In Style…In Wellesley…John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene Posted on November 6, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Headwear svengali Laura Kranitz is highlighted on “In Style” Magazine’s Stylelist. Laura Kranitz Headpieces Her exotic headpieces are known for their beauty and attention grabbing components. Kranitz has expanded into ravishing jewelery design, but dramatic headwear will always be her “first” love. If you want to catch these beauties in person, Grettaluxe has been known to sometimes offer these glamorous tributes to the fashionable retro era in their Wellesley boutique. And don’t forget to catch tres chic Gretta Monahan, owner of Grettaluxe and Grettacole, on Bravo’s Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, every Thursday at 10 pm on the Bravo network. The first show was just soso, but watching the ... 11/06/2008

Even Sweat Equity Is Devalued in These Tough Economic Times bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com — According to a recently released study, the condition of the home is of paramount concern to first-time buyers. Buyers are looking for lower home prices for pristine homes, because today ’s buyers have much higher expectations for where they’re going to choose to put their real estate dollars. And it's not just first-time buyers who feel this way... BostonKayakGuy...John Prescott's The MetWest Scene 11/04/2008

Calling All Weston, Wellesley, Natick, Needham Commuters.. Sent from Massachusetts Turnpike Authority   Beyonce sang it in her song “Irreplaceable” when she crooned..”to the left, to the left,” and now the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is singing the same tune for the Weston Toll Plaza.   A reconfiguring of the toll lanes in Weston will have Fast Lane commuter lanes to the left.  Middle lanes will be for cash only drivers.  We’re told that all lanes will be clearly marked and easy to navigate. Fastlane left             The changes will be worked on over the weekend and commuters on Monday, November 3rd should be the first to determine if life has become any easier on the Mass Turnpike. “To the left, to the left…” More: Mass Pike News/MassPike.com   Toll Plaza Changes/WickedLocal.com... 10/30/2008

I’m Looking At The Man in the Mirror..Anderson Cooper’s Top Culprits of Collapse..And He’s Naming Names..#1 Culprit.. Posted on October 30, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Naming Names:  Anderson Cooper’s Top Culprits of the Collapse unveiled the most important culprit according to this CNN report and that culprit is someone you have the utmost respect for:...yourself! That’s right…you, me, and joe the plumber… CNN and Anderson Cooper 360 have named “we the people” as one of the Top Culprits of the Collapse… Culprits of the Collapse - #1 You “So who is to blame for this financial fiasco? That’s the question we’ve begun investigating. We’ve put together a list of the Ten Most Wanted: Culprits of the Collapse. #1 Culprit… This time we look at you, the consumer.” - Anderson Cooper 360   Culprits ... 10/29/2008

John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene   Posted on October 26, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image via Wikipedia The Boston Globe ran an interesting letter to the editor the other day. Kate Martin of Wellesley makes the case for a loosening of Massachusetts laws pertaining to teen drinking and host liability. Following the recent death of a Plainville teen who had been at a drinking party, Martin feels that the age of drinking should be lowered.  She also advocates changing liability laws that hold adults responsible for underage teens drinking on their property. Martin feels these steps would help to ensure that teenagers sneaking alcohol would not end up in a similar situation as the young woman, Taylor Meyer, who reportedly drowned last week after wandering away from a drinking party in an unf... 10/26/2008

Date Night Wellesley Posted on October 25, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  This week’s Date Night Wellesley comes courtesy of:   The Swellesley Report: “Villains & Vixens,” A Musical Fundraiser to Benefit the Newton Country Players.  This theatre event will be held  Saturday 10/25 at Mass Bay Community College, Oakland St. Wellesley.  Tickets are $20.  More information: The Swellesley Report or Newton Country Players.   Wellesley Townsman Blog - Anne-Marie Smolski “Like organ music? Head over to Houghton Chapel at Wellesley College for the Wellesley College Concert Series. On Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m., James Davis Christie will perform. The program will feature the Fisk meantone organ. Concerts are free and are open to the public. Info: 781-283-1000.”     John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene: I... 10/25/2008

