The No. 93 bus was taking its sweet time getting to my stop in Charlestown. I ventured to the oldest part of Boston to go to the Charlestown barber shop and rather than walk back across the bridge to the North End, I would take the bus and get to know the 93, a route I could see myself using often.
I had spotted the bus briefly a few blocks away as it was beginning its route winding through Charlestown's narrow streets, and I figured it would be a few minutes until it made its way down to where I was.
It had been 15 minutes, and standing in the shadow of an old building at the corner of Main and Common, I was starting to feel a little cold. Plus, I had already read the entire A section — the only section I grabbed before leaving my apartment.
What's this? I spotted a man in a blue jacket and blue trousers round the corner at the other side of the park and head toward the stop. His uniform looked familiar.
As he got closer, I noticed the T encompassed by a ring — the MBTA's iconic symbol.
"I'm the driver and the bus broke down," he muttered as he walked by me. "It's going to be awhile," he added, sarcastically.
And with that, I zipped up my hoodie and started walking toward the T station in the North End.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
So beautiful, so sad
I can't even begin to explain how much I love "Valse Triste" from the film "Allegro Non Troppo." Make sure you can hear the music; it's the most important part.
The cat reminds me of Abbey, which is probably why I love it.
Tea at the Taj … and more!
I was wearing a freshly pressed shirt and trousers, and I was donning my corduroy blazer, yet I still felt woefully underdressed for this afternoon's event: a tea service at The Taj, one of Boston's most elegant hotels.
A few work friends and I went to the afternoon tea service, which was ensconced in a mahogany-paneled room with plush chairs, oil paintings, and a harp player.
We all joked about how ritzy the place was, but I believe we were truly all in awe over the experience, from the exotic finger sandwiches of caviar, lobster, and smoked salmon, to the rich, freshly baked pastries and sweets that arrived on triple-decker plates. Oh, and the tea … well, it was personally vetted by the "tea master" who came to ensure us that the tea had been properly tested after it arrived from India.
Then the waiter began conversing with someone in our party in perfect French. Where am I and why did they let me in here?
I wish that I could only have stayed through the entire service, but I had to catch the subway to work. I definitely recommend it to anyone with an afternoon to kill and at least $40 to spend.
• They've heard my prayers and moved my shift back. Now, I start at 2:30 and work until first edition closes around 10:30. Those extra few hours will make all the difference in my work.
• The Red Sox beat the crap out of the Rockies 13-1 at home tonight in Game 1 of the World Series. The excitement around the city is palatable.
• I'm looking forward to returning to Jacksonville this week. It will be good to see friends, family, cats, and lecture at UNF.
• I wasn't too bummed about missing the New Pornographers show because I thought Neko Case wasn't going to be on tour with them. (She wasn't the last couple times they toured.) That is until I read the Globe review that lavished praise on Case's vocal performance. Dammit.
Now … I'm tired. I'm off to finish watching "Midnight Express" and try not to have nightmares about being condemned to a Turkish prison.
A few work friends and I went to the afternoon tea service, which was ensconced in a mahogany-paneled room with plush chairs, oil paintings, and a harp player.
We all joked about how ritzy the place was, but I believe we were truly all in awe over the experience, from the exotic finger sandwiches of caviar, lobster, and smoked salmon, to the rich, freshly baked pastries and sweets that arrived on triple-decker plates. Oh, and the tea … well, it was personally vetted by the "tea master" who came to ensure us that the tea had been properly tested after it arrived from India.
Then the waiter began conversing with someone in our party in perfect French. Where am I and why did they let me in here?
I wish that I could only have stayed through the entire service, but I had to catch the subway to work. I definitely recommend it to anyone with an afternoon to kill and at least $40 to spend.
IN OTHER NEWS
• They've heard my prayers and moved my shift back. Now, I start at 2:30 and work until first edition closes around 10:30. Those extra few hours will make all the difference in my work.
• The Red Sox beat the crap out of the Rockies 13-1 at home tonight in Game 1 of the World Series. The excitement around the city is palatable.
• I'm looking forward to returning to Jacksonville this week. It will be good to see friends, family, cats, and lecture at UNF.
• I wasn't too bummed about missing the New Pornographers show because I thought Neko Case wasn't going to be on tour with them. (She wasn't the last couple times they toured.) That is until I read the Globe review that lavished praise on Case's vocal performance. Dammit.
