Tag Archives: BosGuy

BosGuy brain teaser

brain teaserEach Friday morning I post a riddle to try to get you to think outside the box and exercise your brain.

If you are stumped, share it with a friend or colleague and try to figure it out together.

I’ll confirm answers in the afternoon so don’t worry if you don’t see your comment posted right away. I want to give everyone a chance to guess.

 

This week’s brain teaser: 

The big bad wolf said, “I’ll huff and I’ll puff”
But the third pig’s house was built strong enough.
The three little pigs all now know the trick
When they build their homes, they only use brick.
A new building code will limit the weight
A house total tons can not exceed eight.
If bricks weigh four pounds plus half a brick more
What are the most bricks a pig can ask for?

Like riddles? Check out past week’s brain teasers.

Baby & Me by Evian

I love this video from Evian that came out last month and I’m pretty certain you will too. Check this out when you have a minute. I’m sure it will make you smile.

Restaurant review: Merchant’s Row breakfast

Earlier this week I wrote about a chef’s tasting I attended at The Colonial Inn’s Merchant’s Row in Concord, MA.  I was fortunate enough to be able to spend the night at this quaint, historic Inn and the next day returned to Merchant’s Row before heading home to try their breakfast.

The menu includes something for everyone including a farm fresh eggs section, breakfast sandwiches, healthy options (I skipped this bit), and something Chef Pianowski refers to as sweeter stuff (I studied this section quite closely).  Meals range from $7 – $19 with most items between $9 – $15; quite reasonable.

Merchant's RowWe started with the fresh baked breakfast basket ($7) served warm and smelling delicious; including scones, muffins, croissants, and cinnamon buns served with butter, jam, honey and a cream cheese blended with powdered sugar (OMG).

Sergio and I opted to split the menu ordering one savory and one sweet item to share.  We started with a three-egg omelette stuffed with caramelized onions, mushrooms and Swiss cheese ($11) also served with crispy breakfast potatoes. The Concord Colonial Inn

Our waiter suggested we also try the challah French toast ($12) that is served with a bananas foster compote and a generous slathering of butter that is whipped with the zest of orange and crushed walnut that was toasted.  This meal just might kill a diabetic, but I can assure you they’d die happy. The Concord Colonial Inn

The service and food was equally satisfying for breakfast as it was the night before for dinner.  For those lucky enough to live nearby, I would certainly suggest checking out Merchant’s Row, which recently changed their menu.

Merchant’s Row at The Concord Colonial Inn is open daily for breakfast from 7AM – 11AM with brunch buffet served every Sunday from lunch from 10:30AM – 2:00PM.  For more information and to make reservations link here.

Merchant’s Row at Concord Colonial Inn at 48 Monument Square

Reservations are highly recommended

ICA Boston free admission 5-9PM

ICA Boston

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA Boston) is a fantastic local museum that is located on the water in the heart of the Seaport District.

Each Thursday evening The ICA Boston is free from 5 – 9pm.  The ICA is currently exhibiting San Francisco graffiti artist, Barry McGee.  More about the ICA Boston here.

Every Thursday from 5-9PM The ICA Boston is Free 

Giddyup

hunkIf you are like me, you were terribly disappointed to wake up and realize it wasn’t Friday.  Perhaps this will bring a smile and help you get through today.

BHC Provincetown GroupOn is out

ProvincetownUPDATE: BHC’s GroupOn is now sold out – Hope you got your tix

This morning Boston Harbor Cruises released their annual GroupOn deal that provides real savings for anyone looking to purchase a round trip high speed ferry ticket.  The deal doesn’t last long and each account may only purchase three round trip tickets so get’em while they last.

www.GroupOn.com (search by Boston Harbor Cruises in Boston)

Flashback post: Santa Speedo Run 2012

SSRAm I looking for an excuse to share this video I created after the 2012 Santa Speedo Run here in Boston? Perhaps, but I still can’t believe this took place six months ago today.  Feel free to watch this light hearted and fun video of Bostonians running down the now infamous Boylston Street.

