I’ve always tried as hard as I can to subscribe to the notion of a game being a “good loss.” To me, sports are simple one team wins and another loses. Sports are cut and dry to me and if you are looking for “sentimental victories” your team is too far away from the championship level to be all that relevant. I realize such a stance is a somewhat harsh one so I try and try to look “for the bright side” in defeat and cling on to what might bring promise for the next game or season.
Which brings me to the 2007-2008 Bruins. Admittedly, I am not nor have I ever been the biggest hockey fan. Growing up in the hotbed of hockey that Massachusetts is and attending the college hockey power-house that Boston College has become I’ve always been at an arm’s length of being an avid hockey fan and at times a bit closer.
Saturday night’s game six victory over the Montreal Canadians was without a doubt the most exciting hockey game I’ve ever attended live. I’d even say it was one of the top two or three sports events I’ve attended at the new Boston Garden.
From the moment I arrived at North Station approximately one and a half hour before the game, Bruins fans and Canadians fans alike were packed into the area and carrying on with a game time-like-intensity. This intensity carried through the opening face-off and right through the end of the game.
The third period of Saturday’s game that saw the Bruins score four goals and battle back to hang on for victory was a thing of beauty to be a part of. With seemingly every fan on their feet for the duration of the last period the Garden was rocking and it brought up memories of hearing stories of when hockey ruled supreme in Beantown and the so-named “gallery Gods” ruled the Old Garden in a way that those of us growing up watching hockey in the past generation cannot relate to.
But on the heels of a crushing 5-0 defeat last night to the Canadians came the end to an exciting, albeit short, playoffs for the Bruins. And still there are many questions left unanswered by Boston’s NHL entry. Is this the start of a new generation of exciting new Bruins that will bring hart-stopping playoff action for years to come? Or is this a blip on a seemingly blank radar that the Bruins have not been able to register on since Raymond Bourque traded his Bruins uniform for Stanley Cup glory in Colorado?
All that is for certain now is that for one week the Bruins became more than just another tenant at the Boston Garden. They like the 2007 – 2008 Celtics dusted off years of mostly irrelevant play to grip the imagination of an oversaturated Boston sport’s scene. But if the Bruins hope to stay relevant they must do more than simply force a game seven opening round playoff. Their pivotal victories in the future must include not only games but series. If they accomplish this than maybe, just maybe, they can reclaim their stature as piers with the other professionals in town.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Face-to-Face with a Great Value
If you are one to buy tickets to concerts and sporting events a website worth saving on your favorites is www.fvtix.com. Fvtix.com attempts to be a central hub for on sale dates as well as presale ticket information for events going on sale nationally.
The site has recently offered presale codes for NBA and NHL playoff tickets, Pearl Jam, as well as many other exciting events.
If you are trying to land tickets to that “must see” event than www.fvtix.com is a good place to start your search.
The site has recently offered presale codes for NBA and NHL playoff tickets, Pearl Jam, as well as many other exciting events.
If you are trying to land tickets to that “must see” event than www.fvtix.com is a good place to start your search.
The Cheif Returns to Boston
I was very excited when I learned that Robert Parrish would be attending a signing at Borders on School St in Boston. I had the opportunity to meet “The Chief” when I was much younger and I can’t say the meeting was all too memorable. It took place at a Boston College High School Card Show and my lone memory of that day was a listless Parish moving methodically through a crowd of people signing autographs and collecting money unenthusiastically.
I’m happy to say that my second run in with Robert Parrish was much more memorable. Generally bookstore appearances require that you purchase a set product such as a book or DVD and that you only have that one particular item autographed. In this case, the item was supposed to be the newly released 1985-1986 Boston Celtics DVD Box Set. But unfortunately for Borders and as it turned out fortunately for us fans the DVDs never arrived. So as a result it was determined that anything we could bring to the event we could get signed. A quick five minute walk later, my friend Rob and I had official NBA basketballs and were in line to meet the Hall-of-Famer.
Parrish seemed to be genuinely enjoying his time back in Boston and the opportunity to meet a handful of his many fans. I asked Parrish if he’d been following the NBA and he said he was. Parrish said that he was pulling for the Celtics but if they were eliminated then he likes the Phoenix Suns. I also asked Parrish if he talks to Larry Bird or Kevin McHale and he said that he does but he had not talked to them in the past year.
