Monthly Archives: April 2009

Entertainment, Fun & Games, People, Special Events, The Daily Feed
By

Meet The Belle Behind The Blog

Photo courtesy of
‘mannequins’
courtesy of ‘doyoubleedlikeme’

Are you a fashionista looking for something to do tonight? DC’s own Capitol Hill Style has partnered with London-chic brand Karen Millen to have a champagne and shopping night with a 15-percent-off discount at the Georgetown location.  Along with the discount, and drinks, you’ll also be able to get some coveted live fashion advice from Belle. I love it when the real world and the blogosphere intersect and you can meet and see the people behind the blog. (Just wait until WLDC throws an event. We’ve got some hotties on staff, that’s for sure.) If I weren’t already booked tonight, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

The Daily Feed
By

Nats Celebrate Earth Day


beam me up, Scotty!
Originally uploaded by philliefan99

While they’re trying to sweep the Braves tonight, the Nats are offering $3 off of tickets for showing your SmarTrip card at the box office. John Lannan faces Jair Jurrjens at 7:05pm tonight at Nats Park, provided that the rain stays away. There are some great seats available, so if you want a little break on the prices, take Metro & show your SmarTrip card, for Earth Day tickets.

The Daily Feed
By

Love In This…White House…

Photo courtesy of
‘Usher answers a question’
courtesy of ‘House Committee on Education and Labor’

ZOMG Usher is visiting the White House today, it appears. The singer (or, as Politico called him, the “pop sensation”) made a stop to chat with White House staff about, like, Africa and global issues and stuff. Unfortunately, Mr. Raymond just missed President Obama, who is in Iowa today celebrating Earth Day by stumping for wind power. Insert “Trading Places” reference here.

On a personal side note, this reminds me of November 3rd, 2008, when I was going to the final Obama rally in VA while a friend of mine was covering the Usher concert in New York for Seventeen magazine. Actual text message received: “Oh man Usher just took his shirt off! Maybe Obama will too.”

Fun & Games, Special Events, The Features
By

DC Rollergirls: Kick-ass Fun

Photo courtesy of
‘Grand Slam. Washington, DC. April 2009.’
courtesy of ‘stuzehner’

The fans crowded closer to the action, whooping and applauding as the seconds ticked off. Three guys wearing backwards hats pumped their fists with their non-beer-holding hands. These two teams were competing for a shot at the championship and the crowd–raucous as almost any sports-loving group–was jacked up for the occasion. It wasn’t a Wizards game, nor was I among DC United Screaming Eagles. No, it was a bout of the much less widely followed but incredibly fun DC Roller Girls Roller Derby league. 

The  afternoon opened with an exhibition match between the DC DemonCats and visiting Breaker Babes of the Coal City Rollers league in Wilkes-Barre, P.A. It wasn’t much of a match-up — the DemonCats easily rolled over the  Breaker Babes. The initial bout provided an excellent opportunity, however, for me and other newcomers to the sport to get a better sense of what we were witnessing. 

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
By

A Photographic heads-up

Photo courtesy of
‘caution’
courtesy of ‘volcanojw’

If you’re a photographer planning to submit anything to the Smithsonian’s current photo contest, make sure you’re okay with the fine print. Carolyn Wright of the excellent Photo Attorney blog makes  a habit of pointing out the fine print in photo contest agreements and she observes that the one for Smithsonian Magazine requires you to surrender full use of the photo in perpetuity, including for their commercial purposes. That includes derivative works, so you could end up in a composite or have your shot radically edited.

There’s nothing wrong with that if you’re cool with it, but realize going in that you’re going to receive between $0 and $500 in exchange for their right to use and/or ‘remix’ that photo, forever. You’ll still own it though, unlike if you submit it to Oprah.

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
By

Earth Day For Foodies

Photo courtesy of
‘DSC01904.JPG’
courtesy of ‘lizkdc’

Looking for something to do this evening to celebrate Earth Day? There are a bunch of options, but the foodie one that tempts me is the official re-opening of Poste Modern Brassiere‘s patio “The Garden” with an Earth Day celebration benefiting FRESHFARM Market, the organization behind most of DC’s farmer’s markets.

With a $5 cover charge, you’ll get to snack on truffle frites and warm gougères, and sample the new summer menu of punches. Also in the drinks department, and keeping with the spirit of drinking locally for Earth Day, Poste will premiere its new, all-Virginia wine list. Vendors will be on hand to answer your wine questions. Cheese samples will be provided by neighboring Cowgirl Creamery.

