Monthly Archives: July 2009

The Daily Feed, WTF?!
By

You Are Running Out of Time, Fruit Vendor.

65564.jpg
In-joke now complete, thanks to screenshot from Thottbot.com

A Bethesda Fruit Stand just off the highway was ordered to move its location or face sanction and they’ve decided to stand pat. Country Thyme sets up on River Road, which can be a fairly busy place to try to do commerce in the middle of the rush. They’re working on moving to a church lot, but haven’t yet completed the deal, which means they’re right where they always are.

Of course, that hasn’t stopped SHA officials from showing up, and crushing their apples.

We Love DC apologizes for anyone who doesn’t get the nerdy, nerdy jokes in this article. We have a problem, we’re seeking help.

Food and Drink
By

First Look: Columbia Firehouse

Columbia Firehouse

The exposed brick walls of the building at 109 Saint Asaph belonged first to the Columbia Steam Engine Company in 1871, and carry the weathered look that go with those 128 years, though they now surround the newly-open Columbia Firehouse. The same mix of old and new is the heart of Columbia, the latest venture from the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, who curate a collection of restaurants from Tallula to Evening Star to Rustico, a fine selection of DC’s mid-level restaurants. We walked in for a late dinner this past Saturday night into the space I’d been in, for Bookbinder’s, some five years before. The bar was packed with a diverse and lively crowd, where cocktails outnumbered beers, for reasons I would soon find out.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
By

Banita Jacks found 3/4 guilty.

Photo courtesy of
‘4249 Sixth Street, SE’
courtesy of ‘gingher’

Banita Jacks has been found guilty of murdering her three youngest daughters, but not guilty of murdering the eldest. More information to come.

UPDATE: Clarifications are coming in now. Jacks has been found guilty of felony murder for all four girls, but guilty of first-degree murder (premeditated, as all you Law & Order watchers know) on only the youngest three. The judge says that the eldest girl died from torture inflicted by her mother.

Life in the Capital, Media, News, The Daily Feed
By

The Only Way To Read The Hill’s Pretty Fifty

Photo courtesy of
‘The US Capitol from The Library Of Congress’
courtesy of ‘KrS-NrY’

Like clockwork, the Hill has released their 50 Most Beautiful People list. While this usually leads me to find a large bottle of alcohol and drink myself to sleep, and rant and rave about a sad commentary about our duly elected representatives, it also lets me wait in joyful hope for the coming of the snark, or, Jason Linkins’ hilarious metacommentary on the writing staff at the Hill. Don’t click through to the Hill, it’ll just make you want to take someone’s life. Between the bad writing, the horrific photography, and the human interest stories that will have you rooting for global warming, there is a beautiful opportunity for well-placed snark. This one’s a must-read.

The Daily Feed
By

DC a Top City for Singles

Photo courtesy of
‘Happy Loving Couple, Farragut North Washington DC’
courtesy of ‘chip py the photo guy’

It’s always interesting to see how DC stacks up to other cities.  Apparently it’s the most walkable city, the healthiest city, and the best city for teleworking (?).  Well, here’s another honor: Forbes recently named it the 5th best city for singles. What makes it so great?  Well, here are the Forbes categories and DC’s rank in each: coolness (7th), culture (9th), online dating (3rd), nightlife (28th–ouch!), and ratio of singles to the entire population (8th).  The District is fifth after New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Seattle.

This isn’t the first time DC has been noted as a great city for singles.  Back in 2007 Kiplinger’s magazine said the District was a top 5 city for singles, in 2008 MSNBC rated the District as the sixth best city for singles, and our fair city has consistently been in the Forbes top ten list every year. With its reputation as a city full of young, ambitious recent graduates, the District does attract its share of date-able people. But is it really easier to find a date here than in other cities?

Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
By

Folks, I Fear The Worst Has Happened.

