Monthly Archives: January 2009

The Daily Feed
By

I Spy… More Inaugural Info

Warder_building

And yet more Inaugural info. Tired yet?

The International Spy Museum (at 8th and F St. NW) announced they are keeping its doors open longer to accommodate the anticipated high volume of visitation during the Inauguration. Festivities include the swearing-in ceremony and parade shown on screens at select locations throughout the complex, including the Spy City Café. The Museum is open until 8 p.m. starting today through Monday and again on Wednesday. Tuesday, they will close at 6 so people can scoot to the various Balls.

They announced special package rates and whatnot, including a nice $10 Hospitality package that gets you hot cocoa, a travel mug and a cookie. And of course, access to their restrooms. May be a good idea for you visitors; it’s going to be COOOOOOOLD on Tuesday.

Entertainment, Fun & Games, Night Life, The Features
By

No Ball? No Problem

Photo courtesy of
‘__ _______ __ __’ courtesy of ‘Sexy Fitsum’

Former WeLoveDC blogger (and currently preparing to make her way here from CA for next week’s festivities) Brittany hooked us up with a BYT event coming up that promises to be one heck of a party…but not a ball.

Brightest Young Things is having their “Inauguration Classic 2k9 Spectacular” on Tuesday evening at the Bohemian Caverns / LIV night club, located at 2001 11th and U St. NW. Party starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 4 a.m. That’s right – it starts early and goes all day long, celebrating in true BYT fashion.

They’re promising “Inaugural viewing, food, fun, games, happiness, general merriment and much rejoicing.” At 5 p.m. Tig Notaro from The Sarah Silverman Project kicks off a rocket-ride of live performances, featuring the likes of WALE, the Mathematicians, Fatback DJs, Art of Junk, the Buildings and more. (See their online flier for the full list of performers and specials.)

You have to secure tickets, but the souvenir glitter band gives you in and out access all day / night long, plus bag and coat check. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
By

Sorta like the Newseum only more free

Photo courtesy of
‘Film! – Headlines – 11-5-08’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

Free as in beer, as the software nerds would say.  I am too lazy to get WaPo to stop sending me notices related to their PostPoints program and every once in a while something interesting comes through. This came in shilling that I could get 15 extra* PostPoints if I show my membership card** at this, but it looks like a good way to spend some time regardless.

From January 17th – January 19th, visit Through the Years, a free exhibit of historic front pages of The Washington Post. From the sinking of the Titanic to Nixon’s resignation, view 100+ years of history as chronicled in the next day’s edition of The Washington Post

The Washington Post
1150 15th street NW
1/17, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; 1/18, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, 1/19, 9:00 am – Noon

* Is there any kind that isn’t “extra?” I’ve yet to see any value in these things, though I’m not a big fan of loyalty programs in general…

** I have a membership card?

The Daily Feed
By

Cold.

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘*kaetzchen’

I’m cold. You are cold. DC is cold. But most of us have homes. Remember those who don’t today.

If you see homeless persons who are outside in freezing temperatures, you can call the hypothermia hotline to have them picked up by a van and transported to a local shelter. For more information, call the shelter hotline 1 (800) 535-7252.

Interviews, The Features
By

He Loves DC: Frank Warren

Frank Warren, creator of PostSecret

Courtesy of www.postsecret.com

PostSecret is a lot of things–a blog, a number of books, and a social experiment. Basically how it works is people from all over the world draw, paint, or cut and paste their secrets on the back of a 4 x 6 postcard and send them to one man: Frank Warren. I was lucky enough to chat with Frank recently about PostSecret, his favorite moment at an event, DC, and more.

Amazingly, his upcoming event isn’t sold out yet, so you can actually see Frank at GWU Friday, January 23! Frank promised that there would be some surprises, plus there’s a book signing afterward. Sweet.  Continue reading →

Special Events, The Daily Feed
By

Wherever Will I Find a Date to the Ball?

Photo courtesy of
‘Inaugural 09 Hotel Madness…’
courtesy of ‘dbking’

So you’re smart, good-looking, well-connected, and you’ve managed to score highly-coveted tickets to an inaugural ball. But what do you do in a “plus one” situation when you find yourself dateless? Craigslist, that’s what. There are multiple postings by guys looking for a lady swanky enough to take to an inaugural ball, some even offering to pay for a dress. Talk about once in a lifetime opportunity…right, ladies?

The Daily Feed
By

Inauguration Survival Alerts

Photo courtesy of
‘Preparations’
courtesy of ‘erin m’

WaPo just alerted me that I can receive Inauguration survival alerts – to my inbox, my blackberry or by text. HELLOOOO INFORMATION AGE, nice to meet you, my name is Katie. I in fact, have an inbox, a blackberry, and a cell phone to receive text messages, so load me up! WaPo warns that we could “get up to 30 messages on inauguration day”. Which begs the question, how informed is TOO informed? Then again, come an emergency, I might desperatley want those 30 texts. Just as long as they’re nothing like Alert DC. In which case, I’ll stay in the dark ages, thankyouverymuch.

