The DC Council has voted to essentially make the city a 24-hour party town during inauguration weekend, January 17–21. From the AP:

WASHINGTON (AP)—The D.C. Council has approved emergency legislation allowing the city’s bars, nightclubs and restaurants to stay open around the clock for four days around President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration.

The bill allows any establishment with a liquor license to serve alcohol until 5 a.m. and serve food at any hour from Jan. 17 until the morning of Jan. 21.

The council approved the measure in a 9-4 vote Tuesday and was pushed by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. The organization says the inauguration is a rare event that is worthy of special rules.

While everybody knows that you can get free coffee from Starbucks or ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s on election day, here are some two local establishments getting in on the act.

Chef Spike’s Good Stuff Eatery is offering a free Good Stuff Cookie or Brownie if you show your “I voted” sticker. You must present the emailed certificate when ordering so print it out now. The certificate, really html, is here so just print this and trim it out. This offer is good only on election day.

The 9:30 Club is having an even better offer. For one hour on Wednesday (it’s an “election hangover special”) from 10–11am it’s buy-one-get-one-free for all concert tickets. Great deal, but unforch there’s not really any shows coming up that I’d want to see. Too bad The Charlatans aren’t coming until 2009.

The forecast for yesterday was rain: showers in the morning, showers in the afternoon. I kept a watchful eye outside and it does look wet and windy. Drat. I was hoping to avoid taking an umbrella with me all day but it seems a necessity now. I had a six-block walk from my arrival bus stop to the Corcoran for Todges’ (Todd Hodges) gallery show and silent auction and didn’t want to arrive wet.

It hit me on the bus that I didn’t know the faces of the friends of Todges’ that I have been talking with on the phone and emailing to/from for the past month. Will there be nametags? Will we have to publicly introduce ourselves?

As I Twittered yesterday, I decided to listen to Madonna on the bus ride over, as Todges was just about the biggest Madonna fan I’ve ever met. And I’ve met some big fans. The Madonna music was to continue throughout the day, played at the ceramics studio and the restaurant.

I arrive at the Corcoran where I immediately run into Robert (Bob) Devers, Todd’s ceramics instructor. Todges and I went to a showing of Bob’s work in March 2007. Bob had a picture of of me and Todges together that he had hung up in the ceramics studio, above the chalkboard. So I guess we’ll always be looking down on the studio which is kind of nice.

After speaking with Bob briefly the introductions to other people starting flowing, even people I had never met. It was a warm and friendly reception which I was thankful for. Some people had landed here on futurejunkie during their google searches so they were a little familiar with who I was.

The main reason for this reception was the silent auction of Todges’ ceramic pieces. Todges had given me a piece of his work, one of his rattles, that is a devil on one end and the Virgin Mary on the other. I was thinking I would bid on a companion piece. I really wanted to get a piece titled “The Gunslinger” but I was afraid that it seemed so fragile and might end up being broken as I don’t really have a place to display it. So I didn’t bid on anything, I’m just going to keep the piece that Todges gave me and I think that means more.

During the auction I was able to meet Tip, Todges’ #1, and Steven, Todges #2. I had spoken with Steven on the phone and it was nice to put a face to his voice. He offered me a ride over to the memorial service and I was glad that I wouldn’t have to try and find a cab in the rain.

At Finn & Porter’s, where the actual service was to be held, I was introduced to more friendly folks, Myrna and Todges’ mom, Pat. Myrna is a warm soul and first met Todges like 16 years ago or something. She told me about how, after moving here from Panama, Todges opened up her eyes (and eventually her family’s) to people of all kinds without prejudice or discrimination. How’s that for a legacy? But most importantly, I was able to meet Todges’ mother and receive a little more information on T’s last days, his upbringing and lots of other pieces that filled in the puzzle.

I had originally felt guilt when I heard of Todd’s passing, that maybe I wasn’t being as good of an ex-boyfriend and current friend as I could have. But after speaking with all these people and hearing the same story from everybody, it comes down to Todd not wanting people to know how sick he was, including his own mother and his current roommate. I guess some people have the advantage of being able to take themselves out of the game on their own rules and this is what Todges did. So this eased my mind a little.

And this was something totally Todges: in the center of the buffet table was a four-foot Gucci ice sculpture, complete with vodka shot shoots for two. Practically everybody got in on those action eventually, to the point where instead of running back and forth from the bar for shotglass refills the bartender brought the bottle over and stuck it in the ice. We all thought that Todges would think that it was fabulous.

Presiding over the ceremony portion was the minister? chaplain? spiritual guidance advisor? who was with Todges at GW Hospital while he was in ICU. In addition to her comforting words, she ended with these words, quoting the “great philosopher”:

You must be my lucky star
Cause you shine on me wherever you are
I just think of you and I start to glow
And I need your light and baby you know

You must be my lucky star
Cause you make the darkness seem so far
And when I’m lost you’ll be my guide
I just turn around and you’re by my side

You may be my lucky star
But I’m the luckiest by far.

Here’s info on Todd Hodges’ memorial services happening today.

