If you’re driving to work an iPod, or any MP3 for that matter is your new best friend.  Customize your own playlist depending on the mood your commute puts you in.  If you’re typically tired in the morning, listen to music with a fast beat that pumps you up for the day.  If you’re commute frustrates you and sets a bad tone for the rest of the day, make a playlist with soothing songs or sounds such as the ocean or a cool spring breeze, you’d be amazed at the difference a good playlist can have on your day!

Want to save money on your commute to work?  Have you considered carpooling?  Organizing a carpool with friends or coworkers is a great idea for those of us that are on a budget.  With potential fare increases being discussed regarding the MBTA, public transportation is becoming more expensive than ever.  Carpooling is a great alternative as you don’t have to rely on train times to dictate your return home and it may actually save you money when compared to public transit, depending on your location.  The bigger the group the better of course, but carpooling with even one person can make a huge difference.  Think of how much you would save if you yourself only had to drive half the time, pay for parking have the time, and put gas in the car half of the time.  The savings add up and the more people you have the lower the commuting cost will be and who wouldn’t love that?

For those of you that commute via public transportation, this is a great time to accomplish all of those errands you typically wouldn’t have time for.  Been meaning to schedule a doctor’s appointment, reconnect with an old friend or finally finish that book you started?  Most people view their commute as a waste of time in their day but truthfully it’s a great opportunity to take care of all of the miscellaneous tasks that accumulate in your daily life.  Take advantage of this time that you would typically view as a waste, it may turn out to be one of the most productive segments of your day!

Turn your commute into your daily workout!  If possible and you live close enough to work, try walking or biking yourself there.  Not only is it environmentally friendly but it will get you your daily dose of exercise and some fresh air!

If you drive to work on a daily basis, try switching up your route once in a while.  Not only will this get you better acquainted with the city you’re working in, you may find a better way to get to work with less traffic, a way that’s faster, or a way that offers a much more scenic route.  If you spend an hour of your day sitting in traffic on the highway, try taking the back roads once in a while.  You may have to leave a bit earlier but for the most part it should take the same amount of time and will offer you a much better view than red brake lights for miles and miles!

Even though heading to work can be frustrating and time consuming there are always positive aspects of any situation that can help you make the best out of it!  Try utilizing some of these tips which are sure to either save you time, money, or put a smile on your face!  Happy commuting!

It’s that time of year again, love is in the air and Valentine’s Day has arrived. If you really want to impress your special someone this year, check out these upcoming events that are definitely more thoughtful and unique than the typical dinner and a movie date.
Want to really make it an evening to remember?

Odyssey Boston Cruises is hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise tomorrow night from 7:00 PM-10:00 PM. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, dancing, a chocolate fountain, champagne toast, dinner, and rose for each couple. Packages can be increased to include a window table or bottle of champagne for an additional fee. How can you beat the romance of dancing together on the Odyssey as you cruise around Boston Harbor? Packages begin at $109 per person which is a bit expensive but it will definitely ensure it’s a Valentine’s day neither of you will forget.  http://www.odysseycruises.com/Boston/valentines-day

Have a sweet tooth and looking for your fix this Valentine’s Day? Drop by the Old State House this Friday, February 17th for their Revolutionary Chocolate event where you can watch a demonstration of 18th century chocolate making, learn about Boston’s chocolatey history, sample some sweet treats while taking in a candle light tour of the infamous State House tower, and get a sneak peak of rarely seen items in the museum. Great for couples or a group of friends whether or not you are history buffs. The event is from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM and tickets are $7.50 each.  http://www.bostonhistory.org/?s=osh&p=calendar#upcoming

Want to romance your valentine and try something new? The Boston Center for Adult Education is holding a wine and cheese pairing class tomorrow from 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. Since Valentine’s day is about celebrating wonderful couples what better way to celebrate than with wine and cheese?  http://www.bcae.org/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=6991&int_category_id=0&int_sub_category_id=0&int_catalog_id=0

If you’re looking to party this Valentine’s Day, there’s no better spot than Venu in Boston’s theater district. Celebrate with DJ Hed Kandi, who has mixed private parties for Jay Z, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Rihanna. You and your valentine can dance the night away at one of the most popular clubs in Boston while rocking out to some of the best mixes. Doors open at 11:00 PM and tickets are $15.00 each.  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2920710925