The Features
By

Get Your Party On, AWAY from the Mall

Photo courtesy of
‘drink and make up photo op’
courtesy of ‘hsingy’

Yeah, yeah, we know: Wear warm clothes if you’re going to the Inauguration! But you might get there and be turned away from the parade route! Virginia will be blockaded! Inaugural balls are overrated! And on and on and on.  While we here at We Love DC are pretty tired of typing the word “Inauguration,” we can’t help but be curious about what alternate ways of getting our celebration on might be available to us, if we develop a little cabin fever while avoiding the crowds.  Fortunately, the suggest-a-story form has been working overtime as people have been cluing us in to what’s going on.

Probably the most amusing suggestion I’ve heard thus far is the Biden Brunch at Nage on the 18th and 21st, featuring a Joe Biden impersonator. Please, someone go to this and put photos in our Flickr pool. This must be shared with the world.

But there are lots of other things going on as well: Manifest Hope, an art exhibition happening this weekend to commemorate the grass-roots movement that contributed to the outcome of the election. Art of Change, held at Warehouse.  And, if you want to view the Inauguration but you want some shameless marketing to combat all the talk of “change” and “hope,” Best Buy is hosting an Inaugural viewing at Constitution Hall, where they will also have cell phone chargers and Best Buy employees available for assistance with your electronics. I swear I am not making this up.

The Daily Feed
By

Free Ice Cream, As If It’s Not Cold Enough!

Photo courtesy of
‘Gluttony’
courtesy of ‘CraigGrocott’

Since you’re not cold enough, DC, Baskin Robins is giving away free ice cream today. Cause they didn’t get the memo that I literally turned into an ice cube on my walk to and from the Metro today. Ignoring today’s freezing temperatures, you can head on over to Baskin Robbins to sample ice cream that won’t cause your personal trainer to hemorrhage, or push you over your daily calorie limit.  Baskin Robbins introduces BRight Choices, the  company’s selection of low-calorie, low-fat, and sugar-free ice creams and frozen yogurts. But there’s a catch. You’ve got to prove to them you’re worthy by flashing proof of your gym membership to get your free scoop.

Let’s just hope that’s not the only time you’ll use your membership card this month.

Downtown, Food and Drink, We Love Drinks
By

We Love Drinks: Round Robin

Round Robin Bar

"Round Robin Bar" by Jenn Larsen, on Flickr

Let’s say you need to get drinks with colleagues after work, or have incoming relatives or friends who aren’t particularly interested in the “real” Washington but rather want the “politico” version (and this last problem may be really relevant in a few days). I don’t think you can go wrong in those instances with the Willard Hotel’s Round Robin bar.

Even if you don’t actually see a Washington “insider,” the traditional dark wood and green walls fairly ooze influence. Beaten down leather banquettes, little pub tables, and that famous round bar in the center – all in a small nook off the side of the Willard’s opulent lobby. You even get a bowl of nuts to snack on, gratis.  

I know! – it’s like that soft cashmere sweater you reach for to make you feel cosy and cared for – it may have some unsightly moth holes, and you wouldn’t wear it out on a hot date, but you still snuggle up with it sometimes.
Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
By

Newspaper handouts

Photo courtesy of
‘Street Sense, Washington DC’
courtesy of ‘chip py the photo guy’

High off the soy-ink fumes from multiple print runs and overpriced sold-online editions of the election day issue, The Washington Post has a new venture. How better to wring money out of the ever-shrinking paying reader pool than to attempt to sell $10 box-ads to the inauguration day issue?

Place your personal message of congratulations to the new President in the pages of the Historical Inauguration Day edition of the Washington Post and online at washingtonpost.com

Seriously? Who’s going to buy this?

Better question: Think they’ll accept the following ad? “Hey jeanyus, you could have sent a $3.50 hallmark card to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave with a $0.47 stamp on it and still be $6.03 ahead.”

That’s a hypothetical – I’m not spending the $10.

The Daily Feed
By

Sartorial Guilt

Photo courtesy of
‘You Look Nice Today @ylnt’
courtesy of ‘Lucius Kwok’

Author and Petworth resident Eric Nuzum wrote last week about his experience with being called for jury duty in DC and it’s got some amusing gems in it. However his conclusion about how to determine guilt or innocence seems reasonable enough to me.

Actually, that was the excuse I was going to use to get out of service: my “deeply held belief” that anyone who would wear a denim jacket with a plaid shirt had to be guilty of something–why not convict him of this?

Entertainment, The Features
By

Red vs. Black: Ice Rivals

Photo courtesy of Teka England
Penguin!, courtesy of Teka England

Okay, in case you’re unaware, there’s a war scheduled for tonight at 7:30 pm. It’s set to rumble off up in Pittsburgh’s venerable Mellon Arena (hereafter called by its proper name, the Igloo) and features an interstate rivalry that dates back to at least the early nineties, depending on who you talk to.

