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The Trump Doctrine Is Whatever Mike Pompeo Wants It to Be
Donald Trump has been largely absent from his public duties, and his White House is stymying any attempts at a formal transition process as Trump’s legal team and various local allies try to steal the election, but his administration has still been quite busy. Trumpworld has devoted quite a bit of attention, in particular, to the Defense Department—where several top officials have been pushed out—and foreign policy in general.
Mick Mulvaney: Infrastructure Worst Kind of Stimulus
An economic stimulus plan based on infrastructure could take months, if not years, to have an impact, says former acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. (Kevin Dietsch/Bloomberg News) [Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.] Soon after the pandemic either paralyzed or nearly froze many of the country’s major institutions, this publication reported on sectors vying for federal aid.
By Washington Standards, Infrastructure Had a Moment in 2019
Trump's impeachment inquiry didn't completely detract from infrastructure policy in 2019. The Senate introduced a five-year highway authorization measure, and the House held several hearings on autonomous technology. (NBC News via YouTube) [Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.] It would be unfair to suggest infrastructure policy legislation was nonexistent in Congress this year.
Nancy Pelosi Made Drag Queens Cry on 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
EH: Now I’m dreaming up a scenario where Nancy’s drag alter ego, Ms. Velvet Hammer, is a contestant on the show. Like you said, she has the fierceness RuPaul is after, but does she have the other four requirements necessary to become America’s Next Drag Superstar? Scott Shafer: I have to admit, I was a little surprised when I first heard she’d be on.
What''s the big deal about presidential portraits?
Everything, it turns out, is a big deal when it comes to presidential portraits. Former US president Barack Obama had his done by portraitist Kehinde Wiley. His wife Michelle’s was done by artist Amy Sherald. Both artists are the first blacks whose presidential portraits are to enter the National Portraits Gallery, which has portraits of every president going back to George Washington.
What''s the big deal about presidential portraits?
Everything, it turns out, is a big deal when it comes to presidential portraits. Former US president Barack Obama had his done by portraitist Kehinde Wiley. His wife Michelle’s was done by artist Amy Sherald. Both artists are the first blacks whose presidential portraits are to enter the National Portraits Gallery, which has portraits of every president going back to George Washington.
Tax reform is huge for brewers, distillers, and winemakers of all sizes
Let’s be honest: the recent overhaul of the tax code was not a bipartisan endeavor. The new law was written by Republicans, amended by Republicans, and enacted into law by Republicans. But there’s one part of the new law that serves as a notable exception, and should invite cheers from Americans across the ideological spectrum. Late in the legislative process, a provision was inserted in the bill to reduce excise taxes on alcohol producers.
Wife Of Cop DESTROYS Police-Bashing Connecticut Lawmaker In Open Letter
The men and women who protect the Thin Blue Line have been beaten down enough. And you know what’s starting to happen? The men and women who stand BEHIND them are starting to rise up and declare “enough is enough.” Allow me to share with you some fighting words from another liberal lawmaker in Connecticut. “This bill is to hold accountable and to stop those cowboys that, because they got a bat and a gun, they think they can go shooting especially young kids in our community.
Organic apple growers overcome challenges to offer healthier fruit
Growing up on his family’s farm, Steve Gougeon developed a passion for working the land. In 2005, he revamped his parents’ apple orchard, adding to the region’s short list of organic growers of the fall fruit favorite. Before he knew it, friends asked to pick apples at his family’s Bear Swamp Orchard & Cidery. Friends of those friends soon followed. “It took off, I guess you can say, very organically from there,” Gougeon said in an interview.
Clandestine group dumps tea to protest taxes!
BOSTON – The city’s Old South Meeting House was the stage Wednesday for about 100 reenactors dressed in Colonial garb who gathered to voice their frustrations about a new tax imposed by the English king on tea shipped to the colonies in America. Objections were raised about unloading 340 cargo chests sent by the East India Tea Co. on ships docked in the harbor nearby.
