FRI 8/22: Morning Bike to Downtown

Hey, it looks like it'll be a beautiful day tomorrow. It starts a little early for my taste... I bet you could bike in on your own and still get some freebies whenever you show up at City Hall Plaza...

A Sneak Peek is probably coming tonight, but there might still be spots for Saturday's Wiffle Ball tournament.

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6:45am
Bike Friday
from Various Points in the Area to City Hall Plaza, Boston
FREE

If you are hesitant about riding your bicycle to work, this might be a good time to try it out. It won't get much safer than guided convoys escorted by Boston Police. They did this last month, and no one died...

Take a look at the map to see the closest starting point to you:

- Newton, Brookline, Watertown
- Lexington, Arlington, Somerville, Cambridge
- Dorchester
- West Roxbury, Roslindale
- Brighton, Allston
- Jamaica Plain

Looks like there's a free breakfast and some kind of bike expo at the end...

Advance registration appreciated.

THUR 8/21: Ska, Folk, Activism, Old-Time Baseball, Movie Social

I know, I know! How did I miss The English Beat last week? I just can't say, but it doesn't take much planning. Email some friends (link to this post, haha) and go! There's actually lots of good free stuff to do tonight -- even beyond the four below.

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THUR 8/21

5pm
The English Beat, Mieka Pauley
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

There's at least one thing I like about WBOS, they sponsor a bunch of free concerts. It was sad to see that the Copley Sq series didn't return this year, but they still do alright. There's a good show right after work today.

Basically singer Dave Wakeling and dancer Ranking Roger will do a fine set of two-tone ska. Besides the English Beat biggies ("Save It for Later", "Mirror in the Bathroom", etc), they throw in the General Public hits too ("Tenderness", "I'll Take You There"). I heard they did a good job at the Hatch Shell / Earth Day show. The most excellent local singer-songwriter Mieka Pauley is opening, so you should get there as soon as you can!

THUR 8/21

7pm
"This is What Women Want" Kick-off
at YMCA Theater, 820 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

So after a little research, I've learned this isn't a seminar to assist lonely men. Cambridge's Center for New Words is one of the organizers of this project to magnify the voices of women during the presidential election. The website and the tour is an attempt to get women's issues and concerns into the larger public forum. This is the first event of a tour that will be held in the next couple months when and where the debates will take place. This is a chance to hear various speakers, and it seems that attendees will have a chance to speak as well.


From the Weekly List:


THUR 8/21

7pm
Old-Time Baseball
at St. Peter's Field, 57 Sherman St, Cambridge (near Fresh Pond)
FREE

A vintage baseball game was put together during the '94 baseball strike, and it's become an annual event. It's a casual evening of baseball with college players and occasionally a retired pro playing in vintage-style uniforms from various teams and eras.

I went last year and had a great time. I did talk to Johnny Pesky (one of the team managers) after the game, and he was awesome. People flocked to him, but he easily obliged my autograph request. "It won't buy you a cup of coffee," he said. Pesky is scheduled to be one of the managers again, and Lou Merloni is going to play.

A corporate sponsorship presents the game and will make a charitable donation to the Todd J. Schwartz Memorial Fund, which supports the Jimmy Fund Clinic. The concession proceeds might benefit the cause too; the sausage was darn good last year... It's not a bad idea to bring a blanket or a chair.

Raindate: FRI 8/22

THUR 8/21

6pm to 11pm
Inman Under The Stars: Movie Night & Neighborhood Social
at the East Cambridge Savings Bank's parking lot, 1310 Cambridge St., , between Hampshire and Cambridge Streets (Inman Sq)
FREE

They can't say it, but the hint is so obvious that it's Star Wars. It better be, because none of the 3 prequels could be described as "an inter-galactic adventure loved by all!" Performers from ImprovBoston's "Henchmen" show will be goofing around Inman Sq before the movie, and they do have some sci-fi material. The screening begins around 8pm, and there should be free popcorn and bottled water...

In case of rain, the event will be canceled.

