Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with cambridge

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!

Near Longfellow Bridge in Cambridge MA: What is going on?

vincele — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:43:39 -0800

Why are there dozens of emergency vehicles with lights flashing right now on the Cambridge side of the Longfellow Bridge (in MA)? Training? Incident? Other? I couldn't find any mention of it on boston.com or traffic.com and google terms elude me. Just curious.

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?

Please help me find a good Boston-area dermatologist who can tell me within a month if this is cancer or a mild annoyance.

foxy_hedgehog — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:43:30 -0800

Freaky-looking unpigmented spots have appeared on my arms. Mass General Dermatology has no appointments until January. Please help me find a good dermatologist in the Cambridge/Boston area who knows the difference between "sometimes skin just looks like that" and "skin cancer." The goal: To find a good dermatologist in the Boston area who can see me within the next month to evaluate strange changes in skin color.

The details: Over the course of this summer and early fall, strange white spots appeared on both of my arms. They aren't raised or different in texture, like eczema-- they are like spots of skin that seem to be unpigmented, and I noticed them as the rest of my arms became slightly tanned. There's a larger (half-inch in diameter) one on my right arm that's especially strange. I apply sunscreen every day evenly over my arms, and I've never seen anything like this before in previous summers.

I realize that this could be anything from a newly-developed quirk of my skin, to a side effect of a medication, to some sort of vitamin deficiency. That said, given the possibility that this is something more serious, I'm still concerned and would like to get this addressed sooner than later. I always try to go with research institution-affiliated hospitals for medical treatment, but Harvard/Mass General has no openings until January.

I don't have a car and am in Cambridge. Anything there, or right over the bridge in Boston or in bike-accessible suburbs such as Belmont, Arlington, and Watertown would be especially helpful.

Thanks as always, guys.

Stitch 'n' Bitch party of one? I hope not!

Diagonalize — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:45:40 -0800

Can a novice in Boston turn casual crafting into a social outlet? Growing up, I was never very crafty and never really hung out with anyone who was, so even though I'm not especially shy or introverted, crafting has always been a solitary activity for me. While I'm probably most in need of a crafty Obi-Wan to mentor my clueless self, what I'd really like some company to keep me from feeling like a crafty hermit. Is there somewhere in Boston/Cambridge where I can meet other crafters who won't snicker at my newbie attempts?

I'm not really looking to become a hardcore crafter, but it seemed like a good way to meet more female friends to balance out all the geeky science guy-types I tend to hang with. (I'm a non-science girl.) I guess age is something of a factor, since I don't fall into the grandmother or even mom bracket, but I'm probably also getting a little too old to hang with the high school kids or even undergraduates. Is there even a crafting niche for clueless 20-somethings? Online communities like Craftster have been great, but I suspect I spend too much time on the computer as it is, and creating a Meetup group when I'm the clueless one seems a little weird.

Crafting cred: My non-English speaking grandmother taught me the basics of crochet when I was very young, but the language barrier made it hard to get any more complicated. Attempts to teach myself knitting have generally been pretty tragic, but I recently picked up embroidery, which has been fun, but I'm still very much a noob. I don't have a sewing machine, and scrapbooking kinda scares me.

Cheap extended stay in Cambridge

paulesque — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:13:03 -0800

(Very) Cheap places to stay in Cambridge, MA, for about 7 nights? Inbetween some conferences I'm spending a couple of weeks in Cambridge, and while I am sleeping on friend's couches for part of that time, I'd rather not infringe too much :). It really only needs to be a bed and a shower (but clean, quiet preferably).
For mid-Oct, places near MIT ideal. And I'd rather not couchsurf, thanks!

Because nobody likes airplane food

Diagonalize — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:05:03 -0800

What is the ideal food to welcome someone home with after a long flight, keeping potential delays and an long commute from the airport in mind? Bonus points for late-night Boston/Cambridge delivery recommendations! I'd love to have a super tasty meal waiting when my boyfriend gets back from Europe in a few days, but besides stew, does anything still taste good after sitting for several hours? Without a car, picking him up will take me at least a couple of hours round trip, so while I like cooking, I'd rather not have to, given all the time and stress unknowns.

He's expressed a strong interest in almost any manner of Asian food, so while I'd be more than happy to just pick up some Chinese or Thai, I'm worried that a late arrival on a Sunday night will seriously limit our options. He really does not want pizza, and eating at the airport seems...non-ideal. I thought about stashing some sushi in the fridge, but that seemed iffy with the timing. Are there any take-out/delivery options that lend themselves especially well to reheating/eating cold? We're near Harvard Square, if that helps any.

