Adventures in Gastronomy

So, Lise…per your comment yesterday, what is wrong with my nose? Actually, I just threw that photo up there since I was rushing to implement the new blog and the new format provided a spot for a photo. I’m thinking I can be creative and post different ones there every day. Though, I must admit I thought the nose photo (technically, a photo showcasing my glasses, not my nose, but whatever) was kinda’ artsy.

I guess I thought wrong (Randy didn’t like it, either).

Summer is officially here….95 yesterday, the same (or worse) today. And the humidity still increasing. This is the weather I detest most. Hello, mother nature? I live up north for a reason. Work with me here!

But Randy returned from Virginia yesterday afternoon so things aren’t all that bad. And we’re off to the Cape this weekend where he gets to meet my brother, sister-in-law and niece and nephew. In fact, it was my Mom’s idea that he come down. She actually called me a week ago and said that Paul and Heidi (brother and wife) were coming down and that she thought it’d be a good idea if Randy came down with me to meet them. She must really like him. She’s certainly come a long way from when I first told them I was gay back in the mid-90’s. I’m rather lucky.

June 27th, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 3 Comments

Here it is: Adventures in Gastronomy 3.1 (since it’s had 3 previous incarnations…plus a temporary one for the past week that I refuse to consider a new version…hence .1).

My next step is to add my flickr photo gallery (which may, or may not, appear to the right by the time you read this).

Outside the blogosphere, Randy is returning from his trip to Virginia this evening. Just in time for the miserable weather! Of course, he hasn’t installed his air conditioners yet so that is what we’ll be doing first upon his return. Come to think of it, this may be the sole reason he wants me to come over tonight. He’s not happy to see me…he’s happy to have a spotter to help put in the air conditioners while it’s 95 degrees and humid.

Dating isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

In more serious news, Boston had it’s 31st murder the other night. The victim was an 8 year old boy. The parents initially told the place that armed intruders broke into their home. Last night it was revealed that they lied and that the boy’s 7 year old cousin accidentally shot him while playing with an illegal/unregistered gun.

I’m going to get hissed at for this, but I don’t understand why a child’s murder is manipulated by the media to be more tragic than the murder of a 20-50 year old. Death is death…and if the victim was in fact a victim (innocent bystander versus gang member), I think they all should get the same amount of sympathy. People (and the media) just see a cute kid’s school photo on the TV and act like it’s the worst thing ever. Yet the same exact thing has happened 30 other times in Boston this year alone (and hundreds of times throughout the country).

Yet after this one murder, the newspapers were showing religious groups, city leaders, neighborhood groups, and others grouping together to finally put a stop to city violence. I know there has been talk of doing this before and smaller efforts have been made to curb violence over the past year…but why is it that only when a child is involved people finally start reacting en force?

Don’t get me wrong…it’s tragic that this child is dead. But why should we feel worse for him than for the others?

That said, I think the victim’s parents and all adult family members in the house at the time of the death should be jailed. Not only did they allow unregistered weapons in their house (around children, no less), but they lied to police…wasting tax payers money as the police searched the city for accused criminals that didn’t even exist. The 7 year older shooter should be taken out of the family’s custody and receive therapy (he must be feeling tremendous guilt, and based on media reports, it doesn’t sound like this family is a very stable place to support him).

There, I’m off my soapbox. You can hate me now.

June 26th, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 3 Comments

This is an exciting time at Harvard Law School. The media keeps focusing on the stupid relocation of 3 Victorian era houses a few blocks up Mass Ave (which I honestly don’t understand; people have been moving houses down streets for centuries without modern technology….why is it such a big deal today?).*

But for me, the big news is that today is the day that Harvard Law School upgrades the blog server and I will be forced to have a new “theme”. I’ve still not picked one yet…mostly because I don’t know what the new ones will be. All I know is that the one I’ve grown to love over the past few years will become obsolete in a few hours. By tomorrow morning, you will be viewing the “new and improved” Adventures in Gastronomy. And, if my technical skills are up to par, I’m told I’ll be able to incorporate my flickr photo albums into the page, too. WOO HOO!