We finally were able to pose for a picture with Parrish and I told him that I finally was able to feel short next to him. Parrish displayed his booming laugh and said “I’m still waiting to feel short.”
I’m happy to say that my second run in with Robert Parrish was much more memorable. Generally bookstore appearances require that you purchase a set product such as a book or DVD and that you only have that one particular item autographed. In this case, the item was supposed to be the newly released 1985-1986 Boston Celtics DVD Box Set. But unfortunately for Borders and as it turned out fortunately for us fans the DVDs never arrived. So as a result it was determined that anything we could bring to the event we could get signed. A quick five minute walk later, my friend Rob and I had official NBA basketballs and were in line to meet the Hall-of-Famer.
Parrish seemed to be genuinely enjoying his time back in Boston and the opportunity to meet a handful of his many fans. I asked Parrish if he’d been following the NBA and he said he was. Parrish said that he was pulling for the Celtics but if they were eliminated then he likes the Phoenix Suns. I also asked Parrish if he talks to Larry Bird or Kevin McHale and he said that he does but he had not talked to them in the past year.
We finally were able to pose for a picture with Parrish and I told him that I finally was able to feel short next to him. Parrish displayed his booming laugh and said “I’m still waiting to feel short.”
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Ripken Continues to Impress
Whenever meeting someone with the stature of Cal Ripken Jr., one always runs the risk of having whatever image they have built of such a person ruined. But in the case of Ripken, I’d wager all I have that one would walk away from that encounter with their positive opinion of Ripken maintained, more likely increased.
Ripken appeared Wednesday at the Borders Books and Music on School St and happily greeted and signed for approximately 200 fans. Ripken whose 2007 book “Get in the Game” was just released in paperback is making his way across the country on a promotional tour.
Greeting each fan with a handshake and a warm welcome , Ripken was more than happy to personalize and autograph as many books as fans were able to put in front of him. I got the chance to talk with Ripken for a few minutes and he came across as being sincere and interested in everything that was said to him. When one fan asked if he was tired of signing autographs Ripken replied “this is the easy part; hitting a 90 mile-per-hour pitch is the hard part.”
Watching the energy Ripken exuded with each fan it was easy to see how he was able to play game-after-game and break baseball’s record for consecutive games. Ripken’s new book pledges to give readers eight steps towards getting their life on track. While I can’t guarantee it will work for you, I do know that Ripken is someone worth looking up to.
Ripken appeared Wednesday at the Borders Books and Music on School St and happily greeted and signed for approximately 200 fans. Ripken whose 2007 book “Get in the Game” was just released in paperback is making his way across the country on a promotional tour.
Greeting each fan with a handshake and a warm welcome , Ripken was more than happy to personalize and autograph as many books as fans were able to put in front of him. I got the chance to talk with Ripken for a few minutes and he came across as being sincere and interested in everything that was said to him. When one fan asked if he was tired of signing autographs Ripken replied “this is the easy part; hitting a 90 mile-per-hour pitch is the hard part.”
Watching the energy Ripken exuded with each fan it was easy to see how he was able to play game-after-game and break baseball’s record for consecutive games. Ripken’s new book pledges to give readers eight steps towards getting their life on track. While I can’t guarantee it will work for you, I do know that Ripken is someone worth looking up to.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Tickets: Radiohead on sale Saturday
Radiohead will be making their much awaited return to the Boston area this summer with a show at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow, Saturday April 12, at 10:00 AM through www.ticketmaster.com
Good luck.
Good luck.
Stix Boston: Big on Price, Small on Portions
Stix Restaurant, 35 Stanhope St, http://www.stixboston.com/ – 2/5
It may come as no surprise to you that one of Back Bay’s newest restaurants caters to those worried about finding a trendy place to eat and not so worried about how much it will cost. And Stix seems to be capitalizing on both the former and the latter.
