The Beantown Bloggery

Boston, MA has been nominated for the VH1 2010 Do Something Awards "City" category.  Here's who we're up against:  Portland, Austin, Greensburg, and Salt Lake City.  Don't know where Greensburg is?  I didn't either (it's in Kansas).  That being said, we MUST WIN, so vote for Boston! 


The DoSomething Awards honor those who are making a difference in the world. VH1 and DoSomething have nominated Boston because of the city’s commitment to transforming children’s lives through innovative education. There are an additional four cities in the running to win under the same category.

If we lose this, I might actually cry.  If we lose to Greensburg, Kansas, I will commit ritual suicide.  Ok maybe not, but I will be beyond disappointed.

Click (here) to vote.

PS.  Tell everyone at work, home, your school to vote as well.

PPS.  If anyone reading is from Greensburg, Kansas.  I apologize for picking on them.  I've never actually been to Kansas so I shouldn't talk trash ... but "shouldn't" doesn't do much to deter me from things.

Here it is from the folks at CP Casting:

----------------------

CP CASTING is seeking BACKGROUND EXTRAS

for the feature film "What's Your Number?"

We are looking for extras who have NOT worked on the movie yet.

You MUST be FULLY available Friday, July 9th THROUGH Sunday July 11th.

The work will take place IN BOSTON from APPROXIMATELY:

3pm Friday, July 9 until 6am Saturday, July 10

and then AGAIN

3pm Saturday, July 10 until 6am Sunday, July 11

You MUST work BOTH days -- these are obviously OVERNIGHT shoots, so you will need to adjust your sleeping schedule before the shoot to be able to work all night BOTH nights AND be able to transport yourself to Boston.

You also MUST go to a WARDROBE FITTING over the next week.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EMAIL a PHOTO *AND* PHONE NUMBER

Include yor SIZES (waist, pant length, shirt size, dress size, shoe, etc.)

Include DETAILS about your availablilty through July 11

MANY people will email -- hundreds of emails will be discarded becuase people rush, they email the wrong address, they forget to include ALL the information, like COMPLETE details about their availability, the pictures don't come through in the email because they are too big, or too small, or too confusing, they forget their phone number, they forget to include ALL their sizes, etc.

Compose your email CAREFULLY, 1000 people will email -- only 100 may be chosen --

 wyncasting@gmail.com

 Click (here) for the original email.

Ok folks, this will be your good deed of the day, and all you need is 30 seconds and a Facebook account.  The Disability Policy Consortium is participating in a contest right now to win some funding to help their cause and they could use our votes.

The mission of the Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) is to promote inclusion, independence, and empowerment of persons with disabilities through community organizing and advocacy. As a broad-based community organization run by and for people with physical, sensory, cognitive and psychiatric disabilities, we focus on organizing, activism and leadership development to promote civil rights, independent living, economic opportunity, and social equality.

The DPC has entered the Chase Community Giving Challenge on Facebook, and DPC could win $250,000.   It takes only 30 seconds. Voting ends July 12th, but please don't wait. We are competing with over 500,000 organizations.  DPC for the Win!

I was voter number 146.  I'm going to check back again tomorrow night and I'm really hoping to see a much bigger number than that.

Click (here) to vote.

The Semi Precious Weapons are going to be at Woodward at the Ames Hotel on July 1, after they open for Lady Gaga, who performs that night at TD Garden.

Info on how to RSVP in the flyer below.

According to Shape magazine, we're the 2nd healthiest city in the United States.  Apparently, the only folks healthier than us are the folks in DC.  Keep up the good work guys, because I'm pretty sure I'm bringing down the average. 

The fittest cities in the U.S. don't all have balmy weather year-round; state-of-the-art, celeb-packed gyms; or legions of super buff locals strutting around in size 4 jeans. What they do have is a commitment to public parks and bike lanes, and active citizens with low rates of obesity, smoking, and chronic illnesses, like heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. To find these fitness hot spots, Shape partnered with the American College of Sports Medicine for its annual American Fitness Index (AFI). 

Commuters in Beantown are twice as likely to use public transportation than other cities' denizens, so they spend more time walking and less time trapped in traffic. Boston's relatively young and well-educated population also boasts below-average obesity rates, with more than 60 percent describing themselves as in excellent or very good health. 

Writing up this entry has almost made me feel guilty enough to start running outside again.  I did buy new running shoes afterall......

Click (here) to read the original article. 


 

Last week's Taste of Cambridge was postponed until tomorrow.


Click (here) to get tickets.

So it pains me to say this, but I just had the best old fashioned of my life and it was not in Boston.  I was in Chicago for a wedding this weekend and we swung by the Sable Bar at the Hotel Palomar and those guys know how to make a cocktail. 

