Boston’s disappearing neighborhood bars

South End Boston Dive BarsIs Boston losing its dive bars (which I think of as neighborhood pubs)? Boston Globe writer, Beth Teitell, wrote an interesting article last week asking just that question. She writes, “Look around the city at the glossy new buildings and companies and it’s easy to see what’s knocking over the worn bar stools: rising rents, land values, and changing tastes and demographics.

In the past I’ve written blog posts about needing to make sure Boston can be a home for everyone: the well-to-do retiree couple who sold their home in the suburbs; Millennials who are starting their career and life; as well as the wide-eyed college student who is moving from home for the first time in their life.

The question about Boston’s disappearing neighborhood bars is a good one and probably the result of many issues – not just rising rents – but the city’s economic boom is no doubt hastening the closure of many of these locations. I hesitate to think of a South End without an Anchovies, Delux Cafe, JJ Foley’s, Cathedral Station or Wally’s to name just a few and I hope whether you frequent these establishments or not, you appreciate the color and energy they bring to our neighborhood and city.

Caption this photo

Caption this photo, humor

Each Wednesday morning I post a photograph and ask readers to offer a funny caption.  Hopefully the caption below inspires you to share a few of your own.

Lean on me

Red Sox Nation (even at Yankee Stadium)

EastieStrong ‏@eastiestrong someone I know was at Yankee Stadium and look what happened!

EastieStrong@eastiestrong
Someone I know was at Yankee Stadium and look what happened!

This tweet was sent out earlier this afternoon and I couldn’t help but swipe it.

Dale Lazarov gay comics

Dale Lazarov erotic gay comicsLast week one of my favorite bloggers, Matt Rettenmund, who writes the blog boy culture, had a post about an adult themed gay comic illustrator, Dale Lazarov.  As a kid I never really got into comic books, but I appreciate creativity and know there are a lot of people who do like comics.

The website, www.dalelazarov.com, describes the comics as an imprint for wordless, gay character-based, sex-positive graphic novels.  You can check out Lazarov’s books on Amazon, or get digital editions here.

Judy at the Movies every Saturday at Club Cafe

Judy Garland, Club Cafe BostonPeter Mac recreate scenes from some of Judy Garland’s most famous movies. Winner of Top Ten Must See Performances in Dig Boston 2015. Judy Garland fans will want to check out this show, that takes place every Saturday through March 12th at Club Cafe.

Priority and  general admission seating is available.  Shows begin at 8PM each Saturday. To purchase tickets and for more information link here.

Temptation Tuesday

handsome, hunk, musclesThis week’s Temptation Tuesday is dedicated to everyone who doesn’t skip legs day at the gym and for those of you who appreciate men who don’t skip legs day.

Past Temptation Tuesday Posts

Two thumbs up for Renaissance Sao Paulo

Marriott Sao PauloAfter returning from our 2+ weeks in Brazil over the holidays I wrote a post Visiting Sao Paulo, Brazil.  

In the six weeks since that post went live, it has been viewed a couple thousand times, several people have reached out to me inquiring about travel tips to Brazil and more than a few have inquired about hotel options vs. using services like Airbnb so I thought I’d provide another shout out for one of my favorite places to stay when I visit Sao Paulo, Brazil – Renaissance Sao Paulo.

Photo Source: Renaissance Sao Paulo

Photo Source: Renaissance Sao Paulo

On our most recent stay Sergio and I were upgraded to a suite on the hotel’s executive level which also gave us 24 hour access to their superb executive lounge which provides guests breakfast in the morning, snacks and cocktails in the afternoon followed by light bites in the evening from a spacious lounge that gives you nice views of the cityscape.

Brazil, Hotel, TravelOur suite faced East offering views of the back of many prominent buildings lining Avenida Paulista. We used the sitting area and desk which you cannot see from this angle to host friends and to enjoy our morning coffee and early evening glasses of Champagne courtesy of the Renaissance executive lounge.

Below I’ve included photos of our bedroom and the over sized master suite bathroom. I didn’t bother to snap a photo of the half bath in the hallway leading to the den shown above because it pales in comparison to the master suite.

Brazil, Hotel, TravelTravel, BrazilAside from the posh digs, I recommend that gay travelers consider staying at the Renaissance Sao Paulo for several reasons.  First, there are always several other gay travelers there – most often at the hotel bar near the lobby – so you are more likely to get tips and helpful travel suggestions.  Second, it is very centrally located and happens to be just blocks from great shopping and restaurants. Third, the hotel has great amenities including an excellent gym, nice pool and spa (if you feel like a little pampering).

If you are planning a trip to Sao Paulo or Brazil and have any questions, feel free to reach out, and I’ll be happy to provide you with suggestions, hints and tips so you can make your trip as memorable as possible.

