Mauled by the Mall

So being a ass cold weekend (yes, that's a scientific measure of cold, don't question me!) I did mostly "indoor" stuff this weekend. I did some pre-Thanksgiving shopping, and Saturday night Sean and I went to this new restaurant called Yaku in Arlington.

I can't say enough good things about it. It had a great decor and a young, pretty clientele. When we had to wait for a table they were kind enough to offer us complimentary cocktails while we waited (a very unique cocktail list, on par with Halo). The food was great: a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese, the appetizers were inspiring and tasteful. I've noticed a fusion of many of the neglected Pacific Rim cuisines have been getting more notice lately (South American, Central American, Filipino, Vietnamese, Californian) and I would definitely recommend Yaku! (Clarendon & Scott St., near Courthouse Metro station)

Later that night we ran into friends at Omega. You know, I like Omega in many ways because it's dependable and unpretentious. I know many consider JR's a "neighborhood bar" but I just think it's a second-rate stand-and-pose bar for the DC "Power Gays." (Of course, we all know how they rank against the gays of the real seats of power - the Londons, Tokyos and Paris's of the world, but that's another story) But Omega has always just been exactly what it is; gritty, neighborhoody, proletariat, and very Washington DC. It's sort of a nice antidote for when I've spent too much time at glossy Halo.

Not sure where I was going with that... anyway we had drinks and left. Sean was complaining about the cold and I gently reminded him that if we move to Canada like we say we will, he'd better get used to it! 30 F is a balmy spring night up there!

Sunday Sean and I had lunch at Maggiano's and shopped around Tyson's. Well, I by shop I mean me trying to trick Sean into divulging what he might like for Christmas Festivus. He liked the iPod Nano I got him for his birthday, so now I'm out of ideas. And window shopping didn't help either. Grrr. I mean, last year he got me a f-king gorgeous Louis Vuitton man-bag, so this year I have to catch up. A getaway to Costa Rica? A pooping penguin?

Either way, I can tell you I will NOT be at the malls on "Black Friday" after Thanksgiving. I've never understood why people get up at 6am to go shopping. Britney Spears could be waiting for me at the door of Bloomingdale's with a free Roomba and that shit still wouldn't be worth getting up for.

Twilight or something...

Oh you crazy kids, you! So I feel compelled to blog about Robert Pattinson - he's the "hearththrob" that all the teenage girls (and gay men) seem to be going ga-ga over lately. I can't read a celebrity blog without seeing his face like 20,000 times. Anyway, he's staring in some upcoming vampire movie called "Twilight." It sounds like some "young adult literature" a la 'Harry Potter - which means I don't care how many of you drink the kool-aid, I'm not going to read it!!
I hate to admit it, but Robert is kind of attractive, in that brooding bad-boy sort of way. If there were vampires like this in real life, my windows would be unlocked every night.

DILF Wednesdays: Hugh Jackman

I think I fell in love with Hugh Jackman back when he played Wolverine in the X-Men movies. Woof!

"Adam, I heard you needed sunscreen rubbed on your back. I ran right over! Anything else you need? A margarita? A massage?"

Changing Hearts and Minds

So, yesterday after a hAApy hour at Halo, I went home and received a call from my mother. The whole thing made me realize how much work we have to do on education and advocacy in this country for gay people.
Now my parents have always been supportive of my being openly gay, and I always assumed my de-facto PFLAG parents “got it” when it came to gay rights issues. So last night when talking to my mom on the phone, the conversation turned somehow to gay rights issues. It went something like this:

My Mom – “But one thing I don’t understand, Adam, is the whole gay marriage thing. I mean, why can’t gay people just live together, why do they have to get married?”

[Insert clip of me putting mom on hold, pouring myself a stiff drink.] “OK, mom, I’m glad you asked. Let’s talk about this...”

So I began going through the many, many legal, financial and social ramifications of the civil/legal contract that is marriage, the real history of marriage (No, historically marriage has not always been ‘one man, one woman’ or even about love until modern times) and the simplest question of all: “Why did you and Dad get married then?”

In a short conversation she admitted many points she’d never though of, she said, and conceded that gay marriage equality made sense suddenly. My point is this: even gay friendly people out there, because of lack of education or exposure, don’t “get” why gays lack rights, or even need them. It’s not always homophobia, I’ve learned. I’m coming across more and more straight allies who love their gay family members and friends; but because they aren’t personally experiencing discrimination, sometimes don’t see what it is that gay people are missing out on.

I have a feeling if we educate potential allies more, we’ll discover that by sharing our stories and experienced, we can open peoples’ eyes to discrimination they didn’t realize even existed.

Fires Rage Across California

What a wonderful picture. See... you vote against the gays, you might get burned.

(*Thanks to the Blue Dog for forwarding this to me from the Drudge Report)

Tell Me Why I Don't Like Mondays...

Poor Sean, I’m always dragging him to one dinner event after another. Friday night he was kind enough to accompany me to a board of directors’ dinner. It’s always nice having a partner there as a buffer sometimes. Not to sound like I “use” him, but it’s nice having his support.

Saturday I thought about going to the Prop 8 protests, but I honestly didn’t have time, and I suppose I would’ve just gotten rained on. But I had many friends who did go and had great things to say about it. That night, actually, Sean and I went to a Korean friend of his house in Alexandria for a traditional Korean meal with several other couples. It was such an interesting time, and really good food! Afterwards we came into the city to meet F &P at Apex, which I hadn’t been to in ages. Sean and I had a really good time! And you know, the Metro late at night can be so interesting sometimes. The freaks come out at night!

Sunday morning we went to brunch with my friend Kim, F & P to a place by where Kim lives in Columbia Depths Heights (sorry can’t resist) called Commonwealth, a sort of British-inspired gastropub. The roast may not have been quite authentic (according to P, anyway) but overall I liked the place and would go back. We went to Kim’s afterward for wine and hung out; it was a cold windy day.

