Administrativia

It's been a while, so here's the latest stats: My weight has stabilized at 246 -- so I'm going to review and implement a new regime (after the election) to start going for the next 25 pounds. Got my cholesterol screened yesterday: Total Cholesterol = 176 HDL = 45 (a little on the low side) LDL = 114 Triglycerides = 87 Fasting glucose = 96 Blood pressure was a little high, but I think that was more from the antihistamines (allergies) and the fact that I had just walked 2 blocks to get to our other building in time for my appointment. We'll see -- I'll get another BP test next month.

Some figures keep running around in my head... not enough for Obama to take Texas, but where the effect really will be: down ballot. In the 2000 GOP Primary, George Bush was running unopposed, as did John McCain in 2008. Both men took about 10-11% of the registered voters in that election. Neither Gore nor Kerry sparked that much enthusiasm -- both barely reached 7%. In the 2008 Democratic Primary, the Obama / Clinton vote combined was a staggering 22% of registered voters in Texas. 2:1 vote totals over McCain. The Texas Secretary of State has announced that between the primaries and the general, an additional 650K new voters were added to the registration roles. (Though I doubt that ACORN had much to do with it.) Given the enthusiasm gap for Bush / McCain (Bush now has a 34% approval rating here in Texas), it's safe to say that McCain will likely only hold a small margin over 50% statewide... BUT, in the urban centers of Houston, San Antonio, Austin and DFW, early voting has been ...

From Washington DC Most folks I know have already voted -- and if there were a way to make the Earth move faster around the sun so we get to Tuesday night's results, there would be plenty of people ready to get out and push.

This week: Scrambled Eggs with a Twist I ran across this intriguing little recipe for a new twist on an old staple... and in keeping with the Methodist Women's Handbook, always look for ways to use Campbells Cream of [insert type] Soup in a recipe. 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Celery Soup 8 eggs, beaten Dash ground black pepper 2 tbsp. butter OR margarine Chopped fresh parsley Chopped fresh chives In a large mixing bowl, stir soup until smooth (do not add water). Beat in eggs and pepper. Heat butter in skillet. Add egg mixture. Cook until set but still very moist, stirring lightly. Sprinkle with parsley and chives. Serve.

Hawkeye media has a panoramic view of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike just last month. And of course, a Google map of photos from the U.S.G.S. is also available.

If you're like me, one of the appetizers I can easily over-indulge in is crab rangoon. This takes that concept and turns it "inside out". Inside Out Crab Rangoon Dip with Won Ton Chips 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, cut into cubes 2 (6-ounce) cans lump crabmeat, drained and shredded 1 (10-ounce) can condensed shrimp bisque (lobster bisque can be substituted) 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1 scallion, finely chopped For the Won Ton Chips: Peanut oil 1 package won ton wrappers salt, to taste Preheat broiler. Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl and stir to combine. Place in a broiler-proof serving dish and broil for 10 minutes or until hot and bubbly. For the Won Ton Chips -- Heat 2 inches of peanut oil in a Dutch oven or fryer to 350°F. Add won ton wrappers in batches to fry lightly. Remove from oil and let drain on paper towels before serving. Season with salt.

Once upon a time, there was a political party in Texas called the Republican Party. In 1992, when Texas hosted the GOP convention, there was much talk about being a "Big Tent" party -- one where differing viewpoints were welcome. This was seen as "good news" by the old guard "country club" and "libertarian" wings of the party. There was even talk of including pro-choice language in the party platform... but then they began to speak... And as the late, great Molly Ivins said, "it probably sounded better in the original German." Through the 1990's, the Texas GOP continued to push the "god, guns & gays" themes. With the defeat of Anne Richards and the loss of many of the old Democratic stalwarts, the Shrub became governor, the legislature became Republican and politics became toxic. Led by Tom DeLay's thuggery, Texas was redistricted to ensure GOP hedgemony for -- well as long as they could keep it. But a funny th...

