O’Donnell summed up just how astonished he was that he had actually lived so close to Bulger for so many years in California:

“Whitey Bulger, the most wanted man in Boston history, and the most hated gangster in Boston history, was found within walking distance of my home in Santa Monica, California. It turns out I was living closer to Whitey during his fugitive years than I was when he was a free man in South Boston. Whitey’s been living there for exactly the same amount of time as I have–fifteen years. I’ve driven by his apartment more times than I can count. I’ve walked past it. And I may have seen this couple many times … and I never would have realized I was looking at Whitey Bulger and his girlfriend.”

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How did we miss this momentous news?

The Earl of Sandwich, a Florida-chain, has won the right to lease the former men’s  rest-room facility. known as the Pink Palace, on the edge of Boston Common, near the corner of Tremont and Boylston. The idea of converting the long-abandoned building to some sort of eatery has been kicking around for a while now.

We got to say we’re a little disappointed that the city went with a chain, rather than going local. But what the heck.

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View today’s new Back Bay condo listings

The state’s Division of Professional Licensure caught some unsuspecting fake electricians in a sting operation involving Craigslist ads. Apparently the state office looked into some of these Craigslist electricians — and found a whopping 20 who were unlicensed and who usually demanded cash payments. FYI – you know who is a good source for licensed professionals? Realtors! No kidding.

The Feds are going after illegal roadside billboard signs in Boston. Note how many of them appear to be along the new Big Dig route.

And the sign said long-haired hippie sign freaks need not apply …

Couldn’t help but notice yesterday that an article in Boston.com’s “Your Town” (um…section?) waxed poetic about the $1.5 million makeover of the Brewer Fountain area and never once mentioned that this area is a well-known hangout for the homeless. Not that anyone is willing to admit the whole point of the renovation is to make the area less scruffy and by “less scruffy” we mean less homeless. Oh no. Heaven forbid.

Plans include replacing concrete with granite in the “plaza” around the Brewer Fountain, tables, chairs, umbrellas, new tree plantings, and a “reading room” which isn’t a a room at all but a couple of book carts. Apparently someone will be playing music on an electric piano too.