Favorite Tweet of the day: Union Guy, Teabagger & CEO

I thought this tweet from Greg King on Twitter (handle: @jimgreg) was so funny I'd retweet and share on my blog. I hope you enjoy it too.

You can follow me on Twitter if you like at Twitter.com/Bosguy.

I love my morning coffee

Taste of the South End - March 8, 2011

In just a few days one of my favorite charity events in Boston will take place, The Taste of the South End. As the name implies this is one of the city's many charitable fundraisers that revolves around food, but I think this is one of the best organized taste events, and the fact that the proceeds benefit such a wonderful organization, The AIDS Action Committee (AAC) is really a bonus. In addition to the participation of 40+ neighborhood restaurants, local chefs provide cooking tips and demonstrations. If you really enjoy food and dining out this event gives you an opportunity to sample some of the fare offered at some of the city's best restaurants. While it won't confirm if a restaurant has great service it does give you a preview of the type and quality food the establishment serves. If you arrive early with a VIP pass like I do each year, you also can chat with the chefs present before the event becomes truly crowded.

Below, I've included a two minute video from the 2009 event. It provides a quick preview of what one can expect on March 8th and closes with a shot of your's truly stuffing his face with a fish taco.


Purchase your tickets here

Pussy on the House

Pardon the title, but if it offends then you know you probably would not enjoy Ryan Landry's campy, in-your-face and outrageous sense of humor. Earlier this month I mentioned that Landry's latest play would be a twisted version of the William's classic, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Tonight I'm heading to the "Ramrod Performing Arts Center" as Landry calls it to see his latest show which opened last night. His performances in recent years have all taken place at the gay nightclub "Machine" which is the downstairs section of Ramrod (Boston's only leather bar). I only share this to provide you with an idea of the setting for his shows. I'm not sure how many shows I've seen from Ryan Landry and The Gold Dust Orphans, but I'm sure I've seen most. He's definitely had his hits and misses over the years, but I never grow tired of his shows or leery of attending. Ryan and his troupe of misfit performers are equal parts outrageous and entertaining and bring so much life and color to Boston's theater scene.

For those who visit Provincetown, this will likely be his summer show so if you don't live in the area but are intrigued, you can always see it if you come out to Ptown.

If you live in Boston - order tickets and plan a night out. Local theater needs your support and its a great way to spend an evening with friends. You can purchase tickets online here.

When the unthinkable happens, I start to think what if...

Like many, when rioting started in Tunisia in January, with Tunisians demanding political reform, I thought little of it. When the government was toppled I still paid little attention. However, when that wave of political frustration crashed into Hosni Mubarek's government in Egypt and ignited a political tidal wave of unrest and protest in a half dozen other Middle East and North African nations it was hard not to give pause.

These recent events have given me reason to conjecture and wonder aloud, "What would have happened if the US never entered into our "2003 war of choice" a.k.a. invading Iraq and overthrowing Saddam Hussein?" Would this current tsunami of political unrest topple Hussein? Its impossible to say for sure, but I would have preferred that scenario over what actually happened. Hussein was a terrible guy, but so are most of the leaders from this part of the world.

The former leaders of Tunisia and Egypt were American allies so we paid little attention to their attrocities because it was politically expedient. It's hard to imagine how amazing it would have been to support and encourage the people of Iraq to rise up against their former dictator and overthrow him. If it had happened, I'd like to believe it would bridge and embolden the political unrest in its neighboring state, Iran. Of course this is all conjecture and a lot of hypotheticals are assumed, but considering how the unimaginable has become reality in North Africa and the Middle East lately, it seems a lot less unlikely than it would have just a few months ago.

I just got off a conference call where I was tempted to try this line. However, I'm quite grown up and refrained. Can you relate?

Wholy Grain: new coffee shop & bakery opens in South End

This past Friday another cute coffee shop & bakery opened in the South End. The Wholy Grain sign outside claims it's "a little taste of heaven". I hope it proves to be just that because this place is nestled a block from The South End Buttery and across from South End Formaggio at 275 Shawmut Avenue. Both the Buttery and Formaggio enjoy a strong, loyal following, but that doesn't mean Wholy Grain can't thrive. One thing that might help it in the mornings is that it opens at 7AM (30 minutes before places like the Buttery and Flour).

