They Might Be Giants (TMBG) may be the last indie rock band I started listening to in high school / college that is still recording and touring. Best known for classics like Birdhouse in Your Soul and Istanbul (Not Constantinople), the band is currently touring to promote their newest album, Nanobots – now out on iTunes. They will be returning to play in Boston on Wednesday and Thursday, April 3rd and 4th at the Paradise Rock Club.
True to form, I feel often that I’m among the last to see viral videos. This six and a half minute clip already had nearly 2.3 million views at the time I posted this, but I wanted to share it with people. I thought the difference between the actual and the perceived distribution of wealth in the US was startling.
I’m not suggesting we should all be paid equally or disregarding the hard work that has allowed many Americans to become more financially successful. I suppose I’m posting this video and these images, because I’m wondering what type of society do we want to emulate; our current reality; our perceived reality; or our ideal? The charts shown in this video (and below) would make me think I’m looking at countries like Brazil and India – not the United States.I’m not looking for anyone to find the answers to these questions. I’m not quite so naive as to think one political party in our country has the ability or will power to make the changes, but it is time to have a frank discussion.
Watch the video below and let me know if this troubles you as well.
The Fenway Health Clinic hosted their annual Men’s Event this weekend in Boston. The event, which raised more than a half million dollars, draws more than 1,300 gay men and their allies. This year Marc Solomon was recognized with the Congressman Gerry E. Studds award.
Marc is currently the national campaign director for Freedom to Marry but is best known here in Massachusetts for serving as executive director for Mass Equality.
The sold out evening was a success for The Fenway Health Clinic, which will now focus on the upcoming Women’s Dinner Party next month. If you missed this year’s Men’s Event but would like to make a donation, link here.
As usual, I’ve created a video based on the photos taken by Sergio. Apologies in advance but it seems YouTube won’t allow this to be viewed on phones 😦
Later tonight I’ll be dusting off my tuxedo as Sergio and I make ready to attend the annual fund raiser for Fenway Health Clinic – The Men’s Event. The Fenway as most refer to it here in Boston is one of the largest most comprehensive clinics focused on GLBT health issues in the country.
I’ve often jokingly referred to this annual event as the “gay prom” but it does serve an important purpose to help The Fenway raise unrestricted dollars to help fund research and programs that are important to our community here in Boston and beyond. I’ve included a video from last year’s party to share a bit of what is in store tonight.
Following my own advice from my earlier blog post, Boston’s Theater Scene, I went to check out The SpeakEasy Stage production of Clybourne Park, earlier this week. For those unfamiliar, this show won a Tony for Best Play in 2012.
The two act show which runs just over two hours will fly by (I promise). The opening act takes place in a sleepy suburban neighborhood just on the outskirts of Chicago in 1959, but tensions erupt when the neighbors learn a “negro” family will be moving there. The racial tones of the conversation are as shocking as they are uncomfortable. The second act takes place in the same home but fifty years later in 2009 when a young, white couple looking to start a family move into what is now a predominantly African American neighborhood. The “political correctness” of the era challenge all parties to address their concerns in more diplomatic terms, but for some the challenges are too great.
This play has everything you want: believable acting, riveting dialog and just enough humor – especially in the second act to allow you to run the gamut of emotion. While this may not make for the perfect 1st date, it is definitely a great show to see with friends or perhaps on the 2nd date. Make plans to grab a drink or bite to eat somewhere nearby to talk about what you just saw. I know Aquitaine appreciated the huge bar tab we racked up talking about the show.
You may buy tickets at the Calderwood Pavilion ticket booth or online here.
Tonight marks the opening for The Boston Ballet’s latest performance All Kylián, which is based on the choreography of Jirí Kylián that includes some of Kylián’s most iconic ballets: Wings of Wax, Tar and Feathers as well as Symphony of Psalms.
Performances start tonight at the Boston Opera House and will run through Sunday, March 17th. I am very excited to see the show later next week. Below I’ve included a video of an excerpt from a dance he choreographed called Falling Angels. You may purchase tickets to All Kylián here.
With the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the College of Cardinals have convened to elect a new Bishop of Rome. No doubt this process will seem strange to those who are not Catholic so I thought I’d share this rather entertaining and simple video that explains how a Pope is elected.
Berklee School of Music graduate, Jorge Perez Gonzalez, has released this rather odd video of him using four female bottoms as improvised bongo drums. I’m at a total loss for words but thought it was funny to watch.
Well that might be a bit of an overstatement, but the gay twist that Amazon includes in their new advertisement to promote the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite appropriately entitled “Husbands” is cute and catchy.
You may watch the quick advertisement below if you’ve not seen it yet.
My friend, Chris Sosa, has released his first single, You Turn It On. It’s a catchy dance tune, and I want to wish him much luck. If you like it you may purchase it from iTunes here.
Perhaps you have seen this video which has gone viral. I couldn’t resist hopping on the bandwagon so to speak and sharing this two minute video of Jimmy Fallon and Michelle Obama demonstrating the “Evolution of Mom Dancing”.
I love poetry but sometimes people fail to see the connection or appreciate this form of prose, so I was really happy when I stumbled upon this video of 15-year old Noah St. John who shared his story at the Youth Speaks Grand Slam Championship late last year. I’d really suggest you watch the full six minutes. I was very touched and think you will be too.
I first saw this video on Towleroad back in mid January when they featured it. I was tempted to post it on my blog then, but thought it might be better to share today on Valentine’s Day. I’m sure there are many who will roll their eyes at the romantic cliche this video wholeheartedly embraces, but I find it touching and hope everyone might find this sort of happiness in their life.
They Might Be Giants (TMBG) may be the last indie rock band I started listening to in high school / college that is still recording and touring. Best known for classics like Birdhouse in Your Soul and Istanbul (Not Constantinople), the band is currently touring to promote their newest album, Nanobots – now out on iTunes. They will be returning to play in Boston on Wednesday and Thursday, April 3rd and 4th at the Paradise Rock Club.
BosGuy 