Since even aunts and uncles of mine who don’t know Raekwon from Ray J have asked for my thoughts about the doc, I think I can forego the gratuitous explanation that’s typically offered when hip-hop comes up.
Dear Reader
SUPER AGGRAVATING (AN APOLOGY COLUMN, OF SORTS)
After I’d commiserated with all kinds of student advocates and parents about the sham of a search process, in which the public was presented with three finalists out of nearly 40 applicants, I was simply shocked to see the somewhat positive reactions of so many factions and organizations following the school board’s decision.
ACT NOW (OR LOCAL MEDIA WILL DIE)
While I see lots of people who are terribly upset about losing the Improper eulogizing on Facebook, I don’t hear anybody talking about what they—or rather, what we, as a community of people who appreciate informed and clever coverage of the colorful metropolis we live in—can do to help the remaining independent outlets
CHURCH BELLS SHOULD BE BANNED
The same is true about church bells, which can be to unsuspecting eardrums what cadaverous processions and double-parked cars are to commuting.
HOW TO HATE SPORTS BUT STILL LOVE BOSTON
Since Boston is so damn jocktacular, there are lots of awesome resources to take advantage of, from public parks to beer leagues.
A SIMPLE CHALLENGE TO IGNORE PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS UNTIL SEPTEMBER
Since there is absolutely nothing you can do between now and September that will change anything at the national level (and really after that too, but I’m being nice), I’ll make you a deal.
THIS IS REALLY A LOVE STORY
Every line I enter into my computer about the Hub is also part of a love story, because like a parent in the 1950s (or today, I guess) attempting to rationalize smacking their kids, I truly love the objects of my animosity. Oftentimes, it hurts me more than it hurts Boston to level such relentless criticism.
ONE FROM THE DIGSTORY BOOKS
The nightmare that is the contemporary media considered, it’s a miracle the Dig is still standing 20-plus years after we started as Shovel in the distant ’90s.
A BIPARTISAN BLITZ, AT HOME AND ON THE ROAD
While they’re in Washington, they ought to give members of both national parties a lesson on public relations, because this bipartisan buddy bit they’re milking in Boston has everyone from lawmakers to dealmakers applauding while everyone else either smiles and nods or pays no attention at all.
IF THE POTUS EVER LEARNS TO READ HE SHOULD CHECK OUT THIS BOOK
Simply swap out “First Emperor” for “Trump,” “a prophecy” for “Hannity,” and “northern barbarians” for “Central Americans,” and you basically have the president’s televised speech from last week.