Sunday, July 29, 2007

Buckeye goodness

Wowsers. I haven't passed through Columbus, Ohio by air in a while. Loving the airport-wide free WiFi (and convenient charging bar), the many food options and the affordable massage service (which unfortunately I don't have time to sample). Good show, CMH.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Playing catch-up

Once again, I'm pleading busy, despite having several hundred things I've been meaning to note here. Please accept these travel-related brevities compliments of the management:

• South by Southwest Interactive was delightful and embiggened; rumors had that attendance topped 5,000 this year. The growth was certainly evident in the attendees and crashers at Break Bread with Brad. An expected 150 guests became 300 before the night was out. All in all, the crowds notwithstanding, it was as ever a great experience and marvelous opportunity to catch up with friends old and new.


• Best discovery of the Austin week: Opal Divine's—the Sixth Street incarnation—where they stock 65 single malts and a decent cigar selection. Fortunately, I wasn't introduced to this nirvana until the night before I left or no one would have seen me all week.


• I'm in New York again this week, concluding a long consultancy, and I'll probably stick around through the weekend to take in a friend's show and perhaps a few others. I'm not sure when/if I'll have space for socializing, but if you've a proposal for drinks or whatnot, be in touch.


• I'll also be in Chicago the first week(and -end) of next month. Same caveats apply.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

So I borrowed a thou and called American Airlines

So...I've been a smidge busy. October and November didn't actually exist—as nearly as I can ascertain—outside of my office, December was one long, mad holiday blur and January, which I expected to be somewhat more placid, proved to me that optimistic expectations are luxurious but wrong, wrong, wrong.

Having just been through the most hectic few months in memory, all I really want is a good, long nap. So, naturally, next week I'm headed to the city that Messrs. Kander and Ebb assured us "never sleeps".

Actually, after several months of making unannounced 24- or 36-hour surgical strikes on the city for meetings, openings and whatnot, I'm looking forward to having a couple of consecutive days just to...be a part of it. There'll be meetings, of course, but I've also set aside some time to catch up on a few shows (some that I've not seen, wish to see again or need to see friends in), walk some avenues and catch up with some pals. My whole schedule is sort of up in the air, but...hey, why not? Let's lift a glass!

How about it, New Yorkers? Join me this Sunday night, let's say 9:30-ish, at one of my favorite West Village haunts, Vol de Nuit (their frites can't be bite beat). I'd love to see you!

If you can't pop by, be in touch. Perhaps we can arrange another chance to get together.

Sunday, November 5, 2006

I am…

Broadway at Surf, Chicago, Illinois
November 3, 2006

No idea what this is about. Anyone?

Thursday, November 2, 2006

O high oh! Chicag-oh!

I'm taking a couple of quick trips this week, off this afternoon for a night in Cincinnati to check in on our production of the new musical Ace (about which we'll be announcing some exciting news in a day or two) and then to Chicago for meetings and a couple of other shows.

It's just an overnight in Ohio, but I'll be in Chicago until Tuesday, so luncheon invitations and tips for glass-liftings will be cheerfully entertained.

Friday, September 1, 2006

Labor’s lost

With two very attractive invitations, I coulda gone south this weekend for Southern Decadence—and I really, really came close, despite my allergy to crowds and mugginess that has caused me to beg off in recent years—but instead, I'm headed in the opposite direction for some delightful social intercourse with friends in Chicago and other points north.

After that, it's home again and the beginning of the season. The fall is chock full and there's but a dim light at the end of the tunnel in April.

I'm woefully behind on e-mail and other correspondence and I'll return on Monday to a stack of work, so if you're looking for my attention, your best bet might be to corner me in a Boystown bar in the next 60 hours or so.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Where I’m at

Another quick trip to Chicago this weekend: came up last night to meet with friends and lift a glass in a final farewell to an old pal taken away too soon. Staying tonight for Patti LuPone as Rose (and new pal Jessica Boevers as Louise) in the Gypsy concert, third row at Ravinia. Tomorrow, a final visit to Marshall Field and a stock-up at IKEA before hitting the road back home.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Must close Sunday

I'm a little melancholy, as usual, for the end of vacation. This is my final full day in Chicago; tomorrow afternoon I'm returning to St. Louis. It's been odd not being there these past few days, particularly after the big storms on Wednesday and Friday. I miss and worry for my friends, although nearly everyone I've heard from or about seems to be coping well.

