Monday, April 16, 2007

A Night to Remember

I still remember it to this day. I was in fourth grade, and our teacher was telling us, her students, how all of the Olympic competitors of the past year would be coming to a nearby city to be skate.

Champions on Ice she called it, and it was music to my ears. By far, my favorite event in the Olympics was figure skating. I just loved the costumes and the music and choreography. How I wished i could spakle while performing a triple toe loop, or whatever you called it.

That day I went home full of jealously towards my teacher who had told us about her tickets to the show. After the usual complaint session to my dad, it was followed by a not-so-usual turn of events. My dad had already gotten me tickets to Champions on Ice! I coulnd't believe it! I don't know if he was already planning on telling me that day or keeping it a surprise, but I was ecstatic.

The night was memorable, and I got to see Oksana and Elivs and the girl who was the first to do a backflip on the ice. Needless to say, my dad was a hero that night and continues to this day to be. Because of this, I am telling you about Champions on Ice coming to the TD Banknorth Garden coming this Sunday, April 22nd.

Tickets start at $27, not bad for a lifetime of memories. And even know I am not as familiar with these year's skaters, just know that as long as you are a fan, it will be a night not forgotten.

A Monday to Enjoy

Finally, the day has come. Happy Marathon Monday everyone!

Go to Boston.com's Marathon Central to find out the latest race highlights including current locations, times, and winners. Let the games begin!

Sunday, April 15, 2007

I Think I'll Go to Boston

The Boston Celtics have struggled this season as far as ticket sales. At this point, they are the second-worst ranked team in the East, and they can only hope to be THE worst to get the best pick in next year's draft.

Essentially, what all this means is that this year they have practically giving away the tickets, whether it be through promotions or inexpensive ticket packages. Tickets start at the nice student price of $10, which makes going to games easier than ever. And this Wednesday the Celts are playing Detroit. But what's almost more exiciting than the game itself is the group Augustana is performing right after the game. Augstana is one of three post-game concerts this year, and is known especially in our city for it's hit song "Boston," which has become super popular(but I'm not sure if that's just a Beantown thing!). Either way, I'm always game for a 2-fer!

">

Worth Reading

I don't have a new event to share with you, but instead a great article in The New York Times about the Boston marathon. It is written by a runner who competed in the 1967 Boston marathon, and was pushed by an official who couldn't believe a woman was running in the race. The story is a great one for women to see how far we have come in the forty years since her incident. It's always so astounding to me to see this kind of ignorance against all types of minorities, especially against women just a few decades ago! Please read it, it's really inspriring and a great representation of women's roles in sports today.

Where's the Sun?

Oh no! Looks like this crummy weather is forcing Boston to cancel some of the Patriot's Day events. Check out what's on and what's not, and keep on the lookout for a possibe change in the Marathon time, which was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Photo Finish

The Boston Globe has an interesting Calendar event scheduled for today. The installation of the Boston Marathon finish line is happening today, being installed by Accurate Graphics of Lynn.

Hey, if the idea of running over 26 miles for "fun" is as crazy an idea to you as it is to me, this might be the only chance we actually get to see this side of the finish line.

One of a Kind Bags


This one's for the girls (or the thoughtful guys shopping for us).

I wrote an article about 1154 Lill Studio in The Northeastern News back in 2005, but I want to also mention it here. The shop is located on Newbury Street, and lets you create and design your own bag. The process begins with choosing the style of your bag, which can be anything from a clutch to a tote or even a bag for your laptop. Next, you choose from the multitude of fabrics that may catch your eye, and choose what you want to go where. It's a totally hands-on process and so much fun to do, and the staff are more than helpful to help you in the overwhelming process.

Bags take a few weeks to make, and I have not stopped receiving compliments on mine that I made two years ago. People cannot believe I made it myself, which makes wearing the bags that much more special. Lill Studio is great for yourself or for your fashion forward friends, and even lets you hold bridal showers there if you'd like.

I don't know how many times I've gone shopping in the mood to buy a new bag, and none of them have everything I want. Either they are too cheesy or I find one, but my friend already has it. But when you become your own designer, you can rest assured it is one of a kind!

Friday, April 13, 2007

Mmm Beer


Sam Adams is everyone's friend is Boston, and I can see why. The Sam Adams Brewery offers free tours every Wednesday through Saturday. If you're looking for some free fun tomorrow, try any one of their half-hour to forty-five minute tours that run about every half hour from noon until 2 pm. It's just a quick trip on the Orange Line where you get off on the Stony Brook stop.

