Monthly Archives: June 2010

Sports Fix, The Features
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We Love The World Cup: Where To Watch

Photo courtesy of
‘World Cup 2010 Tee Off Tomorrow’
courtesy of ‘Frames-of-Mind’

With the 2010 World Cup kicking off tomorrow as host nation South Africa takes on Mexico at 10am (EST) at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, it’s time we explored local venue standouts for watching this four week long, footie, action packed tournament.

When contemplating your location it’s important to first think about the type of environment and fellow watchers you want to be around. While some people like being boisterous with cheering and audience packed commentary throughout the match, there are also those who prefer to watch the game in relative silence, quietly sipping on their pints and internally banging their heads on the wall when mistakes are made.

Whatever environment you chose, you’re sure to have a good time watching the game with fellow soccer lovers who share your enthusiasm (however that may be expressed) for the sport. Just be sure that however your team makes out, you’re a graceful winner or loser. Now on to prime viewing spots. Continue reading →

Dupont Circle, The Daily Feed
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Dupont Circle Street Named After Dr. Frank Kameny


Dr. Frank Kameny

Mayor Adrian Fenty has been exercising his power to rename DC streets like no mayor has done before, today dedicating the intersection of 17th & R street NW to Dr. Frank Kameny.

Many people consider Dr. Kameny to be the grandfather of the gay rights movement.  In 1957, a time when being gay was definitely not socially accepted, he was fired from his job as an astronomer at the Army Map Service for his homosexuality.  While many people would have accepted it as truth, as the way the world worked, Kameny chose to fight.  In what was the first civil rights claim based on sexual orientation, he argued his case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court who unfortunately denied his petition.  In 1965 he organized a demonstration in front of the White House, and many of his original picket signs now reside in the Smithsonian Institution (he had one with him today).  In 2006 the Library of Congress acquired his documents that describe his life as a leader in the gay rights movement.  In 2009 his home here in Washington was designated as a DC Historic Landmark.  Also in 2009, in a gesture that makes me smile, the U.S. government formally apologized to Kameny via the Director of the Office of Personnel Management who himself is openly gay.

Times have changed since 1957, largely in part to the courage and dedication of Dr. Kameny.  As the center of DC’s gay community, Dupont Circle is proud to have a street named after him as a reminder of all that he has done to push equal rights for all.

Continue reading →

Adventures, The Features, We Love Weekends
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We Love Weekends: June 12-13

Photo courtesy of
‘Dandies & Quaintrelles 0863’
courtesy of ‘yospyn’

Max: Friday night I’ll be nerding it up with the best of them at the DC Digital Capital Week kickoff party.  From 9PM to 3AM, Blagden Alley will be the place to be in DC for networking, art viewing, music listening, and beer drinking ($20).  On Saturday I will shed my usual attire and pretend that I have class by donning a costume for the Seersucker Social (fingers crossed for cooperative weather).  Assuming I’m not run over by a fellow seersuckerer or bonked on the noggin by a croquet mallet, I might snap a few pictures of the pride parade and then help a friend celebrate the big 3-0.  Sunday will (as usual) be filled with photo editing and napping.

Dave: You know, a week of Strasburg-mania has me completely in the mood to get out there and find my own Field of Dreams. So, for a great sports weekends I’ll kick it off Friday morning, watching the opening matches of the World Cup at Public Bar ($3 Peronis ain’t a bad way to start the day, and it is, after all, noon somewhere). Friday evening, I’ll be out at Upton Hill Regional Park, shaking off the cobwebs of a few rainouts and back in the cages before a Saturday tripleheader of softball against a few of our rivals out at Cabin John. (Also, please note, regardless of the St. George’s Cross hanging by my desk, please note, I will also be cheering for the Yanks when they face the Three Lions).

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Kelvin Robinson to Challenge Tommy Wells in Ward 6

Photo courtesy of
‘Artomatic09.18’
courtesy of ‘bhrome’

Councilman Tommy Wells of Ward 6 looked like he might skate to re-election unchallenged, but as of this morning that’s no longer the case. At-Large candidate Kelvin Robinson has decided to withdraw his candidacy for the At-Large seat and will instead run for the Ward 6 Council seat. What changed his mind? Exhortations from the Ward 6 ANC Commissioners Mary Beatty and Gladys Mack and others in an open letter delivered to Wells recently. Robinson was once chair for ANC 6A, and served as Chief of Staff to Mayor Anthony Williams.

