Tag Archives: Boston

Boston – Pride Weekend

Posted on June 12, 2010 | Leave a comment

My weekend started with a pleasant conversation over a delicious dinner at Aquitaine with TFP. Leaving the restaurant, I thought I might call it a night, but I happened to receive a text from friends I don’t see regularly saying that they would be going to Club Cafe so I decided to go and meet them.

The night turned out to be more fun than I would have initially expected. By total chance I met two handsome guys.  Eden (can’t swear by the spelling) is from Turkey – Istanbul to be specific – and Fabiano is from Brazil.  Before I realized it, the friends who had introduced us had left and I was chatting with Eden and Fabiano (and their friends). 

I had a great evening and although I never got their numbers or e-mail addresses, I hope to see these guys out in the city.  Boston is either a small city or big town; depending on how you think of it so it is not exactly unrealistic to expect / hope to see these guys again.  Its Friday night / Saturday morning – depending on how you look at it and Pride weekend in Boston is off to a great start.

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Coffee wars

Posted on June 10, 2010 | 1 comment

The Boston Globe has a pretty cool map that shows all the Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks in Boston.  It makes you realize how dominant Dunkin Donuts remains.  I’ll stick with getting my java from my favorite neighborhood coffee shop, The South End Buttery. You can check out the map and surf the entire state by linking here.

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Pride Week in Boston

Posted on June 7, 2010 | 2 comments

If you’ve noticed a lot of rainbow flags and pink lights appearing through out the South End, its because its Pride Week in Boston.  Although Pride here is the most sedate of any city I’ve ever visited, it is still the largest celebration in New England and if the weather is as nice as they are predicting for the weekend (low 80s and sunny) then it should be a fantastic time.

Starting tomorrow at Club Cafe AIDS Action will host the annual Pridelights Celebration.  Traditionally held outside the BCA – last year the event had to move inside due to rain.  The program was such a smashing success they’ve opted to keep it there.

Definitely stop by and check out the event – it is free and open to the public and there is always plenty going on at this annual event.  Although the program is not officially part of the Pride list of events, this has been a mainstay in the Boston community for more than a decade.

Event Details:
Tuesday – 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Club Cafe
209 Columbus Avenue

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And then the rain came on Sunday afternoon

Posted on June 6, 2010 | 2 comments
One minute the sky started to darken and the next the air was filled with rain and the roar of thunder.  It was the surprised shouts of pedestrians that made me look up from my computer and snag my Flip Video.  As you’ll be able to see, I don’t have the steadiest hand.

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A visit to the Boston Public Library

Posted on June 5, 2010 | Leave a comment

Earlier this year a couple of branches of the Boston Public Library (BPL) were forced to close and it made me realize that with the exception of random visits with my nephews, I had not taken out a book in several years.  I’m sure this is partly due to laziness (ordering books online is so much easier) and in part because I think that the way libraries are organized needs to be seriously reconsidered – but that is the topic for another blog entry.

The point I’m trying to make is the library closings made me realize if you don’t support something you can not expect it to remain relevant. The library – in particular the BPL – is a beautiful place.  I’m loving the fact that I can easily return these books rather than shuffle them from closet to cabinet drawer once they’ve been read as I normally do with books I’ve purchased.  Additionally, the environentalist in me likes the library… does that ring true for anyone else?

The next time you get the urge to log on to Amazon or drop by a national chain – think about how supporting your local library not only saves you a bit of money but also sends a message that this public resource brings value and enriches your community.

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Posted in What'cha Reading

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Senator Brown

Posted on May 25, 2010 | 1 comment

A long time ago I learnt to listen to tone and pick up on subtleties.  This talent has served me well in both my personal and professional lives.  It also helps me when I am listening to politicians.  It is with that finely tuned listening that I have followed the junior Senator from MA, Scott Brown, these past few months.  Over that time I’ve come to realize that he is uncomfortably quiet on GLBT issues. 

When he served in the MA State Senate he was opposed to same sex marriage, but when he campaigned for Ted Kennedy’s seat and was asked about his views, in lieu of saying he supported same sex marriage he said “the residents of MA had spoken”.  Hmmm…..