That’s about it for me lately. Oh, I think Wednesday night Sean and I are going to a new place in AArlington called Yaku. It’s by the same guy who runs Gua-Rapo, which I like a lot. Will review!

Random Thought

You know, I think more of my friends, and "frenemies" who read my blog every day need their own blogs. I'm just sayin.

Drunky, you totally need a blog... you know you want one. It's so addictive, it's like potato chips.

Homo for the Holidays

It's official. Sean is coming home to meet my parents this Thanksgiving.

I'm taking Valium donations offline. Help!

Dark-Sided!

My friend Water Witch posted his ages ago on his blog, but I came across this yesterday while reading my daily D-Listed, and had to post. When I think of the religious people who vote against gay marriage, this is the type of person I envision:



To the crazy woman in this video:

A) If I find out you voted against gay marriage, I'm going to have my husband #4, Keith Olbermann call your ass up.
B) If you want to see "dark-sided" come stay with the Three Witches in DC for a week. You'll know the definition then.

DILF Wednesdays: Keith Olbermann

I think I'm in lurve*. Sigh... Not only is Keith Olbermann kind of handsome, he's become very outspoken against the shitfest in California (better known as "Prop 8"). While Anderson Cooper is busy hiding in the closet, at least Keith is man enough to stand up for gay rights. Just sayin'.
*Fine print: Sean is well aware of my Anderson Cooper crush, along with all the others. He is also well aware that 1,000 Anderson Coopers couldn't take me away from him. Sean is the love of my life, and that's that. Sorry, Keith!

Cock Coq Au Vin

So I was at Whole Foods yesterday shopping for various seasonal yummies and decided it was time to make a classic "comfort food" favorite: Coq Au Vin.

3-4 pound chicken pieces (thighs work nicely)
10-ish strips bacon (maple or applewood makes a nice flavor) sliced into 1/2-inch strips
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 pound onions (whole Pearl onions are good, but you can use regular chopped)
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp butter
1/2 pound mushrooms, quartered or chopped
2 tbsp flour
3 cups dry red wine (remember: if you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it!)
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and fresh ground pepper
bouquet garni* (*Whole Foods or Trader Joe's sometimes sell bouquet garni, but I often improvise with a tea strainer filled with Herbes de Provence and/or bay leaf, thyme, sage, parsley

In a large frying pan, fry bacon, set aside leaving a little grease in pan. Season chicken with salt & pepper, cook for 10-12 mins until brown and cooked. Remove to a plate. Melt the butter over medium heat and saute mushrooms until brown.
In a dutch oven/casserole, heat the oil and fry the onions and garlic until browned evenly. Sprinkle onions with the flour and cook for 2 mins stirring frequently. Add in the wine to deglaze and boil for 1 min, stirring. Add the chicken, mushrooms, broth, and add in bouquet garni to soak. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 45 mins. Skim off fat, and serve.

DILF Hunters

Unbelievable - why didn't I think of this first?! These two girls have a Youtube series called "DILF Hunters" where they go around public places scoping out hot DILFs.

There went my idea for a Youtube show. Seriously, a few weeks ago I started thinking I want to get in on this whole video internets thing you crazy youngin's are doing. But I just can't think of a catchy concept. What would you like to see in a Poison Pen video blog?

The Witch of November

First off it was great last week having a hAApy hour with friends - I hope Ben had a safe flight back to London. I hadn't been back to Town in a long time, too. Fun times! And thanks to everyone for their happy anniversary wishes!

Sean and I had a great anniversary weekend. We went back to the restaurants where it all began. Whats funny is that is some ways it felt like a first date all over again - I love the fact that Sean and I are growing and discovering each other.

Ok, so technically Sean was living in Maryland when I first met him, but he's a Virginia boy now!

Sunday Sean and I went to the Shenandoah wine country for a romantic little day trip. The leaves were at their peak (not quite as spectacular as Canada, but still very pretty). In particular we visited the time-tested Rappahannock Cellars, and Chester Gap Cellars We tasted wine - and brought plenty back to last me until Fesitvus!

Speaking of the HOlidays, what are people's plans for Thanksgiving (and though it seems far away, Chrismahanukwanzakah / Festivus)?

Just Dance!

Someone's in Trouble

My office is over-flowing with flowers! They are all lovely, Sean! But how am I going to get them home??
I love you!

Do You Remember the 7th Day of November?

Today is Sean and my 2nd anniversary!!!!

According to tradition, the second year is the "cotton anniversary." Well we can look forward to next year's "leather anniversary" lol.

Anyway, Sean is the love of my life and I want to thank him for putting up with me for 2 years, for being te best boyfriend I've ever had, for treating me so great, and always being there. I love you, Sean!!!!

For "H"

Certain friends of mine will recall the significance of this (remember the postcard). I came across this the other day and couldn't help but laugh.

DILF Wednesdays: Dennis Quaid is That You?

I was thinking of doing a post-Election Day "DILF" entry of John McCain from back in his Vietnam pilot days. Yes, he's crazy and cranky now, but you have to hand it to the man, he was hawt when he was younger. I woulda hit it, just sayin.

On my flight to San Fran on Thursday (by the way, LOVE Virgin America 1st class) I watched an in-flight movie with Dennis Quaid called "Smart People" in which he plays a curmudgeon-y yet lovable professor who falls in love with a character played by Sarah Jessica Parker. The hilarious Thomas Haden Church is in it, too. Unfortunately so is that troll Ellen Page (you know, the "Juno" girl). I don't know why she bothers me so much, but I kept waiting for her to get blown up or something. But I'm rambling... so here is the DILF McDILFerson hawtness that is Dennis Quaid. Not bad at all for 53, right?!

It's Over!

Well, we here at The Poison Pen (and by "we" it means "me") are pleasantly surprised that Barrack Obama is the president-elect of the United States.

