Monthly Archives: March 2010

The Daily Feed
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Obama To Throw First Pitch On Nats Opening Day

Photo courtesy of
‘President Barack Obama winds up for the first pitch 2’
courtesy of ‘sportsreference’

President Obama will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the Nationals home opener against the defending National League Champion and division rival Philadelphia Phillies Monday, April 5 for the 1:05 day game.

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced that this is the 100th anniversary of Presidential participation when it comes to the historic First Pitch.

Politics aside, at least Obama’s had some practice with throwing out the first pitch. He didn’t bounce it at the 2009 All-Star game. He made it over the plate. Forget Health Care Reform and whichever side you choose on that front, at least we know the guy won’t embarrass D.C. in front of the flocks of Phillies fans who will be making the four hour-ish trip to town for Opening Day.

Individual tickets for opening day are no longer available, but 400 level seats in section 401 and 402 will be available for $5 starting at 10 a.m. on game day.

The Daily Feed
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Stair Climbing as the Next Trendy Sport?

Photo courtesy of
‘Many steps program’
courtesy of ‘spiggycat’

Here’s one more reason to stand to the right on Metro escalators– that guy running up on the left might be training for an upcoming stair-climbing competition. WTOP reports that stair-climbing competitions have taken hold in Virginia, with people training for 25, 50, or 100-flight races.  The article even mentions tips on stair climbing, like putting your heels down first instead of your toes to protect your knees.

With Metro’s escalator outages, we’re all getting a lot of stair-climbing training in, but be advised: climbing up stopped escalators is much more difficult than climbing stairs for a couple reasons.  The riser on escalators is a few inches greater than that of typical stairs (so you have to take about a 2-inch higher step on every step), and the tread-to-riser (the tread is the part of the stair you step on) ratio is out of proportion on escalators.  So if you’d like to join in the April 25th stair-climbing competition in Norfolk, it’s probably a good idea to stick to traditional stairs.

News, The Daily Feed
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Prince George’s Officer Not Charged in Suspected DUI Crash

Photo courtesy of
‘Prince George’s County Sheriff’
courtesy of ‘scoutnurse’

A local paper is reporting this morning that a Prince George’s Sheriff’s Deputy was released without charges in a suspected DUI incident. The officer’s personal vehicle was found in a ditch, and the deputy failed field sobriety tests, but he was let go without any charges in early March. A sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office ordered the release, and is now serving a suspension for the decision.

The creepy part of the story? The person who brought this decision to light? Sgt. Rafael Hylton, the brother of the current PG County Police Chief Roberto Hylton. Guess who’s running for Sheriff? Sgt. Rafael Hylton. Sgt. Hylton is currently claiming that he’s suffering from a hostile work environment for failing to support his boss’ candidacy for County Executive in PG County. Don’t you feel safer already?

In other news,

Freeman Klopott of the Examiner has the eagle eyes. Late yesterday, he spotted a series of dropped cases by D.C Attorney General Irvin Nathan, all of which were DUI cases. Last Spring, the Intoxilyzer 5000 series blood alcohol testers fell under serious scrutiny when 8 of the department’s 10 units were suspected of producing faulty results. Since then, the Police Department has been trying to get the new Intoximeter machines certified with the medical examiner’s office, but failing that, they were pulled off the street last week.

Police were collecting evidence using the Intoximeter machines, but according to internal police emails presented by Klopott, not presenting those results in court as certified evidence, due to the conflict with the medical examiner’s officer over certification. As an intermediary measure, police are now collecting urine samples from suspects to use in court. If you have been charged with DUI, read here the steps you will need to take to ensure a successful defense.

I think there’s something doubly scary here: 1) That Police can’t trust their own equipment to give them solid results and 2) even if they could, watching case after case be thrown out while the potentially irresponsible go free without punishment will have an effect on morale.

The Daily Feed
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Can Teddy Win?

Photo courtesy of
‘Reflective Teddy’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

Do we even want him to win?

It’s questions like these that we’re hoping the founder of LetTeddyWin.com can shed some light on when he joins us next month for our night at National’s Park.

Tickets are now on sale for the event taking place Wednesday, April 21 starting at 5:30 with a behind-the-scenes stadium tour at Nationals Park, followed by “Let Teddy Win” related events, and the Nats vs. the Rockies at 7:05.

What do you think about Teddy and his losing streak? What happens if and when he wins?

The Daily Feed
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Heightened Metro Security Today

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘erin m’

Due to the attack on the Moscow subway system earlier today, Metro opened today with heightened security. So if you saw dogs, more Metro police, etc., that would be why. Acting Metro Transit Police Chief Jeri Lee says that the heightened security will last at least through the Nuclear Security Summit scheduled for April 12-13.

Unrelated to the Moscow attack, there will also be a Metro emergency response drill at RFK stadium today simulating a bus explosion. So don’t freak out if you’re over there.

The Daily Feed
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Top Three Rotation Spots Locked, Says Riggleman

Photo courtesy of
‘Goes Well With Apple Pie’
courtesy of ‘gfpeck’

(via @AdamKilgoreWP on Twitter) Lannan, Marquis, Stammen will be the #Nats first three starters this year, Riggleman says. Livo a likely 4th. Mock, Martin, Olsen for 5th.

This is Lannan‘s second year starting as the Nationals Ace for Opening Day.

Marquis has been shaky this Spring Training, with a 14.40 ERA. His attitude remains upbeat despite the not-so-brag-worthy start to run with the Nats. “Whether you have the No. 1 spot locked up or the No. 5 spot locked up, you still want to go out there and compete and not embarrass yourself or your teammates,” Marquis told WaPo’s Adam Kilgore. “Hopefully that’s what you do you when it comes close to the end of spring training.” Let’s not forget, Maqruis was an All-Star in 2009. If he doesn’t show he’s got the arm, then we’ll see how long he stays in Washington.

There’s something about Stammen though. When I spoke with him at NatsFest back in January he said something that struck me. “The Nationals empire is coming soon,” Stammen said. “The Verizon Center is always packed because the Caps and the Wizards create a winning product. It’s our time now.” Stammen had no clue he’d be starting for the Nats in January. He just loves to play and loves to play for a team that wants him there.

Riggleman is still working the last two spots for the five man rotation. Opening Day at Nationals Park is next Monday. So those names should be in by then.

The Features, Weekend Flashback
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Weekend Flashback: 3/26 – 3/28/10

Photo courtesy of
‘(087/365)’
courtesy of ‘kimberlyfaye’

Already tired of the gray, icky drizzle to start out the work week? Well, did you know that the National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off this weekend with the Smithsonianl Kite Festival? Lots of sunshine and kites dominated the early part of the weekend before yesterday’s gray settled in, so let’s ignore the wetness outside and revel in some great photos from area photographers.

Oh, and take heart – this weekend’s looking to be fabulous!

Continue reading →

Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, People, Special Events, The Daily Feed, The Mall
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Photos From The Smithsonian Kite Festival

Circle

The National Mall is a place I don’t visit nearly often enough. Today was an exception to that. A childhood friend of mine surprised me with a call Friday afternoon saying she’d be in town for the weekend and wanted to picnic on the Mall — during the KITE FESTIVAL!

Thanks to her, I got to play tourist for a day (something I haven’t done for a very long time). Here are some highlights from the Smithsonian’s Kite Festival and parading about the National Mall after the page break Continue reading →

Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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That Settles That: Grunfeld Says Arenas to Remain

Photo courtesy of
‘Introducing Gilbert Arenas’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

The word is out this evening, and it seems that Arenas’ season suspension will be his only punishment from the Wizards. Truth About It has the word from Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld: Arenas will remain a Wizard, and the team will not seek to terminate his contract. The Wizards have four years and about $80M left on Arenas’ contract.

The Daily Feed
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Cheers to Cherries

Photo courtesy of
‘Pretty in Pink [Explored]’
courtesy of ‘kimberlyfaye’

Here’s an idea to get your DC spring weekend off to a good start: cherry beer.

Joining the list of 2010 cherry culinary delights is Cherry Blossom Fest from District Chophouse, first served last night at the Slow Beer Tasting put on by Slow Food DC and on tap for the next two weeks.

This ruby-red, slightly sweet creation is a filtered wheat ale made with a puree of real cherries — 294 pounds of cherries total, more than 1 pound per gallon.

