Flashback Friday: Kiss 108

Posted on May 8, 2009 | 2 comments

This week’s flashback is a nod to a Boston radio powerhouse that shaped my musical tastes and fed my obsession for Pop and Dance Music. If you grew up in the Boston area during the 1980s chances are you too listened to WXKS FM better known as Kiss 108 and you are familiar with names like, Lady D, Dale Dorman, J.J. Wright and of course the late “Sunny” Joe White.

I loved everything about Kiss 108 in the 1980s. I loved that they played “Wishing on a Star” by Rose Royce every Saturday at 12:00pm. I can still recall the first time I heard the song when I lived in Atlanta in the early 90s and the DJ played it on my evening commute home. I was totally caught off guard and had to laugh at myself when I realized why.

Those names I mentioned along with a handful of other DJs have been off the air for a more than a few years now and Kiss 108 has not played “Wishing on a Star” at noon on Saturday’s for a while. So today at lunchtime I’ll hum a few bars from the Rose Royce classic and think of “Sunny” Joe White and his cast of characters who played such a big part of my teen age years.

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Hitting the gym

Posted on May 7, 2009 | Leave a comment

It has been about three weeks since my last entry about my work outs. I’m proud to admit that with few exceptions I’ve been mostly faithful about going to the gym. My torso could never be confused with the image above, which I’ve added as both inspiration and incentive, but on the whole I feel better about how I look. I still have no idea how much I weigh (nor do I care), but I would really like to drop one more waist size. However, I simply can’t bring myself to give up all the cheese, ice cream and french fries I consume.

I re-signed with my trainer, Stu, last week and bought a 20-pack of personal training sessions at the BSC South End, which was nearly equivelant to the cost of my airfare to Brasil last autumn. I briefly flirted with the idea of letting my sessions with Stu expire, but I realized last week as I was slogging through a workout on my own that I never seem to match the intensity nor the variety of work outs he throws at me. A good example was our nearly 90-minute session last night. He had me gasping for breathe within 5 minutes and although I never feel the pain following our workouts like I described in one of my earlier entries, My aching muscles, I can definitely notice a difference the next day. For now, I’ll try to be more disciplined and maximize my time with Stu. I’ve come to the conclusion that vanity is expensive.

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Thank you Maine

Posted on May 6, 2009 | Leave a comment

The Boston Globe is reporting that earlier today Governor John Baldacci signed a bill making Maine the fifth state to allow gay marriage. Similar to Vermont, the state of Maine has legalized same sex marriage through legislation rather than litigation. This bodes well for LBGT couple’s around the nation.

Now NH and RI remain as the only two New England states yet to legalize same sex marriage.

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Parking can be tough in Boston…

Posted on May 3, 2009 | Leave a comment

When I was walking to the BSC South End gym today, I noticed that someone left this driver a note on their windshield.

I feel compelled to make a few comments. First, I’ve seen far worse parking in the city so this seems a bit harsh. Second, I doubt this helps Boston’s image as an unfriendly city. Third, that is damn funny… In case you can not read the fine print, the person has checked off “two spots for one car” as the reason why the person parks like an asshole. Other options on the flyer include, “ummm…a little too close”; “over the painted lines”; “that’s a compact?” among others.

You can go to YouParkLikeanAsshole if you would like to ticket someone in the near future.

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Texts from last night

Posted on May 3, 2009 | Leave a comment

My brother forward me a link to this site, TFLN (for short). If you have a few minutes and want a good laugh, check it out textsfromlastnight.

Here is a sampling of what you will find:

(563): i puked out the bus window last night on the way home. i remember it, but i don’t remember everyone else screaming to put their windows up.

(732): So…we accidentally left a bag of puke in your sister’s room. Heads up.

(301): She got kicked off the plane and spent the last four hours in a holding cell with the feds.
(301): but she’s really nice

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Posted on May 1, 2009 | Leave a comment

Aunt Sadie’s is downsizing a bit. On a stroll down Union Park this afternoon I noticed a sign indicating that retail / commercial space was available so I popped my head in to inquire if the South End’s favorite Aunt was considering a move. At times, I can be very nosey like that inquisitive.

