UrbanHellhole

Happy Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, New Year

2011-12-27T20:14:00.001-05:00

Doc of interest

2011-11-24T14:17:00.001-05:00

I finally got around to watching the following about "The Umbrella Man"...think JFK assassination.

It's rather pointed in the final thought...and enjoyable...and short.

The Umbrella Man

Boston at night

2011-11-22T16:56:00.001-05:00

Solid blue...clear view
Flashing blue...clouds due
Solid red...rain ahead
Flashing red...snow instead

Lovely evening in the urban hellhole

Sunday night out

2011-11-13T20:12:00.001-05:00

I think a nice benefit with living in the Urban Hellhole is that Sunday nights don't have to be...laundry, 60 Minutes, roast beef and staying in.

The nice part is that being neighborhood-bound doesn't limit your choices...which is nice!

These go to...

2011-11-11T13:20:00.001-05:00

ELEVEN!

Happy 11/11/11 everyone. Funny that the cultural reference is a Mockumentory from the Eighties.

Hunter or Beaver Moon?

2011-11-08T20:14:00.001-05:00

OK...so who knows? At least we're looking up, eh?

I'm also trying out the blogger app...so bear with me.

LOL

Rebooting

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Let's try this again...I'm gonna try restarting this blog.

Soon, if not tomorrow...or the next day.

Thanks for standing by and here's the future set of goals:

Regularly blog...a post may be just a comment/line or two.
Add original content graphically.
Talk about more variety and not be so angry.

I'll be trying to move on and look forward...so here goes.

Enjoy...mjr

Man...I'm parched

2010-05-01T23:33:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the glib title, but serious matters abound!

BOSTON RESIDENTS, PLEASE BOIL ALL WATER. See MWRA Website for more info.

Tom Lehrer taught me a while ago:
If you visit American City
You will find it very pretty...
Just 2 things of which you must beware:

Don't drink the water and don't breath the air!

And to top it all off...we're expecting 90 degrees on Sunday. MAY 2nd!!! Too hot...too soon. I moved away from this crappy heat.

Hellhole Spring

2010-03-19T20:58:00.005-04:00

As I walked home today, I noticed that Spring may really be here. Now if only they could fill the reflecting pool at The First Church of Christ, Scientist. [Soon Michael, soon!]

I totally agree with Duncan's observation...Urban Hellholes are less cavernous then you may think. I think that's the New York City view for most...and yeah, there are urban canyons all over that little island. But for the most part, our lovely hellhole here is not really that elevated (hell, we even started taking down some of our elevated stuff a while back...remember Orange Line T route, elevated Central Artery, Green Line T near the Garden).

Just a quick note on weather, too. I mentioned to my father about it not being a really hard winter for me, and he reacted with surprise. Which sorta surprised me. What I think may have happened is that he viewed the troubles Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York's weather with ours. This year, I'd say we were spared a lot of the pain they had...not to diminish the snow we did have...it did make the city look pretty (that's why I moved here).

Right now, it is still 55 degrees (F). That's pretty warm this late in the day and this early in the Spring. Look at this weather pattern so far this month:

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/golf/monthly/02115?role=

We've pretty much already had 2 heat waves (two three day periods of well above normal temperature)...that's sorta what I see, but I'm no Al Roker. Seems this summer may end up being pretty harsh. For God's sake, I could golf tomorrow when it will be 70+ (F).

I'm still not knocking it...and I will get outside, but still...warm, isn't it?

Shame on Shaw's

2010-03-08T21:12:00.004-05:00

Fresh food is something I think we all take for granted. I don't know if everyone knows that there are people behind getting that fresh food to your local market.

Our local mega-mart (Shaw's, formerly Stah Mahket) wants to cut the health care bene's of our local distribution center/warehouse workers. I don't think this is right or just...especially in these trying times [hopefully, a better health care system is in the works from our congressional leaders, but who the hell knows when they'll get 'round to it!]. I appreciate the market wants to show a profit...but not at a cost to the backbone of the business.

Here's the background:

WBZ

UPI

Therefore, starting today...I'll stop shopping at Shaw's until this gets resolved.

Sounds from the articles that Stop-n-Shop (the other mega-mart in the area) did avoid this. I don't know about you, but I think it'd suck getting a pay/benefit cut when I'm sure there were times when the market did well, profit-wise.