Today The Boston Globe is reporting that Sen. Brown has decided he will not vote in favor of repealing Don”t Ask Don’t Tell legislation later this week.  He told reporters he’s keeping “an open mind” but he would like the Pentagon to continue with their study before he votes.  Hmmm…

I should state that I have never had the desire to marry or serve in the military, but I am personally offended by those who would prevent me simply because I identify as gay.  I also take issue with politicians who are uncomfortable supporting (let alone taking a lead) on these issues.  I have no more patience for politicians who can not see eye-to-eye with me on such issues as: gay marriage, allowing for domestic partner benefits, military service, opposing discrimination at work or for housing because you are gay… These are not ‘special rights’ and any candidate who will not support these issues – can not rely on my vote.

I know years from now children will go to school and wonder wide-eyed how so many could be so blinded by prejudice, but it is a bitter sweet realization while waiting for that day.

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Taking time to smell the roses

Posted on May 25, 2010 | 4 comments
Spring 2010 has been the most temperate and enjoyable that I can recall.  A moderate winter with nearly no snowfall gave all Bostonians a sense of hope that better weather was on its way and with warm weekends in March and April the normally surly city seemed mostly smiles.

Despite an occassional cold evening or rainy weekend the weather in Boston has been mostly sunny and warm. This stands in stark contrast to the spring and summer of 2009, which was cold and rainy.  Realizing that the weather can always change (and often does here), I don’t want to take anything for granted, but I have a sense of optimism that we may be in store for a beautiful summer.

Sitting in my home tonight and looking out at the city below me, I can hear soft conversations of pedestrians walking with friends and the clatttering of plates and silverware from a restaurant patio across the street.  These are the sounds of summer and something I want to appreciate.

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Free stuff to do in Boston this weekend

Posted on May 21, 2010 | Leave a comment

The obvious choice this weekend is the annual EarthFest concert that will occur on Saturday, May 22nd at the Hatch Shell.  More than 125,000 people are expected to attend the concert hosted by Radio 92.9 FM.  Even the event is quite green with a free bike-valet program available to encourage people to leave their cars at home. The music line up this year includes Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Crash Kings, and Marcy Playground.

If the idea of spending quality time with 125,000+ people does not sound appealing, invite a friend or two to come over to your place (oh yeah, suggest they bring a 6-pack) and watch the Celtics play the Magic game, time: 8:30PM.

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Posted in Music

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Massachusetts economy picking up steam

Posted on May 20, 2010 | Leave a comment
Today’ Boston Globe includes some positive news about the local economy in the article Mass economy speeds up, jobs coming says forecast. “The Massachusetts economy is recovering at a quickening pace that will lead to more hiring over the next several months, setting the stage for an expansion that could create more then 200,000 jobs over the next five years…The forecast is somewhat brighter than one released six months ago. The New England Economic Partnership, a nonprofit analysis group, prepares and presents forecasts for the region and the six New England states twice a year.”

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My first concert: The GoGo’s

Posted on May 18, 2010 | 4 comments

Today at the gym I suffered a major flashback when I heard the early 80s girl-band, the Go Go’s playing.  This “New Wave” band from L.A. has a soft spot in my heart because they were the first legitimate concert I attended.

When I was in 8th grade I went to see the Go Go’s perform at “Concerts on the Common” in Boston with my two friends Tom and Brian (incidentally, I’m still friends with these guys). I could not find any videos from shows in Boston, but the one below is how I remember them back when I saw them in 1983.

Who did you see at your first concert and where was it?

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Posted in Music, Video

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Free stuff to do in Boston this weekend

Posted on May 14, 2010 | Leave a comment

Boston has vibrant downtown neighborhoods that come to life on each weekend during the warmer months when you can venture outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.  Thus far, the weather in 2010 has been less of a nemesis and more of a friend.  This weekend Friday looks to be rainy, but Saturday and Sunday should be in the low 70s with plenty of sun; making it ideal for people who want to partake in the SoWa Art Walk.
Held each spring, this event draws thousands of people into the neighborhood to come and see the 200+ artists who exhibit their work. Studios will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 6pm.  Need directions on how to get here or want to look at a map to see where the studios are located – link here.

