John F. Kennedy Library and Museum

March 9, 2008

John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Dorchester, Boston

This building, designed by I.M. Pei and dedicated by Jimmy Carter and the Kennedy Family in 1979, overlooks Dorchester Bay on the campus of the University of Massachusetts - Boston. This building, when constructed, was way ahead of its time, and many are surprised to hear that it is a product of the 1970s. A giant American flag hangs from the glass ceiling in this atrium. A Profiles in Courage Award, given in 2002, is located in the corner shown above. The museum, which features partial replicas of the Oval Office and hallways of the White House, and library are located in an adjacent section of the building.

Harvard Medical School New Research Building

March 8, 2008

Harvard Medical School New Research Building (NRB), Boston

I was doing some work in the lab yesterday afternoon and thought I'd go next door to do some reading in a nice comfy chair. It was raining outside at the time, and the place was pretty deserted...ideal conditions for enjoying a good book.

The NRB was opened right after I began graduate school in September of 2003. It houses many laboratories for the Harvard Medical community...many students in my PhD program are currently in labs in the building. While I'm not a big fan of the all-glass exteriors found on new buildings springing up in the area (including one now under construction and soon to be the home of my lab come late July), the interiors offer nice vantages of the surrounding area.

The Mission

March 5, 2008

The Mission, Brigham Circle, Boston

Here is Angelique and me enjoying a night out at the Mission Bar and Grill, one of our favorite hangouts after Immunology Seminar across the street, held every Wednesday afternoon. Angelique hails from Quebec, and I am hoping to spend some days in her hometown of Montreal sometime this summer.

Peabody Essex Museum

March 2, 2008

East India Marine Hall, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA

My friends Matt, Melissa, Amanda, and I took the commuter rail up to Salem today to see an exhibit on Maori moko at the Peabody (pronounced "PEEbuddy" in Massachusetts) Essex Museum. We enjoyed the moko exhibition, which features photographs of Maoris (indigenous peoples of New Zealand) and their intricate ceremonial facial and body tattoos. It just happened that we all met up in New Zealand a year ago (Amanda and I arrived March 5th after skipping a full day crossing the International Date Line and spending over 20 hours in the air) to meet Matt and Mel for their wedding there.

The museum claims to be the oldest in the United States. While much of the collection is now housed in a grand, airy new building opened in 2003, some collections are in much older structures. The maritime gallery above was opened in 1825 in this room.

Faux French Soiree in Brookline

March 1, 2008

Faux French Soiree on Beacon Street, Brookline, MA

I went to a French-themed party last night in a beautiful 4-BR apartment fronting Beacon Street in Coolidge Corner. A friend of mine from school who threw the party, Shannon (pictured above), constructed an Eiffel Tower out of sculpting wire and lit it with Christmas lights...the decor and the food were pretty impressive.

Here I am at the end of the night (after a few glasses of Champagne) trying to climb the Eiffel Tower...luckily Shannon was there to offer some support and stability (ughh hmm).

Sam Adams Brewery

February 28, 2008

Sam Adams Brewery Tasting, Jamaica Plain, Boston

A few friends and I went to the Sam Adams Brewery for their monthly Open House this evening. Tonight, we were asked to taste 4 new brews (a Pilsner, a Rye Ale, a Coffee Stout, and a Raspberry White ale). We each voted for two favorites, and the winner of these will be chosen at an upcoming convention for release in 2009. Afterwards, we were offered a 12 ounce glass of White Ale (the glass was ours to keep) and one awesome soft pretzel.

We have come to enjoy our monthly visits to the brewery...the open houses are free to the public, but it's hard to get on the list before it reaches capacity and is shut down.

Snow on the Muddy River

February 26, 2008

Muddy River, Back Bay Fens, Boston

Here's a picture taken around 5PM this evening, on my way home from work. Just as rush hour was beginning, a wintry rain/snow mix begin to fall in the Metro area. Thankfully, it was warm enough to keep the snow from sticking to the roads.