Photo courtesy of
‘Lannan still strong in the 9th’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

I just want to get this out there: I believe that someone has kidnapped our beloved Nationals and replaced them with a group of animatronic lookalikes from the future. That is the only way of explaining the tear that the Nationals are on without resorting to miracles, incredible feats of fortune and favor, and outright violation of the laws of physics. The Nats have won 6 of their last 8, including their last four. They’ve won or tied their last three series, against the Padres, Brewers and Mets. Hell, Josh Willingham had two grand slams the other night, the 13th time that’s happened in the history of baseball.

While broadcasters Rob Dibble and Bob Carpenter are chalking it up to a mysterious baseball card from the 1970s that they were recently mailed, I believe the only possible explanation is robots from the future. Tonight the Nats send Garrett Mock to the mound, I’m just hoping that he hasn’t been replaced with an automaton with a wicked 12-6 curve and a cutter that makes Baby Jesus cry. I just hope that wherever the original Nationals are, they’re being well cared for.

Comedy in DC, The Daily Feed
By

Comedy in DC: The Reruns Edition

Photo courtesy of
‘Roast of Jay Hastings 82 – Version 2’
courtesy of ‘YoLoPey’

The comedy calendar hasn’t changed much since the last Comedy in DC feature, so today it’s just a short entry with a little review:

There’s still the “There Will Be Laughter” show at the Drafthouse on Friday the 31st.  Hampton Yount and Will Hessler are putting it on. It starts at 9:45 and tickets are but $8! Cheap! Recession comedy!

DC Comedy Lab at the Comedy Spot in Ballston is happening August 8th. Jimmy Meritt and Spencer Humm are producing/hosting. Tickets are $16, but if you preorder and use the code “Jimmy185,” you’ll get 5 bucks off. No such discount at the door, slackers.

“3 Chord Comedy” will be back at the Velvet Lounge on August 14th. I guess the previous show was successful. This one is only 2 bucks for 4 comics and a band, so think of it as fifty cents a comic plus a special musical bonus. Yeah.

Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed
By

Safety & Training

Photo courtesy of
‘First aid kit’
courtesy of ‘Marcin Wichary’

Summer months in DC, with their high level of physical activity and tourism, often remind me of the importance of official training in basic first aid and safety.  Recently, for example, at a Saturday afternoon BBQ party, a friend of mine suddenly felt nauseous and woozy.  He sat down and promptly fainted. Even though it’s been 3+ years since my Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification, my training came quickly back to me.  Continue reading →

The Features
By

Needed: Supplies For A Cause

Photo courtesy of
‘Hold ’em high’
courtesy of ‘Megan Garner’

At We Love DC, there are a few causes close to our hearts. One of them is Safe Shores, – The D.C. Children’s Advocacy Center. Safe Shores serves child and youth victims of abuse and witnesses to violence, with over 800 children and youth served annually. As children come in to Safe Shores, they’re often brought there directly from a crime scene, or directly on their way to foster care, so sometimes they aren’t in the best shape (as I’m sure you can imagine) and so Safe Shores staff will give them new clothing, duffel bags, and backpacks to take with them. It’s little, but sometimes it’s the little things, like clean clothes or a new backpack on an otherwise horrible day, that can make all the difference.

Unfortunately, like every other charity in DC, Safe Shores is feeling the economic downturn. So they’ve put out an all call for duffel bags and backpacks. This is where you, dear We Love DC reader, come in. Get your butt to Target, before August 3rd and put together a duffel bag full of children’s clothing, or a backpack full of school supplies. Continue reading →

News, The Daily Feed
By

Drama Mama Kate Gosselin Moving to Rockville

Photo courtesy of
‘2008 10 11 – Rockville – Gibbs St N2’
courtesy of ‘thisisbossi’

Unlike pretty much the whole world, I could not give a crap about Jon & Kate Plus Eight. I had never even heard of the show before Jon and Kate decided they’d rather live apart than together with their eight kids. But, apparently, like a never-ending string of plagues, she’s moving to Rockville. First the Interns, then Real World DC, now Kate Gosselin?

