Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with boston

Can I get the newly released "Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver" anywhere online or in Boston by Wednesday?

Perplexity — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:40:43 -0800

Can I get the newly released "Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver" anywhere online or in Boston by Wednesday? Thanks! I would like to buy this "Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver". It's out of stock at both apple.com and belkin.com. Can I get one of these anywhere online or in Boston by Wednesday?

Cheap fun activities to do in Malden, MA (Boston) this week

bbyboi — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:05:03 -0800

I am traveling to Boston (Malden, MA - to be precise) this week and will be there for a about 2 1/2 days. What would be fun but not too expensive activities for two people (1guy/1girl) without a car in this weather? I have read many of the previous posts on Boston travel on askme but I will be in Malden instead of Boston and wouldn't have a car and am dependent on public transportation. I'm looking for activities I could do where we don't have to travel too far away as I don't know how it would be traveling via public transportation if it snows most of the time.

After going through the previous threads, I have thought of museums, watching some movie, ice skating, visiting the mall, any Christmas related event, duck tour?, etc am open to anything which sounds like fun and specific things as recommended by the hivemind.

(I might be able to book a zipcar for a few hours though but not for too long. No animal related activities please.)

Thanks!

Help a secular Muslim celebrate Christmas in Boston

raztaj — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:12:02 -0800

Christmas in Boston - where to go to Mass, where to volunteer? I'm not Christian (and don't really celebrate Christmas in the secular sense), but I've always wanted to attend Christmas Mass - with curiosity of what it's like, but of course with respect. Where in (T-accessible) Boston can one sit in on Mass Christmas Eve? Do any local churches hold particularly beautiful or interesting services?

Also, do you know of any places that are seeking volunteers or an extra pair of hands on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day? While everything else is closed and shut down, what can I do with my time besides just hanging out at home?

Snow! Sledding?

teragram — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:12:24 -0800

Where should we go sledding in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville? Over the cooking bacon, tera-dude just asked "hey, do your metafilter friends know where we should go sledding today?"

So, metafilter friends: we live in Cambridge/Somerville, MA: where is the best place to go sledding for two adults and a dalmatian? Thanks!

Best Italian South Shore of Boston?

eggman — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:57:45 -0800

What's th best Italian restaurant on the South Shore of Boston? Bonus points for proximity to Quincy . . .

What is the cheapest way to get to Boston, MA from Cleveland, OH to see a concert?

seanmhobson1988 — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:34:11 -0800

What is the cheapest way to get to Boston, MA from Cleveland, OH to see a concert? An awesome Japanese singer named Utada will be performing at the Paradise Club in Boston, MA next year. The concert will be Friday, February 5th 2010 at 7pm. So far the plan is to get there Thursday, stay the night at a friend’s place, go to the concert Friday and then leave the same night.

I looked into plane tickets and there at present there about $350 roundtrip per person. It would be really unfortunate to have to pay $350 in airfare when the tickets to the concerts were less than $50.

Any other ideas guys?

P.S. Driving is a less preferred suggestion, as that would mean skipping more than 2 days of college classes.

Thanks in advance!

Where to find candy supplies in Boston?

Dr.Enormous — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:12:00 -0800

Where can I find candy making supplies near Boston? Specifically, I'm looking for things like flavoring oils and dyes, and I'm hoping to avoid paying the shipping fees for a rush order from an online source.

Anywhere near Boston would be good, though if there's a place in the city proper or along Rte 1 anywhere that would be extra special good. Thanks.

Salary for an expert programmer in Boston?

bokononito — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:53:34 -0800

What is a reasonable salary these days for an expert backend programmer in Boston? This is a full-time job, for a startup.

Assume a healthy amount of stock options, and a promising startup (first revenue, great investors).

Also, assume someone who has plenty of experience, and prefers to work in a startup, not in a corporation, but also wants to be paid decently.

Thanks!

How does one move across the country smartly?

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:24:24 -0800

I'm moving to Boston from San Diego in a year, but I don't know a soul there, nor do I know how to get the important stuff (job, apartment) set up from so far away. Questions follow. The last time I moved across the country like this was a decade ago, and I had friends on the other side who pulled some strings to get me a job and also had a room I could rent. I won't have that luxury this time. What I do have is experience as a creative director and graphic designer, some money saved, and a decade's worth of stuff to move... which is all way more than I had ten years ago. But this part I still don't know how to do....

1) What's the best way to find employment from across the country? And how soon does it make sense to start that process? I'll be able to live for several months without income if I have to by that time, and I can freelance for a while, but I'd breathe easier knowing I had a job lined up before I hit the road.

2) How the hell do I arrange for an apartment? I can pick one out and visit it, but I wonder how the application process is going to go. My credit is good (but not perfect). I'll be working at my current job right up until I move... but that will mean that my proof of income is all from a job across the country... a job I'm leaving. Does that matter?

I know that people do this sort of thing all the time, and I've done some Googling around, but this is very scary to me, and I don't know where to start!

Throaway email if needed: bostonorbustithink@gmail.com

Impervius!

