Monthly Archives: December 2009

Special Events, The Features
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Gonzaga DC Classic

Gonzaga Basketball courtesy of Gonzaga

This Thursday through Saturday, local basketball powerhouse Gonzaga College High School hosts the 21st annual Gonzaga DC Classic basketball tournament, bringing the best in boys high school basketball to Washington, D.C.

Since 1989, this tournament has played host to future college stars such as Robert Churchwell, Duane Simpkins, Vaughn Jones, Donta Bright, Keith Boothe and numerous other All Americans.  It’s prime recruiting ground for college coaches and scouts, with a fair amount of the players already committed, and is considered one of the most prestigious holiday tournaments in the country. So simply put, this is a high level of play and super fun to watch.

The pre-holiday tournament features elite teams from across the country and has consistently pulled in some of the  nation’s top boys high school basketball programs including: NY’s Christ the King and LaSalle Academy, Philly’s Roman Catholic, Lousiana’s South Lafourche, and many, many more.

For local area basketball enthusiasts, the tournament has also included strong representation from the top local programs of DeMatha, St. John’s Prospect Hall, Good Counsel and tournament host, Gonzaga, currently ranked 17th in the nation.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Mikulski Slams Metro Before Senate Committee

Photo courtesy of
‘connected’
courtesy of ‘nevermindtheend’

Like Ben (and many of you, judging by your comments), Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) is also experiencing Metro relationship dysfunction. And she’s going so far as to badmouth Metro to her coworkers.

Sen. Mikulski testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs today in a hearing on the federal government’s role in overseeing public transportation systems. Mikulski, who is herself on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and a securer of federal funds for Metro, basically hung Metro, and Metro General Manager John Catoe, out to dry. And you know, all I have to say about it is… it’s about damn time. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Learn to Pole Dance. Really.

Photo courtesy of
‘Miss Pole Dance-22’
courtesy of ‘litonali’

This Saturday at an open house at Balance Gym Thomas Circle, you can learn all sorts of things, including how to work up a sweat while becoming very friendly with a pole. For fitness, people. Still, please do not practice on Metro.

You also can learn about boxing, Budoken and CrossFit, which will keep you limber and ready to kick some serious butt, in case you need to fend off anyone who’s gotten too brazen from your pole dancing performance. The day concludes with an electrifying drum and dance performance.

But let’s get back to the pole dancing. Continue reading →

News, The Daily Feed
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More on the 5 Local Men Arrested in Pakistan

Photo courtesy of
‘Jack finds the actual FBI Washington Field Office.’
courtesy of ‘tiffany bridge’

In addition to the Howard University student we reported was arrested in Pakistan this morning, four other DC-area men were also captured in the same raid. The police chief in Pakistan responsible for their arrest and interrogation is suggesting now that they were “there for jihad,” and that they were trying to get involved with the Jaish-e-Mohammed or Lashkar-e-Jangvi.

We Love Weekends
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We Love Weekends: Dec 11-13

Photo courtesy of
‘(338/365)’
courtesy of ‘kimberlyfaye’

Corinne: This weekend I am SUPER excited to reunite with some folks in the windy city for the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival. (Check out these two awesome bands I’ll be hearing—that of my dear friend Todd, The Giving Tree Band, as well as DC-based Junior League Band.) But if I planned to stick around here, I’d kick off the weekend by hearing A Sunny Day in Glasgow at The Red and the Black tonight, watching the Andean Film Project at the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre later in the weekend and taking one final peek at Edward Burtynsky’s Oil exhibit at the Corcoran (it closes Sunday). I’d also be very tempted to check out what all this Santarchy buzz is about!

Rachel: Another weekend? Thank god! I still haven’t completely unpacked from my move but that’s of no consequence — there’s life to be lived after all! What’s on the plate for this 2-day break from work? A pit stop at Don & Susan’s holiday party in Virginia and some Balvenie scotch tasting at Chevy Chase Liquors (5544 Connecticut Ave, NW) from 2-5 pm on Saturday (come one, come all?!?!). Other than that, I’m hoping to catch some cozy time by a friends fireplace in NoVa and try to start figuring out where the heck all my stuff is after my move. All I can say is … cheers!

Jenn: Well, it’s finally here. My first bellydance performance (cue shameless self-promotion music!) is this Saturday as part of Saffron Dance’s Spice of Life winter gala. The longest 3 minutes 53 seconds of my life. Kidding, I think I’ll be ok. That does mean my entire Friday and Saturday are sucked up in tech rehearsals, so there won’t be much time for fun until after the performance. Sunday I’ll definitely need a huge brunch (maybe it’s time to check out 1905’s revamped menu and rehauled wait staff?), and that night perhaps curl up in front of the fireplace at Tabard Inn for a hot toddy and listen to Victor Dvoskin play amazing bass.

Continue reading →

News, The Daily Feed
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Legalize It? Congress Might.