I was told that Aunt Sadie was going to occupy their original space rather than both store fronts on Union Park so the store will downsize – no doubt in part due to the economic battering all retailers have felt lately. Fortunately though – the store will remain which is good news because I would be broken hearted if the store were to leave the neighborhood or close all together.

Feel free to wish Aunt Sadie well by buying something (preferably not from their ever growing baby selection)… The Souh End store is at 18 Union Park (between Shawmut and Washington) and can be found online at http://www.auntsadiesinc.com.

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Movie coming this August: Julie & Julia

Posted on May 1, 2009 | Leave a comment

Thanks to WGB for sharing this video clip. Meryl Streep does a ‘wicked good job’ playing Julia Child.

Although Julia Child was born in CA and lived in Europe for years, she really became quite famous when she started her cooking show here in Boston on PBS affiliate, WGBH. The Smith College grad settled in Cambridge and through her cooking show became a local and international icon for decades. Check out the movie trailer – it is worth the two minutes of your time.

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Flashback Friday: The Rat

Posted on May 1, 2009 | 4 comments


The Rathskeller (known as The Rat for short) was a live music venue for more than two decades in Boston’s Kenmore Square. The Rat was Boston’s version of CBGBs – a dingy place best known for hosting up and coming punk and rock bands. During their years of operation bands like The Cars, Pixies, Police, Ramones, and Talking Heads played here.

However, both the music scene and Kenmore Square changed by the late 90s and so the Rat finally closed its doors for good in 1997 (the year I moved back to Boston).

Now occupying 528 Commonwealth Avenue is the Hotel Commonwealth’s restaurant, Eastern Standard. According to wikipedia, in recognition of the Rat’s place in Boston’s punk rock history, the restaurant’s bar offers a cocktail named after the concert venue, which consists of fernet branca and coke.

For those feeling nostalgic you can check out The Rat’s myspace page at www.myspace.com/rathskeller

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Then there were 59…

Posted on April 28, 2009 | Leave a comment

Today’s surprise announcement from Senate Republican, Arlen Specter, that he is changing his party affiliation brings the number of Democrats in the U.S. Senate to 59. Specter will likely remain a conservative Democrat not necessarily aiding many of Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid’s, pet projects, but it remains both a surprise and a blow to the Republican Party.

Today, Sen. Specter said that he did not leave the Republican Party – rather the party had left him. These are sentiments that have been voiced for the past few years by many moderate Republicans and most recently by Sen. John McCain’s daughter, Meghan McCain. Perhaps this will serve as a wake-up call for the Republican Party – but I doubt it. Obama’s appeal to moderates and the Republican Party’s continued embrace of the far right mimics a trend that saw the same thing happen to the Democrats in the 1980s when Specter first came to the U.S. Senate. Then, several high profile (mostly Southern) Democrats switched their party affiliation.

6pm Update:
I am posting an update to my initial entry which is above, because of comments I’ve since read on the Huffington Post which validate my thoughts.

Sen. Snowe from Maine issued a public statement saying that the news of Specter’s departure was devastating. You can read more by linking here.

By contrast Repubican Party Chairman Steele derided Sen. Specter’s decision saying he only did this because he would not win the Republican Party Primary in his re-election bid in two years; essentially calling him a RINO – a derogatory term that means, “Republican In Name Only”.

Not to be out done, and because all ego maniacs crave the spotlight, Rush Limbaugh made it a point to say good riddance, and then he suggested that Sen. John McCain and his daughter Meghan McCain (see her mentioned above in my initial posting) should also join the Democratic Party. So much for the Republican Party’s leadership taking this seriously.

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South End rumor, new owners have bought space formerly known as The Dish

Posted on April 28, 2009 | Leave a comment

There is a rumor that the restaurant space occupied by The Dish until it closed in January of this year, has recently been sold. The Dish was a popular neighborhood restaurant on the corner of Shawmut and Milford Street but it’s tiny size probably worked against it during the colder months when their street patio was not available for patrons. I’m hopeful that another eatery will open in its place. Perhaps a delicious sandwich shop or bakery to compliment Formaggio’s across the street.

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Buh bye cold… hello spring

Posted on April 26, 2009 | Leave a comment

Signs of spring started to appear in Boston about two weeks ago, and last Friday, April 17th, when Boston cracked 70 degrees for the first time many of the magnolia trees lining Commonwealth Avenue went into full bloom.