Salvor Hardin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:33:14 -0800

Underground in a secret lab, the hive mind works feverishly and with a single purpose: to create...the perfect Boston bicyclist! Impermeable to wind, water, ice, slush, and mud, there's nothing Boston can throw at him that he can't handle! We had our first really miserable, blinding drenching ice/slush/rain-pelting-down days in Boston. My SO and I have decided that we're going to make ourselves waterproof.

We'd like suggestions for picking out some waterproof bad-weather bicycling gear. I imagine we'll need:

jacket, pants, shoes, eyewear, headwear, handwear, etc (anything else that you've found helpful?)

to combat the nasty winter weather that Boston can dish out. Specifically I want something that can keep me some close approximation of dry during a 4 mile bicycle commute. Let's say we each have up to $200 to throw at this (hopefully it won't take that much).

I'm a 6'2" male, she's a 5'2" female.

Here are my priorities (in approximately descending order):

1. Keeps me DRY! I'm talking hermetically-sealed/space-worthy.
2. Flexible (i.e. suitable for bicycling-type movements)
3. Stops the wind
4. Simple/fast to remove (I'm usually behind schedule, so speed of operation is desirable)
5. Not too many pieces (I'm terrible about losing accessories)
6. Not too much $$
7. Doesn't accumulate too much sweat

Any ideas are welcome! My SO already has a normal set of rain gear, and she still ends up completely drenched by the end of the ride, so I think we need something a bit extraordinary.

I've seen this question, but brands and products change a lot, and I didn't see the fervent testimonial I was hoping for. My favorite from that was the deep-sea fishing gear, but I'm not sure if it'll be flexible enough for biking, or if it'll interfere with the chain.

Thanks!

Best practices commuting from south of Boston (Quincyish) to Cambridge?

UMDirector — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:34:25 -0800

[Boston Filter] Potential new job across from MIT - best place to park daily? Best commute path/plan from Abington (south of Quincy)? I may potentially be getting a new job at the 101 Broadway building across from the MIT campus. I have never actually commuted into Cambridge/Boston so I am terrified. If I should choose to drive any good parking suggestions? The garage under the building is about $17 or so a day...anyone know of a cheaper option?

Also any commuting suggestions? Best tips if I drive? What if I take the train? Red line from Quincy? Or better to take the commuter rail to South Station from Weymouth?

No chowda please.

Behemoth — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:12:14 -0800

Please recommend romantic restaurants/cafes in Boston/Cambridge. I'd like to hear about anything you feel is exceptional and possibly off the beaten path.

Bronx to Boston: What's the fastest way?

archofatlas — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:10:54 -0800

My question is a simple transportation one - I'll be in the Bronx for an interview near the Albert Einstein College of Medicine on a Tuesday. I'll probably be done around 2 or 3, but then would like to get down to Boston by dinnertime (7 or so). Can anyone suggest to me the quickest way to get there? I'm not sure if I should aim for a plane, or a train, and would love to hear if anyone has suggestions... cost is less of an object, getting down there is the higher priority.

Where can I go stargazing in the Boston area?

Plutor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:03:09 -0800

Where can I go stargazing in the Boston area? I want to take my wife to see the Leonids next week. Where can we go in the area that's as dark as possible but is convenient, comfortable, and legal?

Where can we go for a Tuesday night getaway near Boston?

david1230 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:03:45 -0800

Where can we go for a Tuesday night getaway near Boston? Veteran's day is Wednesday and I'd love to take my wife somewhere to escape Boston on Tuesday night. By the ocean, in the woods, in the mountains, or in a city in Western MA would all work. It doesn't need to be fancy (but we'd rather rustic charm than Days Inn). Within a 2 hr drive, and under $150 would be great (< $100 even better). Anyone know of such a place?

Boston area professor with alternative history interest?

UMDirector — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:23:12 -0800

Are there any professors in the Boston area (especially Harvard) that have an avowed interest in alternate history or have authored books (fiction or non) on the subject?

What organizations should I join in the Boston Metro area to improve my networking?

IzzeYum — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:20:23 -0800

What organizations should I join in the Boston Metro area to improve my networking? Living a bit south of Boston so thinking of joining some organizations for networking reasons as well as to meet people. South as far as Weymouth, West as far as Newton, but probably not farther north than Cambridge/Boston. So far have thought of the Masons, whom I worried would all be old but looking at some lodge photos that doesn't appear to be the case, and Toastmasters (I enjoy speaking but feel as if I could improve my content and practice never hurts). What organizations am I missing?

