Administrativia

This week: Walnut Chicken Picatta 4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb.) 1/4 cup flour 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces 3 cups hot cooked rice Pound each chicken breast to flatten evenly. Coat the chicken with flour, shaking off excess. In a large skillet, brown the chicken in hot oil on medium-high heat for 3 minutes on each side. Add chicken broth, wine and lemon juice; mix well. Bring to boil then reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 12 to 15 min. or until chicken is cooked through. When chicken is cooked through, stir in the walnuts walnuts and serve over rice.

Found this recipe over at Louise's Snack Bar when I travelled over from her comments on Pam's House Blend & 50 State Strategy. I plan on trying it out next weekend as the dessert for a chili dinner I'm throwing.

Taking a break from work -- and getting ready for Thursday. (Originally going to be cooking for 4, now we're up to 12 with an outside probablity of 16.) I'll post the menu with recipe links later tomorrow. In the mean time, might I suggest the dropping by the following blogs and joining in: 50 State Strategy Pam's House Blend

This week: "Drunken" Chicken 3/4 cup Italian Salad Dressing, divided ( see here for clone recipe ) 6 bone-in chicken breast halves (3 lb.) 1 medium white onion, chopped 4 medium plum tomatoes, chopped 1 jalapeño pepper, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup beer -- dark or amber 4-1/2 cups hot cooked rice In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the salad dressing on medium heat. Add chicken; cook until chicken is browned on both sides. Remove from skillet. Add the remaining 1/2 cup dressing, onion, tomatoes, peppers and garlic to skillet; cook until crisp-tender, stirring frequently. Stir in beer; bring to boil. Return chicken to skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover. Simmer 20 to 25 min. or until chicken is cooked through. To serve, place chicken on a bed of rice & pour vegetable mixture over.

In the aftermath of Proposition 8 passage, many of the Prop 8 supporters have now begun complaining that they are being "singled out" or "persecuted for their beliefs". Why? Because the record of political donations (of all stripes) is public... and gay marriage supporters have used that information to press for boycotts of businesses who directly gave to Yes on 8 or indirectly gave through large donations from high-ranking employees or company officers. Some argue that it is unfair to single out an entire company because of the actions of one of the executives (like the President of Cinemark Theatres or the owner of many Marriott hotels ). John Aravosis , like many others, argue for a boycott of all things Utah -- including calling for The Sundance Film Festival to move . More famously, a theater director in Sacremento quit his job (and became a cause celeb in the fundie circles) because of the threat of a boycott. (He gave $1000 to Yes on 8.) Is this a fair or re

Certain elements in our society put together a plan and a coalition to deny basic civil rights to gays and lesbians -- to "lock in" their continued ability to discriminate with impunity. "We are a democracy founded on Christian principles," they declared. "We must protect society against homosexuals for they threaten our marriages, our children and our beliefs." They successfully engaged legislatures to block equal employment protections. They successfully engaged legislatures to block equal recognition of gay & lesbian families. They successfully engaged legislatures to block gays and lesbians from the ability to adopt or become foster parents. But this nation is not just governed by the legislature (or an executive branch). Our system of government provides redress from executive and legislative overreach through the courts. So gays and lesbians (and other fair-minded straight people) availed themselves of their right to be heard in the court system.

Close on the heels of the GOP myth that a 50.1% win by Bush was a mandate, but that a 4% point win by Obama shows a "deeply divided country"... we now have the: "Obama should govern according to what the GOP minority wants, because that's what the people really elected him to do..." Really. There is a growing chorus of wingnuts who are actually arguing that the way back to power is to keep an Obama administration -- elected by a progressive, center-left coalition on a theme of change -- from enacting the agenda he espoused during the campaign. Because obstructing that agenda will do two things: Show that the GOP is still relevent Set up Obama to be a "failure" because he didn't cooperate with the right-wingers still left in government In otherwords, we're back to the Bush Doctrine of Bi-Partisanship: Do what the Republicans want or you're the one being partisan. Echos of the Gingrich government shut-down loom large.

Ray Hill is a local GLBT political gadfly, who has had his falling out over the years within the community -- especially after advocating for the release of the hate-crime murderers of Paul Broussard -- but his speech here is a pretty good one.