Thanks to everyone who's written or called to inquire of my safety. Of course I'm fine all these miles north in Chicago, and the homestead stands, has power and refrigeration and is playing host to a few friends without. The theatre survived more or less unscathed also. Still, I can't wait to get back and see what's up myself after relying on secondhand reports.

I've posted a few more photos from the Gay Games and, particularly, the closing ceremony where Cyndi Lauper was among the many fabulous entertainers. New friends have been made, new places explored and new t-shirts bought. In all, a marvelous week in my kind of town.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Picturing the Games

I'm trying to sift through some of my photos from the Gay Games so far and have posted a few to Flickr. Other Flickr users are tagging their photos gaygames or chicago2006.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

My kind of games, Chicago is…

Greetings from Chicago, and day four of Gay Games VII. Everything so far has been just lovely but for the heat wave, although the temperatures broke last night (along with a few tree limbs) and made way for a delightful, simply "warm" Tuesday perfect for Brad to take in some of the beach volleyball competition. I'll also be on the lookout for a boy to help me get sand in awkward places, if'n you know what I mean.

I've a ton of pictures in queue, have met some perfectly charming people, have a funny (if slightly odd) story about a P-FLAG poster mom to tell, and a redeveloping sense of body dysmorphia. Fun!

Aw, I kid because I love. The closing ceremonies ticket is claimed by the way, and couldn't have gone to a sweller feller. Thanks to everyone for the inquiries.

If you need me this afternoon, you will find me bivouacked on North Avenue beach. Cheers!

Saturday, July 15, 2006

I reached the finish line!

A few brief notes:

1. I will be in Chicago for the next nine days, largely to attend the Gay Games. I'll be participating in my usual event, the Seven-Day Freestyle Sodomy which is, of course, a relay, but only an exhibition sport, not an actual competition. Which is good, because I'm still not entirely sure what to do with the baton.

At all cases, that means there are roughly 216 hours during which I am potentially available for glass-liftings, noshes, kick-backs and other leisurely pursuits with friends old and new. If you don't have my phone number, an e-mail flies just as swiftly to my portable communications device. Do let's get together.

2. I find myself in possession of one extra ticket to the fabulous closing ceremonies of the aforementioned Games, to be held Saturday, July 22 in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field and featuring a raft of entertainment including the likes of BETTY, Cyndi Lauper, ANT and bleachers filled with hot homosexual athletes. It's either a very good seat or a great seat, part of a premium package and, of course, comes with the opportunity to sit by me! (If you haven't anything nice to say, etc. etc.) Asking price is $90 and includes my convivial companionship during the ceremony and the possibility of post-closing partying in adjacent Boystown. Interested? Be in touch, sugar!

3. I only get to make this trek because I finally—more or less—finished the enormous project that has been hanging over my head like the butter knife of Damocles for the past few weeks. There are still phases two, three and four awaiting me upon my return, but the biggest chunk is done, done, done and I'm ever-so-pleased.

Tuesday, May 2, 2006

Unlucky lobster

My spring of whirlwind travel continues, with the past few days spent on a breezy (and rainy) jaunt to Chicago for assorted obligations. Despite the nip in the air and the persistent drizzle, it was a lovely visit. I think it was Emerson who said that the earth laughs in flowers and, if my glimpses of the many parks and plazas of the city through the raindrops are any indication, Chicago was laughing through tears all weekend long. Just lovely!

Late Sunday night while enjoying the hospitality of my bosom pal and ami avec des avantages John, I spied a commercial on TV. I wish I could remember what it advertised; to the best of my recollection, it was internet service or integrated communications or something. Might have been Comcast?

The spot featured a "regular guy" in the foreground, extolling the virtues of the service while, in the background, someone dressed as a lobster passed out circulars to passersby. While regular guy rambled on about unlimited minutes or $19.95 a month or somesuch, the lobster got frustrated, threw down his handbills and tried to walk into a building through a revolving door, getting his tail caught in the process and eventually becoming comically trapped as the commercial ended.

I tried to describe the spot to another friend the next day, but I'm afraid I didn't do it justice. It was entertaining—perhaps moreso given the wine and smoke in my system—but apparently not very effective if I can't recall the product being hawked.