Stix scores points on ingenuity; the centerpiece of its menu is a series of small plates that contain all kinds of meats and vegetables over skewers. Such a meal is not necessarily a novel one but what Stix does to separate itself is to infuse the sticks with a series of seasonings that add a remarkable amount of flavor to the food. These small plates try to encompass different geographic areas which range from Vermont all the way to Thailand and back. We were able to try the Chicken on Mango Curry Stix and the Waffled Bacon on Honey Bourbon Stix. Both were very tasty especially the waffle plate.
The problem with Stix and the reason I can’t foresee myself returning there is the combination of high price and small quantities. Both small plates were made up of 3 sticks each with about three or four inches of actual food on them. Albeit delicious, each rang in at $9 each and after spending $19 on two plates I was not full and needed to go then find a hardier finale to my dinner experience.
Trendy, yes. Cost-effective, absolutely not. That is Stix in a nutshell.
It may come as no surprise to you that one of Back Bay’s newest restaurants caters to those worried about finding a trendy place to eat and not so worried about how much it will cost. And Stix seems to be capitalizing on both the former and the latter.
Stix scores points on ingenuity; the centerpiece of its menu is a series of small plates that contain all kinds of meats and vegetables over skewers. Such a meal is not necessarily a novel one but what Stix does to separate itself is to infuse the sticks with a series of seasonings that add a remarkable amount of flavor to the food. These small plates try to encompass different geographic areas which range from Vermont all the way to Thailand and back. We were able to try the Chicken on Mango Curry Stix and the Waffled Bacon on Honey Bourbon Stix. Both were very tasty especially the waffle plate.
The problem with Stix and the reason I can’t foresee myself returning there is the combination of high price and small quantities. Both small plates were made up of 3 sticks each with about three or four inches of actual food on them. Albeit delicious, each rang in at $9 each and after spending $19 on two plates I was not full and needed to go then find a hardier finale to my dinner experience.
Trendy, yes. Cost-effective, absolutely not. That is Stix in a nutshell.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Night Two at Fenway
2008 Alex Record: 1-1 (04/08 W5-0, 04/09 L7-2)
A few thoughts on my second visit to Fenway in as many days:
Mike Timlin is scheduled to come off of the disabled list either today or Friday and if last night’s performances were any indication of who might be sent down to replace him it would seem the field has been narrowed to two--Bryan Corey and Javier Lopez. Corey looked ineffective last night and was only able to record one out while surrendering two runs. Lopez didn’t fair much better in recording two outs and surrendering a ninth inning solo homerun. David Aardsma on the other hand looked quite affective as he submitted 1-2/3 innings of scoreless relief after replacing Lester with one out in the sixth. Aardsma in my opinion deserves to stay on the 25 man roster and if I was Theo Epstein I would probably option Lopez. I realize having Lopez’s presence as a lefty is important but I believe Corey can pitch in more types of situations and for longer outings if need be.
Sean Casey’s worth to the team became quite apparent last night as the wily veteran was able to come right off the bench after Mike Lowell’s hand injury and record two hits for the Sox. Casey clearly struggled a bit in his first appearance in Toronto but for the duration of a 162 game season it is this scribe’s opinion that he will continue to make crucial contributions throughout the season.
Similarly, Kevin Youkilis continued to show why his $4 million contract is one of the best bargains in baseball as he deftly switched corner infield positions without missing a beat both in the field and at the plate. Well he did switch gloves so maybe he missed a half a beat but who is keeping track?
There has been much talk of the effect of the Red Sox early travel on their performance and to me it is having the greatest impact on David Ortiz. Ortiz as a designated hitter requires more than any other player a routine and this on-again-off again start to the season has not helped him in any way. Ortiz gets four or five chances to contribute in a game as a DH and if he struggles at the plate he can’t make up for it in the field. The next couple of weeks for the Red Sox are jam-packed with games and my bet is that his sub .100 batting average will be at least .250 by May 1.