Photo courtesy of
‘I guess it makes sense?’
courtesy of ‘yonas1’

It’s been 11 years since anyone has looked at the issue, but DC is on its way toward legalizing medical marijuana pending the passing of a federal bill.

A huge government funding bill in Congress  will make or break the future of medical marijuana usage in DC. An agreement must be reached between the entire House and the entire Senate in order for it to pass, and neither chamber can amend the proposed bill.

Back in 1998, DC voters did approve the use and possession of medical marijuana but congressional Republicans placed a provision in form of a funding bill to block this approval. And — until this year’s funding bill — that provision has continued to exist in all official documents attempting to pass medical marijuana as legal.

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News, The Daily Feed
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Howard University Student Detained in Pakistan

howard.gif

A student from Howard University was captured this week in a Pakistani safe house. Ramy Zamzam has been the subject of an FBI investigation this week, after he and four friends left behind a disturbing farewell video that suggested that they might be heading to “defend muslims” overseas. While it’s not clear if they have been recruited to join a terrorist organization, that seems to be a likely possibility, given the reports of where they were captured in Pakistan. This is a developing story, and we’ll keep an eye on it.

The Daily Feed
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Red Beats Out White – and We Have a Winner!

Photo courtesy of
‘Rocket Bar Wine’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

So yesterday, I asked you what you preferred, red or white wine, for a chance to win a bottle of each, with personalized wine labels, from Carafe Wines in Old Town, Alexandria.

Out of 52 entrants, 34 of you voted for red and 17 voted for white. And if you count that up, we’re missing one, because one of you (ahem) actually didn’t choose one or the other! Don’t worry, you still got a shot at winning…

Well, congratulations to our very, very lucky winner: Sara! I know there were several Sara’s who entered, and this is specifically entry number 20, who commented:

It’s cold outside–time for red!

Well, Sara. You are right. Red was the winning category. AND, you won two free bottles of wine! But from what it seems, you probably won’t be sequestering the white wine until spring :). Phew. Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who commented/voted! And thanks to Carafe Wines for offering up the contest goods!

The Daily Feed
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Costco Is Coming! Costco Is Coming!

Photo courtesy of
‘Costco in Seoul’
courtesy of ‘Bitman’

It’s happening! Costco is coming to DC.

The City Paper broke the news late yesterday afternoon. According to them, At-Large Councilmember Kwame Brown “claims” that Costco has “finalized an agreement” with developers that would place the bulk-item store to Fort Lincoln.

The eventual home of the bulk-item superstore is near the intersection of New York and South Dakota Avenues NE.

There is no further insight into when the store will start being built, but at least now we know where we can start buying our crates of Ramen and cheap socks.

The Features, Tourism
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Tourism: Union Station

Photo courtesy of
‘Color Photo – Arriving at Union Station’
courtesy of ‘CathyLovesDC’

Despite the history, the sculptures, the uniqueness, it’s still kind of hard to wax poetic about Union Station. You see, when Union Station was built, residents lauded the civic project for finally bringing an impressive and worthy gateway for visitors into the nation’s capital. But today, people run in and out of Union Station faster than… well, faster than a speeding train.

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The Daily Feed
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Choosing Clean Water

Photo courtesy of
‘tundra swan’
courtesy of ‘chesbayprogram’

It’s no secret that this area is home to poor water quality– the Chesapeake Bay only meets about a fifth of its goals on an annual basis— but the Chesapeake Bay Coalition is doing something about it.  This coalition is a group of non-profit organizations that have joined together to guide federal, regional, and local efforts to clean the bay.  If you’re interested in learning more about this effort, consider attending the Choose Clean Water Conference in DC in January.  Early registration ends this Friday, so sign up today!

Entertainment, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Capital Irish Film Festival

Gabriel Byrne in "Stories from Home." Photo courtesy Capital Irish Film Festival.

"Gabriel Byrne: Stories from Home." Photo courtesy Capital Irish Film Festival.

The Capital Irish Film Festival starts tomorrow, with 18 screenings of more than 60 new Irish films. Running December 10th through December 20th, at various locations including the E Street Cinema, it’s presented by Irish contemporary arts organization Solas Nua.

Tomorrow’s opening night features The Eclipse (one of my all-time favorite actors, the amazing Ciaran Hinds), with other screenings throughout the 10 days including Hunger (the riveting Michael Fassbender as IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands) and Gabriel Byrne: Stories from Home (a documentary about the actor’s life and process).

With a ton of great films to choose from you can’t go wrong exploring the wide range of Irish talent in film today.

The Features, We Love Music
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We Love Music: The Very Small

185

Boys start bands in high school. It’s one of the great American clichés. But — every once in awhile — the guys that truly love  music end up making a name for themselves, and it’s all because of their dedication to the game.

DC’s most dedicated award in rock music goes to — The Very Small.

Never heard of ’em? That’s okay. They’re not big yet. They’re not signed to a label. They practice in a make shift rehearsal space in their basement, all while cracking jokes and keeping it real. And — they’re kicking-off their first tour this Thursday at The Rock & Roll Hotel on H Street.

