Suns Lose Bad but Psych Me Up

I ended up watching the Connecticut Sun game last night. I was rooting for them to win since they traded most of their good players at the end of last season and they hadn’t won game yet. Leading most of the game, but towards the end had a major collapse and let the Lynx, who couldn’t get a basket for the life of them for a long stretch, were allowed to go on a 21-0 run or something like that. Talk about a choke job. My girl Mabley did good though, and the game itself was entertaining. Even though the Suns lost it did get me psyched about seeing a game in person this summer. I’ve decided not to root for teams actually anyway, just certain players, that way I can cheer on both Mabley and Veronica B (LD trainer’s daughter), over out in the west when they meet up.

I also like how these games go by quickly and it’s so much smoother than the NBA. I can’t quite explain it but it just seems like it’s a more pure form of basketball playing.

I’m currently on level 19 of Sokobird 2. Love these little brain teasers.

Witch Hazel Appears and Self Driving Cars

A while back the town had some get a free tree thing to plant. Anyways LD signed up for it and although all the trees we originally wanted were gone, a specimen showed up today unannounced on the doorstep. An American With Hazel, a know that’s more of a shrub but we’ll find a place to plant it at some point and go from there. It’s a pretty good plant to have in the yard for the pollinators and such. We’ll need to consult this guide to get the most out of the plant, hopefully our green thumbs will prevail with this guy.


I forgot to mention this yesterday but as I was going to my dental appt checkup (everything was fine btw!) I happened to notice one of those Waymo cars driving next to me in bumper to bumper traffic down over at the Alewife area. Those are those self driving cars. I remember reading they were going to try them out around the metro area here. There was a guy in the drivers seat. The car itself is pretty unique looking with this big spinning dome thing on the top and spinning things on the four corners of the car, must be sensors of some kind I imagine. Here they come!

Mr. History Post #13: Squirrel Nuts!

The Squirrel brand dates back to 1890 when it started as the Austin T. Merrill Company in Roxbury. Incorporated in 1899 as the newly named Squirrel Brands Salted Nut Company, the company’s ownership changed and two long-time employees, Perley G. Gerrish and Fred S. Green, began to run the business. As the company grew, it moved from its Boston location to Cambridge in 1903 and then to this building in 1915.

The company was here in Cambridge from 1915 to 1999.

Their popular flagship product was the “Squirrel Nut Zipper,” a vanilla, caramel, and nut taffy that supposedly was named after an illegal drink during Prohibition. The candy was always regionally popular, but it made more of a national comeback during the 1990s when a retro swing band named themselves the Squirrel Nut Zippers and gave out the candy at their performances.

When Hollis Gerrish, the son of the founder, died in 1997, he left instructions for the company to be sold. In 1999, Squirrel Brand Company was purchased by Southern Style Nuts and the operation was moved to Texas. Its leaving marked the departure of the city’s last major independent candy manufacturer.

My personal connection is that I can remember my late grandmother telling me when I was a kid that she worked there probablyaround the kate 1940s. (My mom might have also worked there at the same time for a while.) Everytime my granny would tell me of her time there I kept imagining in my head that famous I Love Lucy episode. My grandmother was on the line!

This one was for some of our memories together Grandma.

Added a new category called History to link all these history visit posts.


Gametime: Sokobird 2.

mr. History Post #12: Winter Hill Gang HQ

It’s a church now, but the building at 12-14 Marshall Street, a landmark in the history of 20th Century organized crime, served as the headquarters for the infamous Winter Hill Gang.

With 12-14 Marshal St. as its headquarters, Winter and James “Whitey” Bulger directed a criminal organization that fixed horse races along the east coast, corrupted the Boston office of the FBI and provided the basis for an academy-award winning film (“The Departed” was loosely based on Bulger’s role as an FBI informant). From the 1970s until 1994 when Bulger fled Boston to avoid law enforcement, the gang rivaled the local Mafia in brutality and profits. And until 1980, when Winter went to jail and the gang moved to Boston, Marshall Street was the crew’s command center.

In 2008, the garage’s infamous trapdoor, which led to a basement where the Winter Hill Gang tortured or disposed of their rivals, was still intact. A significant place in the history of organized crime in the United States.

Mr. History Post #11: The Birth of Reddit!

Mr. History post #11: Birth of Reddit.

Some of you might have seen this elsewhere but anyways in 2005, college roommates Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian created Reddit from their apartment at 265 Elm Street in Davis Square, Somerville.

Today, their creation ranks as the 18th most-visited website in the world!

