November 2006 Archives

Every first Friday of the month, the Museum of Fine Arts holds a social gathering they call First Fridays. And the artist district of Boston, south of Washington Street (SoWa) has one too. SoWa is at 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, http://www.sowaartists.com. MFA is 465 Huntington St, Boston. http://www.mfa.org/calendar/sub.asp?key=12&subkey=73. I'm told it's a bit of a meat market if you are dating, but I'm sure it's very arty and fun as well. Admission includes the MFA exhibits and I believe they serve classy booze.

The weird event of the week has tickets which MUST BE BOUGHT TODAY. Stephen Colbert, from Comedy Central, will be at the Institute O' Politics at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. Friday Dec 1 @ 4pm. The only catch is that since the event will be oversold, they are having a lottery. I guess that's more fair though than simply giving the tickets to the first 100 people since that certainly wouldn't include me! You have until today, Wed Nov 29th to sign up at www.iop.harvard.edu.

More weirdness, this one is delightful, this weekend Dec 2-3 is the The Great Marlborough Train Show. http://www.hubdiv.org. Best Western, 181 Boston Post Rd (Rt 20). Marlborough, MA. 10-5 S, 10-4 S. 781-862-0388. See some serious train enthusiasts, it's bound to be cheesy but I love seeing passionate people. And trains.

Another weird event, is called Aging 101: Live to be 100. It's one of many lectures that happen at the Museum of Science, Boston. http://www.mos.org. 6pm. A panel of centenarians discuss their experiences and advice on living to be really really old.

I went to see Avner the Eccentric and it was definitely worth seeing, especially if you have kids. http://www.lyricstage.com. Basically it is a recreation of a silent vaudeville show circa 1900.

By the way, the IOP has a great mailing list and senior people are always coming to lecture at Harvard. For example, just this week, the US Global Aids Coordinator, a former US ambassador to the UN, some newly elected members of Congress, and Christine Todd Whitman the governor of New Jersey, are all speaking!

The MIT Musical Theatre Guild is showing Children of Eden, which is non-preachy story about Genesis, and not to spoil the ending or anything, but Cain did it. Dec 1-9, http://web.mit.edu/mtg/www/TicketReservations.html. MIT in Cambridge.

Handel's Messiah is beind performed by the Handel & Hayden Society, Symphony Hall, Dec 1-3.

Two events are essentially bazaars dressed up as festivals. But then you need to get some holiday gifts, right? The expensive stuff will be at Crafts at the Castle, an art sale for charity. Whenever I see the words charity or benefit I always think expensive. Dec 1-3, Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA.

The inexpensive one is yet another open studios, the Charlestown Open Studios, Dec 2-3, in Charlestown, MA. http://www.artistsgroupofcharlestown.com. It's possibly smaller than the other Charlestown festival, Art in the Park, but a good excuse to walk around a neighborhood, see local studios and artists' private homes and maybe buy something or chat with an artist about their work.

If you want to think truly inexpensive, you're either short on cash or need to buy gifts for people whom you don't like very much, skip professional artists entirely and go for student work. Wednesday, Dec 6th is the annual sale of students at the Museum of Fine Arts. 230 The Fenway, Boston, right behind the MFA, http://www.smfa.edu.

If you love dogs, or own a dog, check out the Jingle Ball Walk (Dog Charity Walk). Dec 3rd on Boston Common. http://www.trailboundhounds.org.

Also, David Lynch, the director/writer, is screening the film Inland Empire, Dec 3rd, at the Brattle Theatre, http://www.brattlefilm.org. 40 Brattle St, Cambridge. This might sell out so call in advance. I'm still feeling trauma from seeing Eraserhead, so I won't be going.

A bunch of performances are coming up and I should give you a little notice rather than popping it as a surprise when tickets may be running out.

Next week, STOMP opens, Dec 5-17. I haven't seen this production but I have seen STOMP elsewhere and it's really good. It's like Blue Man Group but more musical, less random, and fun. Colonial Theatre

Also the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes is coming, Dec 7-29. I wonder if that'll be any good. Wang Theater.

