Monthly Archives: July 2010

The Daily Feed
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Celebrate The Fourth A Little Early

Photo courtesy of
‘David Archuleta – #2’
courtesy of ‘Aine D’

Like every Fourth of July, wary locals will avoid the Mall’s impenetrable masses and blistering heat. But that doesn’t mean you should miss out on the big show. You can catch the rehearsal of A Capitol Fourth a day early, when temperatures will be lower and tourists less scarce. There won’t be any fireworks of course, but who needs them when you have David Archuleta’s sweet voice to woo you? In addition to Mr. Archuleta, the run-through will include the concert’s full lineup of Reba McEntire, Gladys Knight, Darius Rucker and the National Symphony Orchestra. The Saturday rehearsal is free and begins at 8:00pm on the West Lawn of the US Capitol. The real deal will be held same place, same time on the Fourth.

The Daily Feed
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If a Picnic Won’t Cut it on July 4th

Photo courtesy of
‘one last fireworks pic…maybe’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
On July 3rd, picnic foods procured from the CVS down the street or whatever leftovers have been floating around my fridge seem like a great idea. But by the time I get mid-fireworks on the 4th, I’m starving. If you feel like a little extra sustenance this year, you are in luck.

  • Liberty Tree– Lobster and clam boils to go, whether it’s to the Mall for fireworks or your backyard kiddie pool. There are three packages available: clam boil ($15), lobster boil ($25), clam AND lobster boil ($35). Each package includes the whole shebang–the seafood, corn on the cob, red bliss potatoes, pork sausage and carrots. Must be pre-ordered by Thursday for pick up on the 4th between 11am and 2pm.
  • Equinox– Head to this close-by location if you’re looking to eat up before the fireworks.  From 4pm-9pm, the gourmets at Equinox will cook up standard BBQ fare for either dine in or carry out. Priced from as low as $9, they expect to offer pork sandwiches, burgers, panini and sides to fulfill all your patriotic culinary needs. Continue reading →
Entertainment, Penn Quarter, People, Special Events, The Features, We Love Arts
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We Love Arts: Dana Ellyn, BANNED

"The Books" by Dana Ellyn. Courtesy of the artist.

There was a time when banning a book meant silencing a voice. Flush with the power of our digital age, we may forget that information so readily available to us – both truth and lies – was once so easily stopped. That is, until we read about governmental attempts to control knowledge through digital means and realize it’s all still very prevalent.

I distinctly remember being very frightened as a child by the idea of books being banned – or worse, burned. The clandestine copy of Forever passed around my grammar school, eagerly highlighted, was the best instructor of sex education we had (we have it so easy now, seriously) and when it was confiscated by a puritanical teacher the sense of shame and then rebellion that resulted was a defining moment. Later on, books like Brave New World and A Clockwork Orange spoke deeply to my developing beliefs about personal freedom and responsibility. There’s a natural outrage in me against those who would try to censor artists from holding the mirror up to our not-so civil society.

Artist Dana Ellyn continues her examination of controversial subjects with Banned, a solo exhibit showing now through July 31 at MLK Library. Last December she applied her laser eye for hypocrisy to a wide range of untouchable subjects such as religion, politics, and feminine identity in Divinely Irreverent, a show I unabashedly loved as “an audacious exhibit delivering hard slaps to myths of many kinds.” Here, the examination comes from books banned or otherwise considered subversive – perfect for Dana’s love of metaphor – and the slaps are delivered to those who would ban information and keep us in the dark.

The exhibit opened to coincide with the American Library Association’s annual conference, and it’s worth taking a look at their list of the frequently challenged books – you may be surprised by what you see. Banned features seventeen paintings inspired by controversial books; here are three that I found resonated particularly with me. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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We All Scream For Gelato

Photo courtesy of
‘CH Farmer’s Market Gelato’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

It’s official: I’m breaking up with Ben & Jerry’s. There’s a new frozen delight in my life, and its name is Dolcezza Artisanal Gelato.

In a private tasting last night at the gelateria’s recently opened Dupont location, a few lucky ducks were invited to sample the expansive summer menu. It was mind-blowing. Possibly even life-changing. I’ve eaten a lot of sorbet, gelato and ice-cream in my day, but nothing has ever come close to the bright flavors and subtle complexity of what I experienced last night. I admit I was skeptical going in, as many of the offerings sounded more like salads than sweets. Basil-flavored gelato? Cucumber mint vodka? With every bite however, my cynical little heart melted into a pool of blubbering mush.

