"I think I'm Turning Japanese..."

Well, I have been on a shopping binge as of late. I really need new stuff, and getting rid of old stuff. This time around I am going for a sort of modern Japanese/Zen theme, especially for dining room and kitchen. All over I want a sort of Asian minimalism to prevail.



SO, to that end, can any Washingtonians reccomend a place I should turn for shopping? I have seen some interesting things I might want in Chinatown over on 7th Street, and there's Ginzo in Dupont Circle. But if you have any local or on-line ideas, let me know!

Newsflashes

Well, in the life of Adam today, I am officially signing the lease on the new apartment in Adams Morgan today. I'm moving the first week of November, and I'm registered at Macy's for housewarming gifts (just kidding on that last part!)

So much has been happening lately I don't know where to begin. I have been on several dates, which can be fun. I find myself seeing lots of good qualities as well as not-so-great qualities about the guys I meet. Of course, we're all human, but I'm not sure my knight in shining armor has come galloping up the street yet either.

Oh, and I;d also like to add I went to this really great Indian restaurant last night with Nick, called Jyoti. The food was wonderful, great portions, outdoor patio seating. I think this is my new favorite Indian restaurant in DC, minus the one on Penn. Ave that has hookahs to smoke.

PS (10/19/05) If you have time, check out the hour-long internet radio show of This American Life" In specific, in this episode the producers spend 24 hours in an all-night diner in Chicago, and interact with the staff and patrons. You really get a broad spectrum of the American experience, I found it fascinating. And specifically listen to around the tenth minute in the program dealing with this old woman who smokes and drinks coffee, it's too funny.

In Vino Veritas!

translation from Latin, "In Wine there is Truth!"

It's been an awesome weekend. I needed a good weekend after the madness of the week, especially Friday. I don't want to jinx anything, but there is one particular apartment I really like, so Friday was a comedy of errors as I found myself making many trips to get the things I needed...long story short, I got the last apartment. I will bring further details on this later. At any rate yesterday was the much-anticipated Virginia Wine Tour 2005 =)







From top to bottom: Marc, Crystal, and Manish tasting the wines of Oasis Vineyards, Margo and Fred at the vineyard, the whole group, red grapes still on the vine, and our tour guide at Rappahannock Cellars

Despite the dreary day, I think the trip was a success for everyone. We hit up Stillhouse Vineyards (which I wouldnt reccomend seeing twice), the very nice Oasis Vineyards, the group favorite Rappahannock Cellars (where Marc scored us a private tour of the cellars), followed by a nice lunch at a little restaurant in the town of Front Royal, and finally North Mountain Winery. Afterwards we also made an apple stop at Stirbling Orchard.
It's been a long time since I spent the better part of a day buzzed. =)

Schlock-toberfest

Well, my favorite month is here again, and it's already been a whirlwind, four days into it. Dena says it's my favorite month because I'm "Lucifer incarnate," keeping with the theme of the Halloween season. Old bitch. Anyway, I'll just give you all some updates on my life.
Speaking of Dena, I had the pleasure of having lunch with her in the Circle. Well, by pleasure I mean an hour of her nibbling at my food and gossiping and telling me I'm Lucifer incarnate. Some other fun things that happened were having dinner Friday with Fred and Margo at Pizza Paradiso on P St. I had a wonderful pizza, and it's great to see Margo coming out and about.


Music

Sunday night I went with them and a new guy named Mark, first to an Ethiopian restaurant on U St called Dukem. Ethiopian food is always a unique experience, though not for the timid of tastes, perhaps. I liked it anyway.

After dinner we went to see The Decemberists, who played at the 9:30 Club. The opening band, Sons and Daughters, were so-so, but I have to say that The Decemberists fucking ROCKED live! I like their albums, but of all the bands I've seen play, they have been among the top rock bands that put on a really good show.


The Rental Life
Well, it's time for Adam the nomad to pick up and find a new apartment.

So this week I have nearly exhausted myself, emotionally at least, trying to find a place. You know, in the past 4 years prices have skyrocketed, building waiting lists seem to be longer and longer.
But one thing hasn't changed: the bitchy attitude of building managers! Ok, is it just this city, or is this a pervasive problem? Tell me!