One thing I'm really looking forward to though is The Reduced Shakespeare Company in Completely Hollywood (abridged). Dec 7-17. Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Lowell. If you like Shakespeare there will be a ton of "in" jokes here as they compress Shakespeare plays into succinct and witty 5-minute skits, and then parody them by pretending to include Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington. Oh wait, Denzel was actually a film based on a Shakespeare play. This thing is coming full circle.

I'd still like to know where the Christmas Caroling is. I'm not even religious, I just think it's fun. Someone please write me! I'll do some research on this next week.

Continuing events from last week: Lysistrata, Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Portsmouth, NH. Medicine Wheel, which is a memorial to AIDS victims, Nov 27-Dec 3. http://www.bcaonline.org. 539 Tremont Street, Boston. 617-268-6700. And the Nutcracker continues of course. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee continues through Dec 31 at the Wilbur Theatre. It looks really interesting but then I noticed that the DISCOUNTED tickets are $65. I'm not sure it's worth quite that much unless it's totally awesome opossum. Anybody on this list heard any gossip about it?

The weird event of the week is the Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction, Nov 24th, at the MIT Museum in Cambridge. You get a box of supplies and get to build your own Rube Goldberg device. It's silly techie fun. http://web.mit.edu/museum. 12-4pm, Rockwell Cage at MIT (120 Vassar St). 617-452-2111. Advanced registration required, unless you just want to watch.

Also weird: the Sing-a-Long Marry Poppins, Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St, Arlington. Nov 22-26. 781-646-4849. Call for showtimes.

Weird and also a huge conflict with Thanksgiving: the Gobble Gobble Gobble Road Race, Thu Nov 23rd, at The Burren, 247 Elm St. Somerville. http://www.srr.org. It's a 4-mile road race for charity.

The weirdest ongoing event is BodyWorlds, showing at the Museum of Science. I find it disgusting but apparently a lot of people like it. And yes, the "statues" really are made out of dead people. So obviously taking kids would be a good idea, because they need exposure to dead people if it's going to educate them. Fair warning: it's a lot more art than education.

There is art exhibit called Medicine Wheel, which is a memorial to AIDS victims. It's a room-sized sculptural installation, including a 24-hr vigil with performances on Dec 1st. I haven't seen much but I would gamble that it's cool. At least, they bring it back annually so somebody somewhere must like it. Nov 27-Dec 3. http://www.bcaonline.org. 539 Tremont Street, Boston. 617-268-6700

Avner the Eccentric: Exceptions to Gravity, is a comedian & magician. See performer site at http://www.avnertheeccentric.com. MITAC discount for 11/24 show. http://www.lyricstage.com. Physical comedy and stunts paying homage to the Marx Brothers and Charlie Chaplin. Lyric Stage Company.

The Nutcracker is playing yet again. I've never seen it but I'm sure it's good. If you're ever going to see ballet in your life, it's this or Swan Lake. Nov 24-Dec 30. Opera House, Boston. http://www.bostonballet.org

Lysistrata is in its 2000th year running, even longer than Cats. It's the ancient greek play about women who withhold sex from their men to prevent a war. Think it might work today? Boston Conservatory Theatre. Nov 30 - Dec 3. 617-912-9222.
The Diary of Anne Frank closes this week on Nov 26th. Seacoast Repertory Theatre. Portsmouth, NH.

Bored? How about taking an adult education class at the Boston Center for Adult Education, http://www.bcae.org. Or the similarly titleed Cambrige Center for Adult Education, http://www.ccae.org. They have a number of one-weekend courses menat to get you up to speed in photography, art, Spanish, or whatever. Also a great thing to do together with a friend, not that I've ever tried it.

Can anyone tell me if A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant contains any pro-scientology material? According to the ads and reviews I've read it seems to be a parody but also show some respect. That means that I don't want to see it, but I'd be glad to be told I'm wrong. Anyway it's weird so I'm listing it. Boston Theatre Works, Nov 24-Dec 16. BCA Plaza Theater.

