Well…. all RIGHT then!

It appears that my readers and I are not the only ones who think Bob Joyce is off his rocker — for trying to take away our constitutional rights and for suggesting that women are brain-dead pawns lacking morality and integrity. Several residents of West Roxbury and the surrounding communities sent letters to the Bulletin this week expressing their concern for Joyce’s efforts to remove the Boston Phoenix from all local establishments.

Joyce himself, wrote a letter to the editor — challenging the Phoenix and Gary Park (owner of Gary’s Liquors), to answer a few of his questions:

1. Is the content of the Adult section of The Boston Phoenix indecent?

2. Is the content of the Adult section of The Boston Phoenix sexually exploitive?

3. Is the content of the Adult section of The Boston Phoenix incompatible with the standards of the West Roxbury community?

4. Does the content of the Adult section of The Boston Phoenix present a risk of physical and/or psychological harm to any member of the West Roxbury community?

I would like to take a stab at answering these questions myself:

1. It’s 100% opinion based… and it’s freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

2. To exploit something is “to advance or further through exploitation; to promote”. It’s the ADULT CLASSIFIEDS… PROMOTING ADULT ACTIVITY. Of course it’s sexually expoitive… that the idea!!!

3. NO, NO, NO and NO — If you don’t like it, don’t read it. If you are afraid it will influence your children — throw it out or don’t show it to them! It’s common sense people. And what, I ask you, are these “standards of the West Roxbury community” and who wrote them? These are new to me and as part of the West Roxbury community, I do not want anyone or any committee speaking for me — without getting my opinion first.

4. ABSOLUTELY NOT… Unless you’re a freak to begin with — who looks for any reason to control what other’s read, do and think b/c it doesn’t agree with your own personal beliefs.

Get a life Mr. Joyce… Don’t you get it? We don’t agree with you, so leave our Phoenix alone!

Well…. all RIGHT then!

It appears that my readers and I are not the only ones who think Bob Joyce is off his rocker — for trying to take away our constitutional rights and for suggesting that women are brain-dead pawns lacking morality and integrity. Several residents of West Roxbury and the surrounding communities sent letters to the Bulletin this week expressing their concern for Joyce’s efforts to remove the Boston Phoenix from all local establishments.

Joyce himself, wrote a letter to the editor — challenging the Phoenix and Gary Park (owner of Gary’s Liquors), to answer a few of his questions:

1. Is the content of the Adult section of The Boston Phoenix indecent?

2. Is the content of the Adult section of The Boston Phoenix sexually exploitive?

3. Is the content of the Adult section of The Boston Phoenix incompatible with the standards of the West Roxbury community?

4. Does the content of the Adult section of The Boston Phoenix present a risk of physical and/or psychological harm to any member of the West Roxbury community?

I would like to take a stab at answering these questions myself:

1. It’s 100% opinion based… and it’s freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

2. To exploit something is “to advance or further through exploitation; to promote”. It’s the ADULT CLASSIFIEDS… PROMOTING ADULT ACTIVITY. Of course it’s sexually expoitive… that the idea!!!

3. NO, NO, NO and NO — If you don’t like it, don’t read it. If you are afraid it will influence your children — throw it out or don’t show it to them! It’s common sense people. And what, I ask you, are these “standards of the West Roxbury community” and who wrote them? These are new to me and as part of the West Roxbury community, I do not want anyone or any committee speaking for me — without getting my opinion first.

4. ABSOLUTELY NOT… Unless you’re a freak to begin with — who looks for any reason to control what other’s read, do and think b/c it doesn’t agree with your own personal beliefs.

Get a life Mr. Joyce… Don’t you get it? We don’t agree with you, so leave our Phoenix alone!

The Inside Track

This past Sunday we decided to hit The Cheesecake Factory in the Atrium Mall (in Chestnut Hill) to take my “Insider’s Table” member card for it’s initial spin.

I presented the hostess with my card when we arrived and she was aware of program (I had heard some people went to Chestnut Hill with the card and the staff had no idea what it was). She swiped it in (not sure what this tracks) and told me the manager would bring my card back to the table.

After we were promptly seated (the place was empty… the card doesn’t allow you to cut lines), our waitress came right over and introduced herself (I’m not convinced that she knew we had “the card”). The manager stopped by a few minutes later, gave me the card back and said if we needed anything that he would help us. He was very friendly, but that was the last we saw of him. He did not stop by to see how the food was nor did he stop by at the end of the meal to gauge our overall satisfaction (which is supposed to happen). All in all, as far as I’m concerned, no special treatment with the card.

For food, I had The Navajo sandwich — Warm fry-bread stuffed with grilled chicken, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mayo. It was ‘okay’. The chicken was too thick (it was a big chunk of breast, rather than a pounded-thin one) and I could barely cut it with the knife it was so tough. The sandwich in general was very bland… nothing special. The French fries were good… they always are.

Dan got a breakfast special… the Monte Cristo – a ham and egg sandwich that is dipped in batter and then fried (like French toast) — it was served with powdered sugar and a fruit [dipping] sauce. He said was very good.

