The Poison Pen At The Movies

Maybe it's the cold weather, but I've been catching up on a lot of movies on my want-to-see and friends-recommend lists.

So, here are some movies I've watched/rented from Netflix over the last few weeks... Instead of stars I'll rate them with up to five Poison Pen skull-and-crossbones.

Love Song for Bobby Long - I didn't think I'd like this one (my mother recommended it), but wound up really enjoying it, tearing a little at the end. Five skull-and-crossbones.

Let the Right One In - A very different and atmospheric vampire movie from Sweden. A perfect antidote to the Twilight movies. Four skull-and-crossbones.

RocknRolla - I generally enjoy all of Mr Madonna Guy Ritchie's movies, and this one was great. It's supposed to be the first in a trilogy, so I can't wait for the next installment. Five skull-and-crossbones.

In Bruges - Collin Ferrell oozes Irish sex-appeal in this rather slow-paced but quirky movie. Three skull-and-crossbones.

Waltz With Bashir - A movie that alternated between documentary and animation, it's an import from Israel that's quite interesting. Three skull-and-crossbones.

New Moon - Don't laugh. I saw this Twilight sequel in theaters with Chef Tom (I owe you, Sean) because love is taking your boyfriend to see shitty movies with hot actors. I didn't see this for plot or dialogue, just gratuitous shirtless Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Three skull-and-crossbones just for the shirtlessness.

Año Nuevo, Vida Nueva

I had a wonderful New Years Eve (and New Year's Eve Eve), ringing in the new year with friends and Chef Tom.

Wednesday I had lunch with M at Alero, then we spent the day window shopping, and went to a dinner party at Erica's. Thursday I spent the day mostly sleeping in (since I've had the week off) cleaning up a bit (I still haven't gotten rid of my xmas tree yet).

Then, I met Chef in Cleveland Park for NYE dinner at a places I hadn't been to before called Sabores, which has a wonderful South American menu. We then had champagne and our giant fortune cookie (see below) - which promises good things, by the way - and we went to Town to dance and count down to the new year.

Today, after getting together rather late, we met M and S in Chinatown for lunch/dinner at this place (see below) where they make their own noodles. I thought it was rather good, and Chinese on the first is a bit of a New Years Day tradition.

New Year, New Decade

It occurred to me that the new year, which begins tomorrow, is also the beginning of a new decade, as well. Scary how ten years flow by like a swift river.

I had a wonderful Christmas at my family's with "Chef Tom" (pics below). One of the best Xmas's yet. I've been off work all week, savoring the time-off after an incredibly turbulent year. Indeed, the end of a turbulent decade.

Sean/Chef and myself are off to Mexico after next week, which I am very much looking forward to. Happy New Years to everyone!

Festivus Airing of Grievances!

I think at this point it's getting cliche, me starting each post lately with an apology for not posting in awhile. That seems to happen a lot of late... so all I can say is I'll update this blog when I'm able and feel like it. So check back periodically, you never know what I might post.

We had a beautiful snowstorm over the weekend here in D.C. It effectively shut the region down (though I don't think it was quite as bad as the one back in 2003). I like snow, my knee pains aside, and I think we're due for a snowy winter.

I got my holiday shopping done, my holiday tree is lit and pretty (I finally got a real one this year). Sean and I are preparing to go visit my parents tomorrow...

Most of all I am excited that 2009 is coming to a close. What a BITCH of a year! Let's examine the shiteous things that happened, shall we...

Adam's Festivus Airing of Grievances!

• I got laid off my last job (though I got a sweet severance package and a new job that started the week after, so I made bank this year)
• My new job, while paying significantly more $, also comes with more demands and stress.
• Sean's job stresses him out even more.
• My friend got arrested for something that wasn't their fault.
• The national economy continued to fucking tank.
• Sean and I went through a rough patch around Halloween.
• Sean's condo was flooded.

Of course it wasn't all that bad. There were bright spots - the inauguration parties, a fabulous birthday party, a trip to Canada with Sean, a trip to Utah, New York City, Rehoboth.

At any rate, 2010 will bring great new things, I am sure, for all of us! Starting with a trip in early January to Mexico - a great start if I may say so.

Be safe this HOliday season (including you, Drunky, don't drink and drive!).

Happy HOlidays from The Poison Pen!

Happy Festivus in Advance

America Has Been Worn Down By Anderson Cooper's Striking Blue Eyes (TWX)

America Has Been Worn Down By Anderson Cooper's Striking Blue Eyes (TWX)

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Good Morning, Baltimore!