People of all ages can visit, but in order to get the free pitchers of beer at the end, you need to be at least 21. The tour starts with a lecture and a brief history before you are led into the best part of the trip- the brewery itself. Whenever I walk into the heart of a brewery, it reminds me of entering Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and this one is no different. Who knew drinking beer could also be educartional?

Visit the official Sam Adam's site for more info.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Born to Run


In preparation of the Boston Marathon less than five days away, I found an informative and educational event on the sport of running at the Harvard Museum of Natural History.

Tonight at 6 o'clock, Daniel E. Liberman will discuss, "Why Humans Run: the Biology and Evolution of Marathon Running." The professor of Anthropolgy at Harvard will discuss the human ability to run and the remarkable endurance that it takes to run a marathon.

It would be interesting to ask Professor Lieberman what it takes to be a marathon runner. Is it hereditary? Is anyone able to do it with the right amount of training? And is one person born with more of a tendency to run than the next? Tickets are FREE and open to everyone.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Crash! Bam! &%#@!

I am going to be looking more into this, but according to the FreeComicDay web site, particpating stores will be offering free comic books to anyone interested in comic books. Participating Boston-area stores that will be taking part of event includes all the Newbury Comics stores. The event is scheduled for May 5.

I remember when I was young and my brother had an entire room filled with comic books. I think it is definitely a lost art, and instead of seeing people reading comic books these days, we are seeing them more and more on the big screen- which isn't a bad thing, but I would like to see a new generation of comic books come around. I think the idea of giving both children and adults the opportunity to get them for free may spark a new interest in the younger generation-always a good thing!

French Fare for a Fraction


Brasserie Jo, located on Huntington Avenue is a go-to spot for Symphony and Theater-goes both pre-and post showtime. I have never been there because it is a little pricy, although I heard the French Onion soup and have been tempted to treat myself. The Boston Globe just published a blurb on what the restaurant calls their "French Kiss Friday & Free Pizza." Each Friday, the French bistro will serve a food special at a fraction of the normal price. Supposedly, they are also going to offer free "Alsace-style pizza" to all customers. I'll have to check my food dictionary for what that is exactly, but I'm not picky...

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Student Discounts!

I just came across the Office for the Arts at Harvard's web site. It's a great little page which it lists all the cultural places in the city and the discounts they offer for college students. Places range from the ART to Blue Man Group to the Isabelle Stewart Gardener Museum. Like I always say, it's so hard sometimes to act like a tourist in your own city, but if you're a student, the time is now! Check them all out for yourself.

The other Kennedy

From my blog on my spring break, you know I love JFK and anything relating to him, the Kennedys, or his wife. I'm not sure if it's because I am from Massachusetts or because the Kennedys are such a rich part of our country's history, but I feel so lucky to have the JFK library right in Boston (Dorchester, technically).

Starting this Thursday the 12th, an all new exhibit hits the library, called "Jaqueline Kennedy Entertains: The Art of the White House Dinner." If you knew me, you would know I loved watching HGTV and looking into homes as I drive by them at night, because I love seeing how other people live. In other words, I am really looking forward to this.

Tickets for students are only $8, and the library is open seven days a week. Their web site says, "the exhibit portrays Jacqueline Kennedy's distinctive and innovative approach to entertaining in the White House using the collections of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum." To me, Jackie O was the essence of class, beauty and strength, and I can't wait to see what her slice of the White House looked like. After all, it's really the women that run the house, the men just live in it :)

In keeping with my ice cream theme...

I can't believe I almost went through today without telling you about another free ice cream opportunity!!

Today, in honor of it being the Sox home opener, JP Licks is offering a free scoop of ice cream! So it's completely free if you're not feeling too hungry, or less expensive if you want more than one scoop. It's available at all locations, so stop by before the day is over!

Monday, April 9, 2007

Sailor for a Day


I need to live by the water. I have already decided that when I am a "real" adult my house will have to be within hearing distance of the sounds of the crashing waves. And being in a boat comes in a close second. My dad has a canoe, and growing up and going to summer camp I loved being in a row-boat, canoe, kayak or sailboat- it didn't matter.

So that's why I think it is so cool that the Boston Sailing Center is making sailing a possibility here in our own Charles River. I had never even thought to do something like this here in Boston, assuming it must be expensive and you probably had to be a member of a club first. But on April 21 from 1-6pm, sailing trips are completely free and given by experienced sailors. This year will be the 31st year of the Free-Sailing weekend, and will feature boats ranging in length from 23 up to 40 feet. It's a nice altnernative to just going for a run alongside the Charles or a Duck Tour for sure, so take advantage!

