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Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Quoting Conan O'Brien, rogue sign in Charlestown compares Zakim Bridge to part of male anatomy
Advertisement 'I never saw this bridge growing up,' he said in the segment. 'You want to remind me of my childhood, make a shirt that shows my father knocking a hot dog out of my hand because Jim Rice dropped a fly ball.' The bridge was built nearly two decades after he left Boston for late-night fame, O'Brien said, carrying 'just a stick with a little bundle on the back.' He added that the design, completed in 2003, is 'very phallic.' On Wednesday, passersby said they hadn't given the Zakim, which carries Interstate 93 over the Charles River, a second thought — at least until they saw the sign. Declan Rose, 20, said he didn't see the resemblance 'until you mentioned it.' 'And now I do see it,' he said. Advertisement Adrian Lamar, visiting from Grand Rapids, Mich., said he passed by the sign twice before he realized what it was getting at. 'The first time I looked at it and read it, I didn't fill in the symbols,' he said. 'And the second time, I tried to make up a happy word. Because I think the bridge looks great.' Some Charlestown residents saw the sign as a source of amusement, like 71-year-old Hal Rudnick, who said that, in this day and age, 'we can all use a laugh.' But Rudnick admitted that the sign might make for some uncomfortable conversations on the busy span, which connects Charlestown and the North End and runs alongside the Freedom Trail. Julie and Adrian LaMar, of Grand Rapids, Mich., pose with the sign featuring a quote by Conan O'Brien. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff 'There's a lot of tourists here, and a lot of tourists got young kids,' he said. 'And now they gotta explain what [the sign] says and what it means, and I don't know if this is the place for that.' At least some think it should be taken down. 'I don't think it's an appropriate sign,' said John Pezzuto, 70. 'Especially when little kids are going by.' Pezzuto, who said he often crosses the bridge, seemed skeptical of the sign's message. 'I don't know,' he said. 'I guess it could look like that.' It's not clear who put up the sign, which looks quite official and at least somewhat expensive to make, or when. City officials did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday, nor did the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which helped build the Bill Russell Bridge. Representatives for O'Brien and for Team Coco, his production company, also did not return a request for comment. Completed as part of the Big Dig, the Zakim Bridge was hailed as an engineering marvel upon its completion. It was designed by Swiss architect Christian Menn, along with Miguel Rosales of Boston, as the alternative to a gargantuan interchange of 18 to 20 lanes, an idea that state planners ultimately abandoned due to community opposition. Advertisement Menn has since died; Rosales did not return a request for comment. Rudnick said that he watched Conan O'Brien occasionally but admitted that 'his humor's not my humor.' Jokes aside, he said he didn't agree with 'what it's saying' about the bridge. 'Tell Conan to get out of Brookline, come over to Charlestown, and we'll talk about what he thinks of the bridge,' he joked. Lamar, visiting from Michigan, suggested that the observation could only be made by a comedian like O'Brien. 'Whatever Conan tried to put into that, I didn't get it,' he said, laughing. 'Conan has some issues.' Pat Greenhouse of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Camilo Fonseca can be reached at
Newsweek
06-08-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
California High-Speed Rail Project Leader Defies Trump
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The leader of the largest high-speed rail project in the U.S. has said the project will continue despite the Trump administration's withdrawal of funding. Ian Choudri, the CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, said the U.S. "cannot just fail" in trying to use the technology, adding that he would continue to ensure the project remained on track. Newsweek has contacted the California High-Speed Rail Authority for more information via email. Why It Matters Years of delays and an inflated budget have damaged public and political faith in California's high-speed rail project, but the past few years have seen progress, with construction happening throughout the state and tracklaying set to begin later this year. Proponents of the project say that to call if off now, as many of its detractors in the White House desire, would waste years of advancement. That has not stopped President Donald Trump, a long-standing critic of the project, from regularly threatening to take away the federal funding that has been vital to the project's progress—a threat he and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy carried out in July. What To Know In an interview with the Central Valley Daily