Especially with Faux anchor Megyn Kelly blatently lying and spinning as hard as she can.

It's truly amazing that this is something that is being touted as sacred, yet this is somehow profane.

From 538: http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/search/label/today%27s%20polls From Pollster: National Trends . Chris Bowers @ OpenLeft breaks it down .

This week: Roasted Corn with Cilantro Lime Butter 6 ears corn, shucked Cilantro Lime Butter: 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 lime, zested and juiced 2 teaspoons salt 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Put the butter in a mixing bowl and, using a rubber spatula, mix in the cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, salt and cayenne. Use immediately or refrigerate. Preheat oven to 400° F. Coat each ear of corn in 2 tablespoons of the cilantro lime butter and wrap individually in foil. Roast until hot and steaming, about 25 minutes. Serve with extra butter on the side.

Yesterday, I went to vote at the West Gray Community Center. Having gone through the trials of early voting there on other occasions -- and given the reports that early voting numbers are running double what they were in 2004 -- I was prepared for a long wait in line. Parking was a bit of a problem -- I wound up a fair piece away in the Office Depot parking lot across the street -- but overall, not unexpected. I was wearing an Obama t-shirt, but with a jacket to cover it up... and of course the first thing that one of the McSame people did was to confront me as I walked toward the center. I promptly buttoned up my jacket, but that wasn't good enough for them -- so I turned and asked, "How would you like your picture taken and sent in with a complaint of voter intimidation?" From what I could see, there was a fair bit of the usual GOP skullduggery going on -- trying to misinform first-time voters about what the rules were... but there were plenty of Obama people out to p...

What can be said about this staple in the casserole / skillet recipe book? Not having at least 2 cans on hand at all times has been known to cause tensions among members of my family tree... because it meant you didn't pick up 2 cans on your last visit to the store. Which you should always do. (Which is why, though single, I have 8 cans in my pantry.) Which brings us to this week's recipe: Chicken & Noodle Casserole 1 can Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup 1/2 cup milk 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables 2 cups cubed cooked chicken 2 cups medium egg noodles, cooked and drained 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Preheat the oven to 400°F. Stir the soup, milk, vegetables, chicken, noodles, Parmesan cheese and black pepper in a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the chicken mixture. Top with the cheese. Serve

Well, for me anyway. I plan to use my Friday off (I work a 9/80 schedule) to stand in line and vote early. That's the plan anyway... from what I hear, the early voting turnout here in Texas is already more than twice the volume from 2004. Here's hoping to see Harris County turn blue (or at least dark purple) -- and maybe a tide that pushes Cornyn and Culberson out.

As Andrew Sullivan points out, the Mormon Church is by far the most dangerous church to GLBT people in this country.

Queso (cheese) is a staple in the Tex-Mex diet... it serves as dip for chips, appetizer (single fried corn tortilla) and a sauce for tacos al carbon or chimichanga's. There are many recipes out there, but the tried & true recipe follows: 1 pound Velveeta (cubed) 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes and chiles (drained) 1/2 cup milk In a double-boiler, heat milk and cheese -- stir until cheese is entirely melted. Add Ro-Tel and continue to stir. Reduce heat and transfer to a thick serving bowl (to help retain the heat). Double the recipe as needed for the number of guests. Purists stick with the original, but you'll see variations that add different ingredients to spice it up, like one of the following: 1/2 pound cooked and drained ground beef & onions 1/2 pound cooked and drained chorizo (sausage) 1/2 pound grilled chicken strips, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup green onions 1/2 pound grilled beef fajita meet, chopped

Take it with a grin ... Thank you Texas Watchdog ! Here's the link to the Google Map .