This tiny little place has limited seating but serves good coffee (I know I just tried my first cup), sandwiches, scones, muffins and tempting treats. You can check out their full menu here. I'll be stopping by again (and I'm sure again). Check out the coffee shop and let me know what you think.

If you can find a seat (there are a couple of tables) you can bring along your laptop and leverage their free WiFi... Password is: WholySmoke (cute right?)

Heading to Dallas

Work is sending me to Dallas later this week for one night. I have only been a handful of times, and I have to say that I'm not a fan (no disrespect intended for those who call it home).

The business reason that is bringing me to Dallas is pretty cool so I'm happy to go (getting away from the chilly weather is also a plus).

I'm also looking forward to connecting with a few people who work in our Dallas office; time permitting.

Men of Twitter

I'm a fan of Twitter. I love how quick and easy it is to use and connect with people. Another perk is what I'll refer to as the "men of twitter" since there are so many handsome guys on Twitter. Adding to that attraction is the fact that they only talk in 140 characters :-)

Initially I wrote about @JLAppelbaum a couple of weeks ago. Tonight I thought I'd provide another shout out to another guy on Twitter who has caught my attention.

@JackBurke has a handsome picture with very full lips and a pensive look about him. I've been reading his tweets for a few months now. As it turns out he's a local guy living across the river in Cambridge, MA.

Weekend with the little monsters

I am an uncle three times over and the little monsters you see above are (from left to right) Jack, Abby and Austin. Periodically, we arrange for a sleep over to spend more time together. My sister and brother-in-law had tickets to take the boys to see Mary Poppins, which is currently at the Boston Opera House. So the entire family drove down last night to have a sleep over to make the most out of coming into Boston.

Last night consisted of a game of Uno (for the record Austin won), and today we spent a few hours at the Museum of Science. The two boys, Mom and Dad went to see Ms. Poppins this afternoon. Abby who is too young to sit through the show stayed at home with us and we watched a few episodes of Seasame Street.

After sitting through the entire show, the boys in particular had some pent up energy so we had an impromptu dance party where all three ran around my apartment shaking their little derrieres and grooving to the music before heading in the minivan for their one hour ride back home.

I've edited the dance-a-thon down to a minute of gyrations and claps.
Drat! After publishing this I realized that I meant to type Starring: Jack, Austin & Abby - not "staring". I hate it when I make mistakes like that!

Friday fitness update

Its been a few weeks since I last posted an update, but I have been fairly consistent about getting to the gym at least 2 times a week to get my sessions in with my trainer Stu. Actually, the photo to the left is Stu's picture. A few people have inquired which trainer at the local gym I use so I figured (with his permission) I'd post this photo which he gave me.

I'm pretty proud of myself for getting 3 runs in while I was in Puerto Rico this past week. Although I don't recall the details, I managed far better than my agonizing runs when I was last at this hotel in early December. Yesterday (Thursday) I hopped on the treadmill and ran 4 miles in 0:36:05 >> I believe this is my best time for 4 miles to date.

Today, Friday Feb. 18th is my first day back in the gym since Wednesday Feb 9th (the day before I left on vacation). Stu had me focus on chest and triceps. My previous work out last week we did the same and I set a new personal record for dumbbell presses. Today I beat my personal best from a week ago by 10lbs lifting 90lb dumbbells. Since prior to working out with Stu I had no idea what a dumbbell press was, I've included a photograph below that I found on the web.

I want to continue to build muscle and tone my upper body. To do this, I'll need to continue lifting heavier weights, but I think I'm going to have to lift lower weights w/ higher reps when I go to the gym on my own to build in that definition. I'm hoping that my continued running will help me shave off some of my belly before the really nice weather arrives. We'll see. If you are working out or just trying to get into a routine in time for spring / summer give me a shout. I get inspired by talking to other guys who are also struggling to get fit. What's the saying? "Misery enjoys company".

Flat Dumbbell Presses

Street sign on Tremont Street

Words to live by

Learning to speak "Boston"

People not born in or near Boston often get confused by a native's accent and although I've successfully tamed my Boston accent (for the most part) my word choices are a dead give-away for anyone familiar with what I like to refer to as "Boston SLANGuage".