I had a really good Sazerac, but the old fashioned I had afterward was incredible. 


Old fashioned made with rye whiskey and no fruit (just an orange peel for garnish).

Oh and for those of you who are whiskey drinkers like I am.  If you ever visit Chicago, which I recommend that you do, go to Delilah's.  They have roughly 200+ whiskey's on their menu and apparently a couple hundred more in the back. 

PS.  Who wants to recommend a bar in Boston that can claim the title of "best old fashioned I've ever had."  You're going to have to dig deep, because I've been to pretty much all the bars in Boston. 

Tis the season for clambakes.  This clambake will be particularly good because the Silversun Pickups are awesome.


WFNX first annual CLAM BAKE featuring SILVERSUN PICKUPS, METRIC, GOGOL BORDELLO, MATT & KIM, NADA SURF, AGAINST ME!,  June 27, 2010 at House of Blues and outdoors on Lansdowne Street. New bands being announced daily at 7:30 am, tune into 101.7 FM or WFNX.com.

21-plus. Rain or Shine.
$35 General Admission (5 bands in the shadow of Fenway Park) 
$39 Full Price Tickets (5 bands in the shadow of Fenway and 3 bands after-dark inside House of Blues)

Doors are at 3pm – show starts on Lansdowne Street at 4pm
Food and Beverages will be sold both on the street and in all clubs

I just checked the site and it looks like the full price tickets are sold out.  That's too bad, but at least the Silversun Pickups are one of the bands playing outside.

Click (here) for tickets.

Click (here) to RSVP.

Looks like it's the DanDan show this week.  I don't have the ability to run around much anymore to events, thank goodness for my media reps.  Here's what he had to say about the new Whales Tohora exhibit at the Museum of Science.

I didn't realize how little I knew about the creatures of the sea until I stopped by the new Whales | Tahora exhibit at the Museum of Science last weekend. As soon as you enter the exhibit, directly in front of you stands a 58ft long skeleton of a sperm whale. As I was overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the mammal, I looked to its side and saw some 10 year olds playing hide and seek inside what turned out to be a life sized replica of a blue whale's heart.

The exhibit is filled with interactive games designed to teach children about a variety of subjects including the sounds made by different whales, their shapes and how that influences their movement, and what different types of whales eat. There are movies and videos playing throughout the exhibit, keeping museum guests constantly stimulated.

With a focus on the whales of the Pacific, the scientific efforts of teams in the Pacific islands are highlighted. Along with these scientific efforts, comes the history of, and tragedy associated with, the whaling industry. The history of whaling is explored, and I left with a much more thorough understanding of what is going on, literally, an ocean away.

This new exhibit is coupled with the re-release of Whales: An Unforgettable Journey on IMAX. Star Trek: TNG fans will be excited to know that the film was narrated by Patrick Stewart.

Whales | Tohora will run now through September 14. Definitely grab the family and check it out!

Can someone please tell me what Tohora means?


Click (here) for more info.

This one is going to go fast.  There's only 27 spots, and only the first 7 to sign up get a free ticket to go see Lady Gaga.  Although, a Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer ain't so bad either.


Lady Gaga tickets to pricey?  Thanks to Virgin Mobile’s Free.I.P. program, Boston residents can earn a free Lady Gaga ticket by volunteering, or a Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer. Virgin Mobile will be coordinating a volunteer effort on June 25 from 12-2 p.m., but in order to participate, volunteers must signup beforehand.

445 Warren St.
Dorchester, Massachusetts, 02119

There are 27 opportunities for this project. The first 7 who sign up, complete and deliver 10 Ready to Learn kits will receive a Lady GaGa ticket. 20 others who sign up, complete and deliver 10 service kits will receive a Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer courtesy of Polaroid. Details can be found below.

Click (here) to sign up.

It's been a while since I've had a good steak.  The same cannot be said about Bloggery media rep DanDan who got to swing by a special tasting of the new summer menu at Fleming's recently.  Here's what he had to say. 

I recently had the opportunity to try the new summer classics menu from Fleming's. Nestled amongst some of the top restaurants in Boston, is this community gem. While they're well known for their potatoes (which this diner can highly vouch for the quality of), they stake their reputation on, well, their steaks (pun intended). As with any top-notch steak house, the also have excellent seafood as well.


So as not to rest on their laurels, their new menu introduces some tasty new appetizers and dishes, including two new steaks. The first steak I tried was their peppercorn steak, which was a prime new york stripped seasoned with cracked black and white peppercorns and a proprietary "F17" sauce on the side. The complex flavor of the sauce, served tableside by a separate waiter, was quite surprising! While the steak tasted great on its own, the sauce added a unique flavor and enhanced the spice of the peppercorn. I would definitely recommend trying it with the sauce and without.