Except that I don't think he was making a funny... "She is an asset and the most consequential VP candidate in a generation." -- Grover Norquist on Sarah Palin

David Sedaris disects the so-called undecided voter: To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. “Can I interest you in the chicken?” she asks. “Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?” To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked. I mean, really, what’s to be confused about

One of the best primers on the variety of tracking polls from Nate Silver in Chicago. h/t AmericaBlog

This week: Pumpkin Spice Cake 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 cup fresh or canned pure pumpkin (about 1/2 of a 15 ounce can) 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 cups sifted cake flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (preferably Grade A dark amber) 2 cups confectioners' (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted 1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnuts or pecans Preheat the oven to 350°F and place rack in center of oven. Butter and flour two - 8 inch cake pans. Cake: In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ad...

Clipped this from the Drudge Report... you have to wonder if he really wants folks to head over to Obama-land.

This being my Friday off, I will likely spend most of it in line at the West Gray Community Center waiting to vote... that way I can spend election day ferrying folks to the polls. Attendance is expected to up -- probably way up here in Houston... Obama may not carry Texas, but Democrats down ballot will likely be helped by the surge in registration and lots of straight-ticket voters. There's also a real sense of "throw the GOP out" -- especially here in Houston where the God, Guns & Gays crowd have had a stranglehold on the Courts for more than 15 years. Voter Information: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/politics/6051123.html

This week: Broiled Zucchini & New Potatoes in Parmesan Crust 4 small new potatoes 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves 2 small zucchini, cut in 1/2 lengthwise (about 1-inch wide by 5 inches long) Pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup grated Parmesan Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes and cook until just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let cool. When cool, cut the potatoes in half. Place a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the butter, garlic, thyme and rosemary and let cook until the butter melts, about 2 minutes. Season the cut sides of the zucchini and potatoes with salt and pepper. Place the zucchini and potatoes cut side down in the melted butter. Let them cook until golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil. Place the browed zucchini and potatoes on the baking sheet c...

As promised, more video from Thursday evening's Federal Club event in Houston. This is a short update on CA Proposition 8 which would strip the right of same-sex couples to marry -- and for the first time, take away a recognized civil right through constitutional amendment. The first clip talks about Prop 8, the second deals with HRC's response in Arizona and Florida. If you happen to stop by this post, please head over to No on 8 and help with a donation . Clip 1 Clip 2

Or whistling past the graveyard... but it does seem that the GOP is whipsawing between angry incoherence and sulky malaise...

The 2008 Revolution is brought to you by the heretofore mislabled or ignored Generation Jones . As a member of that generation -- and I can tell you that I do not relate to the Boomers or the Xers (and don't get me started on Gen Whine) -- I'm glad to see the potentiallity of having a President who is my age and generational sensibility. Just to note, as a GJer: We're not afraid of new technology nor are we entirely enamored of it -- ours was the first generation to ditch the slide rules for calculators, watched color television, but still spent plenty of time playing outside. We will question authority but not reflexively -- we believe in boundaries, but also like flexibility. We didn't experience the "Summer of Love" but were hitting our experimentation stride when AIDS came on the scene. In the gay community, my generation was nearly lost completely. We did not participate in the full turmoil of the Civil Rights Movement, but were touched by it growing up ...

Last night, the HRC Federal Club in Houston hosted an event at the Hobby Center for local politicians from the progressive side of the aisle to mix and mingle -- and to talk politics (local, state and national). City Comptroller, Anise Parker addressed the crowd early and introduced the slate of candidates for local & state that have been endorsed by the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. Not surprisingly, all the endorsements were of Democrats -- but that's probably because of two things: Local GOP officials will be thrown out of their party for even filling out a form for any group that has G, L, B or T associated with it They're typically from the Christianist Radical wing of the GOP (which is basically the entire Texas GOP) and because they're wrong on the issues wouldn't get an endorsement anyway (Log Cabiners on the committee notwithstanding). It was a nice evening -- the venue was picture perfect: Founders Club @ the Hobby Center... and I was glad to see Chris ...

