Archive for the 'Drinking' Category

03
May
11

Trip to Hoboken

This past weekend, I went to see old friends in Hoboken, NJ.  I went with my good buddy, Alan and left on….

Thursday – 6am drove to the airport – plane was diverted after we flew around Newark for over a half hour due to weather.  By 12:30pm we were in Pittsburgh and by 3pm we were back in Milwaukee.  We stayed around the Milwaukee airport to see if we could get a flight out and we did… at 6pm.  We had a show to go see at 8pm in NYC.  We showed up at the Newark airport at 9:10pm – we didn’t make our show.  No Priscilla.  But we did get to see our pals and get to bed.

Friday – woke up, had lunch at Vynyl (a great spot for lunch with records stapled to the ceiling and album covers as menues) We made some pitstops for shopping and went back to get ready to go out.  I don’t remember much that night – but I”m sure I had fun!

Saturday – Ate at a GREAT BBQ place (Dallas) and got to see The Divine Sister at the Soho Theater.  Went out after that and got to bed after some leftover Chinese food and a cocktail.

Sunday – Went to Brooklyn – Did a lot of walking and shopping and came back to rest, get food and pack for the ride home.

Monday – Left Hoboken at 9:30am and got back to Milwaukee in the afternoon.  Weather was perfect and it was so nice to spend time with friends even after the delay!

Here are some pix of the weekend – Enjoy and I hope you had a GREAT weekend too!

11
Mar
11

Syns in the Afternoon

Favorite Quote From GLEE:  ”Afternoon Delight is a dessert. It’s made with coconut, and pineapple and marshmallow fluff.”

Doesn’t get much better than that!  LOVE IT!

This weekend I’m having a reunion with a great college friend, going out drinking, toying with the idea of protesting in Madison and perhaps a movie…

Who knows….

Hope your weekend is fun-filled and busy – and if not, at least I’m hoping you’ll be relaxing with a nice glass of wine or a bit of brandy.

CHEERS!

23
Feb
11

Who in L.A.: The Rest of the Story

Thursday Night:  Took the flight from Milwaukee to L.A. at 6pm – My friend Alan offered to drive me (Thanks Alan!).  It was a non-stop flight and it was packed!  I was quite nervous about the trip – or anxious.  In any event, the flight was relatively calm and nothing major happened.  I arrived in L.A. about 9pm and got myself to the hotel.  Ate, showered and went to bed about 11pm. 

Friday:  I woke up as early as I could and registered at 10am – after coffee.  Gallifrey One started at noon with Matthew Waterhouse.  After I got my name tag I walked around, ate some lunch and settled into my first panal.  After Matthew’s there was the one with Peter Davidson, Janet Fielding and Sarah Sutton.  These were all former companions with the fifth doctor.  It was incredible to see them all on stage – over 30 years from when they were on the show!  They all had GREAT chemistry together – but I found out that the reason Matthew was separate was because they ALL don’t get along that great…. oh well.

Later that day there was also a panal with the voice of K9 (!)  I LOVED IT!!

During the convention – I had time to walk around and make friends.  One guy, Kevin and I, walked around the vendor area to see what they were selling.  I was passing a table and I went white!  It was Sarah Douglas’ booth and she was there with her token gay pal.  She asked if I was ok – and I mumbled that I couldn’t believe that I was in front of a legend.  Sarah was so taken with my reaction to her that she told me she had to take a picture with me.  Imagine – me and a Superman nemesis!!  I almost fainted.  Turns out Sarah was there for her work on the games and various audio work.  She ROCKED!  I found out that they were staying at the same hotel I was in and I was told to stop by whenever… I didn’t because it was 2am by the time I got back to the hotel.

Why?  Well there were lots of things still to partake in at the convention.  One was the MST3K edition of the 5th Doctor’s first episode – it was insane!  After that there was a party, drinking, etc.  I met many cool people there and soon found out that there is a HUGE gay following of the show!