The letter, signed by two ANC commissioners and a number of Ward 6 businesspeople, cited a number of concerns: “With juvenile crime continuing to threaten the safety of our neighborhoods, the lack of a cohesive and community-centered approach to neighborhood development — especially for Reservation 13, RFK, Barracks Row, H Street and other critical areas — an innovative and more comprehensive, Ward-wide approach is needed to not only improve the places where we live, but also to provide critical jobs for District residents, help to fund programs for at-risk youth, and much more. We need a Councilmember who will fight for Ward 6 residents and ensure ALL voices within our community are heard, empowering residents to help develop the solutions to address the issues that confront us.”

Looks like only one council seat will be uncontested: Ward 3, with Mary Cheh running unopposed. Anyone?

Entertainment, Music, The Daily Feed, We Love Music
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Hot Ticket: This Will Destroy You @ DC9 6/10/10

This Will Destroy You
courtesy of This Will Destroy You.

Look at the friggin’ graphic. When I came across the above image while researching the post-rock quartet, This Will Destroy You, I knew that I had found just about everything I would need to convince you to go to this concert. Not only are This Will Destroy You a post-rock band on the rise; they also have awesome taste in artwork. I am as stunned by the hilarious genius of that graphic as I am by TWDY’s soul-stirring, earth-shaking instrumental music.

This Will Destroy You are a band that beautifully harness subtlety in their music while obviously discarding it completely to market themselves. Just look at their name: THIS WILL DESTROY YOU. Now look at that awe-inspiring graphic again. It tells you everything you need to know about the band and what they will bring to their live performance at DC9 tonight. TWDY’s guitars will sound like the howl of a wolf, the roar of a mountain lion, and the scream of an American eagle combined! This show will be mighty and the audience will quake under the sonic assault of This Will Destroy You. Come to DC9 tonight and watch as they unleash material from their forth-coming album “Tunnel Blanket”.

This Will Destroy You are joined by Chicago psych-rockers, Light Pollution and Brooklyn atmospheric strings act, Slow Six. These three bands playing together should make for one crazed evening of majestic guitar and sonic bliss.

This Will Destroy You
w/ Light Pollution & Slow Six
$12 @ DC9
Doors at 8:30 / Show at 9:00

The Daily Feed
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Plenty of Paella to Go Around!

Photo courtesy of
‘paella’
courtesy of ‘looseid’

A couple of nights ago, I had the pleasure of attending the kickoff to the 8th Annual Paella Festival at Jaleo in Crystal City, and I must say I was very impressed to say the least.  Between June 7th and 20th, all locations will be celebrating the traditional Spanish dish, so you have plenty of time to get a plate of your own!

Just to give you an idea of all the tastiness you can expect, let me run it down for you.  The featured dishes included Arroz con pluma ibérica y verduras de Alicante (Iberico pork paella with green garlic and seasonal vegetables), Arroz caldoso con cigalas (soupy rice with Norway lobster), Fideos finos tostados con bogavante (vermicelli paella with lobster), Arroz con verduras y setas de temporada (paella of seasonal vegetables and mushrooms), and Caldero de pescados con arroz finito a banda (fish stew with rice).

I didn’t forget the drinks either!  This week the Mazafrano cocktail is being highlighted.  It’s made up of saffron infused vodka, thyme simple syrup, fresh green apple juice and saffron garnish.  Trust me, you definitely want to make your way down to Jaleo pronto!  For more information, you can visit the website.

The Daily Feed
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Fairfax church property ownership in flux

Photo courtesy of
‘Methodist Church, Bacup’
courtesy of ‘Tim Green aka atoach’

Things are looking down for parishioners at the Truro and The Falls Church houses of worship that are trying to break from the Episcopal church while staying in their current venues. Michelle Boorstein at PostLocal reports that the Virginia Supreme court has reversed a Fairfax judge’s decision that would have let them keep what the Anglican church says is their property.

It’s been a little over three years since the churches decided to break from the Episcopal church and instead align with Anglican Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria, whose more conservative stance they felt more reflected their beliefs. While seven Virginia churches were in that wave of the exodus, these two churches have gotten a lot of subsequent attention because of the very high value of the properties they occupy.

The Daily Feed, We Green DC
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Get Half Off Green Goodies

Photo courtesy of
’67A #1′
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

If you like buying stuff online at a steep discount, check out the newest program in town – Greenbacks. The twist? It’s all green, giving you at least 40% off of eco-friendly products, services, and events.

To celebrate the launch, today and tomorrow you can get a $50 gift card to Java Green and the new Cafe Green for only $25. Just buy the coupon, print it off, and take it to them.

Each week, Greenbacks will offer new deals at places like Holeco® Wellness Medi Spa, Herban Lifestyle, Big Bad Woof, and Energy Efficiency Experts, all eco-friendly businesses in the DC-metro area.