Advance Notice, SAT 8/23: Wiffle Ball Tourney

9:30am to 12:30pm
WIFFLE Boston 2008
at City Hall Plaza, Boston (Govt Center)
FREE

I searched the Internet for about 30 seconds and couldn't find a mention of a "Boston Wiffle Ball champion". It's about time that some people can add that to their resume as 32 teams of 5 players will meet for a single elimination tournament at City Hall Plaza. (There will be a prize for winning.) I checked with one of the main dudes at Social Boston Sports, and there were 8 spots still open as of this morning...

By my count, there will be 5 "single-elimination" rounds of 7-inning or 45 minutes (whichever is first) games. I get the sense that the "fields" will be narrow enough that reasonably no idiot will need to dive onto brick *and* hits will happen. Teams must be coed also.

To sign up, you'll need:

- a team name
- names, emails, genders, and t-shirt sizes of all the players

I'm no lawyer, so I didn't bother to read the waiver that you need to sign before playing. Get there at 9:30am for registration, and the fun begins at 10:15 after Mayor Mumbles throws out the first pitch.

Spectators and early losers can enjoy games (e.g. "home run derby", "fast pitch challenge") and other entertainment.

This did not escape my eagle eye: "Following the tournament, Social Boston Sports will be hosting a post-game celebration in close proximity to City Hall Plaza."

WED 8/20: Nasty Love, Free Rock, Puppet Show, All-You-Can-Eat

I actually got into an event last night, and it was a blogger party at Bella Luna restaurant at Milky Way Lounge. At least, that's how I always thought about it; the food has been great every time I've eaten there although I'm usually heading downstairs for other reasons. I'll say more soon, but their new menu is awesome. The fancy fried mozzarella ("Half Moon" or something like that...) is simply the best I've ever had, and it's probably the best in Boston. (If anyone there is reading this, it was good to meet you.)

After enjoying much red wine last night, friggin' WGBH has to follow "Morning Edition" with the 1812 Overture?!?! Ah, my head...

I might have another short post about a free waffle ball tournament happening on Saturday, but here's the link.

(I love the variety below...)

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WED 8/20

9:30pm
"Trans Entities: The Nasty Love of Papi and Wil"
at Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)
$10 / 18+

Every third Wednesday, Cinemental presents the "best of independent queer media". It's been sometimes difficult to find out about what is actually screening, and finally they have a dedicated spot on the web, besides announcements on Truth Serum.

It seems like a lot is packed in about an hour of running time... Besides 3 "undirected" sex scenes, Papi and Wil frankly discuss their trans-gendered relationship in what will probably be a more-than-just-thought-provoking manner. The exciting part of tonight's program is that they're attending to participate in the post-film discussion.

One of my two favorite sex columnists Tristan Taormino (of Pucker Up and Thomas Pynchon's niece) said about "Trans Entities":

It's the best transporn film I've ever seen, mostly because of the way we get to know the couple through Diamond's intimate, interview-driven story. Frank, articulate, and madly in love, Papi and Wil talk about being kinky, polyamorous people of color -- from BDSM to spirituality, no topic is off-limits, including their genders.

So there you go...

WED 8/20

Electric Laser People (11pm), The Motion Sick (10pm), Where the Land Meets the Sea (9pm)
at Church, 69 Kilmarnock St, Boston (Fenway)
FREE / 21+

Night #3 of The Motion Sick residency theme is "Flash" Wednesday. And they wrote a song called "Aquaman's Lament" [mp3] who is a superfriend of The Flash, so that's pretty damn cool.

The Sox are in Baltimore, so parking won't be a problem -- but the T is a low-emission way to free music...


From the Weekly List:


WED 8/20

6:30 pm
Alice Hunter: Puppet Show & "Vertigo"
at Raymond Park, about 200 Upland Rd, Cambridge (near Porter Sq)
FREE

Anything that is preceded by a puppet show makes me laugh, even if it's a Hitchcock movie. The brief description I read said it's "an interactive, aquatic puppet show" followed by cartoons and the film.

