A Time to Give Thanks For...

• Endings. A bit morbid, but really, good riddance to that horrifically obnoxious presidential election and painfully pitiful Red Sox season.
• Beginnings. Winter, or more specifically, time to shred snow. 
• Revivals. Arrested Development. YES. Rife with anticipation.

• Baxter. His nose, paws, fur, freckles, soul, general existence, and fervor for life (plus all things edible).

Confessions of a Has-Been Trick-or-Treater

Then

Is this a sick joke? My parents left me alone at our house on Halloween.

Now

Okay, so since I spent the weekend in NYC partying my pre-hurricane, “lioness” tail off, I decided I would stay in on this Wednesday "Halloween" evening.

Admittedly, I’ve been suffering from deathly, flu-like symptoms, so I figured I’d be responsible and rest up for the weekend’s festivities.

Anyways, I left work early and told my parents, who commute back to the ‘burbs from their jobs in Boston each night, that I would manage the “trick-or-treat” duties until they arrived home. Mind you, this is the first time I’ve been at my actual home in my childhood neighborhood for Halloween since like, middle school.

Eyes on the Road, Hands Up on the Wheel

"Yeah, we're goin' to the Roadhouse, gonna have a real, good time.." 

The other night I was driving home and started speeding. I started speeding, turned up the music, and pressed my foot to the pedal even harder. I took a sharp turn onto Granite, a windy, narrow, hilly street that weaves through the suburban back roads of my hometown.

But god, do I know that street like the back of my hand. It’s one of two roads I can choose from to access my neighborhood of 23 years.

Think Before You Drink: Annoying Things Chicks Do in Bar Bathrooms.

TALK (/GOSSIP). The bathroom is a particularly rich goldmine for gossip. Girls say practically anything in front of practically anyone once intoxicated and in the welcome respite of… the bathroom (so classy). I feel dumber for having ever been exposed to some of the airhead bathroom gossip I’ve witnessed.
“Like, Isn’t Jimmy totally digging me out there?!” Like yeah, now get back out there and, like, do something about it already.

HOG THE MIRROR/SINK. Giiiirl, you DO NOT NEED ANYMORE MAKEUP. It’s not going to help. And your butt looks spectacular (suuure) in that $19.99 H&M mini-skirt, no need to check it out from every angle. And please do not use the bathroom mirror to take sleazy, pucker-lipped self photos. Just DON'T.

LEGAL HARBORSIDE: LOVING IT

Why Legal's Three-Story, Flagship Venture Has Quickly

Become Boston's Best New Restaurant

Disagree? You haven't been yet, have you? Let this article (and maybe that “Best New Restaurant” accolade from Esquire) inspire you to pay the venue a visit.

I have the pleasure of knowing the man at Legal’s helm, Executive Chef/Vice President Rich Vellante, so much of what I tell you will be straight from the horse's mouth. And let me tell you, in the Kentucky-Derby league of horses, Rich is the "I'll Have Another" of chefs. I was lucky enough to sit down and grab an interview with him, so hey, if you don't want to take my word for it (or you're just not into the whole "reading thing”) watch the video and see for yourself.

My CREDO in Ten

On L-i-v-i-n-g 

1) Nothing is wrong if it feels good. In the words of William Blake, "The road of excess leads to a palace of wisdom."

2) There are no consequences. Go with your gut. Indecisiveness kills... time, people, fun and ideas..

3) On judgment: There is no right or wrong. Society may tell you yours is poor at times. Screw that. Believe what YOU want, judge however or whomever you'd like (everyone's doing it!)

THE OAK BLUFFS "MONSTER SHARK TOURNAMENT"

Vamping up the Shark Hype on Martha's Vineyard 

Oak Bluffs, July 2012--- Ever since the classic 1975 film “Jaws” was shot out on Martha’s Vineyard, a remote island off the coast of Massachusetts, the exclusive summer getaway locale has become a hub for shark fascination and hype.

Over the past few years, the increase in seal population across the Cape and Islands has resulted in a number of shark sightings, further sensationalizing Spielberg’s epic shark fantasy and drawing attention from the national media.

THE 41ST ANNUAL FIGAWI RACE WEEKEND

The Figawi Race over Memorial Day weekend is a top sailing event on the east coast that kicks off the Cape Cod and Nantucket summer season.  Over 240 boats race from Hyannis Yacht Club, a former stomping ground for the Kennedy family, to Nantucket Harbor on late Saturday morning.

Nantucket, MA, May 25--- The weekend began with a kickoff party on Friday night at the Hyannis Yacht Club. After a long night of partying, we headed back to our slip and got a few hours of shut-eye on the boat. Saturday morning came quick, as our seven-person crew diligently prepared to race the beautiful “Calussa,” a 38-ft Sabre, to Nantucket harbor. Late Saturday morning, we received a starting time of 11:24 a.m. in class D.

ANDY STEVES LAUNCHES TRAVEL COMPANY GEARED AT STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD

Son of famed industry guru Rick Steves follows his passion to design

unique weekend travel packages for students abroad

Andy Steves, 24, during a recent WSA trip to Paris, France.

Rome—When Andy Steves ventured to Rome to study abroad in spring 2008, he was equipped with years of European travel experience and had a passion for exploring new cultures. But Steves soon came to discover that his fellow John Cabot University classmates were just as travel-hungry as he was.

THE "WE ARE" CULT

A Relevant Retrospect on the Penn State Culture

My former, beloved Penn Staters en route home from a glorious Nittany Lions win

State College, PA, 2008-- After attending a long week of classes at Penn State, out for another Friday on the “town,” I occasionally stop, look around, and realize what I am participating in. Prowling, subservient, beer-hungry frat brothers seem to be cornering me from every angle. Wretched, profane, and just plain obnoxious rap songs overwhelm my ears. Girls desperate for attention with stick-straight hair, impractical six-inch heels and decked out in tacky, revealing tank tops surround me. Flashing strobe lights. The walls are closing in. I realize I MUST GET OUT.