Yeah ::twirls finger::

I still want to emigrate, but at least I don't feel so rushed to do so now. It seems at least some Americans have some common sense. The fact that as many people voted Republican as they did even after 8 years of Emperor Bush II says a lot. But the electoral majority went to Obama. So I can rest a little easier now. I think we all can.

Say it with Flowers

My boyfriend sent some beautiful flowers to my office. Not for any specific reason, but just because. I love you, Sean!

And the winner is...

So I arrived back from San Francisco - I had an amazing time celebrating Water Witch (and of course the Blue Dog's) birthday, and of course Halloween in the Castro. I was looking through the photos we took and I'm scared to post them! Well, maybe when I have time to upload them I may have a link. Sordid!

I hate that feeling when you've been flying and after you land you still feel like your moving! Anyway, the election is underway and I was thinking about writing some rant about it, but I swear with the 24-7 obsessive and omnipresent coverage, there's really nothing I can add. I'm thinking about throwing my TV out the window, but oh wait, there's the damn internets!

Sigh, where's my valium to get through this Election Day...

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy BirthdAAy!

Happy Birthday, Water Witch!! See you tonight in San Fran!

Gasp! My Husband on a Magazine

Thanks to Water Witch for sending this my way. It appears my first husband is on the cover this month for Men's Health.
Le Sigh. He's so dreamy....

"Rose Tint My World..."

Since I blogged earlier with some Rocky Horror song clips, why stop now...

Pumpkin Pie Fudge

Because the stuff I had at the corn maze was so good I had to find a recipe for it...

Pumpkin Pie Fudge:
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup mashed pumpkin (canned)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 package (12 ounces) vanilla flavored baking chips
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Using butter or margarine, lightly grease the sides and bottom of a medium saucepan.
2. Place the sugar, evaporated milk, pumpkin, butter, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in the saucepan.
3. Stir constantly over medium heat.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil and boil for 12 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the baking chips and marshmallows until melted.
6. Stir in the nuts and vanilla.
7. Pour into an 8-inch square pan that has been lined with foil and greased.
8. Chill mixture until set.
9. Cut into small squares to serve.
10. Cover and store in refrigerator.

DILF Wednesdays : Jason!

Because it's Halloween this week, bitches!

Seasons of The Poison Pen...

So I'm working from home this afternoon, which is always nice. You know, I realized this time last year I was with Sean in Mexico. So weird how time flies and where a year takes you. 525,600 minutes... lol

Thanks to everyone who came out for Sean's birthday. Even the ones who weren't invited, but happened to be at Halo anyway LOL! We all had such a wonderful time both at dinner and over witch's brews/cocktails. Couldn't have been any better, and I know Sean had a great time.

I'm very much looking forward to San Francisco!

Sean's Birthday Photos, Redux

Thanks to M for doing the red-eye reduction for me, the photos look a lot better now; you can view them here. You know you want to.

Antici...pation

Halloween week is here! So excited! So to start things off right, here's some clips from the classic Rocky Horror Picture Show...

From Sean's Birthday weekend...

Click here to see all of the photos!

Happy Birthday, Sean!

Happy birthday, love of my life!

Sean's birthday is today! (though we're celebrating it officially with friends tomorrow night).

Dave Adam Does Montreal

There's been talk in my circle of friends about doing a group-trip to what is probably my favorite city in North America; Montreal!

Though you all might find this amusing...

Leave Adam Alone! He’s a Human Being!

Ok, with the days narrowing down to the election (get to work, Drunky, why are you reading my blog when you should be campaigning or something?!) I have to vent about something which is really, really obnoxious.

Street campaigners. You know, the idealistic bright-eyed youth with their little DNC or HRC t-shirts and clipboards. “Do you have a minute for Barack Obama?” “Do you have a minute for gay rights?”

On one level I feel sorry for these youth. Chasing strangers down for donations has got to be soul-crushing work akin to prostitution. Hmmm, actually it is a lot like whoring, only a politician gets your money instead of a pimp. But I digress. And once these kids realize that they are not making a difference, I’m sure that’s when the heavy boozing/heroin injecting will kick in.

But do they really have to spoil my daily walks down the sidewalks with their well-meant (yet naïve) pestering? I swear, these days just going to lunch from my office I feel like I need a valium to run the gauntlet of campaign-whores who want my minute(s) for (insert cause/politician here: _______). I don’t even try to be polite with them anymore, either.

Sean laughed recently because I snapped at some poor Greenpeace kid – “NO!” But I mean, he wouldn’t get out of my way! These political whores have gotten more and more aggressive. They’ve gotten to the point where they try to physically block your path. Not cool.

This brings me to my point. Maybe I could use a political science person to help me with this, but my question is: do street campaigners really make any difference? How effective are they, truly? I ask because pretty much everyone I know ignores them, and is irritated by them. Doesn’t it have the opposite effect? I mean, I could easily see someone voting Republican just out of spite because of these kids!

O-bitch-uary

This is the funniest shiz I've seen in a long time. So cold... I love it!
(click picture to enlarge and read)

Kerry Katona Meltdown

My favorite trainwreck from across the pond (well, next to Amy Winehouse), the "British Britney" AKA Kerry Katona went on TV recently in the UK.
I swear I wish I could come to work at high/drunk/cracked out as she is in this interview. This is precious (and good luck to anyone trying to understand exactly what it is she's saying).

You Wok My World

So last night Sean went with some friends to a Chinese place in Man-ass-ass Manassas called "Wok & Roll." Coinidentally a weekend ago while I was in search of Halloween stores (you know, those seasonal stores that sell all the costume crap) we passed by it and joked about it. So last night night when he called me from the Wok & Roll, I was like, seriously?

But it got me thinking about all the silly Chinese restaurant names I've seen over the years. It almost makes me want to open one up, just so I can name it! Some that I have (seriously) seen are:
Moon Wok;
Wok, Don't Run;
The Big Wong;

Do you, my faithful reader, have any to add to the list. If so, add in the comments section (where Andy is pointing...)