Seeking Cambridge Big Screens to Watch Serena Et Al

foxy_hedgehog — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 07:19:36 -0800

Boston/Cambridge US Open Filter. Dear neighbors, I'm getting into watching the US Open and would love to watch the upcoming final matches on a big screen at a pleasant local saloon. Any suggestions for a bar that shows -- or is likely to show -- the matches? I'm in Inman, so prefer Cambridge, but am also feeling open-minded. If anyone wants to join me we can make it a pre-meetup mini-meetup. Thanks for any suggestions.

(Where) should I get a sports massage in Cambridge, MA?

teragram — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:47:47 -0800

Sports massage in Cambridge, MA? Boyfriend's been having trouble with his IT band. Did some PT, which helped, but it's still bothering him. He says a massage has given him some relief in the past.

Can anyone recommend someone in the Cambridge/Somerville, MA area? Should I get him a gift certificate to just any massage place? You aren't a doctor or a massage therapist or have IT band trouble, or maybe you do, but will a "regular" massage make it feel better, or might it perhaps aggravate the underlying problem? Is this something you go the doctor route with, or the massage route with?

The point is I'd like to do something nice to help make it feel better. Thanks!

Help Me Do OK in Cambridge

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:26:30 -0800

Advice wanted for a strange stay in Cambridge from natives, exes, current residents, former visitors, and anyone else with an opinion. As I mentioned in a previous anonymous posting, I’ll be in the Boston area for the first two weeks of August, attending a partial hospitalization day program for depression at McLean hospital in Belmont. I have rented an apartment on Maple Avenue between and will be commuting to the hospital daily from there.

I don’t know Cambridge at all and would really appreciate your thoughts and ideas on how to make the time easier. Here are a few specific questions I had:

BICYCLES. I love to ride my bike, and think having a bike during this difficult time may be helpful for me, not least because it will give me a chance to get out of the apartment easily and get some exercise. Bikes are allowed on the commuter rail train that I would take to the hospital from Porter Square, so I could also ride there, hop on the train, and use the bike to ride from the Belmont station to the hospital.I read some of the previous threads on biking in Boston, but had some questions.

1. Any ideas or suggestions for places that rent bicycles cheaply, or for any bike share programs? I have a helmet and a front light but would need a lock, a back light, and a basket (I can’t carry weight on my back). I arrive on a Sunday so a shop that’s open then and located in Cambridge would be great. Something near the apartment would be very helpful.

2. Would it be possible, plausible, safe and/or realistic to ride my bike from the apartment to the hospital in Belmont? (Map here: http://tiny.cc/09ji9) I am a fairly strong (though slow) cyclist and thought that it might be nice to ride to the program instead of sitting on a train. I’ve read that there’s a bike path along the river, but it’s not clear how easy it would be to get around once I crossed over near the Mt. Auburn Cemetery area. Any ideas for suggested routes?

3. Since I will have the late afternoons and the weekend free, are there any good bike rides that I could go on from Cambridge – for example, a good route around some Boston sites that used local bike lanes, or recommendations for an accessible park that allows bikes? If I could take my bike on the train, is it possible to go to Cape Cod or another nice beach for the day?

FOOD AND EATING. Any recommendations for nearby places to eat and/or buy food? What’s the best bet for groceries? Produce? Meat and fish? Is there a local farmer’s market? Any place that has Whole Foods-style prepared meals would also be very helpful since I don’t know how much energy I’m going to have to cook. Any thoughts on good cheap restaurants? I don’t have much money and am trying to eat as healthy as possible, so ideas for places that feature salads, vegetables, and the like (vs. falafel or hamburgers) would be especially welcome.

ENTERTAINMENT. I’m thinking I’m going to be spending a lot of time engaging in mellow, relaxing activities. Is there a good video store nearby? How about a used bookstore? Any non-scene-y cafes that are quiet and pleasant and not too over-stimulating?

TRANSIT. Can I buy a multiple ride pass on the commuter rail at the Porter station, or should I do that online? Are there machines at the ticket station, or is there an agent? If there are machines, do they take credit cards?

As you can probably tell, I really know nothing about Cambridge or Boston, geography-wise and otherwise. I’m grateful for any tips and ideas.

Good gifts from Boston?

