A Votar, A Votar, A Votar, O Si

Sorry for not writing these past few days, mis bonitos.  The Jayhawk and I were actually quite busy socializing (read, "getting our drink on") over the weekend.  And when we weren't out and about, the Jayhawk caught up on his zzz's while I was occupied nursing my hangover and cursing the past night's transgressions.  Which, over the course of the weekend, involved happy ho' at Gordon Biersch (good), BBQ and beers at Hill Country (disappointing, although the mix of drunk frat boys and jock lesbians on Friday night was interesting and entertaining) after a movie at E Street ("The Skin I Live In;" not the best Almodóvar film, but good once it finally got to the back story; I suggest just waiting until it comes out on video/streaming; I'll always say that Pedro should stick to females as his principal characters because his male-centered movies just aren't as good; there's a reason "A Bad Education" was named that way), espresso vodka shots and live girl dreamcore at Deperado's (pleasantly surprising), treats at Hank's Oyster Bar (I will never get enough of the BBQ oysters, and the arugula salad with duck prosciutto, pears, and radishes was amazing), and a Super Grilled Cheese sandwich at Stoney's (delicious). 

But the reason for the entry is to mention that it's time to vote, again.  Not only are the election polls open in MD and the VA today, but voting is also still open for the 2011 Hosteleriasalamanca.es Awards.*  And our dear friend, Héctor Carabias (that's him in the photo), is nominated this year for Service Industry Professional of the Year!  You know I've said it before, but I have to repeat that Héctor's food is truly the best I've ever eaten.  I've had great meals in my life, but Héctor's cooking made me cry it was so good.*  So, go cast your vote on the Facebook (you gotta "Like/Me Gusta" the page to vote)* for him.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for a win.

Update: There's still time to vote for Hector.  And you can now vote without needing a Facebook account!  Just go here*, click on Hector's photo, and type in your e-mail addy.  You'll get a message asking you to click on a link to confirm your vote.  And, presto!  Another vote for my friend!  Who, BTW, is offering his yearly limited-time tasting menu celebrating all things mushroom.*  Gawd...the Jayhawk and I need to go back to Salamanca in such a bad way.

(*Sites en español.)

And There Was a "Hollah, Girl" Heard Across the Land

Last night's Academy Award were meh except for 2 moments. I did get teary-eyed when Penélope Cruz broke out el castellano and dedicated her Best Supporting Actress award to her Spanish peoples. And I jumped up and whoot-whooted uncontrollably when Sean Penn won for Best Actor. You could definitely feel all of gay DC rejoicing. And for good reason because Milk was a fantastic movie that even made this hardened Rican shed a few tears. I guess now I have to see Slumdog so I can get what all the feel-good hype has been about. For those who know me, though, feel-good movies aren't necessarily my cup of tea. But I might make an exception this time.

Oh, yeah, and Mr. Penn's kill-him-with-kindness jab at Mickey Rourke was priceless.* "My brother," my arse. Klassy good times.

(*Explanation on why it was a jab here.)

Now What Am I Spoda Do?

It's so very true that now that the elections are over I haven't known how to use the Interwebs to pass the time when I don't feel like working. Luckily Slate is there to help a Rican out.

I think I'll make my next e-time occupier the post-Prop 8 events in California (and around the nation), though. The issue of gay marriage is much too important not to follow. And it's not just a benefits issue, either, but one of basic human rights and equal protection under the law. No group of people deserves to be targeted as a group and excluded from the Constitutional rights and privileges enjoyed by others in society. I think that's the one aspect of this whole debate, shamefully, that hasn't been hammered home and may have led to Prop 8's "yes" win. And let's not forget that we have DOMA to fight against in addition to the battles under way at the state level. Hopefully the strides made in MA and CT (and CA, for now) will count for something at the federal level when DOMA is finally done away with. That requires mega coordination and a renewed activist spirit, which you can see rising but isn't quite there yet. Maybe if peeps watch movies like "Milk" they'll be more motivated to become involved in the matter. I saw the movie last night at a Victory Fund event in Mazza Gallerie with Shaterproof and actually cried I thought it was that good. And I tell you it got me motivated. I'ma gonna give $$ to the Victory Fund as a first step. Another step will be to march this Saturday in protest of Prop 8. Who knows where I'll go from there? Political position in the new administration? Hmmm...