By Don
‘earth ground’
courtesy of ‘dimsis’
WTOP ran an article today about a lawsuit WMATA has filed against Jemal’s Fairfield Farms and it piqued my interest. As WTOP says, WMATA is more typically being sued than suing others, so this is an interesting development. The summary has it right but… what could they have piled up that was so huge as to goof up the tracks?
A few minutes with PACER and I have some answers, as well as overhead looks via Google. C’mon in, let’s snoop.
By Ben H. Rome
‘Net Lit In Red’
courtesy of ‘clydeorama’
Ok DC, ready for a real sport, now that the Redskins have imploded, the United tanked and the Nats…well, they’re the Nats. Anyway, are you ready for some hockey?
The Washington Capitals open up their season tomorrow night in Boston against the Bruins, the first step in their 2009-10 quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup. Last season saw the Caps suffer the most ignominious of falls, crashing in a critical Game 7 against the eventual Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Even more galling to Caps fans was the fact that the Caps led that series 2-0 before running out of gas.
Will this year be any better?
It depends.
While I’m sure a few of you actually care what I think about the Caps this year, most people I’ve talked with casually about hockey are skeptical of my Capitals analysis, considering I’m a Penguins fan at heart. Never mind the fact that last year, I was only two wins off predicting their season record and correctly predicted their playoff exit. So rather than take flak again this year, I turned to ESPN’s John Buccigross for his invaluable insight. (And for the record, Bucci picked the Flyers to win the Cup this year. That’s right, Philly. But we won’t hold that against him.)
By Donna C.
‘mung’
courtesy of ‘rayb777’
To be honest, I never thought of growing sprouts in my kitchen over the winter. But I like the name of this class – “Sprout Happy!” – that will be held in North Bethesda on Saturday morning. And they promise you’ll learn how to grow live, organic food inside for just pennies.
Hmm, houseplants that you (and not just your cat) can eat. This sounds simple and fun.
By Katie
There’s something lovely and reassuring about sitting down somewhere with a cool drink in one hand and an evening of dishing stretched out in front of you. That’s the thing about restaurants. It’s not always about the food. While the food is oftentimes (for this feature especially) the focus, I also appreciate the fact that for the price of my meal I’m also renting a table’s worth of space. For however long I need it, I “own” that space to catch up with friends, make lovey eyes at a boy or discuss business with coworkers. Sitting down at a restaurant is practicing the word in the name: a rest. No one is playing host – no one is rushing in and out of the kitchen tending to food or people – everyone can focus on the company at hand. For that hour or three, you’re taken care of, with everything you need. The space is yours, your friends are there, and you’ve only got to focus on talking and eating. I’m always grateful to end a hectic day at work seated across from friends, drink in hand, open menu in front of me. As one of the food lovers here at We Love DC, that’s often how I end my days. So with practically all my time spent in restaurants I’m frequently asked for my favorites. I do this feature monthly to recommend the best of the best – my favorite plates from all across DC.
This month has been a busy one. September is always busy in the food world in DC, places open their doors, fall menus pop up, and everyone stakes out spots on the patios before winter sneaks in. I’ve done a lot of traditional fine high-heels-on, white table cloth dining this month. So what are my favorites? I’ll tell you where I’ve been and then compose a full meal out of the best dishes I’ve had all month. Ready? Continue reading
By Don
‘Market manager’s office’
courtesy of ‘erin m’
Another year, another crop of haunted houses and forests. I’ve long been a fan of Markoff’s Haunted Forest but they’re far from the only game in way outside of town. The Bowie Baysox put on a haunted house out at the PG stadium every Friday and Saturday in October, meaning that the first one is this Friday. Markoff’s kicks off then as well, as do plenty of others I’m sure.
Got a favorite?
By Jenn Larsen
Image courtesy of VelocityDC
There are dance parties where you dance, and dance parties where you watch in awe. This Friday and Saturday for a paltry $15 you can do the latter at VelocityDC Dance Festival, where six companies will strut their stuff upon the stage of the Harman Center. It’s a wide variety – ballet, modern, flamenco, hip hop – with troupes such as The Washington Ballet, CityDance Ensemble, and Liz Lerman Dance Exchange presenting short pieces designed to introduce you to dance performance.
Both nights start with a special street performance at 5:30pm called “Bodies in Urban Space,” which will move from the Navy Memorial through Penn Quarter to the Harman. Stage performances begin at 7:30pm. Meet the dancers afterwards at the bars of the Harman to chat them up about their profession, one of the most grueling and athletic of the performing arts.
And if that weren’t enough, Saturday will also feature a 10pm cabaret with performers like Furia Flamenca and Capital Movement Project, followed by DJ Ian Knight spinning in the Harman lounges.
So, $15 for poetry in motion. Not bad.