Sweeping her off her feet is made easy this Valentine’s Day at the Cambridge Performing Art’s Center. The second annual Valentine’s Day Ball is taking place this Tuesday, from 6:30 PM-1:00 AM with the Boston String Quartet setting the mood throughout the evening. There will be a concert, dinner, dessert and dancing and guests can choose to purchase tickets for the whole night or simply come for dancing and dessert. http://calendar.boston.com/cambridge-ma/events/show/235500184-valentines-day-ball-2012

Single and ready to mingle? If you’re not someone’s better half this year check out the Bell In Hand’s 14th Annual Flirt Fest starting tomorrow night at 7:00 PM until 12 midnight. There will be a best and worst pickup line contest and see who will be voted Boston’s Biggest Flirt of 2012! Appetizers will be served until 9:00 PM and over $1,000 in prizes are being offered! Tickets are $15 each and an RSVP is highly recommended as this event is likely to sell out.  http://www.bostoneventguide.com/flirtfest_nominations.htm

Not feeling the love this Valentine’s Day? Howl at the Moon is hosting their annual Love Sux party and toasting to breakups. Celebrate with drinks such as the X-Boyfriend cocktail and Bad Romance Bucket while their dueling piano show is taking requests for anti-love songs. There will be games and prizes all night and there’s no better spot to celebrate your anti-Valentine’s Day sentiments.  http://www.howlatthemoon.com/dueling_piano_bar/2012/01/howl-is-anti-valentines-day-2/

Whether you have a valentine or not, there are events taking place all over the city this week that are sure to either romance your sweetheart or entertain all of you singles out there. Valentine’s day is about celebrating love and even if you are not currently attached to someone it’s still a great day to celebrate the love for yourself, family and friends so take advantage of the many festivities going on this week!

As an agency we have the benefit of running an application through different insurance companies to give our customers the best possible rate. However, sometimes the best rate may come from a company that some customers have never heard of. Unfortunately, this does sometimes sway their decision and result in them opting for a higher quote from a company that is more well-known.

However, just because you may not have necessarily heard of an insurance company doesn’t mean that they are any less reliable than the bigger names. In fact, choosing a small company often has major benefits that go along with it. One of the pros of a small company is that they typically have less clients, and therefore more time to focus on existing accounts. This typically results in better customer service because the person you are talking to is likely to already have a relationship with you and an understanding of your situation. It is important to understand that the reason they have a smaller amount of clientele isn’t because their performance is inferior to larger companies, it’s because they may not have a budget that allows for as much advertising.

Not only may a smaller company have better customer service, they are also more likely to work harder to keep your premium down. Larger companies have so many clients that losing one because of a price increase may not be a big deal to them. For a smaller company, the fact that they have less customers and no money to advertise encourages them to keep their customers as happy as possible. This could result in them putting more effort into maintaining a lower price for their customers in hopes of encouraging them to stay.

This is not to suggest that smaller companies are always less expensive, the price of insurance depends on each individual’s situation, however once you are a customer of theirs you may find them more helpful when it comes to maintaining the best possible rate. When the time comes for you to shop around for an auto quote, keep these benefits in mind if you haven’t heard of certain carriers, it may end up saving you more money in the long run.

If the cold isn’t for your and you’re looking to warm up a bit, head south to Myrtle Beach.  While the weather may not be as hot as Florida, Cancun, or the Bahamas, it’s still a great escape from the New England chill and there is more than enough to do!  It’s definitely more of a haul than any of the other destinations (about 15.5 hours from Boston) but is by far the warmest option.  There is plenty to do on the beach and a bunch of clubs to check out.  Besides the beach there’s also jet skiing, scuba diving, dolphin watches, casinos, golf courses, shopping, and hundreds of other activities to keep you entertained, DJ Pauly D is even making an appearance this year. http://www.celebrationsnitelife.com/spring_break_myrtlebeach.htm  Myrtle Beach has long been a hot spot for college students on Spring Break so you’re guaranteed to make a few new friends.  Because it is such a popular destination, there are deals specifically for students offered by the local hotels, clubs, and restaurants that provide huge discounts off of their services. If you’re willing to make the drive this is a great alternative to more expensive trips further south!  http://springbreakmyrtlebeach.com/

Whatever you’re plans are this Spring Break, these options will all ensure one thing, that you have fun!  That’s the most important part of Spring Break isn’t it?