Wellesley College Event: Why We Can’t Party Like It’s 1999! Posted on October 20, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image via Wikipedia “As more and more people feel the effects of the current financial crisis and credit crunch, many questions arise. How did this happen, and what comes next? Eric Hilt, an economic historian, will talk about the historical parallels to the current crisis during the panel discussion “Donkeys, Elephants, Bulls and Bears!” Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 12:30 pm in Pendleton Atrium on the Wellesley campus. Economics faculty members Olga Shurchkov, Malhar Nabar, Joseph Joyce and Akila Weerapana will join him to address the consequences and causes of the financial crisis. The event is free and open to the public.” - WickedLocal.com As the causes behind the financial upheaval c... 10/20/2008

John Prescott's The MetWest Scene Rant, Rave, Burn Like A Star…Flame Up! Posted on October 16, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Economy? Bailout? Credit Crunch? Or maybe it’s about the guy who cut you off on the highway, the rude customer service rep, or the long wait at the doctor’s office. Then again, it could be the guy who didn’t call you, the sorority which didn’t pledge you, or the professor who gave you a low grade. If life is throwing you curve balls or you’re just plain fed up, then take your rant and head to FlameUp.com where you can rant, rave, have a tantrum or pitch a fit. And in the name of social media, others can comment on your tirade.  If there’s agreement you’re being petty, off point, or perhaps acting spoiled, readers can “cool you down.” If your rant strikes a chord people... 10/16/2008

John Prescott's The MetWest Scene: Top Culprits # 7 …Phil Gramm On Board!   Posted on October 15, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Culprits of the Collapse - #7 Phil Gramm It seemed appropriate that a politician take his place with the rogue’s gallery of Top Ten Culprits of the Collapse, so former Senator Phil Gramm of Texas now assumes the fourth photo on the post office wall! * courtesy MotherJones Magazine Back to 1999 where our U.S. senator spearheaded legislation which allowed banks to comingle with investment houses and insurance companies, which expressly went against laws in existence since the Great Depression!  Bill Clinton signed it, and the bill met with overwhelming approval in both the house and senate as perhaps the signature example of bipartisanship we’d seen in some time. (Thi... 10/14/2008

.John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene Posted on October 14, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  A prominent Wellesley College researcher, Carol Ann Paul, has released the findings of a study she conducted that found that drinking more than 14 alcoholic beverages a week, roughly 2 drinks a night, shrinks the brain. And how long did it take to figure that out?…  Just ask any college professor!   Anyway, read the Swellesley Report for more! 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 10/14/2008

Boston Colleges: Pizza by Gondolier? Food Delivery Resources Posted on October 13, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  If you lived on Naples Island in the Long Beach area of California, you’d enjoy many of the great perks of life.  Perfect weather, the ocean, canals, gondolas, and… pizza!     In fact you’d have the privilege of having your pizza delivered by gondolier! Naples Island *courtesy Joantri   Living in Boston also has its perks. . . and it certainly has pizza! You may not be able to get it delivered by gondolier, but you can get it delivered to your dorm room, office, apartment, or boat slip!   Perhaps you’ve just arrived in town… It  started about 6 weeks ago.  The U-Hauls were loaded, the tearful farewells were made, and the anticipation of freedom, parties, romance and…oh yes, colleg... 10/13/2008

John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene Posted on October 11, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Book cover via Amazon I admit to being something of a connoisseur of hamburgers. My favorite is a kobe burger with gorgonzola, carmelized onions, and smoked bacon. Blue Ginger Restaurant in Wellesley is known for its terrific fusion food.  But Frances Rivera of WHDH was able to get owner Ming Tsai to share his special recipe for Bleu Cheeseburger and Bacon Bing! Columbus Day Weekend’s menu will be sure to include Ming’s Burger Bing at my house! Blue Ginger 583 Washington Street Wellesley, MA 02482 Telephone: 781-283-5790 *Don’t forget to click on the video link on The Dish! Related Links Blue Ginger WHDH The Dish JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy     Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the rea... 10/10/2008

Posted on October 10, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  People are losing their homes. Some are losing their retirement funds. LOST And recently Wellesley College “lost” a multimillion dollar Leger painting that may have been thrown out in the trash.                                                                                      Fernand Leger Painting, Woman & Child And now it seems that Shreve, Crump and Low in the Chestnut Hill Mall has “lost” a pair of diamond earrings.  They don’t know when and they don’t know how, but they only discovered it when a gemologist told them they had a pair of cubic zirconia earrings masquerading as the real thing. A $36,000 diamond ring also has gone missing, according to the store and was replaced with a fake. Hmm……….  So THAT’S what the OTHERS have been u... 10/09/2008

