Spring cleaning

gayAnyone know this guy’s rates? I have eight windows that desperately need some cleaning.  I’m sure I can think of a few other odd jobs he can do too.

Thanks to DanInOKC for sharing.

Things that make BosGuy go hmm…

McDonalds and WalmartPardon the snobbery, but there are no Walmart stores in Boston, and I’ve never set foot in one.  The closest I’ve come is occasional visits to the humorous blog, People of Walmart, that regularly depicts obese shoppers. So I assume those who find close proximity to these two chains a bonus would also find walking to anywhere an unlikely plus and an activity they rarely engage unless you are referring the walk from the parking lot to the actual storefront.

Perhaps the sign should say something like “all homes come with extra wide tubs and toilets to accommodate your fat asses which, will be spent eating and shopping at McDonald’s and Walmart.

Things that make BosGuy go hmm…

TIME Magazine: Gay marriage already won

Marriage EqualityTIME Magazine has made a splash with their split magazine covers this week, tapping into the incredible amount of attention the Proposition 8 and DOMA  marriage equality cases garnered when they were argued before the  US Supreme Court.

TIME Managing Editor Rick Stengel writes, “Whatever the Supreme Court decides, it seems clear that the majority of Americans feel marriage is a civil right and that denying that right to people because of their sexual orientation is a violation of equal protection under the law…. We had a long debate in our offices about this week’s cover images of two same-sex couples. Some thought they were sensationalist and too in-your-face. Others felt the images were beautiful and symbolized the love that is at the heart of the idea of marriage. I agree with the latter, and I hope you do too.”

Oh how quickly the tides have turned here in the US. However, public opinion is one thing and having legal recognition is quite another.  Hopefully public opinion will bring an end to that inequality but until then we mustn’t relent or take for granted where GLBT couples stand; separate and not equal.

What do you think?  Share your thoughts in the comments section below or tweet your reactions to me using the hashtag, #TIMEGayMarriage.

Boston Globe’s Munch Madness Final Four

Boston Globe Munch MadnessThe Boston Globe’s annual restaurant tournament modeled after the NCAA’s spring basketball tournament bracket, brings together 64 restaurants that are divided roughly between contestants from the previous year and new entrants.

After more than a week, the 2013 Munch Madness has moved into the Final Four, pitting Craigie on Main vs. Hungry Mother and Gaslight vs. Oleana.  Who will survive and go on to the finals?

Cast your vote today. Voting for the Final Four ends on Friday, March 29th.

VOTE HERE2013 Munch Madness

2013 Hubway season

BostonBoston’s bike sharing program, The Hubway, will be installing up to five stations per day over the coming weeks.

When the Hubway will formally open has not yet been determined and is weather dependent so check back on their website or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

Out of curiosity, do you use the Hubway system? If you live outside of Boston, does your city have a similar system and do you use it?

Suddenly it makes sense

Suddenly it makes senseDespite my appreciation for construction workers, it wasn’t until I saw this photo that I saw how appealing the work could be — suddenly this looks much more fun than how I spend my days at work.

Previous Suddenly It Makes Sense post

The B-52s and Go-Go’s

The-B-52s-and-The-Go-GosThis summer tour will come to Boston this June. More information about the tour is here.

Senate Democrats who say NO to marriage equality

Democrats not supporting gay-marriageNot all US Senate Democrats are receptive to marriage equality and The Huffington Post took these Democrats to task in their post Shame on Dem yesterday in a blistering article.

HuffPo writes:

The arc of history is moving in the direction of marriage equality, regardless of how the Supreme Court ultimately rules in a case arguing its constitutionality. Just this past week, several senators announced their own evolution on the matter, going from being opposed to same-sex marriage to supportive.

And so, as of 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, the number of Democratic senators who have yet to embrace the right of gay marriage, or whose position is fuzzy by design, stands at 10. Their reasoning varies. Most say they are in the midst of an evolution; some are fine with it being considered on a state-by-state basis; some declined to discuss the matter at all. Their names and explanations (when provided) are below.

Read the Full Article here

UPDATE: Since the HuffPost article was published on Tuesday, March 26th, a reader has noted that US Senator Hagan from NC has stepped forward to voice her support for marriage equality.

Francesca’s Cafe South End

Francescas cafeThe ownership of the building that houses Francesca’s Cafe in the South End quietly changed hands at the end of 2012 in what is rumored to have been a cash deal.  The new owner is South End resident, Fredmond Kiley the 4th.

 Are the days numbered for Francesca’s Cafe in the South End?

