Boston, MA

I haven’t seen a city so crazy for a new store to open up every since Barney’s came to Copley Plaza. The Natick Mall, about 15 miles west of Boston, will now be known as the Natick Collection and boasts many new high-end stores such as Nordstrom (the first in Massachusetts), another Neiman Marcus, Zara (another first in the Bay State) along with your ultra bougie smaller shops and boutiques like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Nordstrom is even having a grand opening gala dinner and runway show happening this Wednesday, Sept. 5 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m.

What makes this massive shopping complex *different* from your typical run-of-the-mill mall is that high-rise condominiums will be built in the midst of the retail mecca. That’s right. Forget about parking, traffic and crowds. Your shopping experience is only a short elevator ride away. Never mind the shopping though…you won’t want to leave your new condo! These living spaces will boast a luxurious fitness center with yoga, Pilates, steam rooms and lockers and an exclusive roof garden. If your idea of a club house is a bunch of retirees in Florida gathered around a TV in a dismal-looking recreation room, then you will enjoy entertaining at their residence lounge with billiards, multi-media theater, piano and wine bar!

So, head over to Natick and check it out this weekend. If it looks as good as it all sounds, then the hassles of shopping (and condo living) in downtown Boston might be a thing of the past!

Boston, Natick, mall, collection, shopping, center, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus

So, since when did the week post-Labor Day weekend become the “unofficial” outdoor free movie week in Boston? First Chinatown, now the nearby Back Bay area. Can’t complain though because these are films I sometimes find myself watching over and over and over again. Tuesday, Sept. 4th, will be the showing of Raising Arizona, Wednesday will be The Princess Bride (an ALL-TIME personal favorite), and Thursday will be Napoleon Dynamite (a new favorite just because of this). This free movie fest is sponsored by the Independent Film Channel which will also show short films from local filmmakers. The screenings will take place in Copley Square, roughly in the area where Boylston and Clarendon Streets intersect. No definite movie start time, just at sundown.

So, if you’ve never seen these movies on the big screen, you can’t miss this opportunity, especially Napoleon’s choreography, bigger than life. Then, when you’re done watching those movies, just move your lawn chairs over to Chinatown and continue in the plethora of free outdoor movie watching. Just think of it as drive-in but without the car! Everyone enjoy your Labor Day “official last weekend of summer” weekend!

Boston, free, movie, film, Chinatown, Back Bay, Copley Square, IFC, Independent Film Channel

You’re a big fan of kung fu movies…admit it! In fact, the cheesier the plot, the cheaper the “special effects,” the more fake-looking the blood, more so the BETTER!

If you grew up watching “Samurai Sundays” or “Kung Fu Cinema” then you know watching these awfully awesome films on the big screen (complete with skipping film and sketchy audio) can’t compare to watching the same movies on DVD today. Well, you can be a kid once again as the Asian Community Development Organization revitalizes that experience with Films at the Gate!

The paved vacant lot next to the Ginza Japanese Restaurant in Chinatown will be the site of these free movies being shown from September 5th to 9th. The main feature starts at 8:00 p.m. One movie you don’t want to miss is the final Sunday night showing of Project A, starring kung fu’s favorite comedian, Jackie Chan, and Hong Kong “heavy” hitter, Sammo Hung.

Some chairs will be available, but bring your own lawn chair just in case. If you want to bring blankets to sit on, remember it’s a concrete lot, not a cushy grassy one! Food is actually encouraged here and with surrounding Chinatown, make it a complete Chinese movie going experience with beef chow foon or Shanghai noodles! In case of rain, the movies will still be shown at the Wolff Auditorium in nearby New England Medical Center.

Boston, Chinatown, Chinese, free, movie, film, cinema, kung fu, martial arts, Samurai Sunday, Jackie Chan, Jet Li

The end of summer is certainly getting to be a popular time of year here in Boston. There’s the annual migration of the countless flocks of “college students” descending upon our fair city once again. You can easily spot them, even without binoculars, by their unwashed hair, torn dirty jeans, and you can always find them in close proximity to some filled-to-the-hilt U-Haul or Budget van.