podcast, Choudri said, "The U.S. cannot just fail on high-speed rail." He added that any large construction project on this scale would take a long period of investment to bear fruit. "That was not done in one year or two years or 10 years," he said, referring to the construction of large-scale projects such as the Big Dig and the interstate highway grid. It "took generations, two or three sometimes," Choudri said, adding that the California high-speed rail project needed "national commitment." "The issues and challenges … were not about how we can build bridges or tunnels or embankments or civil infrastructure, which we have been doing in this country for 300 years," he said, adding that he "came to realize the challenges were outside of that." An Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train from San Diego to San Luis Obispo in Simi Valley, California, on April 6. An Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train from San Diego to San Luis Obispo in Simi Valley, California, on April 6. Getty Images "The [Newsom] administration and the legislature and the folks that I talk to, we would love to have also the federal government commit the same way. Yes, there will be criticism but … the healthiest thing to do is just talk about, 'Hey, what works and what doesn't?' And my job is to go fix that," Choudri said. Last month, the Trump administration officially revoked a $4 billion federal grant, branding the project a "boondoggle" and arguing that it failed to deliver on promises. Shortly after, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed extending the state's cap-and-trade program, which generates about $1 billion annually for the rail, by 15 years to 2045 to ensure funding for the project's immediate future. What People Are Saying Ian Choudri, the CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, previously said in response to the Trump administration's revocation: "Canceling these grants without cause isn't just wrong—it's illegal. These are legally binding agreements, and the Authority has met every obligation, as confirmed by repeated federal reviews, as recently as February 2025. "America's only high-speed rail project underway is fast approaching the tracklaying phase, with 171 miles under active construction and design, 15,500 jobs created, and more than 50 major structures completed. This is no time for Washington to walk away on America's transportation future." What Happens Next The California High-Speed Rail Authority is expected to submit an updated business plan and comprehensive funding strategy to lawmakers in 2026.
New York Post
18-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Behind the ‘boondoggle' of Gavin Newsom's high-speed rail dream
We're a long way from the transcontinental railroad. We built the iconic American infrastructure project in the 1860s in about six years, putting down 1,776 miles of track and blasting 15 tunnels through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granted, working conditions back then didn't exactly meet OSHA standards. Advertisement Yet, if today's rules and practices applied, the project would have been stalled for years somewhere outside Sacramento, Calif., caught up in endless environmental lawsuits. The Golden State's emblematic, modern infrastructure project was supposed to be a high-speed rail link between its two largest cities. Advertisement Don't expect, though, to see the equivalent of the Golden Spike any time soon, or perhaps ever. The high-speed rail project has been agonizingly slow: After about 15 years of grinding delay and cost overruns, not one piece of track has been laid, a record of futility hard to match. California high-speed rail is the West Coast's answer to Boston's notorious Big Dig that took about a decade longer to build than anticipated at a much greater cost, although it was eventually completed. Advertisement Now, the Trump administration is cutting off $4 billion in federal funds for the project, arguing that it doesn't want to pour any more money into a boondoggle. The imagined bullet train was always a misfire. The idea of high-speed rail has a nearly erotic appeal to progressives, who love communal trains over individualized autos and think cars are destroying the planet whereas trains can save it. High-speed rail is to transit what windmills are to energy — an environmentally correct, futuristic technology that will always under-deliver. Advertisement California voters passed Proposition 1A getting the ball — if not any actual trains — rolling in 2008. The project was supposed to cost $33 billion and connect Los Angeles and San Francisco. What could go wrong? Well, everything. Bad decisions about where to build the tracks, complacent contractors, environmental and union rules— you name it. The initial, scaled-back line is now supposed to be completed by 2033, and even that is optimistic. Elon Musk might put a man on Mars before Gov. Gavin Newsom or one of his successors manages to get even a much less ambitious high-speed rail system underway. The