*My biggest grievance with this whole house moving thing is that facilities has changed the locks on my office’s balcony door so I no longer have access to it. They feared that I (or somebody) would allow the media access to my roofdeck…and then they’d bring a ladder, climb up to the roof, walk to the other side of the building and watch the houses being moved. Now that the move is over, I’ve requested that the locks be changed again. I don’t use the deck…but I frequently open the door to get some ventilation in here (and there are no other operable windows).

June 25th, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 2 Comments

I’m an architecture and urban planning buff. That in itself isn’t geeky (I hope). But I belong to an online group for Boston area architecture buffs (a forum where you post comments on existing and future developments, as well as public transit infrastructure). Mostly it’s a bunch of guys (no females, go figure) who rant and (rarely) rave about what’s going on in this city.

Well, I’ve only met one person off this site (just under two years ago). We’ve hung out a few times, walked around Boston taking pictures, and bitched about the progress made on the Big Dig parks. Mostly, we’ve just stayed in touch online – checking back with each other every few months if we enjoy one another’s comments on the website. Last night we got together for the first time since last summer because he wanted to see the photos I took in Prague. He’s always wanted to go there and very well might be even more interested in urban planning than I am.

How do I know this? Well, let me put it this way. I’ve shown these photos to a handful of people so far and it probably took about 15-25 minutes (that includes London, Prague, and Paris pictures). Last night we just looked at Prague alone…and it took nearly 2.5 hours. I’m serious! I must admit, even I was getting a bit tired half way through (by the time we had viewed the first two days worth of a four day trip). He analayzed the colors, the details, the juxtaposition, the street patterns…everything!

I mean, I do that, too… but for a few seconds. But he was able to summise what century a building was likely built (and what part of that century: early, mid, late). When viewing photos of the statues of what, to me, were random Czech people, he knew who they were and what they’d done to warrant a statue being built in their honor. He seemed to enjoy it and we agreed he can return another time to view photos of London and Paris (and last year’s Amsterdam, which he’d not seen yet).

Next time I’ll be prepared. I’ll stock up on nourishment.

June 21st, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: Comments Off on Evidence of My Geekdom

I’m warning you now that I’m planning on ranting a bit today. And coming from ultra-liberal Massachusetts (something I’m actually extremely proud of), I suspect I’m going to be attacked for my opinion on this issue…but here goes.

After a year long search for a new Boston Public School superintendent, the city has finally found a woman for the job. In fact, she has amazing credentials (from what I’ve read, better than the previous candidate who backed out at the last minute). Dr. Johnson has run the Minneapolis school district and, most recently, the Memphis school district: a district twice the size of Boston.

In just a few years she’s made some drastic improvements down there by “offering incentive pay to high-performing teachers, supporting charter schools and overhauling under-performing schools through widespread firings.”*

This is probably exactly what a stagnant school system like Boston needs. I’ve always been a big proponent of pay based on merit (no matter what people say, money is a motivating factor and if a go-getter is receiving the same salary increase as lazy Joe-Schmo, in time, the go-getter is eventually going to feel there’s no sense in working hard and will cease to do so).

But then the article quotes the head of the Boston Teacher’s Union. He states that he’s “looking forward to Johnson’s arrival…”.

Bullshit.

There’s no way in hell this man is eager for her to arrive and shake things up. He wants to maintain status quo. How do I know? Because, the rest of his sentence was that the union was “not in favor of any form of merit pay and believes widespread overhauls of schools would be counterproductive.”

So make up your mind. Dr. Johnson was hired for a reason: she’s “a proven leader who can help close the achievement gap in Boston,” according to Mayor Menino. That’s why the mayor hired her, that’s why the Search Committee hired her, and that’s why Boston needs her.

What Boston doesn’t need is for the Teacher’s Union** to be an obstacle to these needed changes.