That is definitely to be expected and quite a common site at this time. However, we seem to have a cross-migration of sorts as quite the rarest breeds of visitors are also in Boston at the same time! CELEBRITIES…and we’re talking your A-list quality here, not the reality show pseudo-celebrity type. There are two films currently filming in Boston right now, which might explain the occasional sightings, and another one for mid-September. The first one is The Women, a remake of a 1930s film, and stars Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Annette Bening and Jada Pinkett Smith. The other movie is Bachelor No. 2 (not to be confused with The Bachelor 2…you fans of movie sequels you) and includes stars like Kate Hudson, Jason Biggs (from American Pie fame) and Dane Cook. The third movie that will be filming shortly is Pink Panther Part Deux with Steve Martin.

I love that celebrities are in Boston…I really do. HOWEVER, and I say this with much exasperation in my voice, once all the students are back into their dorm rooms and brownstones and movie trailers blocking up streets and traffic being redirected, getting around Boston is going to be nearly impossible! Oh well…I won’t mind if I happen to run into one of these A-listers myself. One thing’s for sure…the lazy, easy going summer in Boston is officially over!

Boston, movie, film, filming, Hollywood, celebrity, celebrities, The Women, Bachelor 2, Pink Panther Part Deux, Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Annette Bening, Jada Pinkett Smith, Kate Hudson, Jason Biggs, Dane Cook

Miami Ink has certainly been a popular show for The Learning Channel. Who wouldn’t want to watch and see the drama that unfolds in a tattoo parlor in one of the hottest (both in temperature and lifestyle) cities ever? Not only that, but there are the truly awesome works of art that are made and the stories behind the creation of these tattoos. It’s been such a hit, that one of the breakout stars on the show, the female tattoo artist known as Kat Von D, now has her own show in her hometown, called (surprisingly) L.A. Ink. I’ve yet to watch an episode, but since I’m such a reality show addict, I already know I love it!

Well, Boston can have some of its very own ink drama starting September 6th with the Boston Tattoo Convention. TLC’s newest show, Tattoo Wars, will be filming an actual tattoo battle! Yes, two tattoo artists are pitted against each other as they vie for the title of Tattoo Master of the Universe! If that’s too much for you, there’s plenty of other side action to peruse. There will be dozens of tattoo artists on site…some coming from as far away as Italy, but most from the local area. If you’re curious about why anyone would go through all that pain for a tattoo, stop by and see what all the fuss is about. It will be happening at the Boston Center for the Arts. If you’ve been thinking about finally getting your first tattoo, getting yet another tattoo or covering up an old ugly tattoo (like the name of that ex-BF or GF), come on down to take advantage of this great opportunity. With all this local talent in one spot, this is the right place and the right people to get that tattoo that’s right for you!

Boston, tattoo, convention, skin art, Miami Ink, L.A. Ink, Tattoo Wars, TLC, The Learning Channel

Just a reminder that the 451 Press comment contest for August is almost over, so hurry up and get your comments in!

It’s simple to enter. Just comment on any 451 Press blog with your answer to:

“If I had $300 dollars I would buy________. “

That’s it! Three comments will be chosen at random to win a cash prize of $300, $200 or $100. The more you comment the more chances you have to win. You have one more week, so start reading and let those fingers fly!

451 Press, comment, contest, blog, site, win, money

I’m a big fan of celebrity news. Yes, I read People, US Weekly and those other celebu-mags that taunt you in the supermarket’s checkout line. So, it’s great when I can actually post about celebrity news related to Boston.

Bridget Moynahan, former model and actress, FINALLY gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday in Los Angeles, and of course, we all know that Tom Brady, the New England Patriots quarterback, is the father. Apparently, according to the Boston Globe, Brady did fly out to LA, but it wasn’t clear if he made it for the birth or not. His participation in future practices and Patriots exhibition games are unclear at the moment.

Well, what can I say? We all know the drama. Boy meets girl, boy leaves girl, boy unexpectedly impregnates girl, boy starts dating supermodel (Gisele Bundchen). The fact that Brady flew out to LA to be with his child is a great start. He has stated he wanted to be involved with his child and will support it which is a LOT better than some other celebrity fathers (ahem…Eddie Murphy). So, whether you disagree with the breakup of Brady and Moynahan or frown upon his involvement with a Brazilian supermodel, you have to admit, that child will at least have both parents during his first few days of life and that’s all you can expect for now in the hectic and ever-changing world of the celebrities. Welcome to the world, baby QB, and good luck!

Tom Brady, Bridget Moynahan, baby, boy, birth, New England Patriots, football, quarterback

When I think about riding my bike around in Boston, I’m taken back to my college days when I actually used my bike as a means of transportation to and from work. I had to dodge people opening their car doors to avoid colliding into them. I had to slam my brakes HARD one time too many when cars pulled out and didn’t see me. You think driving a car around Boston is the pits, well imaging the misery tenfold when riding a bike!