Paul Richmond’s Cheesecake Boys

Paul RichmondOhio-based artist, Paul Richmond, is currently being featured on HuffPost’s Gay News section here. Putting  a twist on gender stereotypes with his “Cheesecake Boys” series Richmond depicts men in roles traditionally portrayed by women.  Among those images featured is this cute rendition of Albany-based blogger and part-time Bostonian, Alan Ilagan. Is that Ptown or Ogunquit Alan?

I love the colors and depictions that gives a nod to early and mid 20th century pin-up artwork.  You can see the other depictions from Paul Richmond and read about this talented artist, here

Provincetown travel FAQs

Entering-ProvincetownWith the month of June just weeks away, I cannot help but think about summer and that got me to thinking about –where else?– but Provincetown.

Last summer a number of readers emailed me with questions about Ptown so I thought I’d write a post to include some of the information I was most often asked. Email at BosGuymail@gmail.com if you have any other questions.

When to go to provincetown

I think Provincetown is a great destination nearly year round, but most travelers visit during the most popular theme weeks in the summer months. For a more complete listing of events and theme weeks this summer link here.

International Film Festival presents an array of narrative features, documentaries and short films.   This year’s festival runs from June 19-23rd.
Independence Week possibly the busiest week of the year in Provincetown so make your reservations ASAP – July 1-7th.
Bear Week one of the most popular weeks to visit, this year the week has been pushed back and runs from July 13-21st.
Carnival is a week long celebration from August 18-24th with the parade scheduled for Thursday, August 22nd.   This year’s theme is “Viva Las Vegas”.
 

how to get to provincetown

Driving is a popular but stressful way to get to Provincetown.  Without traffic, travel time from Boston is approximately 2+ hours, but traffic remains a constant in the summer and can sometimes take 3+ hours.

One may also fly from Boston’s Logan Airport to Provincetown on Cape Air in less than 30 minutes. However, my preferred mode of travel between Boston and Provincetown is the ferry service provided by BHC and Bay State.  Note that both companies have different arrival / departure times.

Boston Harbor Cruises (BHC) $85 Round Trip – more information here
Bay State Cruise Company $85 Round Trip – more information here
 

Lodging

Provincetown has an incredibly diverse number of lodging options for such a tiny town.  Many people will rent houses and apartments which typically run from Saturday to Saturday.  However, there is a long list of Bed & Breakfasts, small inns and camp grounds that cater to all price ranges. Ptown’s Chamber of Commerce has a listing of many (but not all) options here.

Feel free to shoot me an email at BosGuymail@gmail.com if you are planning a trip to Provincetown and have questions.  I’ll be happy to do my best to answer any questions as you plan your trip to one of my favorite destinations.

China’s penis building

China Penis BuildingChina officials are not amused that people are referring to the new state building that will be the new headquarters for The People’s Daily (China’s major newspaper run by the ruling Communist Party) as the penis building.

However, what would one expect people to say? This may be the most literal interpretation of the penis I’ve ever seen.  So much for subtlety.   According to the report in – where else? Cosmo – censors in China are now blocking photos of the unfinished skyscraper because it has become the source of so many jokes.

You can read Cosmopolitan’s article here.

2013 AIDS Walk and Run Boston

AIDS Walk and RunThe first Sunday each June is the AIDS Walk & 5K Run Boston. While I wish there was no longer a need for this fundraiser the sad truth is there remains no cure and infections continue to spread among all age groups and sexual orientation.  No longer a “gay disease” it still resonates with the LGBT community and so I wanted to encourage you to create a fund raiser page and plan to walk in this year’s AIDS Walk & Run Boston on Sunday, June 2nd.  You may register and sign up to walk or run by linking here.

AIDS Walk & Run Boston – Sunday, June 2nd

If you cannot join AIDS Action on Sunday, June 2nd, my friend and fellow blogger, Julian would greatly appreciate a donation (any amount is welcome).

Support Julian by making a donation today here

Julian has a very modest goal of raising $500. If you are not or cannot participate in the walk this year, won’t you help him shatter his goal?  I think together we can help him raise far more.  Proceeds go to support New England’s largest AIDS Service Organization, AIDS Action.

Probably Gay, the Homophobia Song

Probably gay, the homophobic songCheck out this hilarious video from Katie Goodman’s Broad Comedy was posted last year.  I hadn’t seen this until JoeMyGod brought my attention to it.  I love the chorus “If you’re homophobic, you’re probably gay.

