If Boston had a wish list of things it would like to receive for gifts this holiday season, it might look a little something like this:
Twinkies:
For some, the fall of Hostess brand products was more frightening than talks about the Fiscal Cliff.
Sponge-cake-like enthusiasts were stunned by the prospect of possibly losing one of America’s most beloved sugary snack manufacturers.
Twinkies became such a hot commodity that following Hostess’ announcement that they would be shuttering factories across the country, the cream-filled cakes started to sell on sites like eBay.com and Craigslist for thousands, and even millions of dollars.
A bankrupt Hostess has been taking offers from those interested in picking up the companies tab after negotiations couldn’t be worked out between employees and executives, and one local Massachusetts man threw his hat in the Ring Ding.
While nothing has been decided, and the offer was more of a commentary on the way big businesses are run, the idea of having a local tie to the Hostess snack food empire is like having Santa Claus come out and confirm he is originally from Boston.
Bring the Bruins Back:
The above photo is self explanatory. Boston is a sports city, hence the term “Title Town.”
End of discussion.
But another discussion that needs to end, however, is the one between the NHL and the league’s players association over contract negotiations.
Whoever is behind blocking deals to get the players back on the ice needs to step out of the goal and take a seat in the hypothetical penalty box.
The lockout hasn’t only cost fans months of ice brawls and Canadian beat downs, it has also put a dent in the local economy.
According to Pat Moscaritolo, president of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, the ongoing battle off the ice has lead to the Hub losing roughly $850,000 in local revenue per home game that is usually brought in by the boys in black and gold.
Surrounding bar and restaurant owners said they take a huge hit by losing the customers that would normally flock to the Garden to watch the games.
Bringing back hockey wouldn’t only be a gift to fans, but it would bolster Boston’s economy.
A Better Red Sox Season:
I need to interject on a personal level here. While we are on the topic of sports, the greatest gift the city could receive next season is a better Red Sox performance. After the shake ups, the player shuffles, the swap outs and sinister moves (we’re talking about you, Youkilis), fans need something more exemplary than the less-than-sub-par performance of nearly everyone associated with last year’s team. Now, as I mentioned, I am going to interject on a personal level. I don’t care who is on the Red Sox. Put Mayor Tom Menino at bat, for all I care.
I just want fewer losses so that when I walk around the city I don’t have to pretend I’m in a bad mood just because everyone else is the day after a game. Because when you live in Boston, sports team outcomes are reflective of peoples’ daily moods. So this one is for me.
A Super Bowl Win:
See above last paragraph about the Red Sox. We have been through that twice already and are still feeling the effects.
Improvements on the MBTA:
This list could go on for a while. Where to begin? Boston would love trains that don’t smell like flatulence, vehicles that arrive on time, fewer break-downs, less crashes, later hours and the elimination of future fare increases.
Can we also get rid of the squeaking sounds at all Green Line stops (especially Government Center and Park Street), add underground phone service for all carriers, put some barriers up so people stop falling on the train tracks and stop putting advertisements in tandem that completely contradict each other?
That just about covers it.
Oh, and can someone please put an end to the odd-animals-on-the-trains trend? In the last few months there have been cats in strollers and owls at a few stations.
Since none of this is likely to happen for the holidays, if ever, the least the MBTA could do is give all riders a complimentary Green Line door like the one they sell in their gift shop.
To the T’s credit, however, announcing summer Commuter Rail trains from Boston to Cape Cod was a nice touch to the holiday season. Consider it an early present, riders.
A Little Snow:
Some would like it, while others don’t mind basking in the 64-degree December days. But most will agree that some flurries around the holidays sort of bring the whole idea of gift-giving and family time together quite nicely.
The shoveling part? Maybe ask for a snow blower this year.
Later Bar Hours:
This is hard to pull off, because later bars means you need later transportation options, and that is something the MBTA can’t do. The late-night hours are when workers try and fix up the tracks, clean up drunkards’ puke from the Green Line trains and make sure the tracks can operate (even if not very well) for the morning commute.
In 2011, state officials tried to tackle this issue, but it was stopped before it could even become a serious discussion.
In an ideal world, the greatest gift a city could ask for would be a nightlife like that of New York City.
If Boston can’t handle that, though, at least provide better late night food options for the people clambering out of local watering holes at 2 a.m. The sausage guy just doesn’t cut it sometimes.
Better Bike Lanes:
The city has dealt with five cyclist fatalities this year. That’s five too many. It shouldn’t take the death of local riders, in a city that deems itself one of the best bike-friendly destinations around, to make changes in the roadways and ensure safety for those traveling on two wheels.
While there have been some significant improvements in the last decade to Boston’s bike infrastructure, and a few great ideas including a glow-in-the-dark bike and a car horn for cyclists to help improve rider safety, more needs to be done.
What seems to be the most sought after street change to promote safety is separated bike lanes. There are some already in the Hub, but more would be the perfect gift to please a growing population of bike enthusiasts while simultaneously keeping them safe.
Improved Liquor Laws:
As the next legislative session approaches in the New Year, elected officials are looking at ways to uncap some of the states antiquated liquor laws to make it easier for businesses to open up shop in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth.
Other ideas that have stemmed from the state’s stodgy rules include bringing Craft Beers to local Farmers’ Markets, allowing hometown brewers to show off their product to a newer, broader audience.
Getting drunk and the holidays go hand-in-hand for many people, so this is a legitimate request.
The ideas are out there and are slated for discussion, now we just have to convince the paper-pushers on Beacon Hill to quit being Scrooges and make some serious changes around the state.