However, riding a bike can be associated with leisurely times, scenic background….and pie and ice cream ?!?! This Saturday, August 25th, is the 5th Annual Mass Bike Festival and Pie Race. Yes, you read that right…PIE RACE! This massive bike event is made up of different cycling events from a simple 6-mile ride through the town of Concord to a 64-mile ride that takes you from Concord into Harvard and all the scenic stops along the way. For a unique twist on this event, try entering the “Pie Race” where you ride a short course and have to consume a piece at 3 different pie stations along the way. I’m down for that!!! For those of you who prefer the cold stuff, there’s also the Ice Cream Headache route (long and short) where…you guessed it…you stop for ice cream along the way! If the fastest Pie Racer also eats ice cream, that person may win the special “A La Mode” prize!

I don’t know about you, but if bike rides were more like this instead of what I remember, I’ll have to pump up the tires, dust off the ol’ seat and hit up the bike paths once again!

Boston, cycling, bike, bicycle, race, pie, ice cream, Concord

Okay, okay…we are going to settle this debate once and for all. Everyone has their favorite places that they like to go to grab a quick cheese slice or two here in Boston. If you’re in Coolidge Corner, it may be Upper Crust, if you’re the thin crust, gourmet type of pizza lover. If you’re down in the Prudential or Copley Mall area, California Pizza Kitchen may be more to your liking…if you like the big, national franchise sort of place. If CPK is crowded, then there’s always Pizzeria Uno. I hate to admit, but I secretly love Bertucci’s, but only for the Silano which has to have crack in that lemony-cheese sauce…it just HAS to! Shhh…don’t tell anybody though. Me liking Bertucci’s pizza is equivalent to me liking the sweet and sour chicken at any mall’s Master Wok. Yikes…did I just admit that!

However…for the real deal pizza meal, the ONLY place to go for pizza in the greater Boston area, you have to truck on over to Harvard Square in Cambridge to Pinocchio’s Pizza! I’ll admit it can be a nightmare finding parking in the Square (so take the Red Line in) and fight your way through the Harvard (or excuse me, Haaaah-vahhhd) students, but it will be worth it! They also make sub sandwiches, salads, all that other pizza shop stuff, but FORGET all that. It’s all about the pizza. Seriously, order up two slices of Sicilian tomato and basil, have them warm it in the oven, sit down and prepare to experience heavenly thick cheesy goodness with a crispy crust. Go ahead…try it…I’ll wait for you.

Now, if you don’t agree that that is the best slice of pizza you have ever had, my friend, well then, I can’t call you my friend!

Boston, pizza, Cambridge, Harvard Square, Pinocchio Pizza, Sicilian

I’ve made mention in previous blogs about the number of different universities, colleges and vocational schools that proliferate the greater Boston area. While it’s great that these young minds are being challenged and educated, it’s nice when YOU can take advantage of the educational experience as well.

The students at Muscular Therapy Institute, located at 103 Morse Street, Watertown, MA 02472 are always looking for clients to practice on for the student clinic whose summer hours end September 9th. Click here for the clinic schedule. Why not give these hard-working practitioners a chance to work on your neck tightness and knots in your back as they need the experience to finish up their clinic rotations…all for just $35 for 60 minutes! If you’re a frequent spa go-er, then you know this is a bargain for less than half the price of a regular massage. Of course at this price, you may have to forgo some amenities like fancy linens or candlelight. If you’re like me though, ambiance doesn’t really matter. If someone…ANYONE… is pounding on my sore back muscles, I’m happy!

Boston, Watertown, massage, Muscular Therapy Institute, MTI, Cortiva Institute, body work, student, clinic

I hate to say it, but there was a time that I truly loved and was utterly devoted to the practice of yoga. That time lasted, oh, about three weeks. Don’t get me wrong…I still enjoy a class now and again, especially when I’m feeling a bit paunchy and need a really good stretch to my back muscles. However, my dedication to downward dog and mindful relaxation gave way to the true all-encompassing power…

The empty wallet! Yes, I loathe to admit it, but you all know it’s true too. Yoga is expensive! When single classes around Boston can run between $15-20 a pop and also considering you should probably go at least 2-3 times a week to get any kind of lasting benefit, you start to realize you ARE getting leaner…not from the extra yoga, but because you can’t afford to buy groceries!

