Graham Berkeley January 12, 1964 – September 11, 2001
It seems surreal that more than a decade has passed since September 11, 2001. Each year, I take time to note the tragedy and my connection to it. I shared a bit of my experience in a post I wrote a few years ago by the same title, My 9/11 tribute to my friend Graham.
September 11th remains etched in my memory not only because of the national tragedy but the personal loss and the fact that Sergio was flying that same route that month but happened to be in Brazil on vacation. The shock of the scale of the attack combined with the personal loss and the thought that Sergio could have possibly been working that flight was more than my normally cool, calculated personality was able to process.
The anniversary remains a somber one but it no longer haunts me. In a strange way I look forward to remembering my friend, Graham, who inevitably dominates my thoughts on the days leading up to and on September 11th. I won’t be posting anything else today as a tribute to Graham. For all those impacted by this tragedy, you have my deepest sympathies.
Good god, that is a tiny, tiny speedo. I’m sure you aren’t complaining.
Last week I was invited as part of an exclusive group to meet and try food at Bel Ari in the Leather District, prior to their opening to the public today (September 10th).
Formerly known as Sorriso, the restaurant was overhauled by its new owners who purchased it along with Les Zygomates earlier this year. Bel Ari has a sophisticated look with its white painted brick, dark tables and beautiful artwork. However, the redesign and branding extends beyond the physical with a new menu by Chef Robert Fathman described as modern Italian culinary inspirations “from all over the boot.”
Bel Ari mixologist, Karen, and her delicious cocktails
The bar staff is knowledgeable and friendly as you’ll find out when you meet Karen who concocts mystery cocktails based on your palate. I was immediately taken with this British bartender who formerly worked up the street at Trade. I’d suggest checking out the bar and treating yourself to one of her unique cocktails and Bel Ari’s artichoke pizza, which I found absolutely addicting. 
I typically review restaurants after they open when I can get a better feel for the total dining experience; the ambiance, service and food. Based on this experience, I’m intrigued enough to venture back after they open to the public and would suggest you place this new restaurant on your list of “worth checking out.”
Some of my favorite plates included their warmed, whipped ricotta cheese which was sweet and creamy; the mussels served in a crock pot with the tomatoes, onions and sausage; the artichoke pizza (shown above); and their glazed chops served with broccolini and couscous.
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has been bedeviled by appeals from more than 20 states since they found both DOMA and California’s Prop 8 unconstitutional in the summer of 2013.
Justices will convene at the end of this month for their first fall conference to consider requests from states to review decisions that have struck down gay marriage bans. There is a recognition that SCOTUS will continue to receive more petitions if they do not rule on one or more of the outstanding petitions already awaiting them so nearly everyone predicts the justices will decide the issue by next June when they close for summer recess.
According to a quick / easy to read article in USA Today, many expect the Utah case Herbert v. Kitchen will be heard. The issues in this case essentially cover all the outstanding questions and could apply to many of the petitions currently before SCOTUS.
Time will tell but until then, all involved will continue to obsess. For more information check out the USA Today article here.
Image from Orthodox Calendar 2012
The OC (Orthodox Calendar) is now selling their 2015 calendar and other materials. The calendar which was first published in 2012 is the brainchild of a group composed mostly of Orthodox eastern Europeans of the former communist region.
The calendar takes an ironic (and somewhat erotic) approach to the Orthodox Church, which recently has been embroiled in artist repression, questionable behavior and homophobia. Intrigued? Want to see more or perhaps order a calendar for 2014? Visit their website, www.orthodox-calendar.com.
Part of me wishes everyone had to do this. It seems like we could get rid of all those wasted minutes with passengers throwing fits once they get on board a plane either insisting their bag will fit or more disturbingly they will fit.
I just flew across country in a middle seat for 6 hours and my 6’2″ frame didn’t appreciate the lack of leg room. It adds insult to injury when the passenger next to you also invades what little space you have.
I’m not a fashionista b
ut even I can see this is a fashion faux pas. Check out the “Penis Pants”, conceived of and designed in the 1970s by Eldridge Clever.
The pants are designed with two styles, one with an oval-shaped pouch and the other (as shown on the left) with a “tubular shaped extension for the man’s penis and an adjoining smaller pouch for his testicles.”
Even more flummoxing is the tag line in the print commercial, “You’ll be the cock of the walk…” for realz.
Boston’s Fall Artweek (September 26 – October 5) updated their website last week. This week encourages people to explore art through out Boston and rediscover your artsy side.
Artweek includes more than 70 free, unique and affordable events as varied as the Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival on September 27, The Art of the Cocktail: The Labor of Liquor on October 1 and a Writing workshop with GrubStreet on October 4.
You can view the full listing of events open to you on the Artweek Boston website, here.
Posted in Art & Film, Boston, Free Stuff
Tagged Art and Film, BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy
Hopefully the image of this guy brightens your Tuesday and proves to live up to the post’s name.
I suppose this is an inside joke if you are not familiar with Provincetown, but when I saw this a couple weeks ago I couldn’t resist snapping a photograph.
Shoe Review: Minimus 20v3 cross-trainers
Tired of your current workout shoe? Feel like your performance is suffering because they are slowing you down? I would suggest you try a pair of minimus 20v3 cross-trainers from New Balance.
Not only do they look sleek and stylish, they also are extremely comfortable and versatile. Due to the low heel drop on the shoe you’re less likely to get knee pain, and will feel more “connected” to the ground. This will make you more agile and can help you with some leg exercises. This shoe is great for a work out at the gym, but can also serve as the shoes you wear while you run errands.
Kyle is a nationally certified personal trainer, certified nutritionist, and lifestyle motivator out of Los Angeles, CA. He has been training for 5 years and has experience working with top-tier celebrity and executive clientele. When he’s not in the gym, Kyle is reading philosophy or writing poetry.
David Bates real estate blog, The Bates Real Estate Report, recently published this chart which displays the selling price ranges for four neighborhoods in Boston for the first half of 2014.
I wish David had plotted all of Boston’s downtown neighborhoods as well as surrounding communities like Central and Harvard Square and Brookline. However, it is interesting all the same.
My neighborhood, South End, appears to top out around $655k – 1.24m for condo sales. No wonder people feel the need to move out of Boston to find more affordable housing.
If you live in the area and follow the real estate market, this is a blog you might want to bookmark.
It’s troublesome how much I can relate to this photograph.
Congratulations to the Bryan brothers on winning their 100th tennis title today; not to mention a record-tying fifth US Open doubles championship.
BosGuy 