It's inescapable. Once Thanksgiving is over it is a Brutal No Holds Barred Christmas Shopping Season. And the "Christmas Tree Shops", which are open year round, will finally make some sense. We're about to get flooded with thinly veiled marketplaces dressed up as a "Crafts Showcase Event". One thing you can do is rebel, but it won't work. The forces of religion and capitalism combined will get to you eventually.

So if you can't beat 'em, might as well join 'em. Check out The Enchanted Village (a Christmas display) at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. Nov 26-Dec 31. http://www.cityofboston.gov/arts. Possibly too syrupy. But the lights & animatronics and probably fun, if you're not stuck in line to see Santa.

Also the Quincy Christmas Parade is getting a 30 day headstart by being held on Nov 26th. 1305 Hancock St. Quincy, MA. 617-773-3317. 12:30pm. Free. Parade features Santa.

And now, some recurring events. Where's the best place to go around Boston to shoot pool? Well, try the Boston Billiard Club on Brookline Ave in Boston, http://www.bostonbilliardclub.com/boston.htm. And next door is Jillian's on Landsdowne Street at http://www.jilliansboston.com.

Downtown Boston, try Felt at 533 Washington St, http://www.feltclubboston.com. I'm also a fan of The Rack at 24 Clinton St, Boston, which is right next to Faneuil Hall, because they have a dance floor but the music's not so loud that you can't talk with your friends, and there's pool to play so it's not just either dancing or sitting around. At my latest experience at Jillian's I couldn't even hear myself think, never mind talk with friends. Also, in Boston there's Kings at 10 Scotia St, http://www.backbaykings.com.

North, in Cambridge, there's Flat Top Johnny's in Kendall Square, at http://www.flattopjohnnys.com. And of course, Good Time Emporium in Somerville, which has it all -- it is the largest indoor arcade in New England. They have over 200 arcade games, 60 pool tables, batting cages, basketball court, bowling, food, concerts. And I just learned that for a flat $10 on Fridays you get unlimited access to bumper cars, go karts, and laser tag. 30 Assembly Square Drive, Somerville. 617.628.5559.

OK and where is there to go bowling around town? My favorite is Lanes n Games in Cambridge, http://www.lanesgames.com, 617 876-5533. It's right next to Alewife and you have to call ahead because leagues sometimes hog the lanes. I went to Milky Way Lounge & Lanes in Jamaica Plain and there was a super-long wait for bowling or pool, it wasn't my thing. But I'm told they have Boston's only karaoke night with a real band not a DJ. http://www.milkywayjp.com, 617-524-3740.

In Somerville's Davis Square, there's Sacco's Bowl-Haven, http://www.saccosbowlhaven.com. 45 Day Street, Somerville. 617 776-0552.

Finally, I've never been, but I've heard that Boston Bowl is 24 hours! That's a big deal in sleepy lil' Boston. In fact if anyone knows any other arcades or fun places open 24 hours please let me know but I don't think any exist. http://www.bostonbowl.com, 820 Morrisey Blvd, Boston, MA. 617-825-3800. 44 bowling lanes, pool, arcade, batting cages.

If you want all this stuff in a more readable grid format, go to my huge-o list of New England activities at http://serpermethod.com/blog. I carry a printout in my car for spontaneous outings.

Who knows anything about Xmas Caroling to which the public is invited? Please email me. By the way, if I get anything late I won't send it to the mailing lists but I will post a "late breaking news" on my LiveJournal at http://make-you-laugh.livejournal.com. So that's the best place to go for your last-minute weekend planning.

Senator John Edwards is doing a book-signing Nov 27th at the Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge, as part of a "Harvard Book Store" event, even though it's happening elsewhere. http://www.harvard.com.

Heads up, STOMP is playing Dec 5-17 at the Colonial Theatre. I've seen it and it's great. The Underpants, as updated by Steve Martin, is playing through Dec 3rd at the Quannapowitt Players Playhouse in Reading, www.qptheater.com. And Bob Seger comes to the TD Banknorth Garden Jan 27th.