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Music to My Ears

I'm surprised I haven't written about this before, since I have worked at Boston Symphony for awhile now! But I wanted to let you know there are some great deals out there for last minute ticket buyers. The symphony season only has a month left before the Boston Pops performances start in May, but until then, if you're interested you should definitely look into buying rush tickets for the symphony.

Rush tickets are available every Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm for an 8pm concert, and 10am for all Friday afternoon concerts at 1:30pm. The tickets only cost $8 each, but you must have cash and have one person available to buy for each ticket. It's a great deal, and chances are you end up with a great seat while saving lots of money!

My only warning is to make sure you arrive before 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as only the first 100 people are able to get tickets. Upcoming concerts include Mozart and Brahms, which are sure to be hits so get in line early!

Friday, April 6, 2007

Japanese for Dummies


Ever since I read "Memoirs of a Geisha" a few years back, my eyes have been opened and inspired by Japanese culture. Now, thanks to the newest addition to the Boston family, Red Sox star pitcher Dice K has brought Japanese culture back into focus.

The first of two Japanese-inspired exhibits going on around Boston right now is located at the Keiko Gallery on Charles St. The exhibit features miniature sculptures from Japanese artist Tanaka Kazuhiko, and is completely free of charge. The second is called "Beyond Basketry: Japanese Bamboo Art" going on right now at the MFA. These and many other events of Japaenese origin were featured in a story yesterday in the Boston Globe calld "Japanese 101." Read on for more details about these events and many more.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Gotta Have It!

So I told you about the Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry's. In keeping with the free ice cream theme, Marathon Monday (otherwise known as April 16) has another opportunity for brain freeze!

Most of the Cold stone Creamery's in Boston, including the ones on Beacon Hill and at the Landmark Center, are offering a free Grab n' Go quart after you buy an adult sized ice cream. You might not be running in the race, but you can still treat yourself! Gotta like it!(or love it, or gotta have it-it's up to you!)

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

If it's free it's for me!


The Boston Conservatory is home to some of the brightest music, theater and dance students the country has to offer. I found four different performances featuring each of the genres going on today that are absolutely free if you have some time.

Monday, April 2, 2007

The world must be round...

As you know the purpose of this blog is to find some fun stuff to do around the city on a budget.. this can often be difficult, as not everything that is great in Boston is free. But I found a place which is a definite Boston treasure that I believe is often overlooked.

What I'm talking about is the Mapparium, part of the Christian Science Church located on Mass Ave/Huntington Ave. Built four years after the church opened in 1930, the mapporium is a three-story globe shaped room that allows you to view a map of the world from its core and made entirely from glass.

According to the Mary Baker Eddy Library site, visitors most often notice the following about the world from this unique perspecive:
-A vast portion of the world is covered by water
-New York City, Madrid, Naples, and Beijing all share the same latitude
-Most of the world's land masses are north of the equator
-There are two different islands named 'Cocos' at exactly opposite positions on the globe
-The Magnetic North Pole is quite far from the actual North Pole
-Hawaii (not yet a state in 1935) looks somewhat lonely in the Pacific


Although the Mapparium is spherical in shape, it holds a 30-foot long glass bridge, which allows you to view the colors and beauty of the world from different angles. The colors of the class showing both land in water will leave you in awe and takes looking at the world through maps to a whole new level. But the thing that makes this place one of my favorites the visit are the unsual acoustics. You can be standing on opposite sides of the bridge or right next to your friend, and either way you will hear them as though they were right next to you, even by whispering! It's a truly beautiful building both inside and out, and the Mapparium is like nothing else I've seen anywhere in the world- and it's free!

Friday, March 30, 2007

Suess Celebration

There are only five days left
To see the Dr. at his best
It's been fifty years
For this, there are tears
Of joy for the man we call Suess.

The Art of Dr. Suess is celebrating the fifty year anniversary of The Cat and the Hat at Newbury Fine Arts located at 29 Newbury St. through April 5th.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Cure for your mid-week slump

It's Wednesday.... thankfully it's not Monday but it's not Friday either, which stinks. To help take the edge off from school or work and break up the week, I have a few ideas for some Wednesday night fun. Who knew Wednesday had turned into the new Thursday?

Listen up!

You know it's Spring when...

Don't say I didn't give you enough warning.