Now … I'm tired. I'm off to finish watching "Midnight Express" and try not to have nightmares about being condemned to a Turkish prison.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The reason we all truly got into journalism …
… seeing our name in print. (My first Globe staff byline is above, under the illustration!)
I'm really proud of this page because it reminds me of the work I used to do with photo illustrations and graphics. Also, it was nice to be able to collaborate with the editors, rather than trying to put together something on my own in a few minutes.
Most importantly, I think this page, which was pitched one day and produced on the second day, shows that if you give me than just an hour to come up with something, I can deliver a compelling page. (Sorry, that was the speech I'll give to my editors tomorrow about the need to plan better.)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Head of the Charles
I went to watch the last day of the 43rd annual Head of the Charles Regatta, which is a rowing race up the Charles River. Fans line the Charles on both the Boston and Cambridge sides and cheer on the rowers as they race through a winding portion of the river.
Pumpkins!
There was a huge gathering of pumpkins last night in City Hall Plaza. Thousands of them. The main display was a set of scaffolding, 18 levels high, laid out on the ground in a triangular pattern.
Across the plaza, on the steps leading to City Hall, there were even more …
And here's the best part: After the festival, when workers started throwing them away, they were up for grabs to anyone. So I rescued one and placed him on my fire escape-thing.
Yay for Halloween!
Across the plaza, on the steps leading to City Hall, there were even more …
And here's the best part: After the festival, when workers started throwing them away, they were up for grabs to anyone. So I rescued one and placed him on my fire escape-thing.
Yay for Halloween!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
PS: I'm a dork.
I'm eagerly awaiting the new OS X 10.5 "Leopard" — it ships on Oct. 26, and I pre-ordered my copy two months ago. Look at all the cool stuff it does and tell me that's not pretty damn sweet. (Plus, it should make my iMac Intel Core 2 Duo
Oh, and the new Radiohead album, "In Rainbows," is really, really, really, really, really, really, really great. Best album, I think, since OK Computer. I paid £10 for it*, but it's probably worth £50.
* If you've been following the news, Radiohead is selling the album on their Web site and charging you whatever you feel like paying.
Numbers
Three-fifths of the record-breaking group.
FIVE
That's the number of people I had at one time in my apartment for a brunch on Sunday. That's a Boston record, folks, smashing the previous record of two. Those fortunate enough to be part of the experience — Jennifer, Patrick, Denise and Jill — will receive a plaque and T-shirt commemorating the historic occasion.
ONE
The number of days I was able to attend the Society of News Design's annual conference and workshop. The Sunday Globe prevented me from attending Saturday's events, but I enjoyed the Friday portion. I met a lot of folks from the Chicago Tribune, LA Times and NY Times, and some of them said, "Oh, you just started at the Globe, right?" (The fact they knew that was a bit shocking, until I read the announcement of my hire on a few industry blogs. But, still ... it did make me feel like a warm, fuzzy panda inside.) Many of the workshops I attended focused on new media and multimedia, and the idea of weaving together photography, video, design and sound is very intriguing. I have a few contacts to follow up on, if only to say how much I enjoyed their presentations.
SIX
The number of days I was able to spend with Jenn. Though it was her longest visit yet, it still felt so short. A few highlights included touring our friends around Boston; having a wonderful, romantic dinner at Taranta Cucina Meridionale in the North End; and, of course, our splendid day trip to New Hampshire.
ELEVEN
The number of days until I return to Jacksonville. It will be a short visit, but it will be nice to see all my friends again. I'm going to lecture Bob Bohle's editing class while I'm there, too, which is always fun. My proposed lecture idea: "Selling Out: Abandoning Community Journalism for the Money and Supposed Prestige of Working at a National Newspaper, or, Photographing Middle School Plays Really Blows." It'll be a great lecture; there should be something for everyone!
SEVEN
The number of days until the New Pornographers show at the Roxy. Oh, how I love living in a city that draws musicians I actually like. Now, let's just cross our fingers can find a ticket to this sold-out show.
THIRTY-SEVEN
The approximate number of days until I leave for Chicago to be a guest at the Jackson family's Thanksgiving dinner. Work details are still being sorted out, but I intend to have Thanksmas and the day after to spend with Jenn and her family. And Chicago … oh, how I love Chi-town. The fact that Jenn's relatives live right in the Loop is great, because although I won't be able to do that much in the city, I'll still be able to take in its majestic skyline.
