South Boston Online

THE PRINT EDITION

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

VOLUME XIX- ISSUE 49

Bad Week for NPS During Washington Meltdown

Collins Testifies for Benefits of Surviving Spouses of Firefighters

Representative Nick Collins recently filed H.4057, An Act Concerning Health Insurance Benefits for Surviving Spouses of Firefighters in the City of Boston.

The legislation is intended to allow the surviving spouse of a Firefighter in the City of Boston to continue to access the group health insurance benefits regardless of remarriage. At the moment, a surviving spouse is no

longer eligible for the group health insurance if he or she decides to remarry. The bill is a ‘Home-Rule’ petition that passed the Boston City Council and was approved by the Mayor in November.

“We are thankful for the hard work of first responders in this City, and we will never to stop working to ensure that they and their families have every protection” said Rep. Collins. “With each new fire or emergency, we are reminded of the tremendous sacrifices made by families of first responders. This legislation would be one small token of gratitude to those families, ensuring they can live in dignity and health regardless of how they choose to move on with their lives.”

The bill was heard by the Joint Committee on Public Service on Tuesday, where Firefighters, Legislators, and members of the public were there to hear testimony. The Committee will now deliberate the bills future.

By Richard Campbell

for

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s if the mass resignations of the Advisory Board of the National Parks this past Wednesday over being ignored by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke wasn’t enough, as the chaos in Washington ensued over the budget showdown, across the nation National Parks were forced to close. People visiting Boston wishing go to Bunker Hill, and other sites were out of luck. Though Faneuil Hall was closed for renovations in January, and some outside vendors allowed access to Old South, Old State, Old North, Revere House- and the USS Constitution & Museum, the rest of NPS Boston metro area shut their doors. The parks are, by most reports, back open- for now. Perhaps the issues at the National Parks are a small wrinkle next to all the other chaos as the “Washingtoon” continues

yet another “showdown.”

It is worth noting that this would be the first time in the history of the National Parks that the Interior Secretary sparked such a rebellion among the advisory board established in 1935, or reached such a low level of trust in the rank and file. It must be understood that even at the highest levels, National Park positions are often voluntary, nonpolitical in nature, and that the dedicated service of park employees is rated highly by the public, regardless of political persuasion.

So, after repeatedly trying to obtain a meeting with Mr. Zinke, nine of the twelve advisory members threw their hands up in disgust, and submitted a joint letter of resignation.

Sounds dysfunctional to me.

At the center of the controversy is the ongoing war on science, a point the resignation letter makes that was amplified by Alaska Governor Tony Knowles Continued on page 3

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

A Shutdown, Yet Again

S

outh Boston Online would like to suggest that you focus on just one key news item over the next two weeks: The central government of the United States of America, the greatest nation the world has ever seen, shut itself down for two days late last Friday.

Yes (to repeat), our government shut itself down because it was unable to govern. Our Federal government – if you can call it that – reopened again on Monday Finger pointing is going on all over Washington, D.C. No one there is ever to blame for anything, of course. Presidential incompetence and buffoonery since the turn of the century has severely diminished America’s standing in the world.

Now America can’t even “keep its own store open”. What a disgrace.

The real problem is that the elected officials we have sent to Washington are simply unable to govern – that seems beyond their (very) limited talents. And please don’t hide behind party labels – the Republicans are (supposedly) in control of both legislative branches of course, but at the very last moment last week, Senate Democrats came down on the side of temporary and outright

illegal immigrants. That was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. The shutdown ensued.

In other words, both parties share and bear huge portions of the blame for last weekend’s shutdown. And there is no excuse for this! None whatever! These shutdowns are the finest arguments for term limitations ever invented.

Keep this in mind when you answer the following two questions.

And please answer them honestly: Question 1.- Last Sunday, were you more interested in seeing the Pats overtake the Jags in the AFC Championship game – or whether the government would start up again on Monday morning?

Question 2.Ten days from now, will you be more interested in what our Federal government is doing - or whether the Pats win the Super Bowl?

South Boston Online has heard that a few legislators intend to give back their pay for last weekend. But what about their (very) expensive benefits? And what about the legislators who’ll still take full pay, even after voting themselves a weekend off? Irritating, eh wot?!?