However, starting this past Friday, April 24th, when Boston hit 80 degrees the city erupted. Everyone (myself included) has been dining al fresco, joining friends on their roof decks and patios for cocktails and walking around the city just to be outside enjoying the warmth.

Spring has sprung, the non-stop chirping of birds and the trees now covered in leaves have done more to fend off any possible relapse of GetMeTheHellOutOfHere Syndrome until next winter.

Current weather conditions in Boston: 83 degrees and sunny
Tuesday’s weather predictions in Boston: highs nearing 90 degrees!

And I am happy.

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Flashback Friday: October 20, 2004

Posted on April 24, 2009 | Leave a comment

The Red Sox and Yankees meet for the first time this season at Fenway Park tonight. To draw some inspiration and to help keep the Red Sox 7-game winning streak alive, I thought I would post this photograph from October 20, 2004 when the Red Sox did the unimaginable and rallied to make the greatest come back in sports history; defeating the NY Yankees in a best of 7 series after dropping the first 3 games and earning their victory on enemy soil.

Good luck Red Sox and happy memories to Red Sox Nation with this flashback.

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113th Boston Marathon this Monday

Posted on April 19, 2009 | Leave a comment

Marathon fever hit Boston earlier this week and the street’s of Boston’s BackBay neighborhood are filled with excited runners, visitors and enthusiasts to watch the world’s oldest annual marathon. Unfortunately, the good weather we have enjoyed the past few days appears to be on its way out so I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the marathoners and the 500,000+ people the city expects to come in and cheer on runners.

Marathon Monday (held each Patriots’ Day) is a unique holiday universally celebrated in Boston but little known beyond the city limits. Tomorrow I will not be blogging. Rather I will visit a local bar to watch the Red Sox game which begins at 11:05am before I walk over to Mass. and Comm. Ave. to cheer on those running in the 113th Boston Marathon.

Having lived in Boston for more than a decade, this weekend has a lot of meaning and is a wonderful time to be in the city. I would love to welcome people to come and experience Marathon Monday once in their life. It is a fun and unique experience that illustrates Boston’s fierce pride and tradition as well as the city’s love for sports and athletes in general.

If you would like to learn more about the 26.2 mile route or the storied history of the world’s oldest annual marathon, The Boston Globe has a great spread which includes: an interactive guide that breaks down the course mile by mile, photo galleries and videos as well as a spectators guide. To read more link here.

About the Boston Marathon:
Begun in 1897 and inspired by the success of the first modern-day marathon competition in the 1896 Summer Olympics, the Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most well-known road racing events. It is one of five members of the World Marathon Majors, which also include: London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.

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Hitting the gym

Posted on April 19, 2009 | Leave a comment

It has been nearly a month since my last ‘work out’ entry. At that point, I had just completed my initial trial pack, and I re-signed for another 10 sessions with my trainer, Stu. I mentioned that my clothes were starting to fit me better, and I noticed subtle changes in my physique. Since then, I have remained fairly faithful working out regularly.
Today Stu focussed on working out my legs and now that I’ve been out of the gym for several hours I can feel the fatigue. Stu had me run through a series of circuits for 90 minutes that included weights, plyometrics, crunches, suicides and several other exercises that kept me gasping to catch my breathe. I’ve noticed that as I’ve gained strength, Stu has increased the intensity of our work outs. I suppose I should look at this as getting more value for my money – after all the workouts now make my introductory sessions seem pretty pathetic. When I think back to some of my earlier entries like “My Aching Muscles”, I’m almost embarrassed by how out of shape I had allowed myself to get. To the casual observer I don’t think people realized how weak I was both with regards to muscle tone as well as cardio. Fortunately the regular visits to the gym, which started mid-February, have really made a difference.

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Zakim Bridge lights go back on tonight

Posted on April 18, 2009 | Leave a comment

Hooray! The Boston Globe is reporting that after the April 9th announcement by the Massachusetts Turnpike that the Zakim Bridge would no longer be lit at night due to budget cuts, there was a huge public outcry and enough donations have come in to ensure the bridge can and will remain lit at night. The familiar blue lights will reappear starting tonight.

Photo from The Boston Globe and staff photographer, Evan Richman.

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