And if it’s on Greenbacks, you’ll know it’s green–each product or service goes through Live Green’s rigorous vetting process, which measures quality, social responsibility, and the greenness of both the product/service and the business’ operations.

Entertainment, Music, People, Special Events, We Love Music
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We Love Music & Comedy: Conan O’Brien – The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour

Conan O'Brien Legally Prohibited Tour

Tuesday night had me back at DAR Constitution Hall to witness the madcap hilarity of the Conan O’Brien Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television Tour. I don’t think I need to recap how Conan lost his Tonight Show gig to its former host, other than to mention how that extremely public NBC scheduling conflict resulted in one of the oddest forms of comedic revenge I have ever witnessed. The whole point of Conan O’Brien taking his variety show on the road is to keep America laughing while exacting sweet revenge on the ratings dead-weight that replaced him on air. For two months now, Conan O’Brien, his writers, and his band have been criss-crossing America delivering knock-out evenings of comedy and music. Tuesday night’s stop in DC was no different and provided the sold-out Team CoCo crowd with a non-stop night of comedic genius.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Lannan Struggles, Nats Comeback to Beat the Pirates

Lannan_vs_Pirates Photo by Cheryl Nichols

Photo by Cheryl Nichols/Nationals News Network

Stephen Strasburg is a hard act to follow. John Lannan learned that the hard way while struggling from the mound for the entirety of his 4 2/3 inning outing.

When asked about Lannan’s trouble tonight, Manager Jim Riggleman responded that he thought Lannan was going to regroup but failed to get out of trouble. According to Riggleman, Lannan threw a lot of pitches that the Pirates were good at not hitting. Fair enough.

Two Pittsburgh Pirates made their Major League debut tonight, a day after Strasburg’s big day – starting pitcher Brad Lincoln and left fielder Jose Tabata — but the energy in the park felt a bit deflated.

What’s the biggest difference between Lincoln and Strasburg’s respective debuts besides the obvious and apparent hype behind Washington’s new ace? Lincoln got two hits, Strasburg didn’t. Hat tip to you, Mr. Lincoln. Continue reading →

Adventures, All Politics is Local, Business and Money, Entertainment, Essential DC, History, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Oh You Embassy Folk! You’re So Funny!

Photo courtesy of
‘The Last Lion’
courtesy of ‘LaTur’

As the USA v. England World Cup match up fast approaches, the American and British embassy folk have begun the typical trash talking/friendly betting that normally occurs when two nations/cities play each other.

The email stream between both ambassadors has leaked on to the internet exposing the wager and now the details of their little bet are fully known.  If the US wins, then the US Ambassador gets a pub dinner on the crown. If the English win, then the English Ambassador gets a steak dinner on the colonies.

Personally, I think the wager is somewhat of a win-win situation for the British Ambassador.  He gets either the win and a steak, or if he loses some “home-cooked” food from his favorite pub. Whereas, if the USA wins, our Ambassador merely gets some fish n’ chips, and if we lose, he has to fork out for a steak dinner, and you know the British Ambassador isn’t gonna settle for a Tasty Diner steak. We’re talking Charlie Palmer’s here.

The Daily Feed, WMATA, WTF?!
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Jeter Says to Rider: “Apparently You Believe in Slavery”

Photo courtesy of
‘mute’
courtesy of ‘woodleywonderworks’

UnsuckDCMetro posted an alleged email conversation between a concerned Metro rider and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 boss Jackie Jeter that, frankly, makes the union look even more like…well, a-holes. The conversation was in regards to the fact that two union bus drivers got their jobs back – with pay – despite some serious issues.

Take a gander at how this labor organization handles itself when a legitimate complaint is brought forward. Apparently, Ms. Jeter thinks if you believe certain union members are “unfit to perform the basic duties required of a Metrobus driver,” you are, in fact, a proponent of slavery.

Seriously, Ms. Jeter? Do us ALL a favor and STFU. You’re only making your union brethren look even worse than WMATA. And that’s pretty hard to do.

Entertainment, Music, The Features
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We Love Music: Five Reasons To Check Out The Columbia Pike Blues Festival

Photo courtesy of
‘Guitar being played by Tom Walton: White Springs, Florida’
courtesy of ‘State Library and Archives of Florida’

The Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization is celebrating the Columbia Pike Blues Festival‘s 15th year on June 19. Jazz and music lovers alike are in for a hands-on, interactive, outdoor musical experience should they chose to embark upon the event. Here are a few reasons to not miss the 15th anniversary of Arlington’s famed CPBF.

