Debonair Geek

Man's Best Friend

2009-11-11T15:53:00.004-05:00

My pug really is my best friend. I have spent my whole life loving dogs and dreaming of having my own. I never dreamed it would be a little dog, but rather a big lug of a lab, romping through my life. But 10 months ago, I called on a Sunday to rural North Carolina inquiring about a pug puppy and 2 months after that morning I picked up a little bundle of joy. No stork needed of course.

Having a puppy, well a pug puppy, was nothing like I anticipated. I read and read and researched and felt ready. Now, 8 months later, I can assure you I was nowhere near ready. But really, even if I waited years, I don't think I would have been ready for it. Sometimes it still blows my mind that I'm a parent. I worry a little bit everyday that I'm not doing enough for him, but I know he's happy. I know that when he snuggles up to me on the couch, or curls into Ginger's lap as she's crafting. He's not pocket sized anymore, but he's still my baby and I love him with my whole heart.

Weekend Man Crush -- Adam Richman, Man vs Food

2009-10-25T15:54:00.004-04:00

It's not often that I let myself feel comfortable as a chubby guy. But Adam Richman of Travel Channel's Man vs Food, brings out a sense of chubster fraternity in me.
This weekend Travel Channel blessed it's viewing community with a MVF marathon and that made my weekend! I don't really like Travel Channel shows, but this is my kind of show no matter what channel it's on. Adam, the host, is full of personality and brings great charisma to every location. The premise of the show is Adam visiting a particular city and finding all the great pig out joints hidden within.
Not one for travel myself, this show lets me live vicariously through his travels and meals! Within each episode he takes on a unique eating challenge famous in that city. Adam is unabashed about eating and his appetite and I think that seeing a funny, chubby guy on TV gives me the sense that it's ok to be one in my own life. It's always good to see some form of yourself on TV right?

And so I end my weekend with hours on end of my chubster buddy, Adam Richman.

On gender

2009-09-19T19:04:00.004-04:00

Here is the disclaimer: The following is based on my experience and from my perspective. I am writing this for me, but more importantly to come out of hiding and help gender identity be more transparent in the world around me. I welcome questions, but I do ask that an open mind be maintained.

Let's start at the beginning, shall we? I am female bodied, but I do not identify as a female or in a feminine way. My gender presentation is masculine, but I don't identify as a man or male. I am on the trans spectrum, but not in the sense that I'm transitioning, rather because I am transgressing beyond the ingrained, expected gender for female bodied individuals. If I was pushed against the wall and forced to label myself I would say gender queer for the sheer vagueness that label allows. I don't identify as a man, but I also don't see myself as a woman. I am in the nebulous gray area that our society so despises.

Because I'm female bodied there was a time that I found myself to be immersed in the lesbian community. I never felt at home there, because in my heart I knew I didn't fit in. During that time the label "butch" was liberally used to identify me. Initially I railed against it. It just didn't feel right, but it did push me to examine how I felt within the gender spectrum and also to see my own gender presentation and how it it perceived. After much introspection about butch, I gave up the ghost and let the label stick. I don't self proclaim a butch identity. But I no longer grumble when others call me butch.

By my standards, my gender isn't weird or out of the ordinary, but not everyone sees the world through my geeky glasses. Living in the real world is definitely not easy. I'm not looking to make myself into any sort of a martyr, so please don't misread where I'm coming from. That said, it's a pain in the ass when I can't walk into 70% of public bathrooms because I don't look like women expect me to look. I am perceived as a man and in some cases a predator. Ladies, I know that the bathroom should be a safe space. So I ask that if I'm minding my business, mind yours too.

Several years ago I was asked to be an editor for a diversity publication in college. I was also asked to write a first person account of a particular bathroom run in. While this certainly wasn't easy, at the time I wasn't sure I understood just how important it was for me to be public about what happened. I get it now and I'm glad I did it. I want to help increase the visibility that gender isn't just man and woman. It's so much more. Lately I've been in a rut of apathy. I know that being in the work place day after day has numbed me into apathy. I'm regularly called missy, girl, ma'am and referred to as one of the girls. I don't say anything anymore. I don't correct people that just because this is my body, it doesn't mean I'm a girl, mmkay?

For me gender identity is something within each of us. It may go unacknowledged for a lot of people, but it's still there. My gender is something that not only I acknowledge, but something the world around me does too. When I'm stared at, or sneered at in public it's because of my gender identity. So maybe if I talk about it more, it's something that won't have to be so strange or out of the ordinary.