I grew up just a few blocks from this location and must have walked by it thousands of times, especially during that time, and I never even knew!

The Museum of Ice Cream

Not generally a place we would normally check out, but we do like to shake things up and try something different now and again. This place surely was that. This was the kind of place you visit just once.

Currently Reading: The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdaugh and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty. I happened to see the author of this book doing a talk on C-Span after just flipping around the dial in a moment of boredom and it sounded interesting. I mean we all know the story but this traces the history back to the great-grandfather and all the previous fathers leading up to Alex. Come to find out, they’ve been pretty corrupt all along! When I saw how big it was I started to get a little daunted but the style is perfect and it’s easy to read. I recommend it, especially just to see how corrupt this family was from the start,

Mr. History Post #9: Mourning Victory

Concord, Mass. In 1897, the Boston businessman James C. Melvin had commissioned a funerary monument from Daniel Chester French to honor his three brothers who had died in the Civil War. French was a famous sculpture who has stuff all over, including Lincoln sitting in his chair in the Lincoln Memorial and the Minuteman Statue in Concord among others. The massive figure of Mourning Victory emerges from the block of stone projecting two moods: melancholy, in her downcast eyes and somber expression, and triumph, in the American flag and laurel she holds high. French captured the sense of calm after the storm of battle, which must have referred to the pride, after the sorrow of grieving, felt by the surviving brother. It’s a pretty impressive tribute.

Since I was here I also checked out Author’s Ridge which has a bunch of famous authors buried there. The list of names of famous authors who died while living in Concord is impressive. There are Thoreau and Emerson, but also Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott and her family, and William Ellery Channing, all interred near one another.

Mr. History Post # 8: Black Dahlia and Jingle Bells

he Medford Edition! I’m checking out a few origin stories today. First up, the birthplace of the Black Dahlia. It’s still an unknown grizzly murder mystery that baffles people to this day. Sadly, her childhood home was razed to make way for the Interstate 93 Rotary that abuts this spot. Poor Liz. Also, since it was so close, I also checked out where the Xmas tune Jingle Bells was supposedly written. The old pub is now an eyeglasses store. I’m trying to imagine two horse open sleighs skidding down Medford Center. 🤷

Mr. History Post #7: The Viaduct!

Canton may be best known at the moment for Karen Read, but this awesome structure precedes her by 190 years! The Canton Viaduct, a stone arch bridge that spans the Neponset River, was constructed in 1835 as part of the rail line connecting Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, and it remains in use in the 21st century!


Ended up watching some really old 48 Hours rerun and they had this story on about an event that happened in Falmouth down on the Cape back in 1979. I found it so interesting I had to download the book about the events so, Currently Reading: The Year We Disappeared.

Mr. History Post #6: The Echoing Bridge!

Mr. History post #6: The bridge that echoes! A National Historic Landmark, this handsome stone bridge, built in 1876 by the Boston Water Works, contains the Sudbury Aqueduct, with a pedestrian walk on top. Visitors standing under the arch can make echoes and view the deep river gorge, waterfall, and steep hemlock-covered banks. Spectacular views atop the bridge! Crazy to think this is basically next to Route 9!

Mr. History Post #5: Harvard Square Edition!

Up first, the Harvard Lampoon Building. Sometimes referred to as the “Lampoon Castle,” it was built in 1909 by Edmund M. Wheelwright, who took inspiration from the local architecture of Jamestown, Virginia. From the front it bears an obvious resemblance to a human head wearing a Prussian helmet. At the top of the building is a four-foot copper ibis, the mascot of the Lampoon. This ibis has been stolen and returned several times since 1909. Same famous peeps who worked here are Conan O’Brian and Colin Jost.

Since I was in the area I also swung by the puppeteer tiny bronze. The bronze statue is a replica of the “DooDoo” puppet used by street performer Igor Fokin. Igor Fokin was a puppeteer from St. Petersburg, who delighted passersby on the streets of Cambridge with his hand-carved marionettes that frolicked and danced to traditional Russian music. Fokin passed away of heart failure in September 1996, and the sculpture and accompanying plaque were commissioned to pay tribute to Igor and all street performers.

Finally passed by the old theatre. I haven’t been to the square in years, it’s looks almost the same, but a lot if it is very different.

Mr. History Post #4: The Viking Tower

The viking tower in Weston. Beginning in the mid-to-late-1800s, a food chemist, inventor, and major donor to Wellesley College named Eben Norton Horsford became obsessed with the idea Vikings were in New England around 1000. We know Leif Erikson and other Europeans visited North America before Christopher Columbus. However, Horsford deeply believed Erikson had established settlements in the Boston area.