If you're not from the area you most likely would refer to this first image as a "fountain" or possibly "water fountain". However, you are terribly incorrect in calling this anything but a "bubbler" or if you want to be gauche, bubblah. See the little bubbles of water coming from the bubbler?

Ask anyone in Boston where is the fountain and they will direct you to a water feature in the Boston Public Gardens, Common or maybe on the new Rose Kennedy Greenway. Below, I've included a picture my favorite fountain.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome, which could never be confused with a 'bubbler'

Yo Amo Puerto Rico

As I type this from my hotel room, I have floor to ceiling sliding glass doors open to have an unobstructed view of the Carribean. Soothing sound of waves crashing below have made it easy to forget today is my last full day here in Puerto Rico. The resulting rainbow (click image to make larger) is from a passing shower; the first since arriving. The weather has been as fantastic as the people watching has been interesting. Within the first 24-hours I snapped, tweeted and blogged about two couples in particular; #SluttyCouple and #DrunkUglyCouple.

WranglerMan left the funniest comment, "Where are you staying? It looks as if the hotel caters to the "Jersey Shore" fan club!" I can see how one might think that, but La Concha Hotel is a "classy joint". I'm imagining that's how the cast of the show might describe this place. In addition to these entertaining distractions there have also been a number of interesting gay couples we've met and chatted with during our stay. Its easy to spot these guys with their iphones permanently set to Grindr, Scruff and other gay-themed apps all furiously trying to identify some guy's profile who claims to be just a few feet away. Then there are the clueless, handsome men who have come to get away with a friend, girlfriend or spouse. Really who they are traveling with is of no consequence. I'm just happy to see them poolside and at the beach. They are like nice art; just by virtue of being here they make the hotel more pleasant. When I get home, I'll post photos I took from my camera. However, til then enjoy these few pics from the past couple of days.

Handsome Dad who played with his well behaved toddlerAttractive guy travelling w/ couple to his right; couldn't figure out the deal but was intriguedYoung married couple who sat next to me and didn't speak the entire day

Making the case for Valentine's Day

A Valentine's Day fortune just for you.
Whether you have someone special in your life or not, the excuse to take one day each year and dedicate it to telling someone you love them sounds like a pretty good idea to me. It seems like the remaining days of the year are reserved for saying some pretty terrible things to people so whether you are coupled, dating, or single, take a moment today to let someone in your life know how special they are to you and why. You may be surprised by how good it makes you feel; I can guarantee it will certainly brighten the day of the person you spoke to.

Pool day @ La Concha Hotel

Although this is not a picture from the hotel pool, I'll tweet a couple of pics and comments today.

I'm mixing things up a bit and after spending time at the hotel beach, I'm now going to lounge poolside where I plan to people watch, start reading my third book and of course get more than my share of Vitamin D thanks to the beautiful weather.

Today's forecast in San Juan, Puerto Rico: 84 degrees and sunny

Hola San Juan, Puerto Rico

I arrived without incident on Thursday afternoon at La Concha Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The flight down was uneventful (thankfully) and the first 24-hours have been both relaxing and funny. I've already finished my first book, Catch Me If You Can by LB Gregg. It is 200+ page gay novel that is funny and easy to read about a lowly art gallery assistant who's world turns upside down. I found myself laughing out loud on more than a few occassions while reading this easy to solve, but entertaining gay-themed mystery.

I'm inserting a couple of tweets from the past 24-hours with accompanying photos as follow up from my previous post, Off to Puerto Rico. The picture quality leaves something to be desired but I took these with my blackberry and the camera is only mezza mezza. If you click on the photos they should enlarge.

TWEET: Zoom in + see #SluttyCouple. Makeout session aside, he has killer abs #GetaRoom
TWEET:#DrunkUglyCouple who kept bumping into me at the bar last night. Yup that's her leg on him. #ISeeUglyPeople
For more entertaining "Tweets", follow me on Twitter at @BosGuy.

Off to Puerto Rico

I'm making a mad dash to the Carribean to escape this bitter cold. I want to remember what it feels like to have the sun on my face and be warm.