The union (UFCW local 791) has more details about the strike. I recommend fellow Bostonians avoid going into your local Shaw's and try some of the other vendors in your neighborhood...maybe try picking up your groceries at several different locales. For me, I'm hoping the farmer's market in Copley Square opens soon; but, I'll take my biz to Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, CVS (for detergent, cleaners, etc.) and others until the parties sort this thing out. I'm hoping the Shaw's understand they are wrong in this issue, but who knows...maybe they really don't care?

What a difference a month makes

2010-03-07T02:18:00.002-05:00

See...wasn't too long ago we were complaining about snow. And BANG! nice weather.

These are from the "hood" (as the kidz say)...the Mother Church for Christian Scientists and the reflecting pool. Unfortunately, we're about a month away from when they fill the pool and you get great reflections of the city.

I saw more people out today than I have in months. And, it was great! Of course, I do believe it's too early for flip flops, but to each his/her own.

Heh...snow

2010-02-11T21:14:00.005-05:00

Snow in the Urban Hellhole is rather mundane...unless it's over a meter's worth.

To wit:

http://www.eschatonblog.com/2010/02/happy-hour-thread_11.html

Even a good hard downpour doesn't really slow you down when living in an efficient environ. I understand it's inconvenient when it snows, but still, get a grip...it'll all melt sooner and later. Then everyone will complain about the lack of a springtime and how hot it will be tomorrow.

I understand even my niece in suburban DC is even tired of the winter...heh!

Wait until it happens again in 8-11 years. It was like that in the years I lived there. Dumps of snow followed by years of golf weather in late January...funneh that Mother Nature.

I appreciate that the winter can suck sometimes...but so can the other seasons. Don't knock the cold...enjoy it. It ain't gonna last forever.

Colds suck...

2010-02-03T00:25:00.003-05:00

Colds suck in the Urban Hellhole. Especially head colds.

Sorry no posts until now, but you know...when no one is watching, etc.

Only a few weeks until Spring Training.

Commuting...

2009-11-12T14:49:00.004-05:00

...Thru my Urban Hellhole seems to be much easier here, than for other places. Mostly, I would say the greater area is better than most for bikers, runners/joggers and pedestrians.

I would say that about 80-90% of my friends/co-workers use some sort of public transit...the ones who use their own cars, do so out of convenience/cost than anything else, I believe. My only thought about it is: "Carsharing/pooling options...why don't we have more?" With that, Atrios has something to say about car sharing in his UH...enjoy.

Anywho...here's the typical (with all regards to Steve McGinn, pictured) get-up for the commute in and out. I think it's probably perfect biking weather, low 50's, cool/cold breeze. Winter smells are begining to take hold, and I'm sure I noticed a little Quebecoise in the air the other day. With the fact that we had snow in October, I'm still wishing for snow on my b-day...but alas, the 10-day don't look promising. There's always the internet web cams to look at...oh well.

Happy All Saint's Day!

2009-11-01T17:16:00.011-05:00

November 1st (followed by All Soul's Day tomorrow) from the urban hellhole and alas, autumn's not too bad if you live in a city center with nice green space! This is from the Fens, an area just south of the Charles river and west of Back Bay.

I came across this tidbit while searching for something (I don't remember what it was...I'm old after all). Good to see my taxdollars at work...actually, I'm all for improving this wetlands area. It's funneh, but I used to think it strange for this area. Especially while coxswaining in the '80 and smelling the swampy odors waft onto the Charles.

I'd have to say that the reason we have a bit of "growth" in the economy may be the good use of funds for improvements. Whether that be an interchange in Kansas City or a small river in Boston, I'm all for improving the needs of local urban hellholes (although instead of an interchange, I'd rather see that cash go towards improving the roadway so it needs less maintenance...but you do what you can).

Some inter-tube linkys that are interesting too (no relation to posts, but still interesting):

Atrios re: tolls

Matthew Yglesias re: infrastructure/taxes

And I'm glad to hear about this in Philadelphia (especially during the World Series)...transit strikes are a real pain for everyone.

Here are more pictures for your enjoyment:

There be rowers here!

2009-10-17T13:55:00.004-04:00

Urban Hellhole readers, please take note...the crew teams are in town for the Head!