It seems like EVERY building manager in the District is a through-with-life nasty old woman who thinks she is a Divine Representative of God Himself for giving you any information. God forbid actually show you the property!!

Adam and Steve

Today reading the Express on the Metro, I came across a funny article in the Styles section...
A reader wrote in asking if there was something for men akin to a woman's Wonderbra, that could, er, enhance his male assets.
So the writer reccomends the "Adam Brief"
Well, I finally have my name attached to something of interest!

Let's do it like they do on the Discovery Channel...

Here are some news stories that caught my eye this week...

Gay Giant Squids
Yes, apparently the sex life of Giant Squids is very interesting..


And speaking of gay non-human animals, I recently recall reading about the gay male penguin couple at a zoo in New York City (where else, of course!) that adopted an egg from a female's nest and hatched and raised the chick as if it were their own. They even share duties such as egg-warming and gathering food. And the redecorating, and occasional nights out in Manhattan's clubs scene too, I'm sure =)
In sad gay animal news it seems the gay polar bear couple at the Portland, Oregon zoo (again, big surprise) are heading towards divorce!

Falling for Fall / Dinner with Dena

Welcome to Autumn, as it began on Thursday. This, for me, has always been the season of new beginnings. Kind of ironic, I realize. Everything is dying and getting colder, so it follows my life would be going great! Sigh...
So this week has been a truly weird week. For starters, I saw "Uranium Man" (see earlier entries) getting arrested for standing in the middle of the 14th St Bridge...only to see him again Thursday night, free, while meeting a friend for dinner in Adams Morgan (crazy people sure do get around!)
Monday my job was working in a partnership with a clean-up/revitalization of a public park in Northeast DC ("In the ghetto...in the ghetto..."). It was a choice between sitting in an office all day or getting out for fresh air to help plant trees... so I chose to help plant trees. It was a lot of work, actually.. these were not baby trees like I expected. Digging god knows how many holes. But the whole thing was incredibly butch and I was trying to figure out the guys there that played for my team.
I had dinner with Tom at Spaghetti Garden on 18th Thursday night, which was great to see him again. But by far the weirdest thing that happened this week was...

Dinner with Dena

After work I was at SOhO waiting for Ken to meet me for coffee, when Dena herself comes waltzing across the street. The whole thing was so weird! First she accused me and Raven of stealing things from her apartment...then Her, Ken and I were at DC Cafe having dinner together. Must've been the full moon!

Plant Aid

Does anyone know anything about Crotons?


I have one in my office window, a beautiful plant... unfortunately I came in the morning to find it suddenly dropping half it's leafs. It's dying! Help!

Serendipitous Treasures

Well today has been a very productive day. While walking down F Street looking for the one of DC's nicest liquor stores, I stumbled across the DC Library's 3rd Annual Fall Book Sale.
I went in expecting very little, but came out with a box full of treasures (those close to me will know my fondness for collecting old books). Among some of my finds today were:

"The French Chef Cookbook" -Julia Child (which has a killer Coq au Vin recipe)


"The Hobbit" - J.R.R. Tolkein

"A Year in Provence" - Peter Mayle

As well as many old vinyl records, which I also like to collect. I was very happy with this discovery, and you should know that it will be going on tomorrow as well (Saturday 17th) 10AM until 3PM, at the MLK Public Library, 901 G Street NW. (On the corner of G&9th Streets). Proceeds go to fund the District of Columbia Public Libraries.

Then I made it to the Central Liquors, which is run by very friendly and knowledgable Armenians. At one's insistence I decided to pick up a bottle of Armenian pomegranate wine. I also picked up a bottle of Calvados, one of my favorite drinks, since it seems to be near-impossible to find sometimes at other liquor stores.

Had a good meal at City Lights of China. Good food, but has anyone else noticed the once impeccable service has really gone down. I'm seriously thinking of not eating there again, which is a shame.

Life is Sideways

Autumn is almost here! One of my favorite times of the year, and definately the best season in Washington. Nice non-humid weather, fewer tourists.
One of the best things to do isn't in DC, however, but a few hours away in the mountains. I am looking forward to more roadtrips to the Shenandoah Valley. Apples and pumpkins, the leafs changing colors. Oh, and more wineries than I can count.