If the art walk is not your thing, pay a visit to Boston’s most famous brewery, Sam Adams. Their summer brew is now on tap everywhere in the city, but you can sample it for free and see how it is made in their brewery in JP.  It is fairly close to the Orange Line Stony Brook T stop, and you can drive and park for free on the weekends.  The tour is free but a small donation is asked at the very beginning; proceeds go to a local charity.  For more information about weekend hours call ahead, (617) 368-5080.

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Posted in Free Stuff

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Commencement season

Posted on May 8, 2010 | Leave a comment
With 260,000+ students enrolled in 50+ colleges and universities, Boston and Cambridge may have more students than any other city.  This also means that graduation ceremonies will dominate the city for the next several weeks.

Having so many people leave the city over the span of 6-8 weeks has a profound impact. The city develops an empty feeling that is compounded when many residents start heading for Cape Cod, the islands (Martha’s Vineyard & Nantucket) as well as places like Newport, RI and the coast of Maine. On the plus side, street parking becomes easier and life slows significantly; if only for about 10 weeks. However, that slower pace of life is still a few weeks away and won’t be felt until “commencement season” concludes. 

Last night, across the street from my home the Mass College of Art and Design had their Senior Fashion Show, which operates as a sort of commencement for these newly minted fashionistas.  The event looked quite beautiful, and I could not help but go over and check it out.  I’ve included a clip of all the graduates promenading down the runway.  Earlier in the evening, each designer had their spotlight showcasing a number of looks – this was the end of the show.

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Free stuff to do in Boston this weekend

Posted on May 7, 2010 | 2 comments
Boston Guerrilla Queer Bar:

The first Friday of each month this group randomly takes over a traditionally straight bar and call it their own. Lines can get long with some nights drawing hundreds of guys. This Friday BGQB will be at Sanctuary in downtown Boston.

First Friday – SoWa Artist Guild
If the bar scene is not your thing, Friday, May 7th is the first Friday of the month which means the South End’s many artist galleries at 450 Harrison Avenue will be open to the public. Parking is plentiful and you can spend a couple of hours looking through some very unique galleries. If you get thirsty after all that walking there are several lounges and restaurants just steps away (sorry those are not free). This is a bit of a precursor to the SoWa Art Walk which will occur on Saturday and Sunday May 15 & 16 from 11:00am to 6:00pm, but I’ll write more about that next week.

Fort Point Channel open studios
Continuing with the ‘art’ theme, on Saturday and Sunday, the Fort Point Channel neighborhood which in many ways has become the ‘new’ South End is having their own art walk which will include 50+ artists and artisians. For those coming in from outside the city, there is free parking across from 249 A Street.  Fort Point open studios is from 4-7pm on Saturday and from 12-5pm on Sunday.  Visit, http://www.fortpointarts.org/ for more details.

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Posted in Free Stuff

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Dusk in Boston

Posted on May 6, 2010 | Leave a comment
The weather in Boston has been beautiful.  Days have been sunny with temperatures in the low 80s and high 70s making it feel more summer-like than spring.  Dusk on Tuesday in Boston was absolutely gorgeous.

Unfortunately, I was slow to pick up my camera but I was able snap a few shots including this photograph of a fading rainbow.

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Who will occupy Louis Boston’s former home

Posted on April 27, 2010 | Leave a comment

Earlier this winter iconic retailer, Louis Boston, closed their doors on Newbury Street.  With many retailers hurting this is not news except that Louis Boston was closing shop on Newbury Street to expand into a new neighborhood that is still being developed call Fort Point Channel. Additionally, Louis Boston does not occupy just any building – they occupy the crown jewel of Newbury Street (Boston’s version of Fifth Avenue or Rodeo Drive for those not familiar).

Speculation abounds in articles written by The Boston Globe wondering aloud what fashion house or department store may decide to take over the space.  I’ve included a photograph taken by The Boston Globe to show you the contrast from the home on Newbury Street to the new home of Louis Boston.

Newbury Street
Fan Pier / Fort Point Channel

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