A few last-minute entries:

Brickbottom Open Studios, yet another local arts show, 1 Fitchburg Street, Somerville, MA, Nov 18-19, 12pm-6pm. http://www.brickbottom.org

Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair, 11/17-11/19, Hynes Convention Center, Boston. http://www.bostonbookfair.org

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Parade, 11/19. Yes, that is really the name, not a typo. Somebody's been drinking too much in the marketing department, I guess. City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Plaza, Boston. (617) 635-3911. 12-6pm.
http://www1.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=14

Finally, a good friend is having a jazz concert in Providence, Sat 11/18 @ 8pm. Check it out at http://awfief.livejournal.com/494995.html

Here's what's happening in New England this week.

The weird event of the week is tonight! Tonight Wed Nov 15 is opening night for the Frog Pond Ice Skating Rink in Boston Common. It's a refigerated rink so even if it's warmish, the ice will be fine. Come at 6pm and there will be an opening celebration with performing ice skaters and possibly a speech from the Mayor and then free skate night! I've been two years running and it's a fantastic experience. The pond is open through March 15.

Not weird enough? How about the Improv Asylum No Rest for the Wicked Funny, Nov 18th, which is a 24-hour comedy marathon for charity. http://www.improvasylum.com. That's in Boston. Oddly it starts at midnight and goes to midnight. Noon to noon would make more sense to me. Why peak with your energy at 5am when nobody's around and then be deflated all day? Well presumably they'll switch out the actors.

If that's not good enough, check out the America's Hometown USA Thanksgiving Parade, in Plymouth, MA. http://www.usathanksgiving.com/2006b/activities/news.html. There's a parade and a huge food festival 11am-3pm and then a Drum Corps concert at 6pm.

Nov 18th is also the Intercollegiate Dance Competition at MIT. MIT Student Center, Lobdell Dining Hall, 9pm-1am. Buy tix in advance, may sell out. $3. Then dance party. http://web.mit.edu/cpr/www. Cambridge, MA.

Also, I just learned that Artesani Park is open after dark. That is the park next to the Publick Theatre on Storrow Drive. They have a kids playground and a nice stroll by the Charles River which is all open. The first three parking lots are "no parking after dark" but the 4th one is fine. I was just there and it was fun.

The Snappy Dance Theatre is performing Nov 17th, see http://www.cmacusa.org, at the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center, in, you guessed it, Cambridge. 617-577-1400. Buy tix ahead. I've never been but they are a modern dance group and it sounds like fun.

This week Arlo Guthrie, the Alice's Restaurant guy, is playing Nov 17th, at the Somerville Theatre in, you guessed it, Somerville. http://www.somervilletheatreonline.com.

Also it's the Paradise City Arts Festival. They have several a year and like most art shows, it's a little commercial but still fun to see what they have. This one is Nov 17-19 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA. http://www.paradisecityarts.com. 800.511.9725. Rt 495 to exit 24B (Rt 20W). F 10-6, S 10-6, S 11-5.

Recurring events, Twelve Angry Men is still playing, to Nov 19th, at The Colonial Theatre. And it's still Novel Writing Month, http://www.nanowrimo.org. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is still playing at the Wilbur Theatre.

This week in museums, check out the Concord Museum and the National Heritage Museum, both in Concord/Lexington. http://www.monh.org and http://www.concordmuseum.org. I've been to both and they are excellent.

Also I've just been to the telescope night at the Boston Museum of Science. It occurs every Friday that is not cloudy, and it's free, 8:30-10pm or later, but catch an Omnimax show while you are there. Make sure to call ahead because closed if cloudy, 617-589-0267. Also did you know that the Boston Museum of Science has a fantastic brunch that overlooks the Charles River? It's called "Brunch at the Skyline Room" at 11am or 1pm and you'll need to call to reserve tix. I've never been but I bet it's sweet.

Totally random weirdness of the week, the National Plastics Center. Never been there, but if you're in the area, stop by. http://www.plasticscenter.org. 210 Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA. (978) 537-9529. Rt 117. An entire museum run by people who seem frantic to oppose plastics-haters. Are there any people who hate plastics?