DILF Wednesdays : Mr. Cooper

"Adam's divorce attorney is demanding HOW much in alimony?!"

A Slutty Witch

Are You Going to San Francisco?

October is such a busy month! So many people I know are several October birthdays, for instance Water witch's, and Sean's. Sean will be celebrating his birthday this weekend - I'll keep you updated on what the plans are.
Speaking of witch, I mean which, I am very much looking forward to going to San Francisco next week to celebrate the Water Witch’s birthday in style, and Halloween. Watch out San Fran! The Castro will never be the same.

I love the fact that the Earth Witch put a clip from one of my favorite all-time movies “All About Eve” over on her blog today! Watch out, it is going to be a bumpy night!



“I believe that the world should revolve around me!” –Indeed! Just ask anyone’s who’s dated me. The fact that Sean’s stayed with me for two years is in itself amazing. He treats me like the prince(ss) I am, he does. Our 2-year anniversary is coming up!

So 3 Witches Walk Into a Haunted House...

So Friday afternoon Water Witch invited me along to go to a haunted house in Maryland. And by haunted house, it turned out to be a seasonal attraction held in a mall parking lot, but I digress. Parts of it were scary, but really, they should have been more scared of us! Don't they know who the three witches are?! And in the end, driving the dark back-roads of Maryland was scary enough (remember the freaky pizza place we stopped at?!). To round out the scary theme of the evening we went to Freddy's Beach Bar in Arlington. I kid, I kid. No, actually a lot of the karaoke was pretty scary.

Saturday night I had one of the best meals I've had in a long time. As if to balance out the shiteous meal I had at 1905, a new place in Adam Morgan that is owned buy a guy Sean knows, is called Himalayan Heritage. I can't say enough good things about this place!!! From the very Nepalese decor, the super-friendly and attentive wait staff, and amazing food (when was the last time you ate Tibetan/Nepalese?), I can't wait to go back, and introduce my friends to it. Sean and I both give it two thumbs up!

After dinner we had cocktails at Halo, and found that they've changed to their autumn seasonal menu... which this year includes a "Fire Passion Martini." My new favorite drink. It's like they made it just for the Fire Witch! It has passion fruit and chili pepper... it's sweet but burns... like me! They know me so well!

Sunday I took Sean to the Corn Maze that he wanted to go see. It was actually a lot of fun... we made it out in about 40 mins, so we didn't get too lost in it. They had really great pumpkin pie fudge, too - don't ask just try it! Afterwards we went to my favorite orchard for apple picking. Got some fresh apple cider, too. It was a beautiful fall day in the mountains...

No Fair!

My husband #2, Tom Brady, will sadly not be the next Calvin Klein underwear model. I'm restraining my anger and dissapointment, in hopes that this means he wants to spend more time at home with me!

Cokey Candy

Rejoice, it's FridAAy!So here's some random shiz:

Cocaine Meets Cotton Candy - I want some! Only my girl Amy Winehouse could have come up with something like this.

Luke Perry from the original 90210 (not this new travesty I refuse to watch) had a birthday recently. It made me think: I always like his character, Dylan. He was the "bad boy" of the show. What is it about the bad boys? Oh well, I'm over that, I have Sean now, my little Eagle Scout!

I know I'll never hear the end of it from some friends, but I can't help it: I can't help it, I kinda like Britney's new song, "Womanizer." The guy in the video is actually kinda hot. Britney needs to move her crazy-train ass over. Or at least help me record a gay version I can send to Anderson Cooper!

1905

My friends have been waiting for this, I know. But before I rake a certain restaurant across the coals (I should’ve been a food critic) I will say that it was great to reunite with friends, even in times when everyone is busy. And allow to me mushy here for sec – I know, I know, what’s that strange feeling in the lump of black ice in my chest cavity? I think it’s called an “emotion.” Quick get me a martini and some pills!

I kid, I kid. Seriously; sometimes even after two years I look over at Sean and think “Wow, he’s really cute.” I love the way at even after a couple years he still can surprise me, and look so handsome.

So last night we all ventured to a new restaurant on ever-changing 9th St NW, called “1905.”

At first I was very impressed with the décor; it’s very bohemian-metro-urban-shabby-chic. I’m not sure what that mean either, but basically it looks like they robbed an Urban Outfitters. Not that that’s a bad thing…

Sadly it seems the owners focused too much on décor and not the reasons people go to restaurants; to eat. I’m not sure what was worse – the waiter who consistently disappeared for so long that I thought I’d need to put his face on a milk carton; the sub-par food; the fact that it took 35 minutes for any entrees to arrive – and when they did one poor friend’s plate came out a full 20 minutes before everyone else’s. Mind you this was not a busy night.

I think the food was supposed to be French bistro (?) but fell flat in my opinion. The frustrating lack of service; the small, inadequate and uninspired menu; the hour it apparently took them to personally dive into the Chesapeake Bay to retrieve my oysters… I’m not really sure what my least-favorite part was. There were so many to choose from.

As one Washington Post writer once put it so greatly: “At least the water was cold.”

In other Election News

Tired of hearing about the American elections? Well to prove that not all Yankees exist in a bubble that thinks the USA is the center of the universe, I have something different to share:
Congrats to my two Canadian friends who were hoping incumbent (and strikingly handsome!) Prime Minister Stephen Harper would win - he did, I just found out!

DILF Wednesdays : Gerard Butler

Ok, so I haven't forgiven Gerard Butler for starring in the crapfest that was the movie 300. But with a body like his, I can overlook those two hours of my life I'll never get back.

a few shots

Rocktober Malaise

Well, I’m back home today and back into the routine. It’s always great to see Sean when he picks me up at the airport; I missed him while I was away. Yet coming back to the States is always bittersweet, especially after being in a country that has already achieved full legal equality for gay people (among other accomplishments). Especially when my Canadian friends hear about the kind of work I do, it drives home the point that this is a very reactionary country, one that will probably always lag behind other Western democracies in the liberties front. One should welcome coming home, but I truly don’t. Anyway, going there made me think a lot about really picking up and moving (and no, it’s not tied to the election – I really don’t even care who wins at this point).