A few thoughts on my second visit to Fenway in as many days:
Mike Timlin is scheduled to come off of the disabled list either today or Friday and if last night’s performances were any indication of who might be sent down to replace him it would seem the field has been narrowed to two--Bryan Corey and Javier Lopez. Corey looked ineffective last night and was only able to record one out while surrendering two runs. Lopez didn’t fair much better in recording two outs and surrendering a ninth inning solo homerun. David Aardsma on the other hand looked quite affective as he submitted 1-2/3 innings of scoreless relief after replacing Lester with one out in the sixth. Aardsma in my opinion deserves to stay on the 25 man roster and if I was Theo Epstein I would probably option Lopez. I realize having Lopez’s presence as a lefty is important but I believe Corey can pitch in more types of situations and for longer outings if need be.
Sean Casey’s worth to the team became quite apparent last night as the wily veteran was able to come right off the bench after Mike Lowell’s hand injury and record two hits for the Sox. Casey clearly struggled a bit in his first appearance in Toronto but for the duration of a 162 game season it is this scribe’s opinion that he will continue to make crucial contributions throughout the season.
Similarly, Kevin Youkilis continued to show why his $4 million contract is one of the best bargains in baseball as he deftly switched corner infield positions without missing a beat both in the field and at the plate. Well he did switch gloves so maybe he missed a half a beat but who is keeping track?
There has been much talk of the effect of the Red Sox early travel on their performance and to me it is having the greatest impact on David Ortiz. Ortiz as a designated hitter requires more than any other player a routine and this on-again-off again start to the season has not helped him in any way. Ortiz gets four or five chances to contribute in a game as a DH and if he struggles at the plate he can’t make up for it in the field. The next couple of weeks for the Red Sox are jam-packed with games and my bet is that his sub .100 batting average will be at least .250 by May 1.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Presale: WBCN River Rave
This year on June 1, at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA, WBCN in Boston is returning to it's tradition of having a summer concert. This year's River Rave includes the return of Stone Temple Pilots as well as Everlast, Filter, and several more bands that will be announced on a later date.
The website for the presale is: http://ticketsus.at/WBCN?CTY=37&LID=RiverRave&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/010040753E0BEA2E
Enjoy.
The website for the presale is: http://ticketsus.at/WBCN?CTY=37&LID=RiverRave&DURL=http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/010040753E0BEA2E
Enjoy.
Paradise: Take 2
When I was little most nights between April and September were spent listening to Red Sox broadcasts on the radio. I probably spent more time during those years with Red Sox announcers Joe Castiglione and Jerry Trupiano than I did with most of my family and friends.
The dream then was always of winning a World Series. For a young boy it always seemed possible. Although try as I may I could never envision what a World Series celebration would look like. What it would feel like. How it would unfold.
Although yesterday’s Opening Day World Series Ring Ceremony was in fact the team’s second such celebration in four years, it was the first I was able to experience live and it was thus far the highlight of a lifetime of going to sporting events. And finally I was able to experience first hand the proper World Series celebration I had been dreaming about for most of my life.
Surely over the past four years there have been rolling rallies, playoff sendoffs, and playoff games, but to me any true Red Sox celebration must and should take place in the most storied ballpark in baseball.
From the first note of the Boston Pops, straight through the unveiling of the new championship banner, and right on through Bill Buckner’s first pitch it was pure and unadulterated heaven for Boston baseball fans. For those lucky enough to attend either the 2004 or 2007 championship celebrations—cherish each and every moment of those memories. For Boston fans lucky enough to be around in 2008 we are truly realizing every dream we could have ever wished for.
The dream then was always of winning a World Series. For a young boy it always seemed possible. Although try as I may I could never envision what a World Series celebration would look like. What it would feel like. How it would unfold.
Although yesterday’s Opening Day World Series Ring Ceremony was in fact the team’s second such celebration in four years, it was the first I was able to experience live and it was thus far the highlight of a lifetime of going to sporting events. And finally I was able to experience first hand the proper World Series celebration I had been dreaming about for most of my life.
Surely over the past four years there have been rolling rallies, playoff sendoffs, and playoff games, but to me any true Red Sox celebration must and should take place in the most storied ballpark in baseball.
From the first note of the Boston Pops, straight through the unveiling of the new championship banner, and right on through Bill Buckner’s first pitch it was pure and unadulterated heaven for Boston baseball fans. For those lucky enough to attend either the 2004 or 2007 championship celebrations—cherish each and every moment of those memories. For Boston fans lucky enough to be around in 2008 we are truly realizing every dream we could have ever wished for.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Free Ice Cream!
