Summer reading list: Kenneth Walsh and Johnny Diaz

Posted on July 17, 2014 | Leave a comment

Are you contemplating what to bring with you when you head out of town for vacation?  Whether it is for a long weekend or a week long break, there are two new LGBT books that provide just the right mix of humor and entertainment to make them perfect options for summer reading.

Kenneth WalshNYC blogger, Kenneth Walsh, earlier this year released his memoir, Wasn’t Tomorrow Wonderful? which I wrote about in May, here.

Kenneth’s first novel reminisces about what life was like for a gay Midwestern teenager coming of age in the 1980s and 1990s before the advent of  the Internet, mobile phones and apps.

 

looking for providence johnny diazMiami-native and former Boston resident, Johnny Diaz is back with another fiction novel Looking for Providence – this time set in Providence, RI. Diaz has written several novels (some set here in Boston) all are easy, enjoyable reads and perfect for bringing to the beach.

Earlier this month he posted an interview with the main character, Ronnie Reyes, that provides some insight into the main character and nicely shows his easy writing style.

While you can easily purchase these books at your favorite online shop, I would like to encourage readers to visit Boston’s sole remaining LGBT bookstore, Calamus Bookstore at 92B South Street in Boston or call them to order a copy at (617) 338-1931.

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Florida flirts with marriage equality

Posted on July 17, 2014 | Leave a comment

Florida marriage equality So who wants to get hitched in Key West?

Today Monroe County Circuit Judge Luis Garcia ruled against Florida’s constitutional amendment banning marriage equality. Garcia wrote in his ruling, “This court concludes that a citizen’s right to marry is a fundamental right to the individual.” The ruling was stayed until Tuesday, July 22, at which point same-sex couples in Monroe County can begin obtaining marriage licenses, unless a stay is requested by the state attorney general and granted by the state court of appeals or Florida State Supreme Court.

I think it is safe to assume some form of protest by those opposed to marriage equality is likely but this is a great first step.  Hopefully couples in Monroe County will not be blocked from seeking marriage licenses on Tuesday. More info here.

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Posted in Gay, Poltics

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National Sand Sculpting Festival Revere Beach this weekend

Posted on July 17, 2014 | Leave a comment

Sand Castle Revere BeachThis weekend more than 350,000 people are expected to come down to Revere Beach to see the National Sand Sculpting Festival that will take place Friday thru Sunday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.

A few years ago Sergio and I went down to check it out and I have to admit the sculptures were really impressive. More information about this free event can be found here.

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Donna Summer roller disco tribute Friday

Posted on July 17, 2014 | Leave a comment

Donna Summer TributeIn honor of Donna Summer, who was born and raised in Boston, the city in collaboration with Together Boston will host a Donna Summer Roller Disco Tribute on Friday, July 18 from 6 to 10 p.m in City Hall Plaza.

Adding to the Donna Summer celebration will be two of Boston’s loved drag queens, Frieda Fries and Nicholle Pride of Perestroika who will model the late disco queen’s iconic styles.

Rollerskates and blades can be rented on Friday free of charge at the event, and if you don’t want to skate, you can just come and dance to the classic disco tunes played by Dorchester DJ Kon and friends.

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Posted in Free Stuff, Music

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UberBOAT was uber popular

Posted on July 17, 2014 | 1 comment

UberBOAT! Boston by Boston Harbor CruisesEarlier this summer Uber briefly test-marketed a water taxi service in partnership with BHC and according to their blog post on Tuesday, the program was a success. In the image below (I swiped it from Uber’s blog), arrows point to UberBOAT district destinations. The thicker the arrow, the more trips took place.

UberBoat_map-04-300x294

Uber’s blog shares a number of findings from this test run but the stat that impressed me was they say demand was about 7x greater than supply and remained consistent through out the trial period.  Based on that stat, it would seem to me that there is a good possibility this service could return on a more permanent basis. You can read more about the trial run here in Boston in Uber’s blog post, here.

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Thursday Bear Week: Bears on bikes and Bearmania

Posted on July 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

While Bear Week isn’t over – the end is within sight so make the most of these last few days.  Here are a few suggested activities you may want to consider for Thursday during Bear Week.

Bears on Bikes Ptown 2014By Day: Bears on bikes from 9 AM – 12 PM.  Bring your bicycle and meet at Gale Force Bikes for a 2 to 3 hour bike ride on the paved trails at the Cape Cod National Seashore. President Kennedy preserved the natural beauty by making this a national park and it is a beautiful bike ride.

Bear Week in Provincetown at the Crown and AnchorBy Night: Head over to the Crown & Anchor for Bearmania w/ Horse Meat Disco – doors open at 10PM.

Pre-sale tickets you can get from the link provided are cheaper than at the door and ensure you can attend the party if it sells out.

Note: Arrive early and grab a drink or two at the fun neighboring Wave Bar and catch a few videos while sipping a drink or two.

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Posted in Provincetown

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Free Friday Flicks: Goonies

Posted on July 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

Free Friday Flicks BostonThis Friday, Free Friday Flicks, will be showing the 1985 film, Goonies, in HD at the DCR Hatch Shell.  Show time starts at 6PM this Friday so don’t dally otherwise you’ll miss this adventure film that takes seven young friends on the adventure of a lifetime as they seek the secrets behind the treasure of the notorious pirate, One-Eyed Willie.