That's right, it's Head of the Charles weekend.

It looks like Saturday will be better than Sunday...but still it's gonna be a bit windy for the crews. Back in the day, I was a coxswain for BU (BOO CREW!). I ended up competing on the 4-line boat in the Foot of the Charles (late in the season!). If you ever have a chance to go out on the Charles, definitely take it. It's probably one of the best views...even in stormy/foggy weather.

Roses in October

2009-10-06T19:57:00.008-04:00

As many of you know, I volunteer at the Boston Public Garden. I work on the Rose Brigade under the tutelage of China Altman. The Brigade works with the Friends of the Public Garden

Our season was incredible this year [this year so far, Michael...they just won't stop blooming!]. We've had an abundance all throughout the summer, starting in about April and they're still going.

Here are some pictures from this afternoon...I know...It's Fall and everything!

Enjoy...we still are.

Nothing Special...

2009-09-23T21:17:00.001-04:00

But this made me laugh:

http://www.urbanblah.com/?p=553

Enjoy for now...more later.

Well whaddya know!

2009-08-21T19:26:00.004-04:00

...fifth on the list of best places to grow up, according to Yahoo!

Not too shabby.

Also, I saw this from Sadly No! a few days ago and became pretty proud of my Commonwealth. It seems my state is pretty good...living-wise. [Pre-supposing you want a state featuring urban hellholes, well designed suburban enclaves, and acres of farmland]

Lastly, the SN! post highlights something that every freaking state should remember...we initiated this little war for freedom! We also had to take some tough times with this, this and this...all a full year before the Declaration!

Enjoy the following I took on a nice walk along the Cambridge side of the Charles River.

Private Public Space

2009-08-15T20:03:00.005-04:00

Here's a scene that epidomizes what a properly designed urban hellhole can be.

This looks very serene considering this is steps away from some very busy places (Mass. Ave.)

I took this as I was walking to the grocery store. It's a spot right near the "Mother Church" for Christian Scientists. I think it's a pretty good shot...young woman practicing in the middle of a city...what's not to like? Music in the city!

I admit, I have lived in Dayton

2009-08-13T19:29:00.000-04:00

It's nice to see political leaders starting to recognize that urban areas that don't grow, may need to be redesigned for the 21st Century.

To wit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125011106498326993.html?mod=yhoofront

I'm really enticed by the following:

"We can't go back and recreate the neighborhoods of the 1950s and 1960s, but we
have a huge opportunity to create a new form for our cities," Mr. Gower said.
"People want to live in beautiful places near green space."

That's refreshing from the director of planning and development in Dayton, OH. I always thought that Dayton is very auto-centric. I've commuted on the bus lines that are sparce in frequency and routes.

That said, I would say that some of the parks in and around Dayton are GREAT!

The Carillon Park in Kettering
The Miami River Conservancy District parks
The many clusters of baseball fields along the Miami

I'm all for taking another look at form and function when thinking about redesigning a city. Good luck to you all: Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, Youngstown, Charlestown (WV), Cincinnati and YES, Dayton.

Urban and Sub-urban living

2009-08-10T18:18:00.000-04:00

Atrios (in Philadelphia, a very walkable city) makes the simple observation that some cities are true hellholes while others are not as bad. If you live near/in a city where the downtown seems depressing (and virtually deserted) after about 5PM, then I would argue your city is not condusive to urban living. I consider myself lucky to live in a city that doesn't shut down after normal business hours!

Tomorrow is Rose Brigade day, so if you see me in the Public Garden...stop by and say "hi".

Here's a little review of last weeks blooms. Enjoy!

Update (9:25PM): Seems Matt Yglesias at Think Progress talks about his urban hellhole too!

Rose Brigade in the UH

2009-08-05T21:48:00.000-04:00

The Public Garden here in Boston is one of the finest places to spend some time on a hot August day. Ducks, swans, flowers, trees, lovers, friends and occasional musicians all for free

Please spend some time enjoying the roses.

I spend a few hours a week helping the Rose Brigade. It's fun getting dirty in the middle of a city...heh!

