The price of home heating is expected to ring in at $2400 for the average home this winter. Since I've never seen an oil or gas bill, I assume that I have electric heat through NStar. My condo is only about 760 sq feet with indoor hallways and a brick exterior so it rarely gets cold enough in my unit to justify running the heat for more than a few hours a day.
I work all day out of my home so I don't have the pleasure of keeping warm on the company's dime. Even though my unit uses electric baseboard heat, my monthly winter electric bills have never broken $120. Obviously not every family lives in a one bedroom garden style condo so I'm curious if the $2400 figure is accurate for most people.
What does the average person in greater Boston spend on heat? Do you find any one method (oil, gas, electric, wood stove, pellets, etc) more effective than another?
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Sins of the Uncle
The Jewish New Year is a time to reflect and consider the actions we have taken over the past 365 days. The Bible and our morals tell us that we should strive to be good people all the time, whether it's convenient or not. I'm not sure if there was some sort of memo, but a lot of rabbis used this week's events on Wall Street to reinforce why it's important to be an upstanding and moral person. My rabbi in Stoughton reminded us of the deeds of Aaron Feuerstein, the CEO of Malden Mills. When a fire destroyed his Massachsetts textile plant in 1995, Feuerstein took the moral high ground and paid his 3,000 employees their regular wages until a new plant could be built.
My sister's rabbi in Baltimore took a slightly different approach with his sermon. Rather than reflect on the good deeds of others, he focused on past and present members of the American Jewish community who chose a different path than Mr. Feuerstein. One rogue character he mentioned as an example was a Jewish man from New England named Samuel "the Chief" Levine, a Boston ward boss who worked under Mayor James Curley. Very few Jews under the age of 60 can recall the exploits of Chief Levine, so I was pretty surprised that his notoriety extended all the way down to Baltimore.
Chief Levine was my great-uncle, though I never had the chance to actually meet him. My grandfather rarely spoke of him, so most of the information I have on Chief is from what I read in a book called The Death of an American Jewish Community. Before World War II, Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury was almost predominately Jewish, with the rest of the population living in pockets throughout the North End and what used to be the East End (now Government Center). As different ethnic groups clamored for power over City Hall, Chief Levine was assigned to gather votes for the city's elite. He worked closely with Mayor Curley, a mayor so corrupt that he was and still is the only American mayor to ever have been re-elected from a jail cell.
During the weeks before Passover, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, the Chief and his fellow Brunswick Club members served Jewish shops along Blue Hill Avenue with a nonnegotiable list of the items needed to provide festive holiday baskets for the needy of all races. When the burly Chief told a local butcher than an eighteen-pound turkey would greatly enhance the holiday season for a local family, he didn't mean fourteen pounds and he didn't mean maybe....
....Votes cost me money and they cost me favors. I got jobs. I got housing. I got anything they asked me for. I expected the same in return. If Chief Levine told them to vote for Mickey Mouse, then they voted for Mickey Mouse. I paid for and was accorded that kind of loyalty. - page 29, Death of an American Jewish Community
So was Chief Levine a bad guy? From what I've read and heard about him, I would categorize him as a somewhat shady character whose intentions were good. Politics from the immigration wave of 1880 up until the Second World War were rife of stories of corruption and bribery. Whether it was stuffing the ballot box in Tammany Hall or paying for votes in Boston, men like Chief Levine were iconic of what life was like for first and second generation Americans in the early 20th century.
Chances are that nobody is going to offer you a job or a $20 bill to vote for a particular candidate this November 4, but the legacy of men like the Chief lives on this election season. Whether it's "swiftboating" a particular candidate or union-backed politican caving on a particular issue, justice and morals continue to rest squarely on the conscience of the American voter.