Anyone have any idea what I'm talking about and, optimally, if there's a place online to see the spot?

Friday, June 10, 2005

Yeah, but why only four peanuts in a bag?

I'm a pretty seasoned traveler, so I like to believe/pretend that climbing aboard a plane holds no particular mystery nor fazes me in the least. But the truth is, after all this time, there are some things I don't know or understand.

After reading the archives of the USA Today feature Ask the Captain, however, there are far fewer. It's a great read, and writer (and 777 pilot) Meryl Getline has a real knack for making the magic of jet flight less mysterious.

Tuesday, March 1, 2005

No Bic-flickin’-way

Somehow, I suspect the powerful convenience store lobby is behind this.

Airline passengers will have to ditch their lighters or lose them to airport security screeners when a new ban on lighters takes effect in April.

The ban reflects Congress' fear that lighters could be used to ignite bombs on planes or otherwise damage or destroy them. The Transportation Security Administration until now had banned all types of lighters, except for butane, which were limited to two per passenger.

TSA's new ruling extends the ban to all butane lighters, effective April 14.

Sunday, February 27, 2005

HopStop

Hopstop is a NYC transit guide that takes two input points and returns the train/bus combination that'll get you from one to the other.

Thursday, January 13, 2005

If you can find me, I’m here…

I've arrived in balmy Chicago and am safely billeted in my usual luxurious Lakeview hostelry. I remind certain gentlemen that we'll be having an informal glass-raising and feed tomorrow evening.

If you too have come to the city to enjoy the warmth (and here I speak of the disposition of the citizenry, not the temperature), you're sure to spot me knocking about a Caribou or Chipotle shop. And I'll be making a pilgrimage to newly-reopened Hot Doug's, because it's been too long since I had a good wiener in this town.

Oh shut up.

I'm staying away from the malls, though. I do anyway, as a matter of course, but apparently yesterday one blowed up real good near here.

Exploding malls? That's gotta be good for those post-Christmas retail doldrums.

Friday, June 4, 2004

Taking time out

I'll be away for the weekend.

Oh and, apropos of nothing, the indispensable guide to London (and, to a lesser extent, New York) Time Out is launching a new city edition and will be taking on up to 75 writers and assorted others.

Monday, May 24, 2004

Availability unavailable

Well, it's not a very good system, then, is it?



Ah, the joys of booking travel online.

Saturday, May 15, 2004

NYC Travel Woes

Another reason for regime change: Thanks to, among other things, the air traffic hold while Air Force One swept the "president" from St. Louis, I managed to arrive in New York only eight or nine hours later than I'd anticipated, thereby missing two meetings, dinner with a friend and a production of Sly Fox to which I was very much looking forward.

I did manage to make it into the city in time for a convivial boys-only cocktail party with Mike and Jere. Yes, despite having nothing in my belly save a long-ago huevos McMuffin and a few pretzels from the flight, I opted for several drinks before even considering seeking out dinner. Such are my priorities and my rightful reward given the arduous travel day.

Today, I did manage to work in one truncated meeting and to see the Roundabout's production of Assassins, about which more later. I'm off to do a smidge of shopping and grab a bite before the evening's festivities, and to contemplate postponing my return home by a day to see if I can play a little catch-up here.

Note to the local populace: If you see me wandering about the Village tonight in the company of a rather tall, slightly flummoxed-yet-handsome young(ish) straight man, please do not make any sudden moves. Paul is sweet, but easily startled. Thank you.

Friday, May 14, 2004

Headed to NYC

I'll take Manhattan: With these words, I'm off to New York for the weekend, a couple of meetings today and then two days of rapid-fire social obligations, including a confab to plan Paul's bachelor party.

(Memo to prospective grooms: Do not select a gay friend as your best man unless you're completely comfortable with terms such as "crudités" coming up in such discussions.)

A little work, a little play, so much (and so many!) I'd like to do and so much I'll have to skip for lack of time. There'll be some shopping, to be sure, but the rest'll have to wait a month or so. After a week that's seen the (not entirely satisfying) conclusion of two long, arduous projects, though, I'm glad to be voting myself onto the island for a couple of days R&R.

Monday, April 19, 2004

Alert the populace

I love New York in June May. How about you?

