Pol Roger. What a memorable way to begin 2012.

    Here's how this story began: Toasting a New Year with Pol Roger!

    For more about our wine adventures, check out:

    Our Sparkling Resolution 

    Our Sparkling Resolution Winner’s List

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? 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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

  • Out With the Old… Christmas Tree!

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    Photo : by Charley Lhasa used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialShare Alike Some rights reserved 

    It’s time to ring in the new and ring out the old Christmas tree!

    For 11 days, beginning January 3rd, 2012, you can take that dried-up old Christmas tree and put it out with your recycling. While the City of Boston doesn’t want you to leave it by the curb in a bag, you may want to take it out of your home and building wrapped, so you don’t leave a trail of pine needles and pine pitch behind.

    The City of Boston Waste Reduction Division wants you to know that, “Public Works will collect Christmas trees for composting from January 3 to January 13. Remove all ornaments, decorations, and stands from trees and place trees at the curb by 7AM on your recycling day. Do not put trees in plastic bags.”

    Link: Here’s where you can look up your recycling day.

    Hop over to Amazon and look at Christmas Ornament Storage Options. We'd like to thank everyone who remembers to stop here on their way to Amazon. If you go to Amazon from one of our links or items, they put coins in our tip jar.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo by: Charley Lhasa used under creative commons license,AttributionNoncommercialShare Alike Some rights reserved 

    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.