Millions of people step foot on the historic paths of the Emerald Necklace every year. Mark Lowenstein, author of “Great Runs in Boston,” addresses the functional and recreational importance of the Necklace’s linear paths for Boston’s commuters, walkers, runners, and bikers. Mark also explains how the Emerald Necklace inspired him to write running guidebooks for the Boston area.
Finding the right backpacking gear is a daunting task. Not only is it time consuming, but it can get very expensive, very quickly. Do not lose hope, I bring good news. Over the last year, I have built up my arsenal of backpacking gear from virtually nothing to being fully equipped. And by no means am I rich, but quite the contrary. I have spent days frugally sorting through equipment in stores and online, diligently reading through countless reviews, and buying the best gear, all with a low budget. I did not break the bank and my equipment has held up as well. I am finally ready to report back!
The most important piece of the puzzle. Since you’ll be hauling anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds for multiple days, you need a pack that is large, durable but also comfortable. You need a pack that rests on your hips with strong zippers and lots of compartments. Your pack should never give you blisters or give you significant back pain. My pick: The Osprey Atmos 50.
The Osprey Atmos 50 in Green Apple
This pack is perfect. I have used it on numerous adventures, including a month long trip to Peru. It has completely shattered my expectations. To date, there are no signs of wear and tear – no broken zippers; no ripped fabric. It is compact, lightweight, but large enough for multi-day trips. There are multiple compartments and weight is Continue reading →
I must be one lucky guy. Then again, as the great Bret Michaels once uttered, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” Make no mistake, Bret – yes, I am talking about Bret Michaels – is a winner. He is a world famous musician, Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice, and conqueror of many personal battles. The point is, no matter who or where you are in life, no matter what you do and what you inspire to do, stay focused and stay positive. Remember to work hard and you will be rewarded.
I was recently appointed as media producer for an up-and-coming social media website, envisionGood.tv. envisionGood strives to promote and inspire positive social innovation through journalism, media, and online networking. I am very excited about this opportunity, and I am eager to further promote conservation, sustainability, and green technology through this new outlet. Thank you and enjoy my first production!
My friend Jill, an avid cook and a nutritionist by trade, recently started her own blog devoted to sharing healthy and delicious food ideas. In her new ‘celebrity recipe’ feature, she invites anyone with a passion for cookin’ to share their inner chef with the world. I took up her challenge and sent in a marinara recipe I’ve been perfecting for years.
Igor's Miraculous Marinara
Save yourself some money, do your body right, and cook up a batch of fresh marinara for yourself. Use it on pastas, pizzas, or as a side. I promise it’s very easy and well worth your time – it’s gonna taste phenomenal.
We live on the same street, my neighbor and I, and we avoid eye contact at all cost. I’ve seen him dozens of times; on my way to work, coming back from class, on the weekends…too many times, I feel, to introduce myself now. As we pass each other in the street, he glances at me but I look down. Day after day, we pass without saying hello.
We all yearn for a sense of community in our neighborhoods. Basic human nature tells us to feel comfortable around, welcomed, and valued by our neighbors. We need to feel a sense of attachment to improve the places we live in. Therefore, to feel the value of giving back to our communities, we first have to feel valued by our communities. Building sustainable cities and supporting local business starts with caring for and being taken care of by our neighborhood.
Last August, my girlfriend and I embarked on a move to Jamaica Plain, a neighborhood in south central Boston, from Bloomington, Indiana, our beloved college town. Our sights were set high; according to everyone we spoke to, people seriously love Boston. Nine hundred miles later, we Continue reading →
As I perused the eco friendly informational display booths of organizations such as the Appalachian Mountain Club and Mass Energy at Earth Night 2010 in Boston, a vibrant object in the corner of the room caught my eye. As I looked closer, I realized it was a stool, full of vividly interspersed color that resembled modern art more than a piece of furniture. I was immediately drawn to the object and decided to admire it up close. I quickly realized this was no ordinary stool, but a stool made out of old magazines.
Cameron's ReVision Stool
Luckily, the artist that designed this piece, Cameron, caught me ogling and came up to talk to me. He explained that the stools are constructed from old rolled up magazines that are held together by rubber bands and fit into a square resin mold. The stool stands on legs made of steel rods that are also adorned with magazines, providing not only style but extra support. Cameron is a sculptor for an organization called Artists for Humanity (AFH). Founded in 1990, AFH was created to provide Continue reading →