LISTEN: Top 10 Boston-centric songs of all time
For a city with its own character and rich culture, it’s no surprise that Boston has been featured in many different pop songs. Whether musicians have passed through the city during a tour, vacationed, or grew up here, Beantown has obviously left a lasting impression on many artists. Whether rock or folk, each of the songs on this “classic Boston playlist” will resonate with music fans throughout New England. 10.
Boston Derby Dames: Nutcrackers compete against the Wicked Pissahs
The Simoni Rink in Cambridge, MA filled up slowly as the Boston Derby Dames took center stage. Two mascots—one a princess squirrel, the other a red and gold angel with a bullhorn—battled it out to get the crowds going. But their energy was nothing compared to the heat of the game. On June 27, the “Nutcrackers” took on the “Wicked Pissahs” in a roller-derby game that left the fans of all ages on the edge of their seats as they watched fierce women battle it out on the rink.
Singer Peter Wolf gets his 'Day' in Boston
BOSTON – Singer-songwriter Peter Wolf became enshrined in Boston Thursday as Mayor Marty Walsh declared April 14 to be the former J. Geils Band frontman’s official Day, citing his “indelible contributions to American music.” The mayor made his official proclamation at the New England Center and Home for Veterans, where the musician gave a private performance for residents, featuring selections from his latest release, which celebrates enduring life’s changes.
Museums hand out free passes for Saturday
Museums in Boston and around the state and nation will throw open their doors to the public for free Saturday, but you have to register for tickets first. The event, Smithsonian Magazine’s annual “Museum Day Live!”, provides free admission to over 1,000 museums nationwide. There are 57 participating in Massachusetts, including 13 in Boston.
Boston sets affordable-housing record even as thousands still wait
BOSTON – Boston’s pipeline to create affordable housing last year reached its highest level since record-keeping began, according to City Hall, which also said more than 28,000 city households would qualify for the units if enough existed. Even so, the city said the proportion of housing that is classed as “affordable” is higher than any other major city in the country, at 19 percent.
Spreading 'the Bern' in Boston is aim of planned march
BOSTON – Hundreds of Bernie Sanders supporters plan to descend on Boston Common Saturday at noon to spend three hours marching and canvassing for the Democratic presidential hopeful, snowy weather notwithstanding. Referred to as “#MarchforBernie,” the nationwide event is being organized locally by Boston for Bernie, a grassroots group. Local marches and canvassing drives are being organized across the country for the same day.
Preserving tradition, spirituality at Jewish day schools
WATERTOWN – The Thursday before the Jewish New Year, the Kindergarten class at JCDS, Boston’s Jewish Community Day School buzzed with students creating cards, learning songs and readying for one of the most joyous days of their year. “Who can find me something in this room that I could use for my Rosh Hashanah celebration?” Brenda Dolan, their lead English-speaking teacher, asked.
Boston elders turn memories into living history
By learning the rudiments of penning a memoir, older Boston residents are creating a sort of eye-witness history of the city, its neighborhoods and nearby suburbs, through the Memoir Project. The joint venture between City Hall and Grub Street Writers, a Boston company that teaches writing skills, aims to capture each participant’s unique story by helping them turn their memories into logical, meaningful narratives.
Verizon plans $300 million fiber network for Boston
BOSTON – Ending nearly a decade of giving Boston the cold shoulder, Verizon Communications said Tuesday it will invest as much as $300 million to install the fiber-optic cables needed to offer its FiOS communications services to city residents, businesses and other institutions. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh hailed the agreement, saying it will help to spur economic development and innovation in the city.
Skaters dazzle before giant Christmas tree lights up Boston Common
BOSTON – A blustery wind did nothing to damp the spirits of those who packed the area around Boston Common’s Frog Pond Thursday as members of the Skating Club of Boston put on a world-class figure skating performance as part of the city’s celebration of the holiday season. Following the ice show, Mayor Marty Walsh presided over the 74th annual Christmas tree lighting, drawing a crowd of celebrants, who enjoyed Christmas carolers and other live musical performances.
