US – Saturday, November 21
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 20:49, November the 2nd, 2009
 

What’s Menino done for Boston?

The mayor’s 16-year record has come under fire throughout the campaign from Flaherty, who has offered reforms of his own — such as dismantling the Boston Redevelopment Authority and creating mayoral term limits. Meanwhile, Menino has pointed to a reduction in crime, bringing the DNC to Boston and reacting quickly to the foreclosure crisis as achievements during his tenure.

Here’s a look at a few other areas in which the Menino administration has received both praise and criticism.

Development

  • Pro — The city has adopted nationally-recognized green building standards under Menino’s direction; the South Boston Waterfront is transforming dramatically.
  • Con — Allston/Brighton residents have been frustrated by how the city has handled expansion projects into their neighborhoods from Harvard and BC; the stalled Filene’s project remains an eyesore and retail void in Downtown Crossing.

Health

  • Pro — The administration has pushed for regulations on smoking in restaurants and banning trans fats, which health officials say will make for a healthier Boston.
  • Con — Some critics say that businesses are being unfairly punished amid plans to shutter cigar bars and prohibit pharmacies from selling cigarettes.

Education

  • Pro — The city is seeking to transform underperforming schools into in-district charter schools; the department has expanded access to AP courses and programs to prepare students for college.
  • Con — The public school system has faced criticism over closing the achievement gap, funding athletics and operating a costly busing program.
 
 
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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