Yes, I’m talking about tonight’s NHL hockey match-up, the Washington Capitals vs the Pittsburgh Penguins.

I bring it up because honestly, it’s a must-watch event in our household. More than American Idol and Top Chef – though the game should be over before Top Chef comes on – and usually warrants the phone being off the hook and ignoring any knocking at the door. (Though I dislike being forced to watch Comcast’s coverage due to Center Ice blackout restrictions – I cannot stand Craig Laughlin’s commentary. At all.) Continue reading →

Downtown, Special Events, The Daily Feed
By

Navy Memorial Offers Restrooms, Food for Inauguration

Photo courtesy of
‘_SWP6526’
courtesy of ‘moworld’

Just got word that the Navy Memorial’s Naval Heritage Center will televise Inauguration Day activities live in its stadium-seating theatre, featuring a 46′ x 16′ HD screen. Registered guests get in-and-out access all day with clean, indoor restrooms. Food? No problem! A catered box lunch is included in the ticket price. All members of the public are welcome – IF they’ve got a $30 ticket and a reserved spot.

The Navy Memorial is on the Inauguration Parade route, halfway between the Capitol and the White House. Limited seating, so give them a call at 202.380.0733 or visit the memorial’s website.

The Daily Feed
By

Sell Your Cookies Soon

photo courtesy of SanFranAnnie

According to a recent Washington Post article, you’ve got until January 20th to sell your Obama related merchandise before the heavy hand of the law snuffs out your money making machine.  Washington lawyer Gregory Craig is representing president-elect Obama and it will be his job come noon on January 20th to stop “the commercial exploitation of his client’s image”.  This includes the selling of  “Obama can openers, Obama chocolate chip cookies, Obama chocolate bars” to name a few things.  I’m personally wondering if this also includes the buying and selling of artwork that contains his likeness (such as the Shepard Fairey image above)?

Folks, you’ve got less than a week to sell your supply of Obama thongs, lollipops, and beer cozies.  I suggest putting the whole lot on eBay or selling them for half price on the Mall this weekend.  Jail is not a very fun place to be (unless you’re OJ).

The Daily Feed
By

George Mason University gets smart

Photo courtesy of
‘Fat Albert’
courtesy of ‘Daniel Zana’

You’re like school on a Saturday Inauguration Day: No Class!

George Mason University was a little slow to the party, but presumably enough people asked the administration “exactly how am I supposed to get to class without Rt 66 or 395?” GMU has decided to close the Arlington campus entirely and cancel classes (but keep the campus open) at Fairfax and their other ancillary locations. So if you were planning on going to the first day of classes on the 20th: Don’t.

Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, Media, News, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
By

Want a geeky Obama keepsake, in D.C. you’re SOL.

Spiderman Obama issue from Marvel

Spiderman Obama issue from Marvel

It was announced last week, and for industry insiders, it may have been a bit longer, that Marvel Comics, purveyors of The Hulk, Fantastic Four, and “Geek-in-Chief” Barack Obama’s favorite, Spiderman were issuing a special edition of the latter for the inauguration. This 5-page story was to center around an impostor taking the oath of office this coming Tuesday and Peter Parker, while covering it for the Daily Bugle, helped Spiderman save the day and democracy as a whole. However, unless you’re a subscriber at a local comic book store, you may be out of luck to catch a first printing in D.C.. Fantom Comics in Union Station and Tenleytown were somewhat caught unawares and only had acquired 9 copies total to split between the two stores. However, there is a second printing, albeit with a different cover, coming this Wednesday the 21st.

Comedy in DC
By

Comedy in DC: Back with a Vengeance

Sideshow playbill designed by Asa Boy, Homegrown Comedy poster courtesy Jay Hastings

Sideshow playbill designed by Asa Boy, Homegrown Comedy poster courtesy Jay Hastings

My friends, our long local nightmare of not enough local comedy is over. It’s January, the holidays are over, and local comedy has reclaimed its rightful place in the back rooms, the lounges, and the bars of DC (except for Top Shelf. Solly’s gave their room slot away without even TELLING them. Dubya Tee Eff). As a result, I have not one but two comedy shows to tell you about this week.
Continue reading →

Downtown, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed
By

Traffic Grows Worse

Photo courtesy of
‘Typical Beltway traffic’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’

I will preface this by saying: it’s possible I’m imagining this. But, in the last two days, I’ve sat in more interminable traffic than I do in the worst moments I’ve lived in DC. Yesterday’s trek into the city, even though I was just coming from inner Arlington, was some of the worst I’ve had ever. Poor Tiff was caught up in the foofaraw around the water main break yesterday, as her office is at 15th and L.

Is it Inauguration making the day-to-day grind of moving around all the worse? Or is it merely a seasonal increase after the largely-easy traffic of the Winter Holidays? Either way, I can’t wait for Thursday next week, after everyone’s gone again.