Metroid Baby — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:02:05 -0800

Looking for ideas for interesting gifts/souvenirs/foods that I can buy in the Boston area and bring to friends and relatives in other parts of the country. I moved here recently – it's my first time living in this part of the country, and I'm not completely sure what you can get here that you can't get anywhere else. I'm going out of town this weekend to visit some friends, and will be attending a party so I'd at least like to bring a bottle of wine. The following weekend a friend from my hometown is visiting me and is willing to take gifts to my family when she returns home.

What lovely gifts can I get them from around here? Either things that are unique to Boston or New England or things that are just generally hard to find would work.

I'm especially looking for food or wine, though I'm open to other ideas. I'd like to keep things affordable, maybe $15 tops for a bottle of wine or so.

Whatever I get should be able to survive a 10-12 hour car ride. (I may also be sending a care package or two in the future, so I'm looking for shippable stuff too.)

I live in Somerville and can get to Cambridge very easily, so anything close by would be ideal. I can walk to Savenor's and the Wine and Cheese Cask, and will probably find some stuff there, but I'd love other suggestions.

Thanks as always!

Recommend a very experienced tailor in Boston/Cambridge area to make my suite look awesome on me.

seanmhobson1988 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:25:48 -0800

So I just bought this suit from MACY's. I already have a tie and pocket square in mind to match, and I want to meet with someone who can take my measurements and make the suite bring out my best features. I'd also like to have them suggest the size French cuff shirt I should wear as well. Preferably this person would have tons of experience and would not be too pricey. I'm thinking this should be under $60, as this is an off the rack suit and only slight alterations are being made.

Thanks for any help

Ready to Date Again

dreamphone — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:41:11 -0800

Seeking advice on where a woman can meet a man in the Boston/Cambridge area. Asking for a friend—let’s call her Beth—who is in her mid-30’s—lovely, approachable, hip (but not tragically so), witty, kind, and authentic.

I ask myself: who would NOT want to meet this woman? I’d love to help Beth find her next date/relationship. However, I haven’t been in the “dating scene” for about 10 years and have no idea where to start – thought Metafilter might have some ideas.

Details: A little over a year ago, Beth ended a long-term relationship with her boyfriend (they were together for about 13 years). She hasn’t met anyone since that time perhaps because many of her activities take place away from where the boys are (she works at home and attends a women’s gym which she highly values) and nearly all of her friends are permanently partnered/married. She has a well-rounded set of interests, and doesn’t sit home on weeknights or weekends—she takes the occasional hobby-related class, goes out for dinner with friends, and frequently attends events like art openings or other creative performances. She’s a professional (if it matters), but isn’t focused on same to the exclusion of others. Basically, she’s just looking to get out and date a little, enjoy romance, not necessarily get into a 100% exclusive relationship right away (not necessarily, anyway).

To my question: I really think she has the right mindset and perspective so I’m not looking for general advice for her (i.e., like “be approachable,” or “smile!”) but am seeking Boston- or Cambridge-specific advice, for particular places to go or activities to engage in that are good places to meet quality people. She hasn’t looked into online dating, so any thoughts on that too would be welcome.

Therapist in Boston area?

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:52:49 -0800

Can you recommend a therapist in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville? More details of what I need help with inside. Usually, I feel pretty good, but there are times when I kind of lose it for no real reason. I've been thinking off and on about therapy for over a year, and I've decided that it's time to actually do it. I just moved to the area, and I don't have a doctor here yet, so I'm not really sure where to start looking.

I was diagnosed with dysthymia several years ago, and I am still taking antidepressants as prescribed by my doctor back in my old town. They work pretty well, for the most part. My lifestyle is fairly healthy - I eat well, exercise hard five times a week, and get plenty of sleep, and that also works pretty well, for the most part. My work and home life are satisfying, and I have some wonderful relationships.

Every now and then, though - maybe a couple times a month, sometimes more - I just break down and feel fat and stupid and ugly and crazy. That's the best I can put it. My self-esteem just falls through the floor. It doesn't appear to be related to hormones. It's not always related to body image, but it often is.

A close family member died a few months ago, too, and although I feel like I'm generally handling that well, that's something that I'd want to talk about in therapy.

Additionally, in the past I've had issues with disordered eating and self-injury, neither of which I've brought up to past doctors/therapists. Neither are a problem now, but I wouldn't call myself 100% cured, and it might help me to have a therapist with experience in those areas.

I live in Somerville and rely on public transportation, so the more convenient the better. I do have insurance, but am not completely sure how much of this it'll cover.

Throwaway email address is thurrpy@gmail.com. Thanks for your help!