I thought the Obama Administration was supposed to rejuvenate DC, not be a douchebag magnet. C’mon Mr. President, can’t you do something about this? The Nation demands its Capitol be a GOOD place to live.

The Daily Feed
By

Sewall-Belmont House Features Changemaking Artists

05_taylor

If you’re a DC feminist and you haven’t yet visited the Sewall-Belmont House I have two things to say to you: 1. For shame! The Sewall-Belmont house is a historical building and museum that once housed the suffragettes during the early twentieth century, back when it was still illegal for women to chill in hotels without their husbands. 2. Now is your chance. The Sewall-Belmont House will host an opening reception for with Empowered Women International’s new art exhibit tomorrow night from 6 to 8 p.m. The EWI exhibit, entitled “A Tribute to Women Artists as Change Makers,” will feature works in various media and across cultural backgrounds and boundaries. The exhibit opened on July 15 and will run through September 12. Admission is free but RSVPs are requested.

News, The Daily Feed
By

Alexandria Chief of Police Resigns/Retires

Photo courtesy of
‘City of Alexandria Police Department’
courtesy of ‘cliff1066’

In the wake of the car accident that left Alexandria Chief of Police David Baker under arrest for DUI, he has officially submitted his retirement paperwork to the city. In a letter to the town manager, he announced his retirement, effectively immediately, expressing regret for the incident and pride in serving the city over a lengthy career. Baker started with the MPD in 1970, moving to Alexandria in 1991.

The Features
By

DC’s Great Streets: Part 2


View We Love DC’s Favorite Streets in a larger map

The District of Columbia is a beautiful city, full of great streets that connect our favorite places.  In Part 1, you saw half of our authors’ favorite streets in DC.  The streets ranged from quiet, tree-lined residential streets to boulevards with views of the Capitol and thriving mixed-use districts.  Here are the favorite streets of the rest of our authors:

Photo courtesy of
‘FBI Building’
courtesy of ‘mastermaq’
Ben: E Street, between 11th and 7th, NW. I used to love walking this street when I was working at a museum in that area of town. The ominous, ugly J. Edgar Hoover building always seemed to attract my attention; I’d wonder who was looking out at me, and if the cameras were even then watching my every move. I know FBI counter-intelligence agents use that area to train their rookies in the art of counter-spycraft and I’d try to see if I could spot the trainees – or even the teachers. I’ve no idea if I was ever right, but it was a great exercise during lunchtime outdoors.

These days, however, I’m beginning to learn to love K Street NW, between McPherson and Franklin Parks. It’s my new stomping grounds for lunchtime and coffee breaks and the people-watching here is so great you just have to spend five minutes on a park bench and watch. So many stories just passing in front of me as I suck down my daily dosage of caffeine…

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
By

Splish Splash Statues..and Free Yoga Mats

Photo courtesy of
‘Dew on bamboo’
courtesy of ‘Lip Kee’

Over the years, artists have tried to capture the magic of water in myriad ways. Sergio Martinez chose bamboo and organic hemp rope. His sustainably made eco-statues now leap over walkways at, fittingly, the Crystal City WaterPark, near Crystal Drive and S. 18th St.

Come by tonight from 5-7 p.m., and you can meet the artist himself. Sport & Health will lead “a yogic commemoration reflective of the eco-art.” And they’re giving away free yoga mats. Boat pose, anyone?

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
By

Cupcake For Me, Cupcake For You…

Photo courtesy of
‘Southern Belle (160/365) (005/365)’
courtesy of ‘kimberlyfaye’
Yup, that’s right.  We’ve got another sweettooth focused shop opening in DC.  But seriously, can you really have too many options when it comes to confections?  My answer: No.

