ManRay Goes Down

Apparently I tend to live not so much in the path of destruction, but rather, across the street from destruction. My first Boston apartment felt the heat of a major fire (pictures), and my current abode was recently rumbled by the destruction of the building formerly known as ManRay nightclub.
The reason for the closing of ManRay is less than apparent. After some research (okay, Google) I found this Harvard Crimson article explaining that the ManRay replacement will be a large apartment building by First Cambridge Reality Corporation (let’s hope their properties are better designed than their website). I also found a mention in the Cambridge City Council meeting resolutions:

WHEREAS: Man Ray is a hip Cambridge destination that the City does not want to lose; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and the Director of Economic Development to contact the owners of the Man Ray night club to determine if the City can in any way assist in finding a suitable place to relocate this club.

Despite the warning signs, I was surprised at just how quickly the club was demolished. I took a picture after they tore off the roof, the next day… rubble.
ManRay Nightclub Demolition
ManRay Nightclub Demolition

Scarecrows of Waltham Massachusetts

I’m amazed at the holiday spirit evinced by the residents of Waltham, a suburban town outside of Boston. Maybe this is some East Coast thing that I’m not aware of, but I always associated Halloween decorations with black cats, witches, spiders, ghosts, and jack-o-lanterns. Scarecrows… not so much. In Waltham, however, scarecrows are keeping the crows away at almost every other house. Those without scarecrows in their yards are obviously due for some serious crow issues.
I decided documentation was in order. You’d be surprised how hard it is to sneak around the suburbs in the morning taking pictures of people’s front yards, but alas – the fruits of my labor:
Dwarf Scarecrow and Old “Needs V8” Scarecrow
dwarf scarecrow
Drunk Scarecrow and Scarecrow of the Bush.
drunk scarecrow
“Friend of the Pole” Scarecrow and… “Friend of the Pole” Scarecrow
pole scarecrow
And finally: Way Too Much Holiday Spirit Scarecrow.
festive scarecrow

The Exchange Rate’s First Show

My band, The Exchange Rate, stepped forward from the shadows last week to play our first ever show at PA’s Lounge in Somerville. A good time was allegedly had by all (most of the audience were friends of the band – so accolades cannot necessarily be trusted). Thanks to everyone that came to show. Stay tuned here for future show announcements. I promise to give more warning next time.
The Exchange Rate (band)