Since I bore easily I will most likely be tweeting photos and witty comments poolside / beachside. See below for some examples of my "Tweet Pics" from my trip to Puerto Rico this past December.

My alter ego, "Vacation BosGuy" is about to emerge, so check back and follow me on Twitter. I've included some Tweet pics from my last stay at La Concha Hotel in San Juan from this past December.

My handle is @BosGuy.
Tweet Pic #1 "Random Handsome Guy"
Tweet Pic #2 Hotel Bar (dispenser of all things rum)
Tweet Pic #3 "Random Handsome Guy"
Tweet Pic #4 Hotel pool & patio

US Census Says Same Sex Couples jumped 17% in Massachusetts

The US Census Bureau reported that the number of same-sex couples in Massachusetts climbed sharply over the past decade; rising 17% to more than 20,000. This is not particularly surprising. Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in passing legislation that protects the rights of the GLBT community (adoption rights, protections in the workplace, marriage equality etc...) As younger gay men and women have come of age - growing up in a socially liberal state where there is less of a stigma it is not surprising to see that many want to move in together or get married.

So despite living through long, cold winters - we're quite the gay old state. If you'd like to read the Boston Globe article link here.

Men of Twitter

I'm a fan of Twitter. I love how quick and easy it is to use and connect with people. Another perk to this fabulous application is what I refer to as the "men of twitter". There are so many handsome guys on Twitter. Adding to that attraction is the fact that they only talk in 140 characters :-)

Although I must say that I think I could listen to @JLAppelbaum (who's profile pic I've posted here) for hours if the opportunity presented itself. Does that make me shallow or a man of good taste? You decide.

@BosGuy

Sucker punched by Renaissance Hotels

Last week Renaissance Hotels announced on Twitter (handle, @RenHotels) they are offering a deal "Stay 2 Nights, Get Your 3rd Night Free" from February 10 - March 27, 2011. I was so excited because my partner and I are leaving to stay at a Renaissance property in San Juan, PR starting February 10th, and it never seems like I can leverage these last minute travel deals which regularly clog my inbox.

However, when I called I was told that the property we were staying at would not be offering the deal. I went from being psyched that we could save some money during our 5-night stay to disappointed and frustrated. It makes me wish I had not seen the offer. After getting off the phone today I blasted out a tweet crying foul, but I don't know if it will help or provide any satisfaction. Should I hear back from the Renaissance Properties, I'll be sure to update you.

Saturday's eye candy

I have to wonder if this mystery man has ever tasted ice cream or eaten french fries. I hope not because it would seem tragically unfair for one person to have such a handsome face, fit body and high metabolism. I hope he has someone special in his life, but if not I'm willing to offer myself as a surrogate.

Come fly with me

A little flight attendent humor. I hope you enjoy.

Ryan Landry announces dates for "Pussy on the House"

Ryan Landry and his Gold Dust Orphans are set to spoof one of my all-time favorite movies in his next play entitled, Pussy on the House.

Landry's plays, which come to life with the help of the Gold Dust Orphans, routinely take American classics and turn them on their head with bawdy banter that pokes fun at stereotypes. When Ryan is at his best, his shows are so funny that you leave with a bellyache from laughing so hard. So rent a copy of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof if you are unfamiliar with the story. Both Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor are so amazingly beautiful in this movie I promise it will hold your attention. Then plan a night out with friends and purchase your tickets early to see Ryan's perverse take on William's classic. You won't be disappointed.

Pussy on the House
February 25 - March 20
Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Ramrod/MACHINE 1254 Boylston Street, Boston
Cost: $35 General Admission / $45 VIP Reserved Seating
Purchase Tickets Here
To provide you with a teaser of what you can expect from Landry, I've included a video clip of the song "SuperEgo Blues" from his 2008 play, Whizzin.

Favorite Tweet of the day: Boston forecast

The picture attached to the Tweet is the same as the image below in my previous post. However, the descriptive Tweet is extremely funny.

You can follow me on Twitter if you like at Twitter.com/Bosguy

New England weather update

Image courtesy of Mom.
Click on the image to enlarge.