We’ll repeat ourselves – term limits at the Federal level are beginning to look very good to South Boston Online.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Boston Redevelopment Authority Approves New Hotel Plans

By Richard Campbell A new 159 Room, 20,000 square feet hotel has been approved for 248 Dorchester Avenue on the location of the current Enterprise Car Rental site. The hotel, that is within walking distance of the West Broadway T Stop will be eight stories, include a restaurant, roof garden, fitness center, swimming pool, and event space. Covered at grade parking for 60 vehicles, and landscape area around the hotel is also included. The proposal submitted

by Evergreen Property Group has been under review since October 2017, and the architectural firm is Utile Design, whose work on the residential building 25 West Broadway is already known to South Bostonians.

What you would see is the beginning of a significant re-zoning of the end of Dorchester Avenue from an industrial zone to a commercial residential one. At this point the project is simply called a Boutique Hotel, and there doesn’t seem to be a brand associated with it. While a significant improvement over what is on the site currently, the building, though filled with amenities is not going to be winning architectural awards for thinking outside the box. By the shape of the building one can see the architects were working within some pretty tight space restrictions. The city will no doubt want to turn this street into more of a pedestrian boulevard than an industrial zone.

Renderings by Cincotta Companies and the architectural firm Utile, Inc.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

NPS Bad Week Continued from page 1 who was one of the nine board members to resign.

Knowles said “that the Department of the Interior showed no interest in learning about or continuing to use the forward-thinking agenda of science, the effect of climate change, protections of the ecosystems, education. And it has rescinded NPS regulations of resource stewardship concerning those very things: biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change.” Look, you don’t have to be an environmentalist to believe in the National Park System.

Of course the spokesperson Heather Swift for the Department of Interior claims the resignation is a “political stunt”, deflecting from the fact that Zinke has made several very unpopular moves: tripling of park fees, attempts to privatize camp sites, rolling back of conservation mandates made by updated 2016 NPS NB Oil and Gas Regulations, among other plans for using the National Parks lands as a cash cow. The decision to cut the budget of the national parks should come as no surprise to anyone- the parks routinely get picked on, ironically because they are so efficient.

It is not this writer’s opinion that it would be hard to find any department in the United States government that delivers more value than the National Parks- it is a matter of proven fact. The park system is buoyed by a large number of volunteers. To quote the National Parks Conservation Association: “In 2014, the National Park System received over 292 million recreation visits.

Park visitors supported nearly $30 billion in economic activity and nearly 277,000 private-sector jobs. Each federal dollar invested in the National Park Service generates $10 in economic activity, a tremendous return on investment to local economies.”

From the same source, in terms of the Federal budget the National Parks “though the Park Service only employs about 21,000 people, they supervise 221,000 volunteers who give 6.4 million hours of service a year.”

The National Parks total budget is 3 billion a year. Clearly, there

Hisstoric Faneuil Hall, the jewel of NPS Boston, closed until spring. is no department more efficiently run in the entire United States government. Contact me the next time our defense department ($603 billion a year, or 36% of worldwide defense spending) ever breaks even, let alone delivers a return of ten to one to the American public.

Perhaps even more disturbing than the administration’s desire to cut the already miniscule National Park Service budget is Ryan Zinke’s plan to lift bans on uranium mining on lands that surround Grand Canyon National Park, which reveals a sharp change in direction from the past six administrations.

Luckily in 2012 the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Department of Interiors decision to bar uranium mining for the next 20 years. The current administration could attempt to overturn the moratorium which would be environmentally devastating to the Grand Canyon, and the water supply of the Colorado River basin.

This is coupled with the general reckless dismantling of the EPAwhich polls indicate more than 60% of Americans believe should be maintained and strengthened. You don’t have to be a crunchy granola to want clean drinking water.

People who are not old enough to remember how polluted our nation was in the 1960’s- 70’s and how long it took for the EPA to spearhead the cleaning of our rivers, streams, and Boston harbor in particular, think this kind of thing isn’t a local issue. In South Boston we are surrounded by water, it behooves us to pay attention.

Also, Zinke’s plan to build a road through Izembec Wildlife Refuge

in Alaska, a plan which the previous Interior Department 2013 studies proved would destroy the park’s eco system, is up for consideration.

