In the latest of a series of similar gun rulings, the Massachusetts Appeals Court today rejected a Brockton man's argument that the Second Amendment lets him walk around with a gun without having to bother with the niceties of first applying for a license to carry.

Both the appeals court and the Supreme Judicial Court have repeatedly held over the past couple of years that our state's gun-permitting laws are constitutional and that only somebody who has applied for a firearms license can make a Second Amendment claim.

It's official: We suck. Boston Police report seven cases of post-blizzard parking-space vandalism across the city this week.

In most of the cases, tires were slashed. In one case, a window was smashed. In another, a plastic sawhorse was heaved at a car door. Two examples:

We learn that from the city's response to a citizen complaint about a potted-plant space saver in Charlestown.

Declares all parking meters free on Valentine's Day:

Whether you’re showering yourself, a friend or a special someone with love this Valentine’s Day, we want to make it as easy as possible for residents and visitors to spend some time and money at Boston businesses and restaurants tomorrow. Get out there and share the love!

Ed. note: Hmm, what about those of us who frequent business districts without meters? Will meter maids go around handing out quarters?

EVEN THOUGH, TECHNICALLY, LOGAN ONLY HAD 35+ WINDS FOR TWO STRAIGHT HOURS:

BLIZZARD CONDITIONS WERE REACHED AT MANY LOCATIONS ACROSS SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND DURING THE STORM ON FEBRUARY 8 AND 9. THUS IT IS SAFE TO CALL THIS THE BLIZZARD OF 2013 FOR SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND. CERTAINLY PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THIS EVENT WAS THAT IT WAS MOST DEFINITELY A BLIZZARD.

Casey being interviewed on her unplowed JP street today by Joe Shortsleeve.

For the February 8th Blizzard of 2013, Boston, MA I ventured out of my apartment around 6pm to wander the streets of Boston and take some photos of the storm, here's what I found going on in the city that night.

flickr set

Mayor Menino says the city's heard growing cries from snowlocked residents of unplowed side streets: It's managed to find extra equipment to clear roads:

Our number one priority today is getting to the side streets. Residents have been very patient as we work to recover from the fifth largest snow storm to ever hit the City of Boston. We are doing everything we can to get additional pieces of equipment into residential areas, including coordinating with MEMA to get federal and state resources. As our crews work, I'm urging drivers to continue to stay off the roads.

Neighbors for Neighbors Snow Crew.