By Ben H. Rome
Neko Case, by Jason Creps; courtesy National Geographic
Just a reminder that there’s only a couple hours left before we draw two winners for some NatGeo Live events. There’s several great programs to choose from to close out the year, so pick out your favorites and get your name into the hat before it’s too late!
By Tom Bridge
The music hall extraordinaire, Black Cat, has just launched a sleek new look for their web presence, and I’ve got to say: nice job, Black Cat, nice job. A quick trip in the Internet Wayback Machine to their 2008 site shows just how far the club has come, allowing for online ticket purchase, and a quick at-a-glance calendar on every page.
Spot on, Black Cat!
By Tom Bridge
‘Super Cool New 64 Fort Totten Bus’
courtesy of ‘Wayan Vota’
“Pedestrian, bus is turning,” is the new warcry of the average DC Metrobus. Starting this Fall, you might have heard this on a few of Metro’s test buses, but now they’re rolling it out across the city in a pilot program. As soon as the operator of a Metrobus turns the wheel 270°, the bus will announce inside “Caution, look both ways” and the speakers outside will announce, “Pedestrian, bus is turning,” to warn people near the now-turning bus.
Now, I’m not sure why an after the fact warning is necessary, once you’ve turned the wheel of a metrobus 270°, you’re already well into the turning process, but it’ll certainly be a lot more audible than the already loud buses. We’ve got demonstration video after the cut.
By Jenn Larsen
Paata Tsikurishvili, Irina Tsikurishvili, Sara Taurchini and Katherine Frattini in Synetic Theater's "The Master and Margarita." Photo credit: Graeme B. Shaw.
Synetic Theater is following up on their muscular rendition of King Arthur with something a bit more cerebral. Actually, a lot more cerebral, with not one but two men losing their heads onstage. Joking aside, it’s hard for me to know how to judge The Master and Margarita, playing through December 12 at the Lansburgh Theatre. As the company revisits its 2004 production of the Mikhail Bulgakov novel with a new adaptation by Roland Reed, all the usual elements we’ve come to expect and love from Synetic are in full force – extremely beautiful design, powerful physical visuals, and dramatic intensity. Putting these talents at the service of a densely intellectual story, mostly unfamiliar to American audiences, is the kind of risky undertaking I certainly admire. Yet somehow, I felt like I was watching a diamond – exquisite, but cold.
In his director’s notes, Paata Tsikurishvili says “we have chosen to embrace the absurdist elements of his story and highlight the Master’s (and Bulgakov’s) own artistic and religious struggle.” Esoteric struggles work in literary terms – but do they translate well to physical action and is the audience able to connect?
On the surface we have ninety minutes of stunning production visuals, especially the work of Anastasia Rurikov Simes, whose set and costumes are an eerie evocation of a surreal Soviet Union – like watching propaganda posters come to life through the prism of The Red Shoes. Continue reading
‘Adams Morgan Festivus kiosk’
courtesy of ‘randomduck’
As a Jew, I have an immediate love for and extensive knowledge of all things “Seinfeld.” Thus, it’s only natural that I spread the word about Old Glory’s first annual Festivus celebration.
To summarize in 25 words or less: In a 1997 episode of “Seinfeld,” Frank Costanza celebrates Festivus to protest the commercialism of the holiday season, giving rise to a cult phenomenon. In a nod to the traditions outlined in the show, Old Glory will showcase an aluminum pole inside the restaurant where diners can air their grievances. From Dec. 1 through 23, you can nosh on traditional Festivus dishes such as meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, as well as chocolate cake decorated with M&Ms. You can also booze up on Festivus Punch and the Kramer, a classic Manhattan made with Dewar’s.
As the culmination of this Festivus for the rest of us, Old Glory will offer a three-course, prix-fixe dinner on Dec. 23, featuring their meatloaf, M&M cake and a big salad for $18.
By Ashley
Courtesy of Three Lockharts Communications
Feeling like a bad Jew? Is your mom still on your case for missing Passover to go skiing with your friends? Tell her to shove it (metaphorically of course) by attending the free Latke and Sparkling Wine tasting at Cork Market on Wednesday, Dec. 1st.
From 6pm-8pm, the Market will ring in the first night of Hanukkah with a complimentary tasting of some of their homemade latkes (including zucchini & leek) and sparkling wines. While there, you will also be able to purchase the latkes and other various Hanukkah-inspired dishes. They are available from December 1st to December 9th and can also be ordered by calling 202-265-2674. All orders must be placed two days in advance.
By shannon
‘L’Enfant’s Plan at Freedom Plaza’
courtesy of ‘CathyLovesDC’
Ask just about any Washingtonian who planned the city, and they’ll know it was some French guy, or maybe they’ll even come up with his name, Pierre L’Enfant. But that wasn’t always the case– for years, Pierre L’Enfant never got credit for designing the city. So while we all know this ‘myth’ is true, for decades it was just that: a myth. Wondering how this all came to be? Read on for the sad story (spoiler alert: there’s a happy ending!).