Saturday:  After getting some breakfast I walked over to the host hotel and settled in for more panal discussions.  I met Sammi, a bigger trivia freak than I am!  I went to the panal with Sarah Sutton and Janet Fielding – 2 of the companions.  At that panal I found out that it was a major bitch session about how women and actors were treated on the show.  It was an eye-opener – VERY much worth the price I paid at the door!  These are very intelligent women and their panal was one of the highlights!  They were both asked if they were confronted by the new Dr. Who, if they would consider being a part of it.  Sarah said she would consider it, but she’s not acting anymore – but Janet said she definately would because the writers in the new show actually care about the characters.  Basically, I think that the old series should have probably had more than one director on hand.  One for the technical stuff and the other for the actors – but hind sight is always 20/20.

There were tons of other discussions and then the 5th doctor came on stage to have his talk.  It was interrupted when Janet Fielding came on and the two of them had the floor.  It was turning into JANET-CON!  And I didn’t mind.  The Australian actress/former agent was in rare form and it was a delight. 

After a quick bite to eat, we all headed to a great party.  Much drinking ensued, more friends met (Hey Shawn!) and I stumbled back to my hotel at like 3am this time!  I don’t know how I remembered how to get back there after all the vodka, but I managed.

Sunday:  I found Sammi and the 2 of us chatted before the Sarah Jane panal started.  There were less major discussions going on – but the smaller ones seemed interesting as well and Shawn found me and we settled in for an afternoon of fun!  The Torchwood panal was AMAZING!! They offered a few spoilers (ask me about them…) and when they opened the panal up for questions who was the first one to get called on?  None other than Janet Fielding!  She asked the writer what his definition of ‘science fiction’ was and he basically said that he didn’t consider Doctor Who true sci-fi.  It was more of an action/adventure show.  Interesting.

I had to catch my plane after dinner.  I got back to the hotel, grabbed my bags and left for LAX and the red-eye flight at 9pm.  I got in Monday morning at 6:15am.

Met lots of new friends and I found out that people actually like to spend longer than a couple of hours with me!  Yes, it was quite the long, yet enjoyable weekend!  Hope yours was too!

30
Dec
10

Sardine Syns

http://www.mymediterraneandiet.net/2010/08/sardine-stewgive-it-go-honest.html

The New York Times just posted an article about one of my favorite under appreciated food items: Sardines.

Not just a comic foil (see: Noises Off), this food is one to be reckoned with.  It is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids – this has shown to help battle Altzheimer’s, blood sugar levels and they have a much smaller amount of mercury that’s usually found in fish.

Don’t like sardines?

Don’t eat them – but if you like to live a longer, healthy life – try them broiled like the Times suggest.  It’s hard to get grill them because they are so tender.  Most places that serve this fish may say ‘grilled’ but they really mean ‘broiled’ but ‘broiled’ fish just doesn’t sound good.

To cook this awesome swimmer right you should buy them fresh (popularity is coming back on this fish so fresh won’t be hard to come by).  Gut it if you need to by making a slit in the belly to the head and empty they critter.  Fill it with butter and thyme, rosemary, basil, or whatever you have around the house (no not the kitchen sink) and put it on the broiler for like 5-8 minutes or so.  Turn once only and… Voila!

Totally easy – now let me know what you think and if they taste good with the champagne you bought!

Happy New Year!

16
Dec
10

My Trip to Paris: Day One

I’m sharing, finally!

The first day was actually Wednesday, Dec. 8th – but all that day was traveling.  I left Milwaukee at 1pm and got to Paris at 7:30am Thursday.  I really didn’t know where I was going once I landed.  It being so early – not many people were working there (?).  I managed somehow to follow the exit signs.  Once there – I hailed a cab to the city.  $45 Euro later I arrived at my hotel.

I couldn’t check in until noon – so I decided to drop my bags there and hoof it to the Eiffel Tower.  It was just about 900 meters away – but I didn’t plan on all the snow and ice.  Getting there was a slippery slope – but I managed just fine.  Took my time, had some coffee and enjoyed the brisk December morning.