Celebration and Gallery Display
Saturday, October 25th at 1pm
Corcoran College of Art+Design
500 Seventeenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-639-1801

• Please use the ‘E’ Street Entrance—FYI—there is only ‘one’ entrance on E Street—look for the ramp and metal doors. Ring the buzzer and tell the guard that you are going to the Hodges reception in “ceramics”. This will be a very informal reception with a display of Todd’s work with a silent auction of his pieces. Wine/cheese will be served.
• Parking/Public Transportation: the Corcoran is just a few blocks away from metro stations: Farragut West: on the Orange/Blue lines (take the 17th street exit) and Farragut North: on the Red line (take the K Street exit). From either station walk south on 17th street to the Corcoran. Parking near the Corcoran: There is plenty of metered street parking available in the area from 9:30 am to 4 pm daily.

Memorial Service and Reception
2:30pm (approximate as we will be coming from Corcoran)
The Embassy Suites at the Convention Center
Finn and Porter Restaurant—Private Dining Room
900 10th Street NW, 
Washington, District of Columbia
202-739-2001

• Valet parking is available at the hotel for $5—mention you are going to event at Finn and Porter. 

Memorial Fund
Corcoran Gallery of Art/Corcoran College of Art + Design
Attention: Development Office/Janice Marks—enclose letter or add to memo line: “M. Todd Hodges Memorial Fund”
500 Seventeenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
Contributions can also be made online through the Corcoran’s website: http://www.corcoran.org/campaign/gift_tribute.htm

Lookey at what I found walking home from the gym last night. These posters are mounted to the hiding wall of an empty lot on Pennsylvania Ave, SE. After having dinner with Melba at La Lomita we went back and carefully pulled out staples to steal one each.

It’s easy like Sunday morning, here.

We have laughed and had a great time this entire weekend. We have also eaten so much wonderful food this weekend that I’ve tried to chronicle.

After our morning routine of morning coffees on the back porch, recounting the previous evening’s events and checking/updating emails and Facebook pages, brunch is calling.

Cuban Mix sandwiches are the call of the day and the only place for those is Cafe Sole. Another item tempting me on the menu is the chicken salad cordon bleu: best of both worlds, right? Chris and I decide to split sandwiches, so I get my chicken salad, he gets the Cuban and both end up delicious. For desert? Deviled eggs. Yum. We do a little walking shopping and then it’s time to go back to the house for a quick nap and then time for me, Chris and Michael to get on the road for our return trip; we have to work tomorrow while the rest of the team gets to stay and play for another day.

I’m up at 7:56 this morning, luckily early enough to be included on the only pot of coffee made (errand #1: get more coffee).

On the deck, as others wake up and join us, we’re reading the news of Obama’s running mate, Joe Biden. Cell phones are clicking on news sites and political commentary video plays from the laptop.

Breakfast Buffet: the kitchen is crazy busy, Jeff cooking up breakfast for thirty, although there are only seven of us in the house. Bagels, yogurt, grapes, another pot of coffee, fried eggs, bacon, two kinds of sausage and yet one more pot of coffee.

The overcast clouds are breaking apart, blue skies coming through and shadows being cast throughout the yard. It’s almost time to pack up and hit the sand!

Time: 5:55. We’re back from the beach, what a day! The sun finally broke through and we got some really good sun. I’m a little pinker but I’ve just dunked my entire body in lotion so I should do okay.

Three of us found three different dollar bills today, one of them floating in the ocean! So we took the floater and bought a ticket for tonight’s lottery with a prize of $54 million. Our lucky numbers are 15, 22, 39, 45, 46 and Powerball 02. Cross your fingers.

We’re energized for a night out and start it off by going to Blue Moon (which was dead) where I noticed their calendar had Pamala Stanley performing just about every other evening, all summer long, but unfortunately she was not performing tonight. A little history of Ms. Stanley: one-hit wonder singing the club hit “Coming Out of Hiding”, a staple at Lost & Found in 1984.

All of a sudden, Ms. Stanley’s name is called out (not by me) and I turned around and there she is walking down the sidewalk! I excitedly went over and talked to her and got some pictures taken. She was gracious and only a little tipsy but a good sport about the adoring fans.

After the Ms. Stanley happening dinner was in order and Chris wanted us to go for seafood at Fin’s Fishhouse. I opted for the North Carolina swordfish steak with broccoli and the best mac-n-cheese that I’ve had in my life. Everyone else’s meal was equally fantastic and included shrimp, scallops, mussels, oysters, clams and just about everything else under the sea. We were all so full from out meal that it was almost painful to walk the four blocks to the car. Needless to say, there was no late-night chit chat on the back porch, we all wanted to get in bed and be asleep as quickly as possible.

We’re off to a little bit of a late start, and thankfully it is not all my fault. After a little bit of sleeping in and some last minute packing my ride has arrived, complete with luggage already strapped to its roof. This caravan ain’t messin’ around. On board: Jeff, Kristal, Michael, Scott and Natalie. No one is traveling light for our 3-day excursion.