The other steak I tried was the porcini rubbed filet mignon, served with a gorgonzola cream sauce. This was definitely my favorite of the two (albeit, delicious) steaks. The gorgonzola sauce was a perfect compliment to the perfectly cooked meat. Both meals were served along with wonderful sides, and I would highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in a fine meal.


An interesting side note, while there, I found out that Fleming's has a daily appetizer special. Select appetizers (including their tenderloin carpaccio, the sweet chile calamari, their wicked cajun barbeque shrimp, their seared ahi tuna, their jumbo lump crab cakes, and their Fleming's prime burger) are only $6 before 7pm. I've had the jumbo lump crab cakes, and even at regular menu price, they're well worth it. Beantown, looks like we've got a new place to go for a cocktail after work!

I agree wholeheartedly - an after work cocktail and a steak.  You're buying.

So Chefs in Shorts on Friday and then the Great American Food and Music Fest on Saturday?  It's going to be a delicious weekend.  Fattening ... but delicious. 

The Great American Food and Music Fest has announced several additions to its line-up of food purveyors for the event, curated by ROADFOOD.com, the definitive authority on the best regional food throughout the country. Celebrated eateries including: the iconic Anchor Bar, inventor of the buffalo wing; Willie Mae’s Scotch House, known for the “world’s best fried chicken”, Johnson’s Boucaniere serving their juicy boudin sausages, from Lafayette, Louisiana; northern Italian steakhouse Davio’s; Tavolino; Tastings Wine Bar; Gus’s Pretzels; and Harding Lee Smith’s The Front Room, The Corner Room, and the Grill Room &Bar.

This marks the first time that Willie Mae’s Scotch House will offer their edible delights outside of their own doors. The event will be held at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, June 26, 2010 from noon to 10:30 p.m.

For those of you who watch a lot of Food Network, Paula Deen and Tom Colicchio will also be in attendance.  Too bad Alton Brown or Anthony Bourdain aren't coming.  That'd be awesome.  Did I mention that I saw Alton Brown at a sushi restaurant in NYC last year? 


Click (here) to get tickets.

I was given a small Sanyo indoor portable grill last week, so I was grilling up a storm this weekend.  I made some grilled fish tacos and some turkey burgers, and I also grilled up some korean bbq (kalbi) as well.  That thing is awesome.  But, I'm pretty sure all the food grilled up this weekend at the 13th Annual Chefs in Shorts Event will taste a whole lot better than the stuff I made.


Friday, June 25th, 2010
Seaport World Trade Center
7-9:30 p.m.
$60 per person

The thirteenth annual Chefs In Shorts© event brings together a group of the area’s leading chefs who will fire up the grills and create their favorite dishes during this outdoor, summer-in-the-city barbecue. Join some of the city’s most talented chefs for a night of grill-offs and fun.

Tickets are $60 per person (non-refundable), which includes complimentary beer, wine and tastings. This event will take place rain or shine.

We are pleased to partner with The Greater Boston Food Bank again this year. 

I checked out the list.  Looks like 35 chefs are going to be there.  AWESOME!


Click (here) to get tickets.

For those of you that missed the handful of posts that I did on "The Social Network" (here) when they filmed here, well the official movie poster just got released. 




Click (here) to read about it.

I'm thinking of cutting caffeine out of my diet.  I had a diet coke at dinner last week and it caused me to not be able to sleep later that evening.  It may have been the caffeine, or it may have been the fact that work has been sucking lately - but at least I can control the caffeine intake ;)

Thanks for all the folks who entered last week's contest for a $15 gift certificate to ROASTe.com.  And the winner is:

Barton C.

CONGRATULATIONS!  I hope you enjoy the El Salvador Los Planes Pacamara that you had your eye on.

Click (here) to visit ROASTe.com

Anyone swing by the Jetblue 10th Anniversary last week (here)?  I wasn't able to make it, but the organizers sent me over some photos.  It looks like it was a blast.

Despite the fact that I've been in Boston for a decade, I've still never done a clambake the way I'm told you're supposed to:  on the beach, in a sand pit, etc, etc.  This could be the next best thing though.  Jasper White's is hosting Thursday sunset cruise & clambake event through the summer starting tomorrow. 

Starting tomorrow night, Jasper White’s Summer Shack kicks off its series of weekly sunset cruises and clambakes. Every Thursday throughout the summer, a ferry will leave from Long Wharf at 6:30 p.m. for a quick 15-minute cruise to Boston Harbor’s Spectacle Island, where you can get some summertime R&R while stuffing yourself silly with creamy clam chowder, corn on the cob, steamed lobster, mussels, steamers, and more. The $75 tickets also get you beer and wine and your round-trip on the ferry, which returns to town at 9 p.m.

YUM.  I could go for some clam chowder ... and corn on the cob ... and lobster .... and steamers.  I'm drooling.


Click (here) to get tickets.

This one is for those of you that like to gamble and those of you who are CERTAIN that the Celtics are going to win tonight.  Details in the flyer below on how you might be able to cut your food bill by 82% if the Celts win.  Be sure to pay attention to the fine print - beverages don't count - just food. 

Tickets go on sale today at 10am for the Life is Good Festival in September.  There's some great people coming to perform.   I just saw Ok Go in concert last month.  They performed an entire song with nothing but hand bells, it was pretty entertaining.  Guster is also coming as well as They Might be Giants.

The 2010 Life is good Festival at Blue Hills will feature national headlining artists Jason Mraz, Ben Harper & Relentless 7, Guster, Corinne Bailey Rae, Ziggy Marley, Galactic, Ozomatli, and Mavis Staples as well as rising stars Brett Dennen, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Donavon Frankenreiter, OK Go, Dr. Dog, Trombone Shorty and more. Top children’s artists The Laurie Berkner Band, Dan Zanes and Friends and They Might Be Giants will join in the fun on the “Good Kids” Stage and will be joined by San Francisco’s kids-rock performers The Sippy Cups and a unique “Circus To Go!” performance by Big Apple Circus. The complete talent line-up is listed below.

The two-day, multi-stage music festival hosted by Life is good, a Boston-based company that spreads good vibes through its colorful collection of apparel and accessories, will take place at historic and picturesque Prowse Farm at the foot of the Blue Hills, just minutes from Boston. To ensure an exceptional festival experience, Life is good has partnered with Superfly Presents, nationally recognized producers of the iconic Bonnaroo and Outside Lands festivals. 

It's been a while since I've heard "Particle Man" or that "Make a little bird house in your soul" song.  Makes me feel like a kid again.


Click (here) to get tickets.

The folks at Grub Street Boston sent me a list of a few places to go watch the World Cup if you have a specific team that you're rooting for.


Team Neutral
The Banshee
934 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA; 617-436-9747
The Banshee is probably the best year-round soccer bar in the Hub, so it's no surprise they're showing each and every World Cup match on twelve high-def televisions. Bonus: one screen might be showing 3-D, with glasses available for rental.

For fans of Italy
Caffe Graffiti
64 Cross St, Boston MA; 617-367-3016
Caffe Graffiti owner Luigi DeMarco plans to show the matches on four televisions and serve specials, including a pesto, mozzarella, and tomato pizza decorated to look like the Italian flag.

For fans of U.S. and U.K.
Harvard Gardens
316 Cambridge St; 617-523-2727
In the spirit of the U.S./U.K. soccer rivalry, Harvard Gardens will offer a menu of fried chicken v. fish and chips.


For Fans of Brazil
Muqueca
1008 Cambridge St, Cambridge MA; 617-354-3296
Muqueca will show all of Brazil's games.

Click (here) to visit Grub Street.

There have been quite a few parties in Downtown Crossing lately.  All I can say is, keep them coming.

Hot Latin Party!
Thursday, June 17 • 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Summer Street, Downtown Crossing

Come out and dance to Latin hits mixed by Mojitos Latin Lounge’s DJ. Enjoy Salsa and Tango dancing demonstrations, cool down with an ice-cold beer and meet the beautiful New England Revolution Girls.

The party continues after the event at Mojitos Latin Lounge
FREE ACCESS EVENT! - CASH BAR - ALL ARE INVITED!


Event for 21+ with proper ID
For more information write to events@elplaneta.com or call 617-937-5900

Remember my entry from a few weeks ago about ROASTe - the boston based coffee startup (here)?

Well, the kind folks over there have given me a $15 gift certificate to use on their site. So of course, I'm going to give it away to one of you guys.

Boston-based startup ROASTe, launched last fall and has quickly become the largest collection of micro-roasted specialty coffees assembled anywhere – online or off. We’re selling more than 700 gourmet coffees from dozens of award-winning roasters.

Here are the rules this time around.

1.  Visit ROASTe (here) and take a look around.
2.  Email me with the subject heading "ROASTe Contest" and in the body, the name of the coffee that you would try if you win.


Contest will run from now until 10pm EST on Friday 6/18. 

Shout out to all my friends who live in the North End:  dwillens, carl, scooter, gwen, and missy.  Hopefully I didn't leave anyone out.  I have a new place for you guys to check out on Wednesdays for happy hour:  Prezza.

Every Wednesday, Prezza will feature two unparalleled delicacies at their spacious bar. Perfect for an after-work sip and snack or a prelude to the rest of your evening, Prezza will now serve up $2 Crispy Shrimp and $13 carafes of Vietti Roero Arneis.

Prezza’s Crispy Shrimp (wrapped in kataifi) is served with a light, homemade Italian Slaw. Vietti Roero Arneis, a white wine from Piedmont, is a rich bouquet of grapefruit, melon, exotic fruits and floral notes… The perfect blend for summer.

WHERE: Prezza – 24 Fleet Street, Boston
WHEN: Every Wednesday beginning at 5:30pm
COST: $2 – Crispy Shrimp; $13 – carafe of Vietti Roero Arneis

Nowadays, I get emails from tons and tons of PR and marketing people pretty much on a daily basis.  But, way back when, when no one had ever heard of the Beantown Bloggery, Adam Klein over at Callanan & Klein was the very first PR guy to reach out to me.  So hopefully, now's my chance to return the favor.

Callanan & Klein Communications is a finalist in the Comcast/Inc Magazine Productivity at Work Contest. We are in the running for a prize package that includes new computers, website consulting, productivity software, free internet and cable service, etc.   It would be huge for us to win this.

If you guys can do me a favor, cast a vote for Callanan and Klein.  Afterall, it's folks like them that keep me informed so that I can in turn tell you guys about it.


Click (here) to vote. 

I haven't had an authentic cheesesteak since last August.  Whenever I'm in Philly, I make it a point to go to both Pat's and Geno's.  Yes, I eat two cheesesteaks.  Good news for anyone else out there that is a fatty like me.  Megabus is going to being service from Boston to Philly starting 7/21.

Megabus will begin service from Philadelphia to Boston and eight other cities on July 21, with three departures a day from South Station.

To mark the expansion, Megabus, which offers fares as low as $1 and runs buses equipped with free Wi-Fi and power outlets, plans to offer 10,000 free seats for travel to and from Philadelphia from the nine cities.

Customers will need to use the promotional code LUVPHL when booking a ticket to have a chance at scoring a free seat.  Winners will be selected at random. There will not necessarily be free seats available on every bus each day.

I think cheesesteaks are the only time I ever voluntarily ingest cheese wiz.  So delicious.  I'm going to PA for work later week, but imagine my disappointment when I found out it was Harrisburg, not Philly.

Click (here) for the article.

 

I'm not sure why this video was made.  My only guess is that it's an attempt at some sort of viral marketing video for the new Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz movie (Knight and Day) that was filmed in our fair city.

We all know it's fake (the soccer ball's shadow disappears), which means Tom and Cameron had to go through the motions pretending there was a soccer ball there.







So, one of the marketing people say to them 'hey, pretend to kick a soccer ball around, we'll CGI it in later"??

Click (here) if you can't see the embedded vid.

Click (here) to RSVP.

I just recently watched "The House Bunny."  I forget why, but Anna Faris is pretty hot, so that made it worth it.  They're doing a casting call for her new movie that's filming in Boston on 6/14 at Game On.  Details below:

"What's Your Number?" revolves around a young woman (Anna Faris) who, with the aid of her womanizing next door neighbor (Chris Evans), decides to re-visit all her ex-boyfriends in the hopes of finding the man of her dreams.

Anna Faris has starred in films such as "The House Bunny" and the "Scary Movie" series, and the (from Massachusetts!) Chris Evans, best known for the "Fantastic Four" movies, seen recently in "The Losers", and next up Chris is set to star as Captain America / Steve Rogers in the Joe Johnston-directed origin story of Marvel's iconic super soldier.

The director is Brit Mark Mylod who previously helmed "Ali G Indahouse" before moving stateside with HBO's "Entourage," on which he was a director and co-executive producer.

The movie films in the Boston area now though July 15

WHEN:

MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2010
3:00pm until 7:00PM

There is NO ADVANTAGE to showing up EARLY!
Please come by anytime between 3:00pm and 6:45pm.
You will be filling out a size card and having a photo taken.

WHERE:
GameOn! Fenway
82 Landsdowne Street
Boston, MA 02116

On the corner of Brookline Ave. and Landsdowne St.
Right next to Fenway park!

If chosen to work in this movie, these will all be PAID JOBS.

Click (here) for the original link.

I'm copying and pasting this one verbatim.  There's too much there to paraphrase.  

June 12 – World Cup Boston 2010 House Of Blues Viewing Party (10am – 5pm, House of Blues Boston): The entire New England Revolution team will celebrate the kick-off tournament action of USA v. England with meet & greets, raffles & more. Calendar listing to follow.

