What’s Your Question about the South End?
Ever wonder why they named the square after that guy you never heard of? Or when that new restaurant is going to open? Let South End Patch find the answer for you. Each week, we will strive to find answers to those nagging questions you have about the neighborhood. You Ask, Patch Answers is a program designed to help you better understand where you live, even if it’s just the tiniest details. All you have to do is add your question to the comment section below. We’ll pick one of the submitted questions and get to work finding an answer for you, which we’ll publish the following week. See some previous questions and answers: South End Answers: When will the Arlington St. Street Lights Be Fixed? South End Answers: How Can I Get a Crosswalk On My Street? Which Cable Providers Service the South End? South End Answers: What’s Up with the Ice Melt This Year? Clarendon at Tremont Street Intersection: Too Dangerous? It’s that easy! Ask away. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
What’s Your Pick for the Official State Rock Song?
With paeans to Massachusetts, Route 128, the Mass Pike and even Stop n’ Shop, The Modern Lovers’ “Roadrunner” is a thoroughly local song. But should it be the state’s official rock song? Some state legislators think so. Aside from the song’s lyrical caress of the state and its eccentric geographic locales, the band has great local roots in and around Boston. Lead singer Jonathan Richman is from Natick, and drummer David Robinson hails from Woburn. The band’s first demo was recorded at the Back Bay’s Intermedia Studios, where Aerosmith recorded “Dream On,” and which was later bought by the Cars, who recorded there as well. The Newbury Street studio is long gone, however; the space is now an American Apparel. State legislators from across the state are jumping on the “Roadrunner” bandwagon, including North End Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (his aunt was in the band). While Jonathan Richman may be in love with Massachusetts, not everyone in the state is enamored with his “Roadrunner.” Boston’s “Rock n’ Roll Band” has several state references sprinkled throughout the lyrics, and The Dropkick Murphys have created their own cottage industry writing and covering locally-based songs. What do you think? Is Richman’s cooing “I’m in love with Massachusetts?” enough for the state song, or are there other local rock songs more deserving of the title? Give us your best alternatives in the comments section below. South End Patch
What’s Open, Closed for Presidents’ Day in the South End
Retail stores: Open at owner’s discretion. Liquor stores: Open. Supermarkets: Open. Convenience stores: Open. Taverns, bars: Open. Banks: Closed. Stock market: Closed. Municipal, state, federal offices: Closed. Libraries: Closed. Schools: Closed. Mail: Post offices closed; express delivery only. Trash/Recycling: Delayed one day. MBTA: Running a Saturday schedule. Parking meters: Free in Boston (though time limits apply) South End Patch
South End Answers: What’s Up with the Ice Melt This Year?
In this week’s column of “You Ask, Patch Answers,” a new feature where we find the answers to your questions, reader Robert Rovenolt asked about the ice melt and whether it was a different substance this year in Boston. “[My question] concerns the different snow/ice melt the DPW spread on the streets during the last storm,” he wrote. “It seems like a new substance that is now coating everything…cars, buildings and people when it blows in clouds down the street. It stings the eyes and I’m sure it’s not good for are 4 pawed friends! What’s up DPW?” I reached out to the City of Boston, to the mayor’s office and to the Boston Public Works Department. The mayor’s spokesperson said there’s nothing new or unusual happening with the snow/ice melt this year. “Public Works places salt or a salt and water mixture called brine to the roads,” wrote John Guilfoil in an email. “There are no other chemicals used to treat the roads.” Robert, hopefully that answers your question! Got a question about the neighborhood you want answered? Submit it in the comments below. Each week Patch will pick a question to research and answer the following week. Add your question today! SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch