Curt and Shonda Schilling (Photo by Chris Pizzelo)     Christmas time in the city... Champagne amidst the twinkling lights... Gourmet Cuisine...top chefs including Todd English, Chef Anthony Caturano Chef Dante DeMagistris Chef Todd Winer Chef Gerry Tice and personal chef of the Schilling Family, Chef Brian Poe. Dancing with your honey to live music... Chances... Chances to win fabulous prizes including Celebrity Apprentice and Regis & Kelly packages... A chance to support a foundation with an urgent mission to educate consumers about sun protection.. A chance to contribute to the SHADE foundation to help eradicate skin cancer... A chance to get out the message that if detected early, there is a 95 % cure rate... A chance to inform everyone, and everyone we love, that skin cancer is la... 12/10/2008

Santa Claus Coming to Natick Common December 7th Posted on December 7, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image by Stéfan via Flickr Here comes Santa Claus right down Rte. 135… He’s going tree trimming on the Natick Common Sunday, December 7th, and he’s posing for your photos live!   Holiday on the Common is presented by: Natick Center Associates and Natick Parks and Recreation Hot chocolate and cookies are free for everyone! Come and make ornaments, decorate Natick’s festive tree, and enjoy the Holiday Fair! The fair will be from 3 pm to 5 pm at the First Congregational Church. Pictures with Santa will be available from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. The fee will be $2.00. The Natick Service Council will be collecting non-perishable food items and the Charles River Rotary will be accepting toy donations for th... 12/07/2008

"Single Lady" Gisele  Trains Patriot's Tom Brady to Beyonce Hit       The bride takes the groom... *courtesy Newscom       It's a long road back to recovery.  Full of hard work; full of highs and lows; you have to keep your eye on the prize. Superstar Tom Brady, rehabbing from a serious knee injury, is rumored to have whipped the old kneee back to  Patriot quarterback flexibility, as he got down on the proverbial one knee and said the words every girl dreams of hearing, "I like it so I want to put a ring on it."   Yep.  Our boy Brady is thought to be planning a March 2009 wedding to supermodel Gisele Bundchen.  The location is thought to be the wilds of Costa Rica, where modelling's highest paid runway walker has a vacation home. Could bikini clad bridesmaids with wings, as well as helm... 12/06/2008

  Monthly market performance: As of November 30, 2008, there were 90 single family listings in Natick on the Multiple Listing Service (MLSPin).  The level of home sales is consistent with the overall downward trend for this part of the Metrowest area.  Home prices have stayed consistent with 2007, reflecting some reality on the part of sellers and buyers.  However, with inventory levels at above average proportions, sellers would be well advised to continue to price their homes competitively, or else face longer days on market.  During November, 14 new single family listings were added to our MLSPin, with an average list price of $523,200.  Based on the number of active single family listings versus the number of sales during the month, there is a market absorption rate of 225 days.   T... 12/02/2008

Shoppers Beware…When You Need To Say Just The Right Thing Posted on November 30, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Ever been on a plane and had a seatmate who wouldn’t stop talking? Ever been somewhere when someone on a cell phone is talking so loudly you’re privy to the most intimate details of their life? Ever try talking to a customer service rep who’s forgotten that you, the customer, pays their salary? Then you know why the bitch slap was invented.   Card Front   During this season of holiday shopping, many of us will spend a large amount of time in parking lots and mall parking garages. The other day I returned to my car which I’d parked in a parking lot.  Correctly parked, I might add.  Smack square between the 2 lines. But the car now parked to the left of me apparently didn’t view parkin... 11/30/2008

An Apple for the Teacher?..Nope. For the Student! Posted on November 27, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image by via CrunchBase Everyone will soon be gathered round the dining room table, thanking whichever higher power the family subscribes to, and catching up on jobs, romances, and lives at college. Many college students began the fall semester with a treat which in years past, was commonly presented to the teacher by their students…an apple. Students beginning their fall semester at many of the nation’s colleges and universities, received their own apple treat…an Apple iPod of iPhone. The use of mobile technology in higher education is in its infancy. The uber connected generation totes laptops to classes.  But many complain that because of their heaviness and bulkiness, the laptops aren’t ... 11/26/2008

Natick Holidays Downtown… Posted on November 24, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Props to the Natick Garden Club for the festive decorating downtown that popped up over last weekend. Evergreens, berries and other decorative holiday elements were festooned on Natick businesses by the Garden Club members in conjunction with the Natick Center Associates. JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy     Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of  Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities.  www.johnprescott.net JOHN PRESCOTT Vice President Century 21 Commonwealth 508-523-9252   BostonKayakGuy…The MetWest Scene 11/24/2008

Thanksgiving… the Start of the Guest Bedroom Busy Season   Procrastination… Many of us suffer from it. We put things off. And now the holidays are upon us.  The tasks are endless.  We have so much to do.  And so little time. Family and friends are soon to descend upon us. Are you ready? Well according to this report, when the clock is just 72 hours away from Turkey Day, over 76% of GUEST BEDROOM PURCHASES ARE MADE! That’s right…on Monday many of you will be dashing out to purchase mattresses, bedding, lamps and other essentials designed to accommodate your guests for their holiday visits. So here’s a reminder…go take a look at your guest bedroom facilities.  Determine if your guest will feel comfortable and appreciated. If you were the guest, would your every need be satisfied? Comfy b... 11/21/2008

Did You Know?..Did You?…John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene Posted on November 19, 2008 by bostonkayakguy Image via Wikipedia A look at where we live today... As you watch this video, think about how this information affects your business..how you do business..how you will do business.   The latest in the “Did You Know?” media presentations…   During the time it takes you to watch the presentation, 67  babies will be born in the U.S., 274 babies in China, and 395 in India.   Other nuggets include: 1 out of 8 couples married in the U.S. last year met online… China will soon be the #1 English speaking country in the world …   Can you guess the amount of time it took to reach a market audience of 50 million for …radio? ..TV? ..internet? ..ipod?.. facebook?   DidYouKnow_300.wmv   Fasten your... 11/19/2008

Planes are more crowded.  There’s barely room for you, much less space for luggage in the overhead bins. You don’t get so much as a peanut.  You pay for water and if you’re flying US Airways then you don’t even get a movie! Fares are high and you’re paying an oil surcharge even though the cost of a barrel is about one half of what it was when the surcharge fees were imposed. So you’ve decided to stay home for Thanksgiving but you still like the idea of an exotic Thanksgiving…what to do? Well my southern relatives have introduced us to fried turkey!  It’s moist, it’s like butter, and it’s direct from the Big Easy!... posted with vodpod     More: Cajun Turkey on Today Show/Recipe and Video John Prescott's The MetWest Scene   JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy     Top Real Estate Agent for more... 11/17/2008

Everyone's been asking, "How did this happen?" How did the economy get to this place? The full impact of what the corporate executive teams were doing at some of the country's largest and most venerable institutions has astonished many of us. They took their companies, ran them into the ground, all the while taking multi millions of dollars and putting it into their own personal pockets. And the housing industry? Well this article in Business Week is a real eye opener.  It's disturbing...on so many levels... What has been going on in some areas of the mortgage industry is outrageous! Let me be very clear...this does not mean everyone; but rather the article points out the behavior of certain companies and executives who used the mortgage business for personal conduits of sex and money ... 11/16/2008

Walpole’s Izzo Show Derails Natick…John Prescott’s The MetWest Football Scene Posted on November 15, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Walpole 21,  Natick 9   Natick’s football stadium is old. Its field is not the type best suited for Walpole High School’s Ryan Izzo. But on Friday night, Nov. 14th, it provided the perfect playing field for the hard charging Walpole Rebels who outmaneuvered and outplayed the Natick Red & Blue in the drizzle. The Natick field morphed into junior Ryan Izzo’s personal field of dreams…a fait accompli! The scene was surreal.  An abundance of red defining the Natick fans while a veritable white out marked the Walpole supporters who appeared in puffy clouds of baby powder. An ethereal aura surrounding a strong offensive Walpole team. And out of the clouds came the aveng... 11/14/2008

Showdown for Herget...John Prescott's The MetWest Football Scene Posted on November 12, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image via Wikipedia The Natick High School Red & Blue kicks off against fellow undefeated Walpole High School on Friday, November 14th. This is sure to be an awesome game you won’t want to miss … Boston Globe High School Sports blogger Chris Forsberg will be broadcasting live from the game.   Click here if you want a personal reminder…   Title: Walpole at Natick Date: Friday November 14, 2008 Time: 7:00PM EST JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy     Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of  Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities.  www.johnprescott.net   BostonKayakGuy…The MetWest Scene 11/12/2008