By jasmine
‘Road Work Ahead on New Hampshire Avenue’
courtesy of ‘Wayan Vota’
Well, it’s not even October and I am already sick of the gubernatorial race in Virginia. Good job, guys. Between the Washington Post’s story on Bob McDonnell’s misogynistic thesis and the onslaught of ads and direct mail that Creigh Deeds has put out in the wake of it, it’s enough to make any voter apathetic.
The Washington Business Journal has an article today on the two candidates’ opinions on transportation issues in Virginia, with a great quote from Richard McDonough, a Chantilly assistant district manager for Lane Construction Corp. and past president of the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance. “We’re not pleased with either candidate’s position,” pretty much sums up the race so far, but is especially concerning considering how many Virginians who commute into DC are affected by this issue.
By Katie
‘Facial Massage’
courtesy of ‘The Essex, Vermont’s Culinary Resort & Spa’
DC Spa Week is back, October 12-18th! $50 spa treatments abound all over DC, at some of the area’s best spas. Local spa expert McLean from Deacon Does DC recommends Parma and Bella Donna. Oh, and just because I can read your mind – I called Bliss and they’re already booked up, sigh. For more information and options check out the full list.
By Katie
‘Ice cream with free spoon’
courtesy of ‘Wyscan’
Tomorrow, October 1st, the Liason Hotel near Capitol Hill will be handing out free single serve containers of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in the hotel lobby from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. until supplies runs out.
You are welcome for that, DC.
The free ice cream is to promote the launch of The Liason’s “Comfort Package,” which “welcomes guests to indulge in ice cream while lounging in cozy pajamas. The “Comfort Package” includes one pair of Lands’ End cotton pajamas customized with the Affinia logo; two single serving containers of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream; in-room breakfast for two or breakfast in bed; and a late check-out to ensure a restful stay. The package starts at $159 per night (based on double occupancy), and is available from October 1 to March 31, 2010. For every “Comfort Package” booked, $10 will be donated to Common Ground, a non-profit whose mission is to end homelessness through the development of supportive housing and other research-based practices.”
That’s all good and well, but FREE ICE CREAM! WHEE!
By Ben H. Rome
‘Do You Slow for Speed Cameras?’
courtesy of ‘Wayan Vota’
On Thursday, Big Brother is allowed to catch you speeding in Maryland. But will he really be watching?
The use of automated speed cameras becomes legal in Maryland tomorrow, but according to WaPo, few communities are jumping up to embrace it. Currently Gaithersburg, Chevy Chase Village, Takoma Park and Rockville employ the electronic devices – have been since 2006, since they went through the steps to use them. But some counties in the state have indicated they don’t plan on taking advantage of the new law.
The Maryland speed camera law was passed this past April. According to the law, before cameras can be used in other Maryland jurisdictions, the county or town council must hold a public hearing and give its approval. If the cameras are on federal or state highways, the approval of the State Highway Administration is required. Baltimore County has already authorized their use and several Prince George’s municipalities have started the process. (That would be Riverdale Heights, Berwyn Heights, New Carrollton, Bowie, District Heights and Cheverly, if you’re keeping track.)
Howard and Anne Arundel counties have no immediate plans but are taking initial steps to set aside money for possible programs. Continue reading
By Tom Bridge
”
courtesy of ‘Nicole Aguirre’
We’re late to the party on this one, and a lot of the supporting material for this post has been consigned to the Google Cache, but a video was posted to YouTube, and then removed, of two local guys, possibly students at Georgetown, jumping off the Key Bridge. The original video has been pulled, and a couple posts have been scrubbed from their original locations, at the request of third parties possibly related to the original jumpers. The conflict appears to be related to some negative attention due to the now-absent video, and the move to cover up a stunt that was caught on video.
That’s some serious height there, and you’ve got to think that someone willing to jump off is a little bit crazy, or a lot stupid. Either way, why the cover up?
By Cathy
‘72145-05Crop’
courtesy of ‘furcafe’
Did you know that what was once the world’s tallest (yes, the WORLD’S TALLEST) chair sits in Anacostia? And, is it just a strange coincidence that another large (green) chair gets all of the attention in Georgetown? (Do other American cities have multitudes of tall, oversized chairs?) What about Abraham Lincoln’s chair, located smack in the middle of the two. How do they all compare?
If not the world’s tallest, the statue of Lincoln in his chair at the Lincoln Memorial would surely win the World’s Heaviest Chair competition. Daniel Chester French sculpted the 16th President’s seated, 19 foot tall statue into this chair out of 28 marble blocks weighing 120 tons. And to give you an idea of just how large this statue is, if Lincoln were to stand, he would be a towering 28 feet tall. Continue reading
By Don
‘Circulator panning’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
The Washington Post is reporting that the city has reversed their decision and will not be discontinuing the Georgetown Wisconsin Ave Circulator route. The move had been part of an overall plan to close an almost $1M shortage in the District’s department of transportation budget and this reprieve doesn’t mean they found other ways to make up the money. WaPo says officials said they’ll have to find the money elsewhere, possibly from the council’s budget.