Thanks to the Boston Red Sox not only do many of us get to skip out of work today but we also get….fre ice cream too! This is all most too good to be true.
J.P. Licks is offering a free small ice cream to customers during business hours today, April 8, during business hours.
J.P. Licks stores are located at:
Jamaica Plain, 659 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, (617) 524-6740
Coolidge Corner, 311 Harvard Street, Brookline, (617) 738-8252
Davis Square, 4A College Ave, Somerville, (617) 666-5079
Newbury Street, 352 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 236-1666
Newton Centre, 46 Langley Road, Newton Centre, (617) 244-0666
Mission Hill, 1618 Tremont Street, One Brigham Circle, Boston, (617) 566-6676
West Roxbury, 661 VFW Parkway, Chestnut Hill, (617) 325-1516
Go Red Sox and go get a free cone, would you?
J.P. Licks is offering a free small ice cream to customers during business hours today, April 8, during business hours.
J.P. Licks stores are located at:
Jamaica Plain, 659 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, (617) 524-6740
Coolidge Corner, 311 Harvard Street, Brookline, (617) 738-8252
Davis Square, 4A College Ave, Somerville, (617) 666-5079
Newbury Street, 352 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 236-1666
Newton Centre, 46 Langley Road, Newton Centre, (617) 244-0666
Mission Hill, 1618 Tremont Street, One Brigham Circle, Boston, (617) 566-6676
West Roxbury, 661 VFW Parkway, Chestnut Hill, (617) 325-1516
Go Red Sox and go get a free cone, would you?
Go for the Gold
Another great website to turn to for your entertainment needs is www.goldstar.com. Goldstar is a national organization that sells to its customer’s tickets to theater, concerts, sporting events, and parties at steep discounts. The discounts are generally 50% off but every once in a while a free event pops up on their site.
I found Goldstar earlier this year and I’ve benefited from its use several times all ready. Once on their site, all you have to do is register with an e-mail, enter your zip code, and then start searching for events in your area.
In the Boston area, I’ve found several of the local theaters in affiliation with Goldstar not too mention the Bruins, the New England Arena Football League franchise, as well as dozens of other opportunities.
You can register for their e-mail newsletter that way you will be the first to know about discounted events going on sale in your area. You can use your credit card to order and the tickets will either be mailed or held at the box office the same way they would be if you ordered directly from the venue.
Good luck with Goldstar—I think you will find it to be yet another great source for savings.
I found Goldstar earlier this year and I’ve benefited from its use several times all ready. Once on their site, all you have to do is register with an e-mail, enter your zip code, and then start searching for events in your area.
In the Boston area, I’ve found several of the local theaters in affiliation with Goldstar not too mention the Bruins, the New England Arena Football League franchise, as well as dozens of other opportunities.
You can register for their e-mail newsletter that way you will be the first to know about discounted events going on sale in your area. You can use your credit card to order and the tickets will either be mailed or held at the box office the same way they would be if you ordered directly from the venue.
Good luck with Goldstar—I think you will find it to be yet another great source for savings.
Monday, April 7, 2008
And That's Just the Half of It
Another great site worth checking out if you are looking to save a few pennies is www.halfoffdeals.com. Half Off Deals offers its customers a number of gift certificate options that they sell for—you guessed it—half price.
The site mainly offers restaurant certificates but also offers entertainment options, spas, and more. The site is nation wide and asks you to enter your zip code and then it will list a series of certificate options for you to choose from.
The majority of certificates I’ve found are $50 certificates sold at the discount of $25 but there are some other denominations offered depending on the particular certificate. You pay with your credit card, usually add $2-$3 for shipping, and your certificate will arrive in 7-10 business days. I can attest the site is legit and while I can’t guarantee what is available in your area I’d highly recommend you at least check out the site.
The site mainly offers restaurant certificates but also offers entertainment options, spas, and more. The site is nation wide and asks you to enter your zip code and then it will list a series of certificate options for you to choose from.