Massachusetts Becomes… Massachusetts

February may be one of the shortest months of the year, but it is also one of the most historic, at least here in the Bay State.  The Patriots made history by losing their second Super Bowl against the Giants last night (not something many of us would like to remember), and President’s day will soon be upon us which we can celebrate with a day off of school and work.  However, today is also significant for another reason.  As many of you probably learned in grade school, Massachusetts was one of the thirteen original U.S. colonies.  What you may not know is that on this day, February 6 in 1788, Massachusetts ratified the U.S. constitution to become sixth state to join the Union. Although they were not the first to ratify, Massachusetts’ ratification message was the first to include a list of changes to the Constitution, some of which would protect states while other changes would protect individuals.  Ratifying the Constitution was an essential step in uniting the colonies as a nation, however only nine states needed to agree for the new government to become official.  New Hampshire was the ninth state to ratify, and it was decided that the government under the United States Constitution would begin on March 4, 1789, a little over a year after Massachusetts became the sixth state to ratify. On May 29,1790 Rhode Island joined the other colonies and became the final state to ratify the Constitution, uniting the original 13 colonies as a country. Of course we consider Massachusetts to be a state, but Massachusetts is actually technically a commonwealth, not a state, and its official title is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There is no difference between a commonwealth and a state, though there are four commonwealths in the Union, Massachusetts, Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Blizard of ’78

The Blizard of ’78 struck 34 years ago today. Massachusetts was covered in a record 27 inches of snow, which fell at a rate of an inch an hour at some points, stranding many cars on the highway. The storm had catastrophic effects, killing about 100 people and injuring thousands more, as well as causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Hurricane force winds and power outages furthered the extreme conditions. The blizzard is a far cry from today’s 50 degree weather.

The Super Bowl is a true American tradition, and this year in Massachusetts, there is an even higher level of anticipation than usual – the Patriots will face off with the Giants!

Whichever team you’re rooting for this Super Bowl Sunday, make sure you’re ready when you get behind the wheel. It’s not just the wintry New England weather that you’ll need to be prepared for – Super Bowl Sunday can be dangerous on the roads because of all the parties. More drivers are involved in alcohol-related accidents on Super Bowl Sunday than any day of the year besides St. Patrick’s Day, according to the Insurance Information Institute. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 48% of U.S. traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday are alcohol related.

The best thing you can do to stay safe is be prepared. Make plans in advance and include finding a designated driver in your game day preparations. If you find yourself in need, but without a designated driver after the game (and hopefully those drinks will have been celebratory!), there are many alternatives to getting behind the wheel. Call a cab, take public transportation, book a room, or if you must get home with your car on Sunday night, the Tipsy Tow will pick you, your car and as many friends will fit in the truck up and bring you back home. Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357), anywhere in the US and Canada, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to request the Tipsy Tow.

If you’re throwing a Super Bowl party, create a safer party environment by making sure you have plenty of food to serve along with alcoholic beverages, so no one drinks on an empty stomach. You could also offer non-alcoholic beverages as well, so everyone has something to sip on during the game.

Whatever your plans this Sunday, everyone at MassDrive wishes you a safe and fun Super Bowl. Go Patriots!

Photo by chipgriffin

Claire Danes leading the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year Parade in her honor. Image from http://www.upi.com/News_Photos/gallery_v2/Claire-Danes-named-Hasty-Pudding-Woman-of-the-Year/6205/?dailybrief

Awards season in Hollywood has begun!  The Screen Actors Guild awards, the Oscars, and the Grammys have all gotten the entertainment industry buzzing. This time of year is notorious for awards shows spreading excitement throughout the country, and believe it or not you can catch a bit of the action LIVE right here in Boston!

Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding is the nation’s oldest undergrad drama troupe and has been naming and celebrating their Woman of the Year since 1951, and Man of the Year since 1967.  The award is presented to outstanding entertainers and this year they chose to honor Actress Claire Danes as Woman of the Year, and Actor/Writer Jason Segel as Man of the Year.