If you're interested in reading the article, you can find it here.

Friday Fashion

2009-09-11T22:52:00.003-04:00

Given my recent schtick about Fall today's fashion tidbit will be brief and a nod (oh big pun coming) to colder weather. Courtesy of ThinkGeek.com I bring you -

All the best geeks will keep their heads warm while declaring their geekliness. It's simple yet geekaliciously chic.

Memories.... on the corner of my mind

2009-09-11T17:33:00.004-04:00

Autumn seems to be my season. It forces me to the wall to really examine who I am, where I am in life and ask the ever cyclical question, "So where to now?".
In addition to all of those delicious ponderings, I find this time of year bursting with memories. Over the past week I've not been at work, but at a training off site. Not being constantly pummeled by responsibility/being attached to the internet, I've had some time to really sift through the puddles of memories.

Other than school starting this time each year, the big event in my life was always the start of the fall soccer season. While not the skinniest of children, I was always in my element on the field. I played goalie (and no I was not like Goldberg from Mighty Ducks). Every Saturday morning for the past 7 years or so I've reveled in the sounds of little kid's soccer games. The roaring cheers from parents and the intermittent whistles. It reminds me of all the times I had to be up and at the field by 8 am. Which for a kid may as well have been 2 am. It never fails to make me crave an orange slice and a juice box!

The reason I was so drawn to soccer was my dad. He played goalie until a shoulder injury made it impossible for him to risk the contact. He was so patient teaching me the right way to catch the ball, block and most importantly to punt. In addition to being one of my biggest fans, he coached my team from time to time. I still have friends who remember him coaching and how great he was. Someday, I hope I can give back like he did, and do it as patiently as him!

What else did Fall mean? Well school starting was always significant. I was obsessed with school supplies. Truth be told, I miss going to get school supplies. Sometimes I like to go to Staples and stand there, dreaming of composition books and pencils. Maybe I should get some of these, and call it a day?

Fall bringing on the colder weather and the changing leaves really lets me feel like I can change too. I know that this may seem pretty disjointed, after all leaves changing means they're photosynthesis is ending and they're essentially dying as they fall. Certainly I don't feel a symbiotic connection to that. I think I see it in a reverse kind of recharge for myself. And let's hope so because good lord I need it. But other than this flurry of existential introspection what else can be the catalyst for change? I know that it has to come from within me, but how do I spark the inertia to get myself going? I guess that's what this Fall really needs to be about. I guess I'll settle in with some nutmeg spiced cider and a cable-knit sweater and work it out.

How do you like 'dem apples?

2009-09-05T21:35:00.004-04:00

Advice columns may not fall into the arena of hard hitting journalism, but I still love them.

And my most recent geeky love is the bold wha-bam, delivered by Carolyn Hax in her column last Sunday. I could gush on and on about why I love it so much, but really I'd like the column to speak for itself.

Please to be reading.

Dear Carolyn:

Some friends of mine had been talking up this guy they thought would be perfect for me, so I finally went on a blind date with him. It turns out he's black, and while I am NOT racist and have no problem with interracial dating in general, it's not for me. I just prefer to date white guys.

I told my friends why I wouldn't be seeing him again, and they were, shockingly, horrified. Did I miss something here? I know interracial dating is more prevalent now than it used to be, but I didn't realize it was SO common that you get in trouble if you don't want to do it. I figured if I'm the one who needs a kick in the pants, you're the perfect person to give it to me. But I'm hoping you'll tell me I'm right, that no one should have to date anyone they don't want to.

Sacramento

Carolyn's response

You're right -- no one should have to date anyone s/he doesn't want to.

And your friends are right, too -- they shouldn't have to pretend they're not horrified by something they find morally repugnant.

And you're right, interracial dating is more prevalent now, but its prevalence here is the cart; the issue here is the horse.

More people date interracially because more people realize that the only alternative to being racist is to judge each person as a person.

Your decision not to date this man wasn't about his character or lack thereof, it wasn't about his sex appeal or lack thereof, it wasn't about his intellect or lack thereof, it wasn't about his sense of humor or lack thereof, it wasn't about his work ethic or lack thereof, it wasn't about shared history or lack thereof, it wasn't about his goals or lack thereof, it wasn't about his compatibility or lack thereof.