*According to the Boston metro newspaper, 06/20/07, p. 1. (all quotes from this same article)

**And for the record, I have been a member of a union before (for 5 years).

June 20th, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 2 Comments

Be prepared for some spring cleaning on my blog! I was just notified that my “theme” (background) will no longer be available beginning at noon next Monday.

On the plus side, Harvard is going to offer hundreds of other options. Even better, it’s going to provide for widgets in the tool bar on the right. That will mean I can have my photo gallery show randoms slides of photos which should keep my (few) readers entertained.

I suspect this news is not going to upset anybody but Lise, who hates change. I recall her being upset the last time I had to change backgrounds. Don’t worry, Lise. I’ll do my best to find a pleasant background – just for you.

Actually, I may test a few backgrounds out. In fact, by the time you read this I very well may have implemented a new theme. But enough of the housekeeping. Here’s a meme stolen from Karyn (Vexed in the City):

Thirty-Nine Things About Yourself

1 – What is your natural hair color? Currently light brown, I’d guess. I was platinum blond as a kid, though (naturally). I’ve never dyed it.

2 – Where is your default picture taken? Well, I don’t have one on here since the blog server wasn’t set up for them. But I have various ones on various sites.

3 – What’s your middle name? ummmm…next.

4 – Your current relationship status? Seeing somebody special, not yet cohabitating.

5 – Does your crush like you back? That’s a tough one. Randy (the boyfriend) can’t be my crush since it’s considered a “relationship”. I’ve got dozens of other crushes, though. I think it’s healthy.

6 – What is your current mood? Um, fine.

7 – What color underwear are you wearing? Kind of lime green (like key lime pie) with brown piping. I got them in Montreal. They’re more fun than they sound. Perhaps I should post a picture. he he

8 – What makes you happy? Many things. Brownies, chocolate chip cookies, cool autumn days, Cauliflower and broccoli. Hmm, food seems to be a frequent mention, huh?

9 – There is no nine, apparently. Karyn forgot it in her blog and that’s where I’m stealing this from. So, how’s this…I’ll answer any of your questions. Just write one in my comment box.

10 – If you could go back in time and change something, what would you change? Easy: I’d have bought this charming brand-new condo in the North End back in 2005. It was just a few months after Matt and I broke up and I had just signed a lease. I was afraid to break the lease and commit to a mortgage so shortly after being single for the first time in my life. The price would have been a stretch then, but if I had bought it, I could have comortably afforded it now. Damn – thanks for reminding me.

11 – If you must be an animal for one day, what would you be? I’ve never thought about it. An otter? They’re cute and just float about all day. Besides, I’m told I am one (in the gay world: thin(ish) and hairy).

12 – Ever had a near death experience? Probably not…just some car accidents (as passenger) and near accidents.

13 – Something you do a lot? eat

14 – The song stuck in your head? Today, White Rabbit.

15 – Who did you copy this from? Karyn (Vexed in the City)

16 – Name someone with the same birthday as you. Bob Dylan, Tommy Chong, Roseanne Cash, Priscilla Presley, Patty LaBelle. Hmm – I guess that’s many someone’s.

17 – When was the last time you cried? September 2005, when my niece died.

18 – Have you ever sung in front of a large audience? Yes, elementary school chorus and 6th grade play.

19 – If you could have one super power, what would it be? The ability to changes somebody’s mind or beliefs.

20 – What’s teh fisrt thing you notice about the opposite sex? Um, nothing. Personality?

21 – What do you usually order from Starbucks? Nothing – don’t go there.

22 – What is your biggest secret? I like to steal.

23 – Favorite colors? black, forest green, mustard,dark, dark red.

24 – When was the last time I lied? See number 22.

25 – Do you still watch kiddy movies or tv-shows? I don’t like children, why would I watch their entertainment?

26 – What are you eating or drinking at the moment? I just had some yogurt…and water.

27 – Do you speak other languages? Well, I took 4.5 years of Spanish between 8th and 12th grades. And I took 1.5 years of French. The best I can do in both is ask how you’re doing, tell you my name, and order food. I also know the American Sign Language alphabet.