Images from last year's Shenandoah trek... apple picking, feeding goats, hiking in the woods...

I am looking to plan some winery explorations, if anyone is interested. The only question now is who will be doing the driving...because i know it won't be me! Don't want to drive off the edge of a mountain, now do I?

And speaking of wineries, I highly reccomend the movie "Sideways," which is all about misadventures through California's Wine Country. Maybe one day I can open up my own vineyard, Chateaux Adam.

Ex and the City

Ok, on to a more serious topic. You might need a glass of wine for this. It's about my ex... ok three exes back, but by far the most powerful and memorable one. Lately we've been talking everyday, probably on account that we're both at work not too far from eachother, and it's a small city sometimes.
I don't think I've ever felt this ambivilently about someone ever. I've learned it's possible to both love and want to murder someone all at the same moment.

I guess what's been hurting the most lately is seeing him and how he treats the new men in his life. It's not jealousy...it's too late for even that. But it still upsets the hell out of me when I see what a great boyfriend he can be to a man...and then wonder why he never made the effort for me.
Why was I not worth it? Why couldn't he be that man for me, when I deserved it?

Of course, it's taken me awhile to learn that there really is nothing wrong with me. Plenty of other guys see my worth. But why was I worth treating like shit, when other guys get the affection and attention that I equally deserved, especially when I gave nothing but real and honest love?
There was nothing wrong with me then, nor is there now. He's an asshole, pure and simple. And a tiger can't change his stripes.

Adam's Apple Nightmare

Well, I for one was greatful for a three-day weekend. A much-needed rest period. Friday night after work I went shopping for fall fashions (!) at Filene's Basement (always good deals on otherwise expensive shit), followed by dinner at Dupont Italian Kitchen. Afterwards Ken's friends Cary and her super-hot boxing boyfriend Steven came downtown and we went to Cobalt.
Man, was I so tired, I barely even remember being at Cobalt. But I think I had fun...
Everything was going smoothly until my laptop died. Remember when I accidently dropped it on the street? Well, it decided to simply die on me. It died, and would not turn back on no matter how many times I tried.
SO, today I decided I had to do something about it. After spending thirty minutes navigating through the user un-friendly Apple support via phone, I finally got hold of the local Apple store. They told me I had to go to the Apple site and schedule an "appointment" with an "Apple Genius" (yes, that's their official name) and have them look at it.
So on my lunch hour I trek over there and wait for almost two hours to be seen, very much like an emergency room waiting room. And I swear to fucking god, as soon as the guy presses the power button, it turns on. No problems.
I'm on it right now. Go figure.

That's NOT the Moon....

Recently, according to astrologists, Earth and Mars are closer than they ever get for thousands of years. Because of this, for a short time, Mars has been appearing as large as a full moon in the sky.

Maybe you've noticed. I noticed, but didn't realize what I was looking at, at first.I thought to myself, "Wow, the moon looks awfully orange tonight."

This is pretty much what I saw:


Then I noticed the real moon was also out. What the fuck? Well folks, that's Mars we've been seeing. And it will be many thousands of years before it's that close again, so enjoy it while it lasts.

What's a Four-Letter Word For...

Well today I finished my first crossword puzzle ever (without any help, that is). This is a major accomplishment for me. Everyday on the Metro while riding to work I check out the free Post Express and try to their crossword puzzles, which allegedly are more difficult than the ones in the regular Washington Post. What's a six-letter word, with the clue "imprudent?" Really, I need to know.

Thanks
Anyway, I'd also like to give thanks to the stranger yesterday who helped me. I was crossing Connecticut Avenue when my bag fell open, spilling my laptop and papers all over the sidewalk. In true Washingtonian form, most people just walked on by. But one man stopped and helped me pick my things up. On the off chance you're reading this, Mr. Good Samaritan, you rock! And you put a inch of my faith in humanity back.

The Freaks on the Street Go 'Round and 'Round

First off, thanks to Laura for her imput last week concerning the human stampede in Richmond. I sort of wish I could've been there... if only to stand on the sidelines laughing at all the people getting crushed. Ha ha.

