Remember when everyone was talking about how 26-year-old hotel heiress Paris Hilton would be in town soon to accept her award as Harvard Lampoon’s Woman of the Year? Well, get excited — or not — because today is that day!

That’s all. I have nothing else to say except if you’re a Paris fan, try Harvard Square sometime in the daylight hours around lunch time. The Lampoon website advises interested parties to arrive early at the Lampoon Castle for the free public event since space is limited.

Oddly, no address is provided, but I’m nice and tracked it down: the juncture of Bow, Mount Auburn, and Plympton Streets, although many just say 18 Plympton Street or 44 Bow Street. You can’t miss the tubular, uniquely designed building right at the center with the eye-catching roof and striking purple and yellow door.

Otherwise, you could save yourself a trip until tomorrow and next Friday, when the real talent arrives in Cambridge, namely deserving Hasty Pudding honorees Charlize Theron and Christopher Walken, respectively. Now, their appearances will be worth the carfare and then some.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

According to advertisements placed in select publications, the in-store event will occur on the Main Level of the Downtown Crossing branch, with students from the Woo Ching White Crane Institute providing artistic accompaniment in the form of music and dancing.

Even better for true shopaholics who’ll only be dropping by hoping for some free ethnic-inspired swag — you’ll get your wish, as Macy’s is also promoting giveaways that include a special treat … while supplies last, of course.

More details follow right here since I couldn’t find any information about the specific Boston event online, including on the store’s very own website.

Join us for a colorful afternoon of history and culture in honor of the Year of the Rat – the bringer of material prosperity! Check out live performances by students from the Woo Ching White Crane Institute. Marvel as they interpret the traditional Chinese Lion Dance, an expression of joy and happiness during this wondrous celebration. This beautiful dance will be enhanced by soulful drumming, believed to bring luck to all. … And that’s not all, this amazing group will also provide festive folk music and much more!

Hmmm. I love the way the copywriters mixed in the description “bringer of material prosperity” at the very beginning of the text. In other words, don’t forget to bring your wallet overflowing with cash and credit cards in order to do lots of shopping after you finish partaking of the “Chinese culture and fun”!

But seriously, this kind of makes me wish I still worked in the Downtown Crossing area. If I did, I’d gladly take an early lunch and give it a peek.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Regardless of our collective ignorance, the world-famous, Boston-based restaurant chain Legal Sea Foods intends to make the most of the month next Tuesday when Boston will celebrate the “Legal” holiday called Chowda Day.

On January 15 from 11am–1pm EST, anyone who goes to the takeout counter at Legal Sea Foods and asks will receive a free cup of the establishment’s renowned New England Clam Chowder. The good stuff is only available at the Burlington Mall, Copley Place, Chestnut Hill, Framingham, South Shore Plaza, and King of Prussia locations, however, which means I’m out of luck with the MIT/Kendall Square branch within walking distance.

Moreover, greed will not be entertained, so only one cup per person. Of course, if you can make it to more than one location within the brief two-hour period, who’s going to stop you from having your complete fill? Just a thought…

Post from: The Boston Traveler