current focus is a line between Merced (pop. 93,000) and Bakersfield (413,000). No offense to the good people of either of these places, but these aren't major metropolises. In Northeast terms, this is less a rail connection between New York City and Washington, DC, and more a connection between Newark, NJ, and Bridgeport, Conn. Advertisement Passenger estimates for the California system have always been absurd. The fantasy is that ridership will be double what it is now is in the Northeast corridor. But as Marc Joffe of the California Policy Center points out, population is much denser near Northeast stations, it's easier to get around cities in the Northeast on the way to or from the train, and a rail culture is much more embedded in the Northeast than car-centric California. As for reducing greenhouse emissions, the long-running project is itself a significant source of emissions and the benefit of fewer drivers in cars will be vitiated by the fact more and more people in California will be driving electric vehicles. Get opinions and commentary from our columnists Subscribe to our daily Post Opinion newsletter! Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters Advertisement The original estimated $33 billion cost is now $35 billion for just the scaled-back line, and more than $100 billion and counting for the whole shebang. There is no reason that the feds should pour good money after bad supporting a preposterous project that doesn't have any national significance. California governor Gavin Newsom — too embarrassed to admit failure or too drunk on visions of European-style rail — remains fully committed. Advertisement In a statement, he said Trump's defunding decision is a 'gift to China,' as if Beijing cares whether people get to Bakersfield by car, plane or high-speed rail. The project has already been a distressing object lesson in California's inability to build anything of consequence, and there's more where that came from. Twitter: @RichLowry
Boston Globe
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Sweet choices at the six best doughnut shops around Boston
.bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Doughboy Donuts & Deli Photo by Adam DeTour for The Boston Globe; Food styling by Shiela Jarnes This place isn't about being fancy or punny. This is where you go when it's midnight and you really, really need a doughnut (warning: It closes earlier on weekends). Doughnut-making is even geared toward night owls, starting at 5 p.m. every day. The cake doughnuts will fill you up and take some chewing. Don't miss the glazed ones though — light and airy and best consumed as a precursor to the dawn. Address: 220 Dorchester Avenue, South Boston Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Kane's Donuts This modern downtown Boston doughnut shop looks the antithesis of the original mom-and-pop Saugus spot that opened in 1955 (five years after the first Dunkin'). As beloved as ever, you'll have to choose among 30-plus varieties. Doughnuts are larger than average and old-fashioned types are among the best sellers: yeasty glazed honey rounds, moist Maine blueberry cakes, and chocolate-coated Boston cream-filled. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free versions are also sold. Note: Sometimes one Kane's doughnut per day is enough. Sometimes. Address: 90 Oliver Street, Downtown Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Mass Hole Donuts Dan Parcell A cheeky riff on the unofficial Massachusetts state dessert, these cleverly composed doughnut holes are orb-only fever dreams with more ingredients than Market Basket, with varieties including crushed potato chips, candied lemons, churro chunks — why not? Here, no flavor is off-limits, and each one is aptly named for a local landmark (The Big Dig is adorned with a gummy worm, then rolled in Oreos crumbled to resemble pavement). Sweet but sassy: What could be more local than that? Address: 1157 Broadway, Somerville Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Red Apple Farm at Boston Public Market Wendy Maeda/Globe Staff There's no shame in visiting this authentic and charming farm stand inside Boston Public Market solely to buy apple cider doughnuts. They're made fresh year-round on-site at the market from a secret mix combined with its pressed apple cider. Soft and with a distinctive apple flavor, they've been perfected over multiple generations. There are other doughnut flavors available but, sometimes, simplicity is best. Available in mini and full sizes. Address: 100 Hanover Street, Downtown Phone: Find online: .bofbpic img { width: 100%; height: auto; } Union Square Donuts Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe Whichever location you visit, Union Square has the doughnut formula down pat: the perfect balance of sweetness, saltiness, and doughiness. Beyond the basics, it also thrives on singular flavors that aren't just a menu gimmick. Ever had a Vietnamese coffee doughnut? What about espresso martini or maple bacon? They also sell cinnamon rolls and an assortment of teas and coffees. Address: 20 Bow Street, Somerville Phone: Find online: Boston Globe Best of the Best winners for 2025 were selected by Globe newsroom staff and correspondents, and limited to Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline. We want to hear from you: ? 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Newsweek