Once I reached the tower, I waited in line for about an 1hr and a half.  CRAZY.  It was super busy!  Riding the elevator up to the first floor was neat and I was sooo hungry.  There’s a cafe there and I got a tomato and basil sandwich along with a huge cup of beer.  Much need refreshment!

Coming down from the tower and getting back to the hotel it was almost 3pm.

The rest of the day I spent getting to know the hotel’s area, unpacking, and finally sleeping.  I found a great corner grocery store where I got a cheap bottle of wine and food to eat so I would save some Euro.  I had to find a cheaper way to the airport on the way back!  That was mission one.  Mission 2 was to hit the gay bars.  Mission 3 was the next day….

Enjoy the pix!

29
Oct
10

Syns of Drinking Alone

I thought I’d try this again – it’s been a long, long time – -

After dinner last night, I went to a local gay bar by myself for a cocktail.  I don’t have anyone to go out with during the week, so I usually stay home and watch TV or read.  I am totally doing that from now on.

I don’t see how anyone would go to a bar alone – it’s freakin’ boring.

One good thing was the bartender – but only when he was free to talk.  People at bars are usually in cliques or couples and don’t let others in very easily.  There were 2 lesbians next to me – but even that was pretty much limited to a joke or two.  I read a couple of gay rags and left after about 35 minutes.

While I felt odd about the whole experience, I wasn’t surprised.  I am glad I did it for something different than just heading home after dinner – but I so don’t need to do it again anytime soon.

If anyone else has suggestions or stories about being in bars alone, I would appreciate it.

From now on – I’m totally waiting until friends or at least a friend, can go out with me – other than that, I’ll be having a cocktail by the TV light!

*CHEERS*

26
Aug
10

Madison Pride 2010

Last weekend I attended the Madison Pride march and picnic!

It was a blast seeing old friends, meeting new ones, eating – - oh and partaking in a cocktail or 6.

Here are some of the highlights from that weekend (via Endora’s camera).

23
Aug
10

Syns of Irish Fest

This past weekend I was BUSY!!!

Saturday I went to see Endora in Madison, went to the Gay Pride Bash there after I called the cops on a swerving driver on the highway.  After recovering from the picnic, I went to Club 5 and continued to feel Pride-y!

Sunday we had 3 brunches to attend, so we woke up at noon to avoid the hassles (not really – we did mean to go to brunch, but stuff happens….)

I left after inspiring words after the parade at the rally from none other than Tammy Baldwin (who ROX my world!)  The trip home was not as eventful as it was going to Madison – yours truly arrived back home safe and sound and STILL had enough time to get over to the fest grounds to enjoy Irish Fest with Flippy.

Here’s what happened via photos at Irish Fest:

I hope everyone had a SUPER weekend!

12
Aug
10

Tonic

Meg always wanted to name her own bar: Tonic.

Since that time so many years ago – I was in New Jersey and spied a little bar called Tonic near Park & 12th in Hoboken.  That has closed its doors and guess what?  Another bar opened called Tonic, but this time in Milwaukee!

Meg – even though it’s not yours, you can at least go to one now close by!

I was just there last night for drinks and stories with a co-worker of mine and you know what?  I’d totally go back again!  There was plenty of spots outside and inside it’s very neat.  It looks like someone just left opened a garage and thought they’d just serve some cocktail.  And it the attitude of the place is totally cool.

I suggest anyone in the Bayview area to get going over there soon.  It’s the perfect place after a movie/play to go to and unwind.  Plus, the staff are A-OK!

29
Jul
10

Tiffany and Debbie Gibson: Together at Last

It’s MEGA PYTHON vs. GATOROID on SYFY and it’s starring those 80′s bitches, Tiffany and Debbie Gibson!!  Here’s a little peek into what’s going on in the flick (or is this real)….

You know me… cheesy movies, 80′s bitches, probably bad acting and music – AND there’s MICKY DOLENZ – yeah, I’m totally in front of the TV on this one, guys!

Not only It Could Have Been – IT IS!  Not only in their Electric Youth – it’s going on NOW!  Grab the popcorn and settle in for a night worthy of an Academy Award (or at least an MTV one).