Sean took me to Baltimore this weekend as a surprise getaway. He had told me, "It's something we've talked about" as a clue. That left a whole range of things open. I thought it could be anything from a bed & breakfast to camping.

He got us a very nice room at the Hotel Monaco, we had a fantastic meal at a seafood restaurant called The Oceanaire, hit the nightclub Hippo. The next morning I took him to the Baltimore Aquarium (see pics below) and to Fells Point.

It's been ages since I've been there - which is funny because it's so close. It was a great weekend spending time with Sean, working on things.

Kaiseki

Been working on things in my personal life, as readers may have been able to tell, so I haven't really written much lately.

Weekend before last Sean and I went to Sushi Taro. We tried going once before, but missed our reservations. Ever since the restaurant re-opened and extensive renovations, I've heard nothing but complaints that the place is now too expensive and pretentious.

So, I went in fully expected to be disappointed. And came out feeling like I'd had one of the top 10 meals I've had in my life.

First, I have to explain that yes, the menu has become very expensive. But, I must also stress the sushi is far more authentic, as are the other dishes. Let's face it - teriyaki and California rolls aren't exactly authentic Japanese, or very high-end for that matter.

We opted for the 11-course Kaiseki meal, which is arranged by the head chef every night based on fresh ingredients. I honestly wish I could remember every dish, but everything - especially the exotic, hard-to-find fresh fish - made it a very memorable experience.

I can't wait to go back... perhaps for a future special occasion.

Excuse My Dancing Skills!

This is why you should never invite me to your wedding...

Those other people are clearly just jealous of her pole-dancing abilities.

Anniversary

Last night was Sean and my third anniversary.We went to dinner at the place we first had dinner at, Zaytinya.
We're taking it one day at a time right now, that's all I can really say. And I appreciate it if our friends can respect that process.

Meshes of the Afternoon

A classic surrealist film from the 1940's - Maya Deren's Meshes of the Afternoon. (I remember watching this, and Salvador Dali's Un Chien Andalou in college)
There's a scene where she watching herself through a window. What made me remember this film was a dream I had recently...

November In Doubt

I haven't been blogging lately... my sense of humor is kind of muted right now. I've been going through some things I'd rather not air on this trivial blog.

Maybe I'll post about it all later, when things work out, or don't. I think this song explains sort of how I feel lately...

Why We Hate (yet sometimes love) DC

A new favorite blog to check out, especially if you live in the DC region.

DILF Wednesdays: Michael C. Hall

Here's a "killer" DILF for this Halloween week which seems to be dragging... Michael C. Hall of Dexter fame. I fell in love with him when he played the main gay character on Six Feet Under, and he DILF-alicious on Dexter...

Happy Birthday Chef Tom Sean!!

Happy Birthday, Sean!!! Can't wait to celebrate it with you tonight!

Self Control

I'd forgotten what a hot video this was (it's up there with A-Ha's Take On Me). I was shocked to hear Laura Branigan was dead, so sad! She's part of the reasons I miss the 80's!

Ghosts of the Past, and Things to Come

So today I am working from my laptop, sitting at Soho cafe. Just sitting here on my laptop - something which I have not done in a long time, brings back a flood of memories. All the times I was here through college, through formative years of my early 20's... this place, the bars, the street all are laden with memories.

I was talking with a friend this morning on email, and we were also talking about a tarot reading we did as a group. Some might not take much stock in such things, but the strange thing was that all of our reading said that the coming year would bring change.

It certainly did. Some good, some bad. But I guess that's the thing... you don't get to choose the hand that fate deals and sometimes it feels like the universe has a dark sense of humor. I guess it's funny sometimes how a simple fortune-telling can carry meaning that isn't apparent at the time. Only in hindsight do we see how much crazy change has occurred.

Spooky Readings

I've mentioned before that I love October, and Halloween ranks as probably my favorite holiday in the year (well, besides my birthday). So I've been looking for some good Halloween-season movies and books to help get in the mood.

Sean and I saw Paranormal Activity last weekend when it was cold and wet outside. I'm really, I mean really sensitive to motion sickness. These Youtube-ish movies where they can't hold the camera fucking still really bothers me. That aside, I thought it was a great movie right up until the very end, when they fucking ruined it. But I do recommend seeing it. You'll won't sleep so easy the night you watch it, I'm sure!

Anyway, what are some of your favorite seasonal reads? Any recommendations?

3

It took me two listens to Britney's new song "3" before I realized what she was talking about. I've only had one threesome in my time, and it was a dizz-aster. TMI? Anyway, here's the song from my favorite trainwreck from Kentwood, LA.