Seeking fashion, covetousness, wine, and French coffee

The Whelk — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:56:37 -0800

Going to Boston/Cambridge for few days (April 2-7th) and wondering what I should see, do, or eat ... Details: I've been to the area before, albeit many years ago and done the standard tourist stops. I'll be staying in Cambridge. I don't have a car. Very interested in weird or neat events and shows, what local listings should I check out?

Subway to Boston from where?

starman — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:50:51 -0800

Place to stay on the outskirts of Boston? We're looking for a place to stay in Boston for a night or two this summer. We'd like to avoid crazy traffic and stay somewhere we could subway into the city. Any recommendations for specific places or areas?

Extra points if it has some nice walks/neighborhoods/etc. around it. (Is the Harvard/Cambridge area a good way to go?)

"Beware of the Physicist."

daisyk — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:33:42 -0800

What might |000> + |111> mean, on a garden gate? This morning on the way to work, I passed a house where the garden gate bore a sign reading: |000> + |111>. (This isn't too surprising in Cambridge. My other favourite signs include "Silence" in Latin, Ancient Greek and Babylonian and "Don't lean bicycles here" in Latin and Ancient Greek.)

I'm at work now staring at a database, and it's been a few years since my last physics or pure maths courses. Can anyone suggest what the houseowners meant by their sign?

Looking for a good tax preparer in the Boston area

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:12:44 -0800

Looking for a good tax preparer in the Boston area. I like to think that I know tax code but my taxes are kinda complicated and I think I need a tax preparer anyway. My last two preparers I got on the basis of recommendations but they weren't that great (missed deductions; forgot deductions so that I had to remind them; argued with me over whether I was eligible for deductions I was definitely eligible for) and they were expensive. I figure if I wanted to miss deductions I could do it myself, for much less money. I live in Somerville, so, the closer the better.

Particular topics of interest: self-employment combined with regular employment, oil and gas lease income, inherited IRAs, trust income, foreign income.

Free places to park in Cambridge

anonaccount — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 02:33:55 -0800

Calling all Cambridge (UK) Mefites! My girlfriend has just left for University (Anglia Ruskin) in Cambridge. I want to travel up and see her regularly, but parking in Cambridge is a problem. I can easily get to her, but parking is the problem. Is there anywhere near the University I can park for free/cheap for 2 days at a time? I could travel up by train or bus....but it takes 3 times as long as is very expensive.

Any suggestions?

Will trade cow for magic beans

Horace Rumpole — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:06:22 -0800

CoffeeFilter: Where I can find good flavored coffee beans in the Boston area? I know we're big coffee philistines and all, but the wife and I like flavored coffee beans for our morning cup, and the only ones we've been able to find, at Shaw's and Dunkin Donuts, are adequate but underwhelming. The intense sweetness of flavor syrups is too much to go with my Frosted Mini-Wheats in the morning. Is there someplace I can go to get the hazelnutty goodness I need to start my day off right?

I'm willing to travel, but it should be T-accessible, and something in the Cambridge-Somerville-Downtown Boston area would be preferable.

What is that clumsy, fat guy doing in my yoga class?

Any Moose In a Storm — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:16:10 -0800

Wanted: Boston area beginner's yoga class. Difficulty: Male, heavier and a novice. Where? I've begun exercising more regularly, but I am as stiff as a cinder block and have less balance than a two legged stool. It seems like yoga would help with these things. I'm sort of intimidated by/loathe the idea of being the only clumsy, "fat", guy in the room.

I'm not that fat, but I am stocky/bulky when contrasted to the lithe, mainly female figures I see coming out of yoga classes.

By Boston Area I really mean Cambridge/Somerville/Arlington/Medford.

I'm not really interested in the "religious" aspect, but that's not an automatic disqualifier.

Wining/Dining in Cambridge, MA?

lassie — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:39:00 -0800

Dining and entertainment options in Cambridge, MA, this weekend? My girlfriend, I, and some friends are going to be in Cambridge, MA this weekend. We're staying at the Sonesta, and they're staying at the Kendall. I'm looking for suggestions about a good place to grab dinner on Saturday night in that area, as well as possible post-dinner entertainment options.

For dinner, I'd be interested in places that are not vegetarian necessarily, but which offer substantial and good vegetarian options, as well as a good wine list. For entertainment, bonus points will be awarded for gay/lesbian bars where you can hear yourself think (we're probably too old for the thumping night clubs, I fear).

If you also feel like telling me that there's something going on Sunday morning in that area that I absolutely must see before we come back to NY, I'd love to hear your thoughts on that too. Thanks in advance for suggestions.