To your credit, you're owning your opinion; all you had to say was that you didn't find him attractive, and this conversation doesn't happen.

However: We're having this conversation because you didn't find his race attractive. That's what racism is.

Photo Credit: Nick Galifianakis for The Washington Post Photo

Weekend Crush -- NPR

2009-09-05T20:17:00.007-04:00

Yes, you read that correctly. My weekend crush this week is on NPR, National Public Radio.

As a kid I was always thoroughly annoyed at the chit chat of talk radio that my Dad was ever so fond of. And now, at the ripe age of 25, I can't get enough of NPR. Over the past few weeks I've begun to ponder what is it that attracts me to NPR? Is it the feeling of being informed, of knowing relevant tidbits of news and other current events? I don't know for sure. I like the routine of getting up in the morning, getting into the car and settling into the rhythm of Morning Edition. And then again in the afternoon, I can unwind and hear about what's going on in the world, but even better I get the inside track on books. This week, Melissa Block, interview E.L. Doctorow about his latest book - Homer & Langley. This book sounds amazing. It's a fictionalized take on the famous reclusive Collyer brothers. I highly recommend the ten minutes (not even) to listen to the interview. And there's an excerpt from the book here along with the transcript and audio.

Perhaps, in some way being connected to current events has helped me to feel like a "real" adult. But being an adult on talk radio isn't all news, traffic and Marketplace reports. The gem of NPR is Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!

Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me is the oddly informative news quiz that airs on Saturdays from 11 am until noon. While I don't usually tune in during the first airing, I prefer to catch the podcast, this show is always worth an hour of my time! Why is Wait Wait so phenomenal? The two pillars of awesome leading the way are Peter Sagal (the host) and Carl Kassell (the judge and scorekeeper). Peter's consistent wit and Carl's straight delivery of humor is always the right mix of information and amazing hilarity. My favorite gridlock entertainment is the Best of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me. This two disc collection is some of the greatest moments. My favorite involves Reagan, a pineapple and sign language. If I can laugh my face off and still get the news then I'm ready to be an adult talk radio listener. Sign me up!

Fall TV this year fills me with Glee

2009-09-04T14:24:00.004-04:00

This week I finally gave in to it. I watched Fox's new show Glee. And I'm man enough to admit that I LOVED it.

It's really everything I ever could have asked for in a TV show. And yes, I will be watching the repeat showing tonight.

And if you've not tuned in and watched the wonderment that is Glee, let's go to tape evidence, shall we?

Friday Fashion

2009-09-04T06:22:00.010-04:00

Having finally found my geeky glasses I have been feeling the need to have a trademark. I'm not great with catchy lines, most of my best one-liners have been picked up along the way of years of watching Will & Grace and stand up comedy routines like Paula Poundstone's "Cats, Cops and stuff". Bitingly sarcastic, yet original zingers: out. Where did that leave me?

Socks. The unsung accessory. Sure, Seeley Booth on 'Bones' has done his part to get guys thinking about the underused greatness of socks. But that hasn't been my only motivation. Deep down I like to think that I'm eccentric. Not in ballpark of Homer and Langley Collyer, but just a little bit more interesting than an average joe. And why are socks my chosen accessory? I don't have to share them. Sure, if I cross my legs in a meeting, someone might catch a glimpse of sock-awesomeness. Other than that, I can get up every morning choose a great pair of socks and be on my way with a little extra bounce in my geeky step. After making the decision to get into socks - I've stumbled my through the internet (y'know, like you do) and these are my favorites so far.

Socks for an agent of chaos
I love Batman and Superman, but my everyday workplace isn't always the best moment for me to giggle like a little school boy about how awesome Batman movies are. So a little mosaic of fandom on my feet and I'm good to go!

Ashi Dashi Notebook
By far my favorite school supply to buy was loose-leaf notebook paper. I always hated wide rule and was deeply devoted to college rule. It just looked crisper in my Trapper Keeper. These socks aren't regulation college rule, but they certainly suit my fancy and are the perfect hint of nostalgia for Trapper Keepers gone by.

Sock It To Me Bring it Bot
I have only recently fallen into geek lust with robots, specifically the robot art of John W. Golden. These little bot socks are a nice little wade deeper into the geek pool. Who wouldn't want to proudly wear a sock called 'Sock it to me, bring it bot'?