April 17th is free cone day at Ben and Jerrys! Hopefully, it will be a little bit warmer outside for this than it was for Dunkin's free iced coffee day where my hands became one with the coffee.This year will be the 29th annual day of free ice cream from Ben and Jerrys, which started in 1979 to celebrate their one year anniversary of the ice cream and show appreciation for their customers.

Just enough time between then and now to get serious about some important decisions- Coffee heathbar or Mint cookie?

Monday, March 26, 2007

I love the '80s

Growing up I was scared of many different characters in the movies I watched.. Chuckie, Gremlins, Care Bears on occasion... and last but certainly not least-David Bowie.

You know what I'm talking about. The movie with Jennifer Connelly at a really young age where David Bowie sneaks into her bedroom and steals her baby brother. In Labyrinth, Jim Henson's muppets came off so life-like it was creepy, which made it one of my favorite/scariest movies growing up, and remains on my list today.

In honor of Jim Henson's incredible work that made my childhood a little more special, the Brattle Theatre is holding a festival in his honor from March 30-April 2. During this time, there will be two showings of Labyrinth. The first show is at 9:45 p.m. on March 31st, and the second is at 9:30 on April 2nd. Tickets cost $9.50 and are worth every penny to see if Bowie still has the same chilling effect now as he did when you were a child. "Everything I've done, I've done for you. I move the stars for no one." Jareth, the Goblin King

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Get it in writing

Looks like someone beat me to the punch (definitely not the first time). As of this January, Globe Pequot published 304 pages of deals and steals in a book they call, "The Cheap Bastards Guide to Boston: Secrets of Living the Good Life FOR FREE!"

I haven't seen this book in bookstores yet, but it is available on Amazon. The book claims they "help you gain free entrance to plays, films, concerts, and museums, where to find free classes in anything from yoga to sailing, where to find half-price meals and free food, including clam chowder, beer, and burgers, how to get a free haircut, color treatment, manicure, or low-cost massage and when and where to find great furnishings in other people’s trash."

Too bad the book isn't for free, too. As soon as I get my hands on it though, I will relay you the best of the least (expensive).

Friday, March 23, 2007

If you could go anywhere..

It's one of my favorite past times, which is really sad when you think about it. I like to imagine what I would do with every last dollar if I were to win the lottery. Problem number one with this- you can't win if you don't play (and I usually don't). Secondly, after I snap back into reality I'm usually left feeling a little depressed at the chances of this happening being in a billion.

During these lottery daydreams of mine, at the end of my money pile I usually pick a few places I would love to travel. With graduation so soon, it's one of those things where it may be a good time to travel with no real responsibilities, but at the same time, not knowing my future makes me nervous about spending so much money on something i don't "need."

But that doesn't mean that it wouldn't be fun to window shop. The Boston Globe is holding it's second annual Travel Show at the Seaport World Trade Center. The event is open to the public starting tomorrow at 10am. The idea of the travel show is to see what's out there around the world as far as vacation experiences, and the advantage is you will get exculsive discounts and deals for booking a trip at the show.
The event's web site claims that they are expecting over 200 exhibitors and last year more than $1,000,000 in travel discounts were accumulated. Whether you're looking to book a trip, or just want to daydream about what could be, check it out. The show runs through Sunday and admission is $10 for adults and children under 18 are free.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Stop&Rent

Before this year, I hadn't rented movies too often. I tend to watch the same movies I know I like over and over again, so when I went to the movie store recently I didnt realize it cost almost $5 to rent a dvd. Granted, most rentals allow you to keep it for a few days, but I remember as a kid it was only $2.. tops!

Seems like the Stop and Shop people read my mind about thie higher rental prices. They now have these red boxes, that look very smilar to a soda vending machine, where you can rent the latest releases for only $1! I love it! It's only $1 for every night you rent, but I only need a movie for that long anyway! I mean, it's great to be able to keep videos for a week, but the reason I rent something is because I plan on watching it that day and then I'm done with it.

The "red box" kiosks take credit cards, so you just swipe your card and you're good to go. They add new movies every Tuesday, and there's no annoying membership card or anything. If nothing else, it saves time by allowing you to go food shopping without having to make an extra stop on the way home.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Oh, Bama!

I love Boston for so many reasons, but one of my favorite memories over the past five years of living here has to be the 2002 election. Let me clarify, it did not turn out the way I would have liked (or even begged or pleaded), but the excitment of the city during such an important time in history was unforgettable.