1. There’s an instrument petting zoo

Sounds fun, no? Ever wanted to try and be big a rock superstar. Live large? Have a big house? Five cars? Well, whether or not you’ve ever wanted to shine bright in the limelight is of no consequence. Try something new or revisit the glory days of your musical youth by partaking in the instrument petting zoo. If anything else, how awesome would be to go into the office on Monday and say “What did I do this weekend? Oh nothing really, except rock out at an instrument petting zoo!” For those about to rock, We Love DC salutes your efforts should you choose to partake.

2. These folks are serious about music education

This year, the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization is trying something new – a partnership with Guitars Not Guns. GNG is a non-profit specializing in guitar education. Their mission is to ensure that all children, no matter the circumstances, receive the opportunity to learn and play guitar. Which leads directly into reason #3. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Heart’s Delight at the Passenger

Photo courtesy of
‘The Passenger 8’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’

Charity is a good thing.  Charity plus drinking is an even better thing.  This is one of the reasons that Heart’s Delight is one of my favorite non-profits, because they consistently host charitable events that feature fine selections of alcohol, and their next event will be no different.  Heart’s Delight will be hosting a membership drive at the Passenger on Monday, June 14. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the organization and to join up.  10% of all sales will go to the American Heart Association.  I highly recommend that you check it out.

Talkin' Transit
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Talkin’ Transit: Drive

Photo courtesy of
‘twilight drive’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

Through a very lucky break I’ve had a free parking pass for my office building over the last month. It’s given me a chance to drive into the office on a regular basis, and to compare that commute to my regular Metro commute. The things I do for you fine readers!

First, let me make it clear: I think that a viable public transit system has to be at the heart of any reasonably sized community. We just cannot afford another half-a-million cars on the road.

Having said that, from time to time (at least once a week) when I ride Metro, I get the urge to drive again. Every time I look at Metro’s site and see “delayed” (as I write this, the Orange and Blue lines are delayed) I want to get in the car and go.
Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Reel Journalism with Nick Clooney: “State of Play”

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Nick Clooney with NBC Anchor Brian Williams/Photo By Rachel Levitin

The evolution of media is a hot conversation and what better way to nip that conversation in the butt than actually talking about the daily changes in how people write, gather, and read the news.

Nick Clooney hosts the final installment of his Reel Journalism series at the Newseum this coming Monday, June 14 with guests David Gregory and Betsy Fischer of NBC’s “Meet The Press” to discuss these changes.

“State of Play” (2009) is Clooney’s film of choice for the discussion focusing around the plight two fictional journalists face while attempting to cover a murder case. Character and traditional print journalist Cal McCaffrey (portrayed by Russell Crowe) utilizes police contacts to obtain details for his story while new media blogger Della Fry (portrayed by Rachel McAdams) takes to blogging the facts for wide-spred dissemnination of news pertaining to the case.

Tickets are still available for $25, $20 if you’re a Newseum Member.

Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show at the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Theater located inside the Newseum.

Adventures, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed
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Burgers, Wings & Beer; Georgetown’s latest additions

Photo courtesy of
‘Ted’s spicy wings’
courtesy of ‘rick’

This week two new restaurants open along Georgetown’s posh M Street and hope to fill some of the gaps within the neighborhoods food scene.

Opening on Thursday, the long time M Street Italian staple, News Cafe, re-brands and revamps its menu as Thunder Burger & Bar. According to Vox Populi’s exclusive interview with Thunder Burger & Bar’s GM Ryan Clarke, the establishment will offer “a fully rounded-out menu, but 95% of the focus will be on the burger.” Clarke hopes to differentiate the eatery from the  plethora of DC burger places by bringing “quality burgers back to a sit-down restaurant with a sit-down experience.” Not quite sure this is a winning strategy, especially with all the other nearby restaurants that offer fantastic burgers (J. Paul’s, Clyde’s, Martin’s, Rugby, etc.) but it will definitely be an improvement from News Cafe.

Further down the road at 3291 M Street, Georgetown Wing Co. has a soft opening this week, which features (not surprisingly) wings. The restaurant has a fantastic beer selection, because what goes better with wings than beer, and they’ll feature $1.50 Miller Lites and $3 Sam Adams Seasonal and Sierra Nevada bottles. According to their twitter profile, for Friday’s World Cup kick off, they’ll be expanding their menu to include Crêpe bunch, mimosa & draft specials. Nom.

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Sweetgreen Opens on Capitol Hill, Announces Plans in NoVa

Photo courtesy of
‘Sweetgreen #14’
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Sweetgreen, known for their amazing salads and super tasty frozen treats, has opened up their newest location on Capitol Hill on Pennsylvania Avenue this past weekend. That makes five locations for the local chain, whose friendly staff and fresh ingredients make for a fine healthy lunchtime option for the busy folks of DC. They’ve also announced that they’re expanding into Virginia, with their first location in Reston Town Center, opening this summer.