'Selfie booth' travels city in search of opinions
BOSTON – Passersby in downtown Boston Monday stopped to chat and take a self portrait with a futuristic backdrop, courtesy of City Hall. Using a design from Imagine Boston 2030, the traveling selfie “photo booth” made its first stop on City Hall Plaza. Encouraged to share the picture via social media, participants are also asked to reveal their ideas for Boston’s future and share them online, using the hashtag #ImagineBoston.
A New England guide to Oktoberfest
With Oktoberfest activities already starting across the Atlantic Ocean in Germany, many Bostonian’s are eager to start celebrations. This weekend kicks off the start of many Oktoberfest celebrations both here in Boston and in the surrounding areas. If you have an appreciation for beer and want to rejoice, check out the multiple festivals below: Join Harpoon Brewery as they celebrate the 26th annual Harpoon Octoberfest with oompah music, beer, bratwursts, chicken dancing and more.
Hanukkah theme educates Boston through public art
BOSTON – This week, pedestrians strolling past the Milk Street Café outside Post Office Square downtown might be taken aback by giant, round faces peeking out at them from the windows. Some have a message to communicate, and others just want to share a wave. “Giants,” an exhibit by multimedia artist Susannah Lawrence, has been featured dozens of times around Boston for more than a decade – but each showing is unique, aiming to transform the people shown into monumental images with a message.
Kevin Bacon to perform on stage in ‘Rear Window’ in Hartford this fall
NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Bacon will star in a stage adaptation of the story that inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 classic film “Rear Window.” Hartford Stage in Connecticut said Tuesday that the movie star will headline the haunting tale of a man in a wheelchair who witnesses a possible murder. It’s been adapted for the stage by Keith Reddin and will run from Oct. 22-Nov. 15.
Tons of thanks as Franciscans provide turkeys to Boston’s needy
Dog and St. Anthony’s Shrine Food Bank customer happily receive a Thanksgiving turkey, courtesy of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, center right, far right Father Thomas Conway, executive director of St. Anthony’s Shrine.(NewBostonPost photo by Beth Treffeisen) Dog and St. Anthony’s Shrine Food Bank customer happily receive a Thanksgiving turkey, courtesy of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, center right, far right Father Thomas Conway, executive director of St. Anthony’s Shrine.(NewBostonPost photo by Beth...
America’s Stonehenge: New Hampshire rocks history or hoax?
SALEM, N.H. (AP) — Using the astronomical chart on a table in the covered tower, visitors aim their gaze along worn arrows to huge, upright stones hundreds of feet away. Beyond each slab of granite, clearings stretch the eye to the horizon on a dazzling day in late summer New Hampshire.
Boston treats elders to a New Year’s Eve party all their own
BOSTON – Snowflakes magically fell onto elders who filed into Boston’s World Trade Center Wednesday and entered an exhibition hall packed with tables offering celebratory New Year’s Eve hats and noisemakers. A barbershop quartet provided music for dancing and general conviviality. “This is the hottest event in town!” said Emily Shea, Boston’s commissioner for elder affairs. She said many of those who attended bolted for the best seats as they entered the hall.
Fashion faux pas bring joy as runners don ugly sweaters for charity
BOSTON – It’s that time of year again: Holiday music wafts from radios and TVs, storefronts sport Christmas and Hanukkah decorations, and, when it arrives, the cold brisk air can be hard to take. To some, this marks the time to dig through family closets to find the tackiest sweater available. Think tennis-ball green trees, hot pink Christmas stockings, or reindeer that look more like Bullwinkle the moose. There comes a day you can wear it with pride.
'Memory Cafe' creates community for people with dementia
WALTHAM – The sunlit room buzzed with excitement when Gary Glazner and John McFadden, strumming a ukulele, bounced on stage in song. Participants applauded and sang in unison as each person in the room was introduced. “That was a marathon” by the time it ended, said Glazner, the founding director of the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project in New York City’s Brooklyn borough. On Nov.