La Roux

I love this video... mostly because I really like her hair! How much product does that take, I wonder?

LA ROUX 'BULLETPROOF' from soyo on Vimeo.

Equality March leader seeks end to 'incrementalism' - Washington Blade: Gay and Lesbian News, Entertainment, Politics and Opinion

Equality March leader seeks end to ?incrementalism? - Washington Blade: Gay and Lesbian News, Entertainment, Politics and Opinion

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Time to Leave This Funhouse

Last night I overheard P!nk's latest song "Funhouse"

"This used to be a Funhouse / But now it's full of evil clowns / it's time to start the countdown..."

I learned from a close friend this weekend that he's chosen to move back to Europe, and while he will be missed, I can't entirely blame him, either.

Maybe I'm coming at this from a different perspective, but as a young gay man, the U.S. has consistently been a disappointment. My home country, yes, but you'll have to excuse me if my patriotism is in short supply these days. Or rather, if I had full rights, then I'd feel differently. But at this point any bones thrown to the gay community in the U.S. is "a day late and a dollar short." The U.S. had to be dragged kicking in screaming into the civil rights era - long after most other developed nations (excluding South Africa) had addressed the race issue. And so it goes with gay rights. There is a fundamentally reactionary part of this country I really, truly hate - mostly because they hate me, people who think like me, and they will do anything to stop us. They ban gay marriage, protest and blow up abortion clinics, and vote against health care.

Which brings me to my disclosure: it's been a quasi-secret that my boyfriend and I have discussed moving to abroad for awhile. At first it began as a an idea to toy with, the with time, and my disappointment with sweet-tongued false-promise Democrats, the more I've become committed to moving somewhere better.

My boyfriend and I have looked at many options, and are strongly leaning towards Canada. We've being doing research on immigrations categories and requirements, and learning what steps we need to take. It may be co$tly, but when I think about the future life I want to have, I want to have my civil protections and live in a place that is welcoming. To quote that stupid Paula Cole song from the '90's, "I don't want to wait for our lives to be over" before equality comes to the U.S. I'm feeling done with this place, done with these people who live in an imperialistic bubble, done with the religious fanaticism, done with the discrimination. I'm tired of Democrats telling me to wait and be patient. Patience left Adamtown about four years ago.

So - best of luck to my friend who is moving, and I am hopeful about my own move. It may take time (I am looking at at least a year to get everything in order!) and money, but it is something I/we want. This year has brought so many changes and eye-opening moments. D.C. has been a wonderful place to me - I am grateful for the experiences I have had and the friends I've made and hope to keep for life. But I feel this calling to leave, and it's time to start planning and packing and leave this "funhouse."

DILF Wednesdays: Clive Owen

I'm not sure if I've featured British actor Clive Owen before, but he's a total DILF. Pictures of hot men always help ease one through the work week.

Don't worry Sean - you're still my only knight in shining armor!

Season of New Things

It finally feels like autumn outside - the fall is my favorite time of year! It is "the Season of the Witch." ;) I always associate fall with new beginnings. Almost every serious relationship I've had, including my current one with Sean, has begun in the fall (so much for Spring being the season of romance). I think I always associate this time of year with new beginnings because it's when school starts. I've also always loved Halloween.

By the way, what should I be this year? What is everyone doing for Halloween?

Anyway, I guess my point is I really hope this season brings new (and by new, I mean good) things for all of my friends and myself! I was discussing with my friend M over dinner at Cava last Friday (and there's another story with her and the inept DC government, poor thing, but we'll save that for another time) . I was mentioning how 2009 has been a pretty rough ass year for all of us. I know you have to take the bad with the good, but really, I am hoping that good things are on the horizon for all of us.

Best Witches Wishes!

Gore Vidal: ?We?ll have a dictatorship soon in the US? - Times Online

Gore Vidal: ?We?ll have a dictatorship soon in the US? - Times Online

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Now That He's Part of the Family...

I really owe Sean for being such a good sport about going apple picking and winery-visiting with my family in the Shenandoah Valley this weekend...

Political Identity as Fashion

On the Metro recently I got to thinking about flags as fashion statements. One thing particularly endemic to the U.S. is the American flag on everything. In my case, I found myself on a crowded Metro train full of tourists, all of them covered with tacky “I Love DC” shirts or, of course, U.S. flags.