Woman of the Year events kick off with a parade through Harvard Square, led by the winner herself.  There, fans can catch a glimpse of the celeb as she walks the streets of Cambridge.  Man of the Year does not get to lead a parade in his honor; however both award winners are roasted in front of a live audience at Harvard University before being presented with their “Pudding Pot”.  After the presentation, the show closes out with Hasty Pudding cast members performing their latest number.

While Claire Danes was honored by the group last week, you can still catch Jason Segel who will be honored for Man of the Year today, February 3^rd. Segel will be roasted and presented with his “Pudding Pot” tonight at 8 PM in the newly named Farkas Hall, with the opening performance of Hasty Pudding’s 164^th Production “There Will Be Flood” to follow.  For more information visit:  http://www.hastypudding.org/?page_id=36

• Are you a fan of Mexican food? The Rattlesnake Bar and Grill in Boston is holding their second annual Burrito Bowl in honor of the Super Bowl.  This event will bring together some of the top chefs in Boston and have them compete to create the best Burrito.  Each chef will create a burrito named after the city of their favorite NFL team. Attendees and special guest “referee” judges will determine the winner.  The event costs about $17 per person and begins this Saturday, February 4th from 1:00-4:00 PM.  https://poesburritobowl.eventbrite.com/
• Even though the Olympic Winter Games do not take place this year you can still get your sports fix by attending the 2012 Bay State Winter Games from February 10-12th in the Northern Berkshire region of Massachusetts.  Sporting events include alpine skiing, figure skating, and masters ice hockey competitions.  http://baystategames.org/html/bsgwww/wintergames/index.html
• Looking for an event that will get the whole family up and out this winter? Check out the Winter Family Fun Safari taking place Saturday February 11th at 1:00 PM in Milton, MA.  It is a free event and families can meet up at Houghton Pond before exploring the woods and going on a hike to Rutherford explore what happens throughout nature during the winter.  This is a great family friendly event that is educational and a great source of exercise!  http://friendsofthebluehills.org/?p=4139
• Salem, MA is celebrating the season of love this year by hosting the 10th annual “Salem’s So Sweet” chocolate and ice sculpture festival.  Admire the beautiful ice sculptures lining the streets of downtown Salem before stopping in a local establishment for some chocolate and wine tasting! http://salem-chamber.org/salems-so-sweet-44.html
• Want to really surprise that special someone this Valentine’s day? The Top of the Hub is offering a four-course prix-fix menu on Tuesday, February 14th from 4:00-10:00 PM. The event costs $125 per person (which does not include drinks, tax, or gratuity) and although it is a bit pricey the view from the top of the Prudential Building and romance factor can’t be beat.  http://calendar.boston.com/boston-ma/events/show/239027644-top-of-the-hub-celebrates-valentines-day
• Nick’s Comedy Stop, located within the Theater District of Boston, is hosting an Open Mic Night Thursday, February 16th featuring some of the most entertaining up and coming comedy acts in Boston.  Stop by for a few drinks and laughs to get your evening started on the right note.  Tickets are $12 per person and the event begins at 8:00 PM. https://openmicfeb.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn&nomo=1
• You may have thought pageant season was over after the Miss USA pageant last month, however luckily you would be mistaken.  The Miss Boston 2012 pageant takes place Sunday, February 19th at 5:00 PM at the Omni Parker House in Boston.  Contestants will compete for the chance to move on to the Miss Massachusetts pageant in June and will compete in interview, talent, swim suit, and evening wear categories. http://www.missboston.org/Miss_Boston_2012_Pageant.html
• Explore the nautical side of New England this winter in Provincetown and meet Delilah!  Delilah is an inflatable, life sized North Atlantic Right Whale that guests can tour while learning about these rare and beautiful animals.  There are only 475 of these whales left in the world and over 300 of those whales visited Cape Cod Bay in 2011.  This is a free event taking place on February 24th from 11:00 AM-12:15 PM.  http://www.capecodmagazine.com/Cape-Cod-Magazine/Calendar/index.php/name/MEET-DELILAH-THE-RIGHT-WHALE/event/8313/
• Before the start of baseball season and after the Super Bowl mania has come to an end, all of you sports fans can still get a taste of the excitement at the Golden Gloves Boxing tournament in Lowell, MA.  The event is held annually and takes place on five different nights throughout the month of February as contestants try to move their way up through the competition.  This event has launched the careers of boxing legends such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Micky Ward, and Rocky Marciano.  For ticket information visit http://www.lowellgoldengloves.com/3/online_payment.htm