Wipeout…You Can Survive… Posted on November 11, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  BostonKayakGuy has been known to surf some pretty awesome waves in his kayak. But Kerby Brown, an Australian who was seeking the “biggest” wave for an Oakley Surfing Life Big Wave Awards competition, found himself riding an incredible 40+ foot monster, located at a secret reef location. When his board went out from under him, Brown was catapulted into the deepest, blackest pounding of his life. He went so deep under what he calls the “evil” wave, he didn’t think he’d surface.  But surface he did, straight to his brother Courtney who hauled him onto the jetski, torn shoulder muscles not withstanding. The visual of his ride is just stunning… 40 Ft Monster Wave     Kerby Brown Big Wave Awards Entry from Australia’s Sur... 11/11/2008

Dover-Sherborn Demolishes Ashland: John Prescott's The Metwest Scene bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com — With the end of the season just a few games away, Dover-Sherborn High School just demolished Ashland High School on Ashland ’s home field. (more) Bostonkayakguy...John Prescott's The MetWest Scene   Natick HS Dominates Weymouth…John Prescott’s MetWest Scene bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com — The Natick High School football team continues its dominating juggernaut to the Herget title with its recent win over Weymouth. The Red and Blue, with just 2 games to go, has won every gridiron matchup this season. The Red and Blue, with just 2 games to go, has won every gridiron matchup this season.   Walpole HS Wallops Needham High School…John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com — ... 11/10/2008

Natick Resident Appointed...John Prescott's The MetWest Scene   bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com — Gov. Deval Patrick has been one busy guy this week. Amidst rumors of heading to D.C. with the next administration, Patrick appointed several MetWest players to key roles. Massport and the Task Force on Public Integrity - one group is looking at ethics, the other is known for not playing by the rules... (more) BostonKayakGuy...John Prescott's The MetWest Scene * Update: Turnpike Meeting Today; Information Withheld from Members?/Boston Herald   **Update: Word has it that Gov Patrick will officially announce plans to dismantle Turnpike Authority and organize Turnpike operations under the Mass. Highway Dept.  Plans to hike tolls are underway.  For more: Massport Plans To Be Announced/Fox News   J... 11/10/2008

Natick HS Dominates Weymouth…John Prescott’s The MetWest Football Scene Posted on November 9, 2008 by bostonkayakguy | Edit The Natick High School football continues its dominating juggernaut to the Herget title with its recent win over Weymouth. The Red and Blue, with just 2 games to go, has won every gridiron matchup this season. This week’s game against Weymouth High School was no exception. Played at Weymouth, the final score was: Natick 21,   Weymouth  7 JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy     Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of  Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities.  www.johnprescott.net JOHN PRESCOTT Vice President Century 21 Commonwealth 508-523-9252   BostonKayakGuy…The MetWest S... 11/09/2008

     As of October 31, 2008, there were 103 single family listings in Natick on the Multiple Listing Service (MLSPin).  Sales of single family homes are down almost 20% for the year, with on- going price adjustments to existing inventory.  During October, 23 additional single family listings were added to our MLSPin, (5 of which were back on market) with an average list price of $559,161.  Based on the number of active single family listings versus the number of sales during the month, there is a market absorption rate of 5.42 months.   That is to say, based on the volume of sales during the past month, it will take 5.42 months to sell all the single family homes currently sitting on the Natick market. The average list price is $635,066.  The lowest price is $158,888 and the highest pri... 11/08/2008

Geeks Vote Too… Posted on November 3, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  The fevered pitch surrounding the presidential election has affected all of us. You can’t turn on the TV or radio, pick up a newspaper, or look at the internet without being accosted by the media and its pundits regarding who would, should, will, or won’t win. Studies are being quoted incessantly and voting behavior is being analyzed every which way. So it’s no surprise that the scientific bloggers are as passionate about predicting who will win and why as the rest of the country. Facial Impressions Matter The Fact of the Irrational Voter on Gene Expression provides some interesting data supporting the conclusion that voters do not necessarily select their candidates for rational reasons, i.e.  who is the best person for the ... 11/03/2008

Caribou Barbie No Match for American Girl Doll!…John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene Posted on November 1, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image by Getty Images via Daylife “Caribou Barbie” may be the smash hit of Saturday Night Live, but in Natick, the opening of the smashing new American Girl Doll Store at the Natick Collection has young women everywhere preparing to make their own contribution to jump starting the economy. One of only six stores in the country, American Girl’s newest showcase is 21,000 square feet of girlhood nirvana. Just think…the doll hair salon where dolls get “the attention they deserve”, ear piercing available for doll fans, the bistro, and yummy dessert bar…just waiting for the squeals of delight from the hordes of young girls who collect the series of dolls manufacture... 10/31/2008