My week of house sitting is over, but work has been really tedious as of late, working on a project that seems to keep growing day by day. My boss is on vacation, thus leaving me to do all sorts of silly stuff all by myself.

And now, I want to devote this post to all the homeless crazy people that make Dupont Circle so interesting. Over the years the same faces keep popping up every summer...which makes me wonder where these people go in the winter. Anyway, I know it's wrong to make fun of homeless, many of whom have genuine mental disorders. Thank-you Republican Party for not helping people have access to free health and mental care who really need it. Maybe I should direct all the homeless scizos to go camp on the White House lawn. That might change things. Or not. Anyway, here are some of the classic people that my friends and I have nicknamed and grown to love over the years..

"Lifeguard" - an older woman who wonders P Street, and known for the lifeguard whistle she wears around her neck. She's been known to stand by Dupont Circle fountain (after pissing her pants) and blowing her whistle, yelling "everybody out of the pool!" Apparently, according to when we spoke to her, she was once a lifeguard. Who knows if that's true, but that's her story.
Uranium Man - Bears an eerie resemblance to Fagan from "Oliver" and is known for his long dirty black trench coat. See photo:

He LOVES to discuss (even if you're not listening) his CIA conspiracy plots. Apparently, there's a tunnel to Liechtenstien under SOhO cafe, he knows the phone number to Air Force One, and the CIA can read his thoughts. And he claims that eating uranium is good for you. Might explain a few things about him.
Mama - A Dupont Circle classic. A Black lesbian who looks like a man from a distance, also goes by Dervin or Crystal. Gets paid by sweeping the front of P Street shops, but also known for her random screaming, and hitting on poor Raven. Loves to pick fights with the patrons of The Fireplace bar.
Gypsy - She looks like, well, a gypsy. An older homeless woman who gets REALLY pissed when people call her Gypsy. Which is what makes it so much fun to confuse her by yelling "Gypsy!" and then pretending you didn't say anything. She apprently is looking for her son, or so she says.
There are so many others...but that will have to wait for another episode.
Speaking of episodes, tonight I'm looking forward to Fox's new show "Prison Break." Not because I'm a huge fan of TV, but because it's about unrealistically hot men going to prison. Hmmmm..well, I'll be a fan if they throw in some steamy rape scenes, or maybe some rough-trade sex with a sadistic warden.
I'm so transparent sometimes.

Just Another Manic Monday...

Well, well...
I guess first I owe a little more info on this new job I am three weeks into. It's at an environmental organization here in DC. It's a non-profit group (like 7 million others in this city!) but they pay is good, and they hired me. So who's complaining? It's a very laid-back office environment, everyone has been fantastically nice, and about 50% of the office seems to be gay. Well, the office building IS in Dupont Circle. And that's nice and convienient, especially on lunch hour while the nice weather still persists.
And I have my own office...with a window. SWEET!
This week I am house and dog-sitting for my friend in Alexandria while she's away in California for surgery (best of luck!!) So it's going to be a very interesting week.
This weekend I was beat from work, so I slept in. Ken pretty much tricked me into going to Chiaroscuro. THAT was an interesting night, for many reasons which I will keep to myself.
So that's been my life, having fun on the weekends, and work work work Monday through Friday. Though there is something to be said for the 9-5 life, it gives things a sense of regularity. But now, when Friday rolls around, I finally understand why people get so damn excited over it!
Oh, and I am trying to quit smoking. Margo's doing it, so can I. I think...

Only in Richmond...

Disclaimer: There are some great folks in Richmond. The following pertains to other 90%.

I always thought Richmond had questionable taste. And like a million shopping malls.

This article only confirms the fact I'm glad to not live there.
Apparently, at the Richmond International Raceway (yes, Richmond has a racetrack for Nascar, ugh) there was a stampede over laptops being sold for $50.
A human stampede over laptops at a racetrack in Richmond. I'll just let you mull over that one for awhile.
If Baltimore is Washington's ugly sister, Richmond would be her retarded, inbred, alcoholic third cousin.

"Somebody please nuke me, please!"

August and Everything After...

