Washington Weekend III: Sad Sign Of The Times

Like everywhere else, Washington, D.C., has a faint few remaining record stores. Melody Records on Connecticut Avenue in Dupont Circle, which opened in 1977, was a family-owned store that I frequented when I lived in D.C. even in the days of such giants at Tower Records. Now it joins its many brethren who can no longer weather the changing tide of music retail. *

Washington Weekend II: Leisure Time

While I was in Washington, D.C., over the weekend to primarily conduct biz with my bud Alex in his Fort Washington, Md., home, there was plenty of time for leisure. Back in November, I swung a deal on LivingSocial for a Megabus ticket for 50 cents round-trip(!).

Alex and his gal pal Caroline picked me up at Union Station early Thursday afternoon and we immediately made our way along the city streets to begin the celebration.

First up: beverages at a couple outdoor cafes—as temps tipped the mid-60s. In February. What a blessed event that was. Next stop: Alex's large two-story house, where he had a gift waiting for Caroline: a stuffed version of internet sensation Boo.
Alex's digs are complete with two back decks, two fire pits and a brand new hot tub (which we indulged Friday). In the mean time, Alex showed me some of his theatrical tricks, such as... uh, setting his hand on fire.And what home would be complete without a vintage 1965 Mustang convertible, arguably the ultimate vintage Muscle Car of all time... I look right comfortable behind the wheel, I must say. Friday eve we were back in the city, where we met up with my longtime dear friend RoRo at gay straight-friendly hang Nellie's, then journeyed to the beautiful 1905 tavern... Next up: The long-lived historic Eastern Market.

Washington Weekend I: Architectural Renaissance

My weekend excursion to Washington, D.C., where I lived from 1984 to 1995, revealed a city that has been scrubbed up, not only with tons of glistening new construction, but pride in its heritage. It's certainly evolved since the drug-infused era of Mayor Marion Barry, when few of my friends dared to live in the District.

NYC's Holland Tunnel: A Narrow Escape!

Here's Why Some Straights Should Never Be Allowed To Breed

TLC's horrifying Toddlers & Tiaras typically peddles the most abhorrent examples of what bad parenting can do to little tykes. There is little that's more obnoxious than a precocious child who believes she is precious and clever—except a gruesome big mama bear who engenders such behavior.

And thus: Meet 6-year-old Alana "Honey Boo Boo Child" Thompson and her hillbilly coupon-hoarding mother June from McIntyre, Ga., in matching fairy princess costumes. It's enough to make you demand statewide sterility laws... And yet, as you might imagine, gays—who wouldn't be caught dead dressing their daughter as such—cannot adopt there. The irony!Worst case scenario: When beauty pageant contestants turn from the above... to the below... *

Off I Go: Weekend In Washington, D.C.

The last time I traveled outside of metro New York City was Thanksgiving 2011, when I spent the holiday week with the parents in Virginia.

Thanks to a mammoth  deal I scored back in December (the Megabus for all of 50 cents round trip) I'm headed to my former home base of Washington, D.C. Thursday morning, to hang with buddy Alex and his gal pal Caroline.

The weather forecast for Washington on Thursday: a balmy 68 degrees. Stand by for photographic evidence, cool cats. *

Following Grammy Sweep, Adele Wins Brit Awards Best Album

After winning a half-dozen Grammy Awards in the U.S. earlier this month, Adele was also 2012's champion back home, during Tuesday’s annual Brit Awards telecast from London's O2 Arena. The Tottenham-born singer/songwriter earned two trophies: Best British Female and Best Album, for her 21.

"Nothing beats coming home with six Grammys and then coming to the Brits and winning album of the year. I'm so proud to be flying the British flag for all of you," the 23 year old told the audience, after being awarded Best Album for sales of 4 million in the U.K., by presenter George Michael.

When accepting her Best Female award from Kylie Minogue, Adele quipped, "You look stunning. I look like a drag queen next to you."

Ed Sheeran was the night's other double Brits Award winner, named Best British Male solo artist and Best British Breakthrough. After building a name for himself on the U.K.'s live scene, Sheeran broke into the mainstream in 2011 with a string of hits and his (stupidly titled) album +. He was this year's most-nominated Brits artist, with four nods.

Single of the Year—chosen by public vote—went to X Factor boy band One Direction with "What Makes You Beautiful," which trumped nine other nominees, including Adele’s "Someone Like You." Best Brit Group was Coldplay; while Best Contribution To Music was awarded to Blur.

