It is official, last week Sergio and I booked our tickets to Brazil and we will be returning to Rio de Janeiro in late November / early December for some rest and relaxation – and I can’t wait.
I have not been in Rio since 2008 and that is far too long to wait. Rio is one of the most amazing cities I’ve ever visited. This aerial photo over the shoulders of the Corcovado overlooking the city pretty much says it all doesn’t it?
Thanks to N.G. for sharing.
Harry Collings knows the LGBT community is looking forward to the opening of his new restaurant and bar, Back Bay Harry’s, and his team is working diligently so they may open in September. Earlier this week Harry gave me a private tour of the space that has been completely redesigned by HGTV designer and Massachusetts native, Taniya Nayak.
The changes to the space are significant (and for the better in my opinion). Harry is doubling the bar area, moving it to the opposite side of the room that runs along Stanhope Street. The bar will run the full the length of the restaurant, ending at the newly renovated and more open kitchen. The bar will give way to high tops, followed by dining tables and comfy banquets by the front windows and along the left side of the restaurant.
Harry Collings poses in front of his new restaurant, Back Bay Harry’s
The license for Back Bay Harry’s will allow for dinner to be served until 1AM and the bar can remain open until 2AM. Harry indicated that he plans to be open for lunch and dinner and to serve brunch on the weekends. Although the menu is yet to be finalized, you can expect affordable American fare. I promise to share more on that subject – the food – in a future post. I want to be among the first to say welcome to Back Bay Harry’s and to wish them luck.
Did you know that Russia’s new laws could send you to jail if you are “pro-gay”. Although nobody is really certain what that means, the growing number of hate-infused bills becoming law just as Russia is preparing to host the world in the next Winter Olympics is troublesome in the least.
CNN has an interesting opinion piece entitled Make Olympics in Russia the Gayest Ever. The editorial offers suggestions on how to support greater acceptance if not equality for the LGBT community at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. In case you think this is all an overreaction – check out some of the recent legislation passed by Putin.
Did you know there is a law that allows police to arrest “pro-gay” tourists? There is another law that labels any writing or statement calling for tolerance or equality (like this blog post) as pornography and is punishable by fine and jail time. Putin also banned adoptions of Russian children to any country where LGBT marriage is legal. Rumors now suggest the Russian government may start to remove children from same-sex couples.
What do you make of the vigilante laws in Russia that encourage violence against the LGBT community? I can’t even wrap my head around this.
Here is a picture I never would have thought I’d see posted to Rafael Nadal’s Facebook page. Apparently this is for a baby who needs bone marrow replacement. If you’d like to learn more or help that family you may link here (note the site is in Spanish). Thanks to my brother for the humorous heads up.
I bet Kenneth from Kenneth in the 212 blog is all over this.
Boston’s Summer Restaurant Week, starts on August 18th. Participating restaurants will offer a prix-fixe menu that includes a 3-course lunch for $20.13 and a 3-course dinner for $38.13. If this is your first time making reservations during Restaurant Week, consider the following tips:
– Make your reservations this week since the most desirable places book quickly. If possible, make reservations for Monday or Tuesday when a restaurant is likely to be less busy.
– Not all participating restaurants are worth visiting. If most of the restaurant’s main plates are < $25.00 then you’re not saving any money. Look for restaurants that normally charge a higher price point.
– Select a restaurant you have never visited. Use the opportunity to explore new places. You may be pleasantly surprised and discover a new favorite.
Want to see what restaurants are participating, learn more about the program or make a dinner reservation? Check out the website, restaurantweekboston.com.
Yesterday The Republican National Committee (RNC) wrote letters to NBC and CNN threatening to pull broadcasting rights to to their primary debates if a documentary on Hillary Clinton was produced or shown by the networks.
I couldn’t care less
However, both networks either think the RNC is bluffing or simply don’t care because later in the afternoon CNN and NBC, in separate statements, said they would move forward with the Clinton projects.
To be perfectly fair, I can understand the concern the RNC has about a potential Presidential candidate receiving favorable air time but as is so often the case with the Republican Party it is their method and delivery that leaves me cold. Tantrums and ultimatums work when you are a child – or perhaps when you work in Congress but the real world operates a tad differently.
My response to the RNC would have been exactly the same. I’m sure the ratings for a Hillary Clinton documentary will dwarf the RNC primary debates and that more than anything should cause the Republican Party to rethink what that means for their ability to recapture the White House. It’s time to evolve.
Milk does the body very good apparently.
A bit more than a 1 hour drive north of Boston, Ogunquit is located along the southern coast of Maine near the New Hampshire border. Sergio and I are lucky enough to have two friends who have a home just a few minutes walk from Ogunquit’s center who each summer generously invite us and a few friends to spend a relaxing weekend in Maine.
Later this week, Sergio and I will be Ogunquit-bound, and I couldn’t be happier to join Ralph & Joao to spend a couple days in Maine. Not familiar with Ogunquit or miss this cute seaside resort? Check out these recent posts from friends and fellow bloggers:
Alan Ilagan: The Marginal Way at Dusk and his cheeky nude in the dunes from his post Naked at Ogunquit.
Blobby: 12 of 12 is a collection of photos of Ogunquit but if you’d prefer video check out his post, Safe Upon the Shore.
My partner Sergio may have been born and raised in Brazil, but he speaks better English than many Americans. However, he does have a few rather peculiar ways to express himself that I find endearing.
One of my favorite expressions he uses regularly seems to manifest when he is scheduling client appointments. His lighting design business is quite busy these days and when he is trying to find a time to meet with a client he is quite likely to say something to the effect of, “Yes, I’m very busy, but I could squeeze you tomorrow.” Perhaps it is his soft accent, but nobody ever raises an eyebrow.
Dressed and ready for work.
My brother-in-law sent me this photograph of the car in front of him. It was spotted north of Boston on I-93 earlier this afternoon.
American Hustle, which opens in December, is yet another movie filmed here in Boston. Set in Camden, NJ, the movie is about a con artist and his partner who were forced to work with federal agents. American Hustle stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Renner.
Bostonians will recognize scenes in the trailer from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Boylston Street and the Fairmont Copley Hotel.
Posted in Art & Film, Pop Culture, Video
Tagged Art and Film, BosGuy, Boston Guy, Pop Culture
For nearly 18 months the colorful mural shown above in Boston’s Dewey Square has been one of the most discussed pieces of public art.
The Os Gemos mural was never meant to be permanent. Rather the Institute of Contemporary Art is using the Big Dig ventilation building in Dewey Square as a canvas of sorts to feature modern artists. As with the Os Gemeos mural, the next artist who’s work will be featured is expected to last approximately 18-months.
According to the Boston Globe article, British artist, Matthew Ritchie, was selected and will paint a 5,000-square-foot seascape that will be installed the week of Sept. 16. I loved the mural from Os Gemeos and will miss it but I look forward to Ritchie’s contribution to Boston’s public art.
I hope you don’t need to work today and can sleep in and relax.
Enjoy your Sunday.
BosGuy 