Well enough being Debbie Downer; I had a great time and it was absolutely amazing in Nova Scotia and at the north of the province in Cape Breton Island. I coincidentally happened to be there in time for the Celtic Colours festival. The region has a strong Celtic heritage; there are towns where street signs are in Gaelic and French. The mountains were blazing with orange and reds. It was so picturesque and great to visit friends. I like Halifax, but compared to, say, Montreal or Toronto, it would be a bit slower-paced. The city is a bit smaller that Washington, for comparison, and subsequently there’s a little less to do. For example, everyone is the gay scene pretty much knows everyone else. But the small-community feel is a bit charming, too. I mean, overall, Canadian tend to be very nice and polite people; it can be a little disarming being a cynical Washingtonian used to dealing with all the soul-sucking “power gays” and “insiders.” Hmmm… maybe a move up north is in order!

So what else; let’s see…congrats to my friend “water witch” for his work on that wonderful clip over at Perez Hilton. Also, my friend the “earth witch” is down is Cajun country visiting a friend (tell Char hi for me!). I can’t wait for the three elements to get together for a very bewitching Halloween. Something tells me certain people who’ve crossed the water witch better get every charm they can find… spells are brewing! Double, double, toil and trouble!

Green With Envy

So my good friend was at the debates last night live! The reason I’m jealous is because Anderson Cooper was supposedly there, too. Ok, I guess meeting the candidates would have been cool too.

So I did watch the debates at a neighbors house last night. I think Obama actually did a better job this time, was a little more aggressive, and didn’t let McCain walk all over him, like last time. McCain just looked hobbled around like an old man in need of a rocking chair. Granted he had his moments of cheap patriotism that panders to Middle America, but over all I think Obama came out a “winner” if you can say there was one.

HIGH-lites: A) did anyone see the guy falling asleep in the audience?! No, it wasn’t my friend LOL. B) Did anyone catch the part at the end where McCain totally dissed Obama and wouldn’t shake his hand! Ouch!

DILF Wednesdays : Oh, oh, oh Canada

Since so many of my DILFs have been getting married, or dating younger tramps (I'm looking at you, Anderson!) Today's DILF is in my age-range, but in honor of flying to Canada tomorrow for a week, I wanted to honor a hot man from north of the border - and I already featured Ryan Reynolds, so here's another Ryan from Canada: Ryan Gosling.
I was going to find a picture of a hot hockey player or something. The down side is when they smile, they usually have fugged-up teefs. I dated this Canadian guy who had a bunch of fake teeth from when he played hockey as a lad. On one of our first dates, two of them popped out while he was eating. I'll leave you with that image...

Thanks for the Memories...

What a wonderful weekend it was - special thanks to my two witch sisters and "Queen B" for a great time at the gala dinner and the reception.

You can check out my photos here.

Gala Weekend

I'm very much looking forward to joining my friends - and Sean - for the HRC national gala dinner tomorrow. I'll have pictures soon!

And I thought about commenting on the vice-presidential debates last night, but it honestly bores me. Though it was funny watching it with my friends at Halo (and playing "Palin Bingo") and watching all the hypocrisy go down. Of course all the "power gays" in the bar booed when Our Lady of Wasilla said she opposed gay marriage. But it was priceless to watch all the Obamassiah-loving queens not know what to do when their man, Biden, said the same thing! Ha! And you fools give him your vote$ and (more importantly) money.
Now, in light of Biden's anti-marriage stance last night, will someone tell me why he's a guest of honor at the HRC gala dinner? Just wondering...

A Las Otras Brujas...

I was so happy to see what my fellow bruja wrote this morning about me and the "Water Witch."

And it's all so true! "If you don't believe you better get superstitious!"

Gaybies

Every so often I see gay couples with kids; it can be two dads with kids at the grocery store, or whatever, and it gets me thinking about that whole paternal instinct thing.

I mean this would be a very “down the road” thing, but I guess at some point you have to start thinking about the future. Not just where I’ll be 5-10 years from now, but other things like would I ever want to adopt. I know Sean and I agree we would adopt – of course so many things would have to fall into place; creating a stable home is no small feat, and then the whole adoption process. It’s scary to think about!

A friend once commented, when one “happy gay couple” (inside joke) with a baby strapped in a papoose walked by at a store that they were just trying to fill an empty void by conforming to hetero-normative expectations. And I certainly think there are couples (gay and straight) who have kids almost as accessories. But I still wonder one day if that could be me.

It means a major lifestyle change too. It’s kinda hard to take a baby in Halo – “I’ll have the black cherry cosmo… and can you warm this bottle for me?” But then, when I reach a certain age, I don’t want to be one of those sad alcoholic pathetic queens hanging around JR’s either! There’s got to be more to life than that, right?!

Two points: A) why are guys with kids that much hotter? And B) No child of mine is using wire hangers. Just putting that out there now. Discuss!

DILF Wednesdays: You Oughta Know!

Another celebrity man-crush of mine is getting married/partnered! What is it!

Ryan Reynolds is engaged and soon to be married to Scarlett Johansson. Damnit! And you know somewhere in Canada his ex, Alanis Morissette, is either getting out the voodoo doll... or eating a whole box of Tim Horton's donuts. (My Canuck readers will know the Tim Horton's reference).

Actually I'm secretly hoping she writes a song about him, like she did years ago about Dave Coulier. And I can't feel sorry to Ryan either. Dating Alanis Morissette is like dating me - you know if you fuck up you're either going to have a song or blog written about you. Drunky Oughta Know!