I’m guessing with all this yummyness and fanfare, Poste will get pretty crowded tonight (unless it rains, party pooper, Mother Earth!). So I’d recommend getting there early. Poste is located in Chinatown at 555 8th Street, NW Washington, DC, 20004.

Comedy in DC
By

Comedy in DC: The Awesome Boost

Comic by Jake Young
Comic by Jake Young

In case you haven’t noticed from the frantic pink-nosed gentleman at the top of this post, there’s a comedy show happening on May 1. It’s called “The Awesome Boost,” and it’s the hilarious bastard lovechild of Jake Young’s short-lived “The Awesome Room” and Eric Moberg’s “Ego Boost.” The Word According to Jake: “The goal of our show is simple, a cheap, fun, night of hilarity and hopefully to introduce DC audiences to the wealth of underground talents in their midst.” Continue reading →

Business and Money, News, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
By

Acting CFO of Freddie Mac Dead in Fairfax County Suicide

Fairfax County Police are reporting that acting CFO of Freddie Mac has committed suicide in his Fairfax County Home this morning. Police arrived on the scene in the 5am hour this morning, after being summoned by family members, and found the body of David Kellerman, interim CFO of Freddie Mac.

Details are scarce, and the Police continue to investigate, and are no longer confirming the suicide diagnosis that a police spokeswoman gave. They are, however, confirming there was no foul play.

The Daily Feed, WMATA
By

Star Trek Video Ad at Farragut West Metro

Metro now features video ads in stations, the first of which is a 15-second trailer for the upcoming Star Trek XI: The Wrath of the Franchise Reboot, silently flashed onto the Farragut West Metro entryway wall by a ceiling-mounted projector. Metro Marketing Director Mark Rydstrom says “In the words of Mr. Spock, we hope this concept will ‘live long and prosper.'”

Fitting that this first Metro video ad should be at a Farragut Square station, considering that pre-reboot Captain Kirk’s first deep space assignment was to the USS Farragut as a young lieutenant. Next on the wish list: holodeck Metrobuses. If that’s too much to ask, I’ll settle for working turbolifts escalators.

The Daily Feed
By

Measles Map


View Possible Sites of Measles Exposure in a larger map

If you’ve not seen the news about Measles returning to DC, you’re probably a lot like me: cocky that you’ve been vaccinated. However, it’s still a pretty serious outbreak, and measles is really just a giant pain in the ass of a disease. If you’ve been in the same places as the infected folks, as signified by the dots above here, check out DCist’s instructions for reporting yourself to the local health authorities

The Daily Feed
By

80s Night at Tattoo: It’s gonna be diesel

Photo courtesy of
‘Model on dark background, 1986’
courtesy of ‘| El Caganer’

I know what she’s thinking about. She’s asking herself, “Should I add a headband to this ensemble before heading out to Polyester Wesdnesdays at Tattoo??”  Tomorrow marks the first night of 80s night glory, starting at 10 p.m. Check out these ace perks: Open bar for the ladies 10-11 p.m., comp admission on the RSVP until 11, some boss 80s themed party favors and, of course, video DJ-ing.

My only question is, what’s the over-under on how long it takes for this party to get Rick-Rolled? I give it 37 minutes. 

FYI: Tattoo “does not discriminate against Spandex, braided headbands, bustiers, popped collars, banana hair clips, jelly shoes, Jordache Jeans, jelly bracelets, big hairclip bows, boyfriend blazers or leg warmers!” That’s good, because I’m planning to wear all of those at once. I’m totally amped.

Music, Special Events
By

Lots of Love for Lily Allen

Photo courtesy of
‘lily’
courtesy of ‘Jess J’

If Lily Allen was trying to get crowd to fall head-over-heels in love with her, I’m pretty sure it worked. Equal parts unapologetic, gracious and adorable, Allen wooed the packed 9:30 Club during her sold out show Friday night. 

Before Allen made her appearance, opener Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head— a high-energy collective of fresh-faced Seattle kids who easily could have been confused for an NYU hipster band–hit the stage. They bopped around to MGMT-esque electro-infused beats, clad in tight jeans and keds (only one member had an ironic mustache).

Continue reading →

Life in the Capital, News, The Features, The Hill, The Mall
By

A Conversation with Eleanor Holmes Norton

IMG_2874Eleanor Holmes Norton, courtesy of Tom Bridge

This weekend, DC bloggers from DCist, Greater Greater Washington and We Love DC, amongst others, got a chance to sit down with DC’s Delegate to the Congress Eleanor Holmes Norton this past weekend and talk about DC Voting Rights, the recent support for Gay Marriage among the DC Council, and the sorry state of Park Service Parks in the District of Columbia, and about federal funding for transit in the city. Read on for the notes from our conversation with the Congresswoman1 Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
By

Whisky Me Away

"great scot!" by IntangibleArts, on Flickr

"great scot!" by IntangibleArts, on Flickr

PS7’s scored quite a coup when it nabbed top mixologist Gina Chersevani as its “head mixtress” back in January. One of my favorite places for drinks, its lounge lined with banquettes and windows is a great happy hour spot on any night.