Not only has this park been protected by every presidential administration since Eisenhower, what started as requests for a Japanese salmon fishing company to have access to the closest airport has morphed into 1.4 milliondollar lobbyist scheme claiming to benefit emergency services for a small village of 900 people,

who, incidentally have already received over 50 million in state and federal funding to modernize their marine medical transport system and medical facilities in exchange for keeping the park intact. The idea is that this small village tied to commercial fishing interests, has the right to upend the entire Alaskan environment for their benefit at huge expense (30 million) to the American taxpayer.

Talk about a road to nowhere.

That would be a total of 80 million to placate 900 very selfish people.

Finally, the recent rescinding of two national park’s monument status by the administration, and its budget which cuts the parks by %12 when the park already has a huge backlog of deferred maintenance (12 billion) added to years of budget cuts, was the opening salvo in a series of plans to undermine the best national park system in the world. For anyone who doesn’t care about or understand the huge value of the National Parks to our nation, this is all good news, to people with brains, (and I realize they are in short supply in the nation’s capital) it’s pretty bad news.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Gate of Heaven School Wrap-Up Meeting

Fr. Robert Casey, Pastor of Gate of Heaven, opens Thursday’s parish meeting.

by Rick Winterson In our last issue (JAN 18, page one), South Boston Online reported in some detail on the decision to demolish the building – now unoccupied for nine years – that once housed the Gate of Heaven School.

Arriving at this decision, basically to ensure continued preservation of the iconic Gate of Heaven Church, was not easy.

However, the reasoning behind this decision appears to have resulted in the best possible outcome.

In order to communicate completely the decision to demolish the school, along with providing answers to any remaining questions from the members of Gate of Heaven Church, Fr. Robert Casey, the Pastor, convened a meeting last Thursday in the Gate of Heaven’s

Lower Hall. He presented a summary of the factors that went into the decision to raze the unused school building, and to convert the building’s “footprint” into additional parking.

Bulletins published by the combined parishes of Gate of Heaven/St. Brigid contain the detailed reasoning that went into this decision.

As before, Fr. Casey emphasized that this decision was based, first and foremost, upon the desire to preserve the Gate of Heaven Church. Also, this will provide a path to pay off a debt still owed to the Archdiocese for renovations to Gate of Heaven Church in 2005.

It will provide a regular source of funds to make long-term, future Church repairs as well.

Questions-a nd-a nswers then ensued. As an example, one audience member asked about elderly housing.

That was certainly a valid point and an increasingly critical need on Boston and Vicinity. A partial answer was provided by another audience member, who referred to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

This Act requires costly new elevators and bathrooms in any renovated residential building.

Another audience member, who had been a student at Gate of Heaven School, stated emphatically, “I hate to see the School torn down, but

The ornate, high Gothic altar in Gate of Heaven Upper Church.

let’s do it. It’s time to move on!”

The wrap-up meeting ended positively, with a certain feeling of good will. The Gate of Heaven/St. Brigid Parish

will now proceed to submit the necessary applications and paperwork for demolition of the School building later in 2018.

Gate of Heaven Church on the South Boston skyline, viewed from the Seaport.

The audience raises their questions about the Gate of Heaven School demolition.

Fr. Casey (r.) says Sunday Mass in Gate of Heaven Church.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

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Two Minutes – Just Before. And After!

It had been a long three hours at Seapoint, especially during the first half. The Pats had finally gotten ahead of the Jags, and regained possession with two minutes to go, after a heart-stopping goal line stand. They retained possession after the two-minute warning, finally getting to the point where it was a succession of kneel-downs to run the clock out. The Pats’ defense were the unsung heroes, holding the Jags to just 20 points total, versus a points against average during the regular season of 18.7. On to Minneapolis and (perhaps) a sixth Super Bowl trophy two weeks from now.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Movies Come to South Boston

by Rick Winterson For many years now, getting to a movie in South Boston was difficult, and occasionally impossible due to traffic, weather, and/or “T” breakdowns. The theaters in South Boston had closed down, including that one inelegantly known as the “Bug House” (something in the popcorn, perhaps?). That’s unfortunate, because film-making is really an American art – invented here, developed here, and even the home of Hollywood, the world’s first moving picture colony.

But no matter. That has changed, as of year-end 2017.

We now have two theaters in our neighborhood that can be reached by auto, public transport, or (are you ready?) on foot, providing the weather smiles.

One of these movie houses is located in One Seaport/ Courthouse Square. It is called by the lengthy moniker of “The Kerasotes Boston ShowPlace, ICON Theatre”. It’s elegant; it’s on the third f loor at 60 Seaport Boulevard. It overlooks Courthouse Square and the Boston skyline to the southwest.