Finally, the Museum of Bad Art is in Dedham. http://www.museumofbadart.org. 580 High Street, Dedham, MA. 781-326-0409. Free. Part of the Dedham Community Theater. Somehow I don't think this is bad as in "good bad". Just bad bad.

Next week I am going to start tracking what I've told you about and what I haven't, so I don't repeat recurring stuff by accident.

Hey!

Quick update -- it turns out the Nave Gallery in Somerville has a Mini-golf exhibit. Artists from all over have contributed some of the holes and it is fully interactive - probably worth checking out!

http://www.artsomerville.org/nave/2006/open.html

It ends this Sunday so check it out soon. Thanks to Cthulia for this.

-Johnny

The weird event of the week has to be the Battle of the Lawyers, Nov 9th, 5:30pm-8pm, at Millstein Hall Auditorium, 10 Winter Place, Boston. Lawyers will re-enact the famous legal battles of all time. No doubt it will be totally incomprehensible to the layman. Tickets include cocktails and appetizers.

If that's not weird enough, check out the Boston Bhangra Competition. It is a kind of popular folk dance in Pakistan and India that is like a "fusion of hip-hop and cheerleading". Orpheum Theatre, Nov 11th at 6pm. It seems to be more of a performance than an actual competition.

Not much in festivals this week. Check out the Allston/Brighton Open Studios, yet another way to look at the works of local artists, Nov 11-12, http://www.allstonarts.org. Allston, MA. 617.254.3333. 12-6pm.

Then some indoor stuff is happening. For example, the Boston International Fine Art Show, Nov 9-12, http://www.fineartboston.com. Boston Center for the Arts, Boston, MA. New collectors day is Friday. Note: they will make you feel like an uncultured part of the unwashed masses if you don't buy anything.

Also it's the Irish Film Festival, Nov 9-12, http://www.irishfilmfestival.com. Cambridge, MA. More than 30 films showcasing Irish producers. Brattle Theatre.

Because of the colder weather I'll focus more on museum and theatre events than I normally would. I went to the DeCordova Sculpture Museum to see the Animal exhibition -- statues involving animals -- and it was awesome as usual. The DeCordova has a park dotted with sculptures too that is fun to walk around in.

ImprovBoston is actually in Cambrige, in Inman Square, http://www.improvboston.com. Among other things, they perform naked sometimes, see http://www.nakedcomedyshowcase.com. Or see Improv Asylum, which is in Boston, http://www.improvasylum.com. Or Improv Foundry at http://www.improvfoundry.com, also Boston. I really didn't enjoy my night at Dick's Beantown Comedy Vault. But check out the Hong Kong in Cambridge near Harvard. Jimmy Tingle's Off-Broadway is good, in Davis Square in Someville but don't expect much comedy from Jimmy Tingle's American Dream, it is more of a well-thought out political commentary. The last one I can think of is Tribe, www.tribeboston.com, which I haven't been to.

Another idea, how about learning salsa dancing? There's an event called SalsaFest on Sat Nov 11th at the Hyatt Hotel in Cambridge. 617-524-0457, or http://www.pabonelsalsero.com, with lessons beforehand. The Havana Club in Cambridge, and Ryles, also in Cambridge, also give salsa lessons and have dance parties. http://www.havanaclubsalsa.com/salsa_fridays.shtml, and http://www.tlsalsa.com/rylesdirections.html.

Hairspray, the musical they turned into a movie, is playing through Nov 19th at the North Shore Music Theatre. Beverly, MA. 978-232-7200.

Bob Dylan is playing Nov 11 & 12 at Boston's Agganis Arena. That's part of Boston University at 925 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston. 617-931-2000. Also Lionel Richie (Hello?) performs Nov 11th at the Opera House. Aerosmith plays Nov 29th at Mohegan Sun. And it's not too soon to buy tickets for Pop-tastic Kiss 108's Jingle Ball. I've never been to one of these all-pop concerts but I bet it's cheesy fun and great crowd-watching too, so many crazy fans.