Lastly, I had a coupon for an “off the menu” cheesecake, which came with my membership card. Off the menu was defined on the coupon as “one of the house special cheesecakes, not offered on the menu”. When I presented the coupon to our server, she had no idea what it meant or was. So… she gave us the standard menu and let us pick. A little disappointing… Since we had no excuse to splurge (by selecting a special cheesecake slice), we opted for a slice of the plain, low carb cheesecake. It only has 6 grams of carb b/c it is sweetened with Splenda. We ate it at home later and for plain cheesecake, it was quite good.

Overall, ironically enough… after the tons of times we’ve been at TCF, this wasn’t one of the more memorable times — despite our Insider’s Card. We’ll be back next month to use my February coupon… so we’ll see if that is any different!

The Inside Track

This past Sunday we decided to hit The Cheesecake Factory in the Atrium Mall (in Chestnut Hill) to take my “Insider’s Table” member card for it’s initial spin.

I presented the hostess with my card when we arrived and she was aware of program (I had heard some people went to Chestnut Hill with the card and the staff had no idea what it was). She swiped it in (not sure what this tracks) and told me the manager would bring my card back to the table.

After we were promptly seated (the place was empty… the card doesn’t allow you to cut lines), our waitress came right over and introduced herself (I’m not convinced that she knew we had “the card”). The manager stopped by a few minutes later, gave me the card back and said if we needed anything that he would help us. He was very friendly, but that was the last we saw of him. He did not stop by to see how the food was nor did he stop by at the end of the meal to gauge our overall satisfaction (which is supposed to happen). All in all, as far as I’m concerned, no special treatment with the card.

For food, I had The Navajo sandwich — Warm fry-bread stuffed with grilled chicken, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion and mayo. It was ‘okay’. The chicken was too thick (it was a big chunk of breast, rather than a pounded-thin one) and I could barely cut it with the knife it was so tough. The sandwich in general was very bland… nothing special. The French fries were good… they always are.

Dan got a breakfast special… the Monte Cristo – a ham and egg sandwich that is dipped in batter and then fried (like French toast) — it was served with powdered sugar and a fruit [dipping] sauce. He said was very good.

Lastly, I had a coupon for an “off the menu” cheesecake, which came with my membership card. Off the menu was defined on the coupon as “one of the house special cheesecakes, not offered on the menu”. When I presented the coupon to our server, she had no idea what it meant or was. So… she gave us the standard menu and let us pick. A little disappointing… Since we had no excuse to splurge (by selecting a special cheesecake slice), we opted for a slice of the plain, low carb cheesecake. It only has 6 grams of carb b/c it is sweetened with Splenda. We ate it at home later and for plain cheesecake, it was quite good.

Overall, ironically enough… after the tons of times we’ve been at TCF, this wasn’t one of the more memorable times — despite our Insider’s Card. We’ll be back next month to use my February coupon… so we’ll see if that is any different!

Globe’s Best of the New 2008

In today’s Sunday edition Boston Globe, the Globe Magazine lists the Best of the New for 2008. This includes restaurants, shops, people and things to do.

Included in this list is 51 Lincoln… on my wish list and on my agenda for 2/8. Jeff Fournier, 51 Lincoln’s owner and chef, who just celebrated his 1st anniversary with this successful endeavor — also just secured the purchase of West Roxbury’s Vintage. He is also the consulting chef on a new restaurant opening in Hyde Park called Townsend’s… across the way from Albert Winestein’s — a rather new cheese and wine shop.

In fact, several of my “wish list” entries made it on this list… Clink, Gaslight (which I had to reschedule due to baby sitter issues), Haru Sushi (which we’ve been to and thought was “okay”), Myers + Chang, O Ya and several others I was unaware of, but that sound great. It’s worth a look, so pick up today’s paper and check it out.

Mmmm… the choices are getting better and better!

Shag me baby!

I’m one of “those girls”. You know the kind… one who religiously visits her hair salon every six weeks (sometimes every five — depending on the season) to have her hair colored. One who would not even consider “cheating” on my colorist — despite the fact I have dropped upwards of $250 on a visit (more than one time) in the past.

Where, you ask… is this coveted salon and team of stylists I love so much that I am willing to blow my measly part-time salary on something that needs to be “re-done” every five weeks??? Shag Salon in South Boston… that’s where!

Since July 2005, Sandy Poirier has been promising and delivering “rock star hair”. I have been going to Shag since [almost] the beginning and have loved every minute of it. They have gotten a lot of press over the last few years as well. My colorist, Tasha, even had her own Internet TV show on the TLC Channel’s website… it’s called The Makeover Train — which was filmed on the MBTA Red Line!

In addition to all the hype, Shag also delivers what it promises. The color team — with Tasha leading the helm, is amazing. If you have always wanted to get your hair colored but were afraid of someone destroying it, go to Tasha. You will not be disappointed. The other colorists are great as well… including Albana Zeqolli, who made Stuff at Night’s list of Bodies by Boston 2008 — a list of the city’s finest physiques. So if for nothing else, go to Shag to stare at the beautiful people and catch up on some of the city’s best gossip! Needless to say — due to the A-list clientele and the trendy hipsters Sandy tends to hire — these people are in the know when it comes to the newest and coolest gigs in Boston.