Corn Dazed

So one of these weekends Sean wants me to take him to the corn maze- apparently there's one out going towards the Shenandoah. In fact, I think I've seen the signs for it on the way to apple/wine country. Has anyone been? Do I need to bring my GPS tracker to get out of it?

Ooh - pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starfucks. And don't look at me like that - yes I am the guy that actually orders the gimmick seasonal drinks. And with soy milk, too.

My boyfriend's birthday is coming up soon, as is our 2-year anniversary and I have no idea what to get him for either. He's such a hard person to shop for (not that I'm not, cough cough). Any ideas?

Drugs Are Bad, Mmmmkay?

When I was in a record shop in Alexandria over the weekend, I came across Amy Winehouse's first album cover, and recalled how nice she looked back then, before the booze and drugs. This is was the hard stuff will do to you. Such a waste of talent! ... Discuss

Dayumn!

Jeebus! Normally I would have saved this for my "DILF Wednesdays" but something this good couldn't wait.

Do not adjust your computer screen. Yes, that is Dr. Drew. (I don't know who the 2 douches are on the left, who cares!) Daddy's been working out!

Weekends Are Too Short

You know?! But I had a great time; Watched the debates Friday night at a neighbors - I think we all felt pretty unanimously that the Obamassiah got his ass handed to him by McCain, which was very distressing indeed. Especially since Obama is usually such a good orator. It seemed to me he just let McSame walk all over him. Before I thought Obama could drink baby's blood and still win the election - it should be a shoe-in. Now I'm getting a little worried...

So it was too rainy to do anything else (I got soaked earlier in the day at the grocery store, not fun) so I stayed in. Saturday evening I went with Sean to his friends Walt and Scott's house in Vienna (near Fairfax) for a party. I got to meet some of Sean's other friends and colleagues I rarely get to meet, so I love being a part of his life more and more. The party was very nice and Walt & Scott have a very beautiful house.

Sunday we slept in and went to brunch at Lauriol Plaza (hadn't been there in a while - and shocker I actually ordered something besides my usual "enchilladas de mariscos!") we went to Old Town Alexandria to look at the art at the Torpedo Factory by the river, there was some weird historical bloat thing, got ice cream, tried to stay out of the rain. I love that part of town, it's very romantic. That night we went to see "Choke" with Margo, Fred, & Crystal. (F, I thought you were coming too?) at the E Street Cinema. I liked it. It's based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk - and while I haven't read that particular book, I had an idea of the absurdity to expect. It's a dark comedy I recommend seeing.

Oh, and hat-tip to Crystal for forwarding this to me: "The many loves of Anderson Cooper." All of it lies of course. It's all just a smokescreen so the public won't learn about our drive-thru wedding in Niagara Falls.

FridAAy Musings

Here's a potpourri of stories, since I have nothing today, besides a pAArty at a neighbors house to watch the presidential candidate debate (yes, you read that correctly). I guess that shit is on again now that Dubya pumped $700 of our taxes to boost the economy. Whatevs.

Patrick Dempsey (AKA McDreamy) likes spanking. Oh the visions in my mind...

Redskins player Chris Cooley, the team's tight-end (oh, I'll bet he is...) accidentally posted a picture of his dick on his blog. Haven't we all done that? Cough, I mean, except me. Anyway the guy is pretty hawt, so I was all excited until I actually saw it (NSFW - not safe for work!). Why couldn't it have been Tom Brady instead?

Britney has a new album coming soon? The Blue Dog Speaks, please advise!

Pic of the Day: Do I Even Have to Comment?

Even though I know mAAssachusetts former governor Mitt Romney is now a has-been, I came across this picture and had to post. Insert your own captions.

Cupcake-o-Rama

So being in-the-know of the culinary world due to my boyfriend and his colleagues, I always am amused at the emerging culinary trends. I often ask myself, “What’s next?” Of course the by the time a trend trickles down from London and Paris, to New York – and then way further down to DC – it’s usually stale. Take Thai for instance. Ages ago I remembered the Thai places all over London. Then New York. And a few years ago the trend hit this area and it seemed for awhile there were more Thai joints than Chinese take out! (Not that this is a bad thing, I do adore Thai food).

So now it seems around here the great trend is cupcakes. Here in DC we had CakeLove, and now it too is facing competition from others. A new place just opened last week over on Connecticut Ave. by Dupont Circle. Cake Love has locations in the suburbs now, and there’s some place over in Georgetown that just opened up as well.

Now I do love cupcakes, but none of these fools can come close the Magnolia Bakery in New York. Every time I’m in NYC I make the pilgrimage down to Bleeker St. to wait in line and get my cakes. They rarely make it back home ; )

But now that I think about it, I think Magnolia’s cakes might be cursed. I used to think it was just NYC, which is why I hesitate to go there with Sean. I mean a trip to NYC, for me, have always spelled relationship doom. Casey and I would always get into arguments going there – and we broke up there. Drunky and I didn’t break up there per se, but during that shiteous bus ride back, he brooded the whole way back to DC. And both break-ups were after… you guessed it, after visiting Magnolia Bakery! Those cupcakes are darksided!

Of course, Sean and I broke the curse on Harper’s Ferry, so who knows, maybe we’d be just fine!

When You’re (Not) Walkin in Memphis

So the Presidential debate this Friday got cancelled, and yours truly is actually somewhat relieved I didn’t have to fly to Memphis, TN (and the hour drive to the campus of the University of Mississippi). My biz trip was cancelled earlier this week due to other reasons behind the debate changing, but now it seems it’s cancelled altogether, or is it? I can’t keep up with the news! It’s so exhausting! Anyway, I was sort of set to go, if only to see my boyfriend’s hometown – yes, my man is a Southern Gentleman, I do declare!

DILF Wednesdays : Tom Brady

I saw this "Smart" Water ad on a bus-stop the other day. It's my husband #2, Tom Brady, getting off a special chartered helicopter that takes him to our cozy mansion in the English countryside...

