Cynically Optimistic

Hanging on to Summertime

Jeff — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:05:04 +0000

I’m still kicking it. Still posting photos to my Photo Gallery. Still in grad school and still doing ok. This blog needs an update.

Where can I get a coke?

Jeff — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:30:54 +0000

DC: We’re Closed.
Alternate captions welcomed.

Neither Roller, Nor Disco

Jeff — Thu, 28 May 2009 03:12:56 +0000

Gorgeous wedding gown: Check.
Stroller with dyed poodle: Check.
Gold slippers: Check.
Dyed beard: Check.
Parrot on head: Check.
Fuzzy ankle accessory: Check.
While the stroller counts as having something “roller”, I don’t see any disco.

Manhattan from Brooklyn

Jeff — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:00:30 +0000

One of the benefits of living in Brooklyn is the possibility of great views of Manhattan. I suppose this applies to NJ as well, but the bridges light up so beautifully at night. The tunnels are less photogenic. Note to self: bring your big boy camera to George’s rooftop around sunset one day.

You Fake ‘Em – We Take ‘Em

Jeff — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:31:32 +0000

Yes, Facebook is killing blogging. With one stupid meme after another, apparently. I do find the status updates are easy and it’s nice to have all my peeps centralized. We’ll see what becomes of this place once the eventual redesign takes place. *VIRTUAL POKE* (you know who you are)
Busy in the lab. Busy having fun. Busy with family. I’ve been to North Carolina and San Francisco this month – and even Brooklyn!! Photos from recent Blowoffs are online. San Francisco. Southpaw in Brooklyn.

Inauguration

Jeff — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:43:53 +0000

Inauguration weekend in DC was a crowded zoo full of exotic tourist species from around the USA and the world as it turns out. My first taste of the crowds on the National Mall was bearable for Sunday’s concert (only broadcast on HBO). Walking home I realized that everyone was covered in dirt from the trampled lawn. I wonder how long it’ll be until they just lay down field turf.
Luckily, I scored a silver ticket through a former HMB member, and Tom got one last minute as well. We set off early and attempted to take Metro but bailed after spending 15 minutes to travel one stop. 4.5 miles later we had arrived at the biggest line debacle ever witnessed by mankind – except for those peeps in the Purple Tunnel of Doom.
A crowd of 1.5 million people stood silent as Barak Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. That feeling was worth all the cold and crowds and anxiety about getting there on time, and a stark contrast to the crowd’s mood the rest of the time. Apparently we stood in the snarky section because every time Cheney was shown someone nasty was shouted. Darth Cheney… Sith Lord… Dr. Evil… And when they showed George W. Bush each time the crowd sung, “Na, na, na, na… hey hey hey… goodbye!” That was pretty much super-awesome!
Also, in case you don’t subscribe to the RSS feed: Blowoff Photos from the weekend!

Welcome 2009

Jeff — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:51:15 +0000

Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Year’s Eve. Grad School. Living life sometimes interferes with writing about life and uploading current photos. Oh, and then there’s Facebook, the biggest time-waster of all. Ups and Downs abounded but I’m still on the plus side of things. I spent Thanksgiving in Boston and Christmas and New Years in DC. A good deal of time was spent enjoying my friends over drinks and food and great conversation. Lots of smiles.
Photos from December Blowoff at the Highline Ballroom in NYC are online now.
Things are a bit slow there because I’m having a ton of Internal Server 500 errors. Wendy has mercifully agreed to re-brand this blog anyway so I’m hoping she can solve my issues in that arena.
Hope. 2009.

Blowoff – Columbus Day Edition

Jeff — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 02:54:24 +0000

I’m one of the lucky people (sorta) who doesn’t have to choose President’s day or Columbus day – I don’t get holidays per se – every day is the same. Friday night was super busy with 2 birthday parties and an engagement party at which to make appearances. Saturday we dined in celebration of Joe’s Birthday. Sunday rolls around and all the peeps with Monday off from work are excited to be around. It was great to see my friends who always work Saturday night out and about. Dugout. Eagle. Missed Truck Stop.
Blowoff started up right at 11:59 PM and it was a fantastic night. Bob and Rich spun great sets and Nick’s video just keep getting more amazing. The crowd was extra sexy with many new faces. One of the best yet! As per usual – Photos Photos Photos!

