Is the end near?

I've had a really good run with my blog and have to thank Blogger for making it so easy to write and publish content. However, for all that is good about Blogger, I've had my share of frustrations. Top on that list is Blogger's random hijacking of my photographs. You may have noticed in some of my postings a mysterious black box with an exclamation point inside a triangle - that is a Blogger censor pulling down that photo because it is deemed inappropriate.

While I'll freely admit, I've repeatedly exhibited low-brow humor, shirtless men and often times bad taste, nothing on my blog is inappropriate or pornographic so I'm constantly left to wonder why Blogger does this.

Blogger really exasperated me when they pulled a photo of my friend Graham in my 9/11 post this year. The photo I originally had on my post was of him in a pool looking up and smiling. The only thing naked about Graham was his chest, but the photo for some reason was removed. I've since replaced it with a picture of him when he was in VT (hopefully flannel is not too naughty for Blogger's censors). That action by Blogger really touched a nerve with me, and now I'm left wondering if the end is near.

The thought of figuring out another platform such as WordPress and following up with all the very thoughtful bloggers who over the past few years have placed links to my blog seems daunting so my blog may go quiet for a few days while I figure out how to proceed. All are welcome to comment of course, but if there are bloggers who have some insights or suggestions, I'd welcome hearing from you. You can email me at bosguymail-AT-gmail-DOT-com.

Are you friggin' kidding me?

A few days ago I was asked to sit on a panel in Dallas as part of the 'wrap-up' for the training that has brought me to Texas. I was flattered to be one of five participants to provide my insights in front of my firm's sales and marketing team and readily agreed.

However, I was irritated tonight when two of the panelists who are a bit more of the "cheerleader" variety sent an email suggesting we practice a serenade complete with some basic choreography (think Glee) for the leadership team and audience. Now to be fair, through out the day videos were included with actors performing numbers similar to what you would see in Glee so I understand how they arrived at this idea.

I am greatly irritated that this (overly enthusiastic) suggestion was broadcast so unexpectedly with little room for a graceful exit, and more than a bit distressed to read the email from the head of Sales (the gentleman leading the panel) saying "Fantastic". After reading his email I sent a carefully worded email requesting that maybe I should not join the panel. Let's see what happens.

FML (you can Google that acronym if you're not familiar).

BosGuy in Dallas

I'm in Dallas this week. I actually arrived on Monday for a week of training mandated by my firm. Although I was not looking forward to the business trip, now that I'm here its not a big deal. On paper it sounded awful - 800 of my co-workers and peers stranded at one of the Dallas airport hotels, but the accommodations are comfortable and its really nice to see many people I work with remotely on projects through out the year.

My blogging may be pretty spotty this week as I juggle training, travel and additional work responsibilities. Hang in there and I'll be back to my usual self next week when I am back home. In the meantime, let me know where this cowboy may hang out. I see a lot of people here wearing cowboy boots but most of them are a bit overweight (being polite by saying "a bit") and do not resemble this guy in the least.

Photo from Great Looking Guys blog

US Open: Novak Djokovic

The US Open started two weeks ago and due to the heavy rains from last week the Men's Single Final - normally held on Sunday was moved to today. I've been posting a handsome photo of a male tennis player each day of play (with the exception of yesterday - 9/11) and it seemed fitting to conclude these posts with the world's no. 1 tennis player, Novak Djokovic.

Novak has had an amazing year winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and rallied against Federer this weekend in the semifinals of this tournament to come from behind and win. If he wins today in NY he will have won 3 of the 4 Majors in the 2011 - an amazing feat and in large part the reason he has the no. 1 ranking.

I love watching Djokovic play not only because he is so gifted, but he brings a lot of personality to the game of tennis. He's clearly a ham. In the past he's been known to mimic other tennis players (all in good fun of course) and this year at the Open he's been known to dance after his wins which only gets the already loud crowd in NY cheering even more.

If you'd like to find out more about this Serbian who's game has been flawless all year you can link here. If you'd like to find out more about this year's US Open you can visit the tournament's official website, www.usopen.org.