Continue reading →

Alexandria, The Daily Feed
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King Street Closed for PM Rush

Photo courtesy of
‘Water Main Breakage’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’

According to the City of Alexandria’s website, the portion of King Street between Janneys Lane and Russell Road will be closed from 3 pm through the evening hours today. Repair crews will be tearing into the street to repair a water main break that happened earlier during the morning rush.

If your commute takes you through that area or nearby routes, be prepared: all traffic in both directions will be diverted onto Janneys Lane to Quaker Lane to avoid the work area.

Arlington, The Daily Feed
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Mystery Object Found in Shirlington

Shirlington Mystery Object

I was waiting on a friend in Shirlington the other day when I saw this contraption. Anybody have an idea what it is? It is rather reminiscent of things I remember from history class, like stocks and pillories. In fact, the first thing I thought when I saw it was a photo I recalled from the Boxer Rebellion. No joke.

Anyway, hopefully this is some sort of useful device under construction, and not a form of public humiliation for lawbreakers, although honestly I don’t think that would be so bad. Any thoughts?

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Cupcakes: Trendy, fattening, delicious

Photo courtesy of
‘Cupcake’
courtesy of ‘christaki’

Yes, cupcakes are a trend, a fad that will probably end soon enough. But until it does, I will bide my time eating as many of them as possible and debating the merits of DC’s many, many cupcakeries. The latest installment in our city’s love affair with frosting comes in the form of a Cupcake Camp scheduled for this fall in Arlington.

Continue reading →

We Love Weekends
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We Love Weekends, July 3-5

Photo courtesy of
‘Big Blue Fireball’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’

John: Friday night I’ll be playing a show at Whitlow’s with my cover band, “Hang the DJ” and then heading down to Yorktown, Virginia for a Norman-Rockwell-painting-esque Fourth of July weekend with my girlfriend and family. If I were staying in town, I’d head down to the Capitol and watch A Capitol Fourth, which is also broadcast on PBS. With the NSO, The Old Guard Howitzer Salute Battery (what makes fireworks better? ARTILLERY!) and a string of great performers, it’s always a fun, patriotic show. I worked the show for about 6 years and you can see my photos from 2007 and 2006.

Rachel: What’s more American than spending 4th of July weekend centered around a ball park? I can think of no better way to celebrate our Nation’s birthday than that! Friday I’ll be at Nationals Park watching game two of the Mets series. Then Saturday is the big day! I’m debuting my new EP with a live set starting at 1 p.m. at the Columbia Heights Market Place. Proceeds from the new EP’s sales will be donated in honor of my late father to the National Kidney Foundation and Donate Life campaign. Of course, Sunday’s the big kahuna — Nationals baseball in the Nation’s capital on the Nation’s birthday (you have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to write that sentiment down for others to see. It brings joy to my eyes!) This will be my third 4th of July Nationals game, they always make for a good time. The game will be followed by the Uncle Sam Jam on the South West waterfront. Party on, America! Continue reading →

The Daily Feed, The District
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Marion Barry surprised by Barry Administration streetcar plan

Photo courtesy of
‘Marion Barry’
courtesy of ‘cliff1066â�¢’

David Alpert at Greater Greater Washington has a great find regarding the never-ending streetcar debate. This week the DC Council passed emergency legislation authorizing the use of overhead wires for the H Street-Benning Road streetcar line. During the debate about the legislation, Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) brought up the “lack of planning” angle again, stating that all along he’s been surprised the H Street line has even been on the table. This was the same argument present back in May when the streetcar funding was temporarily cut. Barry back then, on May 26 said:

Our original plan was to go from Bolling Air Force Base down to Anacostia station. … Down Martin Luther King, up Good Hope Road, and maybe across the 11th Street bridge to Capitol Hill. All of a sudden I hear from somewhere that H Street is on the agenda.

Interestingly enough, however, planning for the H Street line has been in the works for over a decade. In fact, the H Street line appears in DDOT’s 1997 transportation plan, a report stamped with “Marion Barry, Mayor.”

Perhaps DDOT could be criticized for a lack of communication in the past, but the planning has been there. And within the last few years, there have been many community meetings and planning reports issued. It’s amazing to see members of the DC Council, and in the case of Barry–a former Mayor–ignore the years of work DDOT has done to make this plan a reality.

The Daily Feed
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How badly do you miss Tai Shan?

