Way to go, Boston!

How about following suit, America?

In light of the recent Chick-Fil-A protests raised by the Muppets, people are taking action across America. Many are refusing to support their local Chick-Fil-A restaurants (including my family, though we have been boycotting for over a year now), which is fantastic, but sometimes you just want a little more power on your side. The Muppets are great, but how about, say, an actual leader who isn’t made out of felt or cotton?

How about, say, the mayor of Boston!

Thomas Menino, Boston’s mayor, penned this very succinct yet eloquent letter to the company, commenting on how they urgently need to reconsider their plans to start up a new store in Boston, and how Boston is indeed prideful of its gay population (as the company president had complained about before), and how the city is also proud of being one of the first places where gay marriage was legal in the country.

I can only imagine what would happen if every city in America took up a similar stand. I wonder how many teens would feel more supported, perhaps even hopeful? I wonder how much hate could be dismantled just from the realization that the majority will not stand for such intolerance, and that those who do hate are both in the majority and publicly shunned for doing so, the way racists and misogynists often are…?

Cloud Jobs? What's That?

 

In the Boston area, there are many people struggling to find work. Do not look to the sky for those jobs, but rather to a different type of cloud - cloud computing services. Cloud computing is the means of running software programs and storing data in files online rather than on one local hard drive. By doing this, anyone with an Internet connection and the right data to access the information can, from any location. What is even more important about this type of resource is that it is expected to create as many as 20,000 jobs in the Boston area over the next three years.

That information comes from Microsoft Corporation. 20,000 jobs added to the Boston area will be critical to helping the city to rebound and grow. The jobs will come from various companies and in various levels. Most will come on as companies make the move to shift their current systems of computing in a local area to cloud services.

Why are companies willing to make this move? The move could also help many companies to reduce costs in managing data. It will cut thousands of dollars from operational costs for large companies annually. When looking at cloud computing on a grand, countrywide scale, it will likely help to create 1.1 million jobs in North American by 2015. It could help to increase global revenue for companies by an astounding $1.1 trillion. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the country added 1.8 million new jobs. For those working in this field or developing skills in it, this could be a powerful move to make.

Where Does Boston Rank Really?

 

The Boston Globe recently published a list of how the city of Boston rates. The range is a fun way to see what people think about the city and about the whole region. For those who live here, it is also nice to see where your city sits in the ranks of so many others in the country. What does Boston have that others don't? Is the city really one of the best on the East Coast?

According to the Zipcar Inc survey, the city of Boston is considered the third most innovative city in the country, coming right in behind Atlanta and Pittsburgh. Would you consider Boston to be innovative?

The BBC also offered a ranking for the city. According to the QS Top Universities list by the agency, Boston was again number three, this time in the world, for top the cities that students choose. The other two ahead of Boston included Paris and London. That is nothing to shy away from!

In terms of social health, another survey was conducted this time by the Central Connecticut State University. It compared things like library resources, newspaper circulation, and further indicators of a city's literacy rate. The city of Boston ranked number five on the list. It fell behind the cities of Washington DC, Seattle, Minneapolis and Atlanta on that particular survey.

On the other hand, a study by Travel and Leisure says that most visitors do not like how much Boston gloats about its championship sports teams. What do you think of these rankings? 

Boston Tourism – Five Attractions You Haven't Visited Lately

For those who are living in, living around or visiting Boston, it may be time to check out some of those favorite activities out there. You may not have visited some of these top locations for some time. For those touring the city, Boston has some outstanding attractions including museums, gardens and plenty of locations for fun. If it has been some time since you have taken in the cultural components that make up this city, do it now.

Top Attractions to Visit Again

Even if you live in Boston, why not take some time to check out the city's more well know attractions you may not have visited in a while? Sure, you've been there before, but why not come back? Here's a top five list you don't want to miss.