And last but not least, the epic sock find:

Super Hero Socks
Sometimes loving Batman and Superman isn't enough. Every once in a while, I like to think I'm a super hero too. And with spiffy super hero socks I can be! And with four different color combinations - I can match my mood to my hero alias.

So naturally Sockdreams.com is my favorite online sock shop. I have found some good stuff in the more mainstream places (mostly American Eagle Outfitters), but the selection at sock dreams is too good to go anywhere else! (well, at least for now).

And with this I leave you to ponder your feelings on the matter of snazzy socks. And watch out, the next move could be trying to bring back spats.

Autumnal Resolutions

2009-09-03T22:19:00.003-04:00

The start of fall has always signified renewal, even more emphatically than New Year's Day and the hoopla of resolutions.

So in following those feelings right off the edge of the metaphorical cliff, I am deciding to take the flying leap and end my blogging sabbatical. I'm not sure what I could potentially stumble upon, or the direction this blog will take, but here I am. Putting my feet to the internal fire.

In the spirit of turning over a new leaf it has come to my attention that personal evolution must be acknowledged, early and often. I am now a card carrying member of the Quarter Century club. If you had pulled me aside 15 years ago and told me this is who and what I would be I think I might have laughed in your face. Even 10 years ago. Unfathomable. While not buttoned up in the corporate world, I am deeply immersed in a the world of Web development in the working world. Focusing on a professional career path, I've put grad school thoughts back into my pocket. Right now I'm not sure if I will go to grad school, or if I do end up going I certainly have no idea what I would study. Several months ago I would have let myself get completely wrapped up in that - "What am I going to do with my life?" conundrum. And to follow the theme - I'm going to acknowledge that I've moved on and I don't feel it necessary to spin in the what-ifs of my life in that same way. I want to be productive and a positive presence to the world around me, and I would say that I do that every single day. It might be small, sometimes even microscopic, but I know I'm doing it.

I came to a realization today that I make lots of "I really want to ----" statements. Finding those to be empty and extremely unfulfilled - I'm going to do something about it. I can't snap my fingers and accomplish the whole running list of wants, but I can let myself keep track and make motions to follow through for myself. So this year instead of starting anew with school supplies, I'm going to just be productive for myself.

Item the first: I've always felt more Italian that Irish, and to more fully embrace my meatball making bloodlines I'm going to learn Italian. I spent a solid 35 minutes in Barnes and Noble today perusing the shelves of Italian language aids. I'm letting my second brain [read: Google] do some of the comparison walking and I hope to make my choice this weekend.

Item the second: I was an orchestra and then band geek for the ever so awkward formative years of my childhood. Hitting high school and abandoning music is something I do regret. In thinking about what I really wish I knew how to play - cello comes to mind, first and foremost. So later this fall and winter, it is my project to take lessons and achieve novice status on the cello. If only there existed a Cello Hero Nintendo Wii game to help speed this process along.

Item the third: For the past I-don't-even-know-let's-not-try-and-count years I've had great aspirations to take trips on Fall weekends, go to museums and just generally not speed faster down the hermetic pathway. So this Fall, I'm going to get out and do stuff. Having a bouncy, energetic pug to drag me along will definitely help!

And with all of that in mind -- away I go!

If my Itunes library were an indicator, you'd think...

2008-11-16T11:15:00.016-05:00

I was a 45 year old woman. I assure you I'm not. But the following list would indicate a definite oddity in musical choices for a twenty something guy like me. You see, my car is my safe space. I can sing as loud as I want in my car. I can perform because my car is like my stage. I do not engage in sing-a-longs, I do not carol, and I don't bust out in the shower with any old tune. I am a private musical wonder. And with musical choices like those listed below, my peers would have shamed me in to having that private love of corny music.

Michael Feinstein - This crooner is like a lesser known Barry Manilow, and I've been secretly in love with him and his smooth voice for years. And if you're wondering how I am familiar with this possibly, relatively unknown singer let me tell you. My mother is a fan of music. She is more than a fan, she's deeply involved. And spending as much as a kid tends to do with a mom, it just rubbed off on me I guess. The album I'm most familiar with is "Isn't it romantic?". And I would highly recommend it for any schmaltzy Sunday afternoon.

