http://rim.jobs #fail

All I have to say to Research In Motion (RIM) the designers and manufacturers of the BlackBerry is "Are you kidding me?" I first became aware of this funny but unacceptable guffaw when a friend forward me the article, RIM looks to attract new talent with ‘rim.jobs’

Initially, I thought this was a joke but several articles online are making me believe this was an actual site until recently. If that is the case, I can only assume the decision by RIM to launch http://rim.jobs must have come from a disgruntled employee, leaving to take a job with Apple for their iPhone division.

How could a firm make themselves into such a joke? One would expect this to be a story in The Onion. Are you familiar with this story? Is this a ruse or for real?

Friday fitness update

I'm starting to sound like a broken record after last week's entry where I commented on how tough its been to get into the swing of things post-holiday, but there was no helping it this week.

Work had me so busy I actually had to cancel a gym session with my trainer, but it could not be avoided so there was no gym on Wednesday. Between the snowstorm and work I managed to only get to the gym twice, but realistically only one of those visits was a viable work out. My abbreviated run on Sunday was depressing to be perfectly blunt. My running mojo from a couple of weeks ago has apparently run off without me. Since there's not much to say about my run, I'll focus on today's work out with Stu at the gym. I had a good 1 hour session - we focused on shoulders and triceps. Because I worked out during lunch, we had our pick of the gym and there was no waiting nor modifying the work out to compensate for the post-holiday gym crowd. There were no new milestones nor was it a killer work out that will leave me achey tomorrow, but it was a solid session that definitely challenged me and was much needed after a week not getting to the gym.

Kylie Minogue Boston show on sale today

Kylie Minogue tickets went on sale this morning for her Boston show on Friday, April 29th. Needless to say, since my friend Andy purchased tickets I haven't been able to get her out of my head. Its fair to say I'm spinning around.

Okay, I'll stop with the play on words with Kylie lyrics. I'm no longer in high school. This should be a blast, she's playing at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. If you like Kylie (and let's be frank - who doesn't?) check and see if tickets remain.

Snowy Streets of Boston's South End

The Buttery (Union & Shawmut)Union Park & Shawmut StreetWaltham Street (facing east)Waltham Street (facing west)

Snow My God! (SMG!)

Boston is in the midst of its largest snow storm of the season, but I'm quite comfy in my 4th floor apartment looking out at the blizzard (pronounced here as blizzaahhd). In my previous post, I was a victim of a random act of kindness I alluded to some good fortune. Yesterday, we were offered a spot in a parking garage for our car; thus avoiding the need to dig out our car from the storm. Looking outside - I can't tell you how happy I am knowing the silver bullet (my nickname for our 2001 Golf) is safey tucked away in our building's parking garage.

I started taking pictures at 9:00am of Harrison Avenue (near Gaslight Brasserie) and will continue to add to this post through the day. I live in a downtown neighborhood which is normally quite busy with pedestrians and traffic, but not today. A snow emergency was in effect as of 9:00pm Tuesday to ensure the streets would be clear for the snow plows. School was cancelled and most employers asked employees to work from home to avoid any potential accidents.

Harrison Avenue @ 9:00am
Harrison Avenue @ 12:00pm
Harrison Avenue @ 4:00pm

I was a victim of a random act of kindness today

And I can't wait to pay it forward...
Have you found yourself in a similar situation lately? I hope so.

Boston No Pants Subway Ride Video

All day Monday, I received emails from friends who had seen my partner, Sergio, on the local news as they reported about this event / prank. One friend called me to let me know yours truly was gracing the pages of the Boston Metro (a free paper mostly read by those who ride the MBTA - Boston's public transit system). I've taken some ribbing for my choice of socks and shoes, but I needed something that was comfortable and warm so I stand by my choice.

I know that WGB and Universal Hub both posted my video on their sites, which in part have helped to contribute to more than 2,500 views in the first 24-hours. If you see this posted on other sites, let me know so I may contact the person and say "thank you". I'm still a not on facebook so should you see this posted on someone's page - say thanks to them on my behalf.

Boston No Pants Subway Ride 2011

The Boston Society of Spontaneity hosted their annual "No Pants Subway Ride" this afternoon, and on a whim I joined with my partner. I've never had so much fun on the T (Boston's metro system - MBTA).