ONE HUNDRED AND TEN
The number of minutes before I need to start walking to the subway. I should probably do … something … around the house.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
If this isn't a perfect day, then I don't know what is
The weather across New England is perfect and the New Hampshire foliage report says the fall colors are at their peak. The air is cool and crisp. You have an awesome travel buddy and you're both itching to get out of the city and pick some apples.
What would you do?
Here's what Jenn and I did: We reserved a new BMW 328 from Zipcar and plotted out a trip that would take us from Boston to New Hampshire through the back roads of New England.
Yes, I brought my camera.
The farther away we got from coastal Boston, the more intense the fall colors seemed.
By the time we were just outside of Keene, which isn't too far from the Vermont border, the colors were unbelievable.
I've never seen anything like this. The farthest north I ever lived was North Carolina, and I moved from there when I was 4. I've never experienced the pure bliss that is possible on a beautiful autumn day, where the smell of chimney smoke lingers in the air, and the grass is crunchy from all the leaves.
Me and the woman I love.
Our sweet ride. BMW calls itself the ultimate driving machine. Hyperbole? No way. This car devoured those twisty New England roads. (Jenn and I hatched several plots on how to steal it from Zipcar.)
Although apple picking season was nearly over, there was still plenty of delicious fruit high up on the branches at McLeod Brothers Orchards in Milford, N.H.
And, as my kiss-stealing, apple-peeling travelmate demonstrates, they had a special tool just for reaching the apples near the top.
Apples, mostly Cortlands, at all stages.
And, of course, we had to do the obvious when we returned home …
… bake an apple pie. De-lish-us.
What would you do?
Here's what Jenn and I did: We reserved a new BMW 328 from Zipcar and plotted out a trip that would take us from Boston to New Hampshire through the back roads of New England.
Yes, I brought my camera.
ON THE ROAD
The farther away we got from coastal Boston, the more intense the fall colors seemed.
By the time we were just outside of Keene, which isn't too far from the Vermont border, the colors were unbelievable.
I've never seen anything like this. The farthest north I ever lived was North Carolina, and I moved from there when I was 4. I've never experienced the pure bliss that is possible on a beautiful autumn day, where the smell of chimney smoke lingers in the air, and the grass is crunchy from all the leaves.
Me and the woman I love.
Our sweet ride. BMW calls itself the ultimate driving machine. Hyperbole? No way. This car devoured those twisty New England roads. (Jenn and I hatched several plots on how to steal it from Zipcar.)
AT THE ORCHARD
Although apple picking season was nearly over, there was still plenty of delicious fruit high up on the branches at McLeod Brothers Orchards in Milford, N.H.
And, as my kiss-stealing, apple-peeling travelmate demonstrates, they had a special tool just for reaching the apples near the top.
Apples, mostly Cortlands, at all stages.
And, of course, we had to do the obvious when we returned home …
… bake an apple pie. De-lish-us.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
So long, car. Hello, Zipcar.
I'm selling my Camry to an old friend of the family; my second mother, to be honest. She's going to give it to her son in college, and I'm going to finally be free of having a car in Boston. Seeing as how I've used it twice since I moved here in July (and once was just to drive it for driving's sake), I won't really miss it. In fact, I know I won't miss it.
Why?
Because I joined Zipcar!
Whoo-hoo! This little card lets me gain access to an entire fleet of vehicles.
Zipcar is a program that lets you drive when you need to drive, and you rent by the hour or the day. Hundreds of cars, from VW Jettas to pickups to Minis to BMWs, are parked in special lots all over Boston, and if you need to drive to, say, IKEA, you can pick one up for a couple hours, do your shopping, and then return it.
There are many plans, but the one I chose cost $50 a year, and car rentals start at $9 an hour (depending on the model). Insurance: free. Gasoline: free (they give you a gas card). Lots: There are three lots in Beacon Hill and the West End.
I think the program is beyond cool and, for me, cost effective. Although I'm a subway/train/bus fiend, there are times when I'll want the freedom of a car. But I'll have the added benefit of not having to pay maintenance and insurance (which is more than double than what I was paying in Florida). Oh, and having a parking space is quite nice, too.
One more bonus: Zipcar is in all major US cities, so if I need a car in New York or Chicago, my membership works there, too. It even works with Zipcar London.
Yeah, I know this sounds like an ad for Zipcar. That's because it is. They paid me millions of dollars to write this in my blog, which is quite influential.
Right.
Why?
Because I joined Zipcar!
Whoo-hoo! This little card lets me gain access to an entire fleet of vehicles.
