Monthly Archives: December 2009

Media, Music, The Daily Feed
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Your Own Special Jawbox Performance

“For Your Own Special Sweetheart” courtesy of Dischord Records

Jawbox, without a doubt my all time favorite DC band, recently reissued their 90’s rock masterpiece “For Your Own Special Sweetheart” on Dischord Records. To celebrate the reissue, Jawbox agreed to a one-off reunion performance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Their performance of “Savory” aired last night and it was well worth staying up to watch.

For a music nut like me this performance was – in a word – magical. It was all there, everything that made Jawbox so great back in the day, heck everything that made indie-rock in general so exciting in the early 90’s. The introverted yet passionate vocals, the jagged and jangly guitar inter-play, the shout & nod cues from the rhythm section, and of course that soul-stirring Jawbox harmonizing. No posturing here; just flat-out inventive rock and roll by scene legends who haven’t played together since 1997.

If you missed it last night you can watch the Jawbox Fallon performance plus two unaired songs by clicking the following titles: “Savory”, “FF=66”, and “68”.

Now here’s hoping for the gang to treat their hometown to a show or two before going under for another 12 years!

The Daily Feed
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Suisham No More

Photo courtesy of
‘Shaun Suisham’
courtesy of ‘Keith Allison’

Shain Suisham is no longer a Redskin. Suisham may only have missed three field goals this year, but they cost the Skins two wins. The two missed Field Goals against Dallas lead to a humiliating loss, and the final straw, a 23-yard attempt against New Orleans on Sunday, was the final nail in the coffin against the Saints. He’ll be replaced with former Florida State kicker Graham Gano this weekend.

Talkin' Transit, The Features, WMATA
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I’m Just Not Into You Anymore

Photo courtesy of
‘Mind the Gap’
courtesy of ‘*tinadelarosa’

Dear Metro:

I’m just not into you anymore.

Look, it’s been a great relationship, for the most part. But I have to say, your actions and attitudes over the last few months had me worried to the point that I’ve begun looking at a much older friend to fulfill my needs.

I’d love to say “it’s not you, it’s me.” But it’s not me. It’s you.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Sculpture Garden Ice Rink Opens Thursday — It’s About Time!

Photo courtesy of
‘fallen iace skater’
courtesy of ‘easement’

The wait is over. Technical difficulties are through. The coolant system has been repaired! The Sculpture Garden ice rink will FINALLY open on Thursday.

If you need more of an incentive to venture out into the bitter winter weather, the fine folks at the National Gallery of Art will have a free cup of hot cocoa waiting for paying rink customers on Dec. 12-13.

Don’t know when to go for a sweet skate on the National Mall? Check out rink times here:

Monday through Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday
11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Remember: it’s $7 for adults/$6 for skaters 50+, children 12 and under, or students with valid school ID. Each session lasts two hours and starts  at the top of each hour.

So pull that sweater your aunt knitted for you out of the closest, throw on that down jacket, and lace up those skates — it’s time to rip up some ice!

The Features, We Love Arts
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We Love Arts: Dana Ellyn, Divinely Irreverent

"Bull in a China Shop" by Dana Ellyn. Courtesy of the artist.

"Bull in a China Shop" by Dana Ellyn. Courtesy of the artist.

What’s most shocking about Dana Ellyn’s paintings?

That they’re truthful.

Opening this past weekend at the Evolve Urban Arts Project in the Atlas District, Divinely Irreverent is an audacious exhibit delivering some hard slaps to myths of many kinds – from religion to what it means to be a woman. These are thought-provoking pieces – sometimes outright painful to process – but always rooted firmly in honesty. They are also at times downright funny.

Dana fell in love with the city as a junior in high school, and has been a DC resident for the past twenty years since attending George Washington University. She now has the luck of living and working in a studio in Penn Quarter. It’s a natural partnership with Evolve, whose mission is to promote local talent in a low-key atmosphere, and her exhibit will run there until January 30, 2010.

I was lucky to have a private tour with the artist and curator Eric Hope, and I have to say – if you like your art to reach out and rattle you, get over there now. You’ll love it. And if you prefer your art to be pretty and decorous, well, go anyway. Open your mind to something different.
Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Georgetown Cupcake on the move

Photo courtesy of
‘Cupcake’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’

In a decision sure to improve the mood of anyone who has ever waited in one of their typical lines out the door and down the street, Georgetown Cupcake is moving a block to the west on M. The new digs look like a nice airy space based on the google street view of the new property and best of all, bigger. The GC website still says the date is yet to be announced but Metromix reports there will be free cupcakes for the grand opening on the 15th. They say all day but I’d bank on being there early if you really expect to get one.

The Daily Feed
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Krispy Kreme Settles With Fairfax

Photo courtesy of
‘Waterfall of Sugar’
courtesy of ‘Kevin H.’

$1.65M is what it cost Krispy Kreme to settle their fight with Fairfax County over sewer pipes that were corroded by the factory’s outbound donut grease. The Lorton factory was pumping out 8% grease in their sewage pipes, which weren’t meant to take that sort of waste. While Krispy Kreme suggested that the county’s sewers should’ve been using corrosion resistant PVC instead of iron, the whole thing’s moot now. Fairfax had been asking for $1.8M in repairs and $18M in civil penalties.

