wework

Compromise: When everyone looses something.

Thats how I feel about cubicles. They are neither private or communal. Something brought to by a forgotten era of work. Fortunately companies are searching for something better. Enter wework, a company the retrofits existing space (usually old factories) into a collection of private offices, very private phone booths, large open floors of desks, and conference rooms. You choose what you want when you need it. There are currently 3 locations in Boston, housing over 5000 people and 100s of companies. Everything from large insurance companies to one man start ups.

My company is looking to experiment for the summer in such a venture. The Doc and I went and got a tour of the locations. They provide the office space, desk, chairs, custodial, internet, food (tea/coffee/water/beer). Thats right each floor has a stocked kitchen. Did I mention local draft beer on tap? Some are pet friendly. The atmosphere in the open spaces is one of soft-spoken nerds discussing who knows what with new found friends. The offices are quiet, but open feeling as they are all glassed in to let natural light penetrate.

Winter in the Public Garden

Downloading the Louvre

Shout out to Meural for the best gadget of 2017. Basically a digital frame that you can download famous pieces of artwork (more than 30,000 pictures currently in the collection) or upload your own.
React to hand gestures to move to the next print, or give you more information about a current piece.

It can be hung on the wall,  or more informally just sitting on my desk.

I encourage you to go to their web site and check it out. Why fly to all the museums, have them come to you?

Below are some collections that I have downloaded. Each picture comes with a description that can be overplayed on the canvas. I've been to the Louvre, this is a better experience.

I love a parade

#rogerthat

Bar Mezzana

In the last year a new neighborhood has formed in the South End. The Ink Block district is anchored by a building that was once the Boston Herald. It is now a new Whole Foods and a series of new upscale restaurants and bars. New city block size condos are being constructed. 
In the last week we dined at 2 of the new restaurants, both outstanding but the new Italian restaurant Bar Mezzana quickly has become our new favorite.
Memorable items were fried smelt, prosciutto with figs, and an eggplant bruschetta.

Go Pats!

Another Great Year #3

Last year we published some of best experiences of living in Boston. We continue this tradition.

Best Restaurant Experience

C/T Kava - A new Greek restaurant around the corner, it "oozes" romance. They have a wonderful outdoor dining space in the middle of a favorite South End neighborhood. We felt as though we had spent the evening in a small Greek village. The music was magical. Pass on the Greek beer.

Best Quote

C - "Strong winds make strong trees" - Dustin Johnson

T - "If you want to accomplish something you will find a way, otherwise you will find an excuse" - Jim Rohn

Best Book

C - The Circle It will be awhile before I purchase Alexa.

T - Triumph of Genius, Edwin Land, Polaroid and the Kodak Patent War  In all of human history, every time anyone has waged a war on science, science eventually wins. 

Best Article

C - A teachers thoughts for students: How to be an American As JFK said, "One person can make a difference, and everyone should try".

T - The Great A.I. Awakening Every educated person should read this to understand where we have been and where we are headed.

Best Drink

C - Check out my Untappd profile. (67 unique beers!)

T - The last beer I had.

Best Entertainment

C - Cindi Lauper Yay for the old girls, and yes we just wanna have fun...

T - Learning to do a flip turn in the pool.

Best thing about Boston

C/T - Sunshine and  the University Club

Worst thing about Boston

C - Its borders, inspiration and passion do not extend to the rest of the world.
T - What she said.

Best Sporting Event

C/T Boston Storm The Beanpot was pretty cool too. 

Best Gadget

C - Arlo Wireless Web Cam

T - Apple iPad Pro with apple pencil and the app Goodnotes