Dogs bring joy to nursing homes through volunteers
BOSTON – When Harriet Koch realized her dog Tembi was “pretty terrific,” she decided to introduce her to seniors as a volunteer at Sherrill House, a nursing home on South Huntington Avenue in Jamaica Plain. For the past five years, Koch, who is 87, has been delighting nursing home residents with Tembi, a lhasa apso small enough to fit on her lap, and gaining new friends along the way. Koch likens her pooch to an infant in explaining the animal’s effect on those she visits.
Indian food comes alive at these Boston bistros
With more than 7,400 ethnic Indians in Boston, a number that almost doubled in 10 years, a multitude of restaurants have sprung up in the city that offer cuisine from the South Asian nation. To the delight of many diners, selections and recipes vary from one venue to another, reflecting the vast differences in climate, religious creeds and staple foods in different parts of the country.
Boston’s Frost Ice Loft serves drinks in frozen splendor
BOSTON – Layered in cloaks, hats and scarves, customers brave the cold inside to sip icy cocktails prepared at the Frost Ice Loft above Quincy Market behind Faneuil Hall. Popular as a tourist destination, this unique bar serves up drinks chilled to below freezing in a room furnished and decorated entirely with hand-crafted ice and kept at a bracing 21 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where does Boston's trash go?
BOSTON – On a cold rainy morning last week, a garbage truck carrying two men wound its way through the narrow alleyways of downtown Boston. Squeezing past morning commuters, the truck rolled behind brick townhouses, with one of the men picking up and emptying green and blue bins into the back along the way.
Boston readies for a warmer New Years celebration
BOSTON – With warmer temperatures in the forecast for New Year’s Eve, larger than usual crowds are expected for Boston’s annual First Night celebration, but event organizers are hopeful that the temps won’t rise so high as to melt away the traditional ice sculptures right before the viewers’ eyes. “Obviously the big question is the weather and the weather looks like it is going to be okay,” said Toni Nunziante, a spokesman for Conventures, the event producer.
Classical music comes to a living room near you
BOSTON – The sun peeked through the windows as the sounds of classical piano gently filled the air. A 13-year-old black cat snoozed on a sofa, sharing the living room with guests who had come to the creaky old Jamaica Plain home to listen to music from 19th century composers such as Robert Schumann and Franz Schubert.
Massachusetts is #1 outdoor decor trend-setter
Summer isn’t over yet, and Massachusetts was recently voted to be #1 trendiest state in the country for outdoor decor, according to Wayfair.com. The commonwealth also made the top five lists for outdoor entertaining and gardening. The company analyzed more than 300,000 product orders to identify the most popular items from a variety of categories, including furniture, lighting, lawn, garden, and recreation.
Boston Harbor, once dirtiest, now clean, agency tells judge
BOSTON – In 1982, former Quincy city Solicitor William Golden took a run along Wollaston Beach and came across bits of raw sewage in the sand, prompting him to take action. Quincy soon sued the Metropolitan District Commission and other agencies over discharges of untreated waste from Nut Island, at the end of Houghs Neck in the city. Eventually, the case led to a court-ordered, multibillion-dollar harbor cleanup and the creation of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.
GRLZ Radio: allowing young women to be heard and respected
Twelve years ago, a group of high school girls from Dorchester was driving to a soccer game with their coach. According to the story that has since been handed down, the radio was blasting songs with lyrics that were degrading to women. The girls were disgusted and became quite upset. The coach — who was also a youth worker — asked them what was wrong.
Clinton calls for action to cut student loan debt for 40 million Americans
DURHAM, N.H. — Hillary Clinton tackled the issue of rising college costs and student debt before a packed room of students and educators at the University of New Hampshire, where she also picked up the endorsement of New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan. Noting that there are more than 40 million Americans carrying more than $1.2 trillion in student loan debt, on Friday Clinton said it’s high time for solutions that both Republicans and Democrats in Washington could get behind.
Shake up the drink menu this Thanksgiving
If you worry about getting through that quality time with your family this Thanksgiving, these holiday cocktails may make it all go down more smoothly, or maybe just help it go by faster. These easy-to-make seasonal concoctions will please all the adults in the entire extended family and make your long day as stressed host or appreciative guest way more tolerable. 2. 1 shot of tequila or vodka of choice 1. Place a deep saucepan on the stove and set to medium-low heat 8. Stir and let sit until warm 9.