The week: Roast Veal Fillets in Lemon Cream Sauce 2 one pound plume de veau veal fillets 2 tablespoons clarified butter 1/3 cup minced shallot 1/4 cup butter 2 teaspoons tarragon 2/3 cup dry vermouth 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup heavy cream Salt Pepper To prepare the veal -- Preheat oven to 450°F. With kitchen string, tie rimmed veal fillets crosswise at 1" intervals. Pat dry and sprinkle well with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, brown the veal in 2 tablespoons clarified butter over high heat. Transfer to a rack set in a roasting pan. Roast fro 30 minutes or until meat thermometer registers 175°. Transfer veal to cutting board and let stand for 10 minutes. Remove string and discard. For the sauce -- Cook shallot in 1/4 cup butter over moderate heat for about 3 minutes or until softened. Add tarragon and cook mixture, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in vermouth and lemon juice. Combine well. Stir in 2/3 cup heavy cream and reserve the rest for whipping. Combine well and ...

of·fal Pronunciation: \ˈȯ-fəl, ˈä-\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English, from of off + fall Date: 14th century 1: the waste or by-product of a process: as a: trimmings of a hide b: the by-products of milling used especially for stock feeds c: the viscera and trimmings of a butchered animal removed in dressing : variety meat 2: rubbish

pal·ter Pronunciation: \ˈpȯl-tər\ Function: intransitive verb Inflected Form(s): pal·tered; pal·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\ Etymology: origin unknown Date: 1600 1 : to act insincerely or deceitfully : equivocate I wonder if, at some future point unknown, the Villager reporters (as Atrios calls them) will quit waxing about the McCain that might have been. McCain's problem is that he is neither a legend or a myth... but tries to be both to disastrous results. When Clinton's myth of inevitability was pierced by Obama, she had the grace and good sense to wage a reality-based campaign. The same cannot be said of McCain/Palin -- who cling so desperately to the POW/Maverick of myth -- that they sublimate the very image they wish to project: honesty is replaced with lies; honor is displaced with sleaze; civility is replaced with incitement. With the tacit and explicit approval of the candidates.

Now that we're in the fall season, it's time to start seasonal baking... Pumpkin Pie 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 2 large eggs 1 can (15 oz.) LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 1 can (12 fl. oz.) Evaporated Milk 1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell Preheat oven to 425° F. Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shell. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving.

This week: Spinach Souffle 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened 1 cup cottage cheese 1/8 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper 3 eggs 2 pkg. (10 oz. each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained 1/4 tsp. paprika 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg Preheat oven to 325°F. Cook and stir onion and garlic in margarine until crisp-tender; place in medium mixing bowl. Add cream cheese, cottage cheese, salt and pepper; beat with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in spinach. Pour into greased 9-inch square baking pan. Sprinkle with paprika and nutmeg; cover. Bake 30 minutes; uncover. Bake an additional 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

1 pound ground beef 2 egg yolks 1/3 cup dry bread crumbs 1/3 cup parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup olive oil Mix all ingredients (except olive oil). Form into 1" balls and brown in olive oil. Drain on paper towels before placing in a serving dish. BBQ Sauce 1 1/4 cups brown sugar 1 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon dry mustard 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons vinegar 1 cup strong coffee 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Mix well and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Pour over meatballs and serve.

Inspired by the inimitable bacon, lettuce & tomato sandwich... Serve with pita crisps or kettle chips. 4 slices bacon 3 green onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt 1/4 cup chopped arugula 1/4 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 pint grape tomatoes, quartered Place the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat; cook, turning, until crisp, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel. Combine the onions, mayonnaise, yogurt, arugula, salt and pepper to taste in a food processor; pulse until chunky, about 5 times. Transfer to a medium bowl. Crumble the bacon into the bowl; stir into the mayonnaise mixture. Stir in the tomatoes. Makes 3 cups

Favorite line of the night: Hillary Clinton, from prepared remarks of Joe Biden --"He's (McCain) not a maverick! He's a mimic!"

It was a great evening -- even though I got out-bid for the silent auction items I was looking at -- the venue was much larger this year and the whole event was smashing. This was a bit of the pre-dinner entertainment from a duo called "Mantryx". Photo album to follow.