You can click on the photo to enlarge.

Men of Twitter

Each Monday I post #MenOfTwitter profiles of guys who catch my eye and whom I think you may enjoy following. As always, suggestions for profiles to feature are welcome. This week it has unexpectedly turned out to be a nod to Boston.

Check these guys out, leave them a nice comment and start following these guys if you like their profile and are on twitter.

Dan_SEAC – I’ve met Dan in person and I can assure you that his obvious good looks are matched by an equally appealing (and easy going) personality. Dan is a Mass. native who moved into Boston a couple of years ago to open the South End Athletic Co which is a great store you can buy athletic wear, accessories and sneakers. In October the store will celebrate its 2-year anniversary – details will be on its facebook page. Dan can be seen around the neighborhood (when he’s out of the store) enjoying many of the restaurants in the South End. He also spends his spare time running and surfing which is probably why he’s in such fantastic shape. #ProperBostonian

Iam420n – This twitter account is dedicated to collecting stories about people who are fans of 420. In fairness, I should let people know the person behind the concept and t-shirt designs also happens to be my partner. I won’t gush too much about this guy who’s originally from Brazil but now makes his home in Boston, but I wanted to feature him once he finally embraced Twitter. Grab a funny brownie and check out his site by visiting iam420n or follow and read his tweets. #Woof

Sorry to only have only two profiles for you this week – promise to have the usual three for you next week. BTW if you like this post, retweet it. If you love this post, follow me, @BosGuy.

Link here to see past #MenOfTwitter postings.

My 9/11 tribute to my friend Graham

Its unbelievable to me that 10 years ago yesterday (September 9, 2001) I said good night to my friend Graham (pictured above). He was leaving for L.A. in two days, and we were to connect the following weekend so he could tell me about the trip which was a mixture of business and pleasure.

September 11th remains etched in my memory. I was unemployed at the time and at home so I actually saw the smoke from the first plane that had flown into the WTC, but my mind couldn't really process what I saw on the news. While showing live footage of the initial crash I watched the second plane (UA FLT 175 - the plane as it turns out Graham was on) fly into the WTC.

That morning was filled with calls from friends trying to remain calm but their voices betraying their panic urgently inquiring if I knew what United flight Graham was on and asking if my partner (a flight attendant for United Airlines at the time) was on the flight. My partner had been working that morning flight all month but was thankfully visiting family in Brazil.

Taken too soon and still missed today, Americans will mourn an attack on the nation that is for most fodder for political debate and indignation. For me the 11th of September is always about giving thanks that my partner was not working that flight and about the days that followed which included the unfortunate task of packing all of my friend Graham's belongings and shipping them to his parents in the U.K. who were too old to travel and too distraught to do anything - still reeling from the news that there son had died in such an unimaginable manner.

I won't be posting anything on September 11th. Its a day I chose to spend face-to-face with friends to remember how much I love and care for them. If you were impacted by the day or lost someone - you have my deepest sympathies.

US Open: Raphael Nadal

The US Open started last week, and the tournament is now nearly over. To celebrate the Open I've been posting a handsome male tennis player each day there is play.

Today, I'm featuring Spanish tennis player, Raphael Nadal, currently ranked no. 2 in the world. Nadal has been in the spotlight ever since the summer of 2005 when he won the French Open. Since then, he's been a regular at not just Roland Garros but at all four majors. He has an amazing game and was the guy who grabbed the no. 1 ranking from Roger Federer who had been ranked no. 1 an astounding 237 weeks.

Nadal enters the US Open Semifinals playing no. 4 Andy Murray. If he wins, he'll play either Roger Federer or the worlds current no. 1 Novak Djokovic.

If you'd like to find out more about this handsome Spaniard you can link here. If you'd like to find out more about this year's US Open you can visit the tournament's official website, www.usopen.org.

You can click on the photo to enlarge.

