Despite a nefarious MBTA plot designed to keep us from attending the event, Bostonist was in the press row (i.e., the way back) for Friday’s semifinals of the Boston Comedy Festival at the Hard Rock Café. For the 7:00 show, the crowd appeared a bit slow to warm up during the first four performances, but once Jessi Campbell began to discuss her more and more feverish attempts to get out of speeding tickets, the......

While we don’t long for the days of having a required summer reading list, Bostonist has been feeling a bit inspired to pick up a book and actually start reading something not on a computer screen. Since we’re going to be “vacationing” in the city this year, we might as well read some books that are set here in our fair state. Here are some of our Bostonist staff picks for your reading enjoyment. History......

That [band] you like is back in style. Haven't seen you for a while, my friend. "That Gum You Like is Back In Style" -- CVB Bostonist last saw Camper Van Beethoven in 1990, across the Schuylkill in West Philly. We didn't realize then that the band was about to go on a 12 year hiatus. Having missed the last two CVB reunion shows, Bostonist couldn't wait to see the original line up back......

Harvard sends lots of people to lots of important places. Recently we’ve been watching John Roberts on his path to the Supreme Court (and how Romney may eye that prize). But there's a bigger Harvard-related human interest item catching the attention of the “House”-watching public. Dr. David Foster left his relationship with Harvard Medical School, after being trained and then practiced in the system at Beth Israel, to go to Hollywood. From Harvard to Hollywood?......