28 – What’s your favorite scent? cucumber and/or melon

29 – If you could describe your life in one word, what would it be? Improving.

30 – When was the last time you gave/received a hug? Sunday, to/from my friend, Jason.

31 – Have you ever kissed in the rain? WTF kind of question is that? But, yeah…didn’t make it any more romantic, though. Just made it more damp and uncomfortable.

32 – What are you thinking about right now? How lame that last question was.

33 – What should you be doing? work.

34 – What was the last thing that made you upset/angry? The heat…I’m ready for autumn.

35 – How often do you pray? What’s that?

36 – Do you like working in the yard? No. I don’t have a yard for a reason.

37 – If you could have any last name in the world, what would you want? No clue. What’s wrong with my current one?

38 – Do you act differently around your crush? Back to this crush thing again? oy vey. I guess I’m flirtier around my crushes…but I flirt with everybody.

39 – Name one song that reminds you of an ex. Sara, by Fleetwood Mac.

OK, so ask me some questions to make up for the missing Question #9!

June 19th, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 5 Comments

I tell you, I’m all about the class. And today I shall recite a poem from my childhood (the goal, back then, was to say this poem as fast as possible):

• Bobo, see Yott and Cotton
• Nay, nay and I am your boom boom
• Eeenie, meenie, Scott and Teenie
• Bobo and Yott and Scott
• Bobo and Scott and Yott
• …and boom

I still don’t know what it means. But, this poem reminds me of this weekend for a reason. Now that Randy has ditched me for more than a week, my sympathetic friends, Jason and Bryan, offered to have me over for dinner last night. Bryan, being of Chinese-American descent, prepared traditional Asian meal with a name that reminds me of the poem.

Shibuya? No, that’s a neighborhood in Tokyo

Shinjuku? No, yet another Tokyo district

Boo-yeah? No, that’s hip-hop slang

She-male? Umm, Doubt it.

Ok, I already forgot what it was called…but you basically have this cauldron of lightly boiling seasoned water in the center of the table and you place your raw meat, fishballs, veggies, and pasta in it. Within minutes, the items are cooked and you pull them out. You continue until full.

Quite yummy. We finished it off with a French card game and some canolli (my contribution to this multi-ethnic evening).

The rest of the weekend was also nice. Particularly Saturday when Randy, Chris and I went on a 22-mile bike ride (from Somerville to Bedford…and back). Acfording to my handy-dandy bike odomoeter thing, I also burned off 900 calories and went an average of 12mph (my high speed was 21mph). That night, he grilled some pizza on the barbecue (yummy). Unfortunately, he enjoys eating outside and I’m now scratching like crazy from mosquito bites (if I have Triple-E or West Nile, I’m blaming him).

That said, I sitll look forward to his return…next Tuesday.

June 18th, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 2 Comments

That’s it. That’s all of the rubbing in that I’m going to do. After 18 times that our state legislature has addressed same-sex marriage…numerous times even voting against previous incarnations of constiutional amendments…it gets rather exhausting. This time, it was actually…and finally…defeated by a vote (versus other procedural tactics that have taken place in the past). I must admit that I’m very surprised. I expected that the issue would lose by one or two votes. I never expected it to win by this many votes. Here’s all I have to say:

People upset over the results, claiming people had the right to vote on this issue, would be singing a whole different tune if the issue was reversed (meaning putting things to a vote would have guaranted that same-sex marriage could continue). If that was the case, they’d have done everything to PREVENT “letting the people vote.” Similarly under that scenario, same-sex proponents would have switched tunes and demanded that this issue SHOULD go to the public for a vote. We’re both guilty of wanting it both ways. Besides, the way our system is set up, citizens do not necessarily have the right to vote. They have the right to elect officials to decide whether an issue goes on the ballot for the citizens to vote. In this case, their elected officials did what they were supposed to do and voted how they felt (in this case, to defeat the measure). Gay rights proponents were just fortunate it worked in their favor this time.

