February 2003

“Can you squeeze me
Into an empty page of your diary
And psychologically save me
I’ve got faith in you
I sense the power
Within the fingers
Within an hour the power
Could totally destroy me
(Or, it could save my life) - Hairdresser on Fire : Morrissey

I finally recovered from whatever illness zapped me for two weeks. No more coughing, sneezing or wheezing. I’ve been conspiring with John, Brad and Nicholas for the in-the-works-finally-launching Exploit Boston! website. It’s been a lot of fun and I’m really looking forward to seeing everything come together.

Last night I called Radio Shack in Harvard Square to inquire about the Sanyo 4900 data cable that was listed on their website for $20. It connects to my cell phone and the usb slot on my notebook computer. They had three on hand so I braved the cold elements, walked to the bus stop, took the 77 bus to Harvard Square and purchased the cable. They tried to convince me to buy the software which costs $40 and includes the cable “for free.” Since the PCS software is available online for free, I decided to pass on their offer. I can now get online with my notebook computer anywhere. For whatever reason, I am immensely giddy about this. It will be nice to be able to go to Diesel, Carberry’s or wherever and do work. I haven’t checked the official speediness of the connection but it’s reported to be between 56kbps and 144kbps. Overall, it works quite well. Spring’s “Vision” service is free for the first three months and $10/month after that. The best part is the unlimited usage — there are no per-mb charges. Nice, indeed! Obligatory thanks to Terry for letting me know about the cable.

Boston Organics delivers fresh produce to your door in the Boston area on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. I first tried it out a few months ago and it looks like they have expanded their delivery area since then. Each delivery includes a few recipes using that week’s produce.

“I’m a big disappointment to you I know, What made you want to get to know me so well boy, What’s done is done, I thought I could take someone into the same sun.”

Rose Polenzani added a home recording to her website’s listening room. It’s a new song from my favorite Boston singer/songwriter titled “No Clouds” and it’s super deluxe great. You can download the tune ala MP3 and Real Audio formats. Rose has shows later this month and in March at several cities in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York. She puts on a excellent live show and is worth seeing.

As noted in my latest photolog entry, I recently purchased a new cell phone and service from Sprint PCS. It’s a cute little Sanyo 4900 and includes Sprint’s new “Vision” service that provides unlimited web and Internet access on the phone. I’m very impressed with the service so far. Granted the speed is nowhere close to my cable modem. Presumably it zips along about as fast as a dialup connection. It comes with a USB interface — too bad you can’t plug a keyboard into it! For an extra $350 you can buy Sierra Wireless’ AirCard 550 which lets you wirelessly connect your notebook computer or handheld device to the phone’s web and Internet connection. That would come in handy for road trips Michael and I want to take later this year.

For the past few years I’ve hosted a lunch for people working solo called Free Agent Lunch. If you’re working on your own or thinking about it, consider joining us for lunch on February 20th at Bertucci’s Restaurant at the Alewife T Station at 11:30am. Informal networking takes place 11:30am-12noon and then lunch and conversations follows at 12noon. We usually wrap up around 1:00pm. The lunch costs $15 if paid in advance through MollyGuard/Paypal and it’s $20 cash if you prefer to pay at the door. People from diverse backgrounds attend each lunch and chances are you’ll make several really good contacts. Visit the registration page to reserve your seat. If you have questions or comments, get in touch.

Irony or instant karma? I’m not sure. Either way, I’ve got a cold. I had commented to Michael the other day how fabulous it was that I had not been zapped with an illness in 2003. I guess I should have kept my mouth shut. I bought a box of Gypsy Cold Care tea at Trader Joe’s. But since I generally dislike hot beverages, I’m conducting an experiment and steeping the tea an extra five minutes then adding ice cubes. I think the only exception to my dislike of hot beverages would have to be hot chocolate.

I’m slowly tinkering on the photolog but haven’t had a chance to take any photos lately since I’ve been hibernating indoors. If you’re in the Boston area, the Bostonia network’s gathering/mixer is happening at 7pm at Caveau inside the Marche Movenpick restaurant at The Prudential Center. It’s the perfect time of the year to hang out at Caveau: a glass of wine and a big fireplace = good times. So, why not join us?

It seems like there are already enough evening events to choose from so I thought I’d try something different … a monthly brunch in the Boston area. The first brunch will be held at Tea Tray in the Sky in Arlington on Sunday, March 2nd. Individuals pay for their own food and beverages. Each brunch will take place on a Saturday or Sunday. Take a look at Tea Tray in the Sky’s brunch menu. It changes regularly but that will at least give you a good idea of the type of food they serve and the prices. If you’d like to join us, subscribe to my email newsletter to receive more information. If you have a restaurant recommendation, let me know!

A simple plan:

Rent this apartment in Watertown. And then invite me over to cook in your kitchen.

Shannon came over last weekend to help me out with an introductory knitting lesson. It didn’t go all that well; but I have hope for next time. I’m overdue for new contacts/glasses so that probably didn’t help. Being able to see the little loops and yarn is a convenient bonus! Shannon, on the other hand, is a knitting whiz. Mostly I just want to learn how to knit socks. And a little cozy for my notebook computer. Click the image to see a larger photograph and a better view of Shannon and the hat-in-progress.