WHEN: Friday, July 18,  6:00 pm
WHERE:  DCR Hatch Memorial Shell

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Posted in Art & Film, Free Stuff

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Cafe Madeleine to open in South End

Posted on July 16, 2014 | 3 comments

South End Boston CafeAs  rumors circulate that Peet’s Coffee will not open on Tremont Street, Cafe Madeleine announces their imminent opening on Columbus Avenue. South End residents will have noticed that the space formerly occupied by Amsterdam Cafe at 517 Columbus Avenue has recently seen new signage for Cafe Madeleine as well as a handwritten “Now Hiring” sign for Front of House positions at the soon to open cafe.

A press release distributed this week indicates that the new cafe will open before the end of the month.  I peeked into the space this weekend and the space looks very inviting with a clean ivory interior that has grey and black accents. According to the release the cafe menu will include pastries as well as a small luncheon menu including salads, sandwiches, and quiche.

Cafe Madeleine will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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Out-Fit Challenge Boston: Dirty never looked so good

Posted on July 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

Out-Fit Challenge Boston LGBTOut-Fit Challenge is the first ever national LGBT Mud Run.  After launching successful events in Chicago, Miami and New York City in 2013, Boston joins New York City, San Francisco and Reno as part of the 2014 Out-Fit Challenge.

Boston’s Out-Fit Challenge will take place at the Amesbury Sport Park on Saturday, October 11th.  This event will sell out so be sure to mark your calendar, start your training and register today.

Out Fit ChallengeAfter you finish the 5K (15+ obstacle) course, you’ll want to hang around for the after-party, which includes DJs, free beer, body contests, drag queens and mud covered go-go boys.

Boston Out-Fit Challenge | October 11 | Info & Registration

For more photos click here

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Posted in Fitness, Gay

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Wednesday Bear Week: Deluca Gallery and A-House

Posted on July 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

It is hump day tomorrow (not literally BTW).  Here are some possible activities you may want to consider if you are in Provincetown for Bear Week.

Deluca Gallery ProvincetownBy Day: Check out the Deluca Gallery at 432 Commercial Street. Visiting Ptown without checking out one of the many galleries here is a mistake too many people make.

The Deluca Gallery has an exhibit right now by Alexei Biryukoff that is worth seeing.

Atlantic House Ptown Bear WeekBy Night: If you are feeling a bit cheeky you may want to head over to the Atlantic House (A-House) for their weekly ‘Ass Wednesday’ contest.

In addition to great music, later in the evening they host a contest to determine who has the best butt and the winner takes home $100 in cash. Someone can earn back a weeks worth of Tea Dance cover charges just by dropping their drawers.

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Free Fun Friday

Posted on July 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

Free Fun Fridays Highland FoundationThanks to the Highland Street Foundation, Free fun Fridays has returned to Boston this summer. This Friday, July 18th, seven different museums and cultural venues will be free and open to the public; including the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

These venues are FREE this Friday, July 18

Thank you very much Highland Foundation.  I love your Free Fun Fridays.  To see all the venues that are free this Friday, visit the Highland Foundation page here.

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Dolce&Gabbana models hit on you… on helium

Posted on July 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

Watch these Dolce & Gabbana models recite corny pick-up lines after inhaling a balloon full of helium. Filmed during the preparations for the Spring Summer 2015 show the models (hairpins on their heads and all) are both handsome and funny to watch.

 

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Posted in Humor, Video

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Peets Coffee not coming to South End

Posted on July 15, 2014 | 1 comment

Peets Coffee South EndBack in February there were many rumors that Peets Coffee would open their first location in the South End in the space formerly occupied by local coffee shop, Francesca’s, which had closed the previous summer. BostonInno was the source to officially break the news but over the weekend I was told this deal was now off.

The owners of the building have been using the space to hold supplies as they renovate the apartments above but there is little word on who / what may go into this prime real estate.  The neighborhood association has indicated they would like a coffee shop or cafe and rumors are that both the South End Buttery and Flour were approached but were not interested.

One wonders what is gossip and what is real but the sad truth is that this prime space remains vacant and I think that stinks.

 

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Temptation Tuesday

Posted on July 15, 2014 | 7 comments

Handsome man, shirtless man, hunkI’d be smiling too if I was this good looking. What do you think?

Past Temptation Tuesday Posts

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Tuesday Bear Week: Sims and Hot Sauce

Posted on July 14, 2014 | 3 comments

Bear Week is in full swing and while there is plenty to do here are two suggestions you may want to consider on Tuesday.

Pennsylvania State Rep, Brian SimsBy Day: Meet and hang out with the incredibly handsome Pennsylvania State Representative, Brian Sims who is hosting Afternoon of Beer and Bears from 2-4pm Details here, www.sims4pa-ptown.com.

I would be eternally grateful for anyone who can spot Brian shirtless and get a photo of him. Gawd knows I’ve scoured the Internet for such a photo but to no avail. Here are some favorite photos of Brian Sims.

Provincetown Bear WeekBy Night: Hot Sauce debut party in Provincetown at the Boatslip starts at 9PM.

The party features Rich Morel and DJ/host partner Bob Mould as well as Roddy Bottum of the bands Faith No More and Imperial Teen.

Bear Week registrants only pay $5 cover.

 

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Posted in Provincetown

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