In case you weren't aware it's City of Boston annual dog licensing time again. Dig out your files from the vet, complete and send in the dog license application. April 1 marks the beginning of the new licensing year.

Let's face it, towing is a facet of city life for those of us who park on streets throughout Boston and cannot always be mindful of what day of the week street sweeping is or, which side is "safe" today.

For the past several years the area immediately to east of the Boston Common has held several seemingly competing and confusing names.