Rain Date: WED 8/27

WED 8/20

6pm to 9pm
All-you-can-eat Crayfish Party
at Ikea Restaurant & Cafe, upper level, 1 Ikea Way, Stoughton
$9.99 / $4.99 Ages 12 and under

This is for those hungry on the South Shore and/or need some furniture. Besides crayfish, there will be "cheeses, crispbread, and soup or salad." (And you have to think Swedish meatballs too, right?)

Beverages and dessert not included. (Adult beverages also available.)

TUES 8/19: Prez Talk, Classical, Rock, Folk

I tried to go to "The Big Lebowski" Party at Coolidge Corner Theatre, but it was sold out when I got there at 6:59pm... So I went across the street and had a white Russian... I can't believe I wore my bowling shirt...

George, the Coolidge's program director, said to me, "There's next year."

Thanks, George.

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TUES 8/19

6pm to 8pm
"Presidential Politics: Campaigning and the Media"
at (probably) 190 High St, 4th Fl, Boston (Financial District)
FREE w/ RSVP

Former radio host and current Tufts professor Michael Goldman is the first speaker in a 3-part series on the presidential campaign ("as a way to understand the world around us") sponsored by Boston Cares. According to the blurb, the discussion will cover:

the role the media plays within presidential campaigns and the role it has in shaping our perceptions of the candidates. Lastly, the evening will end with a discussion about the two presidential candidates and the campaign to date.

When you RSVP they'll let you know the exact address, but most of these talks are held at their office. (It looks like there is still room...)

TUES 8/19

6pm
"Music in the Park": Strasbourg Youth Orchestra
at Christopher Columbus Park, Boston (North End/Waterfront)
FREE

It might be a nice evening to listen to some music by the water. A bunch of youngish, French musicians have been in town for a few days, and it appears they're playing a mix of classical pieces and some contemporary symphonic works.

I didn't know Strasbourg was Boston's sister city; it turns out that we have 8 "sister cities"... (WTF?!?)

TUES 8/19

9:30pm
Band In Boston Residency
Beasts of England, Anthems, Greg (of Pending Disappointment), Polarbaron, Emeen Z
at PA's Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Somerville (Union Sq)
$7 -- 21+ / $10 -- 18+

I put up a short post about this series of Band In Boston anniversary shows yesterday. I listened to every band playing tonight, and there's some damn good music with some interesting variety! I guess the idea is to trust Jen and Andy's good taste, if you don't listen to their every podcast. But you should listen...


From the Weekly List:


TUES 8/19

9pm
Neil Cleary's Doozy, James Kochalka Superstar, David Kamm, Jesse Popp, MC Mr. Napkins, The Artificial Hearts
at Lizard Lounge/Cambridge Common, 1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge (between Harvard Sq & Porter Sq)
$10 / 21+

Of Neil Cleary, I liked this snippet from All Music Guide; I'd want to say something similar:

Look at it this way: y’know that guy that all of Aimee Mann and Liz Phair’s breakup songs are about? Okay, imagine if he wrote those songs about himself, but he didn’t quite get what they were so ticked off about: that’s a fair approximation of the lyrical thrust of this album. John Hiatt, Nick Lowe and Randy Newman have all toyed with this persona as well, and echoes of all three waft through these dozen rootsy power pop tunes.

James Kochalka is a cartoonist from Burlington, VT; but he wrote one of my favorite songs called "Hockey Monkey". It's truly a gem! It should be a fun show with some comedy, some more music, and a funny musician (MC Mr. Napkins).

I still maintain this will be an awesome show!

TUES 8/19

9:30pm to Midnight
Peter Mulvey
at Atwoods Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge (near Inman & Kendall Sq)
$10

WTF? There's almost never a cover at Atwoods! Well, Peter Mulvey is passing through town and he's worth it. Apparently this songwriter spent a couple years in Boston and often played in the T. (He recorded a whole CD of cover songs at the Davis Sq station in '01.) You might not have tipped him, so pay up for a night of songs from his rich rasp over sweet guitar work.

TUES 8/19

10pm
The Sneaks
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

There's some free pop-rock too.