Going forward, I question the logic behind citizen initiatives only requiring 25% of the votes in the legislature to go on to the ballot. No matter what the issue, 50% seems more reasonable. Granted, in this case my side would have won with 25% or 50% of the vote (we had nearly 76%), but I still don’t think a minority of elected officials should be able to choose what the citizens should vote on – especially when you consider how different people feel about various issues in various parts of the state. When an issue does get to the public to vote, it’s always the majority that rules. Why isn’t it that way in the legislature?

Romney is an idiot. I’m sick of hearing him (and the Catholic Church) say that it’s most unfair to the “children” who are going to have two same-sex parents. Now think about it: the parents of these kids are gay. Whether same-sex marriage is legal or not, these children would still have gay parents. This constitutional amendment wouldn’t have changed that at all. What it DOES change is that the children now have more legal protections since their parents are legally wed. This is an improvement for the children’s well-being, not a “detriment.”

Please stop. Kris Mineau and all of his “let the people vote” cronies should just stop this hoo-hah. We’ve been dealing with this for nearly half a decade now. Its been brought up with the state legislature 18 times. The majority of the residents of the Commonwealth could care less about this issue. True, probably half the citizens wouldn’t “want” same-sex marriage to be legal if they had their druthers, but the issue doesn’t really bother them enough to warrant constant media attention. They’d probably rather people just shut up and move on.

And move on is what I’ll do.

I wish I had more to report…but I don’t. Randy and I will be hanging out locally this weekend (well, Saturday only) before he heads down to Virginia. We’re going to have lots of catching up to cram into such a short time period. Kayak? Bike? Catch up on Tivo?

June 15th, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 2 Comments

No, Randy and I aren’t breaking up. In fact, things are going rather well in that respect. We managed to be together 24/7 in cramped quarters while traveling though three different countries and we didn’t fight once. There’s a lot to be said for that.

But now that we’ve returned from vacation Randy’s work-related travel has also returned and I’ll barely be seeing him until July. First, he returned from Europe nearly 6 days before me so we were apart 6 days. We saw each other on Sunday before he went out to Minneapolis on business. He’ll be coming back for this weekend, but will leave again bright and early Sunday morning to care for his father in Virginia (his dad his having surgery). This trip will be 9-10 days. He then returns for a few days before heading out to Portland, Oregon (I think). Before you know it, he’ll be back just in time for our trip to San Francisco.

At least all of this spare time should help me catch up on a few things, such as cleaning my apartment, reading through my expanding stack of magazines, and working on my father’s Father’s day gift (taking all of his old record albums and converting them to mp3 files).

…and surfing the net for porn.

June 14th, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 3 Comments

While in Paris, Randy and I visited Centre Pompidou (their modern at museum). We explored a good chunk of this enormous museum, but I think our favorite part may have been the children’s wing/floor. There was this interactive exhibit totally geared toward their intended demographic (children) that we temporarily hijacked and thoroughly enjoyed.  Basically, you enter this room, sit on a bench, press a button, and your photo gets taken. You then proceed to a computer screen and pick objects (or words) to include above or below your photo. Then, voila, a piece of paper prints out a little code that you take home and type into your computer.

I should probably mention that Randy and I were surrounded by impatient children and annoyed parents while we stood in line to do this…twice. Yep, we were the only adults participating – much to the chagrin of quite a few concerned Parisian parents. Even worse, the image of our photo appeared on a screen in the main children’s wing room so that everybody could watch us posing. On the plus side, this kept our adventure from morphing from art into pornography. Besides, as we all know, the only difference between art and porn is the lighting. And based on the results of our art, it’s quite obvious the lighting was pretty bad (porn may have been the better option).

So, being the artist that I am, I’m now going to share our creations with you. Simply click on the link below, then enter each code (you can click on the image to enlarge it slightly).

www.centrepompidou.fr/objets

code: 466417612d (our first attempt) 

code: 46641834ab (our second attempt)

June 13th, 2007
Categories: Uncategorized . Author: snarl . Comments: 5 Comments