Zipcar is a program that lets you drive when you need to drive, and you rent by the hour or the day. Hundreds of cars, from VW Jettas to pickups to Minis to BMWs, are parked in special lots all over Boston, and if you need to drive to, say, IKEA, you can pick one up for a couple hours, do your shopping, and then return it.
There are many plans, but the one I chose cost $50 a year, and car rentals start at $9 an hour (depending on the model). Insurance: free. Gasoline: free (they give you a gas card). Lots: There are three lots in Beacon Hill and the West End.
I think the program is beyond cool and, for me, cost effective. Although I'm a subway/train/bus fiend, there are times when I'll want the freedom of a car. But I'll have the added benefit of not having to pay maintenance and insurance (which is more than double than what I was paying in Florida). Oh, and having a parking space is quite nice, too.
One more bonus: Zipcar is in all major US cities, so if I need a car in New York or Chicago, my membership works there, too. It even works with Zipcar London.
Yeah, I know this sounds like an ad for Zipcar. That's because it is. They paid me millions of dollars to write this in my blog, which is quite influential.
Right.
Monday, October 8, 2007
In Sight, Oct. 8
Panoramic image* (a composite made from eight different photographs) of the Washington statue in the Public Gardens.
* I guess at 400 pixels it doesn't look as impressive as it does at 6,580 pixels (3 feet wide). Stupid Internets.
Retirement
Three years later, they finally die. Considering how often I wore them, I think the $30 I spent was worth it.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Saturday, October 6, 2007
¡Nombre de coche!
I just noticed the Globe's automotive writer is named Royal Ford. How effin' sweet is that?
If I were to become a car writer, I think I'd want to change my name. Suggestions:
• Loco Ferrari
• Ravenous Peugeot
• Yugo Scrüyerselph
• Maximus Volvo
What do you think of these? Any other ideas?
If I were to become a car writer, I think I'd want to change my name. Suggestions:
• Loco Ferrari
• Ravenous Peugeot
• Yugo Scrüyerselph
• Maximus Volvo
What do you think of these? Any other ideas?
Thursday, October 4, 2007
From kitchen renovations comes an entry
My apartment in Boston came with a dishwasher, which is quite the upgrade for someone who has been washing dishes by hand for the past four years. (Heck, just having a sink that drains properly is an upgrade from my last two apartments.) I haven't been able to use it yet, though, because it wasn't installed. And because I've been used to washing dishes by hand, I haven't missed it.
Well, today is when my life changes: Workers are hooking it up right now.
"Why should I care?" you're probably asking. Here's why: Their presence is forcing me to write in my journal. I can't leave. I can't listen to music over the work. I can't really do anything except sit at my desk and soak in just how small 450 square feet is when two people are drilling in the wall.
I started this blog with great intentions, and, in the beginning, I wrote prodigiously. Lately, though, it's been languishing. I have a few ideas why:
• Summer. Yes, the period from July to September was pretty slow once the newness of my neighborhood wore off.
• Life isn't always that interesting. On some days — usually my days off — Boston feels new and exciting. Other days, it just feels like … life. I mean, unless I run errands in the morning, see something crazy on the subway trip to Dorchester, or have a crazy cabbie on the ride home, it can feel very uninspired. But my days off are usually great, even though I'll often just go for a walk downtown. I'm really learning my way around the immediate area, and that makes me proud.
• The weather. Seriously, the fact that it hasn't really changed has made the past few months seem really long. Like there's no progress being made. It was really hot for a few days in July and we've had a couple of good spikes, but it's pretty much been in the 60- to 80-degree range for several months. On the day it fell to 40, I was happy because it was different and I got to start wearing my new fall clothes. Then it shot back to 80. Hmm.
I had a few visitors in September — Jenn and my mom — and I had a blast showing them around. My birthday wasn't really that great because I was far from my friends and family. My mom's visit was the only thing that kept me from being depressed, but, in retrospect, I really should have come back to Jacksonville. Fortunately, that will happen at the end of this month.
Things are looking up, though: Jenn is visiting again in several days and the SND Conference is around the corner, which means Pat will be up here. Pat, Jenn and me back together … awesome. I just hope I can work out my work schedule to get the time to truly enjoy the conference and everyone's visit. *crosses fingers*
Work is going well, but I'm seeing its imperfections. Well, to clarify, it's this schedule that's starting to get in my juice: Coming in at 4 p.m. to design the Metro cover and then shifting to the rim by 8 p.m. Previously, a designer would come in at noon and start brainstorming the cover and hand it off at 8 p.m. for production. I'm expected to get the same results and contribute to the editing, a double-dipping that's starting to take its toll because I often have to rip up everything and start over at the last minute. Why? Because I'm coming in too late to affect any change and too early before editorial decisions are made. Plus, unlike my predecessor, I don't have a trip home to look forward to after I finish my met front; I have six stories to edit at a seemingly breakneck pace.