June 11 & 12 – One Africa, Many Countries: Celebrate African Diversity Weekend (June 11, 6-8pm, June 12, 10am-4pm, Boston Children’s Museum): Join The Children’s Museum as we explore some of the many countries and cultures of the African continent in celebration of the kickoff weekend of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Taste samples of food from several different countries, dance to the rhythms of Senegal and Cape Verde, and show us your moves with a homemade soccer ball as we celebrate the diversity of African cultures right here in Boston. One Africa, Many Countries is sponsored by World Cup Boston 2010 and Boston University's African Studies Center.

June 11-July 11 - Local Viewing Parties - Throughout the month, Boston establishments will toast the tournament with World Cup Boston 2010, including events at Game On!, Kings and the Lansdowne Pub, amongst others.

June 26 & 27 – World Cup Boston 2010 Mini World Cup Youth Soccer Tournament (9am – 5pm, Moakley Field, South Boston): Two-day soccer celebration featuring clinics, entertainment & tournament play for area youth, with appearances by Boston soccer professionals

July 9 – World Cup Boston 2010 Service Learning Day (9am – 3pm, Harambee Field & Grove Hall, Dorchester): Help complete revitalization work in two vital city spaces

July 11 – World Cup Boston 2010 Citywide Jumbotron Celebration (12 – 6pm, City Hall Plaza): - Watch the excitement of the World Cup finals & cheer on your team in the heart of Boston. For the culmination of the World Cup Tournament, more than 100,000 soccer fans are expected to join the celebration, featuring vendors and player appearances from the New England Revolution and Boston Breakers, as well as entertainment and enriching activities, fulfilling the initiative’s goal of uniting Boston’s diverse communities through soccer with a massive citywide celebration. 

Click (here) to RSVP.

I'm not sure if I've ever posted this before, but I get emails all the time asking what it is that I do as a day job - because trust me blogging doesn't pay any bills.  The answer?  I'm a manufacturer's rep dealing mostly in the consumer electronics space.  That being said, I have a quick favor to ask you guys. 

One of my clients is looking to clear out some inventory and I was wondering if any of my readers (or friend's of my readers) have contacts with liquidation companies, electronics stores or other type companies that would be interested in Energizer portable chargers / battery packs.

They're pretty neat products.  Basically they're portable rechargeable battery packs that come with all sorts of tips so that you can carry one charger for all your devices.  I've got one that I use when I travel for my laptop, iPhone, bluetooth headset, and Blackberry.  Prevents me from having to bring all 4 chargers.    

(Here) is a link to the first product.  The XP4000 - for charging cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, digital cameras, etc.

(Here) is a link to the other product.  The XP8000 - for charging netbooks, iPods, portable dvd players, and all that other stuff.



If you or someone you know is interested, email me and I can get you spec sheets and pricing. 

This was one of the strangest emails I've read in a while.  Jetblue is going to be in town tomorrow 6/10 to hold a series of "record setting" contests in celebration of their 10th anniversary and giving away some free trips to the winners. 

As part of JetBlue’s yearlong 10th anniversary celebration and in recognition of its most nonstop destinations out of Boston’s Logan International Airport, the #1 airline in Boston is hosting a non-stop record setting event. Bostonians will have an opportunity to secure a spot in The Universal Record Database, the “definitive site for human achievement,” for a chance to win* one of 10 JetBlue Getaways.

JetBlue is planning 10 off-beat and entertaining stunts where participants will try their luck at setting a variety of non-stop records, including the longest:

· Juggling of airplane bags of cashews
· Airplane imitation
· Single breath captain’s announcement
· Rhyming chain with the word “blue”

A special record attempt will run throughout the duration of the event featuring a non-stop, 4-hour Karaoke session featuring flight-related songs.

In town to host the event Dan Rollman, co-founder and president of The Universal Record Database will be overseeing the record attempts and awarding a record holder for each off-the-wall air travel-inspired challenge. All 10 category winners receive a free, roundtrip, vacation getaway, compliments of JetBlue.

When: Thursday, June 10, 2010, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Where: Copley Place at Dartmouth St. (across the street from Back Bay Station/Orange Line)




ps.  blue, clue, flu, glue, loo, moo, new, poo, rue, sue, stew, two, woo, you, zoo.

It makes me sad for America that The Jersey Shore was such a successful show.  I watched one episode and it was awful, but pretty much all of my friends love that show.  That being said, some of you might be interested to know that Pauly D is coming to Boston this Friday - 6/11.