Happy Birthday, JMG!

Jeff — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:34:47 +0000

Today is Joe.My.God.’s Birthday. Go wish him a happy 104th!
Love you Joey. Mean it. Now stop $!@#%ing!

San Francisco Blowoff!

Jeff — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:19:24 +0000

Tom booked us on a Business class itinerary flying United Premium Service from JFK to SFO. I’d never experienced anything except for coach and steerage class until this trip and I was very impressed! The PS flight was special by design. They served champagne prior to takeoff and it kept flowing after takeoff. The flight attendants were pleasant and the level of service was very high. Getting there truly was half the fun!!!
Thursday and Friday we mostly did touristy things like visiting Fisherman’s Wharf, climbing up to Coit Tower, Chinatown and Union Square. We even rented a ZipCar and went to IN-N-OUT Burger in Daly City, followed by a stop at the crazy dog beach. Hundreds of dogs running about off-leash was unexpected but really fun. We didn’t spend a lot of time atop Twin Peaks due to loud Eastern European tourists, but it was nearing time for happy hour.
Friday and Saturday we kept it really gay. Happy Hour. Askew Grill. Hit the gym. More Happy Hour. The main event was Blowoff at Slim’s. This being the first event in San Francisco, the crowd didn’t really know what to expect but I think they were pleasantly surprised. Peeps danced until closing and I know many kept the party going at the End Up afterward. Everyone had a great time and I suspect they’ll be bringing their friends to the next one in November. Sunday we regrouped and congregated for Beer Bust on our last night in town. I kept running into random out-of-towners that I knew. NY, DC, LA, SEA, and MSP were all represented.
The flight home was very good, but not quite as nice as the outbound leg. I connected at IAD to a regional jet back to LGA. A special treat was flying right over Manhattan and passing by the bright Sept. 11th memorial lights. I snapped a quick photo but it doesn’t do it justice. If only I were more prepared.

BLOWOFF San Francisco

Jeff — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:08:52 +0000

I’m in San Francisco until Monday. Tom flew us out here on United Premium Service Business Class. It was out of this world. I’m ruined forever when it comes to flying. Tonight is Happy Hour in the Castro. Saturday BLOWOFF! Sunday is Beer Bust! The weather here is warm and sunny and I couldn’t be happier.
If you’re here, come out and say hello!

Summer Streets Bike Ride

Jeff — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:04:09 +0000

New York City this summer has the brilliant idea to close down Park Ave from 72nd street all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge and allow only pedestrians and cyclists access to the street. It’s called Summer Streets, and it’s BRILLIANT! Joe and Father Tony have already posted their reviews and photos. The bright blue skies of early morning slowly filled with fluffy white clouds by the time we crossed the Brooklyn Bridge. I waved at America’s Next Top Model Cycle 8 winner, Jaslene who was filming something on the bridge. Starving, we ate lunch at 5 Front with the slowest, greenest waiter in the history of New York service employees. Bouncing along the cobblestone streets was a bit of a challenge, but we were rewarded by excellent views of Manhattan, quaint high-end shops and the sad beauty of urban decay and renewal. Our trip took us near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which has long been allowed to decay behind the US Navy’s brick-and-iron walls. Haunted houses are easy to imagine, even though some of the formerly beautiful Victorian homes have large trees growing out of their second floor windows.
We huffed and puffed our way through the Orthodox Jewish area of Williamsburg. I don’t think our shorts or exposed arms were appreciated by the black-coated residents but on we went to Long Island City and eventually back across the Queensboro Bridge. Mercifully there was no line at the bike shop when I returned and dropped off my wheels. Home for a quick shower and 5 minute nap – not long enough – before meeting Roadhead and Heather for dinner. I managed to flirt my way from a 45 minute wait down to a 3 minute wait (thanks Jennifer! love you!) at Momofuku Noodle Bar and then drop into Pinkberry with no line. At this point Heather pretty much demanded to be taken to a gay bar, so off we went to Nowhere. Then Beauty Bar. Then BACK to Nowhere!!! What a fun night – but now my wallet is empty.