The good news is that because this is a new schedule for the paper, it's open to modification. So after another month, if I can't find a way to better succeed, I'm going to lobby to start coming in earlier.
The last bit of news is my trip to Six Flags New England with Chris and Tom. It was awesome, and it was so nice to spend time with two longtime friends. It felt like old times. Anyway, here are some photos:
The Cyclone.
Robin is short. Or I'm tall. Whatev.
The Mind Eraser. I can't remember if it was cool …
My response to the jerk who confiscated my camera on the ride. It's not like I was going to take sweet pictures of the awesome roller coaster …
The teacups. LESSON: Do not drink beer before riding these. Seriously.
The Super Man. This probably would've been my favorite ride IF IT WASN'T CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.
Tom is much cooler than this Green Lantern.
Chris joined a gang.
Sadly, I died there.
Well, today is when my life changes: Workers are hooking it up right now.
"Why should I care?" you're probably asking. Here's why: Their presence is forcing me to write in my journal. I can't leave. I can't listen to music over the work. I can't really do anything except sit at my desk and soak in just how small 450 square feet is when two people are drilling in the wall.
I started this blog with great intentions, and, in the beginning, I wrote prodigiously. Lately, though, it's been languishing. I have a few ideas why:
• Summer. Yes, the period from July to September was pretty slow once the newness of my neighborhood wore off.
• Life isn't always that interesting. On some days — usually my days off — Boston feels new and exciting. Other days, it just feels like … life. I mean, unless I run errands in the morning, see something crazy on the subway trip to Dorchester, or have a crazy cabbie on the ride home, it can feel very uninspired. But my days off are usually great, even though I'll often just go for a walk downtown. I'm really learning my way around the immediate area, and that makes me proud.
• The weather. Seriously, the fact that it hasn't really changed has made the past few months seem really long. Like there's no progress being made. It was really hot for a few days in July and we've had a couple of good spikes, but it's pretty much been in the 60- to 80-degree range for several months. On the day it fell to 40, I was happy because it was different and I got to start wearing my new fall clothes. Then it shot back to 80. Hmm.
I had a few visitors in September — Jenn and my mom — and I had a blast showing them around. My birthday wasn't really that great because I was far from my friends and family. My mom's visit was the only thing that kept me from being depressed, but, in retrospect, I really should have come back to Jacksonville. Fortunately, that will happen at the end of this month.
Things are looking up, though: Jenn is visiting again in several days and the SND Conference is around the corner, which means Pat will be up here. Pat, Jenn and me back together … awesome. I just hope I can work out my work schedule to get the time to truly enjoy the conference and everyone's visit. *crosses fingers*
Work is going well, but I'm seeing its imperfections. Well, to clarify, it's this schedule that's starting to get in my juice: Coming in at 4 p.m. to design the Metro cover and then shifting to the rim by 8 p.m. Previously, a designer would come in at noon and start brainstorming the cover and hand it off at 8 p.m. for production. I'm expected to get the same results and contribute to the editing, a double-dipping that's starting to take its toll because I often have to rip up everything and start over at the last minute. Why? Because I'm coming in too late to affect any change and too early before editorial decisions are made. Plus, unlike my predecessor, I don't have a trip home to look forward to after I finish my met front; I have six stories to edit at a seemingly breakneck pace.
The good news is that because this is a new schedule for the paper, it's open to modification. So after another month, if I can't find a way to better succeed, I'm going to lobby to start coming in earlier.
The last bit of news is my trip to Six Flags New England with Chris and Tom. It was awesome, and it was so nice to spend time with two longtime friends. It felt like old times. Anyway, here are some photos:
The Cyclone.
Robin is short. Or I'm tall. Whatev.
The Mind Eraser. I can't remember if it was cool …
My response to the jerk who confiscated my camera on the ride. It's not like I was going to take sweet pictures of the awesome roller coaster …
The teacups. LESSON: Do not drink beer before riding these. Seriously.
The Super Man. This probably would've been my favorite ride IF IT WASN'T CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.
Tom is much cooler than this Green Lantern.
Chris joined a gang.
Sadly, I died there.
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