By Katie
‘Russian handiwork’
courtesy of ‘beketchai’
Getting a hankering for some stroganoff or Faberge eggs? Well lucky for you, because the Annual Russian Bazaar is this weekend. On Saturday, October 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 4, from Noon to 6 p.m., rain or shine, you can enjoy homemade russian delicacies, live folk music a wide assortment of unique handicrafts, tours of The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and children’s activities. I hear there will be a moon bounce. Count me in.
St. John the Baptist Cathedral is located at 4001 17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, one block west of 16th Street NW, 2.7 miles due north of the White House/Lafayette Park.
By jasmine
‘DC Flag on Bus Stop Crop’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Have deep thoughts about the state of the arts scene in DC? Well, tonight is your chance to make your opinion known at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities public input session. They’ll be sharing what they’ve done and asking for your thoughts about support of artists and arts organizations, art education, and arts advocacy before they craft their next strategic plan.
The session will be from 6:30-8:30 pm at 1371 Harvard St, NW in the basement level Pepco meeting room.
By Tom Bridge
A suspicious package placed in the night deposit box of the Wachovia Bank at the intersection of 9th and Penn has the whole area shut down to traffic, from 7th and Penn to 10th and Penn and from 9th and E to 9th and Constitution. Avoid the area, and watch @dcfireems for updates.
By Tom Bridge
‘Mount Vernon – What Are Yous Lookin At – 12-26-08’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’
Apparently, it’s hard to be a pub downtown if your landlord rents out your space to the Peace Corps while you’re trying to extend the lease. Or, that’s what the Black Rooster Pub on L Street found out recently. They’ll be closing their doors on November 3rd, as during negotiations with the landlord, Peace Corps was offered the space and accepted a lease.
The Black Rooster‘s been there since 1970, and I can remember more than a few trips there in my early years in DC working downtown. It’s a shame they haven’t been able to find an appropriate space to move their bar to, and that instead of a street-level retail outfit like Black Rooster, we’re stuck with more office space that goes dark at night. Owner Jody Taylor is fairly sure at this point they’ll be shutting the place down, as their business model wouldn’t allow for the re-creation of the place from scratch in another part of the city.
This is definitely a sad day. Get there while you can, it’s a gorgeous pub, and it’ll be a shame to see the doors close for good, just so some desks can go in instead.
By shannon
‘DSC_0016.jpg’
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
Here at DC Mythbusting we’ve covered a lot of myths, but the one I referenced in the first ever Mythbusting feature is one of the most persistent I’ve ever heard. That myth attempts to explain the lack of a J Street in DC. In all four quadrants of our fair city, the street that comes after I Street is K Street. So what happened to J Street?
The myth states that our city’s planner, Pierre L’Enfant, left out J Street as a slight to John Jay. Legend has it that L’Enfant hated John Jay for the 1794 Jay Treaty, which settled some issues between America and Great Britain. The treaty was generally unpopular with Americans because it seemed to greatly favor the British, and the French were mad too because they were an ally during the Revolutionary War and now were fighting Great Britain on their own. Supposedly, L’Enfant was upset because he was a French-born American, so he was doubly pissed.
However, this myth falls apart entirely when you look at the timeline of things. L’Enfant’s plan for DC was finalized in early 1792, and the Jay Treaty didn’t happen until 1794. And the other myth, that John Jay stole Pierre L’Enfant’s wife or girlfriend, also falls apart when you learn that Pierre L’Enfant was gay. So there’s really no truth about the omission of J Street as a slight to John Jay. Continue reading
By Don
image courtesy the Gay Games & Betty Lark Ross
Cheer team for the 7th Gay Games
WKYC-tv is reporting that their city of Cleveland has won the bid to host the 2014 Gay Games and the Washington Blade confirms. So despite the best efforts of local officials back in August, Washington will not be hosting. We join Boston in being rejected.
By Don
Durian, courtesy of Perantau Sepi Lodge
The Smithsonian blog has an entry today about durian and its potential interaction with alcohol. They report that Japanese researchers believe they’ve found evidence that durian inhibits the liver’s ability to metabolize the toxins resulting from the consumption of alcohol.
Put down the stinky fruit, frat boy: that’s the toxins resulting from metabolizing the alcohol, not the alcohol itself. So your Delta Tau Chi fantasies of a $4 drunk aren’t going to pan out: you’re just going to make your hangover longer or worse, or maybe die. So when you decide to tackle the Omni 100: Durian, leave the beer in the fridge.