Andrea Bocelli - This man's voice is amazing. I actually don't remember how I encountered Andrea Bocelli. I can remember, that the first time I took notice, was a concert with him and Sarah Brightman on Boston public television. "Con te partirò" brought a man tear to my eye and I was hooked. Anytime a blind Italian wants to sing me a song, I could pretend to swoon for him, if he needed me to. I mean it would be a manly swoon. With a Peroni and a handshake or something. Maybe an anise cookie too.

Peter, Paul and Mary - There is one particular concert that Boston public television played every summer religiously. And I like a devout churchgoer was glued to Grammie and Jack's TV to watch every last minute of the concert. There was always something comforting about sitting on the old white sofa, with Jack's beagle at my side and a Brigham's extra thick, black and white frappe. It's a feeling that is harder and harder to find and relive these days. I will cop to the fact that one of my favorite warm weather songs to sing in the car, windows open, is the "Hammer Song".

Luciano Pavarotti - It is not his entire career, but in particular one song, "Nessun Dorma" the aria from Puccini's Turandot. I could listen to this aria forever. It melts my sometimes cold, cynical heart into a puddle of geek mush. I have not gotten full force into opera, but I suspect that in only a matter of years I could be found guilty of sitting around the house in a housecoat, leather slippers and good glass of red wine, lights off and listening to opera music. But I make no guarantees and I'm certainly not there yet.

Simon and Garfunkel - The Concert in Central Park, September 19, 1981, was my first experience with live music. Well, the record my mother had of the concert was my first instance of live music. And it has been my favorite ever since. I could not imagine my teenage years without this music. I am particularly fond of "I am a rock". I find it rare in this day and age that music strikes that deep chord inside of me. I've never been truly in touch with the folksy side of life, but I can pop in this CD and fake it til I make it, huh?

Josh Groban - I can not adequately recount the experiences of my peers, partner or family members laughing at me about my love of Josh Groban. I am not fully in the closet about my love of Josh Groban. He's cheesy and tries a little too hard to be squeaky clean and lovable by the midlife ladies, but I still love him. Anytime I can secretly have some time to listen to even just one of his songs I will. I know that he's trite and cliche and may be the corniest of the corniest to my generation, but dammit I'll have to take the social stigma bullet to enjoy his ballads.

Michael Buble - This may be the least embarrassing musical selection on this list. However, I seem to still catch a whole of flack for loving this Canadian boy wonder. He's no Frank Sinatra, but he's got a great voice, a great stage presence and I could even muster up a man swoon for him too.

Barry Manilow - I have a very distinct story behind my affinity for Barry Manilow. In the years after my parent's divorced, our very quirky [read: awesome] neighbor used to come over and help my mom put the lights on our Christmas tree. She was a perfectionist and incredibly meticulous, so this process took several hours. There was always lots of laughter when she was weaving the little lights all through our tree, and she would only ask for one thing in return while she was doing all of that work - Barry Manilow's Christmas album. So with all of that laughter and fun in the house how could I not fall in love with Barry? I will say that I am no Fanilow, but I can always enjoy a trip down memory lane and listen to his greatest hits. It's good times, all you need is a lack of dignity and some Dewar's on the rocks.

Cher - My mother and I have a consistent track of disagreement between us. We love each other dearly, but we are very good at not getting along. It's a second job for each of us, but if you ask us what CD to pop into her 90's fab boombox, we'll both say Cher. It is the music that connected us in my despondent teenage doldrums and I'll always have a deep love for Cher. I have seen her movies, loved her music and anxiously await my chance to see her in concert. She's boss in my opinion.

And the creme de la creme of my menopausal woman choices in music - Barbara Streisand.

Yes, that's right. I LOVE Barbara Streisand. I have loved her from the moment I saw her and her plaid weekend bag in What's Up Doc. I love her voice, for it truly is like buttah. Linda Richman was right. Barbara is a brand of singer that we just don't see anymore, and her duets album is phenomenal. If you can set aside your dignity for an hour, give it a whirl. This geek, in all my corny tastes, highly recommends a good Barbara sing a long.

Man Crush Saturday

2008-11-08T15:43:00.004-05:00

So the man crush of the month is not actually a man, but worthy of discussion nonetheless. The man crush I speak of is none other than my current fixation on a one Dr. Rachel Maddow. I can't help it! I'm hooked!