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup 1/2 cup milk 2 eggs 1 can (16 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained 1 pkg. (8 1/2 oz.) corn muffin mix 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 1/3 cups French fried onions Stir soup, milk and eggs. Add corn, corn muffin mix, cheese, and 2/3 cup onions. Pour soup mixture into 1 1/2-qt. casserole. Bake at 350°F. for 30 min. or until hot. Top with remaining onions. Bake for 5 min. more.

We're set for a large crowd downtown Houston at City Hall -- gathering begins at noon and the rally starts at 12:30 local time. Pics and video posted later (here and on http://50statestrategy.blogspot.com )

This week: Fettuccine with Creamy Zucchini Sauce 12 oz. dried fettuccine pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus 1 teaspoon as needed) 2 - 3 large zucchini (about 1 1/4 lbs.) 1 large clove garlic 8 ounces ricotta cheese coarse sea salt fresh ground black pepper 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (garnish) Trim off and discard the ends of the zucchini. Cut into 1/4" thick half-moon slices. Mince the garlic. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. While the pasta is cooking, in a medium skillet heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Add half the zucchini to the skillet, flat sides down, so they fit in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes, until the pieces have browned. Turn and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a waiting plate. Repeat the process (use additional oil if needed

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 3/4 cup vegetable shortening 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1/4 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups Quaker Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked) 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup raisins 1 teaspoon salt (optional) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat brown sugar, shortening and granulated sugar until creamy. Add egg, water and vanilla; beat well. Add combined oats, flour, salt and baking soda; mix well. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls (tablespoon for large cookies) onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered. Makes about 5 dozen (small) or 2 1/2 dozen (large) Bar Cookies: Press dough onto bottom of ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Store tightly covered. Makes 24 bars.

Memorial Bridge, Washington D.C. From the back of the Lincoln Memorial -- Arlington Cemetary is at the horizon.

Special thanks is given to those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.

1 1/2 pounds onions (2 to 3 medium onions), thinly sliced 1 teaspoon sugar 3 teaspoons kosher salt 3 tablespoons clarified butter* 1 tablespoon sweet sherry 1 large Italian or French bread loaf, crusts removed, cut into 5 by 1-inch pieces 6 eggs 2 cups heavy cream 1 tablespoon grainy mustard 1 teaspoon finely chopped thyme 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, saute the onions, sugar, and 1 teaspoon of the salt in the clarified butter over medium-high heat; stir constantly to prevent burning. Cook until golden brown. Add sherry and stir to lift any caramelized onion on the bottom of the pan. Remove from the heat and set aside. Spread out the bread pieces evenly on a baking sheet. Place in the oven for about 5 to 8 minutes to dry the bread slightly but not to add color. Set aside to cool. Whisk together the eggs, cream, mustard, thyme, the remaining salt, and pepper. Soak the bread in the egg mixture for 5 minu

While this blog will remain my personal blog, I've been musing about how to work through the disappointing results from the 2008 election cycle... not at the Presidential level, but certainly from a GLBT-rights perspective. I've come to the conclusion that it's time for a 50 State Strategy for GLBT equality. We need a focused and proactive plan for the next 10 years. Our enemies have had a simple plan: eliminate gay rights in all 50 states. And they have been extremely effective in keeping on target. Proposition 8 in California, elimination of adoption rights in Arkansas and same-sex marriage bans in Arizona and Florida are just the latest blows. They have vowed to eliminate marriage where it is already legal and close that option out by state constitutional amendment in the remaining states without such statutes. That's why I've started a new blog -- to get the conversation going. Start talking at 50 State Strategy ( http://50statestrategy.blogspot.com )

This week: Beef Taco Skillet 1 lb. ground beef 1 can tomato soup 1/2 cup salsa 1/2 cup water 6 flour tortillas (6"), cut into 1" pieces (you can substitute corn tortillas) 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Brown beef in 10" skillet stirring to break up meat. Pour off fat. Stir in soup, salsa, water, and tortillas. Increase heat and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and cook about 5 minutes. Stir. Top with cheese and serve. Serving suggestion: Roasted Corn on the Cob in Cilantro Lime Butter (posting this Sunday)

1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach 2 (13 3/4-ounce) cans artichoke hearts 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a casserole dish with nonstick spray. Heat the spinach in a microwave oven on high for 5 minutes and squeeze dry. Drain the artichoke hearts and coarsely chop in a food processor. Combine all the ingredients except the jack cheese in a large bowl. Stir well. Scrape into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the jack cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes. Transfer to a chafing dish and keep warm over a low flame.