  1. Check out the Boston Public Garden. With more than 600 varieties of trees and flowers blooming in almost every season, it is a must see for even those that aren't the garden type.
  2. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts. This museum is the oldest and the largest in the region. It is well known for its very famous works of art as well as its beautiful décor. The American art, Asian and Egyptian pieces are breathtaking.
  3. Get in a game at Fenway Park. It has been one of the trademarks of the Major League Baseball history. As the oldest MLB park in the country, it is smaller but you definitely feel like you are part of the game.
  4. Hit the Freedom Trail. There are daily tours that happen every day. Learn the history of the city and the region and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
  5. Enjoy means at North End. As one of the oldest Italian neighborhoods in the country, you will enjoy some great food and plenty of friendship here.

What are you doing this week?

What's Going On in Boston?

"What fun activities are you participating in this weekend in Boston?"

Boston has plenty of fun attractions for out of town visitors but locals also want to take part in the action. There are some outstanding events happening over the next few days that anyone in the city should take a part in. You may find yourself laughing away the day or enjoying a beautiful display of entertainment. What do you plan to do this week?

Activities in Boston

On Saturday, head to The Estate. There, you'll find Jordan Knight from New Kids on the Block fame hosting the Dancing for Hope event. You can get tickets at the DancingForHope.net site. The funds raised will be donated to St. Mary's.

If you are after some comedy, head out to Dan Kelly's Comedy Showcase taking place at Dick's Beantown Comedy Vault. It happens on February 7th and 8:30.

You can catch the Boston Ballet in town this week, too. The organization will be putting on a show of Simply Sublime on Thursday at 7pm. It is taking place at the Boston Opera House.

In addition, there are numerous big shows coming to the Boston area in the coming weeks and months. That includes The Gang, Les Miserables and Van Halen. That's just a few of the acts coming to the area that you will want to buy tickets for in advance.

What fun activities are you participating in this weekend in Boston? You may already have seen some of the performances listed here. What are your recommendations for those who may not have yet been able to check them out? 

So Why Is Boston Called Beantown?

"Tourists may be disappointed to know, however, that baked beans are no longer a specialty of the region."
We know that Boston is the capital of Massachusetts, and many of us know that it’s also one of the largest cities in the country. Do you know, however, why it is often called Beantown? The beautiful city of Boston earned this nickname many decades ago.
The early colonial settlers of the city had a hankering for beans that were slow cooked in molasses. This dish was also especially popularized because they found themselves with a rather large surplus of molasses because of the realities of trading in the day. Sadly, there were slaves growing sugar to be shipped to the colonies, and a sort of triangular trade meant that they found themselves with lots of molasses. This ingredient was also easy to store and cook through the difficult winters they encountered.
 
According to the Massachusetts Travel Journal, the settlers probably acquired their baked beans recipe from Native Americans, but the colonial people swapped out the maple syrup of the original Native American recipe with the molasses that they had readily available. 
 
Tourists may be disappointed to know, however, that baked beans are no longer a specialty of the region. They’re not all that popular, and most restaurants do not specialize in it. You can find a few in the historical areas that will serve the classic dish, and special Boston baked beans are served at Durgin-Park in Faneuil Hall. 
 
In addition to Beantown, other popular nicknames for Boston include the Walking City, the Cradle of Modern America, the Hub of the Universe, and the Athens of America. 

Boston City – Check Out the Nightlife

You don't have to be in your 20's to enjoy Boston's nightlife. In fact, anyone is welcome to hang out, dance, enjoy the company of others and have fun. There are some great places to check out throughout the city. In this addition of Boston City Talk, we'll discuss some of the activities that people are participating in downtown and find out what's really happening in the heart of the city.

Top things to do in the city of Boston include the following. Have you visited any of these locations? If so, how do you feel about them?

Check out Trade. The new restaurant downtown is turning heads. You'll enjoy a great drink here along with a fabulous meal. This hotspot is attracting young professionals more frequently. You'll be able to enjoy the atmosphere every day after work.

So you are looking for something a bit more funny? Another hot spot in Downtown Boston is the Improv Asylum. Those who visit tend to be the young professional crowd, but there's something here for anyone who wants a good laugh.

If you are looking for something a bit more intellectually stimulating, visit the Museum of Science. Yes, you can check it out at night! The facility hosts various events including music, cocktails and some great Italian cuisine in a buffet. You can spend some time hanging out with friends while you also spend some time seeing the facility's attractions.