Photo courtesy of
‘Treats You Have Treats For Me? (2 of 3)’
courtesy of ‘Daniel.Techie{TaiShan~4Ever} @ 127.0.0.1’

Enough to pay $5,000 plus airfare to go visit him? That well-known panda-lobbying organization The Friends of the National Zoo is organizing a 10-day trip this fall to China, one that will include a stop at the Bifengxia Wildlife Preserve, home to our beloved Tai Shan. Sure, there’s lots of culture and dining and education and blah blah blah mixed in, but we know what it’s really all about: checking up on Butterstick to make sure he hasn’t been brainwashed by the communists.

Continue reading →

News, The Daily Feed
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Montgomery County on Water Restrictions

 

Photo courtesy of
‘Grass’
courtesy of ‘Eric M Martin’

While the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission repairs a 96″ water main in Montgomery County, all WSSC water customers are under mandatory water restrictions. The 96″ main near Tuckerman Lane and Gainsborough Road in Potomac set off early warning alarms this morning concerning its stability, and WSSC leapt into action. During these restrictions, WSSC customers are to:

  • Stop all outside water use – no watering lawns, no washing cars, no topping off swimming pools
  • Use water only as necessary
  • Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use)
  • Limit using washing machines and dishwashers (wash full loads only)

 

This will preserve enough water to allow for firefighting and medical uses of water. So if you see your neighbor in MoCo washing his car, tell ’em to wait until after the pipe’s fixed. And don’t water the lawn.

The Daily Feed
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Rep Your DC ‘Hood With A T-Shirt


Photo by Dan Levy/NBC Washington

Dan Levy of NBC Washington’s got a good find — DC neighborhood T’s available at Mustard Seed in Bethesda.

Mustard Seed is located at 7349 Wisconsin Avenue and is now carrying the neighborhood logo tees that range in price from $9 to $19.50. Don’t want to rep your ‘hood? You can show your District loyalty by purchasing a simple yet ever so patriotic DC top.

Not gonna lie, that NW/DC knock on AC/DC is definitely something I want circulating in my wardrobe. Just saying.

The Daily Feed
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DC Pixelworkers, Unite!

dcpw.jpg
Design courtesy of United Pixelworkers

DC plays host to one of the largest creative workforces in the country, with innumerable web and creative professionals who spend all their days staring at monitors moving little pixels around to make an awesome image. Now, there’s a sweet t-shirt that you can get your hands on to prove your membership.

Finally, a “union” we can all get behind. They’re running a sale on shirts through July 4th, where shirts run $17.76. They’re usually $22, so take the savings while they’re available, comrade!

The Daily Feed
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Last Chance To Send The Nats To Anaheim

Photo courtesy of
‘Nationals vs Mets 23’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’

The Nationals (34-45) return to the District to start a 10 game homestand tonight after going 1-5 on their most recent roadtrip.

With June behind them, Manager Jim Riggleman remains positive. “Let’s play some good baseball before the All-Star break and start feeling better about ourselves,” he told MLB.com.

Want to get your favorite Nats to the 2010 All-Star Game in Anaheim? MLB veteran Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez remains atop the NL leaders in votes but still needs more. Other players are in the running but they won’t get anywhere without fans notching their names in the tally column.

Ballots close at 11:59 p.m. tonight. That means: if you want to see those Washington faces in sunny California representing District baseball, you’ve got less than 24 hours to make something happen.

You can vote on the Nationals website or at MLB’s Campaign Manager Headquarters.

People, The Features
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He Loves DC – B. Lamont Rooker


Photo by Chris Skillman

Last week, MSNBC posted a list of the best college towns in America, and, while there are some great college scenes here in D.C., we didn’t make the cut alongside places like Lawrenceville, Boston, Boulder and Athens. But, if someone out there were to look at the best alumni cities, where chapters from dozens of schools intermingle and join together for service and fun, well, D.C. probably can’t be beat. Maybe it’s because of its location close to many of the southern universities and major northern college towns. Maybe it’s just the age of the citizens includes many just out of – and therefore, still attached – to their alma maters. Regardless of why, the fact is, there are many active, engaging chapters helping keep recent grads in touch with their schools.

With so many diverse alumni chapters from across the country, it’s great to see that there’s an organization to help bring them all together – the Capital Alumni Network (CAN). I got a chance to talk with B. Lamont Rooker, the president of CAN, about what the organization does and how it helps more and more groups love D.C. Continue reading →