So, although it is still early for next year's election to nail down who I am going to vote for, I like to start my scoping-out process early. That is why I was so excited to see Democratic contender Barack Obama will be coming to BU's Agganis Arena April 20th. His Web site said he is trying to reach the student population, so you must have an email address ending in .edu in order to buy a ticket. They cost $23, not bad for someone who has won the praise of Oprah and the rest of America seemingly overnight. The fundraiser only allows one ticket per email address, so get going and see what all the fuss about this Chicago native is about! See ya in '08!

Monday, March 19, 2007

Ice Ice Maybe?

This Wednesday, Dunkin Donuts is holding their first-ever, nationwide "Free Iced Coffee Day." As I like to say, if it's free it's for me! Too bad we have enough snow now to make our own iced coffees, but I'll still be taking advantage.

So, to promote the event, Dunkin Donuts is bringing one-hit wonder rapper Vanilla Ice to Copley Square Park tomorrow. Before I saw his whining, pathetic D-lister ways on the Surreal Life, I might actually be interested in checking it out. He will be the special judge in a karaoke contest that invites anyone to make sing his hit, "Ice Ice Baby," in honor of the iced-coffee. The only catch is the contestants have to use the words Dunkin Iced Coffee in their lyrics.

Winners actually win awesome prizes- a year's worth of iced coffee, along with $1,000 and the Nintendo Wii. Even with brain freeze contestants are more likely to have more talent than Ice ever did..

Friday, March 16, 2007

A Justified Break




Spring Break 2007 was my first official year I actually got to get off campus, since the last two years I had been working at the Globe. It wasn't your typical spring break though, which is probably a good thing. Even though I'm only 23 I feel like I've missed my age for those things. That's why I was so excited I was going down to Texas to visit one of my best friends from Northeatern who recently moved there.

Let me just say, I was going down to see my friend Allison, who I met about three years ago and has since quickly become one of my closest friends. This bond we have is because of two words- Justin Timberlake. I had known her for a year or so before we become really good friends. If we had only known our almost-scary obsession with Justin was something we both had in common. Both of has have been to every NSYNC, Justin concert that has graced the northeast since our freshman years in high school, so almost ten years now. We can name every appearance, every lyric, every girlfriend, clothes style, you name it. Although we had shared so many of the same concert experiences, just not together, we were going to see Justin in Dallas this break for the first time together. We had both already seen him a couple of times this year, most notably his club tour this summer that came to Avalon here in Boston and the Roseland Ballroom in NYC. This was the most amazing show we had both been to of his, because it only held a few hundred true fans, and was a smaller setting than the huge arenas he only plays these days.

Anyway, we went to see him last week in Dallas with General Admission tickets. Since I had seen him in Boston last month with the same tickets, I knew how to get us a good spot. We ended up in the first row of GA, right in back of VIP, which had celebrities literally right in front of us, like Tony Romo, QB of the Cowboys. The concert, as usual, was amazing. Since Justin is from the south he had some family up and really made it more special. Any kind of concert is definitely the most fun when shared with friends who share your passion (or obsession, whatever you want to call it!).

While that was the obvious highlight of my trip to Dallas, we did some more touristy, southern things down there as well. I refused to go to any place to eat that is in the northeast, so we stuck to all unique southern restaurants and chains. We visited Fort Worth, which is exactly the type of town you may envision when you think of Texas. It has kids walking around with stirrups, boots and cowboy hats.
The touristy town was filled with souveneir shops and saloons, and also a daily walking of the longhorns down the street, which was a pretty fun sight. We ended our time at Ft. Worth at the world's largest honky-tonk (but do they really have them in places other than Texas?) called Billy Bobs. It was fun because it was so different. I find it so interesting how the south is literally like a different world compared to the northeast.

Second to Justin, my favorite thing in Texas was visiting the Sixth Floor Museum, ocated on the street JFK was driving down when he was fatally shot in Dallas. The museum had amazing information on the day of his death. In fact, the museum is located on the sixth floor, the exact floor with the window where Lee Harvey Oswald shot the two shots that killed the president as he drove by in a convertible pass the infamous grassy knoll. The museum showcased exhibits which featured different conspiracy theories of the assisination. It was really a touching tribute to JFK, and to be in the exact place where his promising life was cut short more upsetting than I had expected it to be. It just makes you wonder if our nation would be different today had that not happened. I find things so interesting when you leave a place and are still thinking about all the things you just learned.

I was very sad when I had to leave Texas and the 80 degree whether.. oh yeah, and Allison too. Oh well, we'll always have Justin. :)

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Time to "Wine Down"

It's just what the doctor ordered. In fact, having a glass of wine with dinner these days is less frowned upon than eating pasta. Studies show it may even improve our health.