Said Head Brewer Barrett Lauer, “This beer is a great beer to start off with, or end with, and has a delicate cherry aroma that compliments chocolate very nicely. It also tastes great with a touch of Oatmeal Stout in it.”

Two good beers at once? That’s a combination worth trying. Cheers to the cherry blossoms!

The Daily Feed
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Go Fly a Kite!

Photo courtesy of
‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’
courtesy of ‘ameschen’

This weekend is the Smithsonian’s Annual Kite Festival on the Mall, giving you a good reason to head out to the Mall this weekend with a kite in hand to try your hand at soaring over the park. Whether you want a sweet box kite, or my favorite from my youth, mylar dragon kite, it’s all about having a good time outdoors. The forecast calls for it to be brisk, with light winds, so take a jacket, pumpkin.

News, Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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Breaking: Arenas Gets Probation

Photo courtesy of
‘DC Court of Appeals and Lincoln’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

Reports are in: Gilbert Arenas was today sentenced to 2 years probation for his felony firearms conviction. Judge Robert Morin weighed the decision carefully, relying on the sentencing recommendation from the prosecutor’s office, and the 221-page document from Arenas’ attorneys with multiple character references, and Arenas’ own apology.

Arenas will also be forced to 400 hours of public service, and donate $5,000 to a victims of violence charity (Seriously? He made that much while you were just looking at him funny. That’s an insult to Justice right there.), and spend 30 days in a halfway house.

Arenas’ future with the Wizards is in question. Currently, he is serving a season-long suspension due to the incident which involved firearms in a December locker-room altercation at the Verizon Center. The Wizards have the option to seek to terminate Arenas’ contract, due to the felony conviction, and given Arenas’ large salary, and the horrific performance of the team (lost 13 straight) it would be understandable if the team might terminate his contract. 4 years and $80M is a big pill for the team to swallow when trading Arenas might be impossible.

Were I the owner of the Wizards, I’d terminate Arenas’ 4 years and offer him a 1-year, $1M chance to prove himself worthy of further investment while the Wizards rebuild from their horrific season. You want to be in DC, Gilbert? Give up the money and job security and show us you mean business.

Adventures, The Daily Feed
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Fairfax Tries To Control Growing Geese Population

Photo courtesy of
‘Geese at Twilight’
courtesy of

In response to complaints about incessant honking, germ-ridden feathers and excrement-fouled waterways, lawns and sidewalks, Fairfax County is calling on volunteers to help control the growing Canadian geese population in the VA-MD-DC metropolitan region.

This call for volunteers centers around training for the population control process called addling, which according to a quote by Fairfax County Biologist Victoria Monroe in an NBCWashington article, “involves applying oil to [fertilized] goose eggs to prevent embryo development,” then returning the egg to the nest. Upon return, it’s particularly important to convince the mother goose that her egg(s) have not been tampered with, because otherwise she would quickly lay more eggs. Continue reading →

Fitness District, The Features
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Fitness District: Bellydance

“Image_1165.jpg” by VelvetJAM on Flickr

Part of our ongoing series about different ways to get fit in the District…

In our last edition of Fitness District, Samantha ventured into the world of dance with a trip to B. Fit to try the Barre Method, a system based in part off of ballet. This week, we explore another form of dance that’s recently taken off in DC as a fantastic way to stay fit and challenge your body – bellydance, also known as oriental dance or raqs al sharqi.

Most people’s experience of bellydance in DC is probably relegated to a cabaret performance at a Moroccan restaurant like Marrakesh or Casablanca, or maybe even a show at Palace of Wonders or DC Tribal’s monthly nights at venues like Asylum, but increasingly dance companies are also performing in grand productions on local stages. I got hooked both ways, by watching a performance of Bellydance Superstars in a large theater, and being privileged to have local American Tribal Style troupe Sammati Dance perform for a small party at my house. Inspired by the vibrant joy and sensuality, I wasn’t convinced I could actually get that kind of isolated control over my muscles, but I was sure going to try!

It seems like every gym is adding a bellydance class these days, but I urge you to make sure you are learning a properly constructed curriculum from an experienced dancer to avoid injury. There are many fine dance studios teaching bellydance in the DC area – Joy of Motion, Sahara Dance, and Saffron Dance (where I study) are consistently mentioned as the best. Also, with a thriving community of professional dancers here, you have the opportunity to take private lessons as well, which is a real boon if you choose to advance.