On Friday, June 11th, 6one7 productions will bring in Jersey Shore’s resident Italian bad boy DJ Pauly D to FLASH at Royale. Since the launch of FLASH nearly 2 months ago, 6one7 Productions has made Friday nights at Royale Boston the number one nightlife destination in the city.  Since exploding on the reality TV scene last summer in MTV’s controversial Jersey Shore, Pauly D has become one of the most sought after DJ’s in the country, spinning at the hottest venues in Miami, Vegas, Los Angeles and now Boston. A native of New England, Pauly D’s anticipated homecoming can only be seen at FLASH, as 6one7 Productions, the Kings of Boston Nightlife, continue to raise the bar.

Friday, June 11th from 10:00pm – 2:00am
Royale Nightclub
279 Tremont Street, Boston

Start warming up your fist pumping arm.  And something about GTL, too. 

Click (here) to get tickets.

One of my favorite people in Boston is helping organize a charity event coming up in the next week or so and wanted everyone to know about it. 

Founded in 1910 as a dental infirmary for disadvantaged children, the Forsyth Institute has a proud history of not just meeting the oral health needs of kids – but exceeding the traditional limits of oral medicine.

The Tooth Fairy Ball
Featuring Boston’s Best Smile
June 17, 2010
8:00 p.m.
Benjamin Franklin Institute
41 Berkley Street

Join us for an evening of fun. The Tooth Fairy Ball will include: artisanal cheese tasting, drinks, dancing and Boston’s Best Smile competition.

Say “Cheese” for a good cause. Funds raised at the event help provide critical preventive dental care for underserved children.

Do it for the kids!  Or do it for the open bar!  But more importantly, do it for the kids! 

Click (here) to get tickets.

I was in Toronto last week for work and found myself watching crappy hotel tv at night while catching up on emails.  My show of choice?  Saved by the Bell: the College Years.  That show really went downhill after they left Bayside High.

On the topic of Saved by the Bell, AC Slater (Mario Lopez) has done pretty well for himself.  He's on Extra, Nip/Tuck, and various other shows that I don't watch, heh.  For those of you that are fans, he's coming to Boston this weekend.


Click (here) to visit The Estate website.

I love live music.  And coming up this week (starting tomorrow) is a bunch of it for FREE in Downtown Crossing.  Summer Street from 5-8pm. 


Click (here) for more info.

One of my favorite things about summer is the Rock and Blues Concert series that happens each year.  It's really hard to beat live music and booze on a boat in Boston Harbor.

The Rock and Blues Concert Cruises return to Boston Harbor for a sixth season of summer fun and the lineup is better than ever. The 2010 series features a number of national acts including independent singer–songwriter Ben Kweller, The Ryan Montbleau Band who has been bursting out of the local roots with their nationwide tour with Martin Sexton, New Orleans legends The Radiators, Celtic Rockers Enter the Haggis and more.  

Pre-Parties will be taking place again at The Landing, Boston’s only fully outdoor patio bar located right on the Wharf.  Cruise goers have the option to enjoy a refreshing drink at the Landing before boarding the boat.

The first cruise is on June 25th.  Get your flippy floppies and your nautical themed pashmina afghans ready, it's GO time.

Click (here) to get tickets.

Ok, before I start my entry, I'm going to blow off some steam.  I want to say that this week can't get any worse, but who knows what's in store for me.  And knowing my luck, that sinkhole in Guatemala is going to magically appear below my apartment and I'm going to disappear into the abyss.  That would pretty much be a fitting end for the week.  That being said, here's the light at the end of the tunnel.  I can't wait until Sunday to check this out.

Celebrating 10 years of Summer Shack
"10 for $10" Raw Bar
Any 10 items from the Raw Bar for $10.00
(Excludes Lobster)

Hingham Summer Shack 10 for $10 Special
starts Friday, May 28th through June.
Cambridge and Boston Special runs
Sunday through Thursday all day through June
 
SPECIAL ONE PER PERSON PLEASE & ONE PER DAY!

Special not valid in Mohegan Sun Summer Shack

I wasn't able to download the menu off of their website, but I'm going to assume that the deal includes oysters, clams, shrimp, and crab claws.  But make sure to check with your server when you're there.

Click (here) for the Summer Shack site.
PS.  I discovered that I can save myself some time by putting ice cubes directly into the Patron bottle rather than using a glass.

PPS.  TGIF!

I'm trying to remember who it was that introduced me to Modest Mouse.  It may have been by old roommate Will or my buddy dwillens.  Either way, Modest Mouse is coming to town at the end of July and tickets go on sale at 10am EDT TODAY!

Modest Mouse with Morning Teleportation
House of Blues Boston
Boston, MA
Mon, Jul 26, 2010 07:00 PM

Click (here) to get tickets.