A brief detour: Rolling Pin Bakery in Bladensburg. After many of Kristal’s pining for cake I’m happy to finally learn where this bakery is located and also to go inside the store. It’s small inside, with views of the actual bakery in the back, and the staff is friendly and helpful. We pick up a yellow sheet cake they have (half-sheet) and ask them to write “Eat Me” on it. They oblige with a little giggle and even give us two exclamation points. Back on the road.

The playlist starts out with old disco, new Kylie and bubblegum pop remixes, which I’m enjoying but soon enough the iPod controls are hijacked to country songs that I don’t know but everyone else seems to be singing along with. And that’s fine, it’s all about the journey.

Our black boat arrives just shortly after Chris (who traveled separately with Lagerfeld, the big black dog) and after claiming sleeping rooms_I’m in the constellation room with skylights_we retire to the back porch for catch-ups and cosmos. And a big ole piece of that cake. I can’t imagine finishing that entire cake this weekend, but worse things have happened.

Next stop: happy hour at Aqua and Blue Moon.

But then… We skip Blue Moon and instead opt for dinner at Casa DiLeo which has delicious pizzas and we ordered enough to have a couple of boxes for takehome, which I’m sure will disappear as the weekend progresses.

and when I do, it’s normally for a get-together (birthday) or before/after some other event (concert). Let’s chronicle last night:

Stop 1 » Dinner at La Lomita. Yes, yes, I know you’re rolling your eyes because I’ve eaten here again but shut up, it’s the best Mex in town. I went with Melba, as a prelude to Stop 2 and subsequent stops 3 & 4. Even though it was a little warm and the threat of mosquitos was high we opted to eat out on the patio as we always do. It wasn’t very populated which was nice. We were sat at a table right behind Olive, who was out on a date (check Olive’s Facebook page, that’s what is said) with Scott. They recommended the margaritas so we had to order a pitcher for ourselves, just to see if they were as tasty as Olive was saying they were. And they were. We texted O during the date to see how it was going and if he needed to be rescued. It didn’t look like a rescue was needed so we minded our own biznis.

Afterwards, I heard someone calling my name and I turned around to find Dawn, with her new baby, sitting a couple of tables back. I had not seen Dawn in a few years and it was nice to get a little caught up with her. I know Dawn from back when Blowoff was held in the basement, where it was much more cozy and personal. She also went to Duran Duran at the Warner Theater with me and Christopher V, and she said she was going to be visiting him out in the country in a few weeks. I gave her two Moo cards, one for her and one for Christopher, hoping they’ll get in touch. Those were some good times back in ‘03.

Stop 2 » 9:30 Club to see The Faint, just about the only American band I like. Melba’s friend Ed was going to be joining us, and while waiting outside the Former Mr C comes up and says hello, he’s trying to scalp some tickets to get some friends in for the show. Apparently they’re successful, because I see them inside afterwards. He tells me my recommendation for Sticky Rice has been a success. Mmmm Sticky Rice. I’m going to have to go back there this week for some delicious sushi. Two-second review of The Faint: great show, nice imagery, but too short (1:15:00).

Stop 3 » Nellie’s. Since it’s a summer Saturday night we decided to have a drink afterwards. Walking down U we spot the expansive rooftop of Nellie’s, the gay sportsbar, and while we’ve already missed Michael Phelp’s 8th gold medal win, we decide to pop in-and-up anyway. Up on the roof it’s crowded but we find a spot that gives us a little elbow room. Before long, up comes another friend, Single, that I haven’t seen in what seems like a very long time although it’s probably been six months or so. I’ll save the history of Single for another post, or maybe it’s already been written in the archives somewhere, but he’s a treasured friend and it was nice to see him and talk for a bit. We disagreed on our own reviews of the Batman movie, and that’s alright. We’ll still have dinner together soon.

Stop 4 » BeBar. Ed wanted to head down the street to a dance party that happens every 3rd Saturday called Pulse: cutting edge electronic music and visuals. Me and Mel were down so we scooted down there. Ed talked our way out of paying the cover charge, which was kinda fun. The music was great, not a lot of people, but that made for more room to dance. And dancing there was Chris L, who is yet another blast from the past. I know Chris L through EFP and our nights dancing to DJ Carlos at Pearl in Adams Morgan. Quick laughs were shared and then Chris L had to bounce into another room, as he always has.

Thankfully I didn’t run into anybody I knew on the Metro on the way home, as Melba and I were too engrossed trying to play Monkeyball on our iPhones to really notice anything that was going on around us. Unfortunately, I think last night might do it as my quota of running into friends unexpectedly for the year. 

• sleep in
• complete Easy setting of Space Case level in Super Monkey Ball
• read blogs
• download latest Mad Men ep
• repair bike on sidewalk off of Lincoln Park
• turn around and go home, look for tools to repair bike
• have lunch outside at Good Stuff Eatery
• take bike to Capitol Hill Bikes to let the pros do their thing
• ride bike on CapHill streets I’d never been on before
• watch cooking shows for two hours
• place Peapod order