Some maps from the 1500s refer to New England as “Norumbega,” and there were stories about explorers seeing mythical cities and houses made of gold. However, much of that information appears to have been misconstrued or invented. Most of Horsford’s assertions about Vikings in present-day Boston were rooted in bad science. Evidence from his “archeological” digs didn’t provide solid proof of links to Vikings.

In any event, Horsford had the money to erect various plaques and statutes in the Boston area to memorialize his beliefs. Along the banks of the Charles River in Weston near Waltham he erected Norumbega Tower. The tower stands at the site Horsford believed housed a fort protecting the legendary Norse city of Norumbega. Horsford asserted that the city of Norumbega was located just downriver in Watertown, where he erected a memorial plaque.

Again, there was never any real evidence of a Norse fort or city here. Perhaps more than anything, the tower is a monument to how money can shape history. Thanks to Wikipedia for the write up.

Mr. History Post #3: I’ve Got the Whole World in my Hands!

Mr. History Post #3: The Babson Globe. I figured I’d do another one of these posts. Maybe I should rename them more as curiosities than history, but what the hell, plus being a cartographer for almost 30 years, this one speaks to me. Weighing 25 tons and with a diameter of 28 feet (8.5 meters), it was the world’s largest rotating globe when it was built in 1955 but now it’s 2nd place. Still pretty freaking big though! The last pic is me being Atlas helping them move to globe to its current location a few years ago (jk!)

Mr. History Entry #2: Spin Me Right Round baby!

Mr. History post #2! I promise these posts aren’t all going to be about houses. It was just that I happened to be in the area. Anyways… This is the Robinson Round House located in Somerville Massachusetts. It was built in 1856 by hardware manufacturer Enoch Robinson and is considered an offshoot of the octagon house-style popularized by phrenologist Orson Fowler because who needs corners anyway!

Mr. History post #1 here , the oldest still standing house in America, if you missed it… stay tuned for more!


Bonus!

A pic of me exploring the colossal colon circa 2003. I was just passing through! Bringing awareness to colon cancer.

Mr. History: Entry #1 The Oldest House in America!

Starting a little something new here on the blog, although maybe not really because I’ve posted stuff similar to this before. Ladydoc is always calling me Mr. History because I get intrigued about certain things and how they came about. I’m always reading plaques around the states and stuff to learn about the local history. So I figured I’d start with something really close to us to get this new venture off. The oldest house in America. that’s still standing! Anyways that’s kind of cool. So much history right in our back yard!

So Meta, An Artful House Begets an Artful House begets…

A crazy house and then a model of the crazy house, which has a model of the crazy house….

I don’t remember where I first heard about this location but I’ve driven by it at least once a week for years. More info on the actual house here https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/93191. It seems like during open studios you can actually go inside and take a peek at everything inside. I think I want to do that come May!

The house is home to a unique display of creative splendor, lovingly rendered in glass and found objects . Anyway a while back they added this little Friend Smithsonian Museum to house different art projects. At this particular time one creative artist decided to replicate the actual house including all it’s various artworks in miniature form. It’s really quite amazing. If you look in the bottom right corner, there’s a copy of the museum with a model of the house again ad infinitum!

Here’s a better picture actually that I didn’t take with the covering taken off: https://www.cambridgeday.com/2025/01/26/miniature-masterpiece-detailed-replica-brings-martha-friends-house-to-life/

You Just Never Know

A couple of weeks ago an 80 year old woman got hot by a car down the road around 5:30 in the afternoon just before the time change. They said it was solar glare. I didn’t realize it until later but it was the same woman that I would chat with now and again when she would walk by. She was a very nice lady. You just never know. In fact, I think I spoke to her a couple of days before the accident, never realizing that would be the last time I’d ever see her again.

Gametime: I’ve been playing this game on the YouTube app on my phone called Tomb of the Mask. It’s pretty addicting to me but how long is this game? I’m already on L:evel 165 207(!!) as of this writing and it looks like there’s no end in sight!

Statuary of Mt. Auburn: An Education

Alright, I couldn’t help myself. I decided to go back for the second part of this particular journey, this time focusing on the various statuary that I came across. Here’s a chosen few that I really liked. I’m especially fond of the ones that have the dogs in them. You can click on each one for a larger view. I’ve added my own commentary to a few of them. It’s been a educational experience for me to look up the many notable figures buried there and learn about their contributions to the world. Oh, and the grounds are absolutely gorgeous.