By Ben H. Rome
‘Jive Turkeys’
courtesy of ‘F1RSTBORN’
Early this morning, a throng of people showed up at Union Temple Baptist Church in Ward 8 to collect on their Marion Barry-sponsored turkey. And walked away empty-handed.
According to a press release from Barry’s office, the 2,000 promised turkeys were delayed in arriving this morning due to “Giant Grocery Store’s corporate inflexibility.” It seems that the corporate execs at Giant were not amiable to the idea of sending such a large amount of food without full payment from Barry’s office. The $26,000 was required in full by the grocery store chain before they would deliver the turkeys; Hizzoner’s office had only raised $17,000 of the required amount.
“First of all, I must apologize to the Ward 8 community for Giant’s failure to provide timely support to the Community. It’s simply pathetic and incomprehensible to me that a multi-billion dollar corporation, like Giant, would take a position that would deprive children, seniors and other adults of food for the Thanksgiving holiday”, Barry said in the press release. Continue reading
By Ashley
‘DC Slices Flag’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Union Station, it’s on you today to do D.C. proud. Most trucks are falling off the map for the week today, so get your fill.
all photos by author.
As soon as this show ended and my friend and I found each other amidst the human debris of the mosh pit, I asked him, “Why do we always under-estimate these metal shows? We always have a great time!” to which he replied, “Because we want to be intellectual metal snobs but deep down inside we just love fucking metal.”
Fair enough.
Cannibal Corpse are intensity personified. Cannibal Corpse are ridiculous, grotesque, and beyond offensive. Cannibal Corpse are a big, bloated, sack of swollen body parts; or rather they sing about such things on a regular basis. Cannibal Corpse are one of the longest running and most prolific Death Metal outfits in America. You could call them kings of their corner of the music underground; sporting titles well-fought with halberd and mace, guitar and kick-drum. Their subject matter is absurd and their music is brutal. For me their show on Sunday night at Rock & Roll Hotel started out as a lark; a trip down teen nostalgia lane. At its end I found myself drenched in sweat with a big bloody smile on my face as my innards slowly settled back into place after the aural pounding that Cannibal Corpse had delivered unto them.
By Dave Levy
‘Bill Simmons (The Sports Guy) book signing in SF’
courtesy of ‘kumasawa’
Like Hoops? Like ESPN’s Bill Simmons aka the Sports Guy? Keep reading.
If you haven’t picked up his excellent Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guy
Simmons will be at the Borders on 18th and L (halfway between Farragut West and North metro stops for you non-drivers) starting at 6:30 p.m. on December 8th. More details available at Borders, and if you get bored, you can let him know his Alma Mater lost in hoops last night to Boston College.
By Tom Bridge
‘My Radio is Tuned to…’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
It’s time for 90-year old coot commentator Fred Fiske to pack up his general sense of misplaced frustration and outrage and head on home for good. Last night’s commentary rant (available in Real Media and Windows Media Player, since WAMU is so very much “with the times”) featured Fiske railing against those of us who are choosing to opt out of the new nekkid scanners. Fiske’s primary concern is arriving at his destination safely, and is willing to strip to his skivvies to do so, and encourages us to all suck it up and deal with this new intrusiveness in our lives.
Pardon me, Fred, but screw that.
By Samer Farha
‘Steppin’ Out’
courtesy of ‘ameschen’
Patterns broken up by a subject or other feature tend to make a photo stand out. In this case, the patterns are the stairs — the many, many stairs — of the Lincoln Memorial. You can’t really tell it’s at the memorial, and that makes it a more interesting picture than one which might have attempted to have the jogger framed with Abe in the background.
Flickr contributor ameschen used the tilt of the camera to create the appearance of an even more difficult slope for the jogger to climb.
By Ashley
‘Day One hundred and fifty-four: You know you go there too much if your waiter asks “the usual?”‘
courtesy of ‘Insulinde’
We’ve talked about it, thought about it and dreamed about it, but the day is upon us — the Columbia Heights IHOP is finally open as of today. Not that you need an excuse to order up a Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity, but IHOP is going for the gold with special events to celebrate the opening of this, their 1,500th store and there’s something for everyone.
For the hungry (and frugal), the first 1,500 customers will receive a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes. For the creative, there will be local pastry artists on hand (Leslie Goldman-Poyourow of Fancy Cakes by Leslie and Randi Goldman of Creative Cakes, Inc.) to construct famous D.C. landmarks out of, you guessed it, pancakes. They’ll be assisted by local students during what is undoubtedly the greatest field trip of all time. My 7th grade trip to the Baltimore Museum of Art has got nothing on this.
By Ben H. Rome
Would that the Washington Capitals could just play at home for the remainder of the season…
The Caps went to New Jersey last night with a paltry 4-4-1 road record, compared to their 10-1-1 run at home. And last night, the Caps continued to underwhelm on the road, losing 5-0 to a struggling Devils team and marking coach Bruce Boudreau’s third anniversary as head coach with a less-than-stellar performance.
The Caps lost their third straight game and have been outscored 14-4 over that same stretch; two of those games, the Caps have been kept off the scoreboard.