Important data: Married so letting women in or having a sister organization is a bonus, 35, professional, possibly interested in going into politics sometime in the next couple years (local/state office first).

where can i leave my luggage for the day in boston?

gcat — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:24:53 -0800

please help me see boston for a day! (anyplace i can leave my luggage for a few hours?) i fly into boston this afternoon. i will be having dinner with an acquaintance and then spending the night at his home. the next morning, we will part company. he will go to work and drop me off somewhere in boston (apparently he lives 10 minutes north). then i am meeting another friend at 6pm and we are driving up to maine.

so, between 8-ish am thursday morning and 6 pm that evening, i will be free, so i would like to see at least one historic tourist attraction.

the problem: i will be carless and will have my luggage - a heavy suitcase and a carry-on bag. is there *anywhere* i could leave my luggage for the day?

i know, poor planning on my part, but is it a lost cause?

so my question is essentially this: can anyone help me think of anywhere i can leave my stuff that is both 1) safe (for my luggage) and 2) very close to public transport? i would be willing to pay if necessary.

it wont be at all practical to leave my stuff at my friends place for the day.

oh, and also, havent had a chance yet to research public transport. any tips? where should i have my friend drop me off thursday morning? (i.e., maybe somewhere close to something really cool that is not too far from public transport?)

im not really coming up with any ideas, so it may not be realistic, but if the hive mind could help me i would be very grateful.

thanks so much!!

Jewelry shopping in Boston

Aizkolari — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:04:25 -0800

BostonFilter: Can you point me to a reasonably priced jewelry shop? I'm new in town and am looking to spend 40-60 bucks buying a simple gift for my girlfriend's birthday. Maybe something a little funky done in silver with semiprecious stones, either a necklace or bracelet, or perhaps earrings.

Can any Bostonian Mefites point me to some stores? I've done some walking around on Newbury and Charles with moderate success, but wanted to query the Hivemind for help.

Bonus points if the shops are in Cambridge or Somerville, but I'm willing to hoof it on the T to any cooler shops.

Further bonus points for any advice on buying jewelry in general.

The Cabal? Am I seeing Metafilter: The Movie?

Horace Rumpole — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:02:07 -0800

What movies will I be seeing at the horror movie marathon tonight, based on the hints from the theater? This year they aren't saying the titles for the movies after the first two, but I'm impatient, and I wondered if AskMe could figure them out from these hints:

Film 1: THE BLOB (1988)
Film 2: NIGHT OF THE CREEPS (1986)

Hints for Super-Secret Marathon Titles:

Film 3: Dennis Hopper's - CANNIBAL LUMBERJACK
Film 4: BAD SUBURBAN REAL ESTATE
Film 5: THE SLAUGHTERED LAMB
Film 6: THE CABAL

What should I do in Boston this weekend?

LouMac — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:31:26 -0800

What non-Halloween things should I do this weekend in Boston? I'm taking my fiancee to Boston for the weekend as an early birthday present. We'll be there from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, staying at the Hilton in the Financial District. Saturday night we're going to the Guster concert at the Orpheum, but what should I do the rest of the time? Neither of us are crazy about Halloween-type activities, but prefer quainter, quieter spots.

I've read the previous threads about restaurants and museums, and I've been to Boston a bunch of times, but never for a semi-romantic weekend. I'm leaning towards dinner in the North End on Friday night, but willing to be persuaded otherwise.

1) What restaurants/bars/lounges/etc. do you recommend in the Financial District?
2) What do you recommend for after-dinner drinks/music/fun on Friday night in the Financial District, Fanueil Hall or North End areas?

What should we do for Halloween in Boston?

IzzeYum — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:56:32 -0800

What should we do for Halloween in Boston? My wife and I are looking for a Halloween activity in Boston. Something that would involve seeing fun costumes, hanging out with friends and maybe having a drink. We are not looking for some crazy club experience, cause we are not that cool.

Where we used to live we simply went downtown, where they closed off some streets and hung out, people watched, popped into a few bars to have drinks and just walked around. Something like that would be ideal.

We thought Salem would be interesting but hear its a complete madhouse so that is probably out.

Boston vet that specializes in large breeds

shannonigans — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:18:03 -0800

Please recommend to me a veterinarian in the Boston area that specializes in large dog breeds. I have a general vet already, but I'm getting a Newfoundland and I would really like to find someone who specializes in large breeds. I live in Cambridge, but am willing to travel for someone who is really good.

The Gathering Storm: Midnight Release?

sepsis — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:07:47 -0800

Where can I find a midnight release of the new Wheel of Time book, The Gathering Storm in Boston, MA? The Gathering Storm comes out October 27th. Since the Wheel of Time series are fairly popular books, I'd like to think that some place in Boston is going to have a midnight release so that I can buy it at midnight and read all night. Does anyone know a place that specifically is having a midnight release for this book, or have had midnight releases for other popular books (like Harry Potter)?

A mini-vacation wrapped in a work trip wrapped in...not bacon.

hellogoodbye — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:29:26 -0800

What is there to do in Boston and/or Billerica, MA on a short work trip? How should I travel between the two? I'll be flying into Logan Airport the night of Monday, October 19, staying in and attending a meeting in Billerica during the day on Tuesday, and flying out again early on Wednesday morning. I'll have a rental car.

What things should I look into doing on Monday and Tuesday nights? I'm not a good parallel parker, but want to go from the airport to something interesting on Monday. Any parking tips would be appreciated. Also, should I drive or take public transportation to Boston from Billerica on Tuesday night...or is there anything of interest in Billerica I can do without venturing into the city?

I'm interested in things that are fairly Boston-specific (I've never been and know little about it) and are easy for a mid-20s female to do after work hours without too much awkwardness. Art, music, (pescetarian-friendly) food....