I just realized, it's been days since I posted

2009-07-19T23:45:00.000-04:00

So...for your reading pleasure, I present some links you may find interesting:

The HuffPost did a little notice on Farmers Markets in the country. Mostly other cities, Boston is not highlighted. I remember going with my mother on Saturdays to the West Side Market in Cleveland. Those were good times, but also good training in evaluating what you eat. The most vivid memories include:

The Mediterranean store in the corner that sold all sorts of olives, strange pastas, spices, cheeses and meats...and candy from all over the world.

The Calabrese Produce stand, specifically 2 things: on cold (and I mean below zero weather) Mr. Calabrese would add an extra orange in for us kids; second item, he ALWAYS had a great smile and a warm hello.
The Ehrenfeldt (Beef) Butcher...I don't know if they're still there. They don't show up on the vendor list.

I miss the interaction we used to have with our neighbors/vendors. I sort of have it with the dry cleaner woman (a brief chat about the weather...the smile and nod when she's busy...the "have a great weekend; should be nice...make sure you get out"); and, my Dunkin Donuts counter guy knows me; and, well...there are that many. Certainly, I don't have similar interaction with my fish monger/beef counter dood/veggie restocker at the neighborhood Shaw's (think about your local mega-supermarket, plunk it down in the middle of downtown and charge 10% more for everything...Hey FREE 1 HR PARKING! LOL)

I guess what I miss is called "familiarity". I think maybe I get a better product/service when I cursory "know" the person...oh well...whatever.

Topic 2 for you...I am removing the Twitter feed here...it's too annoying. But a few days ago (maybe even a week!) I showed you the free wifi spots near the Pru. The tweet didn't do them justice so I'm hoping to get better pictures. Stay tuned. For more info (the only info I found online...blerg), see here.

Last note:

If anyone cares...and there are no comments so far (so I don't know if anyone is out there)...I am going to redesign the blog a little. I'm using a standard template, and I'm bored with it. It doesn't really add anything. So I'm hoping to change it. Your input is desired, wanted, needed...etc. I'm going to have to add some more graphics and pictures...especially of lovely Boston! Stay tuned.

Aux armes, citoyens

2009-07-14T21:18:00.001-04:00

Formez vos bataillons
Marchons, marchons
Qu'un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons

...that's the best part of La Marseillaise IMO!

It certainly is well remembered from Casablanca:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KL76edqCKc

Here's to our friends in République française.

Happy Bastille Day

Sunday Sails Success

2009-07-12T23:18:00.000-04:00

This sort of stuff always happens in an Urban Hellhole near the ocean.

I'm very happy to learn that it drew a lot of people (2 Million?!)...seems a weekend with good weather and stuff to do will make people come downtown...huh?

Who da thunk it?

Saturday Evening Post

2009-07-11T21:39:00.000-04:00

...yeah...I guess that's not around anymore.

Old media...LOL! Speaking of which, I heard the Old Grey Lady may begin charging for content (didn't they try this before?)...meh!

Nothing new in the UrbanHellhole...'cept, my Red Sox may be blowing an 8 run lead!

Cmon!

from Sadly, No!

2009-07-10T14:34:00.000-04:00

Here's a little advice...don't mess with Massachusetts...dammit!

Enjoy the snark

Health Care here in the Socialist Republic isn't as bad as everyone thinks.

Also, isn't it funny that we (Massachusetts-ers? Massachusett-ians?) are the butt of a lot of cultural jokes and all; yet the stats show otherwise. Must be something in the water...I blame the flouride ruining our bodily fluids...heh!

2009-07-10T13:45:00.001-04:00

Posting from my phone

Hellhole father Atrios

2009-07-10T13:17:00.001-04:00

He (Atrios, Duncan Black) even includes some pictures, when he posts about his urban hellhole.

Enjoy

Urban Hellhole and what it means

2009-07-10T12:56:00.001-04:00

I live in Boston (not B-town, beantown, or any other crap name you want to call it)!

I also follow a blog called Eschaton.com run by Duncan Black out of Philadelphia. In it he often refers to his city as an "urban hellhole" to really mock those who think living in a city of great size is a PITA. I agree wholeheartedly that his assessment of this very common thought is pretty much why people who live outside of cities denegrate urban living as either unhealthy, unappealing or simply unnatural. Eff 'em!

I love my city...I love my urban hellhole!
(Oh, and to quote from a very good movie "I'm black and I'm proud!")