Braden Holtby, a surprise starter last night, has allowed 8 goals on 28 shots – but the fault lies with more than just the rookie netminder. “Everything has a trickle down effect from the forwards to the defense to the goalie to the coaches,” Boudreau said after the game. “If we fail like this, it’s everybody’s fault. We all have to pick up our socks and find out what’s gone wrong in these last three games. I know it happens, but it hasn’t happened to us and I don’t like it.” Continue reading
By brownpau
We’re hearing of a fire incident near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial from DC Fire/EMS Twitter and WUSA9. The memorial wall itself is safe, but a POW/MIA information kiosk (the one that stands along the path between the Vietnam Wall and Lincoln Memorial) was “totally destroyed,” and one occupant possibly injured. The fire seems to have started with the ignition of a propane tank for heating in the booth.
Latest tweet from DC Fire/EMS as of 12:20 AM: Update – Vietnam Vets Memorial MIA/POW Kiosk – totally destroyed – cause under investigation – EMS evaluating 1 occupant
By Ben H. Rome
Ben Folds, by Ben Folds, courtesy National Geographic
National Geographic concludes their 2010 NatGeo Live season with eight more programs to ring in the holidays. Because all of their events wrap up before mid-December, we’re giving you a chance to win one of two pairs of tickets to any of the programs below (except the sold-out Irish Christmas Celebration). To enter, simply comment below (using your first name and a legit email address) with which two events you’d most like to attend, using your first name and a legit email address; we’ll randomly draw two winners sometime after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24.
We at WeLoveDC would like to thank National Geographic for bringing our readers the opportunity to attend these events all year long. It’s been quite the diverse line-up this year and we can only look forward to another great year in 2011!
If you’re interested in attending one of these events, visit NatGeo’s website or their box office, located at 17th and M Street, NW. Keep in mind that parking in NatGeo’s underground lot is free for all programs beginning after 6 p.m.
By Tom Bridge
‘rainy tuesday’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
This morning’s speech by Mayor Elect Vincent Gray before the press was fairly somber in tone, thanks in part to the massive $181M gap in the FY 2011 budget, and the $345M gap in the FY 2012 budget. Gray promised to keep tax increases off the table in the speech until such time as they’ve identified potential sources of waste in the current budget.
As Gray points out, out of the $5.3B total, less than a billion of that total can be considered even remotely discretionary. $1.5B is related to fixed costs, debt service and things like Metro, and the rest is divided into four pools: salaries at DCPS/MPD/DCFEMS, salaries of District employees, Medicaid/Charter Schools, and everything else.
As part of identifying potential sources of savings, Gray is recommending that all capital projects that the city is considering, but hasn’t spent money on, be frozen until further notice. He’s also pulling for a blue ribbon commission to help manage the capital positions of the District. We’re going to be calling this the Pabst Blue Ribbon Commission, given the subject, if you’ll pardon the joke.
If you’d like, you can review the Mayor Elect’s speech and budget supplemental numbers.
By Dave Levy
‘Every Food Fits: Don’t Bother Us, We’re Crabby!’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’
Today is certainly a sad day for Arlington and Washington residents whom seek to find solace in a local crab feast anytime between Tax Day to Columbus Day. In an e-mail distributed to the Radnor/Ft. Myer Heights Civic Association, Lou Gatti, owner of the Quarterdeck Restaurant, announced that the venue would shut its doors after 31 years:
After 31 years, the Quarterdeck Restaurant is closing. I was at the helm for the last 15 years. For the last 2 ½ months, I have been trying to get a new lease that we could live with. On numerous occasions, I understood that we had an agreement only to be surprised later with a lease that said otherwise. It’s a long story, but we are finished. The building, which is almost 70 years old, needs major repairs and updates; the landlord expects us to do them all. Not happening.
No specific timetable was mentioned for closing, just “soon.” With the growth of residential development in this area of Rosslyn, it’ll be interesting to see what happens to the old building once Quarterdeck moves out.
courtesy of MSO.
U Street Music Hall is the place to be tonight as Richie Hawtin takes on their epic soundsystem with one of his innovative and awe-inspiring live DJ sets.
To call Richie Hawtin a legend of underground electronic music would be an understatement. He has been pushing the limits of dance music and the technology used to make it for two decades. Under his Plastikman guise, Hawtin pretty much defined minimal techno as a genre. Although Hawtin is Canadian, it was in Detroit where he made his mark as one of the prime movers in the Detroit Techno renaissance of the 1990’s. A godfather of the Detroit second wave, a progenitor of minimal techno, a technological innovator, and a legendary party DJ Richie Hawtin is the embodiment of the cutting edge dance scene.
What Hawtin has in store for DC tonight is anyone’s guess. The one sure thing is that whatever science he drops on us will be unlike anything most of us have heard before. Hawtin is going to do some damage with U Street’s incredible sound system. I expect nothing less than a jaw-dropping, head-spinning set when Richie Hawtin takes to the decks.
Richie Hawtin
w/ Gaiser
@ U Street Music Hall
TONIGHT – $35
Doors at 8pm
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