I tried to think of any other country where one would see something like that. Canadians I’ve come across in traveling love to put the maple leaf on their backpacks and suitcases, (it’s as if they are trying desperately to say “I am NOT an American!”… and I can’t blame them) but somehow it doesn’t come across in quite the worshipful way it does when Americans do it. I think there’s also a parallel with Europeans and their national football/soccer shirts. But with us, I feel, it reaches patriotic overkill.

On the crowded metro train I found myself rolling my eyes at the tackiness. But then I realized I’m guilty of flags-as-fashion to a degree myself. It’s no secret I have a thing for Union Jacks. I think for a lot of non-British people it’s a fashion icon that transcends its literal symbolism… maybe our love of British icons has its roots in idolizing the “Swingin’ London” of years past? I have Union Jacks on rugs, belt buckles, shoes (thanks to Ben Sherman), shirts, mugs, etc. Thought I doubt it would be as fun or fashionable where I actually in the U.K.

What passes for an ironic fashion statement in one place has an entirely different meaning somewhere else. Just a musing…

"Adam, are you sure it's not a bit much? I mean, you're bathroom's lovely, but really..."

Productive Day

I've been very productive, both personally and at work today, which is odd considering it's Friday and usually it's a day I completely blow off, staring at the clock and waiting for the weekend to begin. Actually most of this week has been spent doing just that. Sometimes when I'm overwhelmed with stuff, I fall into an apathetic/catatonic state where I don't have the drive to do anything. Ask me again how I feel next Monday, but for now I'm feeling better overall.

Here's a soup recipe I want to try soon, from the guys who run The Inn at Little Washington. It looks very fall-ish, so maybe I'll be inspired during the day tomorrow... I'll finally get to put my Cuisninart food processor!

Apple Rutabaga Soup

1 stick butter
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup granny smith apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
1 cup rutabaga, peeled and roughly chopped
1 cup butternut squash, peeled seeded and roughly chopped
(I'd use the pre-chopped squash one finds in stores nowadays, cutting butternut squash is a royal pain in the ass.)
1 cup carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
1 cup sweet potato, peeled and roughly chopped
1 qt. chicken stock
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup maple syrup
salt & cayenne pepper to taste.

In a large saucepan over medium-hi heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, apple, rutabaga, squash, carrots and sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent. Add the chicken stock and bring to boil. Simmer 20-25 mins, or until all the vegetables are tender.

Puree the veggies in a blender/food processor. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into pot. Add the cream, maple syrup, salt & cayenne. Bring the soup to a simmer and serve.

Long TIme, No Post

Alright, it's been while since I bothered posting, so here's a pretty picture to make up for it...



Let's see... I went out on Friday with some of Chef Tom's friends to dinner at an oyster bar on 17th st (as a side, I love oysters. I know raw oysters turn some people's stomachs, but I don't care) and then a few drinks. I swear to god we saw a guy with a Kate Gosselin hairdo. For real... I'm still wondering if he was doing as part of a prank or some pre-Halloween thing. I really hope the poor guy wasn't really trying to rock that. Of course the bar was JR's. And no, it was Drunky McDrunkerson in drag. Man with a Kate Gosselin "hairdon't"... I'm an athiest and I'm praying for that dude. Help him, Jeebus! Anywho...

Sunday Chef and I went to the Ukrainian Festival out in Maryland to get in touch with his mother's side-of-the-family roots. There was borscht, pierogies and pivo (beer) to be had!

We also spent the later afternoon at the Mayorga Coffee Factory in Silver Spring. It's funny sometimes, the little things. Like just spending Sunday afternoon having coffee and reading the newspaper together. It was really... just really pleasant in it's own boring yet comfortable way. I can't help but feeling we've reached some turning point in our relationship. You know, the one where reading the paper together feels natural.

When Bears Attack! And other tales

Thankfully, it seems like Fall is here - my favorite time of year! I've always loved fall - even if it's partially because it's the best season for mens fashion.

Sean and I have both been really stressed at work, but we try to see each other as much as possible after work and on the weekends. We both are unhappy with our jobs, but trying to work on that. We try to have fun when we're together, even if our energy levels are low. I apologize to some friends for whom I've been sort of laying low. It's been a shitty summer, really, from the stress of douchebag former bosses, finding a a new job, finding myself less-than-happy in my new one, it's been a lot of strain.

So sometimes I like to get far away from the city with Sean, whether it be the beach or mountains, and we decided to visit Shenandoah National Park last weekend just to get away and spend some one-on-one time. We decided to explore the trails through the forest and everything was going fine until...