A Summer in Cambridge

saoyama — Mon, 19 May 2008 12:07:11 -0800

Help me take advantage of a summer living in Cambridge... I'm a rising Junior in college living in Cambridge, MA for the summer. I lucked out on an amazing place near Porter Square and Harvard Square. Other than working my summer job (nothing great, just cooking), I want to find some activities to fill up my relatively open schedule.

I don't know the area very well but I figure that with all of the businesses, schools, and organizations around the area people may have good suggestions for possible internships, volunteer work, interesting part-time work, interesting activities, etc.

I'm pretty open to anything, as I'm currently trying to find a new direction in life. I'm majoring in some field of science at school (still not sure) but I'm starting to have doubts about my interest in science. I know a little bit about a lot of things and with such broad interests, it's been hard to find something I can be very passionate about. I'm hoping that some summer experiences will change that.

Like I said, I'll consider anything. I'm across the street from the edge of the Harvard campus so if there is anything I can do there, it would be convenient just in terms of location. The redline is an 8 minute walk away so Boston is very accessible too. Thanks in advance, Metafilter!

What bank and wireless provider should I use in and around Boston?

KevCed — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:01:02 -0800

Moving from the 519 to the 617. Please help a Canadian moving to Boston plan his banking and wireless services. I am a Canadian, born in and raised near Toronto, Ontario. I will be moving from Waterloo, Ontario to Cambridge, Massachusetts in August. I will be in Cambridge studying at MIT for at least two years. I already have accommodations, travel plans and mandatory health insurance in place.

I have two questions about banking and wireless logistics. I'm hoping to find approximate equivalents of my current bank and wireless provider in Massachusetts.

Question 1: What wireless provider will be the least hassle for a $20-30/month plan in Boston/Cambridge? I'm thinking about AT&T. What do you think of T-Mobile, Sprint and Nextel?

Background: Right now I'm with Rogers Wireless for pay-as-you-go service in Southern Ontario. I'm happier with Rogers than I was with Telus. My current phone is unlocked but I'm willing to sign a contract if I need to and aside from that I am leaning towards a BlackBerry.

Question 2: I got a bank account during my 4-month internship in France without any problems aside from the mountain of paperwork. Will I be able to get a bank account as a non-citizen? (Likely on a J-1 or F-1 visa). I want hassle-free service. Just plain free is better. Convenience is a necessity.I need a reasonable network of ATMs and online banking. What bank should I choose?

Background: I do my banking with President's Choice Financial. I am a huge fan of no-fee no-hassle banking. No branches, but lots of ATMs, free checks, free banking, decent interest rate. Does this kind of thing exist in the US?

Bonus points for anything in the vein of "things I wish I knew before I moved to Cambridge"/miscellaneous tips from MIT students or other people living around Boston, or Boston-area transplants from Canada.

I have already looked at just about everything tagged with Boston, Moving, Relocation and College but feel free to point out anything I missed.

Thanks!

"Ludwig the last crumpet was mine!"

greytape — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:38:12 -0800

StoryresearchFilter: Information needed on relations between superstar Cambridge dons of the 1930s-1950s. i.e. Russell, Wittgenstein, Turing, Keynes. I'm trying to write a short story that involves these four men. To this end I'm looking for information on the relationships between them, and any other genuine superstars that I might have missed that were hanging around Cambridge between these years .

I love this quote from Wikipedia:

"Bertrand Russell named Keynes the most intelligent person he had ever known, commenting, "Every time I argued with Keynes, I felt that I took my life in my hands, and I seldom emerged without feeling something of a fool." Keynes also famously commented to his wife that he had "met God on the 5:15 train" when he received Russell's protégé Ludwig Wittgenstein on behalf of Cambridge." I'd love to capture something of this spirit.

Obviously what I need to do is get the relative biographies out of the library and turn to the index, which I will do as soon as I get to a library, but in the meantime I have a bit of time on my hands and would like to do some online research.

Therefore I'm looking for anecdotes, paths to follow, recommended books or documentaries that might shed a little light on the lives of these tweedsuited Gods. Or if any of them has previosuy been depicted in fiction, that'd be good to know.

P.S. I'd also be interested to know if there has ever been a similar accumulation of talent in one place at one time, it seems extraordinary to me that not only were all these great men in the same university at the same time but that they were personal friends.
P.P.S. I've already read "Wittgenstein's Poker", that's partly what gave me the idea. Oh and Cryptonomicon, which depicts Turing in fiction.