Remember those guys who decided to make a rock band and played every single “battle of the bands” possible back when the captain of the football team ruled the school while dating the head cheerleader? These are those guys.

Continue reading →

Alexandria, Food and Drink, News, The Daily Feed
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New Cheese Guy

Photo courtesy of
‘Cheesetique bliss’
courtesy of ‘meanlouise’

Everyone’s favorite Alexandria based, wine and cheese bar has a new chef.  Cheesetique announced last week that they have hired Josh Andrus, formerly of Minibar, to head up their kitchen. Chef Andrus brings a presumably more sophisticated palate to Del Ray’s local cheesemonger and has already revamped its menu.  New offerings include several cheese centric sandwiches, salads, and small plates.  It’s yet another reason to spend time at this fine establishment.

The Daily Feed
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See the Holiday Lights by Bike

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_0392’
courtesy of ‘ubrayj02’

What’s that bright light in the sky? Why it’s a house decked out in holiday lights.

To see a bunch up close, take a spin in the Arlington holiday lights bike ride this Sunday night, Dec. 13, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

BikeArlington and Conte’s Bike Shop are hosts; meet at Conte’s at 3924 Wilson Blvd., and pick up a bike light at a discount before the ride if you need one. Helmets are required. Bring along a $10 gift card from Borders, Target, Best Buy, etc. for the Warriors in Transition program at Walter Reed and be entered in a drawing for a Conte’s gift card.

All speeds are welcome; they’ll wait for everyone. So deck your bike and come see the show.

The Daily Feed
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Georgetown University Makes The Top 10 Priciest Dorms

Photo courtesy of
‘j.crew’
courtesy of ‘NancyCoop’

U.S. News & World Report just came out with their 2009 list of “10 Schools with the Priciest Dorms” and guess who’s number 10 — Georgetown University.

Vox Populi blogger Molly Redden broke the news to her fellow students today, explaining that the ranking article said  “colleges with the priciest dorms generally explain that their costs are high because their dorms are new and offer lots of extras: free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and ‘living learning’ opportunities to study with professors, for instance.”

“Of course, that’s true for New Southers—but residents of dingy Village B apartments may look at their media adapters and disagree,” Redden wrote.

Continue reading →

The Features, We Love Food
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We Love Food: Meat in a Box

Meat in a Box

DC does so many different kinds of food well that it’s hard to decide where to go for dinner. Ethopian? Sure, we’ve got lots of that. Peruvian Chicken? Crisp ‘n Juicy? Super Pollo? El Pollo Rico? All are options, but when you’ve got choices like this, you’re always going to run into the person who loves restaurant A, but not B, and vice versa. When my friends started telling me about Meat in a Box, I figured there would be one Kabob Bazaar person in the group, but no, it was universal, it was almost cultish the devotion that my group of friends have for this little kabob eatery over in Falls Church.

Hy friend Hugh was dogged in his persistence that I try out Meat in a Box, and finally I gave in and met him there for lunch on Monday. It’s a small spot, maybe six tables inside (and another four outside for when the weather is hospitable) and a spartan bright interior.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Green Holiday Tips

Photo courtesy of
‘Lights Macro’
courtesy of ‘TPorter2006’

Want to have a glorious and green holiday? Check out these holiday tips that Adrienne Spahr, founder and principal consultant of DC’s own Green Living Consulting, gave at last night’s Green Drinks DC.

Reuse or recycle wrapping paper — more than 8,000 tons of it, equal to 50,000 trees, festoon packages each year. Or wrap presents in creative, reusable materials. Send e-cards, or send cards made from recycled paper. If all cards were made from recycled paper, it would save the equivalent of 248,000 trees.

Buy a locally grown Christmas tree and recycle it. Carry reusable shopping bags. Buy LED holiday lights, to save watts and electricity dollars. If you get new electronics, recycle your old ones or sell them. Buy rechargeable batteries and chargers, and recycle old batteries.

And after the holidays, “regift” that tacky sweater or shrimp deveiner to Goodwill, eBay, Craigslist or Freecycle.

Alexandria, Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Red or White? Win a Personalized Bottle of Each!

Photo courtesy of
‘Veritas’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’

The age old saga: red or white wine? Well, dear reader, you have your chance to weigh in. Do you prefer the hints of oak and honey in your favorite white or the bursts of cedar and cherries in your reds? Does one pair better with your favorite take-out Thai dish than the other?

Last week, we sat down with Lamar Brown, proprietor of Carafe Wines in Alexandria. He was so pleased with the feedback he received from We Love DC readers after his interview, that he’s offered up a chance for you to win a bottle of each – with your own personalized labels! Holiday gifts anyone?

Vote in the comments – red or white wine, and I’ll use random.org to pick a winner. Lamar is thinking he’ll give away a bottle of his Chardonnay and bottle of his Red Zin. If you’re feeling really lucky, he might even tell you the best carry-out that goes with each bottle.

So, red or white? Oh, and please, do tell us why! Continue reading →