* Drinking game at how many song references are used * hee hee

“I know that pop culture fanatics have been dying for Tiffany and me to collaborate for the past 24 years! What better way to do it than by battling each other in a campy romp through the Everglades?” Gibson states.

Adds Tiffany, “Only in my dreams have I been able to have a catfight with Debbie Gibson… until now! This is soo MEGA Cool!”

26
Jul
10

Wicked Syns

WOW!

I had a busy weekend!!

Friday night:  I left to go home to change and shave for the night cuz I was going to see Wicked at the Marcus Theater in Milwaukee… I had no idea that when I left work I left my wallet and money behind… YIKERS!  So, I had to call co-workers that were drinking around the corner from work to see if they were around to let me in – no one was!  Finally I re-dialed  one of ‘em and I got the keys to work and made it in to get to my stuff.  Needles to say, I missed dinner at the Red Accordion with the gang – but Flippy picked me up and we met them after they ate.  We all walked over to the theater, got some $3 little bottle of water, and sat down for the show.  It was one of the best musicals I’ve seen in a long time – we all had a blast.  One of the people that went with us even teared up several times during the performance.  Wonderful.

Saturday:  I got kind of a late start.. I blame the wine…  But after coffee, I met A.J. to look at some condos – downtown Milwaukee has slim pickings but at least it’s a start!  I went to Qdoba for lunch and then whisked myself to the South Ridge Mall and Best Buy to use some gift cards from my birthday.  I got home after the gym and grocery store and started to watch the Doctor Who DVDs I got from BB.  Great end to a GREAT day!

Sunday:  I woke up at like 9am to get ready for tailgating @ the Brewer’s stadium parking lot.  I brought the Bloody Marys (yes, with the fixings).  There was great potato salad (woo hoo Flippy!), Italian sausage, brats and onions, watermelon and taco salad.  I went with Flippy, her dad, his fiancee and the rest of Flippy’s clan – - it was so good to see everyone again.  At the game, we got beer and peanuts – our friend Mo stopped by to say hi – she was visiting from AZ/Nevada – it was soooo good to see her and glad she made the trip.  Wish we could have spent more time with her – but alas, it was not in the cards.  After the game I had to sober up – so I just settled in for some water and left over potato salad.

Hope everyone had a great weekend – or at least a good one!

06
Jul
10

B-52s & Summerfest

This was quite a busy weekend for me and my friends!

Thursday: Endora came to visit from Madison and we went with Flippy to see the B-52′s at Summerfest!  It was such a blast!! The first time I saw them was in 1989 (summer) during the LoveShack Hay Days and I’ve seen them tons of times since (the last was during Cyndi Laupers’ True Colors concert).  They were in rare form – Fred’s birthday was celebrated and they even sung “WIG”!!!!!  They have NEVER sang that in public and Milwaukee was the first time (maybe only time) this has happened.  It was amazing!

Friday:  Endora left to go back and I cleaned the heck outta my apt.

Saturday:  BBQ with great friends!!!  4 or so blocks from my place is the beachfront and we trekked with chairs and food to an awesome place to see Milwaukee’s Big Bang (fizzled out near the end, but nice just the same).  Why are brats always good in the summer?

Sunday: Another BBQ with great friends!  Again, why are brats always so good in the summer?  That said, Ann made some lovely Watermelon Margaritas mmmmmm  - good times had by all!!

Monday: Recovered a bit, went shopping with Alan before he left for the weekend.  Gotta love the CK outlet store!!

See… quite a busy weekend – hope everyone had an awesome holiday – check the SummerFest photos below:

15
Jun
10

Pride Syns

This past weekend was Milwaukee Pride.  I went with friends on Friday night – it’s at the Summer Fest grounds right next to the Lake – it’s also the biggest pride festival in the country – all weekend long, music, dancing and shopping.  I don’t like crowds much, so I just went one night – - the night Kathy Griffin was on stage for the queers!