The building was bought with Francesca’s lease intact, but it is unclear how many more years remain on that lease and the reason that is of interest is because rumor has it the new landlord would prefer a high end restaurant and cafe. Who can say if Francesca’s would be forced out when their existing lease expires but if that comes to pass it is unlikely the popular cafe would be able to find another home in the neighborhood it has served for nearly 20 years. 

What are your thoughts? Would you miss Francesca’s or would you prefer to see something else go into this prime location in the neighborhood?

DOMA justice rally in Boston

DOMA Justice RallyYesterday, the US Supreme Court heard arguments about California’s notorious Proposition 8.  Today, the Justices will hear arguments for and against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).  While the court may not want to make a major national ruling on whether America’s gays and lesbians have a right to marry, the American public has doubled down with both sides arguing their points passionately.  Mayor Menino once again showed his support for the Gay and Lesbian community addressing the crowd and asking to have the Gay Pride flag fly in Government Center.DOMA Justice Rally

While it will be several months before we have a ruling from The Court, DOMA justice rallies were organized around the country.  Here in Boston a loud and upbeat crowd braved the cold winds in Government Center to show their support for greater acceptance and equality.

DOMA Justice Rally in Boston

Sterling’s readies to open

SterlingsThe Glynn Hospitality Group’s ninth restaurant in Boston, Sterling’s, will open any day now. After several delays, this 80 seat restaurant with a monster-sized patio in the 60 State Street building will open for lunch, dinner and of course cocktails.

Straddling Faneuil Hall and Boston’s Financial District, it isn’t hard to imagine professionals sipping martinis after work, while nibbling on bar snacks before heading home – and that is precisely what The Glynn Hospitality Group hopes will happen. Upon entering Sterling’s you will immediately recognize the decor is inspired by the early 1960s; or to put it in the context of current pop culture – think Mad Men. Menu prices range from $8 – $20, making this affordable enough to grab lunch or dinner regularly. Sterling’s will also have lots of options in the Bar Snacks section of the menu, that include items like stuffed quahogs ($8). The Appetizers & Salads section of the menu have prices ranging from $8-$12 and include items like moules frites.

The Glynn Hospitality Group

Photo Credit: Melissa Ostrow

With a large lunch crowd expected one can assume the menu’s Sandwiches will be an excellent option. The croque monsieur for $12 looks both budget conscious and appealing enough to eat a couple times a week. The menu also has a section called Mains with larger plates for those looking for something more substantial. The beef stroganoff for $18 looks more than reasonable and may be one of their best sellers. In the warmer months, Sterling’s will appeal to those who relish dining al fresco with a huge patio that can accommodate 100+ seats.

Sterlings Boston

Photo Credit: Sergio Mazon

Sterling’s is located in 60 State Street Building and will accept online reservations through OpenTables once they open. Should you find yourself in Faneuil Hall or Boston’s Financial District keep Sterling’s in mind and check it out – then email me and tell me what you think.

Marriage Equality rallies to take place in US today

Same Sex MarriageThis week the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing two important cases that will have significant impact on the LGBT community. These cases concern the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8.

Marriage Equality Rally 
Government Center starts at 3PM
 

As a sign of support the Human Rights Campaign and other pro-LGBT equality organizations have organized peaceful demonstrations in many cities through out the U.S.   Here in Boston, a rally will take place in Government Center, starting at 3PM. Follow me on Twitter, as I post photos from the rally at Twitter.com/BosGuy.

Gay allies show their support

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Since the November 2012 elections marriage equality advocates have felt a renewed feeling of optimism so it is hard not to be excited to have the US Supreme Court hearing cases for California’s Prop 8 and DOMA this week.

Truthfully, this moment would not have happened if it was not for the millions of straight allies who have raised their voices to speak out in favor of Same Sex Marriage and to help end DOMA so this appreciative blogger would like to dedicate this post to you as my way of saying, “Thank You.”

Gay travelers opting for different destinations

gay-travelAs society becomes more accepting, more gay travelers in the US are visiting places that aren’t traditional gay enclaves and the travel industry has taken note.

Scott Kearnan’s article in Boston Spirit Magazine, ‘Gay-Friendly’ is not good enough anymore, suggests the term ‘gay-friendly’ doesn’t have the meaning it once did. As people are exposed to gay characters on television and in the movies and as they get to know gay and lesbian couples, the idea of same sex relationships becomes more ordinary than extraordinary. Gay travelers are less and less interested in a destination just because it is gay he writes; these travelers also want to visit places of personal interest and I couldn’t agree more.

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Are you wearing red today

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