• If you’re looking for a great event for young children, The Discovery Museums in Acton, MA invite guests to join them for free on the first Friday of every month.  This Friday, February 3rd they are hosting a special program called “Reaction Station: Adventures for Young Chemists!” Children will be able to test mystery liquids, powders, and more at reaction stations. The event runs from 4:30-8:30 PM.   http://www.discoverymuseums.org/programs-events/february-programs
• Want to showcase your poetry skills, voice, or performance skills? More Than Words is a nonprofit organization that empowers children  who are homeless, in foster care, or the court system to improve their own lives by giving them real world experience controlling a business.  The organization is hosting an open mic night this Friday February 3rd in Boston.   The event is from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM and guests are encouraged to sign up and participate in the performances. This event will take place on the first Friday of every month.  http://www.yelp.com/events/boston-first-friday-open-mic-night
• Celebrating other cultures can be an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family! The Villa Victoria Center for the Arts invites the public to come celebrate the Year of the Dragon with them this Saturday, February 4th at 3:00 PM.  Acrobatics, art, drumming, and dancing are a variety of the displays and activities being put on by these talented artists.  http://www.villavictoriaarts.org/performances_020412.html
• If you’re looking for a winter themed event for the whole family, the Franklin Park Golf Course in Dorhester is hosting a free event this Saturday, February 4th from 12:00 PM-3:00 PM.  Guests are invited to come sled, snowshoe, build snowmen, track animal prints in the snow, enjoy some hot chocolate and play board games. Sleds will be available for those that don’t have their own. For more information or to RSVP visit:  http://www.yelp.com/events/dorchester-franklin-park-snow-festival
• Boston College is hosting a Composer’s Concert featuring the works of composers Thomas Oboe Lee, Ralf Yusuf Gawlick and Christopher Willcock S.J., all of whom work at Boston College.  The event is being held Thursday, February 9, at 8PM at Boston College Gasson Hall, Room 100.  http://www.artsboston.org/event/detail/441519473/Boston_College_Composers_Concert
• Valentine’s Day is not the only holiday taking place this month, Mardi Gras is Tuesday, February 21st! From 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Artbeat in Arlington, MA is providing visitors with a free mask making project!  Masks are a Mardi Gras tradition that allow people to disguise their true identities which allows role reversal and outrageous behavior.  This event is open to all ages.  http://www.artsboston.org/event/detail/441515727/Mardi_Gras_Special_Treat
• MassArt Family Day is an event put on twice a year by the Massachusetts College of Art and Design.  It is open to visitors of all ages and guests are able to enjoy art-making projects (all materials are provided), guided conversations, interactive activities, and refreshments.  Gallery Education Staff as well as MassArt Students facilitate the tours, discussions, and activity tables where guests are able to discuss and gain a better understanding of the arts.  This event is on Saturday February 25 and runs from 11:00 AM-4:00 PM.http://www.massart.edu/Galleries/Programs_and_Events/Family_Day.html
• If you have an interest in radio or television, WGBH is offering ongoing free studio tours every Wednesday at 2PM and the first and third Saturday of the month at 2PM.  It is a 45 minute tour recommended for ages 16 and up, and you never know who you might run into in the studio!  Photographs are also permitted.  The tour welcomes walk-ins of groups of 5 people or less, groups of 6 or more must schedule a group tour.  http://www.wgbh.org/studiotours
• Boston is known as one of the most historic cities in the country, so why not spend a few hours exploring one of the most famous antiques in the city? The USS Constitution docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard offers free tours to guests every Thursday through Sunday this winter from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.  Tours are approximately 30 minutes and are recommended for ages 6 and up.    http://www.bostoncentral.com/events/tour/p1635.php

Remember, all work and no play makes for a dull winter! Instead of another trip to the movies, try taking family or friends to one of these educational and exciting events! Even if you’re on a budget, these free activities are the perfect excuse to get up and out!