Zipcar and BosGuy

This summer I participated in a program from Zipcar called the "low car diet". The program Zipcar hosts in cities through out the United States and Canada encourages individuals to forsake their cars and seek alternative means of transportation for an entire month. I wrote about the program here, here, here and here.

Now they are having a contest of sorts and I'd appreciate it if you'd show your support for Boston (and me) by clicking on the link below and then selecting the "Like" icon under the video with me.

Like BosGuy Here

US Open: Fernando Verdasco

The US Open started last week, and I can't believe the tournament is nearly over. To celebrate the Open I've been posting a handsome male tennis player each day there is play.

Today, I'm featuring Spanish tennis player, Fernando Verdasco, a former Top 10 player and a force to be reckoned with especially on clay.

Verdasco made it to the third round of the US Open where he lost to Jo Wilfred Tsonga - a tough competitor from France who is still in the tournament. As you can see Fernando has a killer smile to match his abs. He's yet another tennis player I wish they would let play without a shirt. I'm fairly certain the ratings would go through the roof.

If you'd like to find out more about this handsome Spaniard you can link here. If you'd like to find out more about this year's US Open you can visit the tournament's official website, www.usopen.org.

You can click on the photo to enlarge.

Ben & Jerry's Schweddy Balls Ice Cream

Inspired by one of my all time favorite Saturday Night Live skits, Ben & Jerry's is introducing for a limited time only Schweddy Balls Ice Cream.

Want to send your friends a "Schweddy Greeting Card" via Facebook - B&J's makes it easy to do, simply link to their facebook page dedicated to the new ice cream here.

According to the website this flavor is Fair Trade vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum and loaded with fudge covered rum and milk chocolate malt balls. Damn that sounds good doesn't it?

US Open: David Nalbandian

The US Open started last week, and despite the rain, the tournament continues (albeit in fits and starts). To celebrate the Open I've been posting a handsome male tennis player each day there is play.

Today, I'm featuring Argentinian tennis player, David Nalbandian, a player who just a few years ago was ranked as high as 3 in the world, but in recent years has seen his ranking drop and is currently 76 in the world.

This year David made it to the third round of the US Open where he lost to Raphael Nadal - last year's US Open Champion. Nalbandian is now 29 and doesn't have the same game he did a few years ago, but he's still an excellent competitor who has a career to be proud of for certain. If you'd like to find out more about this handsome tennis player from Cordoba, Argentina link here. If you'd like to find out more about this year's US Open you can visit the tournament's official website, www.usopen.org.

You can click on the photo to enlarge.

NYC bound

Back on the Acela today to head to NYC for a quick day of meetings tomorrow. I'm hoping that the rain which has been falling since the conclusion of the holiday weekend on Tuesday will finally relent.

Have a happy and safe Thursday.

BosGuy on Twitter

I'm terribly flattered that people come to my blog and read and even occasionally leave comments. As you can deduce from my weekly #MenOfTwitter postings each Monday, I'm also a bit addicted to Twitter.

The interactive and quick nature of Twitter has allowed me to chat real-time with people who read my blog and I have to say so far its always been a very gratifying experience.

If you too are on Twitter, say hello and follow me. My handle is twitter.com/BosGuy.

US Open: David Ferrer

The US Open started last week, and I'm posting a handsome male tennis player each day there is play.

Today, I'm featuring Spanish tennis player, David Ferrer, who is currently playing yesterday's "Tennis Tease", Andy Roddick. David is currently ranked 5 in the world and has a game to back up that ranking.

Although Ferrer is definitely more at home on clay courts (lets be frank all the Spaniards are), David's game is so strong you cannot count him out. However, whoever wins today's match will have a short lived victory as I fully expect Raphael Nadal to pull through and meet that player in the quarter finals.

If you'd like to find out more about this handsome Spaniard you can link here. If you'd like to find out more about this year's US Open you can visit the tournament's official website, www.usopen.org.

You can click on the photo to enlarge.

