Yearly Archives: 2009

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

24 in DC, The Features
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24 in DC: Episode 17 (2:00am to 3:00am)

jackbauerblurry.jpg

A blonde who will henceforth be known as Redshirt for reasons that are about to become clear is cleared for the White House. Just as she’s getting ready to leave her house, she’s sprayed with something into unconsciousness by someone who LOOKS JUST LIKE HER and steals her access credentials. Awesome.

Blah blah Freckles and Janis technobabble.

Tony shoots himself to fake a confrontation. Oh, that wily Tony. Here comes the cavalry. Continue reading →

News, The Daily Feed
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The Zimmermen

Photo courtesy of
‘ready to slide’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

Congratulations to the Nationals for locking up Ryan Zimmerman for 5 years at $45M. Zim’s been the face of the club since he was brought up almost immediately after being drafted in 2006, and it’s nice to see him get the contract that he deserves.

Tonight will mark the first MLB start for Jordan Zimmermann, who will be filling the fifth starter slot for the Nationals. Frankly, he couldn’t be much worse than anyone else who’s started for the Nats this season, as their 1-10 record indicates. He was part of a big shuffle of personnel yesterday that sent 40% of the Nats bullpen down to AAA after blowing leads in three straight games against the Marlins this weekend. It looks dicey for the Nats, but we’ll see.

The Daily Feed
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With Liberty and B&Js for All

Photo courtesy of
‘stress eating’
courtesy of ‘ginnerobot’

Tomorrow is the day — free ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s! Thank you tiny baby jesus. Between the hours of noon and 8, stop by for a free scoop of your favorite flavor at one of the following locales:

Ben & Jerry’s Union Station
50 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
202-842-2887

Ben & Jerry’s Old Post Office
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-842-5882

Ben & Jerry’s Georgetown
3135 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-965-2222

Ben & Jerry’s Dupont Circle
1333 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036-1722
202-785-4882

Om nom nom.

The Daily Feed
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Good Luck to DCPS!

Photo courtesy of
‘Multimedia message’
courtesy of ‘Big C Harvey’

This is the big week for DC Public Schools’ students, who will be taking their annual exams as part of the Average Yearly Progress section of No Child Left Behind. This is a big week for Michelle Rhee, as much depends on the students’ improvement in terms of what sort of political capital she can bring to bear against the Teachers’ Union when it comes to contract negotiation. Go DC!

The Daily Feed
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Buckets of Rain

Photo courtesy of
‘Coffee run in the rain’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’

Though not yielding the hail that some weather outlets predicted, today’s skies are letting loose a steady precipitous stream. Thanks for that, up there. As with the drizzling early last week, commuters soggy and unhappy this morning. Let’s all keep it in perspective, though — April Showers and all that. Did you notice how the trees had finally greened up on Thursday after the rain abetted? This weekend is looking like a ridiculous sun-splosion: 86* high and sunny on Saturday?! Happy birthday to ME indeed!!

Since yesterday, we’ve gotten about an inch (National Weather Service reporting 1.04 inches at Dulles) of much needed nature-juice. And for all of you working on your victory gardens around the region, these days mean nourishment for those little plant-lets (the outdoors ones, anyhow).

Music, The Daily Feed
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Toby Lightman at Iota tonight

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_1914’
courtesy of ‘cnraether’

You might remember Toby Lightman from her 2004 single “Devils and Angels,” but even though her songs haven’t seen radio play since then, she hasn’t stopped making music. Her new stuff is soulful, often sultry and jazzy but sometimes pop-y and upbeat, plus she really knows how to put backup singers to good use. Catch her at Iota in Arlington tonight with local Shane Hines ($12).

Entertainment, Food and Drink, The DC 100
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DC 100: #14 Aloo Gobi

Photo courtesy of
‘aloo gobi (cauliflower and potato)’
courtesy of ‘Geoff604’

The other weekend, my boyfriend and I found ourselves eating Indian food, a cuisine neither of us had tasted in a while.  Needless to say, the meal was a HUGE success leaving both of us craving for more. To satisfy our hunger I ventured into kitchen to try my cooking skills within the Indian cuisine realm and tackle DC 100 list item Aloo Gobi.

First and foremost was finding a cookbook to guide me in this foreign and often times complicated and time-consuming cuisine. Film actress Madhur Jaffrey has authored numerous cookbooks focusing on Indian food, great buys if you’re interested in exploring the cuisine, so at my uncle’s recommendation I turned to the book Madhur Jaffrey Indian Cookery for her recipes and guidance. Continue reading →

Arlington, Night Life, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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NoVa Outdoor Movie Nights

Photo courtesy of
‘some movie night in park in roslyn’
courtesy of ‘tvol’

The Monday evening movie screenings in Crystal City is going with the superhero theme for the Summer. The 2009 season will begin with the Spider-Man trilogy followed by movies featuring the Hulk, Superman, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and culminate with the Batman movies, including the last year’s blockbuster hit, Batman: The Dark Knight.

Crystal Screen can be seen every Monday evening at sundown starting May 4, 2009 through September 21, 2009 in the courtyard along S. Bell Street between 18th and 20th Streets, across from Arena Stage and the Crystal City Metro Station. Free garage parking is also available at designated Crystal City garages after 4:00 PM. Movies are held rain or shine, except in cases of severe, inclement weather.

Other NOVA BID’s are also in on the movie night thing, I’m personally planning on being a regular at the Friday night Rosslyn BID’s I Love the 80’s movie nights. Sixteen Candles at twilight with a picnic on a blanket? Yes, please! The Rosslyn screening is just two blocks from the Rosslyn Metro and parking is available across the street from Gateway Park at the Atlantic Parking Garage for $3 at 1901 and 1911 N. Ft. Myer Drive after 6 pm.