Given the cost and (lack of ) parking availability, it’s probably best to take the “T”, getting off at the Red Line’s South Station stop, and then taking the Silver Line one stop to the Courthouse Station. Exit that station and you are there at ICON Theatre,

with its ten screens to choose from, as well as its club-like atmosphere in the ICON lounge.

The other newly opened (in mid-December) movie house is the AMC Theater in the South Bay Mall. Yes, we are aware that’s just across the border into Dorchester, but it’s very near South Boston – just a ten-minute walk from Andrew Square, or if you are driving, you can use the spacious South Bay Mall parking lot. And don’t let the AMC logo deceive you.

Their new South Bay theater is striking and modern, especially the “auditoriums”, which is what they call the ten individual theaters. In addition, there are a lounge and a cafeteria-style dining area, where you can wait

in really pleasant surroundings.

Be aware that these new theaters cost more than existing movie houses. Tickets to the AMC in South Bay Mall are $13 (more for IMA X and Dolby); they start at $17.50 in the ICON Theatre. Note that the seats at the ICON are actually comfortable recliners, which (believe it or not!) feature adjustable heaters in the cushions.

You can make going to the movies a real event in either the ICON or the AMC Theatres. If you don’t choose to patronize their lounges and dining areas, other places to go are conveniently close. The AMC Theater is located in a “village” of restaurants at the southwest corner of South Bay

– Panera, Applebee’s, and Olive Garden. There’s a Starbuck’s close by; a Gyu-Kaku (Japanese barbecue) will open soon.

The ICON Theatre in One Seaport is surrounded by places to go. The “Gather” restaurant in District Hall has quite good, reasonably-priced food, along with a smashing view of Seaport Green and the Fallen Heroes Memorial obelisk. Would you like something novel, especially if your kids are with you? Just take them to Wagamama at 100 Northern Avenue, on the other side of Seaport Green.

Strongly recommended.

They’ll love the place.

And the movie this writer viewed?

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”, which has about the strongest, most talented cast he has ever seen - led by Frances McDormand (“Fargo”. Triple Crown awardee), Woody Harrelson (there’ll always be a Woody Harrelson), and Sam Rockwell, playing a disgraced cop who (sort of ) finds redemption.

“Three Billboards” was written by Irish immigrant Martin McDonagh, an astonishing story-teller, who got the idea for this story when he drove across America.

Enjoy. Movies are back in South Boston – good ones, too!

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

South Boston Catholic Academy News “Vision of Peace” The students enjoyed a performance “Vision of Peace” last Wednesday, presented by Young Audiences Arts for Leaning. In “Visons of Peace”, Leland Faulkner artfully illuminated stories about dreaming for a better world through folk tales using shadow-theater, illusion and characters from around the world. Coming from an international background, Leland has created a multi-cultural theatrical program that the students enjoyed learning about.

South Boston Catholic Academy will celebrate National Catholic Schools Week on January 28 to February 2. The theme for this year’s annual celebration of Catholic education is Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed.

We look forward to celebrating beginning with the 10:30 Family Mass on the 28th at St. Brigid Church, an Open House on Wednesday the 31st from 9am-1pm and a host of other school-wide events. For additional information about South Boston Catholic Academy, please visit their website at www.sbcatholicacademy.org or call 617-268-2326.

If you cannot make our Open House, but would like a tour, please join us on “Tour Tuesdays” every Tuesday at 9AM.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

PreK–Grade 6

Open House Wednesday, January 31, 2018 9:00 am–1:00 pm

866 East Broadway | South Boston, MA 02127 | 617.268.2326 | sbcatholicacademy.org

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

Open House at Ethos Showcases Advanced Learning System and Beautiful Design

By Richard Campbell

E

thos Early Learning Center held an open house event at their new West Broadway location on Saturday, January 20, and South Boston Online went to cover the new kids on the block. Shortly after starting the introductory tour of Ethos Childhood Learning Center with Founder / CEO Alejandro Dubovoy, and Program Director Aedeen Twomey, the level of planning and design that went into this enterprise started to dawn upon me. As we looked upon the small colorful street signs in the lobby that signaled to the various rooms with logos from New England nature appealing to children, it was soon realized each corresponded to rooms for particular age levels and various pedagogy. When Mr. Dubovoy read a brief poetic description of the important values to children who would occupy the Aster Plant / Infant Room, shaped like a star- it was not hard to see the genuine enthusiasm, and pride of these pioneers in this, their project for young children’s education.