With all these justifications for being a wino, why not take advantage of some free wine that's not even in a box? Every Wednesday night from 6-7, the upscale restaurant Croma, located at 269 Newbury Street, makes it happen. The restarant treats their customers to a free wine tasting EVERY Wednesday night. Each week features three new selections of wine to be tasted. Tonight it's Pinot Grigio and next week Italian Whites. And visit soon if you're interested because March is the last month Croma will be doing their Wine Down Series..

Cheers!

Monday, March 12, 2007

Everyone loves a parade!

The South Boston parade is a tradition here in Boston, but for those who live outside the city, there are other options. I'm looking forward to a March 17th parade in Newport, but check out these dates for Mass and New Hampshire, and if you have a free weekend- Ireland! ;)

Abington, Sunday, March 11
Boston, Sunday, March 18
Holyoke, Sunday, March 18
Lawrence, Sunday, March 11
Scituate, Sunday, March 18
Worcester, Sunday, March 11
Yarmouth, Saturday, March 10
Manchester, NH, Sunday, March 18
Dublin, Ireland, Saturday, March 17

Seeing Green

I like to think of St. Patrick's day kind of the same way I think of my birthday- as a week-long event. For a list of every single Irish Pub in Boston to spread the green out, check them out.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Mmmm Chocolate

For those of you giving up chocolate for Lent, I apologize. Tupperware parties may never be my thing, but chocolate tasting parties definitely are. Check it out.

Something Macnificant

Last year, I gave in. I got a Mac. (Sorry PC!) Before I got my Macbook, I had used Macs, but having my own was definitely a learning experience. In fact, I'm stll learning. And Mac (they do really think of everything) is making it easier for veteran PC users like myself to convert.

Mac stores offer lessons for navigating almost every feature of their computers. One of the best thing about Macs are all the creative things they offer for photos, music and movies, and I haven't been able to take advantage of all the capabilities. The hour-long workshops in the Mac stores are completely free, and range from iMovie to Podcasting workshops.

The closest Boston location is in the CambridgeSide Galleria store, and classes are offered everyday of the week.. so basically this is the final step in my Mac conversion and I have no more excuses in only using Word and iTunes on my Mac. Wish me luck!

Happy Eating Disorders Awareness Week!

Last year my roommates and I all made it a point to watch a documentary together on HBO called "Thin." The film followed a group of girls (from adolescents to adults) with eating disorders who were living under the strict rules of a rehabilitation facility. As relieving as it was to see these beyond sick girls getting help, we were more than disappointed at the end when the show revealed most of the girls had relapsted after getting out. Turns out, insurance only pays for the patients' to stay in a certain amount of time, which was far less than the girls needed who had been battling the dieases of anorexia and bulemia their entire lives.

For Eating Disorder Awareness Week, the creator of the documentary and a related book called "Girl Culture" will be in Boston this week. A Harvard graduate, Lauren Greenfield will be part of a free event that happens tomorrow night at the Brattle Theatre, where the documentary will be shown with questions for Lauren to follow.

The documentary was eye-opening, and it's definitely worth learning about the disease/lifestyle that is effecting our cousins, friends and maybe even ourselves.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Movie Madness

I've been slacking. I haven't seen ANY of the Best Picture nominees for this year's Academy Awards. That is why I'm so excited AMC theaters, including the one in Boston Common, is showing all 5 nominees in a marathon this Saturday. There isn't even a catch- to see all five movies, the usually pricy theater is only charging $30 for entire day!

Babel kicks things off at 11, followed by The Queen, The Departed, Letters from Iwo Jima and finally Little Miss Sunshine at 9:45. Not only are you saving at least four dollars per movie, the promotion includes a free large popcorn and drink with free refills throughout the day. It could be a long day if your attention span with movies can't withstand 12-plus hours of movies, but hey- the seats do recline...

Spray it ain't so!

Not sure what to get your sweetie (whether it be yourself, significant other or furried friend) for Valentine's day? Roses and candy are out- lip spray is in! No, it's not for bad breath, although that may enhance the effects. The lip potion, called Stay in Love Forever Lip Spray," is guaranteed to take your partner by surprise, which is very hard to do on Valentine's Day.

"Stay In Love Forever Breath Spray from Blue Q has a romance-enhancing cinnamon flavor. Helps keep the passion, mystery and magic in your modern-day fairy tale!" Besides it's love potion spell, it will also be the ultimate test for your Valentine.. if they act like they love it- you know you have a keeper.

