US – Friday, November 20
Shave and a haircut — Elliott’s $.02
You’ll notice none of America’s problems have been solved. Well, you can only blame yourself for not doing a good enough job of demanding the government act on the brilliant ideas I’ve been dispensing every week in Metro, the world’s greatest newspaper. Don’t bother groveling for forgiveness; it demeans us both.

 
The last of the original urban village
It was once a vibrant neighborhood, but was cleared out to make way for hospitals, hotels and upscale condos emblematic of a new Boston. Fifty years later, those that remember the neighbors and streets of the "old" West End are becoming as scarce as the landmarks of their youth.
 
First drop in Mass. jobless rate since ’07
The state unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent in October, marking the first decline in over two years, according to state labor officials.

 
Kids stand by as reform debated
Eighth-graders at the Excel Academy Charter School in East Boston scored tops in Massachusetts on the English and math MCAS tests last year, a feat that left principal Komal Bhasin and her staff both proud and motivated to continue their success.
 
These Orphans are not afraid to play with ‘Dolls’
Ryan Landry and his Gold Dust Orphans have long been having their way with some of the greatest films of all time. Finally, the men, women and not-so-easily-identifiable members of this ridiculously talented troupe take on the big kahuna of camp, “Valley of the Dolls.”
 
Exploring every ‘Avenue Q’ puppet
The fuzzy puppets that inhabit “Avenue Q” won’t teach their audiences how to sing the ABC’s. These mature Sesame Street-like adult puppets have real problems: sex, racism, morals and finding a purpose in life. 
 
Time to erase fourth-and-2
The Patriots sound like they’re sick of talking about it.
 
UMass heads the crowded HEA pack
UMass sits atop Hockey East going into the weekend. But not by much.
 
T time
What to do and where to go. 
 
Published 19:19, October the 29th, 2009
 

Hoods to haunt this Halloweeen

Police out in full force

With Halloween falling on a warm Saturday local law enforcement will be out in force to prevent the violent activity which has hit this holiday before.

Boston Police will have extra officers out starting Friday afternoon when many of the younger kids begin to trick-or-treat at area businesses. Later Friday and again on Saturday units will also be monitoring adult activity, making sure noted party areas are under control and the city’s hot spots are kept quiet.

“Being on a weekend it poses increased activity for us,” said BPD Superintendent William Evans. “We’re putting on a significant number of extra patrols...we’ll keep a good watch on the children early in the night but our focus will be on the adults.”

Three people were shot in Boston on Halloween 2007, and two men were murdered in separate incidents on the day before Halloween last year.

Halloween falls on a Saturday for the first time since 1998 and temperatures are expected to approach 70 during the day. In addition, daylight savings time takes place early Sunday morning, giving late-night revelers an extra hour of mischief.

 

Halloween weekend will see many people take to the streets for candy, parties or general mayhem. It is a time that shines a light on some of the pitfalls of a night on the town. So, in addition to watching out for ghosts and goblins, Metro wants you to be on the lookout for a few other things, this weekend and beyond.

Beacon Hill
Historic homes and hidden hideaways make this a ghostly neighborhood perfect for a Halloween stroll. But be careful where you step going door-to-door — trash and rats rule the night. Garbage day sees trucks try to drive tight lanes without clipping parked cars and the sidewalks are so thin that the bags placed there make walking treacherous. 

Trick or treat?
Trick: Wash any loose rat droppings from your kid’s candy before ingesting.

Mission Hill
If you desire cheap beer instead of hard candy, this is the neighborhood. At the start of every school year Boston Police officers target house parties in the area, many filled with underage drinkers. On one September night police made four arrests at one party, went two blocks over and arrested four more.

Trick or Treat?
Treat: Bring a big, sturdy bag so you can grab the beer when the party is busted up. This is going to be the best Halloween ever!

Central Square, Cambridge
Here you might get your tricks for cash and your treats in a vial. Despite many improvements to this once-seedy square, there is evidence it has yet to shed its past. Last month a lengthy investigation led to the arrest of 18 drug dealers or buyers here. It’s best to stick with the homes in nearby Cambridgeport.

Trick or Treat?
Treat. Central Square actually has a ton to offer. Just limit yourself to candy.

 
 
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MMMpod
The November MMMpod features interviews and music with a band called Girls, a band of girls called Supercute, and a supercute vampire. Yes, listeners, we have Pattinson!



 
 
Metro Life Panel