My entire adult life I have worked vigorously to avoid any sort of political interaction. This year's election and the current state of our country left me no choice, but to follow closely and make sure to pay attention. A co-worker urged for months to start listening to NPR, and one rainy morning, stuck on the George Washington Parkway I finally gave in. This strange thing started to happen. I found myself actually able to participate in discussions at the lunch table at work. I had graduated to knowing what is going on in the world. I could no longer hide in my early twenties, shoulder shrugging, "meh" attitude. This new found thirst for current events knowledge led me to get involved in the delight and wonderment that is pundits! Around this same time, my partner was all abuzz about this Rachel Maddow person. I had no idea who she was, or what she did. Curious about Rachel Maddow, who she was and just what was so special about her that could fuel an hour long phone conversation between my partner and her parents.

Hours and hours of Googling, I was completely.in.love. And why am I classifying Rachel Maddow as a man crush? I find myself in a nebulous gray, androgynous area of gender. And Rachel Maddow is finally a figure in the mainstream media that I can COMPLETELY identify with. This has never happened before. I was floored and now totally fixated. Rachel Maddow is a role model for me. I have had many role models in my life. I've been really lucky to have that kind of presence in my life. But this is so different. This is someone who resembles me, who in ten years I could be like her! It makes me so giddy with excitement to think that there is someone out there who is a projection of who I could be.

It's new and exciting and refreshing for someone like me. I'm neurotic and bumbling and insecure sometimes. Seeing that someone who has used many of those adjectives to describe herself can turn out so composed and kick ass. It's the kind of role model I need and it gives me hope that maybe other nebulous gray area, androgynous gender identified folks will see that they're not alone. And maybe the rest of the world will wake up and stop staring at me as though I'm a freak, when there's a mirror of me on national TV every night at 9.

The Olympics are great, but baseball has my heart

2008-08-21T14:19:00.006-04:00

While not the most svelt of geeks, I love sports. I love to play, but of course, I love to watch. I have been known to catch a Patriots Game, a Thrashers game or two and even a Curling match, but the creme de la creme of sports for me is a baseball game. Simple. Classic. Not the most riveting of action, but perfection for my sports viewing pleasure.

My grandfather had the strongest convictions, which I suppose is really just a suave way of saying “neurotic.” Those convictions usually manifested themselves during dinner time under the guise of “go withs”. He was extremely particular about what could or could not go with something. Meatloaf, was to always be paired with potatoes and never rice, for example. Well I took my neuroses to the next level and seemed to apply go withs to nearly every arena of my life. And one of my favorite go withs is summer and baseball. Summer's warm nights, coupled with good friends, a cold beer and a baseball game is heaven on Earth.

I'm sure you're thinking I'm nuts for being so frothed up about a simple baseball game. So let me tell you why I love baseball so much. My dad is a true baseball fan. He loves the New York Yankees, but he is a fan of baseball in general. He knows more about every team than an encyclopedia. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to go with him to Yankee Stadium to see the Old Timer's game. There were a record 72 former Yankee players there, and as they announced them one by one, my dad was listing off who they were, what they had done that made them so special and he was clicks ahead of the announcers. I glanced over and could see the child like excitement in his eyes to be only a few hundred feet away from the likes of Moose Skowron, Goose Gossage, Wade Boggs, Whitey "Chairman of the Board" Ford, and Yogi Berra (his personal favorite). I too was extremely in awe of all that history and amazing baseball legends there at the park. I should probably clarify at this point, that I am not a Yankees fan. I am on the other side of the rivalry and am devoted to the Red Sox.

My dad and I have never before watched a Yankees game together. In fact, we have an unspoken rule that we only talk about the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles. He and I bonded over baseball at Orioles Park at Camden Yards. And don't tell Fenway Park, but I actually like Camden Yards better. love the way a ball park feels. The smell of ballpark food cooking, shouting for the sale of programs, the beer and snack guys walking the aisles. It's magic for a geek like me. Much of my life has a routine to it, and why should my baseball experience be any different? I like to get to the park a little bit early, and get to take in the crowd. Is there more hometown fans than visitor, or vice versa? That's the essential question. I get a hot dog and a beer and find my seat. And then when the game starts and gets going, I have to get peanuts. It's not fancy, it's not special, but it's what I do.