Hawk Visitors and Rabbit Holes

Hawk decided to have a seat and hang out on the patio with me. These guy better leave our bunnies alone! 🐰 🐰 🐰 Got through a bunch more tasks today before the weekend. I woke up early again and got through some billing tasks, then I went to Target to pick up some things for LD. Got back and went out again to get gas, drop some food off at the food pantry, and then took another trip out to Lexington to get some more stuff for LD, including some more pumpkins. Unfortunely they no longer had this bumpy warty one that I should have got the last time I was there, but instead picked up a popcorn pumpkin and another one that was multicolored. Perhaps I’ll come across some more unique pumpkins elsewhere. Toward the end of the afternoon we roasted a 7-lb chicken in the oven.

In the early evening we just happened to be flipping around the dial and landed on the Chronicle show which was doing a piece on Devens, which brought back to my mind the time that I worked on projects related to the army base that was there. I did a bunch of the mapping for the gov’t reports that we’d do. Here was one such report, and if you scroll around to the figures you’ll see my initials “MSB” in the title blocks. God, that was so long ago. These graphics were all done by me in AutoCAD back in the day. It was probably version 12 or 13 at the time. I also think they were all originally in color. The basic idea was the army had to know where any contamination was and to remediate it before the land could be used for anything else. In watching the Chronicle episode last night you could see what became of some of it. Pretty amazing that I had a part in that, all those years ago. What’s also weird was just the other day I came across some old awards and such back at Earth-1 recalling myself back to that time as well. Nostalgia city!

Meta AI Summarizing My Work

Sometimes I post some of my photos to various Facebook groups and I’ve noticed now that it a picture gets over 100 comments it seems, that Meta AI will pop up a box basically summarizing all the comments that were left. Here’s a sampling of some of them. I’m glad that so many people seem to genuinely like my photography. Thanks to anyone who liked my pictures and left a comment. This sampling is all from our summer visit to the Cape this year.

Commenters are in awe of the stunning visual, with many expressing admiration for nature’s beauty and one observer noting a striking, cross-like formation. Overall, the post has inspired a sense of wonder and appreciation.

The post’s photo of a summer sunset captivated viewers, with many praising its beauty and serenity. One commenter noted that the image is “framer worthy” and appreciated the outstanding photography.

Commenters admire the serene and naturally beautiful photo, appreciating its authenticity and nostalgic value. One commenter shares a personal connection, continuing family traditions despite loss. Others express gratitude fir the uplifting image, describing it as a “love letter from God” and “peaceful perfection.”

This photo received widespread acclaim for its beauty and serenity, with many commenting on it’s exceptional quality and the sense of calm it evokes/ One observer noted that it resembles “The Scream” by Edvard Munch, while others praised the photographer’s skill and use of perspective.

Diners rave about the Lobster Pot, some visiting annually for their “lobster fix.” The seafood is highly praised, with one commenter claiming it’s the best in the world. The restaurant’s connection to Anthony Bourdain and its status as a landmark are also noted.

The post’s beautiful sunset photo drew praise, with many commenters admiring the vibrant colors. One commenter noted that the clouds enhance sunsets, while another mentioned a personal connection to the location, finding it both pretty and historical.

In Search Of That Girl, You Know the One…

While we down on the island with our most generous hosts we got to talking about how LD and I met and there was talk of a poem I had written at the time that she really liked. (I was some emo back then!) I finally dug it up and here it is in all it’s glory. Tell me what you think of it.

That Girl, you know the one, the one that makes you better, makes your friends jealous and your parents scared. 
That knows who she is, who she was, but hasn't planned out who she'll become.
That challenges you, tests you, competes with you, all while standing by your side.
That can cheer you up with only a phone call or a smile, that's intriguing but never impossible to figure out.
That knows what she likes, but is still learning what she loves.
That isn't afraid of commitment, but holds onto her individuality.
That doesn't feel she has to say she loves you, only prove it.
Whose sense of adventure is never lost, even if its just during a trip to the grocery store.
That sees a little humor in everything, and points it out even when it isn't PC.
You know, that girl.

I'm looking for her.

Well, the good news is that I finally found her!


The pic above is one I took this morning after noticing that the fire lilies are starting to bloom. This is probably my favorite of all the various lilies we have growing. This morning I went to the gym with LD and decided to just sit in the hot tub the whole time and relax. It was a great morning for it but it’s made me sleepy most of the day and I don’t feel motivated to do the things that I thought I would get done today. Well, there’s always tomorrow, think I’ll just lay low today.