 John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene Posted on October 9, 2008 by bostonkayakguy Image via Wikipedia Calling all members of the Wellesley High School Class of 1988! Don’t Miss Your 20th Class Reunion, this Saturday, October 11, 2008! And for a look at one what one of your classmates has been up to, catch this Boston Globe West update by Erica Noonan… Wellesley High School Class of 1988 Has Something To Celebrate Erica Noonan is the bureau chief of Globe West, and a member of Wellesley High School’s class of 1988. 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 Co... 10/09/2008

Posted on October 9, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image by the queen of subtle via Flickr Well, if you’ve been planning a trip to the caribbean before December 15th and are hesitating given the economic roller coaster of the past few days, there may indeed be a “silver lining” for your vacation plans. (Or if you’re simply feeling an overwhelming feeling to get out of town, then you’re in luck!) The Wall St. Journal reports that properties on several caribbean islands are offering deep discounts and/or perks such as resort credits, free breakfasts, and the like… 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.n... 10/08/2008

Wellesley has long been a home to female educational institutions.  Witness Wellesley College and Dana Hall School.  Once upon a time, Pine Manor had its roots here and Elizabeth Seton provided women with a stellar education at the site now occupied by Massachusetts Bay Community College. Wellesley College Empowerment *courtesy Elke Ehininger While the benefits of same sex education have been debated throughout the decades, it is apparent that these institutions have an illlustrious track record.  And the alumnae and students are consistently forthright about the educational environment enabling them to succeed and not be held back by gender. Sexism however is still apparent in society and we're getting front row seats to the sexist critiquing of Sarah Palin's clothes, choice of being a... 10/08/2008

Wellesley..A Radical History Worth Preserving..John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene Posted on October 6, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Wellesley’s Historical Past… will soon no longer be on display at the site where a section of the town of Needham decided in 1880 to pull away and create the new town of Wellesley. History buffs take notice!  The original town hall of Wellesley was the site of the Wellesley Country Club building across from Babson College. Sections of the Wellesley Country Club’s old clubhouse date to the 1740s, but what interests many history buffs is the second-floor ballroom, where a 1880 vote formed Wellesley as a town. *Photo Mark Wilson/Boston Globe While Babson students know the location as “Thunder Road,” history students know the second floor ballroom to be the site of y... 10/06/2008

  Wellesley 24, Newton North 13 Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at Wellesley Newton North 0 7 0 6 — 13 Wellesley 7 10 7 0 — 24 W — Casey Tanner 8 pass from Brendan Brooks (Manny Lubin kick) W — Michael Janney 8 run (Manny Lubin kick) NN — Troy Peterson 30 run (Conor O'Neil kick) W — Manny Lubin 32 field goal W — Michael Janney 7 run (Joe Khoory kick) NN — Ben Clark 7 run (pass failed)   * courtesy Boston Globe High School Sports 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   10/05/2008

Posted on October 6, 2008 by bostonkayakguy  Image by Getty Images via Daylife Calling all taxpayers! Barney Frank, the congressman with the faulty memory of late, has called a press conference for Oct.6, Monday at 10:30 am at Newton City Hall to discuss the federal bailout, (and perhaps why he’ll be bailing on future Bill O’Reilly appearances!)   [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAuOEdttjZQ&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&fs=1]     Bill O’Reillly vs. Barney Frank/US News 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   BostonKa... 10/05/2008

    Monthly market performance: As of September 30, 2008, there were 133 single family listings in Wellesley (including Wellesley Hills and Wellesley Farms) on the Multiple Listing Service (MLSPin).  We continue to see a strong upward growth of new listings coming on the market, with a few new luxury home listings being added in the $2.5 million plus range.  During September, 43 new single family listings were added to our MLSPin, with an average list price of $1,677,856. The average list price is $1,803,219.  The lowest price is $330,000 and the highest price is $6,495,000, with the largest concentration of homes (41.4%%) priced in the $1,000,000 to $1,999,999 price range.  Of note, the average list price for a single family home in September 2007 was $1,504,634. The median price is $1... 10/05/2008