Mythbusting DC, The Features
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DC Mythbusting: DC is a Company Town

Photo courtesy of
‘The Capitol’
courtesy of ‘Tyrannous’

Welcome to another Mythbusting feature!  This week, we’ll be tackling the myth that the District of Columbia is a company town– that is, that the majority of jobs in the city are federal government jobs.  DC is the center of the federal government, so wouldn’t it make sense that most of the jobs in the city are federal government jobs?  And secondly, aren’t the majority of federal jobs here in DC?  And what are the largest federal agencies here, anyway?  Read on for the answers to all of these questions, as well as the surprise largest private employer in the city.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Taxi Hits Bike in Georgetown

Bicyclist hit by Dulles taxi at 31st and M St, Georgetown

Update: More details on the accident from WashCycle.

I walked by this scene at 31st and M in Georgetown last night: squad cars and yellow tape around a Washington Flyer taxi, its windshield badly cracked, a mangled bicycle under its tires. Vnangia tweets that the accident was fatal. MPD had officers directing traffic around the scene (which got a bit confusing for drivers and pedestrians alike as the traffic lights were still running at the time, nearly causing more accidents), and M Street was backed up significantly. (But then, when isn’t it?)

Also mentioned on Georgetown Metropolitan. No mention on the MPD-2D mailing list. Anyone else see what happened?

News, The Daily Feed
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WaPo Raises Daily Price to $1

Photo courtesy of
‘Lazy Saturday’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’<

Get ready to whip out those George Washington’s for your news. The Post is raising its price by 25 cents, making its daily cost a whole dollar in an attempt to offset the decline in ad revenue.

What does this mean for readers? The Washingtonian reports that “The Post notified retailers Tuesday that the cost of a daily newspaper would increase 25 cents to $1 on December 13. The price of the Sunday paper will go up 50 cents to $2.50.”

As someone who loves the feeling of a freshly printed paper between her fingertips on a slow morning or leisurely weekend, I must say that I’m willing to pay the piper.  But let us compare WaPo’s weekday/weekend prices to that of newspaper heavyweight, The New York Times. Their daily cost is $2, with a $6 fee on weekends. So by those standards, I’d say WaPo is keeping their costs in check — for now.

The Daily Feed
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Pudge Rodriguez Joins Nationals

Photo courtesy of
‘Ivan Rodriguez’
courtesy of ‘jmd41280’

In addition to the trade to the Yankees for Brian Burney, the Nats signed catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez to a 2-year, $6M deal to backup Jesus Flores. From what they’re saying so far, Pudge will be Crash Davis for the Nationals, tending to the young pitchers and leading Jesus Flores toward stardom. The price, in addition to his salary, is likely the release or trade of Wil Nieves (Who? Wil Nieves!) as he’s the third catcher on the Nats’ 40-man roster.

Hard to tell right now if this is an upgrade. Pudge had his worst season ever, and so we’re now paying him twice as much as he made last year. That part doesn’t seem to be as wise a deal.

Look for more moves from the Nats as the winter meetings continue.

Featured Photo, The Features
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Featured Photo

Photo courtesy of
‘ ‘ courtesy of ‘erin m’

Snow. The first time in the season is always a little magical. It’s rarely too much, not often disruptive, and it’s as pretty as can be. That first snowfall is romantic, idyllic. The city sort of goes quiet under a blanket of hush.

Many people don’t like winter, with its cold and darkness. But winter has always been my favorite time of year. It’s the perfect time of year. The stifling mess that is summer is but a memory. The fall, with it’s picture perfect days, is just behind us. Ahead is the birth of a new season. But, right now, for the next few months, it is winter’s turn.

It’s a time for reflection, of course. It is also a time to rest, to see family and friends. To eat in gluttonous abandonment, to laze around the house and enjoy yourself. Like no other season, this is the season of parties and fun.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Tonight

Photo courtesy of
‘dc christmas’
courtesy of ‘Pete…E’

If you missed out on tickets to the White House Christmas Tree lighting last week, all is not lost.  Tonight is the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting, and you don’t need tickets to see this event.  It starts at 5 PM tonight on the Mall side of the Capitol and includes performances by the United States Marine Band and the Congressional Chorus.  Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will do the lighting.

Parking in the area is limited, so if you’re planning on attending, definitely take Metro and give yourself plenty of time to get there in time.  And if you can’t make it tonight, don’t worry– the tree will be lit nightly until 11 PM through January 1.   Continue reading →

News, The Daily Feed
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Boil Order for Shepherd Park

shepherdparkboil.png
click for Google Map

WASA has put out the alert that residents in Shepherd Park should be boiling their water before using it:

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) is issuing a precautionary boil water/bottled water advisory for a portion of Northwest DC, affecting approximately 750 buildings.

DC WASA experienced a loss of pressure around 12:00 noon on Monday, December 07, 2009. This resulted in a drop of water pressure in the vicinity of 16th Street and Georgia Avenue, NW. A smaller neighborhood may have lost water pressure entirely, which could present a water quality problem.