Something Sweet, the newest member of the cupcake community, opens this week at 3706 Macomb Street NW, right across the street from 2 Amys pizza and Cactus Cantina.  Owned by the same group of restauranteurs as Surfside, The Rookery, Jetties, and The Bull Pen, Something offers goodies beyond just cupcakes, like brownies, coffee, sweets and more.  Could be a great post dinner stop.

The Features, We Love Arts
By

We Love Arts: Jim Reed, Stormchaser

A Bolt from the Gray

For city dwellers and even for suburbanites, the weather is like a hallway — we pass through it, briefly and hurriedly on our way to our destination. Weather is something that comes across out path through desktop clients and Blackberry applications, something we endure between the house and our car, or from the metro and work. Rarely do we commune with it, embrace it, experience it or even really much acknowledge it. Not so for Jim Reed, a photographer who has made an almost-20-year career out of being as close as possible and perhaps closer than is advisable to the most extreme meteorological events. Reed, promoting his 2007 book “Storm Chaser: A Photographer’s Journey,” will speak about his experiences Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

Though the book’s title is an editor’s dream — titillating, straightforward, evocative — Reed admits he has shied away from the title of “Storm Chaser.” The term has been around since the mid-twentieth century, a concept that has become increasingly popular with movies such as Twister and a new rash of television series such as the Discovery Channel’s reality show bearing the title. For awhile, Reed called himself an “extreme weather photographer,” avoiding the insanity and recklessness  that “Storm Chaser” connotes. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
By

Final Pants Chapter?

Photo courtesy of
‘Pantsless Pearson Reappears’
courtesy of ‘Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com’

Roy Pearson isn’t coming back to the bench any time soon.

The latest chapter in the “pants lawsuit” saga dealt the former judge another blow. Federal judge Ellen Huvelle tossed out Pearson’s wrongful termination claim. Pearson had sued to get his job back as an administrative law judge after being fired thanks to his obnoxious and overly nasty $54 million lawsuit against a local dry cleaner.

“This case is a classic example of a plantiff pleading himself out of court by alleging a host of facts that only serve to totally undercut his claims,” wrote Huvelle in her opinion.

While we can only hope Pearson will just go away at this point, no doubt he’ll find some reason to appeal the decision.

Alexandria, The Daily Feed
By

Chief Failed Four Sobriety Tests

Photo courtesy of
‘City of Alexandria Police Department’
courtesy of ‘cliff1066’

More details coming out about Alexandria Police Chief David Baker’s DUI arrest on Saturday. Apparently, the intoxicated Baker failed four field sobriety tests. Two hours later, he blew a 0.19 – twice the Virginia legal limit – in a breathalyzer test.

Baker told police he’d had two beers 20 minutes before the accident. The chief is 6’1″ and weighs 210 pounds…

City Manager James Hartmann has placed Baker on administrative leave with pay; Baker is due in court tomorrow. An internal investigation is underway and expected to conclude by the end of the week. At that time, depending on the results of the investigation, Baker will know if he still has a job with the city.

The other driver, whose name is being withheld, was taken to the hospital and treated for whiplash and back pain. She was released later that night.

The Daily Feed
By

Corporate Executive Board Offers Voluntary Layoff Package

Photo courtesy of
‘food lines’
courtesy of ‘woodleywonderworks’

Despite how often we hear that DC is the closest thing to a “recession-proof” town because of all the government jobs here, private sector businesses continue to feel the crunch of tightening credit markets and an economy in which companies are cutting back on discretionary spending. Yesterday Arlington-based Corporate Executive Board announced that 155 employees accepted voluntary buyout packages.  The company, which sells best-practice research mainly to Fortune 500 companies has seen a 14% drop in revenue to $117.4 million this past quarter, according to Washington Business Journal. And just after having recently consolidated its multiple DC-based offices into one massive corporate tower directly across the waterfront in Rosslyn, CEB had to lease 172,000 square feet of space to Deloitte. I interviewed at CEB a short while back and remembered thinking “man, there’s a lot of empty space around here…” Evidently they were planning to grow a lot more… Continue reading →