International awards went to Bruno Mars (Best Male), Rihanna (Best Female) and Foo Fighters (Best Group). Melancholy pop singer Lana Del Rey won Best International Breakthrough act, while Emeli Sande took home the Critics' Choice award, for the artist most destined for 2012 success.

Without a doubt, the biggest story of the night came when Adele thrust her middle finger onstage after Brit Awards host James Corden interrupted her acceptance speech for 21.

Earlier winner Damon Albarn of Blur had eaten up more than 3 minutes with his acceptance, putting the show behind schedule. When Corden appeared on stage and said: "I'm so sorry, can I just cut off?" the crowd booed him. Adele responded: "Are you about to cut me off? Can I just say then, goodbye and I'll see you next time round." She then proceeded to flip the bird, amid hearty cheers from the audience. An endless 11 minute musical performance from Blur followed.

Adele told press backstage: "I flipped the finger but it wasn't to my fans. I'm sorry if I offended anyone. It was the suits that offended me." Numerous online polls in the U.K. and U.S. overwhelmingly agree that Adele's gesture was appropriate.

Adele said after the show that the "insult" wasn’t aimed at fans: "It was the suits that offended me." Show organizer ITV was quick to release a statement saying, "We regret this happened and send our deepest apologies to Adele that her big moment was cut short due to the live show overrunning." *

Lady In Red: Bigoted Cardinal Timothy Dolan Returns To NYC

Freshly appointed Catholic Cardinal Timothy Dolan returned to NYC Sunday from his festive ordination ceremony in Rome with a giant jolly grin, giggling with gaiety over the inexplicable amount of media attention he's received.

The anti-gay, anti-women's rights, anti-civil liberties, anti-live-the-way-you-deem-fit obsolete relic of antidiluvian Catholic protocol, is now setting down his priorities with a limp, albeit iron fist, including the importance of traditional heterosexual marriage—something he has absolutely no experience with. The red-beanie-wearing Dolan lisped to the masses that local bishops need to have a more effective pastoral message on marriage, because so many Roman Catholics are either not marrying or are divorcing: “We’ve got to be better heralds, trumpeters, about what beautiful life-giving life-long marriage is,” he said.

Dolan did not mention whether he intends to address his own rabidly ungodly obsession with food, after sucking up hundreds of thousands of calories at the banquet table, eating like a herd of hippos while in Italy. Upon his return, Dolan's new cardinal’s ring was so tight around his chubby finger that when reporters asked to take a closer look, he could not remove it to show the inscription inside. Perhaps Dolan should focus less on heralding the buffet spread. *

Joe Manganiello Covers March 2012's 'Out'

Our big bad buddy Joe Manganiello covers March 2012's Out mag. Yassir, count me in. In the article, the actor addresses rumors he padded his G-string to embody his role as a male stripper in upcoming stripper flick Magic Mike: "I'll let everybody see the movie and they can decide," he responded. Director Steven Soderbergh says the beefy 6-foot-5 star has nothing to be embarrassed about. Countdown for Magic Mike: June 29! *

Model Perfect: Juan David Echeverri For Tarra'o Apparel

Twenty-seven-year-old Juan David "Pollo" Echeverri is the main man modeling the men's line of Tarra'o underwear. Believe it or not, he is also a lawyer, with a degree from the University of Medellin. The Colombian apparel manufacturer, meanwhile, has just released its 2012 Summer campaign. Don't you think it's getting warmer by the minute? Man, I tell you, these pics are splashed all over the webbie. *

Liquid Plumr's Soft Porn Advert: 'I'm Here To Snake Your Drain'

You ain't never seen an advertisement for drain cleaner like this, I tell you what. *

Whitney's Daughter Caught Getting High Hours After Mama Was Buried

Talk about utterly stupefyingly stupid. Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina was caught getting high hours after her mother’s funeral. According to The Daily Beast, after leaving the New Hope Baptist Church in New Jersey Saturday, the 18 year old dodged a family dinner to spend "time alone" at a nearby hotel, where she was nabbed doing drugs.

Her habit has apparently become a persistent problem for the entitled brat. Before her mama's funeral Saturday, the family had a serious discussion about shipping away Bobbi Kristina to rehab as soon as Whitney was laid to rest. How in god's name could this girl be so asinine, seeing what such a habit ultimately leads to?

Stupid is as stupid does? Utterly unbelievable. *