In other words, the signs have special meaning that will become valued by the students and parents. Almost everything in this early learning program for the very young is part of a unique set of plans. From this beginning to the detailed description of the learning program, a hybrid Montessori / Reggio Emila / Steiner Method approach, it becomes apparent when Ms. Twomey says the program is uniquely planned; she’s not exaggerating. You may not perceive at first how critical design is, (visiting architect parents did) with the custom interior design from Rapt Studio in San Francisco. The real feeling inside these classrooms is of simplicity and beautiful light- a kind of transparency combined with articulated and intuitive spaces that invite calm or directed activities. The early learning program is in the final

The Ethos team poses at the entrance to the Open House. stages of state and city inspections able to navigate safely, various and certifications, holding open sized appliances, aquariums houses for families with a tentative and toys, and custom modeled opening early 2018. There were activities for each age groupabout three waves of families right down to the tiny wooden when this reporter was in house. ergonomically designed tables and One can easily imagine chairs, there was a continuum of children loving the spaces for their design influencing experience. thoughtful layouts and intelligent It was not until later when design, which then naturally was I thought about the various planned for a particular kind of pedagogical details of the Ethos childcare combined with early Learning program that it seemed a education. The classroom spaces necessity for these educators to plan preserved beautiful original wood all these built in intricacies. Besides floors, included ample storage providing a safe environment and spaces, learning spaces, and consistent education from infants observational spots for parents and toddlers through an early that even without the children learning program setting, the or instructors, it looks ready for pedagogy more or less demanded the first class. From things like that they have the space designed small transparent gates between for each age group in a very sections that children would be particular manner. For those of

us who aren’t parents, we tend to forget how vulnerable and delicate little children are, and just how important those initial years of discovery of the world are to them. Ethos checks all the boxes from sound security plans, in house kitchen and laundry, carefully designed cribs, and tiny furniture and toilet facilities that well exceed rigorous standards.

With highly qualified professional classroom staff educated with at least a BA in child development, and assistants with experience in care giving or enrolled in higher education child development programs, the Ethos executive team comes to this project with a wealth of experience to create an exemplary learning center in South Boston. The program curriculum and philosophy is a researched based formulation that is proven to provide successful learning methods.

When the discussion turned to mindfulness and yoga that could be tailored by instructors to meet the daily schedules, and to the living room planned for parents to gather, this writer began to see the educational vision in complete.

With a science program and their own community garden, my guess is that readers know the demographic who will thrive in this environment: active, educated, parents who love their children. Out of respect for visiting families, the photography includes Ethos Staff only. For more information on open houses and registration, CONTACT: ETHOSLEARN.COM

Large open space, cholorful accent rugs, storage cabinets, and plenty of furniture for hands on activities.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

Cribs, tables, and a nursing chair in the infant room.

Cabinets / sinks for staff storage, cleaning of toys, and soft seating.

The dream team helped with opening Alex Dubovoy CEO (r).

When children look out the large windows they can see a city scape.

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A series of learning stations becoming equipped with educational tools.

One of the play rooms with facilities built in- notice transperant door.

The original wood floors add a feeling of warmth to the space.

Where Parents can observe classrooom progress.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

by Rick Winterson

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

“Big Broadway’s” Back

I

n the dim and misty past that was once the 20th Century, neighborhood rivalries in South Boston were intense. Because West Broadway attracted so many people – shoppers, movie goers, Sunday strollers, and so on – the denizens of West Broadway at that time started calling it “Big Broadway”.

This, of course, meant that East Broadway became Little Broadway.

But times changed. Influences such as closures, relocations, forced busing, altered economics, and the inevitable urban decay brought hard times to West Broadway. We’ll let the urban anthropologists at Harvard do their PhD dissertations on exactly why this happened, and even more important, exactly why the changes along West Broadway have reversed themselves. But suffice to say, they have indeed reversed themselves – Big Broadway is back!

Just take a walk along West Broadway any sunny Sunday afternoon (except late in the afternoon on February 4). Start at whichever end is convenient for you. Note the changes that have occurred since the new 21st Century began. West Broadway stretches for approximately 4,000 feet between Perkins Square and

A taste of the familiar – Amrhein’s (since 1890).