Free funfest set to open Seaport's Lawn on D
BOSTON – With sunny skies and warm weather finally arriving, the outdoor interactive space Lawn on D in South Boston’s Seaport District is slated to open this weekend despite fiscal issues that had raised concerns about its future. The 2.7-acre park, supported by Citizens Bank, provides an adult playground that has become a family favorite and a gathering spot for young adults in the Boston area. It officially opens for the season at 7 a.m. Saturday.
Homelessness surging as Boston mounts yearly count
BOSTON – Last year brought its challenges to the homeless in Boston, with record snowfall and the unexpected closure of the Long Island shelter, eliminating 700 beds. Now, as winter deepens once again, the city aims to come up with a plan to end chronic homelessness.
Free Lyft rides offered for New Year’s Eve by Boston firm
BOSTON – New Year’s Eve celebrations will attract over 1 million people to Boston later this week and one local law firm is trying to ensure a safe night for many if not all.
Russell House Tavern: Specialty Cocktails
Nestled behind the red brick façade of Harvard Square, Russell House Tavern is an attractive get away with decorative outdoor lighting and seating. The restaurant is known for its artisanal American fare and handcrafted specialty cocktails. It has a unique urban flare with its historic location and modern cuisine. Their “Eye of the Storm” and “Battle of Trafalgar” specialty cocktails are appealing selections for the start of fall.
Beer tour helps Bostonians explore Portsmouth-area breweries
The leaves were beginning to turn as the tour bus glided up Interstate 95 on a sunny fall Sunday heading to coastal New Hampshire. Excited passengers rummaged through their swag bags, trading pretzels for M&M’s before a day of touring breweries in and around Portsmouth. For Allo Gilinsky, the trip marked his first as founder of Pints of Portsmouth Brew Tours.
Getting to know Allston (video)
While it may be somewhat infamously known as “Rat City,” the Allston neighborhood is also home to many college students, young professionals, and families that bring an eclectic culture to an unknown part of Boston. Now that I’ve called this neighborhood home for the second year in a row, I hope to share with you some hidden gems off the B-Line in Allston. The first stop is Pavement Coffee House on the corner of Harvard Ave. and Commonwealth.
Depp’s Bulger comments punctuate Brookline’s starry night
BROOKLINE – Rosalind Sukerman-Colon stood atop a blue camping chair, angling for the best view of her favorite actor, Johnny Depp, as he and other stars made their way down Harvard Street to the Coolidge Corner Theater for a special screening of the James “Whitey” Bulger biopic, “Black Mass.” “I have been a fan (of Depp) since the beginning,” said Sukerman-Colon, a Brookline resident and one of more than 1,000 Depp fans lining the street Tuesday evening outside the theater.
On happy hour, Baker okay with being a “fuddy-duddy”
Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday said that if opposing “happy hour” drink specials makes him a “fuddy-duddy” he’s alright with that. Asked by a caller and recent Massachusetts transplant about why the state is passing up the economic benefits to restaurants that could accrue from so-called happy hours, Baker recalled how the state first banned the after-work drink promotions after a series of tragic accidents involving people who had been overserved at happy hour.
Great Bay oyster reef reboot aided by local restaurants
It’s been 10 summers since Robert’s Maine Grill began serving New England seafood classics updated with ingredients sourced from local farms and fishing vessels. So when owner Michael Landgarten was asked to become a partner with the University of New Hampshire’s oyster seeding program, he couldn’t say no. The initiative uses cleaned shells to grow newly hatched oysters, which draw needed nutrients from the old shells.
Judge frees ‘Happy Birthday’ song from copyright claims
LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a gift to many musicians, movie-makers and other content-creators, a federal judge has found that the song “Happy Birthday To You” is entirely in the public domain. But the move could mean millions lost for the music publishing company that has been collecting on the copyright to one of the most widely sung songs in the world. U.S. District Judge George H. King found Tuesday that the song’s original copyright, obtained by the Clayton F.
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