Free Shakespeare on the Common performances in Boston start next week

Posted on July 22, 2010 | 2 comments
The Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. performances of Othello will start one week from tonight on Wednesday, July 28th. More than 75,000 people are expected to attend one of the 16 free performances, which will take place by the Parkman Bandstand on the Common.

The Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. consistently turns out excellent performances for everyone to enjoy and I’m looking forward to see this year’s production. Othello is one of my favorite dramas. Its themes of racism, love, jealousy, and betrayal always keep me on the edge of my seat.

I hope even more than the projected 75,000 people come to enjoy an evening of Shakespeare under the stars.  Bostonians are lucky to have so many great cultural events that are free and so accessible.  Just a few weeks ago the Boston Pop’s 4th of July Celebration and fireworks garnered national attention.  Now Bostonians can come to the Common to see the Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. performances, which run July 28 – August 15 (Tuesday thru Saturday @ 8pm – Sunday @ 7pm).

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Posted in Free Stuff

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Union Park, South End – Boston

Posted on July 21, 2010 | 4 comments
Union Park runs from Tremont to Shawmut Street in the South End.  The street is lined with beautiful, brick bowfront row houses from the 1850s that surround an oval park and includes two water fountains on each end lined with fragrant flowers. 
On summer evenings neighbors from these buildings sit on their steps (or stoop as I refer to them) and sip cool beverages to people watch and enjoy the warm summer nights. 

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Refudiating the Tea Party

Posted on July 20, 2010 | 5 comments
Have you noticed that the Republican Party seems to have been high jacked by people best categorized as cuckoo? I’m referring to the “tea party” movement.  Although it comes as no surprise to those who know me – I’ve never identified as a Republican nor do I have much love for the party, but I’ve always viewed them as legitimate political party and envied their ability to organize and fund raise.  However, lately they have become a caricature – hard to take serious despite the fact they can and will continue to wield considerable power within American Politics.

Tea Party members strike me as quite a mean-spirited and surly group.  They never tire of assuring anyone with a camera that they are “fired up” and they love to make up words like refudiate or nucular to sound like they are intelligent.  Sadly, this hostile group is not intentionally trying to sound illiterate.  I think they believe they are showcasing their grasp of the English language.

I wonder out loud what more traditional members of the Republican Party like my parents make of these quacks.  Many in my family vote their wallet.  Issues like human rights (waterboarding anyone?), social equality for women, minorities and gays are of personal importance but won’t trump voting for candidates that promise smaller gov’t no matter how hollow that promise turns out to be or where they may stand on issues like gay marriage, domestic partner rights, etc…

Having said that, I know the poor use of the English language regularly spoken by Republican leaders must grind on their nerves – my parents especially. I grew up in a house where we were regularly corrected if we spoke incorrectly and complimented when we were particularly articulate. So I have to wonder what they and others like them make of the new “Republican Elite” be it Sarah Palin insisting that “refudiate” is a real word or the former President Bush (and now half the country) who pronounce nuclear as “nucular”.   It may be wrong, but I have a tough time taking someone seriously who shouts angry epitaphs about English only or takes xenophobic stands with regards to immigration reform but can not spell or speak the language they claim to cherish.

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Acela

Posted on July 19, 2010 | 7 comments

I have to head to NYC for an afternoon meeting on Friday, which means I’ll be hopping on Acela.  I prefer train travel when going between NYC and Boston.  There are far fewer hassles, it is less likely to be delayed and there is so much more space to stretch out.  I do wish they could upgrade the rails to make the journey pass more quickly, but I don’t complain because I feel lucky that I have this as an option.  Have you used Amtrak’s high-speed railway (otherwise known as Acela)? 

Sadly, I’ll only be in NYC for a few hours so there won’t be any opportunity to enjoy the city.

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Posted in Work

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Weekend in Boston

Posted on July 19, 2010 | 1 comment
The weather this weekend was hot and sunny with temperatures in the low to mid-90s.  Normally I would have gone to Provincetown to escape the heat, but a good friend came to Boston to celebrate his 40th birthday (happy belated birthday Tom).   I think he had a fun time – we started the evening at my place with a champagne toast then walked down the street to Myers and Chang.  After dinner people came back for a nightcap and conversation.
Sunday turned out to be a lazy day with friends dropping by unexpectedly.  It was great to see everyone.  The combination of my air conditioned apartment, some delicious white wine and good conversation made the afternoon and evening pass quickly. I couldn’t believe that it was a just past 10pm when I closed the door and waved good bye to everyone.  Perhaps for some people the random “drop-ins” would not be welcome, but it is something that I love about where I live.  I think it is great to have friends drop by unexpectedly.  I don’t think I could have planned a more relaxing Sunday – even if I tried.

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Posted in Friends

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Thank you

Posted on July 16, 2010 | 8 comments

It has been a busy week – perhaps you’ve noticed my lack of posts?  Maybe not.  Regardless, I can’t function like a normal person when the weather is this beautiful. I don’t know how people who live where the weather is beautiful year round actually get work done.  I think the sun must fry my neural connections, because like this post I become a babbling idiot.