In an ideal world we would all strive to live by the actions of people like Aaron Feurenstein. However, as mere mortals we will all cave into our own self-interests during bouts of weakness. It's easy to get swept up with modern day Chief Levines, who convince us that it's more rewarding to go with the flow than to swim against the stream. The Jewish New Year gives us a time to wipe the slate clean and to live the types of lives that we were born to lead. Whether you choose to be a Levine or a Feurenstein or a combination thereof is completely up to you.
My sister's rabbi in Baltimore took a slightly different approach with his sermon. Rather than reflect on the good deeds of others, he focused on past and present members of the American Jewish community who chose a different path than Mr. Feuerstein. One rogue character he mentioned as an example was a Jewish man from New England named Samuel "the Chief" Levine, a Boston ward boss who worked under Mayor James Curley. Very few Jews under the age of 60 can recall the exploits of Chief Levine, so I was pretty surprised that his notoriety extended all the way down to Baltimore.
Chief Levine was my great-uncle, though I never had the chance to actually meet him. My grandfather rarely spoke of him, so most of the information I have on Chief is from what I read in a book called The Death of an American Jewish Community. Before World War II, Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury was almost predominately Jewish, with the rest of the population living in pockets throughout the North End and what used to be the East End (now Government Center). As different ethnic groups clamored for power over City Hall, Chief Levine was assigned to gather votes for the city's elite. He worked closely with Mayor Curley, a mayor so corrupt that he was and still is the only American mayor to ever have been re-elected from a jail cell.
During the weeks before Passover, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, the Chief and his fellow Brunswick Club members served Jewish shops along Blue Hill Avenue with a nonnegotiable list of the items needed to provide festive holiday baskets for the needy of all races. When the burly Chief told a local butcher than an eighteen-pound turkey would greatly enhance the holiday season for a local family, he didn't mean fourteen pounds and he didn't mean maybe....
....Votes cost me money and they cost me favors. I got jobs. I got housing. I got anything they asked me for. I expected the same in return. If Chief Levine told them to vote for Mickey Mouse, then they voted for Mickey Mouse. I paid for and was accorded that kind of loyalty. - page 29, Death of an American Jewish Community
So was Chief Levine a bad guy? From what I've read and heard about him, I would categorize him as a somewhat shady character whose intentions were good. Politics from the immigration wave of 1880 up until the Second World War were rife of stories of corruption and bribery. Whether it was stuffing the ballot box in Tammany Hall or paying for votes in Boston, men like Chief Levine were iconic of what life was like for first and second generation Americans in the early 20th century.
Chances are that nobody is going to offer you a job or a $20 bill to vote for a particular candidate this November 4, but the legacy of men like the Chief lives on this election season. Whether it's "swiftboating" a particular candidate or union-backed politican caving on a particular issue, justice and morals continue to rest squarely on the conscience of the American voter.
In an ideal world we would all strive to live by the actions of people like Aaron Feurenstein. However, as mere mortals we will all cave into our own self-interests during bouts of weakness. It's easy to get swept up with modern day Chief Levines, who convince us that it's more rewarding to go with the flow than to swim against the stream. The Jewish New Year gives us a time to wipe the slate clean and to live the types of lives that we were born to lead. Whether you choose to be a Levine or a Feurenstein or a combination thereof is completely up to you.
Monday, September 29, 2008
You're a Mean One, Mr. Lynch
Just in case you were wondering, Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-South Boston) voted nay on today's bailout bill in Congress. Congressman Lynch represents the 9th Massachusetts district, which includes parts of Boston and most of the South Shore. Aside from being called out on my blog, I left a message expressing my disappointment with one of his aides.
Lots of ordinary people who work for a living are pretty upset that the bailout couldn't pass muster this afternoon. In a massive attempt to contact individual representatives, the official Congress website (house.gov) completely collapsed and is currently off-line. Supporting a bailout may be un-American, but it's not any more or less un-American than being unemployed because your company can't make payroll. The market's 778 point drop this afternoon is a preview of things to come if our leaders don't step up and take decisive action.