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Adam Hadwin's Wife, Jessica, Has 48 Reasons Why PGA Tour Life is the Best
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When it comes to PGA Tour WAGs, Jessica Hadwin might be the people's champion. Wife of Canadian golfer Adam Hadwin, she's built a loyal following not just for her support on the sidelines, but for her razor-sharp wit and unfiltered commentary. Ms. Hadwin's go-to platform for this is her X (Twitter) account, where she's often called out the PGA Tour and even poked fun at Adam's bogey streaks. Last week, after a whirlwind trip to the John Deere Classic, she gave fans a hilarious, heartfelt, and wildly entertaining list of 48 reasons, well social media posts, why Tour life is the best. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 12: Adam Hadwin of Canada and the International team celebrates with his wife Jessica ippenberger after he and Sungjae Im of South Korea and the International team defeated Xander Schauffele of... MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 12: Adam Hadwin of Canada and the International team celebrates with his wife Jessica ippenberger after he and Sungjae Im of South Korea and the International team defeated Xander Schauffele of the United States team and Patrick Cantlay of the United States team 1up on the 18th green during Thursday four-ball matches on day one of the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Course on December 12, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by) More Getty Images Hadwin Family had quite the week The Hadwins' trip to TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, coincided with America's Independence Day weekend, and Jessica made sure to soak in every bit of it. "Not sure there is a more Midwest place to head off to to watch some golf and celebrate the birth of America than the John Deere Classic!" she told Skratch. "The JDC is a family-friendly event full of some of the nicest people on earth... it's a no-brainer to book a flight to a place that feels like home." But the trip didn't start smoothly. "Tragedy struck when our Monday flight was cancelled and we were in danger of missing the Big Dig," she shared. The Big Dig is a fan-favorite pre-tournament event where families can operate real John Deere machinery and enjoy a fireworks show. Well, in the end, it's Jessica Hadwin, so they had to make it there. "The Big Dig is essentially a Midwesterner's Disneyland," Jessica shared, "and we made it to the most magical place on earth just in time Tuesday evening to partake." By Thursday, the tournament was underway, and so was the heat. "It is hot as heck," she wrote. Adam teed off at 12:30 p.m., while Jessica wrangled their daughter Maddox and two teenage nieces. "Me and my 16-year-old nieces are unexpectedly matching in white tennis dresses, and I feel flattered until strangers start referring to me as their mom." As Adam battled through a frustrating front nine, Jessica admitted, "We spend the front nine ignoring the bogey train in order to get a full photo shoot around the course." Adam, who's had a rocky season this year, remained "eerily calm" despite the struggles. He carded a total of 73 in the first round. Jessica, ever the honest cheerleader, reflected over her husband's performance, saying, "Maybe he should bring back some of the anger fire." Still, she wasn't disappointed, just eager to see the version of Adam she knows he can be. The professional season has included just one top-10 finish, a T9 at the WM Phoenix Open and six missed cuts, including at the PGA Championship. One of the most touching moments came when Maddox watched her dad putt on the ninth green. "She seems so anxious to see the putt drop, it doesn't, and I feel sad that she feels any emotion tied to golf," Jessica wrote. "Despite my 'I just hope everyone has fun' mantra, it's clear Maddox is at an age she's starting to invest in Adam's job and play." While Adam practiced post-round, Jessica took the kids to a rooftop fireworks party hosted by the tournament. "I quickly realize I am the only person who brought 3 minors to the party, but we all have fun and the singer does a special little Bluey number for Maddox." On Friday, Adam's alarm rang at 4 a.m. for Round 2. He started strong, 3-under through 5, but faded late, missing the cut after carding a total of 2-over par. "With each bogey it's clear we will head home earlier than hoped for," Jessica expressed. "I'm already planning how we can get home and blow stuff up to help Adam blow off steam." And with that, she signed off typing, "Happy Birthday America!" More Golf: John Daly Toasts 'Bonus Daughter' as Love Life with Anna Cladakis Thrives
