Mark Jurkowitz, <em>Boston Phoenix</em>
Finally, a worthy successor to David O'Brian. Sharp, hardworking, and fair.
Howie Carr, <em>Boston Herald</em>
Yes, he writes for us. No, he did not lobby for this. Yes, he deserves it.
Walter Robinson, <em>Boston Globe</em>
Of course, John Lakian would prefer that Robinson had stayed at Stanford a bit longer.
Boston and Cambridge Appliance Repair
In five short years, Tony Ginewicz's firm has garnered a citywide following with its same-day service and knack for curing what ails all major brands. 66 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, .
Arthur Friedman, <em>Boston Herald</em>
Friedman is cranky, petty, unlovable, and almost always right.
The Boston Ballet's <em>Don Quixote</em>
The most polished production of the season.
The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor
If you think Encore is all bright lights and spinning reels, you’d be right … unless, that is, you’ve taken the elevator up to its state-of-the-art spa, a 19,000-square-foot oasis that feels both ultra-extravagant and profoundly Zen. Before your treatment, unwind in the sauna, relax in the eucalyptus-infused steam room, or take a soak in the hot tub. For the full experience — and a welcome shot of endorphins — alternate between any of these hot options and the cold plunge pool. Your body, and your soul, will thank you. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
A toss-up between Boston's Ernest Starr and Cambridge's Pangloss
Both have an exhaustive selection, well-organized and easily accessible. Boston; Cambridge, MA
A tie: Dan Shaughnessy, <em>Boston Globe</em>, and Kevin Mannix, <em>Boston Herald</em>
Shaughnessy has done the impossible in making baseball fanatics forget Peter Gammons. Mannix has done the unthinkable in forcing Flutie fanatics to admit that Dougie isn't God.
Boston Public Library
Far more than a vast storehouse of books, the BPL has always been a hub for the community—something that’s only grown stronger in the COVID era. Whether it’s interactive playgroups for toddlers, story times and bilingual magic shows for kids, improv classes for teens, or book clubs and lectures for adults, the organization has harnessed the diverse resources of all of its branches to offer such a busy, varied selection of virtual fun each day that you’ll hardly find enough time to experience it all 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, bpl.org.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
From its historical digs on Mass. Ave., the BSO manages to cater to both Liszt fans and those who just want to hear what the Star Wars theme sounds like live. bso.org.
Boston Ballet School
Students in the classical ballet program have the chance to perform in the Nutcracker, but the school isn’t just for future Claras: Its inclusive approach involves classes for all ages (even toddlers!) and abilities. 19 Clarendon St., Boston, MA bostonballet.org.
Boston College hockey
The football players are better known for making book, and the hoopsters for celebrating at Mary Ann's, but Jerry York's BC hockey team brought the Heights its first NCAA title since 1949.
Social Boston Sports
Want to show off your three-pointer, or revel in the schoolyard-era glories of dodgeball? Social Boston Sports has been helping Bostonians tap into their inner jock in nearly every neighborhood in the city since 2010. And don’t worry if you’re not a natural-born athlete: There’s always SBS’s cornhole league. socialbostonsports.com.