Since Democrats from South Boston generally don't get beaten at the polls, I encourage all of my fellow nine-ers to give Mr. Lynch a piece of their mind. He can be reached at his DC office at (202) 225-8273 or www.house.gov/writerep.
Lots of ordinary people who work for a living are pretty upset that the bailout couldn't pass muster this afternoon. In a massive attempt to contact individual representatives, the official Congress website (house.gov) completely collapsed and is currently off-line. Supporting a bailout may be un-American, but it's not any more or less un-American than being unemployed because your company can't make payroll. The market's 778 point drop this afternoon is a preview of things to come if our leaders don't step up and take decisive action.
Since Democrats from South Boston generally don't get beaten at the polls, I encourage all of my fellow nine-ers to give Mr. Lynch a piece of their mind. He can be reached at his DC office at (202) 225-8273 or www.house.gov/writerep.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
2008 Ballot Questions
I received "The Official Massachusetts Information for Voters" packet in the mail yesterday. During this year's election on November 4, voters in Massachusetts will be able to vote yay or nay on three questions. Here they are:
Question 1: State personal income tax
Background: The current state income tax is 5.3%
By voting yes: You agree that the state income tax should be lowered to 2.65% in 2009 and phased out completely in 2010.
By voting no: You are voting to leave the tax rate as is
Why it matters: It probably won't. The voters already overwhelmingly voted to lower the tax rate to a flat 5% which was widely ignored by the kingdom we commonly refer to as the Massachusetts State Legislature.
Question 2: Possession of Marijuana
Background: This proposal would change the possession of small amounts of marijuana (1 oz or less) from a criminal offense to a non-criminal offense.
By voting yes: You agree that people should not be prosecuted for possessing marijuana for personal use.
By voting no: You agree that the law should stay as it is
Why it matters: Don't assume that by passing this question that Boston will suddenly become Amsterdam West. You won't be able to buy weed in the spice aisle at Shaw's, develop legal hectare pot gardens, or light a joint at a "coffee house". Assuming that this bill passes and is adopted into the legislature, offenders will receive fines and civil penalties if caught with 1 oz or less of marijuana in lieu of a criminal record.
Question 3: Dog Racing
Background: Every few years they try to ban dog racing in Massachusetts.
By voting yes: You want to prohibit dog races on which betting or wagering occurs
By voting no: You want local dog tracks to stay in business as is
Why it matters: It seems like the MSPCA brings up this ballot initiative every year or so. It was narrowly defeated the last time it came up for a vote which likely fueled support for the '08 ballot question.
Question 1: State personal income tax
Background: The current state income tax is 5.3%
By voting yes: You agree that the state income tax should be lowered to 2.65% in 2009 and phased out completely in 2010.
By voting no: You are voting to leave the tax rate as is
Why it matters: It probably won't. The voters already overwhelmingly voted to lower the tax rate to a flat 5% which was widely ignored by the kingdom we commonly refer to as the Massachusetts State Legislature.
Question 2: Possession of Marijuana
Background: This proposal would change the possession of small amounts of marijuana (1 oz or less) from a criminal offense to a non-criminal offense.
By voting yes: You agree that people should not be prosecuted for possessing marijuana for personal use.
By voting no: You agree that the law should stay as it is
Why it matters: Don't assume that by passing this question that Boston will suddenly become Amsterdam West. You won't be able to buy weed in the spice aisle at Shaw's, develop legal hectare pot gardens, or light a joint at a "coffee house". Assuming that this bill passes and is adopted into the legislature, offenders will receive fines and civil penalties if caught with 1 oz or less of marijuana in lieu of a criminal record.
Question 3: Dog Racing
Background: Every few years they try to ban dog racing in Massachusetts.