It's not just a web site that sells these unsual gifts, just hop on the Red Line to Quincy.

Friday, February 9, 2007

16th Minute of Fame

I've been a Justin Timberlake far too long to condone anything like this, but if you're really hurting for plans tonight- check whose coming to Gypsy Bar. It's an anti-Valentine's Day Party tonight, hosted by FedEx (I won't even say his name). I guess it's a step up from Taco Bell...

Monday, February 5, 2007

IM Overdose

I can't deny it. College students, including myself, are known for being lazy (and for good reason). Our laziness comes in many forms, such as using your rommate's printer instead of getting your own or deciding altogether class is interfering with your nap schedule. Another time when this laziness seems to shine is when it comes to hunger and eating meals. It is true we often choose take-out over a two minute walk to the grocery store. But how can we resist, when restaurants offer takeout late at night and some web sites make ordering food as easy as a click of the mouse?

Web sites such as Campusfood have a list of restaurants to choose from, and for an extra charge they let you order off the menu and they will pick it up and bring it right to your doorstep. While it is not complicated, you just fill out an online ordering form and fill out your contact info, it looks as though taking out is being made even easier.

In a February 3 article in the Boston Globe called IM Starving it looks as though restaurants, such as the Angora Cafe, are allowing eaters to simply send an instant message that serves as placing your order at that restaurant. This method of take-out does skip a few steps that are currently necessary in ordering from the food web sites. While there are only a few places taking part in IM'ing your dinner order, students already taking part think it may catch on.

One of the students projected in the artcile that in the coming years, all companies will have a screen name. So much for the idea of burning the calories you are going to eat by actually walking to the place, or at least picking up the phone! And we wonder as Americans we are seen as lazy and overweight ...

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Misery Loves Company

So Valentine's Day is less than two weeks away, and what better way to celebrate (if you aren't already booked) than with someone who is actually worse off than you on the day of love?

Valentine's Day is like New Years eve- lots of fuss for something that usually ends up letting you down. And if you haven't got a Valentine, the day has the ability to make you feel even worse.

But there is a bright side to everything. Just be thankful your husband didn't steal thousands and thousands of dollars from you while embarassing you on your own tv show of your life. Lost? It's ok. That's what happened to Kathy Griffin, the comidienne who is taking her own comedy show to Boston that day. The star of her own series on Bravo, "Life on the D-List," Griffin is not afraid to make fun of herself, but more importantly, call out the craziness of the stars she comes into contact with. The self-deficating funny woman who speaks about her own plastic surgery and does impressions of Celine Dion and Star Jones will surely make you feel better about your own love-life situation.

The show starts at 7:30 and and tickets are available for $32 and $42. Just go to bso.org if you're interested.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Never let go

This weekend I'm in luck. With the Golden Globe awards last week and the Academy Awards coming up, I have been thinking movies. More specifically, I was afraid I had made the same mistake I made back in the fourth grade. With the popularity of the movie Titanic, I was invited numerous time to go see it with my friends. Unfortunately though, I always had something else to do when they asked me to go. Thinking the super-popular movie would be around forever, I never ended up seeing what my friends called at the time "the best movie ever" in the theater.

Fast forward to 2006. I was so excited to see the trailers for the movie The Departed which was magnified with all the city's publicity buzz around it. The combination of great actors with a great director made it a "must see" movie on my list since the day it came out. However, I experienced some bittnerness when once again I had waited too long and the movie had gone out of theaters.

Thankfully, the movie is currently up for Best Motion Picture of the Year for the 79th Academy Awards. This attention has spurred the Boston theaters to re-release it beginning this weekend.

I may have let Leo's big screen debut pass me by, but rest assured I am not going to let it happen again.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Hair I am

Finding a good and inexpensive salon in Boston can be tricky. You don't want to get ripped off, you don't want to go to a place that is too upscale and snooty for it's own good, and you don't want to get stuck with an inexperienced stylist who has just learned how to use a pair of scissors.

Not being from the city, it's not like home where you go to the same place you've been going all your life. It's even difficult to ask your friends for suggestions, because chances are they are as clueless as you are and save the trips to the hairdressers for when they go home.

For the most part, I too have waited until I got home to see someone I know and trust. Aside from that, I know I will be saving at least a few bucks, a definite advantage of doing anything outside of the city.