The majority of certificates I’ve found are $50 certificates sold at the discount of $25 but there are some other denominations offered depending on the particular certificate. You pay with your credit card, usually add $2-$3 for shipping, and your certificate will arrive in 7-10 business days. I can attest the site is legit and while I can’t guarantee what is available in your area I’d highly recommend you at least check out the site.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Tickets! Get Your Tickets!
Just a quick update on some events that are going on sale this weekend via ticketmaster.com:
Pearl Jam will be playing at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA, on Monday June 30, and the tickets for the concert went on sale Friday morning at 10:00 AM.
R.E.M. will also be playing the Tweeter Center on Friday June 13 with Modest Mouse and The National and tickets for this go on sale Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.
The Counting Crows August 2, concert with Maroon 5 at the Tweeter Center go on sale Saturday morning also at 10:00 AM.
And finally because apparently there are at least a few people still willing to pay to see him, George Michael will be playing the TD Banknorth Garden on Friday June 27 and tickets for his show went on sale at 10:00 AM this morning.
Pearl Jam will be playing at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA, on Monday June 30, and the tickets for the concert went on sale Friday morning at 10:00 AM.
R.E.M. will also be playing the Tweeter Center on Friday June 13 with Modest Mouse and The National and tickets for this go on sale Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.
The Counting Crows August 2, concert with Maroon 5 at the Tweeter Center go on sale Saturday morning also at 10:00 AM.
And finally because apparently there are at least a few people still willing to pay to see him, George Michael will be playing the TD Banknorth Garden on Friday June 27 and tickets for his show went on sale at 10:00 AM this morning.
With Wow Savings Are Only a Click Away
Ever wish you could stretch your wallet just a bit farther? Ever go to a store and see something you want but wish it was just a bit cheaper? Well now you are in luck. There is now a great on-line resource for consumers where they can find a one-stop location for printable coupons.
Wow Coupons (http://www.wow-coupons.com/) offers its users an array of coupons that will ensure savings across all types of businesses. Going out for lunch? Well print a $2 off of a regular sandwich at Quiznos or Subway. Need a new read? Then print coupons ranging anywhere from 20%-40% off of books at Borders or Barnes and Noble
From coupons on retail to restaurants to travel Wow Coupons has you covered. And best of all it is free and requires little more from you than a printer and an internet connection. Many of these coupons have expiration dates so make sure you check the coupon before printing it. Also some coupons require that you register with the company’s website but none that I saw require any cost and generally only require you register for their e-mail newsletter.
Good luck and good savings.
Wow Coupons (http://www.wow-coupons.com/) offers its users an array of coupons that will ensure savings across all types of businesses. Going out for lunch? Well print a $2 off of a regular sandwich at Quiznos or Subway. Need a new read? Then print coupons ranging anywhere from 20%-40% off of books at Borders or Barnes and Noble
From coupons on retail to restaurants to travel Wow Coupons has you covered. And best of all it is free and requires little more from you than a printer and an internet connection. Many of these coupons have expiration dates so make sure you check the coupon before printing it. Also some coupons require that you register with the company’s website but none that I saw require any cost and generally only require you register for their e-mail newsletter.
Good luck and good savings.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Canseco Lacking a Bit of Juice
I just returned from the Jose Canseco book signing on School St and there wasn’t too much exciting to report from it. There are people who are shy and then there are people who are virtually silent—Canseco comes from the latter camp. It seemed like Canseco barely took the time to lift his head in between signatures and periodically he would mumble a “hey how’s it going” or “thanks for coming out.” Canseco was flanked by a female companion and a bodyguard and was not allowing for fans to take pictures with him—although fans were welcome to take them from a distance.
There was a good crowd at the event that I’d estimate in the vicinity of 100 or 200 people. The line moved quickly and while Canseco never displayed outwardly rude words or behavior he also did nothing to endear himself to fans.
There was a good crowd at the event that I’d estimate in the vicinity of 100 or 200 people. The line moved quickly and while Canseco never displayed outwardly rude words or behavior he also did nothing to endear himself to fans.
McCormick & Schmick's Goes Happy
When thinking of a place to grab a cheap meal, McCormick & Schmick's is surely not one of the first restaurants that comes to mind. But as I discovered last night, McCormick & Schmick's bar menu does in fact lend itself to those of us light in the wallet.