A large adult black bear stumbled into our path, about six feet away. Sean and I, needless to say, froze in our tracks. Now, one would think Eagle Scout Sean would know what to do in the case of a bear encounter... well since it's not something that happens everyday I'll forgive him. (Incidentally, this page tells you the proper steps when facing a black bear. )

As you can guess, we've both lived to tell the tale... the bear lost interest in us and sauntered off into the woods. I put up a brave front for Sean, making him get behind me and such. Let me tell you, if I'd been alone my ass would still be up in a tree somewhere screaming like a girl for help! Oh wait, black bears can climb trees. Shit.

Last night my friends and I went to a fashion/wine event at Sean's restaurant- and thank you for everyone who came, and the water witch for driving! I'm so glad it's the weekend now, though it never feels long enough.

Oh, and in a recent previous post, I was blogging about things I wanted to see in life, and mentioned, among other things, wanting to see the Mayan ruins. Sean reads this blog from time to time, and what does he do? He books us a trip in January to Mexico to go see Chichen Itza! It's very sweet - I love you, Sean! I can't wait!!

It just comes to show the power of blogging ;) I seriously need to get ready - I haven't been to the beach/pool as much as I normally do this summer, so I'm a little on the pasty side. Get me some of Lindsay Lohan's "Sevin Nine" tanning cream STAT!

Summer and Everything After

First - it's about MFing time... Metro (which in itself is about an unreliable as it train service) claims that by mid-October there will be cell phone service in its underground stations for most carriers. I certainly hope so!

This past week I took advantage of Restaurant Week by trying three new places I hadn't been before...

• On Tuesday I went to Blue Ridge in Georgetown with Sean. It's sort of re-imagined Appalachian cuisine, using produce from regional farms. We both really liked our dishes, thinking of it as sort of haute Southern, if that's possible. The service was great and the portions were generous, and we both agreed we'd definitely go back. The secluded outdoor patio was a nice touch, too.
• On Wednesday I went to Fire and Sage (if only for the name alone!) with a coworker for lunch. It has some great contemporary dishes that where unique and tasty. I would go back, especially as it's near my office.
• Last night I went with Sean to Ceiba. it's one of those place I always see but have never been in. The menu is fusion contemporary Latin/Caribbean, as it claims, "specifically Yucatan, Brazilian, Peruvian, and Cuban." The dishes we had were all really great - the service left something to be desired, but I really liked everything we had, especially the ceviche and pibil pork. I had some sort of tamarind martini which was quite nice, too.
  

It's been a month now at my new job, which admittedly stresses the fuck out of me some days. So after a long week I went out Friday night with the water witch, who is now back from London (yeah!) and a friend to Cobalt and then Town. August is a funny month in DC when it comes to who's out at the clubs and who isn't. Personally I'd love a vacation right about now, but I have "miles to go" on that one.

Last night after dinner Sean and I really didn't do much... he's stressed at his job, too. We missed M's new bartending over in the H St. corridor, though I hope to make one of the nights soon!

It's hard to believe it's going to be September in one day. Where did the summer go, really?

The List

Over the years when I was younger, I developed a sort of internal list of things I want to do before I die. Some of them I've done (some multiple times) and some I've yet to accomplish. And just seem strange and don't make any sense, but they are what they are.

• Travel through Europe (yes)
• Travel through Asia (yes, but I'd like to see more)
• Travel through Latin America (yes)
• See the Mayan ruins (not yet)
• See the Aurora Borealis (not yet)
• Fix my teeth (yes - don't laugh, that was on my list)
• Live in a large American city (yes, clearly)
  
• Be published in some form (not yet)
  
• Go scuba diving (not yet - snorkeling doesn't count!)
• Live outside the U.S. for at least one year (not yet, but working on it)

I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting I may go back an add here later. How about you?

In The Waiting Room

So an ex boyfriend called me up tonight, out of the blue, and wanted to meet up. I was too far away at the time to meet, but we talked for awhile, reminiscing about years ago, laughing over some of the crazy stories we share.

He expressed to me how he feels like his life isn't go anywhere, or at least in the direction he wants it to go. It really touched on a creeping feeling I've been having lately. This sort of late-twenties life crisis of "now what?"

Like, I'm just not sure what I'm doing with myself anymore. Aside from Sean and my friends, I'm really not sure where I'm going, but I have this increasing feeling like these last few years in DC are just like sitting in a waiting room... waiting for what I don't know.

Anybody else know what I'm talking about?

Into the Fire

Here's an old song that popped into my head one morning this week so some reason. I've always loved Sarah McLachlan's voice (and she hails from Halifax, a city near and dear to my heart), plus the song is about fire.