My love of baseball and specifically for the Red Sox is epitomized in one guy, Carlton Fisk. I like Carlton Fisk for many reasons, his nickname was Pudge and he was a catcher, but most importantly - Game 6, 1975 World Series, the homer of homers in my book. Fisk hit a homer and waved it out of the park and encouraged it to stay fair. It's an epic baseball moment for Red Sox fans, and it's been made more recently famous by Good Will Hunting. Robin Williams' character describes the Pudge homer in a monologue. He wasn't the greatest player, but he was steady and that's always a greater asset to a team.

Baseball is a summertime thrill for many fans, but for me it's more than that. It's passion and quite frankly if I could only watch one sport, baseball would be it.

Kick Up the Jams!

2008-08-21T11:56:00.002-04:00

I have always loved music. I was that kid that would listen to the radio for hours on end, sometimes staying up all night to listen to the smooth styles of David Allen Bouche on 106.7 in Boston. I have a ridiculously ecclectic taste of music. I can go from the smooth styles of Miles Davis to Metallica at the drop of a hat.

I discovered this application over at Queering Domesticity and I love it. In a platonic, where's my walkman kind of way. So I decided to share it with you all.

It's a church key, not a bottle opener!

2008-08-09T12:14:00.007-04:00

My family comes from a long tradition of New England cocktail hours ( that really lasted many more than one hour). While our family drinking tab has included everything from Manhattans, Whiskey Sours and Gin and tonics, the family stand by is a cold beer. If you're drinking with my uncles it's one beer. Heineken and only Heineken. And to open that cold Heineken you need a church key. What's a church key you say? Why a church key is a bottle opener, but never in the history of ever has my family called it a bottle opener. Church key is an homage to our Catholic upbringing, and is even a sanctioned term by our dear beloved family friend - Father Fitz. My preferred church key is from Oxo. The weight is perfect. The handle is heavy, but not cumbersome. The cap pops off perfectly and one swift motion is sufficient to bring you one step closer to the ice, cold beverage.

Besides my odd obsession with the church key I have several other kitchen things that I'm especially excited about. I am Italian and love to use garlic in everything. And while my grandmother would pinch me with the strength of an army, I use a garlic peeler. I love garlic, but my love does not extend to the sticky, frustrating fight I inevitably have with the peel as I'm trying to pry it off my hands and get into the garbage. So I walked by this simple silicone contraption at Whole Foods for weeks. Thinking to myself, "I love this! But could I actually pay money for this?" Apparently, I could. And I did. Despite the Italian shame I may feel when I pull it out of the drawer, I love my garlic peeler.

I also find that my kitchen is not complete without my Butcher block cutting board. I have always thought how studly it would be to work in a butcher shop and while there isn't a whole lot of connection to butcher block and butcher shops -- I like to connect my own dots, mmkay. I like the clean wood surface for slicing the vegetables to go in my risotto. It's definitely the simplest gadget [read: piece of wood] I own and I love it maybe most of all. Other than my desk at work, my kitchen is where I feel like I am have power. I am the ruler of my own universe and I make the risotto that the whole world eats. Well, that my friends and family eat.

On a more whimsical note, I am in love with this spoon from Perpetual Kid. My brother and I used to be simple, old school and just throw grapes at one another. The Thanksgiving centerpiece would just sit there and call to us, and grapes have the best velocity for close distance throwing. This spoon takes food fighting among siblings to a new level. And I think it absolutely transcends age lines. There are many professional lunch moments when I'd like to have this spoon to fling food at my co-workers. It redefines playing with your food. And so I say "Game on!"

I like to know that there is an expanding universe of kitchen geekery that I can take advantage of. And as my collection keeps growing in its geekery , I'm sure I'll keep you posted!

--- images from Ikea and Oxo.

What it means to pop your collar

2008-08-05T14:46:00.003-04:00

I am a collar popper. I understand that this is still a controversial fashion statement in some circles, and completely trendy and trite in others. But I am a collar popper, and it's not about trend, it's not about fashion --- let me tell you why.

No, I do not use my popped collar to flaunt the label on my shirt, or to condescend others' collar status. I have the popped collar in my blood. The popped collar is a New England classic, and as someone who loses the letter "r" in choice words like cah (car), pahk (park) and Hahvahd (harvard) I feel a right, nay an obligation to sport the stiff, upright collar like all those that have gone before me. New England style has recently made a comeback. The common jock can be seen in Madras and an Oxford cloth shirt. However, it is the geeky guy with his navy blue plaid wallet that clashes with his mostly red Madras shorts that really makes the plaid shorts/popped collar work. Only polo shirt collars should be popped. I vehemently disagree with button shirts and popped collars. I am also a firm believer in that only ONE collar should be popped. One polo shirt is enough, if two are worn simultaneously it looks as though you thought you had forgotten a shirt, so you put a second shirt on. A clean, classic look is best made with one shirt.