Is This Really News?

Least-surprising headline of the decade:

Religulous

I want to see this when it comes out! A film sure to piss off the "people of faith" or whatever euphemism religious folks have these days.

Religulous! by Bill Maher

"Worst Week"

I've been seeing ads today for a new show called "Worst Week" and I noticed the main character kinda looks like Drunky a little...

Two Truths and a Lie

Let’s see what’s in the news for this magical Monday, the fall equinox:

George Michael busted again, in a park with drugs. Again. Seriously, this is so old-school gay, cruising in parks and such. Come on, George!

Pirates Upstage Westboro Baptist Church – this is seriously funny, matey!

And finally, it seems my husband #1, Anderson Cooper, has found a new love in some hussy homowrecking twink nobody, whose "acting" credits include the shiteous Another Gay Movie. Anderson, you have to be kidding me. I don’t why Michael Musto of The Village Voice is spreading these lies! That’s it, Andy, I’m doubling my alimony claim!

Attention Shoppers, Attention

So today was a beautiful day and I went shopping with Margo, because we both share a love of fall fashions. We surprised my chef boyfriend at his restaurant for lunch, Margo got a new fabulous espresso machine out of it. We went shopping afterwards at Tysons Corner (both malls) and I almost got this jacket at Martin + Osa, but I didn't - I'm always so indecisive on such things. Now that I'm back home I wish I'd just bought it - (Fred will have to coordinate with me so we don't wear the same coats on the same day LOL). Back to the mall! But that's not why I'm posting...

It seems my witch-sister Hortencia's problem lately of attracting married men has transferred on to me! With Margo as my witness I was checked out by several married men - with their wives and kids nearby. Actually they were all decently attractive, but the point is what's up with this town?!?

The center of attention - even when we're up shopping at the mall!

Adam's Canadian Thanksgiving, Eh

So this year I’m going to enjoy two Thanksgivings a month apart. How, you ask?

Well I’m going to visit a friend in Halifax, Nova Scotia next month. Being clever, I planned to go over our Columbus Day weekend, so as to have the free Monday off. Now, I knew that Canada’s Thanksgiving Day fell in October somewhere, but I couldn’t remember when. So I went forward with my plans and long story short I basically invited myself to Canadian Thanksgiving.

I felt bad and offered to change my dates, but I’ve been welcomed anyway, so that’s where I will be next month for four days. As for Yankee Thanksgiving, I’m not sure what my plans are... will Sean meet my parents? Will there me charade games and wine at Margo’s? Stay tuned!

Side topic: Canadian men are, on average, hotter than American men. I mean per capita, there are simply more attractive men in a ratio to ugly men than here. Why is that, eh? Discuss!

Friday Frustrations

For those gays out there who put so much stock in the Obamassiah, read this:

Obama won’t “repeal 'Don’t Ask Don’t Tell' on his own” and he “prefers a legislative solution” to the Federal ban on recognizing gay marriage. So basically he wants gay votes and gay ca$h, but he wants to take the centrist route and not really do shit for us. Obama talks about change... more like we're getting shortchanged!

And on it other news today that makes me want to emigrate – another sign that America’s day is swiftly approaching twilight... Now nobody even listens to our courts anymore.

Supreme Court’s Global Influence is Waning

"The story is similar around the globe, legal experts say, particularly in cases involving human rights. These days, foreign courts in developed democracies often cite the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning equality, liberty and prohibitions against cruel treatment, said Harold Hongju Koh, the dean of the Yale Law School. In those areas, Dean Koh said, “they tend not to look to the rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Why I Love Asian Markets

So this weekend past, Sean and I hit up the Asian markets in Fairfax - one of my particular favorites is Lotte on Fairfax Circle. It's the size of a Safeway, and it's always so much fun to see all the things you have no idea how to use (or would really want to?). Who knew aloe (yes, the sunburn treatment) was a popular beverage flavor in China, or that acorn jelly is a delicious Korean treat?

Anyway, I've always loved Asian markets for their cheap and unique produce. From giant king oyster mushrooms to banana flowers to huge clumps of fresh herbs for a dollar-a-piece, they can be a culinary wonderland. And this weekend was no exception, where I wound up buying tons of stuff that I'm still trying to figure out what all to do with.

I got a bunch of in-season Fuyu persimmons and I'd never used them before. And in making the puree (see below) I got to use my new Cuisinart food processor (it's the little things in life...) So here's a good recipe... because you never really know what to expect on my blog!

Persimmon Cookies
2 ripe persimmons, pureed
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup raisins (I prefer to leave out)
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 F. Dissolve baking soda in persimmon pulp and set aside. Sift flour, spices and salt together, set aside. Cream together butter or margarine and sugar until fluffy, beat in egg and persimmon. Stir in dry ingredients. Stir in nuts and/or raisins. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.

Season of the Witches

I've been trying, as of late, to put more of an effort into the blog. I've been inspired by the other two witches' blogs, so I'm making an effort to have more in-depth postings. Though don't worry; there will always be plenty of celebrity gossip, fluff, and gratuitous hot men.

Autumn is almost here, and it's my favorite time of year. I love Halloween - it's my favorite holiday (aside from my birthday, of course). But there's always been something I love about the fall. I'm planning on putting together another wine trip to the vineyards and mountains, if people are interested. It's always fun to have good friends and wine! October is also a major birthday month - Sean, and the "water witch," among others. And what will I be this year for Halloween??

Oh, in music news, it looks like they let Beyonce's little sister, Solange, out of the basement:

Separated at Birth: Cindy and Joan

One of these pictures is of potential First Lady, Cindy McCain. The other is chemical-face-peel-disaster Joan Van Ark. Take a guess!

DILF Wednesdays: It's Time to Crash a Wedding

Why didn't someone tell me about this while there was still time to pull a Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate and stop this travesty, I mean "wedding," from happening!