Arlo Guthrie, you know the "Alice's Restaurant" guy is playing at the Somerville Theatre, Nov 17th, http://www.somervilletheatreonline.com. Oh and hey! The Somerville Theatre is hosting Bruce Hornsby on Nov 12th. Eerily world-class for such a small theatre. Nice job, guys.

Speaking of colder weather, this coming weekend, Nov 12th, the Newton site of the Charles River Canoe & Kayak closes for the season. So if you want to rent a canoe, do it now. http://www.ski-paddle.com. 2401 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton, MA. 617 965-5110. Rt 90E to ex 15 to Rt 30E. Go thru two lights. Brown boathouse is immediately after crossing the river on the left. Lessons available.

Or check out Plimoth Plantation, it's Thanksgiving season after all! This is a recreation village where live actors demonstrate how the original pilgrims lived around 1626 and the nearby native american indiands as well. It's fascinating, really worth seeing.

Or check out "Tomb", which is also called 5WITS, which is like a theme park ride except there's no car to sit in and ride, you walk through it. You enter an archaeological dig with an ancient egyptian pyramid and get trapped inside by the pharaoh, who makes you solve puzzles and explore to escape. Really awesome! http://www.5-wits.com. 186 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA. Call ahead to make sure they have a slot open for you. 617-375-9487. It's right across the street from the AMC Theatres.

I've heard that Borat, the movie is hilarious and worth seeing.

I would tend to avoid the Tribute to Doug Flutie, the football star, Nov 13th at 8pm at Symphony Call. On the plus side, Boston, the rock group, will be playing. On the negative side, the Boston Pops will as well, and it may be cheesy. Also it's a fundraiser and they always charge double for that stuff. I gave at the office.

Were you aware that the Museum of Fine Arts shows movies? Well, they do. See their website at www.mfa.org for showtimes. Also, the museum is free Wednesdays after 4pm.

Paula Poundstone, the comedian best known for the NPR news quiz show, "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me", is performing Nov 9th at 8pm at Sanders Theatre at Harvard. We forgive our comedians for a lot of things, you will have to forgive Paula for pleading guilty to child abuse. It's a shame, she's really funny, makes it harder to dislike her.

Continuing events, as I mentioned last week, 12 Angry Men at the Colonial Theater and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Wilbur Theatre are still ongoing. Also the Boston Jewish Film Festival ends Nov 12th, http://www.bjff.org, in Brookline. As I mentioned last week, Murder at the Coconut Cabana, an interactive murder mystery is happening Friday Nov 10th. I have tickets and am really looking forward to it.

Speaking of continuing events, there are some long-running theater shows that sooner or later every Bostonian gets dragged to see. Joey & Maria's Comedy Wedding didn't really impress me.

Medeival Manor is worth a view but only with a big group, so you can point out the birthday boy/girl and have them direct a funny skit at the birthday victim. http://www.medievalmanor.com. Basically a bunch of comedy skits and music numbers based loosely on a medeival theme. One bummer... I've been three times and it was always the same show. A little variety please, people!

Shear Madness just goes on and on and on. It's good though. It's a murder mystery set in a barbershop and the audience gets to vote on who they think the murderer is. Charles Playhouse. http://www.shearmadness.com.

Finally, what list of Boston's touristy long-running shows would be complete without Blue Man Group. You already know about this from their relentless advertising, but I wanted to put in my two cents that it really is a fun show and worth seeing. And you can get free tickets by volunteering to usher, just make sure to sign up 2-4 weeks in advance. Also you get the worst seats in the house typically.

That ought to hold you for a week. Note, I love to hear comments and additions but try to get them to me by the Wednesday before the weekend so I can keep this blog to one mailing per week. :)

Tonight is the Forest Hills Cemetery "Day of the Dead", see last week. http://www.foresthillstrust.org.

The weird event of the week is the largest annual quilting show in New England is this weekend, with competition entries from all over the world. A Quilters' Gathering, http://www.aquiltersgathering.com. Nov 2-5. Sheraton Hotel, Nashua, NH.