WASA does not believe there to be contamination, and this is a safety precaution until they can safely test & flush the system. If you have questions, or are near the affected region, you can call WASA to confirm at 202-612-3440.

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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ZooLights Are Back!

Photo courtesy of
‘ZooLights Preview’
courtesy of ‘macmoov’

ZooLights are back and on display as of Friday night at the National Zoo.

This animal & holiday themed light festival will be open on weekend nights through Dec. 13 and each night between Dec. 18 – Jan. 2. But remember! The zoo will be closed on Chirstmas Eve, Chirstmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

“Special Theme” nights are also planned in conjunction with the festival and include: performances from local choirs, puppet shows, “Military” night and “Date” night.

Tickets are $8 for the public and $5 for zoo members.

The Daily Feed
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Buy a Bike, Help Community Programs

Photo courtesy of
‘City Bikes Bikes’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

In the market for a bike?  Here’s a way to get a bike and feel like you’re helping your community all at once: head to the Used Bike Sale at Big Bear Cafe on Saturday 12/12 from 10 to 2.  There will be plenty of quality reconditioned bikes to choose from, including hybrids, road bikes, and mountain bikes.

Best of all, proceeds from the event go to benefit such great community programs as Phoenix Bikes, Mount Rainier Bike Coop, and Renaissance Youth Bike Shop.  These programs engage youth through reconditioning bikes and running bike shops, while teaching kids valuable lessons about environmental sustainability, social entrepreneurship, and community service. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Gay marriage vote will happen on the 15th

Photo courtesy of
‘Law Books’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

WaPo’s DC Wire blog reports that the council and the Human Rights Campaign are planning to have a party next Tuesday evening celebrating the passage of the marriage equality bill. Invitations have gone out already. Mine apparently got lost in the mail.

There’s still no sign on the council’s website – in either the meeting calendar or the legislative agendas – of a legislative sessions schedule for that day. When I asked Young about it via email he stated “Council rules only require 24 hours notice for an additional legislative meeting.  I expect that it will be noticed sometime this week.”

Presumably it’ll happen at 11am, after the already scheduled 10am committee of the whole – that’s when past additional legislative meetings have been scheduled on days when the committee of the whole was already slated to meet at their usual 10am time.

Special Events, The Features
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Supporting Local Artists at DC Holiday Markets

Photo courtesy of
‘Batik’
courtesy of ‘tbridge’

After the enthusiastic response to our Gift Guide to DC Artists last week, I wanted to do a follow-up to further assist you awesome bunch of DC Enthusiasts in your gift-giving efforts.

I didn’t get a chance to talk about holiday markets, which are a great way to check out local and regional artists and let the perfect gift suggest itself to you.

The biggest and probably most convenient is the Downtown Holiday Market, which will be happening until December 23rd. It’s at 8th and F Streets from noon to 8 on daily, so it’s perfect for slipping out at lunchtime or on your way home from work to take a look.  Take a look at their exhibitor list, because not every artist is there for the whole market. Continue reading →

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Target To-Go Store In Georgetown

Photo courtesy of
‘Long live this landmark’
courtesy of ‘dno1967’

According to the Washington Business Journal, a Target To-Go Store will be operating in Georgetown (M St. NW and Wisconsin Ave. NW,) Dec. 11-13 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

These temporary shops feature 50 reasonably priced gifts such as toys, housing items and gadgets, plus pre-store launch items from the Rodarte clothing line.

DC, with New York and San Francisco, will be the only cities in the U.S. to have the temporary outlets.

Additionally, Target is scattering 500 gift tags throughout the city. Those who find them get a giftcard and Target will donate $100 to the Salvation Army for each found tag.

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed
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Bringing Bravo’s Top Chef to DC

Photo courtesy of
‘Paul BOCUSE, French Cook’
courtesy of ‘alainelorza’

The foodies over at DC blog Capital Spice have been intently watching and covering this season of Bravo’s Top Chef, and last week they offered up a fantastic interview with Frederick, Maryland’s own final contest Bryan Voltaggio.

Leading up to this Wednesday’s finale, the site is running a contest that not only gives the winner a Top Chef prize package, but also pitches Washington, DC as the fantastic location for the next season of Top Chef.

So here’s your assignment: Concept a Top Chef elimination challenge that highlights something uniquely Washington. Think: locations, ingredients, events, guest judges who best represent DC, etc.

DC would be an amazing venue for Top Chef. We’ve got a solid culinary community with DC denizens, like Spike Mendelsohn, Carla Hall, and Mike Isabella already showing DC skills on Top Chef, and currently Mr. Voltaggio making a very strong play the Season 6 title.  Additionally, DC offers a fantastic array of high-quality restaurants (with celebrity chefs,) historic eateries, local breweries, gourmet shops, great farmers’ markets, superb area produce, and a solid wine scene.

Capital Spice will take submissions until the beginning of the Top Chef finale this Wednesday night and will announce the winning entry on Thursday. Put your creative hats on! Get to brainstorming! And let’s bring Top Chef to DC!