Life
I've been so busy as of late. Got a different job! (yes, yes, thank-you!)
So this whole 9-5 office schedule, as opposed to my past job, is really tripping me out.
I've been hanging out when I can, though lately it's been way too hot to really want to do anything.
Monday I somehow ended up having dinner and drinks at Fox & Hound. With Jim, and old boyfriend of his who also somehow happens to be a friend of mine, and this guy's partner. I think "awkwardness" is the perfect word to describe that dinner. And then it started a torrential downpour. I got soaking wet. Omens, anyone?
Thursday after work I hung out With Casey and some guy who he cheated on me with back in the day at his house on Capital Hill (the shady part too, not the nice part). Now, you may be asking me, why the hell would you hang out with them? I dunno. Maybe I wanted to see Casey's new Mercedes. Yes, I'm always nosy, even with exes. Of course by the end of the night I was seriously regretting ever coming. But I never learn...
Friday after work I met Margo Fred, and Ken and we went to dinner at Foodbar DC on 17th. I really liked the food, had a couple of shots, hung out at Soho. And I ran into this guy Richard who I hadn't seen about two years.
Saturday I went with Ken to Chiaro. Got drunk (again) danced a little, saw a few people, definately saw some hot guys (they were never there before). Came home around five. I'm going to dinner at City Lights soon, so gotta run. The best Chinese food in DC, incidentally.

"Hold Me Closer, Tony Danza"
I saw a really funny webiste today, the Misheard Lyrics Hall of Fame. My personaly favorite would be Elton John's misheard lyrics. Funny stuff.

Monkey Business

I know I've been quiet for a while... more info and stuff coming later today after I get cleaned up (just woke up actually). But for your entertainment is this...



Apparently in South Korea last week to celebrate an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooporation meeting. What that has to do with an orangutan on water-skis I will never know. But it was an awfully funny picture I saw yesterday reading the Post on the Metro on the way to work.

I'm Easy Like Sunday Morning...

Sunday is the day of rest as they say, so today I've just been relaxing at home. I had all sorts of grandiose plans involving sunday brunch in Gaytown, getting up and kicking ass... but after I got home last night/morning, I slept until 1pm. Oh well.
This is going to be an intersting week for me, wish me luck. And you actually CAN wish me luck (for shits & giggles) at this site. It's a virtual candle-lighting, like the ones you see in churches and temples. Light one for me...

Trend Graveyard

And while I'm on the topic of rituals, it's time to hold a farewell ceremony (we hope) for yet another overkilled trend from 2004 that somehow survived into 2005...
Behold, the Livestrong Bracelets (and their miriad copycats):


Ugh! I can say I don't have any friends who wear these stupid fucking plastic bracelets. I used to have a few, but let's say it's now one of my red-flag criteria for instant dismissal. These stupid bracelets say "I follow whatever stupid fucking trend comes...AND I'm helping a charitable cause."
FUCK YOU! If you wear these, I hope you get 2nd-hand cancer from all the cigaretts I'm smoking. I'm going to make my own Livestrong bracelet. It will be black leather from an endangered species and all proceeds will go to developing a virus that will wipe out all stupid people. And it will be manufactured by Phillip Morris.

Ah what a pleasant sunday morning... birds are chirping....

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Another Day in the Blogosphere

Updates:

I forgot to include in my last post the crowing glory of last Sautrday night: when Ken tossed Bob into Dupont Circle fountain!

Sadly I was too inebriated to have taken a picture. And thus far, Bob has not developed any strange rashes from the fountain water.

Taking back SOhO:

Some good news for those of you who frequent a certain cafe on P & 22nd St, Monday's so-called "Comedy Night" is coming to a close!!!! Next Monday will ofiicially be the end of un-comedy night. I think I speak for all the cafe regulars when I say good riddance! Apparently all the comics are bitter because no one laughs at them... sure... it's OUR fault that you guys fucking suck.
And this is my blog so I can say what I want, this isn't slander it's my opinions but Paul Schorsch is the most unfunny man ever born. He's the Anti-Comedy. He can suck the funny out of a room. He apparently hosts sometimes at the DC Improv. Maybe he's funny when alcohol's involved. Ladies and gentlemen, don't laugh at this man.