The popped collar also transcends my geographical background. When properly sported, the popped collar can accurately reflect your mood. And as you enter a room a collar can adapt to the situation of the room. A collar popper must always be ready and willing to fold down should the temperament of a room call for such a maneuver. When having a heated conversation the popped collar can act as a defense mechanism and should always be kept erect. Though, there is the caveat that when a heated discussion arises with your lady your collar should be folded down so as not to stir defensiveness. The docile geek understands when that moment is right. As a stubborn geek myself, it has taken training and guidance to learn that popped collars can seem defensive in the wrong moments.

I find that the popped collar frames the lower maxiofacial region to really make your lips and smile stand out. So should you find your lips to be thinner than desirable, pop your collar and frame that chin! I find the collar to be the reinvention of the 70's classic mood ring. A cool, confident and geeky individual will sport the pop most effectively. And remember, if you can't hold to the task of proper poppage don't be ashamed of your flaccid collar, instead be proud and hold your head high. Because those popped around you expect nothing less...

How would a geek tell you Happy Birthday??

2008-08-04T09:06:00.005-04:00

I've been a people watcher for a long time and I love watching people tell someone "Happy Birthday". It can either be the most genuine wish and sincere thought in the world, or it comes dripping with insincerity and a smug air of apathy. I know that sometimes the best way to say "Happy Birthday" is to not say it at all. Verbally, that is. Make a gesture. So just how does a geek wish someone a "Happy Birthday"? Why simple. A geek would think long and hard about how to day Happy Birthday with just enough flair and pizazz so you would notice him, and also wish someone a "Happy Birthday" in a a venue where he is comfortable.

A sports geek would get it written on the scoreboard, a writer geek would write a long poem or essay of birthday affections. And an office geek would say with this:

This colorful birthday party in a box is the USB Birthday Kit from Perpetual Kid. This kit is bright, colorful and just cheesiness enough to get that girl's attention! And nothing is cuter than a blushing geek, am I right?

And while we're dwelling on the subject of birthdays -- Happy Birthday to my lovely lady over at Queering Domesticity!!!

/post

-- images from Perpetual Kid

Spectacle of Spectacles

2008-07-29T20:37:00.002-04:00

The likes of James Dean and Clark Kent have shown us that geekier is sexier. And I say bravo!

In the socialite world, it would seem that one accessory or poorly chosen outfit can define you forever. In my world, fondly known as the real world, I like to dream of the perfect accesories for myself.

It's the boyish daydreaming that lead me to the idea that my next accesory purchase should be something timeless, classic and full of style! My first thought was spats! And then I snapped out of it, and remembered it's not 1914; I'm not really an Italian mobster, and I don't live in Chicago. So I moved on to Clark Kent. He rocked the preppy wonderment of thick, plastic, horn rimmed glasses. This style of classic glasses was worn by men from approximately 1950 until 1970, but they are sporadically seen nowadays. While he's not my favorite, Johnny Depp has been known to sport fabulous vintage spectacle style. And perhaps Johnny Depp is a perfect example of why these glasses appeal to me. I want to see what is going on around me - practical need, but I don't want to conform to anyone else's style rules. I want to feel smart, sexy and studly knowing the (hopefully) horn rim frames on my face are rare and unique!

And what else besides thick, vintage glasses says debonair geek?

Jason Mraz would call me the Geek in the Pink

2008-07-29T19:22:00.002-04:00

After many months of simply indulging in reading blogs from all walks of writers I've decided to take the plunge into this here thing of the blogsphere and carve out my own place.

I love personal products, and I'll be reviewing some of my favorites here. I love shoes, ranging from the classic oxford to Chuck Taylors; I'll share those too. I experience Internet lust on the daily. Internet Lust is my version of window shopping, less hassle, no crowded streets and endless options to lust after next. A large inspiration to create my own blog was to document my findings, and share that lust with you.

This blog is based on my experiences, my likes, maybe even some dislikes and is for guys like me - reinventing themselves on the margins.

Welcome!

/post