But for the times when a haircut just can't wait until someone offers me a ride home, finding a salon in Boston was necessary. In the past, I have found a couple of good places, each on Newbury Street. Salon Marc Harris and GSpa have each done good jobs and have a really friendly staff. Marc Harris charges about $40 for the most inexpensive stylists. GSpa costs a little more, but thanks to a coupon in Glamour magazine I got full highlights and a haircut priced down from $260 to $130. Not a bad deal, but still not ideal on a student's budget.

So today I took advantage of a good deal on the Citysearch Web site. Just visit the the site and search Runway Salon on Newbury St. The site offers a printable coupon for a $25 for a haircut and blowdry. Just make sure you tell them when you call to make an appointment, and chances out they will set you up with a junior stylist. Upon reading the reviews on the site, most people get Erik. I had him too, and he was young, but super friendly and knew what he was doing and very quick to offer suggestions. Unlike other salons, he washes your hair too, which like most other nice salons, includes a relaxing head massage. The coupon saves you at least $20 for the visit, and although it's only usable for your first appointment, (if I don't have a coupon for another place), I'll be returning.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Add that to the list...

Warning: Not everything that is great in Boston can be cheap, so this weekend I decided to splurge.

So I have a new restaurant to add to my (fairly lengthy) favorite's list. Although it's fairly new, I was very surprised I hadn't heard much about it. However, the one friend who had been highly recommended it, so we decided to check it out for ourselves this weekend. The name of the restaurant is Rustic Kitchen, and it replaces the old 57 Restaurant attached to the Radisson Hotel on Stuart Street.

I have to be honest though. Even if the food was atrocious it would probably still make my favorite's list on the ambiance alone. When you enter the large restaurant with multiple bar areas, you are first impressed with the large woodstove that sits at the far end of the restaurant. After that, the high ceilings featuring wine labels are a unique touch and even more impressive are the light fixtures varying in different areas of the restaurant give you a nice feeling that you are no longer in Boston.

After being seating in a section I didn't even realize was still part of the large "kitchen," we were given an extensive wine list along with bread and olives and a hummus-like mixture with olive oil. For an appetizer we decided to get some of the brick oven pizza which was tasty but nothing spectacular. For dinner we had veal, linguini with crab and butternut squash tortellini. We were all more than pleased with our dinners. The service was great and not rushed, so after our meal was done, we decided to enjoy our surroundings for awhile longer.

The entrees include a variety of meats, fish and pastas that average about $20 each. While not too expensive, the combination of wine, appetizers and drinks made it a definite splurge. If you're looking for something new, this is the perfect date place as well as for a group of friends. So next time you're in the neighborhood of PF Changs and Legals, take a little detour and try something new. Bon appetite!

Friday, January 19, 2007

Kerry at Northeastern

Being a student at Northeastern, I try to take advantage of as many things as possible when it comes to on-campus activities. Usually, events require I present my Husky card before I am let into a certain event. Since a student activity fee is charged to my card every semester, I try to put these dollars which I have no choice in opting out of. But tomorrow Northeastern is the home of an event where anyone is welcome.

If you think John Kerry has been drowning his sorrows after losing the presidential election a couple of years back-think again. The Massachusetts Senator is going to be on campus tomorrow afternoon at his second annual Massachussetts Procurement Conference and Business Expo. What this means in English is basically a full day where Kerry is taking time to recognize the small businesses that keep the state going.

Hosted by Mayor Menino, the highlight of the all-day affair will come at 3:30 when Northeastern's new president Aoun will introduce the Senator. According to Northeastern's Office of Government Relations, newly appointed governor Deval Patrick will also be present and is set to speak. If you're really into learning more about the business world, the doors open at 9:15 in the Curry Student Center with the exhibitions to follow. If anything, the event is a good and super-close opportunity to see some of the city's most influential people mixing and mingling among us "common folk."

To attend the event and for more information, just vist John Kerry's own Web site at http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/corner/procurement1_07_participant.html.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Boston on the cheap

Being a student in Boston means endless possibilities when it comes to entertainment and having fun. But you don't have to be a student to want to find new and unique places and events while keeping an eye on your wallet. While the options are out there, we all tend to fall into patterns where we do the same thing, week after week. While these things may be fun, they also can become predictable and mundane, which is unnacceptable when living in a city with so much to offer to its hundreds of thousands of twenty-somethings. I don't want my college experience (and more importantly my time in Boston) to pass me by. My goal as a Boston resident is to live life more like a tourist rather than a student who has lived here for the past five years. The objective of this blog is to live life a little more outside the box, go places I may not have considered going before, and share my experiences with you all in hopes that you too will take advantage (and listen up when I have found something is not worth the trip)!