Itching for some extensions or a funky new cut? How about a glass of champagne, wine or a cappuchino with your cut and color? Shag has it all. You can even watch Sandy get a tattoo at Miami Ink… yes, the same Miami Ink made famous by their reality show.

Parking can sometimes be a bit tricky… it is on-street parking only. I generally don’t have a difficult time finding a spot… except on Fridays during street-cleaning season. And, while $250 may sound expensive for hair color… that cost is for what I lovingly refer to as “the works” (single process, either partial or full foils and/or a haircut and blow dry). When I get just my roots done, it’s $75 — right in line with every other salon in the city.

The most recent news at Shag is that they have doubled their space… taking over the giant loft across the hall from them. Clearly a sign that even bigger and better things are to come.

Globe’s Best of the New 2008

In today’s Sunday edition Boston Globe, the Globe Magazine lists the Best of the New for 2008. This includes restaurants, shops, people and things to do.

Included in this list is 51 Lincoln… on my wish list and on my agenda for 2/8. Jeff Fournier, 51 Lincoln’s owner and chef, who just celebrated his 1st anniversary with this successful endeavor — also just secured the purchase of West Roxbury’s Vintage. He is also the consulting chef on a new restaurant opening in Hyde Park called Townsend’s… across the way from Albert Winestein’s — a rather new cheese and wine shop.

In fact, several of my “wish list” entries made it on this list… Clink, Gaslight (which I had to reschedule due to baby sitter issues), Haru Sushi (which we’ve been to and thought was “okay”), Myers + Chang, O Ya and several others I was unaware of, but that sound great. It’s worth a look, so pick up today’s paper and check it out.

Mmmm… the choices are getting better and better!

Shag me baby!

I’m one of “those girls”. You know the kind… one who religiously visits her hair salon every six weeks (sometimes every five — depending on the season) to have her hair colored. One who would not even consider “cheating” on my colorist — despite the fact I have dropped upwards of $250 on a visit (more than one time) in the past.

Where, you ask… is this coveted salon and team of stylists I love so much that I am willing to blow my measly part-time salary on something that needs to be “re-done” every five weeks??? Shag Salon in South Boston… that’s where!

Since July 2005, Sandy Poirier has been promising and delivering “rock star hair”. I have been going to Shag since [almost] the beginning and have loved every minute of it. They have gotten a lot of press over the last few years as well. My colorist, Tasha, even had her own Internet TV show on the TLC Channel’s website… it’s called The Makeover Train — which was filmed on the MBTA Red Line!

In addition to all the hype, Shag also delivers what it promises. The color team — with Tasha leading the helm, is amazing. If you have always wanted to get your hair colored but were afraid of someone destroying it, go to Tasha. You will not be disappointed. The other colorists are great as well… including Albana Zeqolli, who made Stuff at Night’s list of Bodies by Boston 2008 — a list of the city’s finest physiques. So if for nothing else, go to Shag to stare at the beautiful people and catch up on some of the city’s best gossip! Needless to say — due to the A-list clientele and the trendy hipsters Sandy tends to hire — these people are in the know when it comes to the newest and coolest gigs in Boston.

Itching for some extensions or a funky new cut? How about a glass of champagne, wine or a cappuchino with your cut and color? Shag has it all. You can even watch Sandy get a tattoo at Miami Ink… yes, the same Miami Ink made famous by their reality show.

Parking can sometimes be a bit tricky… it is on-street parking only. I generally don’t have a difficult time finding a spot… except on Fridays during street-cleaning season. And, while $250 may sound expensive for hair color… that cost is for what I lovingly refer to as “the works” (single process, either partial or full foils and/or a haircut and blow dry). When I get just my roots done, it’s $75 — right in line with every other salon in the city.

The most recent news at Shag is that they have doubled their space… taking over the giant loft across the hall from them. Clearly a sign that even bigger and better things are to come.

I scream, you scream, we all scream, for ice cream

Apparently, some Cambridgians were so eager and starved for their favorite Central Square ice cream, that they actually banded together to raise more than $30,000 to help Toscanini’s pay the Massachusetts Department of Revenue delinquent taxes — taxes they owe dating all the way back to 2000.

Toscanini’s has been closed — keys taken away by the state — until today that is. While the Toscanini supports were ecstatic, reader’s of the website http://www.boston.com/ were mixed on this “noble” gesture.

Personally, I find it ridiculous as well. Why should a business owner be excused from paying taxes that ALL of us have to pay??? Very annoying…

I scream, you scream, we all scream, for ice cream

Apparently, some Cambridgians were so eager and starved for their favorite Central Square ice cream, that they actually banded together to raise more than $30,000 to help Toscanini’s pay the Massachusetts Department of Revenue delinquent taxes — taxes they owe dating all the way back to 2000.

Toscanini’s has been closed — keys taken away by the state — until today that is. While the Toscanini supports were ecstatic, reader’s of the website http://www.boston.com/ were mixed on this “noble” gesture.

Personally, I find it ridiculous as well. Why should a business owner be excused from paying taxes that ALL of us have to pay??? Very annoying…