Restaurant Review: Merchant’s Row at Concord’s Colonial Inn

Concord Colonial Inn SignI was invited to spend an evening at The Concord Colonial Inn last weekend to meet Chef Cassandra Pianowski for a special tasting at the Inn’s fine dining restaurant, Merchant’s Row.  So Sergio and I drove up to Concord, MA to enjoy what turned out to be a surprisingly delicious six course meal.  

Concord, MA is a quaint New England town, 30 minutes north west of Boston by car and also easily accessible by commuter rail. Before dinner we were treated to some delicious passed hors d’oeuvres and wines from Westport Rivers Winery here in Westport, MA in Liberty’s Tap Room Lounge; Liberty is the second (more casual) restaurant option at The Colonial Inn.  Concord Colonial Inn

The local wines set the tone for Chef Pianowski’s dinner, which wherever possible incorporated local produce and ingredients. The first two courses (shown below) included salmon tartare, pickled red onions and managa chips that was beautifully served on slate and drizzled with sweet soy. Fortunately, Sergio isn’t big on anything tartare so I was able to eat both 🙂  The salmon was followed by shrimp and grits with scallion, mushroom and smoked pork. Sadly, Sergio greedily consumed this course, but considering the amount of food served I couldn’t have made it through the entire dinner eating for two.Concord Colonial Inn

Following a refreshing mango sorbet, Chef Pianowski serve two of my favorite plates.  The fourth course consisted of meyer lemon diver scallops with a cherry balsamic, pureed parsnips and cubed beets.  The fifth course included the restaurant’s signature braised short ribs and steak frites.  I didn’t let the fact that I was nearing full slow me down as I ate both plates.  Should you visit Merchant’s Row I would easily recommend the scallops, ribs or steak for your main plate. It was flavorful and very satisfying both in taste and presentation.Concord Colonial Inn

The sixth and final course was a decadent dessert sampler that included a stout chocolate cake, brioche bread pudding and the Colonial Inn blondie sundae complete with cracker jacks to add extra crunch.

Merchant’s Row at The Concord Colonial Inn is open daily for breakfast from 7AM – 11AM; lunch from 11AM – 3:30PM; and dinner from 5PM – 9PM.  For more information about the menu and to make reservations link here.

Merchant’s Row at Concord Colonial Inn at 48 Monument Square

Reservations are highly recommended

Merchants Row on Urbanspoon

New England becomes first region to legalize same sex marriage

HRC RI Marriage Equality LogoLast week Rhode Island (RI) became the 10th state in the United States to recognize same sex marriage.  RI’s move to legalize gay marriage makes New England (MA, NH, ME, VT, CT and RI) the first region in the United States to recognize marriage equality as a fundamental right.

Six of the Ten states that now recognize same sex marriage are in New England – 60% of the entire country at the moment.   If you throw neighboring New York into the mix that means 70% of all states that recognize marriage equality that accounts for an astounding 70%.

Any doubt what part of the US is the most progressive and open? Now if the rest of the country could join us in the 21st century…

Montreal #DestinationTakeover

The Welcoming CommitteeThe Welcoming Committee fresh off its successful Foxwoods Casino Takeover recently announced another trip that will take place June 22-23rd (Saturday and Sunday) in Montreal.  Thanks to a lot of planning on their part, the cost of the trip can be as affordable as you like, allowing you to reserve a room for yourself (perhaps you anticipate late night entertaining) or you may share a room with one other or for those truly on a budget pile four friends into a room with two beds.

June 22 – 23 Montreal Take Over – TWC Style

The Welcoming Committee

Who wouldn’t want to travel with such an attractive, fun crowd

Prices for this #DestinationTakeover as TWC refers to it are downright affordable starting at $199.99, but because those kooky kids at TWC love me and my blog so much they’ve offered to give any of my readers who register a $75 discount.  Don’t procrastinate if your interest is piqued because this wicked awesome bargain (please pronounce as baaahgen) ends Thursday, May 9th.

Discount Code: BosGuyTakeover 

Good for a $75.00 discount through Thursday, May 9th

More details about the trip and where to buy your tickets found here.