Back when I was a consultant, we used to live at the nearby Starbucks.  We had free coffee in the break room, but it was awful.  So believe me when I say I know what lengths people will go for good coffee.  That being said, a new'ish Boston based company is bringing specialty coffee into the home: 

Boston-based startup ROASTe, launched last fall and has quickly become the largest collection of micro-roasted specialty coffees assembled anywhere – online or off. We’re selling more than 700 gourmet coffees from dozens of award-winning roasters.

Why should a sophisticated Bostonian settle for drinking the same exact latte every day? The city is hungry for higher quality coffee, as evidenced by the rising popularity of local roasters like Barismo, Rao’s, Flat Black Coffee and Boston’s George Howell and his Terroir Select Coffee Company. But why not have those same gourmet beans in your kitchen to brew first thing after waking up?

I'm no coffee expert.  I pretty much only drink it when I need to stay awake.  But I've always heard good things about Kona coffee and coffee from the area in and around Burundi.  I checked out the website and they've got a few from Rwanda, which is pretty close by.  Might be worth a shot.

Click (here) to check out ROASTe.

Coming up next week is the Taste of Somerville on 6/8.  You know me, I love to eat, and thus I love food festivals.  I'm a fan of the variety.  As a single person, it's hard to get variety in your meals.  That's why I occasionally find myself going to a buffet for dinner, just so I can eat a bunch of random stuff.  But, I digress.

The Taste of Somerville, which returned last year to enthusiastic fans after a two-year hiatus, has caught the interest of multiple sponsors, top area restaurants, discerning diners, and community leaders. John McQuillan, Chief Executive Officer of title sponsor Triumvirate Environmental commented, “As a long-standing Somerville business, we are pleased to be putting on an event that showcases the unique character of a city that is truly on the move.”

Thirty Somerville restaurants will present samples from their menus and wine and beer tastings at the Somerville Holiday Inn (30 Washington Street, Somerville) from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Tuesday, June 8. Diners will enjoy fare from as many stations as they wish in a festive and friendly atmosphere. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance or $30 at the door. 

I checked the list of restaurants.  It's lookin good.  I haven't actually had a chance to try Petsi's Pies yet (I've read a lot about that place, but haven't been yet), so this might be my chance.

Click (here) to check out the event site.

The folks over at Grub Street Boston have put together their list of the top sandwiches in the Boston area and want you first to ogle their pictures, then secondly vote on your favorite for the chance to win free sandwiches for a year!

Did our rundown of 29 sandwiches make you re-think your lunch? Grub Street invites you to vote for your favorite on our list. And to thank you for your vote, one lucky reader could win a sandwich a day for a year! That’s up to $2,000 in free lunches you could win just for voting.

I'm glad to see that Mike & Patty's made the list.  I love that place.  It's unfortunate that Alive & Kicking's lobster sandwich didn't make the list, because that one sits high on my list of faves.  I also would have liked to see a banh mi (vietnamese sandwich) place make the list, but that's just because I eat a lot of them.   

What I did learn from clicking through the slideshow, though, is that there are A LOT of sandwiches out there that I haven't had yet.  Time to get cracking!

Click (here) to view the sandwiches and then vote.

I'm not good at yoga.  I'm not bendy enough.  But for those of you that are, the Intercontinental starts with their free Sunrise yoga classes this upcoming Saturday.

Ideal for traveling yogis, frequent business travelers and local Bostonians, SPA InterContinental hosts a complimentary one-hour ‘Sunrise Yoga’ class on the waterfront lawn of the InterContinental Boston overlooking Boston’s glistening Fort Point Channel (on the site where the Boston Tea Party took place in 1773). This outdoor class is open to hotel guests and the public and is led by rotating certified instructors. All skill levels are welcome. Mats and blocks (combined) will be available for a rental fee of $10. Guests are welcome to bring their own mats and blocks. Reservations are not required. For more information, SPA InterContinental Boston can be reached at 617.217.5090.

Each Saturday morning from June 5 through Sept. 4, 2010
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (weather permitting)

‘Sunrise Yoga’ Class: Complimentary and open to the public
Yoga Mat + Block (combined): $10 rental fee

Miel “Brasserie Provençale”: Special “Provence Yoga Breakfast” - $20/per person

Waterfront Lawn/InterContinental Gardens and Miel “Brasserie Provençale”

InterContinental Boston
510 Atlantic Ave.
Boston, MA 02210

Thought you guys might be interested to see the new Knight and Day trailer that came out a few days ago.  Looks like it's going to be quite an exciting movie.






Looking forward to August 6th.

Click (here) if you can't see the embedded video.