Check out my video clip.


More pictures from today:

Inspiration

I become emboldened when in the presence of a handsome man so I've posted this picture to give me confidence and to seek inspiration. I'm still contemplating the whole No Pants Boston Subway Ride (its really freezing in Boston today).

Just in case you think I'm exaggerating, I've included a screenshot of the current weather conditions in Boston (Brrrrrrrrr - that's chilly).

Friday fitness update

Its been a tough week to get back into the swing, but I managed to get to the gym a couple times. Did you workout or (for those in colder climates) have you opted to hibernate and sit out this winter?

Friday – January 7th Today was all about back and chest. I was still a bit sore from Wednesday’s gym routine so I could still feel my secondary muscles struggling but it was all good. I was able to fly 55lbs today – 10lbs more than my previous high last Friday. Wednesday – January 5th I braved the gym while scores of new faces clogged the gym and lockers but fortunately, my workout with Stu was not impacted by the crowds. Today we focused on arms and shoulders. It was a great work out that left me struggling to raise my arms when I was done. I think I’d like to do more of these work outs.Sunday – January 2nd Maybe I took too much time off from running because today was ugly and I ended my run prematurely after gasping through 2 miles in a little more than 19minutes. Upon further reflection I probably should have gone and done some abdominals, but I just wanted out.

No Pants Subway Ride Boston 2011

Boston's No Pants Subway Ride takes place this Sunday, January 9th at 2pm.

The event, which started in NYC, now takes place in many cities (including Boston) so if you happen to be on the metro with people in their boxers on Sunday don't be caught off guard.

You can read more about the 2011 No Pants Subway Ride Boston here. The weather in Boston will be freezing (literally), but I'm flirting with the idea of hopping on the "T" (Boston's metro) with no pants - we'll see.

Beaten by Ben & Jerry's Peanut Butter Cup

The fact that I just wrote about redoubling my commitment to the gym in my previous post only makes the fact I polished off an entire pint of B&J's Peanut Butter Cup tonight all the more disheartening.

In all fairness, I did reference ice cream as a reason that I would never have the body of the hunk below :-(

What's a guy to do?

I am so angry...

Fitness goal

So its the start of another year and I'm going to redouble my commitment to the gym. Although it is unlikely I'll ever see this level of fitness - it is this to which I aspire. My love of ice cream, cheese and butter (not to mention age and genetics) may make this impossible.

Picture courtesy of Darkflex.

Restaurant Review: Lucca

Lucca is an Italian restaurant in the North End that opened a second location last year in the Back Bay (where I ate). Dinner for two (appetizers, main dishes and a shared dessert - not including drinks or tip) is ~ $85.00. However, a number of pasta plates on the bar menu, which is slightly different from the main dining room can be ordered as half-portions which further reduces the average bill.

Sitting at the bar (as I did) provides a different dining experience than in the main dining room. However, the bartender’s suggestions (e.g. ordering a ½ portion of pasta and validating the starter I wanted) were spot on so I have to give credit for her knowledge and suggestions. Moreover, my food arrived promptly (along with a delicious bread basket w/ hummus and olive oil), and throughout my meal I was never rushed or jostled. These things may sound inconsequential but they impact my dining experience and matter to me.Both the bar and the main dining room are beautiful and provide an impressive backdrop to the main event (the food), which is excellent. The burrata cheese in my first plate melted in my mouth and was so delicious I could have this every night and not get bored for at least a year. Because Bolognese sauces tend to be quite heavy, I opted for the ½ portion which proved to be the perfect amount for me – esp. since I was busy inhaling the entire bread basket. The sauce was well seasoned and complimented the pasta which was served (as I like) al dente. This was my first time dining here, but it will not be my last. Hungry for Italian and want to try some place in the BackBay – try out Lucca.

First plate: Bibb lettuce, w/ burrata cheese, candied pine nuts, truffle vinaigrette, and shallots $13

Second plate: Rigatoni w/ Bolognese sauce (½ order) $10
Lucca in the Back Bay 116 Huntington Ave Boston, MA (617) 247 2400
Reservations strongly recommended

Absolutely hilarious

Not sure what it says about my sense of humor that I find this so funny, but I can't help myself. I figured it is best to start 2011 with a post that makes me laugh so here you have it. Happy New Year.