They used to speak of the Bradley Effect: people who would profess colorblindness in public or to pollsters, but who would inevitably vote the opposite from the privacy of the voting booth. Today, from California, we see what I call "The Newsom Effect" -- named for SF Mayor Gavin Newsome who's statements became the rallying cry for the supporters of Proposition 8. The "Newsom Effect": people who publicly espouse equality for gays and lesbians, but use their votes to curtail the rights as citizens of gay and lesbian people. We need a long-term strategy and plan to counter this effect. I'm not sure the current coalition of gay rights standard bearers have the right stuff to make it happen.

Yesterday was an extraordinary day -- and people are still buzzing. Only the narrowist cynical partisan could deny the historical nature of Obama's win -- or the graciousness of McCain's consession. The emotions are still raw -- and I confess to getting misty every time I hear: "President-elect Obama".

This is offered in the "stick a fork in him, he's done" theme for the McCain-Palin ticket. 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 pound lean ground beef 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 8 ounces elbow macaroni 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, undrained 1 large can (16 ounces) tomato sauce 1 cup water 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese In a large skillet, brown onion with ground beef. Add macaroni, kidney beans, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, and salt. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; cover and continue to heat until cheese is melted. (Serves four)

As I posted yesterday , early voting turnout in Texas was 42% of registered voters. Total voting is expected to top 60% easily -- a remarkable turnaround. I know that -- supposedly -- the Presidential pick is "in the bag" for states like California, New York and Texas... but still, it was exciting to go to the polls this year (I voted early) and cast a ballot for a Democratic ticket that shows every sign of being the winner. Turn-out matters. Whether in a "locked up", "solid red" or "solid blue" state or not -- it's remarkable that because of the Democratic battle during the primaries and because of Dean's 50-state strategy (not to mention the abysmal performance by the erstwhile Shrub), Texas will be close. The blue parts of the state will be more solid blue -- and many purple parts of the state will doppler out of red and into the Democratic column.

and for the dreams and values you instilled in your grandson. Statement from Barack Obama and Maya Soetoro-Ng on the Death of Their Grandmother It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure. Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time. It brought our grandmother and us great comfort. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organiza

From Tampa Bay Times blogger, Adam Smith : About 30 minutes before John McCain is scheduled to lead a rally outside Raymond James Stadium, looks like there's maybe 1,000 people here. What's up with that? On the day before the election? Bush drew at least 15,000 people to a rally just across the street on the Sunday before the 2004 election. "We are the quiet majority that goes out and gets things done. ... I smell victory,'' said state Rep. Kevin Ambler. Good thing he smells it, because it's hard to see it with this crowd.

Registered Voters Total In-Person Total Early % of Registered Voters 8,460,139 3,346,351 3,556,156 42.03% If national trends hold true in Texas, then this bodes well for Dems down-ballot... there is hope for Harris County going blue.

It seems that the punditocracy is going into overdrive working scenarios whereby McCain pulls an upset. What A McCain Win Looks Like... McCain Looks for Upset as Obama Holds Advantage John McCain still has a shot Of course, if those don't pan out... time to call in Mothra!

While you don't necessarily expect anything approaching the truth from a losing campaign , seriously: Obama is running out of states if you follow out a traditional model. Today, he expanded his buy into North Dakota, Georgia and Arizona in an attempt to widen the playing field and find his 270 Electoral Votes. This is a very tall order and trying to expand into new states in the final hours shows he doesn't have the votes to win. After Tuesday, Mr. Davis will be available for birthdays, bar mitzvah and receptions -- and will be appearing nightly in the GOP Comedy Club.

Tis the season... This week: Green Bean Casserole 1 can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp. soy sauce Dash ground black pepper 4 cups cooked cut green beans 1 1/3 cups Durkee's French Fried Onions Mix soup, milk, soy, black pepper, beans and 2/3 cup onions in 1 1/2-qt. casserole. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes or until hot. Stir . Sprinkle with remaining onions. Bake and additional 5 minutes and serve

No real surprise , but... These pictures from the McSame campaign have to be a sign . Thanks to the folks at BrettMarty.com for being on the road and capturing this.