So, here’s a solution for all you broke college students, recent graduates indebted with school loans, hard-working wage earners living paycheck to paycheck or indentured servants in general. AltThera Health which is conveniently located in Downtown Crossing offers 2 free yoga classes on Fridays. If you question the lack of attention or being packed in a class like so many sardines on colorful mats, there are only 4 students allowed per class. So, you’re sure to receive individualized attention and get that eagle pose perfected yet! Call 617.542.8500 to reserve your spot! You might even see me down there. I’ll be the one in back snoring during corpse pose.

Boston, yoga, free yoga, yoga class, downward dog, Downtown Crossing, AltThera Health

Well, here in Boston, the mixed martial arts juggernaut known as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (for those of you who do NOT know what it is - all 6 of you), seems to be VERY improper!

If you’re a UFC fan and don’t regularly read the Improper Bostonian, you NEED to pick up their most recent issue. The IB is Boston’s premier lifestyle magazine guide that you can find for free at basically every major business or shopping district around Boston. This issue has a short interview with Dana White, the president of the UFC, who used to train in Boston back when he was an amateur boxer. He talks about everything from building the UFC up from nothing to the popular fighters in his current stable like Tito Ortiz and Kenny Florian, as well as hyping up the August 25th matchup for the heavyweight title between Gabriel Gonzaga and current champ and crowd favorite, Randy Couture.

If you’re a true UFC fan, then you don’t need to read the article, because you already know all this! All this coverage is pretty darn sweet! First Sports Illustrated features the UFC, and now the Improper. What’s next? The cover of Vogue?

UFC, Ultimate Fighting Championship, Dana White, Randy couture, mixed martial arts, MMA, jiu jitsu, sports, grappling, Improper Bostonian, interview

Are you already tired of Boston’s Restaurant Week with appetizers that consist of three pieces of lettuce and a sprinkle of pine nuts? Or how about a serving of flank steak smaller than your cell phone?

Then, get ready for some true Italian-sized eating as the 97th Annual Fisherman’s Feast Italian Festival takes place in Boston’s North End starting at 7:00 p.m. August 16th to 11:00 p.m. on August 19th. As the name obviously implies, this is a festival to commemorate the traditions of Italian fishermen and includes a procession of a statue of the Madonna Del Soccorso Di Sciacca through the streets and the old-fashioned blessing of the fishing waters.

As if the cultural celebration, musical entertainment and vendors selling arts and crafts aren’t enough to bring you out, the #1 reason to head over to the North End (of course) is the FOOD! Nothing says Italian outdoor festival better than pizza, cannoli, pasta, panini and more! Bring an umbrella since there’s always the threat of a quick thunder shower this time of year. Bring a little fan to cool you off while maneuvering about the hot, jostling crowd. Most of all, bring your empty stomach because there will be PLENTY to feast upon!

Boston, North End, fisherman, fishermen, feast, Madonna Del Soccorso Di Sciacca, Italian, outdoor, festival

This is an interesting tidbit I found. Considering that I live in Boston and I’m blogging right now, like Mr. Weinberger, I’m also quite proud. I don’t even know if I need to comment on this.

It’s just pretty darn cool…

Boston, blogs, blogging, best city, top blog city, bloggiest

Just because Boston is known for college students, college students and MORE college students does not mean that you have to be an 18-year-old kid from the Midwest with a Jansport backpack and mechanical pencils to partake of the educational system here in Massachusetts.

There are several opportunities for adult education that have a wide range of classes throughout the year. Hard to keep up with computer skills needed to further you along in your current career? Why not take a class to master Photoshop, Excel, Powerpoint or even how to build your own website? If you have some extra time on your hands (which admit, we all do from time to time even in our hectic-paced daily life), take some classes just for the fun of it. There are tons that will feed your need for personal development, like finally getting around to learning Italian, finding which yoga style you like best or how to properly bake a souffle. The choices are endless. Two popular sites are the Boston Center for Adult Education and Brookline Adult and Community Education. With hundreds of weekly classes or even one-time weekend seminars, there is sure to be a time and location that can fit your schedule.

You can even learn how to apply makeup that suits your lifestyle, complexion and color preferences. Seems like a silly choice for a class, but I learned a lot and had lots of fun! You have to admit…learning is a lot better when it’s enjoyable, not matter what your age!

Boston, adult education, Boston Center for Adult Education, Brookline Adult and Community Education, classes, seminars, college, continuing education, lifelong learning