Museum of Fine Arts

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Museum of Fine Arts, West Wing Entrance, Fenway, Boston, MA

I took this photo this afternoon during our first major winter snow storm for the season. While I do not know the exact snowfall for this storm (which began Friday afternoon and continued pretty much non-stop through this evening), it's safe to assume it was at least 8 inches.

The MFA is currently undergoing an extensive expansion project, including the construction of an entirely new wing (which will serve as the museum's new main entrance). As part of the project, the westward-facing entrance was recently reopened after being shut to visitors and neglected for over 25 years. Would you believe that this is actually the back door to this museum? I am thrilled that this entrance was once again reopened to visitors. I must say that this facade is the most impressive of the museum (I think it's far more grand than even the original domed facade that faces Huntington Avenue). I'm glad that the city and the museum came to their senses to reinvigorate this part of the Fens, as the reopening of this entrance has seemed to spearhead a flurry of activity restoring the parkland in the Fens across the street. Perhaps I'm a bit biased, as this facade faces my apartment building.

2008 Bay Colony Dog Show

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Bay Colony Dog Show at Bayside Expo Center, Dorchester, MA

Here's Bandit, a male English Bulldog that topped all other English Bulldogs during the weekend and made it to the Non-Sporting Group competition.

The Bay Colony Dog Show is held annually in December over a 4-day period. The entire Bayside Expo Center facility is occupied by this massive show, New England's largest. For twelve dollars, I had unlimited access to the judging rings, the main ring, exercise pens, merchandise booths, and grooming areas. While I wasn't free today to return and see the "Best in Show" competition, I managed to catch two group competitions, the "Non-Sporting" and "Terrier" events. Sadly, neither Bandit nor the Scottish Terrier placed in these groups (why can't the Scottie ever win?).

Thanksgiving 2008

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving at my Parents' House, Newport News, VA

I just returned to Boston from my parents' house (the same house where I grew up from infanthood). As can be seen, our meal is very traditional, with turkey, stuffing, and all the traditional sides such as green bean casserole, corn pudding, mashed potatoes and gravy, and sweet potatoes.

I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday and safe travel!

Top of the Hub

Saturday, November 22, 2008

52nd Floor of the Prudential Tower, Looking Towards Hancock Tower

My friends and I celebrated my upcoming 28th birthday by spending an evening out in frigid Boston (it didn't reach 30 degrees yesterday, to my knowledge) for drinks. We began the night at the bar at Top of the Hub, located 750 feet above the ground in the top floor of the Prudential Tower. We moved elsewhere after a few hours.

Luckily, the night was clear (otherwise it would have been truly miserable), so the view from the tower was fantastic. I managed to capture this view with an old point-and-shoot camera before I was told by a manager to leave the dining area...made me feel a tad lower-class, but I understood that those people had waited in line for those views. Anyways, prominent in the center-right of the photo is the 800-foot Hancock Tower, with the much shorter Westin Hotel in front of it. Boylston Street, running through Back Bay, is apparent by the vibrant blur to the left, and the Mass Pike (I-90) curves off to the right of the towers.

Boston Center for the Arts

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Boston Center for the Arts (Cyclorama Building), Tremont Street, Boston

The Boston Cyclorama Building, completed and opened in 1884 to house one of 4 circular murals of the Battle of Gettysburg, is now home to the Boston Center for the Arts. While the building no longer serves its original purpose, it continues to serve as a focal point of the South End's artistic culture as an exhibition space.

The 12th Annual Boston International Fine Arts Show was held inside the building this weekend. A number of galleries from around the world displayed their pieces, most of which were from the 19th and 20th centuries but many also being contemporary pieces.

Arnold Arboretum

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA

Despite the cloudy weather, my walk through the Arboretum on Saturday afternoon was a great experience. Although the peak foliage season has passed, there was still plenty of color on many trees, especially on the maples. Not surprisingly, the fruits of many of these trees lingered on the branches, such as these tiny purple berries.

Boston Public Garden

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Boston Public Garden

This view looks towards the old Art Deco-inspired Hancock Tower in the center (home of the famous weather beacon), the newer Hancock Tower to the right, and the steeple of the Civil War-era Arlington Street Church at the corner of Arlington and Boylston Streets.

It was a dreary day, but plenty of people were out due to the somewhat mild temps.