A quick trip mid-month to see a couple of friends who've landed big — and deservedly so — on Broadway, and to check in with Messrs. Czolgosz, Zangara, Byck, Booth et al. I'm still dicing dates and cursing the dearth of reward-eligible flights, but I'd say it's nearly a done deal for the weekend of the 15th.

Further bulletins as events warrant.

Friday, April 9, 2004

A Weekend Away

A Weekend Away: I'm off to Chicago again this weekend, to tend to a few matters theatrical and social. Already I'm anticipating brunch with dear friends and expectant parents, a late-night glass lifting with a newfound partner in crime and, of course, the citywide celebration sure to attend the annual observance of a certain Rogers Park celebrity.

And, as ever, there are the ineluctably handsome and accommodating men of the city to consider. Alert the populace. My flight arrives in time for happy hour.

Thursday, March 4, 2004

SXSW Itinerary

The countdown begins: It's just seven days until I become a Queer Guy at South By, and it cannot come soon enough. Yep, it's nearly time for my annual trek down south of the boredom and I've seldom needed a creatively energizing, uniquely relaxing vacation more than I need this one.

If you haven't been to Austin, Texas, or experienced the Interactive festival, it might be hard to understand why I so look forward to this escape each year. The key to it, for me, is not to understand, but to let the conference, the fellowship and the potently seductive mix of geekery and passion just flow around, over and through me.

If you are bound for the Austin city limits next week, here's a rough guide to where I might be found.

• Friday night, I'll be having dinner and raising a bottle or two with a few dozen of my dear friends and, I hope, some new ones into the bargain.


• The weekend simply can't begin without the stunning displays of athleticism that have come to be expected at KICK! on Saturday. My fantastic team has got a victory to defend.


• Book Punk X is the place to be Saturday night. Literature. Rock and roll. Beer. Ben Brown. The Dakota Smith. What's not to love?!


• Sunday night, it's Fray Café 4, fronted by Ben Brown and featuring stories from my genius roomie, Annie Lin, Scott Andrew LePera and...maybe you!


• On Monday, I'll check out 20x2 to find out a few answers to the question, "What's the big idea?". (I was so proud to have been invited to be one of the guests at the inaugural event back in 2001. It's become one of my favorite things each year.)

There's a dozen other parties, late-night glass liftings and philosophical debates, a wake for Webmonkey and, apparently, some sort of interactive media and film conference, all wedged into the long weekend too. It's my fifth year. I can't wait to see what happens.

(As always, the usual crew and newbies alike meet, mingle and discuss the doings at the informal and unofficial Interactive conference weblog, SXSW Baby!.)

Thursday, February 12, 2004

Fireball (Not XL5)

Our dear ami avec des avantages Jason has contrived to lure us to Chicago this weekend, coincidentally the occasion of Fireball and various other entertainments of a libertine nature.

By turns appalled and intrigued (the latter largely by a big ol' gay dance party in a working steel mill -- can you imagine?!), we have assented to make the trek and will be pleased to entertain any social invitations (glass liftings, bar mitzvahs, group gropes, etc.) you may wish to proffer.

Monday, January 5, 2004

I want to be a part of it…

This is a rough time of the year for me to schedule travel, with three shows opening this month and a major event I've got to flack for keeping me close to home. Still, promises are promises, and I promised my old buddy Paul I'd be in New York to toast his 40th birthday and I promised several friends I'd get around to seeing their shows. So it's a happy accident that some necessary business coincides with the former and yet permits me enough spare time to do the latter.

I'll be voting myself onto the island next week, essentially for a long MLK weekend. The agenda includes the aforementioned natal day drinks, odd moments to catch up with friends, and a few (!) hours in the theatre

• finally getting to see Joey in Gypsy;
• seeing what Pam has managed to make of The Musical of Musicals: The Musical!;
• cheering Michael McGrath (and Donna Murphy, too) in Wonderful Town;
• wondering if I'll still love Swing Shift after seeing Never Gonna Dance with Jeff's book;
• laughing at appalling lives in Aunt Dan and Lemon, one of my favorite Wallace Shawn plays;
• and hoping Caroline, or Change makes up for Homebody/Kabul and Violet.

Oy vey. Sometimes "a life in the theatre" is meant very, very literally.