Aloha, George Washington?: Have you been to the George Washington statue in the Boston Public Garden lately? You know, the statue they couldn't pry off the pedestal for a simple renovation but still charged us the money (Hub Blog assumes the charge)? Shocking news: They've surrounded George with what looks like baby palm trees. ... Not making this up. ... Palm trees. .. I'll stand corrected if they're a species (perhaps indigenous) that this first-class 8th-grade biology flunky can't ID. ... Otherwise: What is this? Los Angeles? ... Now I know how San Franciscoans felt when they recently planted palm trees along the post-earthquake roads in the city. San Franciscoans were mildly revolted by the idea they were copying LA. ... Hub Blog's conclusion (assuming they are indeed palm trees in the garden): If they survive a New England winter, they deserve to live. Otherwise, mulch 'em down to pulp next spring and feature the remains on Victory Garden.

P.S. -- Anywhere USA. Ugh. ... Variation: Starbucks USA.  ¶ 8:47 PM