My crush in the UK, the British equivalent of my Anderson Cooper obsession, former London chief of police Brian Paddick got married. He eloped to Norway with some nobody and to rub it in my face, wrote about it!
Is that how you do me, Brian? I have to find out about these lies in The Daily Mail of all places! Fine, I see how it is, next time you see me in London I'll be holding hands with that Vladimir guy.

The Restless Cacophany

I've sucked yet another friends into the addictive world of blogging! Check out my friend K's new blog, The Restless Cacaphany.

“Does it Show on My Face, I’m Sick of This Place"

Sometimes I feel like I’ve been in this area for too long. I think one of the key things that keep me here are friends and the sense of safety and familiarity. Of course, sometimes I wonder how much longer I will live here, and where would I go from here. For instance, it’s one of my goals to live abroad, even if it’s only for a short time period – though increasingly I feel the U.S. has little to offer me. And yet, here I am close to my friends and family and there’s something to be said for that, too.

I guess I was thinking about this, oddly enough, when I finished reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which I picked up with a ton of other books from a used bookstore on 22nd St. I had seen the movie ages ago, and as is almost always the case, the book is far more interesting than the movie. My mother is in love with the city of Savannah, where the novel takes place, and she always talks about retiring there one day. I briefly remember visiting there as a child, but I remember my mom recalling stories old graveyards, taverns frequented by pirates, haunted houses, and a local form of Voodoo that is very prevalent. So I picked up the book hoping to see what it was about the city that fascinates so many people. It does, truly, sound like an intriguing place.

But the style of writing made me think about my own life here in an equally strange city (albeit for different reasons); Washington. I really think over the last 9 years I have enough material to write at least one novel, of not more. I’ve had some friends encourage me to do so in the past, but my problem always seems that I wouldn’t know where to start. So much has happened, and over the years I’ve befriended so many intriguing people; (formerly) homeless people, recovering drug addicts (and some sadly who never did), prostitutes, a drag queen, a comedian, a philosophy professor, alcoholics, shop owners, a singer, strippers, a Vietnamese transsexual, politicians, a murderer (remind me to tell you that story!), a painter, “power gays,” and so many others... So many characters and so many stories. And that, maybe, is a key to why I’ve stayed here as long as I have…

Greetings from Nigeria!

This is some of the funniest shiz I've heard in a long time. Now, you've all seen what's called the Nigerian Scam - you know, those junk emails that are from some dying person, usually in an African country, and they want to send you money before they die, but you have to send them some first, or supply your bank info etc.

So on NPR (I haven't found the link to the story yet) they interviewed this guy who turned the tables on one unsuspecting scammer. Little by little he won the con-artist's confidence over via email and phone, and tricked him into going along with a scheme. Basically he had the guy fly to war-torn Chad wearing a pink sash and was told to hold a sign at baggage claim (that unbeknownst to him insulted Islam). The guy got attacked by a mob, wound up sleeping in the desert and begging for money. There's a whole website of pranks pulled on these scammers, usually featuring them in embarrassing poses due to their poor English:

Only someone with my sick sense of humor would find that funny. By the way, I am living in Nigeria and am on my deathbed... I would love to leave my fortune to you but first I need your bank account numbers... ; )

The Juno from Juneau

Whilst away, I really tried actively to avoid anything remotely politics-related, but I was itching to comment on the whole Palin's daughter knocked up thing. It's old news now, I'm sure, but I was thinking the whole thing is so typical of how most of the time the Democrats just don't have the balls to call people out on their shit. Let's face it; if it was Obama or Biden's daughter who was pregnant, the right would be all over it, shaking their heads about America's supposed "moral decay" and so forth. Now we have the very daughter of one of these "abstinence-only" anti-choice foolios who's pregnant at 17, and the Republicans have spun the story such the Dems can't (or rather, won't) call them out on their hypocrisy.

Now, that having been said, here is the photo of the young man, Levi Johnston, who got Palin's daughter pregnant. I was also thinking, god it's a good thing I wasn't born female, because you know I would have gotten knocked up by some douchey jock too! I'd totally have his babies:



I'm just sayin!

hAApy hour is back, too

It looks like Halo learned their lesson! The 2-for-1 happy hour is back everyday like it used to be, according to an ad in the Blade this weekend. I'm sure certain complaints were finally heard!

I'm baack

Well I am home, and feeling that down feeling that always comes from returning to "reality" and coming back to the States - which generally depresses me anyway. I had a wonderful, wonderful time though. Puerto Rico is amazing island, full of the kind of beauty you have to pinch yourself because it doesn't seem real. Beaches with clear-blue water, rain forests and jungle waterfalls, banana and sugar plantations, and 500 years of Spanish history. Overall I think it's a place worth seeing.

I don't have all of the pictures up yet, but you can see the ones I do have by clicking here.

I think I've had my fill of plantains for awhile - they do love cooking with bananas. Yummy stuff! (see: Mofongo) And a word of warning - Puerto Ricans, no offense, are the bat-shit craziest drivers I've ever dealt with. Red lights and traffic lanes are only a suggestion there, it seems. And street paving is a concept that hasn't entirely caught on, nor has drainage. It rained one day (one day wasn't too bad - the island missed the hurricanes fortunately!) and I discovered that 1-2 foot deep "puddles" are not uncommon. LOL. I'm not looking forward to going back to work, but I feel overall very recharged which is what I needed.



My friend P is in England right now, but I love what the Blue Dog's been writing while I was away. Preach the truth!

Away Message, Bitch!

Daddy needs a rest... so me and my man are off to Puerto Rico until mid-September and I won't have time to update The Poison Pen like I usually do. In the meantime, check out The Blue Dog Speaks and Hortencia Carter's Big Mouth. I'm sure I'll have lots of gossip to report and catch up on when I get home!

I will leave you with some Britney to get you through the tough weeks without me...