Boston Ballet Season 2011-2012

Last week I wrote about how many fantastic local theater companies there are in Boston in my post, 2011-12 season for local Boston theater companies. This week I wanted to encourage people to consider visiting and supporting the Boston Ballet. Many may not realize this but the Boston Ballet is considered one of the major ballet companies in North America and among the top companies in the world.

Ballet can sometimes be a tough sell for people unfamiliar with it, but it is an amazing dance form that beautifully blends athleticism and art. The Boston Ballet's 2011-2012 season starts in just a few weeks with Romeo & Juliet (Nov. 3-13), followed by The Nutcracker (Nov. 25 - Dec 31).

To see their full season or to purchase tickets visit their website www.bostonballet.org.

Chris Nogiec underwear shoot

Chris Nogiec lives in Boston and is currently pursuing a doctorate from Boston University in computational metabolism so he's got looks and smarts. Although we don't know each other, I featured him as a #MenOfTwitter back in April and we have a friend in common who speaks very highly of Chris.

Below is a behind the scenes video with Troy Phillips & Akimitsu Sadoi. While this 3-minute video pf Chris isn't exactly unsafe for work, I think its too racy to play in the office; mind you Chris is modeling some very sexy underwear so use your judgement, but certainly enjoy the clip.

You can learn more about this handsome Bostonian on his website, here.

Boston bike program "Hubway" is a success

More than 2,300 subscribers have joined Boston's bike sharing program called The Hubway combining for 36,600+ station-to-station trips in its first month according to an article in the Sunday Boston Globe.

Analysts say that within 3 months, the system could see 100,000+ station-to-station trips making it one of the most successful bike sharing programs in the country. By contrast similar programs of similar size in Denver and Minneapolis took 7.5 and 6 months respectively to reach the 100,000 trips milestone.

I will admit that its hard for me to go anywhere without seeing a number of people on these bicycles in the downtown neighborhoods. I hope that its popularity continues to grow, because I think its a fantastic concept. If they open a few more bike stations near my apartment I may opt to get rid of my aging bike and join the Hubway as well.

If you find yourself coming to Boston for a visit or a day trip, you may want to consider leveraging the Hubway as a less stressful and certainly more economical choice for getting around. With daily rates for $5 and 3-day memberships for $12 you are hard pressed to find a cheaper / better alternative.

US Open: Andy Roddick

The US Open started last week, and I'm posting a handsome male tennis player each day there is play.

Today, I'm featuring American tennis player, Andy Roddick, who will be playing David Ferrer later today. Roddick is a former Top 10 player and won the US Open back in 2003. However, he's 29 now and his game has slipped in recent years. Despite that fact, I can't help but pull for Andy and hope he can beat Ferrer (the second highest ranked Spaniard). You can cheer on Andy tonight 7PM ET on ESPN2.

If you'd like to find out more about Andy Roddick you can link here. If you'd like to find out more about this year's US Open you can visit the tournament's official website, www.usopen.org.

You can click on the photo to enlarge.

Summer is over: back to the grind

With the passing of the Labor Day weekend, summer officially ends here in New England. Although weather will likely remain beautiful through September, fewer people will be taking time off and vacation will be mostly referred to in the past tense. The academic calendar begins anew and here in Boston the student presence is difficult to miss.

This summer I made several trips to Provincetown and enjoyed a quick trip with a friend to New York City as well as spending an overnight at my parents lake house up in NH for a family party. I've been very lucky. I hope this was a wonderful and relaxing summer for you as well.

US Open: Grigor Dimitrov

The US Open started this week, and I'm posting a handsome male tennis player each day there is play.

Today, I'm featuring a Bulgarian player named Grigor Dimitrov. Currently ranked 57, Grigor lost in the first round to the extremely physical Frenchman, Gael Monfils. However, he's still quite young at only 20 years of age and he has time to improve his game. Time will tell if he can, but in the interim, I enjoy watching this young man play.

What do you think about Grigor? If you'd like to find out more about him, you can link here. If you'd like to find out more about this year's US Open you can visit the tournament's official website, www.usopen.org.

You can click on the photo to enlarge.