The appeal of college wrestling always makes so much sense when I see it captured in photographs like this one. Thanks to Twitter bud Christian Burton for sharing it.
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.
My friend Cole posted this photo on Facebook today and I couldn’t resist sharing it here on my blog as well. Something tells me that I’m probably not alone in finding this photograph humorous. Feel free to share and much thanks to bad boy, Cole for sharing.
Boston Spirit magazine will host their 6th Annual LGBT Executive Networking Night on Thursday, March 7th at the Boston Marriott Copley Place from 6-9pm. Last year’s event was attended by more than 1,300 local LGBT corporate professionals, making it the largest LGBT business event in New England.
I’ve attended these each year and candidly I find the event is more of an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors rather than doing any true networking, but I’m sure there are many who have parlayed the evening into follow up meetings and it certainly is always a great evening.
Note that this year there is a $10 admission fee to attend, and one must RSVP.
I’ve had more than my share of meals out this month, but none were as memorable as the one I had at Valbella in the meatpacking district of NYC.
I liked the vibe of this Italian restaurant’s minimalist decor. A large iron circular staircase is the main point of architectural interest and directly in your line of sight as you enter from the street. The main room on the second floor is a bit more intimate and includes exposed brick and racks of wine bottles, that I liked more than the first floor.
The Northern Italian menu will prove tempting but it will hit your wallet with many entrees more than $40. However, on my visit which happened to coincide with Valentine’s Day, I was impressed by the level of service and quality of the dining experience, which included serving our party of seven. The waitstaff was attentive without being overbearing and extremely knowledgeable, making thoughtful recommendations to several members of our party.
Valbella NYC 421 W. 13th Street
I was among the first in my party to arrive so I started at the first floor bar with a martini, but after we were seated and ordered, I switched to wine and started my dinner with restaurant’s traditional Caesar salad, which was beautifully plated. The crisp, fresh cool vegetables and sharp Parmigiano Reggiano contrasted nicely with my dinner that followed – linguine con frutti di mare. The dish was piled high with succulent and somewhat sweet shellfish including chunks of lobster, crab meat and shrimp. The fra diavolo sauce had kick but was more mild than spicy. Portions were hearty, and I left more than an hour later pleasantly full.
While the cost of the restaurant may be a deterrent for some, it was worthwhile and a place I’d recommend without hesitation, although I might suggest requesting tables away from the entrance to ensure you have more privacy.
Valbella is located in the meatpacking district 421 West 13th Street, NYC.
It may be chilly in Boston right now, but The Crown & Anchor in Provincetown is hoping to warm you up with news about this summer’s Independence Week celebration in Ptown. You can access their site here.
If travel plans this summer will bring you up to Boston / Provincetown, feel free to reach out and let me know. I’m more than happy to make suggestions on specific properties, bars and restaurants.
If you’ve never been to Ptown during the 4th of July celebration, feel free to peruse my photos from last year Photos from Ptown: 4th of July and 4th of July Party Photos.
FYI – Bear Week in Ptown has moved and will be July 13-21st this year.
I know that the Brown – Warren US Senate race last November received a lot of attention and the election cycle has resulted in making Elizabeth Warren a more divisive figure in politics. But one of the many things I found appealing about Warren was her promise to act as a consumer watch dog for ordinary people like you and me. So I was heartened to read that last week she made news for asking top regulators from our largest financial regulatory agencies why they had remained so inactive in pursuing criminal action following the banking crisis.
You may read the full article that inspired this post in the Huffington Post, Whine Street.
Last week Gallup released findings on the percentage of U.S. adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT).
Mainstream media and many gay blogs posted the findings, but I wanted to make a few of my own observations. Gallup found nationally, 3.5% of the population self-identify as LGBT. Not surprising, 7 of the 10 states and D.C. with the highest LGBT population are among the most liberal in the country. Conversely, 6 of the 10 states with the lowest percentage are among the most conservative in the country. What I draw from this is many likely remain closeted in those most conservative areas of our country and while the LGBT population is not currently anywhere near 10% it would be higher in a more accepting society.
For those who find themselves focused on LGBT issues like DOMA and Marriage Equality, this news must certainly be heartening. I cannot think of another minority group who represents such a small fraction of the total population in the US that has fostered so much change in the last 30 years. Think about the advancements in reshaping perceptions about what it means to be gay, how we’ve been at the forefront for sexual health regarding candid discussions around safe sex and AIDS research, and lastly think of the legal obstacles we’ve overcome. It is in no small part due to the work done by our community and our ability to work with allies who come in the form of family and friends too.
You may view all the results and read more about this on Gallup’s site here.
I needed something to help me get excited that it is Monday. I’m not sure that Monday makes me happy, but I’m excited. Okay, back to work now… How am I going to concentrate?
Ugh… it’s President’s Day here in the US, but I’m working today. Are you?
Water
Click on image to enlarge
I woke up this morning to look out at a blustery day filled with snow blowing up and down Harrison Avenue in Boston’s South End.
This is a view from my fourth floor apartment; to the left you can see Harrison Avenue heading toward E. Berkeley Street and to the right is a view of the BSC South End gym and Gaslight restaurant. Hard to believe that spring technically starts in approximately 30-days.
Posted in GetMeTheHellOutOfHere Syndrome, South End, SoWa
Tagged BosGuy, Boston Guy, South End, SOWA
And have a wonderful Sunday morning.
One week ago today several hundred Boston University students came out for a massive snowball fight on the Esplanade. It looks like it was a lot of fun.
BosGuy 