Not weird enough? How about the Annual Boston Bellydance Awards. http://www.joharasnakedance.com. Cambridge, MA. This is not just awards, but a competition open to the public I believe? Nov 5.

Still not weird enough for you? The LAST performance of Murder at the Coconut Cabana is Nov 10th. It's an interactive murder mystery. http://www.swaymambo.com. Sheraton Ferncroft Hotel, Danvers, MA. To benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Still not weird enough? Some MassArt students have decided to have set the Guinness World Record for the largest snowball fight. Obvioiusly, they can't plan a date because they are waiting for some kickass snow. Would somebody who's on Facebook please track this for me? http://massart.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2204986569. Or is there a mailing list I can get on?

And to blow the roof off of weird, I just learned that it's National Novel Writing Month. See http://www.nanowrimo.org. A bunch of people try to write a novel in just one month. Basically if you always wanted to write a novel but are fundamentally too lazy (raise hands? mine included?) you just try to type out something in one month and you can go back and fix it later. It sounds really inspirational and they have a lot of local self-help sessions kind of like an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting except it's I Can't Get Started Writing Anonymous. See Boston events at http://www.nanowrimo.org/modules/newbb/viewforum.php?forum=32.

The Hyde Park Open Studios is this weekend, obviously feeling grumpy about being pushed out of the summer by other cities' open studios. Nov 5-6. http://www.hydeparkopenstudios.org. 12-5pm.

The Ellis Antiques Show is Nov 3-5, http://www.ellisantiques.com. Park Plaza Hotel & Towers, Boston, MA, 617-248-8571. Boston Magazine "Best" antiques show.

If you'll be out west, check out Franklin County CiderDay, Nov 4-5, http://www.ciderday.org. Greenfield, MA. Several farms in Western MA show making apple butter, all kinds of apple events and giveaways.

And while you're on your way, check out Davis Farmland with their corn field megamaze, which closes Nov 12.

Ongoing stuff: Twelve Angry Men as I mentioned is coming to the The Colonial Theatre. Altar Boyz closes Nov 5th, also Colonial Theatre. The Boston Jewish Film Festival continues to Nov 12th. http://www.bjff.org.

Now that it's Fall/Winter, festivals slow down and I'm going to list some things that are more regular events.

Check out Battleship Cove, in Fall River MA. http://www.battleshipcove.org. 800-533-3194. Real WWII battleship and submarines to tour. Carousel next door. Overnight camping. AAA discount.

Speaking of overnight camping, if you have kids, they do overnight camping at the Boston Childrens Museum and the Boston Museum of Science, too.

Or if you are going out West anyway, check out the MASS MoCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). 87 Marshall St, North Adams, MA. 413-662-2111. http://www.massmoca.org. It's a truly great museum in the same league as the MFA, which is probably why it's so far away -- Boston's not big enough for 'em both.

Also, Harvard's Kennedy School of Government has a speaker program and you can get on their mailing list. Every week or two they will let you know which famous dignitaries are coming to lecture, it's pretty awesome if you are into politics.I am offline right now but email me or look for "IOP" on the Web, Institute of Politics or something. I bet you a dollar the JFK Library & Museum has one too.

Also, it's not too cold to go on a nice hike, means you won't sweat at all. Try Mt. Monadnock, which claims to be the 2nd most popular peak in the world. 93N to Rt 101 W to 202 S to Rt 124 W. West of Jaffrey, NH. Good view of July 4th fireworks atlaspyro.com. And cross-counry skiing. http://www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/Monadnock/Monadnock.html. Rt 124, Jaffrey, NH. 603-532-8862.

Finally the Charles River Canoe & Kayak is still open -- to Nov 12th -- at their Newton location. http://www.ski-paddle.com. Rent a canoe / kayak and go crazy.

By the way, I hear that Amy Sedaris is coming to town I think it's Nov 9th at the Brattle. No, it's at the Harvard Coop. Tickets go on sale today, so buy some.

That ought to hold you for a week.