Auto-Correct Suggestion?

Jeff — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:35:47 +0000

I’ve been alternately frustrated and overjoyed with the text autocorrect feature of the iPhone. Common goofs are usually corrected appropriately. However, when using swear words or non-dictionary shorthand it fails miserably. I hate it when it ducking rains. Wait… huh? Maybe my iPhone is just offering some handy subliminal suggestions. Could it really? I don’t ducking think so.

Updates

Jeff — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 05:19:50 +0000

I’ve started updating my photo gallery once again. Eventually I’ll do the backlogged images, but for now have a look at two awesome weekends on Fire Island. Deep inside, I’m a beach bum. Guess I forgot about that having lived in Iowa and now all urban and stuff. *cackles* It’s a nice reminder and refreshing for the soul to breath the salt air and feel the sand under your toes. I managed to avoid most of the jellyfish infestation. It’s no joke – they’re everywhere.
In other great news, BLOWOFF got a nice article on Advocate.com. Good news for Bob and Rich. Also a huge ego boost for me, since I took those photos. Be sure to click over to page 2. Thanks guys!
Back to the lab. Cells need feeding and experiments need to get done. Night!

Downtown

Jeff — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:06:20 +0000

This is a shot from April, after a talk at the NYAS in one of the new World Trade Center buildings. The views from the 40th floor are gorgeous, allowing unobstructed views of NJ, uptown, and the Woolworth Building (my fav). Some security guard came outside while I was snapping away and said I wasn’t allowed to take photos there. I kept on walking and snapping photos – I’m on a public sidewalk and I don’t see any reason it’d be against the law. If anyone can point out the law I was breaking I’d be amused.
P.S. — I also jaywalk all the time.

Sunset

Jeff — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:42:19 +0000

Sunset over the bay was beautiful.
I just wanted to remember.

Weekend in the Grove

Jeff — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:00:23 +0000

Friday afternoon I took the LIRR to Sayville, paid some mafia guy $5 for a shuttle to the ferry terminal, and got myself out of town for the weekend. Thanks to George and Scott for inviting me out. Food, Friends, Sand, Beer, Rose Kennedys, etc…
So, while the rest of the world was struggling to activate a 3G iPhone, I was being pummeled by the waves. And what waves they were! 6-8 feet high at times I’d estimate which is perfect for being tossed about and riding a few up onto the beach. I wish I had a boogie board, because my hands, back, knees, and elbows are all cut up from being blasted into the sand. Totally worth it. Probably not worth it so much for George, who got knocked down 30 seconds after standing in the surf, and lost his prescription eyeglasses. Bye bye VersaceBear.
Luckily Foxy had a spare pair of glasses that were workable for the time being. So, we skipped all the afternoon Tea dances and cooked at home and relaxed. Saw some drag queens at the Ice Palace, and some people went to Cherry’s when the Ice Palace turned into an underwear party. The town uses boardwalks in place of roads since no cars are allowed. This makes it difficult to navigate home in the dark with wobbly walkways, especially after a few beers.
Saturday was spent at the beach. I probably spent 3+ full hours in the ocean being tossed around. The waves were rough and some people thought we were crazy. When not in the water, we oogled the naked sunbathers and those doing photo shoots for their online profiles.