A few of the pictures I've taken in and around Washington, DC on my annual trip to the HRC National Dinner. (More from that in another post.)

Serve with vegetable crudites... Classic Blue Cheese Dip 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup heavy cream 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1/4 cup chopped onions 1 tablespoon minced garlic 8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled 1 teaspoon hot sauce 1 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon cayenne 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, optional Combine all the ingredients, except the chopped vegetables, in a large bowl. Blend with an electric mixer until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl, cover, and chill at least 1 hour or up to 3 days before serving.

This is a recipe from my college days -- senior year "fluff" course on gourmet cooking. 5 eggs, separated 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup sifter confectioners sugar 1/4 cup cocoa 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 package vanilla pudding (not instant) 2 cups light cream Chocolate Glaze (below) 1 cup black cherry pie filling 1/4 cup slivered almonds Preheat oven to 350 F. Beat egg whites with the salt until stiff but not dry. Beat in sugar (1 tablespoon at a time). Fold in cocoa. In a separate bowl, beat the yolks until thick and lemon colored and fold into cocoa mixture. Add vanilla. Spread mixture into a single 15x10x1 pan -- greased, then papered, then greased again. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn out on rack covered with waxed paper. Remove top paper. Cool and cut into quarters. While the cake is baking, cook the pudding with the cream until it is smooth and thick. Chill. When the cake is cooled, spread three layers of the cake with cooled vanilla pudding. Stack the layers topping th...

This week: Baked Pear and Walnut Salad 1/2 cup walnuts 2 large Bartlett or other very firm pears -- cored and sliced lengthways 1/4 inch thick 1 cup prepared Italian Dressing (see Italian Herbed Potatoes recipe for dressing) 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, divided 3 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix) or baby spinach / arugula mix Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a baking dish. Arrange pears in single layer. Brush pears with about 2 -3 tablespoons of italian dressing and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. In a small bowl, mix walnuts and 1 tablespoon of dressing until well coated. Spoon walnuts evenly around pears and baking dish. Bake for about 5-8 minutes, until pears are tender. Place salad greens on a serving platter. Top with pears, walnuts and remaining salad dressing. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan and serve.

HRC Headquarters -- got the nickel tour of the facilities (very nice) and talked with the Workplace Project folks about upcoming changes to the CEI and potential programming efforts for Houston.

This week: Chicken Koulibiak Start by creating puff pastry shells (Pâte à Choux) -- 1/2 cup butter 1 cup flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 eggs Preheat oven 400°F. In a medium saucepan, melt butter. Add 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Add flour & salt all at once; stir vigorously. Cook and stir until the mixture forms a ball that doesn't separate. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon after each addition until smooth. Drop dough by heaping teaspoonfuls, 2 inches apart, onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Next make the chicken filling -- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1/2 cup onions, chopped 1/2 cup celery, chopped 1/2 cup carrots, shredded 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon dill weed 1/4 teaspoon pepper 3 tablespoons butter 1/3 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 pound cooked chicken (about 2 7oz. cans of chunk chicken) Saute mushrooms, onions, celery and carrots in butter until tender. Off heat, add chick...

Uneventful flight -- left early, got to DC early and no hassles. Interesting observations on the plane: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was on the flight -- and looking none-too-happy seated in coach. She looked tired and definitely did not like having to be back in Washington for the upcoming vote tomorrow on the bail-out package. Democratic strategist (well at least in his mind) and Faux News commentator Bob Beckel was on the plane up in first class -- behind me and across the aisle. Non-stop pontification for 3 1/2 hours. I guess he's gearing up for another run on H&C. Whatever. This is the first trip to D.C. with no tourist plans and where I'm not staying next to the convention center. I'm in a nice suite at The Mayflower. (The difference between a suite and their regular rooms was $20... so why not.) Hopefully, I will still have my meetings with the HRC folks tomorrow -- if not, then I'll take a walk over to the Mall and take some more pictures. seating area ...