Gay for Good Boston needs volunteers

Generations, G4GOne of my favorite volunteering organizations, Gay for Good Boston, has an interesting project on Tuesday, March 15th with Generations, Inc. –  a non-profit that pairs senior adults with non literate proficient children in the Boston metro area. G4G will be constructing the book covers that will be used by the participants of the programs – highlighting challenging words and descriptions of the plot in keeping with the themes of their education program. There will be plenty of construction paper and glue to complement your imagination.

Space is limited to approximately volunteers and space will fill quickly so register today if interested.  Generations, Inc. office is located close to the Downtown Crossing and Chinatown T stops. Generations, Inc. also welcomes donated children’s books if you wish to bring one.

More information available here

What to do this week February 22 – 28

Boston Ballet presents Onegin February 25 - March 6, 2016 at the Boston Opera House

Boston Ballet presents Onegin February 25 – March 6, 2016 at the Boston Opera House

What to do this week: February 22nd – 28th

Boston Gay Men’s Book Club meets to discuss Not Dark Yet on Monday at 7PM at the Trident Booksellers & Cafe in Boston

Geek Trivia is guaranteed fun and has lots of prizes (trivia starts at 8pm) hosted every Tuesday at Club Cafe in Boston

Stump Trivia lets you impress your friends with all the trivia you know from 5PM – 10PM every Wednesday at Cathedral Station in Boston

Karaoke Kween is a lot of fun and if you’re good you may nab the $75 cash prize at the end of the night – hosted every Wednesday at Club Cafe in Boston

Opening Night: Boston Ballet for Onegin (which runs through March 6) is Thursday, February 25 at the Opera House in Boston

ICA Boston every Thursday from 5PM – 9PM admission is free to the public.

Mainestreet Karaoke party starts at 9PM every Friday in Ogunquit

DJ Gay Jim Dance Party starts at 10PM on Friday at Cathedral Station in Boston

Fascination Friday starts at 9PM in the basement of Jacques Underground ($10 cover) on Friday, February 26 in Boston

DontAskDontTell monthly gay rave theme has an animalistic theme: Wild Side at Great Scott starting at 10PM on Saturday, February 27 in Boston

EGO Saturdays with DJ Richie LaDue and your host Katya  on Saturday, February 27 in Providence

Back 2 Basics Tea Dance never has a cover and always has great music from 70s 80s & 90s, starting at 5PM no cover every Sunday at Club Cafe in Boston

Send me information about your upcoming programs and events in my blog’s comment section or message me the details on Facebook.

Gay themed romantic comedy: Me Him Her

Me Him Her is a crazy romantic comedy about a closeted, heartthrob TV star (Brendan) who turns to his best friend who happens to be straight (Cory) to fly out to Hollywood to help him keep his homosexuality a secret so he won’t jeopardize his skyrocketing career.  Unfortunately for Brendan, Cory meets a very drunk woman named Gabbi who he can’t stop thinking about after he has a one-night stand with her; problem is Gabbi is a lesbian.

I hope this movie makes it to Boston. These twisted romantic comedies are the kind of things that I love.

Ab Fab is back with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley

The new Absolutely Fabulous movie trailer was released last week.  While it doesn’t really give any clues about the film, I’m interested in seeing the movie.

Pity you can’t bring a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to the movies; it seems like the appropriate beverage to have while watching the movie. Don’t you agree?

Scruffy Sunday

Scruffy Sunday Feb 2016Time to wake up.

Previous Scruffy Sunday Posts

Kristin Chenoweth to receive award in Boston this April

Kristin-Chenoweth

Theater Queens take note that award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth will be honored by Boston Children’s Theatre as the 2016 recipient of the theater’s Giving Voice Award at their gala on Thursday, April 28.

The award recognizes exceptional achievement by and for children in the arts, and is given annually to an individual whose professional and personal achievement serves as an inspiration to young artists and who has given their heart, talent, and spirit to empowering youth in the arts.

For tickets to the Giving Voice Gala, click here.

Red Bull Flugtag event comes to Boston

IndiaThat event where teams try to fly but usually fail with flair.

Red Bull announced earlier this week that for the first time in its 25 year history the spectacle known as, Red Bull Flugtag would come to Boston this summer.

On Saturday, August 20th in front of thousands of onlookers a lucky few will attempt to fly but more likely end up taking a plunge as they take off from the DCH Hatch Shell.  The goal is to break the 258-foot distance record set back in 2013 in Long Beach, CA.  Hopefully the brain power from smarty-pants at places like Harvard and M.I.T. combined with strong winds can help lift one Boston team to beat the record.

Applications are officially open, with a submission deadline of May 13. Teams of five will be selected by June 2 to compete.

Saturday morning comic: Adam and Andy

gay comic, gay cartoonClick on the comic strip to enlarge

ADAM & ANDY is set in the fictional New England town of Woodfield, CT. You can learn more about this strip by visiting, adamandandy.com.  To see previous Adam and Andy cartoons link here.