What are you doing this weekend in Boston? The things to do in Boston range so widely that just about anyone can find something fun and interesting to take on.

Visit Boston's Real-Life Cheers

Boston is a historical city that is a vacation destination for thousands upon thousands of people each year. It’s beautiful, well-preserved, and modern as well. The museums showcase some of the oldest artifacts of the United States. Concerts and cultural events can be attended each night. Yet there is something else that draws many travelers to this great city each year: Cheers.
Yes, Cheers, the fictitious bar where everybody knows your name. It was inspired by a real-life bar that was then known as the Bull & Finch Pub. It was used in exterior shots during the show’s run, and the bar was later renamed Cheers Beacon Hill. It’s now a restaurant and bar that welcomes guests from all over the world. If you want to check it out, it lies on Beacon Street in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. It’s conveniently across the Boston Public Garden.
 
However, the interior of Cheers Beacon Hill may not be what you are expecting. You likely know that you’re not going to see a younger Ted Danson passing beer across the bar to Norm, but there are many other differences between the fictitious Cheers and the one on Beacon Street. The layout of the bar is a bit different as is the decor. 
 
If you are looking for a replica of the Cheers bar as you know it from television, you’re in luck. In August 2001, another Cheers bar opened in the famous Faneuil Hall, which is near the waterfront. It’s appropriately called Cheers Faneuil Hall. Like Cheers Beacon Hill, it serves up drinks, food, and memorabilia from the beloved show. If you’re feeling nostalgic, make time to visit both locations. Each one is special in its own way.

Weekend Fun in Boston

What are you plans for the weekend? Boston is alive and glowing even though it is officially the dark of winter. If you are looking for things to do in Boston, there are plenty of options. From the outdoors to the various performing arts events taking place, there's something here for virtually everyone.

Your Week's Roundup

Look at a few things to do in Boston. What are you up to this week?

When it comes to sports, there's plenty to do. Check out the Boston Bruins this weekend. You can also check into the Boston Celtics. Will they do it this year? That is the talk of the town of course!

Other activities that are worth exploring include the cultural arts. If you have not been to downtown lately, make it your fun activity for the week. The Boston Opera House, Colonial Theatre and the Cutler Majestic Theatre have plenty to offer guests. You may even want to check into the Boston Symphony Orchestra performing is 129th season this year.

Here are a few more ideas for the upcoming days:

·         The Annual Chinatown Main Street Gala is underway. Have a nine-course dinner and enjoy the beautiful art of Chinatown.

·         The Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service and Celebration happens on the 16th.

·         The Elisa H Hamilton Exhibit and  A Group Show is also taking place now. It will run from the 10th through February 25th.

What are you plans for the day? Give us an update of what you did this weekend!

Boston Things to Do New Year's Weekend

 

As 2011 fades and 2012 rolls in, Boston city residents will find ample things to do and experience throughout the city. If you are looking for a way to spend your New Years Eve or even New Years Day, the city offers a range of fun and interesting events worth exploring. It is up to you to choose the event that is going to provide you with the most enjoyment.

First Night Boston

The biggest celebration in the area is First Night Boston. It is the 36th year that the event will take place. This event offers visitors a cultural experience that includes more than just fireworks and drinking. You will get to see international short files, participate in tap dancing, experience anime and many other elements.

FedEx Family Festival

Another fun way to spend the day and evening if you are with kids is the FedEx Family Festival. It will take place throughout the day at the Hynes Convention Center. The Grand Procession will leave from the convention center at 5:30. There are fireworks outdoors at midnight of course, right over the harbor.

What About on the 1st?

On Sunday, you will find even more fun things to do and see. The Seafarer's Island Holiday is one of the best options. Get on board and take a voyage to Spectacle Island. You can also take in a show at Club Passim where an '80's Hangover event is taking place with tribute bands to Cyndi Lauper, Journey, Madonna and others.

What are your plans for the holiday weekend? In Boston, there is always something happening that is sure to spark your interest.

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