After getting showered, we walked through the Meatrack to the Pines to enjoy the sunset and get a beer at Low/Middle/High/Whatever Tea in the multi-room Pavillion area. I still don’t think I found the Blue Whale, but masses of people just moved like schools of fish from one building to another at the prescribed time. We got a few drinks around, but eventually braved our way in the early evening back through the forest. Grilling was needed – burgers and dogs and yummy sides. Then back out for the evening.
Sunday we were “just going to the beach for 2 hours” before leaving early. That turned into a 6 hour swim-a-thon for Scott and I. All exposed flesh in the top photo is now burnt to a crisp. I’m spritzing myself with Vinegar to mask the heat, taking Aleve, and applying Aloe & Lotion heavily. Prepare for the peeling.
And big thanks to Brian for taking the top photo.

Happy Pride, Ya’ll

Jeff — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:59:35 +0000

June is the beginning of summertime, and Pride season. I’ve been extremely busy living life, going to the beach, working in the lab, and running about in DC and NYC. I’ve got thousands of photos I have yet to sort through and post, but it’s just not happening yet. Simma!
This weekend is NYC Pride – and a NYC Blowoff promises to be a killer time. Tom’s in town, the sun is shining, and good things are happening. I’m a happy man.
Oh! And it’s Wimbledon time, too. Seeded players are dropping like flies. No American men are left.

Birthday XXX

Jeff — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:45:28 +0000

Eventually, if you’re lucky enough, the big birthdays roll around and force you to reflect back on your life. At least if you’re like me. Luckily, Tom and George planned me enough distractions to occupy my attention for the weekend. I had a busy workday on Friday, mediated by the presence of bacon cake from the fabulous Foxy (who used to be a blogger). Mmm…. Bacon. I thought it was delicious and orgasmic – other people not-so-much.
I opened up a bottle of my favorite scotch I received two years ago as a birthday present from George. Running late as always, we hopped in a cab and arrived at Saka Gura for a delicious Japanese dinner. And plenty of sake. Afterward, we joined the party at Snaxx partied like rock stars – with rock stars!
Saturday, my actual birthday, I spent on the phone with family and then lots of lazing about the house. Chillaxin’. Prepping for my “surprise” party later that night at Nowhere Bar… bringing along bacon cake number two! Was I surprised? I was surprised that so many people showed up before I did! We cracked open several boxes of my favorite cupcakes [Red Velvet with cream cheese icing from Billy's Bakery] and lit up candles. They sang. I cried a little. We partied all night long as friends kept appearing to celebrate.
I feel very loved. Thank you to everyone!
Waking up at the crack of noon on Sunday, brunch was required. I rounded up my grad school peeps and we hit the UES Vynl. Bloody Mary, how I love thee. Battling the grey day, we watched dogs play in the puppy gymnasium and sampled some of the pubs in the ‘hood. Smooth transition to the Dugout where even MORE friends came out of the woodwork! Instead of the standard Sunday itinerary, we detoured to Truck Stop where I had a remarkably good time. Guess it’s always fun to sample something new. A quick stop by the Eagle and street meat and then home to recover.
I’m getting to old for this. Father Tony says such sweet things. I might have some reflecting to do later.

Weekend Wrapup

Jeff — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:03:32 +0000

Photos from last weeks Blowoff NYC are online.
We hit Snaxx on Friday night after eating delicious sushi at Sakura Hana. Saturday was a major sleep-in day, but Tom, George and I made it to Jackson Heights to wander around and look at Indian and South American culture.
Saturday night, we launched from Matt’s place downtown and then into a mega-crazy line outside Blowoff. Buy your tickets ahead of time and arrive early, kids! Everyone stayed in good spirits, and once we were ushered inside the party was rocking! Off – The – Chain (or hook, or plane, or geranium, or whatever). A LOT of people danced all the way until 4 am when the lights came up.
When we finally woke up on Sunday, we had to fight off mega-strollers for a seat at the Barking Dog cafe. Later on we met up with the crew downtown for typical Sunday night extravaganza and a lot of recapping of the previous night’s activities. I love Sunday night, and as the weather gets better they can only get more fun!~
Bring on this weekend!