Anyway, I wanted to say thank you to a few blogs that have recently linked to me.  I’m flattered and appreciate it.  Apologies in advance for anyone I may have missed.

Alan Ilagan – a personal blog about Alan’s life in upstate NY
Aussielicious – a rather cool blog from a guy who lives in Sydney Australia
The Lisp – a blog filled with loads of sarcasm and plenty of gay humor
The Spirit of St. Lewis – a personal blog from a friendly midwesterner

UPDATE
Oops… I knew my memory being what it is – that I would inadvertantly leave someone off this list.
My new life – is a personal blog of a ‘regular guy’ (to use his own words) of a Virginian.
Mike’s short attention span – personal blog from a fellow Bostonian who lives in Southie – check him out.

Again, thanks to all…

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Weekend forecast

Posted on July 16, 2010 | 1 comment

With temperatures near 90 degrees already and nearly a cloud in the sky to provide any sort of shade, it appears that Boston will enjoy yet another gorgeous weekend.  I’ll be in Boston (melting) to celebrate a friend’s birthday.  Are you heading to the beach? I’m jealous.

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Vive la France

Posted on July 13, 2010 | 3 comments
Tomorrow, July 14th, is Bastille Day, otherwise known as French independence.  Most French restaurants in Boston (and elsewhere) will have festivities planned so head down to your local brasserie and order yourself a nice bottle of French wine and enjoy yourself.

I’ve included this image of the model draped in a French flag because it truly does make me want to say “vive la france.” I’ve also included photos from my visit to Paris in May if you are so inclined – take a peek, it takes approximately 2-3 minutes to view all the scrolling images.

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow: Paris May 2010

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Posted in Europe

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Traditional marriage includes…

Posted on July 12, 2010 | 1 comment

Marriage has had a checkered past in the U.S. The arguments for many of the restrictions placed on marriage are made to sound altruistic but the truth is attempts to limit groups from marrying has always been a subversive way to isolate and discriminate. I stumbled upon this image (see below) from the Murmurs of Desire blog.

What a frightening past for an institution that is suppose to be about love and loving others.

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Here comes the rain

Posted on July 12, 2010 | 1 comment

I’m seeing a lot of posts on blogs that I read with videos from 80s bands lately so I’ve decided to hop on the bandwagon and have posted this video from the 80s glam / punk band, The Cult.  I’ve taken the metaphor literally today since thunder showers are predicted off and on through out the afternoon.

What 80s bands or songs have you been listening to recently?

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Posted in Music, Video

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Provincetown – East End photos

Posted on July 10, 2010 | 3 comments

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Part-time vegetarian

Posted on July 10, 2010 | 2 comments
Despite my commitment to the gym, I’d been unable to drop the weight I wanted so a few weeks ago I opted to modify my diet to augement my efforts in the gym.  In mid-to-late June I stopped eating meat and increased my in-take of fruit and veggies.  After one week I dropped 7 lbs. I’m not really sure that anyone could see the difference, but psychologically it was a huge boost. 

Of course, after spending the weekend in Provincetown over the 4th of July, I was humbled by the number of defined abdominals and the general fitness level of the guys there so I’ve redoubled my efforts with my personal trainer Stu. 

How are you doing with your diet and work out routine?  Do you work out regularly? I’m in pretty good shape, but I would like to continue to build muscle mass and shrink my waist with which I seem to be permanently at war.  I plan on maintaining my ‘vegetarian’ status through the summer since it has helped me shave off a few extra pounds, but I’m interested to hear if you have any fitness or diet tips.

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Weekend fun in Boston

Posted on July 9, 2010 | 4 comments
Not in Provincetown or Ogunquit this weekend?  Although Boston can get very quiet during the summer months, there is still plenty to do if you want to get out or blow off some steam.  I’ve listed some options which likely vary from your routine.  Maybe I’ll see you out in the city – if so, please say hello.

Friday Boston Guerrilla Queer Bar will take over Kitty O’Shea’s, which is near the State Street T stop at 131 State Street.  Guys will start arriving at 9PM.

Saturday is the Fever Party at the Good Life which is just a couple blocks from Downtown Crossing at 2 Kingston Street.  The fun will start after 10PM.

Sunday check out the SoWa Open Market, which runs from 10 AM – 4 PM.  This market which runs May through October every Sunday (except holiday weekends) has moved one block to 460 Harrison Avenue.

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DOMA Act declared unconstitutional by federal judge in Massachusetts

Posted on July 9, 2010 | 1 comment

On Thursday, a US district court judge in Boston declared unconstitutional a 1996 law that bars federal recognition of same-sex marriage.  Judge Joseph L. Tauro, ruling in two separate challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act, declared that the law “induces the Commonwealth to violate the equal protection rights of its citizens’’ and “plainly intrudes on a core area of state sovereignty, the ability to define the marital status of its citizens.’’

You can read the full article in today’s Boston Globe by linking here.

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Castro Mannequin

Posted on July 8, 2010 | 2 comments
This was one of the pictures I took when I was in S.F. last month.  I could not resist snapping this picture and meant to share it upon returning because it made me laugh when I saw it.

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