March 2012 Issue
Feature
So Appy Together
Siri, the iPhone’s sassy personal assistant, was just the beginning. Right now, behavioral scientists are racing to develop a new generation of apps and programs that can mimic compassion, concern, and sympathy—technology they hope we will form relationships with, even fall in love with.
Ready to Pop
Spring bursts with playful sorbet hues and flirty floral accents.
City of the Damned
Crime is soaring, schools are failing, government has lost control, and Lawrence, the most godforsaken place in Massachusetts, has never been in worse shape. And here’s the really bad news: it’s up to controversial Mayor William Lantigua to turn it all around.
Department
Financial Genius— or a Fake?
Young, African American, and rich, Buddy Fletcher was a dream alumnus for Harvard—a Wall Street philanthropist who gave millions to endow professors and support civil rights. And then his whole world came tumbling down.
Hell Yeah, I Love My Car
The anti-car movement needs to get off its high bicycle and accept a simple fact — living in Boston without a car sucks.
Arts + Entertainment
Losing Cred
After 25 years as the city’s ‘it’ indie venue, has the Middle East sold out?
Culture Curve
This month’s guide to Boston arts events, from the rowdy to the refined.
Q&A: Nick Flynn
If half of what happens in Scituate native Nick Flynn’s memoir took place in a novel, you wouldn’t buy it.
News
Person of Interest: Julie Leven
She’s bringing the sounds of her strings to women’s and homeless shelters.
After These Messages… We’ll Let You Board
It seems CharlieCard ads are inevitable (the city is reviewing bids), so here are a few (fictional) sponsorships we’d rather not see.
A Rookie Year for State Police
The first class of staties in six years hits the road — without the power trip, we hope.
Fashion + Style
About Face
Age is more than just a number to the MIT grad behind the new upscale cosmetics company Stages of Beauty.
Hanging Tough
Taking aerial yoga for a (nauseating) spin.
Return to Paradise
Skipping town for warmer climes? Pack these fun-in-the-sun essentials.
Lofty Ambition
With a courtyard and acid-etched showers, the Chinatown condo is completely hip.
Restaurants
Tea Party
Tea’s been getting as much attention in Boston as coffee lately, which means new vocabulary to learn.
First Sip: Brick & Mortar
Central Square’s new bar pours out in equal measure classic cocktails, innovative new drinks, and generous bar food.
First Bite: Saloon
At this new Davis Square pub, it’s whiskey first, food second. And that’s just fine with us.
Dining Out: Area Four
Food that’s both fun and sustainable? You’ll find it at this new Cambridge spot.
The Roast Beef Sandwich
Whether you prefer a classic take on this messy meat pile or a high-end interpretation with aioli, these local spots do the North Shore tradition proud.
Snack Attack
Spots all over town are forgoing the foie gras toast and caviar for simple, salty bites like this truffle-and-Parmesan popcorn from Met Back Bay. But the puffs aren’t the only snacks making a comeback.
Locavore Liquors
To see how Massachusetts-made spirits measure up, we assembled a selection of some of the latest and greatest.