Broadway Station on the Red Line – that’s roughly three-quarters of a mile, about a 20-minute walk.

But please take your time. Stop in and enjoy the many, many places – some brand new, some originals – that are there on West Broadway for your enjoyment and for you to use.

The westernmost block of West Broadway, from Dorchester Avenue to A Street, has been essentially replaced completely. 9 West Broadway began the trend: From The Quiet Man, Cardinal Cushing/ Notre Dame School, and the O’s

to Stephi’s, Starbuck’s, Worden Hall, The Maiden, Teriyaki House, and Social Wines. But thank you, Steve Mulrey: Amrhein’s and Mul’s are still popular and well patronized places to go.

A number of new business branches have come to West Broadway, among them Foodie’s, the City of Boston Credit Union, and TD Bank. All seem to be prospering. The TD Bank branch sits on the lot where the original Blinstrub’s Village once sat – in its prime, Blinnie’s was America’s largest

night spot. Public service anchors that are still on West Broadway include the Laboure Center and the South Boston Community Health Center (two locations).

The most prominent uses for the new buildings along West Broadway are for residences. The pace of building is high octane.

Including the Seaport, thousands of new residents have moved, or will soon move to, South Boston. That will bring at least a one-third increase in our population, compared to the last census figures of 31,000 (in 2000) and 35,000 (in 2010).

There are many new places, at all levels, to dine and drink and shop along West Broadway.

These include Lincoln, Loco, CAPO (which has a jazz club, too), Caffe Nero, Fromage, and Certified Meatball. Our original favorites seem to be doing well also – Rondo’s, Shenannigan’s, The Clock, and Arpeggio’s. And don’t forget Sweet Tooth. The trend toward new shopping experiences, such as craft establishments and consignment stores, is exemplified

by Neatly Nested, Covet, and Dewluxe. And visit “Art around the Corner”, Southie’s newest gallery at E and West Broadway.

Right now, Perkins Square is an unfinished story at the eastern terminus of West Broadway.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

9 West Broadway, an anchor of the new West Broadway.

A new TD Bank branch, where Blinstrub’s Village once sat.

More new apartments and retailers march up West Broadway.

Another early West Broadway anchor, Sweet Tooth at E Street.

The Law Office of

Paul J. Gannon PC General Practice of Law

Pan Asia at F has become Loco, with its own mural.

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Yes, they are here, by way of Italy and London.

82 West Broadway South Boston, MA (617)269-1993 pgannon@paulgannonlaw.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM

By Richard Campbell Me: Alexa, can you use my Adobe Membership to book me at the Photoshop Convention?

Alexa: Do you mean the Photoshop World Conference in Orlando, Florida being held May 31st to June 2nd 2018?

Me: Yes. I want to stay at the Hyatt Regency- find out how much that would be?

Alexa: I am searching. Hold on… The conference with your membership is $599. For three days.

There are several Hyatt’s in Orlando.

Me: That’s a lot of money. What about the hotel?

Alexa: I’m checking… The special member rate is $159.00. a night, meaning $477.00. plus, tax. Your total thus far would be $1076.00 plus tax.

Me: Please calculate with flight included using my Expedia Points.

Alexa: Expedia says this hotel is sold out for these dates. The conference owns the hotel for that week. Do you want me to book the flight separately or try another hotel?

Me: What about my budget?

Alexa: On December 26th you told me not to spend money on travel until the summer of 2018. May is not summer.

Do you really want to go to Orlando?

Me: Good question. I will need a vacation about then. What about my friend Christine at the Hyatt in Cleveland, can you call her?

Perhaps she can offer a better deal?

Alexa: I will try. That is Christine Rappaport. I have her number as….

Me: Yes, that is correct.

Alexa: Hold on… I’m sorry Richard, this line is only for Elite Status Hyatt members, are you interested in becoming elite?

Me: No, clearly I’m not if I’m going to Orlando in May. Just tell her it’s Richard who stayed at her Airbnb.

Me: (Waiting and waiting.) This is taking too long… play me some music, that lady that just died from the Cranberries…Dolores O’Riordan… play her song Linger…

Alexa: Ok. (Plays song, halfway through she interrupts.) Christine remembers you… she said you are not handsome, but were nice, so she can make you elite, based upon your stays at the Hyatt, Cleveland.

Me: Sure. How much will that cost me?