By voting yes: You want to prohibit dog races on which betting or wagering occurs
By voting no: You want local dog tracks to stay in business as is
Why it matters: It seems like the MSPCA brings up this ballot initiative every year or so. It was narrowly defeated the last time it came up for a vote which likely fueled support for the '08 ballot question.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Cooking with Pahkcah02
Being the phantom gourmet that I am in the kitchen, I "cooked" myself a tray of ice this evening. Putting unfrozen water back into the freezer required quite the balancing act since my tiny freezer is crammed with 2 lbs of coffee beans, frozen veggies, an entire chicken family I bought for $1.99/lb, salmon fillets, and a 20 pack of Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. It made me realize that at some point I may need to break down and buy a second freezer case.
Growing up my family, along with just about every other family I knew, had an additional freezer for storage. You see, Jews love freezers. While other families use wine cellars or lazy Susans for their sundries, any Jew worth their high holiday tickets prides themselves on having an additional freezer for perishables. Whether it's leftovers from a restaurant, 30 lbs of hamburger they found at a bargain basement price, or 6 gallons of homemade tomato sauce, Jews will freeze pretty much anything. Whether or not they ever actually intend to eat it at a later date doesn't figure into the freezing equation.
I'm sure that this mentality dates back to the old country when food was expensive and hard to come by. Back in Russia it was so freaking cold that one didn't need a freezer; they simply let their food freeze outside during the 13 month winters. One century removed from eastern Europe I find myself in this awful predicament of either buying less food or buying an additional freezer. Genetics has put me in a pretty tough position. What to do, what to do.....
Growing up my family, along with just about every other family I knew, had an additional freezer for storage. You see, Jews love freezers. While other families use wine cellars or lazy Susans for their sundries, any Jew worth their high holiday tickets prides themselves on having an additional freezer for perishables. Whether it's leftovers from a restaurant, 30 lbs of hamburger they found at a bargain basement price, or 6 gallons of homemade tomato sauce, Jews will freeze pretty much anything. Whether or not they ever actually intend to eat it at a later date doesn't figure into the freezing equation.
I'm sure that this mentality dates back to the old country when food was expensive and hard to come by. Back in Russia it was so freaking cold that one didn't need a freezer; they simply let their food freeze outside during the 13 month winters. One century removed from eastern Europe I find myself in this awful predicament of either buying less food or buying an additional freezer. Genetics has put me in a pretty tough position. What to do, what to do.....
Monday, September 22, 2008
How To Travel Like a New Englander (volume 1)
How to Travel Like a New Englander (volume 1)
1. When travelling, people from New England think it's their top priority to let everyone that they're travelling with know that they're from New England. They will often avoid anyone native to the area that they are actually visiting if it takes time away from their second most important task, which is seeking out other New Englanders. When meeting another New Englander for the first time, the volume of their voice escalates and they'll say things like "oh, you're from Bangor? My cousin once lived there!". Our new common bond re-iterates the fact that New Englanders will never have to wander the earth alone.
2. If lost in an airport and trying to find your flight, New Englanders know to look for certain clues. For example, if the majority of people in a crowd have about 100 lbs to lose before they are classified as overweight, they're probably headed south. If the majority of people in a crowd are wearing North Face jackets and it's 90F out, they're probably headed home to New England.
3. New Englanders think it's their God-given task to teach everyone our favorite game which is commonly referred to as "Fucking Walk". Don't know how to play? Here are a couple of rules:
Those moving walkways? Yeah, you're supposed to walk on those. If you want to line up and pace with 25 of your slow walking entourage, go for it. But get the ef out of our way when we try to pass you. If travelling on a wide escalator, stay to the right so people who are in a hurry can pass you on the left. Common courtesy, y'all
4. While travelling the East Coast corridor, New Englanders know that moving your seat to the reclining position is the most douchebaggery act one can engage in. This is not a trans-continential flight, people. It's a one hour plane ride to Baltimore. If you think that knocking the seat back will allow you a few minutes of shut eye, think again. Never backing down from a challenge, the New Englander behind you will prove that they can be just as much of a douchebag by kicking your seat whenever possible.