From the hours of 3:00 – 6:30 PM and then again from 9:00PM – 12:00 AM, Schmick's opens up a small number of meals and appetizers all under $5. The most popular of these items is the $1.95 half pound hamburger with fries. I did not try the burger but did try the mini potato skins (also $1.95) and the wings ($3.95). The portions of the potato skins and wings were on the small side but for their price one couldn’t reasonably expect much more. The menu also offers a spinach dip, ham and cheese sandwich, as well as other items all for $4.95 or less.
The kicker and potential deal breaker for some with McCormick & Schmick's “happy hour” menu is that the prices of drinks are average if not a bit above average. The beers run from $5.25 to $5.75 per pint and the miniature bottles of soda are $2.50. One must spend $2.50 on a beverage to buy from the bar menu but if you are looking for a few high end beers and some cheap food this might be one of the best deals in Boston.
From the hours of 3:00 – 6:30 PM and then again from 9:00PM – 12:00 AM, Schmick's opens up a small number of meals and appetizers all under $5. The most popular of these items is the $1.95 half pound hamburger with fries. I did not try the burger but did try the mini potato skins (also $1.95) and the wings ($3.95). The portions of the potato skins and wings were on the small side but for their price one couldn’t reasonably expect much more. The menu also offers a spinach dip, ham and cheese sandwich, as well as other items all for $4.95 or less.
The kicker and potential deal breaker for some with McCormick & Schmick's “happy hour” menu is that the prices of drinks are average if not a bit above average. The beers run from $5.25 to $5.75 per pint and the miniature bottles of soda are $2.50. One must spend $2.50 on a beverage to buy from the bar menu but if you are looking for a few high end beers and some cheap food this might be one of the best deals in Boston.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Counting Crows Presale
I am always receiving e-mails or messages with presales and deals for tickets so I am going to from now on attempt to pass as many as I can along to each of you.
The first one I have is for presale tickets to see The Counting Crows with Maroon 5 at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA on August 2. The presale password is “rock” and this offer is good from Thursday April 3, starting at 10:00 AM and running through April 3 at 10:00 PM on http://www.ticketmaster.com/.
Presales are tricky things and don’t always offer the best tickets. I won’t be purchasing tickets to this show because I’ll be seeing Bruce Springsteen on August 2 at Gillette Stadium but if I were going to attempt to buy tickets I’d look for tickets in the first two sets of sections. Sections 1-3 run directly in front of the stage and I believe sections 4-9 run directly behind these. Anything in sections 1-9 should be a good location anything beyond that I would not consider a very good location. Presales generally contain a set of tickets that are allotted by the venue and promoter and contrary to what you might think don’t always contain the best tickets—stick with sections 1-9 and you should be in good shape.
The Counting Crows have a new album out that sounds like a good one—there single “You Can’t Count on Me” is a catchy song with good rock hooks. I’m not huge on Maroon 5 but people seem to like them so maybe you do too.
The first one I have is for presale tickets to see The Counting Crows with Maroon 5 at the Tweeter Center in Mansfield, MA on August 2. The presale password is “rock” and this offer is good from Thursday April 3, starting at 10:00 AM and running through April 3 at 10:00 PM on http://www.ticketmaster.com/.
Presales are tricky things and don’t always offer the best tickets. I won’t be purchasing tickets to this show because I’ll be seeing Bruce Springsteen on August 2 at Gillette Stadium but if I were going to attempt to buy tickets I’d look for tickets in the first two sets of sections. Sections 1-3 run directly in front of the stage and I believe sections 4-9 run directly behind these. Anything in sections 1-9 should be a good location anything beyond that I would not consider a very good location. Presales generally contain a set of tickets that are allotted by the venue and promoter and contrary to what you might think don’t always contain the best tickets—stick with sections 1-9 and you should be in good shape.
The Counting Crows have a new album out that sounds like a good one—there single “You Can’t Count on Me” is a catchy song with good rock hooks. I’m not huge on Maroon 5 but people seem to like them so maybe you do too.
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