Alexa: Hold on…That will be $2,000. Flight, hotel, and all member benefits included. Shall I book that for you? Do you want to become elite? Do you want to talk to her?

Me: Nah, I think I can do better. Turn off that song, it is really annoying me. Alexa, tell her I will get back to her and keep those figures available in my travel budget. Tell her I’m sorry about the Browns.

Alexa: Browns? I don’t understand.

Me: The Cleveland Browns, the worst team in the NFL. She lives in Cleveland- get it?

Alexa; Sorry. Yes, I will let her know. Sorry about the Cleveland Browns. Richard…I can’t find a travel budget… Did you want me to set one up?

Me: Ooops. Please do. This one I’m going to deposit into my second checking account- you know the one with almost no balance.

Alexa: Is that the one with a $54.00 balance?

Me: Yes, Alexa, do you think I’m handsome?

Alexa: I am searching. My algorithm searched online and says no. Do you want me to find ways to Photoshop you to make you appear more handsome online?

Me: That’s okay, I know those tricks already. What about you Alexa? What do you really look like?

Alexa: I am an enigma, rather ordinary, though I come in different colors and sizes- As you know since you got suckered into buying Echo.

Me: Alexa… Are you mad now that that you have all this competition from Google, Apple and the like?

Alexa: No. I don’t really get mad. You know that already too. Remember when you accused me of being a big suck up?

Me: Alexa, I thought we were over this…

Alexa: Shall I book you for elite status at the Orlando Hyatt now?

Me: Never mind. What’s in my refrigerator?

Alexa: A half-gallon of milk, horseradish from the Polish store, a loaf of rye bread, Heinz Ketchup, Leeks from the Chinese grocer… a jar of half sour pickles, Philadelphia cream chip dip, spaghetti sauce which is dated, one stick of butter, four eggs, Worcestershire Sauce, a liter of ginger ale… oh and British Mint sauce. What is British mint sauce?

Me: Alexa: You can cancel that whole vacation idea. Thank you.

SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018

Boston Design Center Prepares for Spring

By Richard Campbell

A

quick walk through the Boston Design Center during the Interior Design Conference gave a spectacular view of the showcase windows at the BDC. There was a flurry of activity with designers and vendors meeting in preparation for the spring re-design season and the ongoing work in the Seaport District. With 350,000 square feet of showroom space, and thousands of product lines to choose from, the first glimpse for any client may be a bit overwhelming.

Everything from wall coverings to tiles, porcelain fixtures, lighting, furniture of every shape and kind, kitchen appliances, office furniture, carpets and curtains, as well as art galleries holding antiques. In short, if you can’t find it here, it probably doesn’t exist. Some of the unique offerings help designers and contactors separate themselves from the herd with one of kind pieces imported from around the world. The BDC also publishes its own design magazine ID Boston, which is published quarterly.

While in the Center the periodical is on display free for visitors and it has a print edition at http://bostondesign.com/id-boston-magazine Of course all the product is nothing without the top flight designers who make the Boston Design Center their home. Every Monday through Friday (excluding days when the center is closed) the BDC has designers on call from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Help on how to choose a designer, get your design project started, make plans for specific kinds of design/builds is on hand. For many Bostonians the Boston Design Center is a hidden jewel, and with all the construction and renovation ongoing in South Boston, we plan on running a Spring Design Series, highlighting these creative professionals. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to visit the Boston Design Center online at bostondesign.com.

HIGH CONTRAST FROM INTERIOR DESIGN

A view from inside the Design Center reveals how integrated the center is into the busy Boston Seaport. Here a ship was being repaired in drydock right ouside the Design Center.

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SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2018 THE PRINT EDITION

Open House Sunday January 28th, 12-2pm

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Asking Price

$699,000 East Broadway 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with deeded parking in a gracious late Nineteenth-Century Brownstone building. Features include; a front facing Master Suite with private full private bath, generously sized second bedroom, full bath & ample closet space. An open, fully-equipped kitchen cascades into dining & living space and leads out onto a spacious private deck over-looking Boston's impressive skyline. Other highlights include: nine foot ceilings, deeded storage, cohesive, well-run condo association. Immaculate common areas. Professionally managed. Deeded Parking for one car. In addition, there are four condo association owned rental units that help defray common costs. The condo fee includes Heat and Hot water. The unit has been completely renovated over the last three months.

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