5. Sometimes New England travellers will bump into their closest travel allies, the New Yorker (tri-state, not upstate). Be very wary of people claiming to be from New York as they can be just as feisty as New Englanders. It's best to stick to neutral topics, such as different rules you can add to the "Fucking Walk" game (a big hit in NY) or your mutual hatred towards Philadelphia Eagles fans.
6. Once we get to our final vacation destination, it's important to let our presence be known. Aside from constantly reminding everyone from the bell captain to our massage therapist that we're from New England, we will also complain loudly and often that everything in New England is superior to what we are currently being subjected too. New Englanders will book a tropical get-away in the middle of February and complain that the weather "back home" is better. It's just how it is.
7. Sometimes we'll come to the unfortunate realization that the Red Sox or Pats are playing and we're not home to watch the game. Despite the fact that you're in the middle of Mississippi, you find yourself getting 100% bullshit that the local Bennigan's isn't broadcasting the Sox/LA game. Doesn't the bartender know that you're from New England? If you are fortunate to be in an area that gets the game, it's important to get wicked inebriated and of course, remind everyone that you're from New England.
8. Despite popular belief, New England travellers are not rude. We may not be unfailingly polite, but we are definitely courteous. Unlike people below the Mason-Dixon line, real New Englanders know that it's better to be rude and mean it than overly polite but not genuine.
Feel free to add to this list for a Volume 2 compilation.
1. When travelling, people from New England think it's their top priority to let everyone that they're travelling with know that they're from New England. They will often avoid anyone native to the area that they are actually visiting if it takes time away from their second most important task, which is seeking out other New Englanders. When meeting another New Englander for the first time, the volume of their voice escalates and they'll say things like "oh, you're from Bangor? My cousin once lived there!". Our new common bond re-iterates the fact that New Englanders will never have to wander the earth alone.
2. If lost in an airport and trying to find your flight, New Englanders know to look for certain clues. For example, if the majority of people in a crowd have about 100 lbs to lose before they are classified as overweight, they're probably headed south. If the majority of people in a crowd are wearing North Face jackets and it's 90F out, they're probably headed home to New England.
3. New Englanders think it's their God-given task to teach everyone our favorite game which is commonly referred to as "Fucking Walk". Don't know how to play? Here are a couple of rules:
4. While travelling the East Coast corridor, New Englanders know that moving your seat to the reclining position is the most douchebaggery act one can engage in. This is not a trans-continential flight, people. It's a one hour plane ride to Baltimore. If you think that knocking the seat back will allow you a few minutes of shut eye, think again. Never backing down from a challenge, the New Englander behind you will prove that they can be just as much of a douchebag by kicking your seat whenever possible.
5. Sometimes New England travellers will bump into their closest travel allies, the New Yorker (tri-state, not upstate). Be very wary of people claiming to be from New York as they can be just as feisty as New Englanders. It's best to stick to neutral topics, such as different rules you can add to the "Fucking Walk" game (a big hit in NY) or your mutual hatred towards Philadelphia Eagles fans.
6. Once we get to our final vacation destination, it's important to let our presence be known. Aside from constantly reminding everyone from the bell captain to our massage therapist that we're from New England, we will also complain loudly and often that everything in New England is superior to what we are currently being subjected too. New Englanders will book a tropical get-away in the middle of February and complain that the weather "back home" is better. It's just how it is.
7. Sometimes we'll come to the unfortunate realization that the Red Sox or Pats are playing and we're not home to watch the game. Despite the fact that you're in the middle of Mississippi, you find yourself getting 100% bullshit that the local Bennigan's isn't broadcasting the Sox/LA game. Doesn't the bartender know that you're from New England? If you are fortunate to be in an area that gets the game, it's important to get wicked inebriated and of course, remind everyone that you're from New England.
8. Despite popular belief, New England travellers are not rude. We may not be unfailingly polite, but we are definitely courteous. Unlike people below the Mason-Dixon line, real New Englanders know that it's better to be rude and mean it than overly polite but not genuine.
Feel free to add to this list for a Volume 2 compilation.
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