Ah Kathy Griffin – hummmm she’s better indoors at a concert she actually prepares for.  That said she was funny – for the first 15-20 minutes… then fell flat after a sports reference.  The Packer fans turned on her a bit and surprised her – which probably lead her to second guess her material – she fell back on the Bravo shows she makes fun of and her mom – all OLD material.  Kathy then ended with another tired story (that’s in her book) of Andy Dick (who I try to forget, anyway).  Her video montage was more entertaining… *sighs*

Better luck next time, Kathy.

Saturday saw Mark and I going to Opay’s place to meet him and Alan.  Opay is from Nigeria and I love the food from there!  I have been nagging him to cook – and he did!  MMMMMM!  Not sure if any of it was Nigerian related, but OMG he’s an awesome cook!  I’m still watering at the mouth.

Sunday was a nice lazy day and it’s a good thing I rested up – cuz, the TONYS were on!!  Ok, so it was kind of boring – but it was nice to see old and familiar faces (like Flippy’s who came over to watch them).  We played a drinking game that we shouldn’t have started – - -

** Everytime Angela Lansbury or ANY Glee cast member was shown on camera we had to take a sip.  It ended badly and afterwards there was much water to be had by all.  Thanks for the fun times, Flippy!

Since I was recovering a little yesterday, I count this as the weekend – - – I finally got shorts that fit me (I think I went down a waist size!!) and I got me a copy of Gone with the Wind (I didn’t have it – who knew??).  I can’t wait to watch it!!

I hope everyone had a GREAT Pride weekend – or at least, just a GREAT weekend!

02
Apr
10

Pot Roast Syns

It’s been awhile since I actually cooked something for myself  and I thought I’d share it with you….

I got a top round beef roast on sale at the local grocery store and bought with it red peppers and an onion.  I put that in my crock pot all day long yesterday with some garlic and spices.  When I got home I put 2 potatoes in the oven and cooked some brussels sprouts on the range top.  Added butter and salt to both I munched happily on them while I watched some Bones on DVD.  All in all – it was a very pleasant evening – I spent little on the food and I even have leftovers.  I should do this more often – but living alone, I don’t see the point to it…

Did I mention the wine?  A great red was had by all…  Thanks, Mark!

My good friends Ben and Keith came over a couple of nights ago and left some cake – so.. Voila!  The perfect dessert was just seconds from my plate at the end of dinner!

I know it sounds simple and not interesting – but I had a great time eating something I made and just relaxing.  It was a very nice change after work.  Most days, after the gym I don’t eat anything at all – or if I do, it’s usually a protein shake or veggie dog (or 2).  So, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I’m looking forward to more home-cooking this weekend!!  Hope everyone had a GREAT week and have a GREATER weekend!!

25
Mar
10

Bill Murray: Bartending @ NYC Bar

My co-worker was at a bar last week in NYC and Bill showed up to lend a hand at pouring the drinks:

17
Mar
10

Syns of the Irish

Venting:

I am NOT a Patty’s Day fan.  I won’t go out or participate in ‘amateur night’.  That said – I also don’t like the fact that all of a sudden EVERYONE seems to be Irish on St. Patty’s Day.  And what’s with the Christian undertones?  And I don’t drink beer.  When will they celebrate being from Luxembourg?  Now, there’s a real country!

And – with that said, I am a tiny part Irish – but c’mon, I draw the line at dressing in green and making a fool outta myself.  I’ll stay at home with my corned beef and cabbage and let the idiots prevail until they pass out from the green beer and whiskey.

When I was in Ireland, guess what?  They’re not idiots – do you know what St. Patrick’s Day is for them?  That right it’s a CHURCH day.  A time when people go to mass, and reflect and not get stupid drunk.  It’s a day that is highly regarded in the church calendar.

So, why are American’s so flighty?  And why are almost all American’s suddenly Irish for one day?

I blame the beer.

Anyone wanna weigh in?

15
Feb
10

Cirque du Soleil: KA

In Vegas, I got to see an awesome thing: Crique du Soleil: KA!