But tonight is a special one for those of you who love Scotch whisky (is this redundant? I’m sure one of our clever readers can chime in, I can never figure out the whole whiskey/whisky/Scotch distinction) as PS7’s is featuring a scotch tasting for Balvenie, with Ms. Chersevani whipping up the whisky into delectable drinks and Balvenie’s “ambassador” Sam Simmons on hand to teach you all about the liquor the ancient Celts called “uisge beatha” – the water of life…

From 5:30-7:30pm you can sample their 12-Year Doublewood, 15-Year Single Barrel, and 17-Year Rum Cask scotches. Of course there will be noshes. And may I remind you that legally Scotch may not be bottled at under 40% alcoholic volume. So please, indulge in the nibbles while you sample and learn. It is only Tuesday, after all!

The Daily Feed, The District
By

Wow. Really.

Photo courtesy of
‘14042009339’
courtesy of ‘snarglebarf’

Seen in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s twitter feed: “Just spotted in the museum: Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, here to accept MPAA’s Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award tonight!”

It tickles me that they named a humanitarian award after Valenti, the man who created an organization that is one of the most stifling influences on speech in film ever, presided over it for 30 years as it promoted violence over sexuality and engaged in homophobia, took some time out along the way to attempt to engage in protectionism by stifling innovation and promote a draconian law that made it illegal simply to tell people about certain technologies. I have no documentation proving that he ever kicked a puppy.

I’m sure the actual physical award was designed by committee to be completely bland and uninteresting and comes with a 40 page document describing the acceptable ways and places where it can be observed. If Scorsese doesn’t have an appropriate licensed shelf then perhaps he should just buy himself a proper one that they approve of.

Essential DC, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed
By

Social Safeway Gutted

Photo courtesy of
‘The Choice is Yours’
courtesy of ‘Zabowski’

I’ve had a report that the Social Safeway at 1855 Wisconsin Avenue, NW has been throughly gutted of groceries.  My friend went there this past Sunday to purchase some Yellowtail, and found the wine/beer aisle completely ransacked.  She did mention there were heavy discounts on the remaining items, which boiled down to a sparse produce section.  Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
By

The Rise of the Mocktail

Photo courtesy of
‘Dive In’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’

I’m not sure if ya’ll knew this or not, but WLDC author Jenn is so wise. Every trend that girl has predicted lately has come true, and she was certainly right on the uptick of the mocktail – the non-alcoholic cocktail. Because going to the bar and drinking soda is boring, and you certainly don’t have a fun glass to feel fabulous holding. Sometimes you just don’t want to drink liquor but you want something tasty and creative. Enter: Natalie Bovis-Nelsen Continue reading →

Featured Photo
By

Featured Photo

PKR_6506 by Spodie Odie

When I first saw this photo pop up in the WLDC Flickr pool, I couldn’t quite figure out what was going on.  Did someone stage some miniature people and fake plastic trees on a putting green?  Did someone build a diorama of some tiny sunbathers, complete with tiny little beach towels?  I couldn’t figure out what I was looking at, and well, I liked it.  It’s refreshing when things aren’t immediately obvious.

It turns out that the photographer took this shot from high above in the National Cathedral’s tower, a place I’ve never ventured to (at least not with my camera).  Given the absolutely perfect weather we had on Saturday, I’m sure the view was pretty amazing from up there.  The sunbathers on the lawn had the right idea though.  Soak up the sun while you can, but please, don’t forget to repair your divots.

The Daily Feed
By

There’s a New Goalie in Town

Photo courtesy of
‘Semin Waits for Face Off’ courtesy of ‘clydeorama’

Seems the Caps showed up in New York ready to play Game 3 and along the way, found their on-fire goalie. And his name isn’t Jose.

Rookie netminder Simeon Varlamov blanked the Rangers with 33 saves – he’s only allowed one goal in two games now – as Alexander Semin netted two on his way to a three point night. Alex Ovechkin continued to remain goal-less, but assisted on both Semin goals. Result? Caps 4, Rangers 0.

The win guarantees a Game 5 here in DC and cuts the Rangers’ series lead down to 2-1. Game 4 is Wednesday in New York.