Now it may not seem like it at first, but it takes a lot of control to shake your booty. My very first class had me a sweaty red-faced mess by the end – and that was just a beginners class! As you advance – traveling combination steps, layering shimmies, undulations – it’s hardcore. But every single person I’ve asked about their experience learning bellydance has said the same thing – that it restored their confidence in their bodies and self-esteem.

I asked two professional dancers and instructors, Kostana and Asharah, to talk more about how bellydance impacted their fitness and body image.
Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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The DC Register is comedy gold, Nth edition

Photo courtesy of
‘Ayurvedic Massage’
courtesy of ‘Kerala Tourism’

Sometimes I comment that I read the DC Register so you don’t have to, but it pays off often enough that it’s totally worth it. This time the joy comes in the form of new proposed regulation from the Department of Health. Last year some enhanced regulation went in place to try to crack down on prostitution that was thinly disguised as massage. The new changes add some more fines in for that kind of thing as well as other offenses. Some of them make you think “are the criminal penalties really not enough?” but mostly I just love the way these extremes are mixed together.

For example, the following are all class 1 infractions:

  • Operating a massage establishment or health spa facility for an illegal clandestine drug laboratory or related activities;
  • Operating a massage establishment or health spa facility for prostitution;
  • Operating a massage establishment or health spa facility without a valid Certificate of Occupancy;
  • Failure of licensee to employ a massage therapist who is on the premises during all hours of operation

Are massage parlors really useful fronts for drug labs?

Entertainment, Music, The Daily Feed
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Puns Are Fun When Mixed With Music

Photo courtesy of
‘DC9’
courtesy of ‘Chris DiGiamo’

Ever felt like going to a concert that your “kindly pun-loving English teacher would love“? While the answer to this question is, “Um….probably not,” I urge you to change that answer.

Three piece band Phil and the Osophers are a group of indie rockers who lend a great deal of thought to each word chosen while crafting their song lyrics. They can be found opening for A Sunny Day in Glasgow with Faux Slang this Sunday night at DC9 for an 8:30 p.m., 18+ show. Tickets are $10.

WMATA, WTF?!
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Sick

Sick customer on the Orange Line

“We need a doctor,” came the yell. Some of the last words you want to hear on Metro; they indicate that somewhere on the train, someone may be suffering or dying — and of more callous concern, that WMATA’s “Sick Customer” policy goes into effect, stopping the train and triggering cascading delays down the line.

It was Wednesday evening, rush hour. I was at Rosslyn, on the Orange Line to Vienna. The operator announced over the train P.A. that he would be leaving the cab to attend to a sick customer, emergency services had been summoned, and that we would be holding at Rosslyn indefinitely. In the second car of the train, an elderly man in a suit had collapsed from what appeared to be a heart attack, and lay on the floor, unmoving, a doctor examining him while another passenger checked his cellphone for emergency contacts.

Outside, the station P.A. announced delays on both tracks of the Orange Line due to a sick customer at Rosslyn, single-tracking in progress. Then, another announcement that the train at Rosslyn was being offloaded — but no such announcement had been made on the train that I was on. Passengers looked around doubtfully. Shortly after, the operator returned to the cab and announced that, yes, “this train will be offloaded, please board the train that is now arriving upstairs.”   Continue reading →

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Let We Love DC Take You Out To The Ballgame

Photo courtesy of
‘Teddy and Teddy’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

Dreary Friday weather gotcha down? Need something to look forward to while we transition from hella-crazy, snowy winter to pretty, sunny spring? Well I’ve got your Good Ship Lollipop right here in the form of We Love DC’s second event of the year!

Take me out to the ballgame takes on a whole new meaning this spring when We Love DC teams up with the folks at Let Teddy Win to give our readers a night conceived solely for them.

Tickets are now on sale for the event taking place Wednesday, April 21 starting at 5:30 with a behind-the-scenes stadium tour at Nationals Park, followed by “Let Teddy Win” related events, and the Nats vs. the Rockies at 7:05.

Get your tickets! This is an event you won’t want to miss.