I just wish I could remember it.  You see, Alan and I went to the Liberace museum earlier that day, went on the tour and then went to the gay bar next door to the museum in the strip mall.  Goodtimes.  Yep, indeed it was because we stayed there for 3 hours drinking their $2 “Recession Special” drinks for Happy Hour.  We were then driven by a local barfly to another bar called Escape, where we just kept drinking until it was time to see Ka (we bought the tickets the day before.)

So, we settled in our seats.  I was a bit (read: ALOT) tipsy so, I used this time to accept the brilliance of the movement and emotion from the performance as a vehicle to start sobbing everytime someone was lifted off the stage by another person (which happened frequently).  I looked at Alan to see if he was handling things better and I found him snoozing.  We were a couple of train wrecks.

Of the stuff I recall, it was amazing, brilliant and awesome.  What was it about? I have no idea – but it was great!

Now, pass the shots.

20
Jan
10

Zima?

Remember when drinking this was ‘cool’?  I had a TON of it in New Orleans at OZ, but that was the time we lost Trevor and groped a statue in the French Quarter – I also made out with a drag queen, got love beads, a coffee and beignets at 7am afterwards, but I digress….

From www.whatscookingamerica.net:

Beignet Recipe

1 cup lukewarm water
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, room temperature & beaten
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup evaporated milk
4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons instant active dry yeast
Vegetable oil*
Powdered sugar for dusting

* Use just enough vegetable oil to completely cover beignets while frying.

beignet and coffeeUsing a mixer with a dough hook, place water, sugar, salt, egg, butter, evaporated milk, flour, and yeast in the bowl. Beat until smooth. If using a bread machine, select dough setting and press Start. When dough cycle has finished, remove dough from pan and turn out onto a lightly oiled surface. form dough into an oval, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until well chilled (3 to 4 hours) or overnight.

To prepare dough, remove from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured board to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into approximately 3-inch squares or circles.

In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 360 degrees F. Fry the beignets (2 or 3 at a time) 2 to 3 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown on both sides, turning them in the oil with tongs once or twice to get them evenly brown; beignets will rise to the surface of the oil as soon as they begin to puff. NOTE: If the beignets don’t rise to the top immediately when dropped into the oil, the oil is not hot enough. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels, then sprinkle heavily with powdered sugar. Serve hot.

NOTE: The dough can be kept for up to a week in the refrigerator – it actually improves with age; just punch down when it rises. Dough can also be frozen; cut and roll, or shape doughnuts before freezing.)

Makes 18 beignets.

06
Jan
10

After X-Mas Syns

Saturday night – after Christmas – my high school chum Julie had some people over to her house to drink up what was left of her booze and food.

Here are the results:

Julie served the best Lemon Drop martinis:

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 ounces vodka
  • 1/2 ounce triple sec
  • 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
  • 3/4 ounce FRESH lemon juice
  • 4-5 ice cubes
  • superfine sugar, for the martini glass rim
  • lemon twist/wedge
05
Jan
10

Gaga Bashes the Gay Basher!

Just reading’ up on some important news items today when this came to my peripheral vision!  Gotta love Gaga for sticking up for herself, her friends and well – being just awesome!  You Go Lady!!

Read the exchange between her and a drunk ‘critic’ recently (courtesy of www.planetout.com):

According to the National Enquirer, Lady Gaga was partying with friends when a drunken man confronted her saying; “I saw you and Adam Lambert on the AMA show, and the guy’s a flaming [explicit] — and I also think that you’re actually a man!”

Reportedly Gaga fired back: “Well, that’s your opinion, isn’t it? And I’m not about to waste my time trying to change it.”

The angry fan yelled back: “Well, don’t you care that you’re both going to hell!” Lady Gaga then looked at him and said:  “No…not as long as I don’t have to see your face there!”

The intoxicated man replied: “Well, you’re a freak and so is he!” Before Gaga left she stated: “Okay, that’s it! Call me anything you want, but when you start calling my friends names, it’s over — it’s war!” Lady Gaga then reportedly poured a  glass of water on the drunken man and then swiftly left the club.

Gaga wins the crown in the first brawl of 2010 for silencing the surly spectator with icy words and a cold glass of water.

More HERE




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