Yearly Archives: 2010

The Daily Feed
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Howard Kurtz leaves Post, joins forces with Beast

Photo courtesy of
‘the washington post’
courtesy of ‘nevermindtheend’

The big news that has all the local media in a tizzy today is the Howard Kurtz has announced his departure from The Washington Post to go to.. The Daily Beast, an online-only news site. As the Post‘s columnist on media itself (a metacolumnist?) and host of CNN’s Reliable Sources, Kurtz is one of the most recognizable Post figures to local bloggers and other media-nerd types.

Jim Brady, head of TBD.com* and former Post colleague of Kurtz, tweeted, “When I was at WP.com, Howie was among the most open to new ideas and new ways of reaching his audience. So should not be shocked. But I am.”

(*Disclosure: We Love DC is a member of the TBD network. But you knew that from the big honkin’ banner in our right column, right?)

Food and Drink, We Love Food
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We Love Food: Black Market Bistro

Photo courtesy of
‘Black Market Bistro’
courtesy of ‘ImaginaryGirl’
OK, I know what you’re thinking and I can already see the look on your face. But trust me, Rockville isn’t that far away. And I know you’re saying, “hey, isn’t this called We Love DC?” Yes, it’s true, but it’s also called We Love Food, and if you do, you’ll love Black Market Bistro.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Hail to the Donald? Trump “Absolutely Thinking About” Presidential Bid

Photo courtesy of
‘White House from South Lawn’
courtesy of ‘eschweik’

Earlier today, Donald Trump appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe and the conversation turned to some random polling numbers in New Hampshire that indicated the Trumpster could actually have a chance in the 2012 Presidential election if he decided to run. Finally, in response to a question from Mika Brzezinski, Trump admitted he is “absolutely thinking about” a run for the White House.

Ok, so that’s a little wishy washy in terms of whether or not he’s throwing his hat into the ring. While it may be not much more that a look-at-me moment, we’ll give his comments some Web ink just because it’s mildly entertaining to think about him walking up to a Senator to drop a “You’re Fired!” in their face.

The Daily Feed
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Food Truck Tracker

Photo courtesy of
‘Cupcake Truck’
courtesy of ‘Somewhat Frank’
It may be cold out, but I’m sure you still don’t want to eat from your office cafeteria. Or worse, from the Tupperware of mystery you put together in your kitchen this morning. Food trucks are here to help.
And Friendship Heights folks–your special appearance from eatWonky is today! Get out to Wisconsin and Jennifer St. and have some poutine (or grilled cheese…yum).

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Get a Half-Smoke all the way – but hold the meat?

Ben’s Chili Bowl: Veggie Dog Take One! from BensBigBlog on Vimeo.

Here’s my man Mo, manager of Ben’s Chili Bowl, snackin’ down on a new menu item at Ben’s Chili Bowl: A veggie dog with veggie chili. That’s right, my vegetarian friends, it is now possible to get a half-smoke all the way at Ben’s Chili Bowl, meaning that your veggie-lovin’ friends can now know the true delight of the proper Ben’s experience, complete with acid-reflux. Look here later this week for a side-by-side comparison of a veggie dog with chili, and a proper half-smoke with chili.

News, The Features
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DCPS Shows First Ever Growth in Enrollment

Photo courtesy of
‘Back to school’
courtesy of ‘ECU Digital Collections’

For each of the previous 39 years, enrollment in the DC Public Schools has declined.  That stopped in 2010.  DCPS announced an enrollment increase this morning in a press conference with Mayor Adrian Fenty and Chancellor Michelle Rhee.  73 of the 168 123 schools (see comments for alteration) in the District are showing an increase in enrollment, and 14 of those have had to add waitlists for the first time in recent memory.

One of the interesting schools that saw an increase in enrollment of 12% was Coolidge High, which is featured on today’s WAMU morning news, along with Dunbar High, for being one of the District’s turnaround projects.  The ventures, conducted along side the Federal Government and private partners, have boosted test scores at the two high schools by 10-20% depending on the test involved.

481 additional pre-K students enrolled this year are a part of the overall percentage increase, which has yet to be released.  DCPS is adamant, though, that K-12 enrollment remains increased over the 2009-2010 school year.

Is this the economy taking effect?  Are parents who’ve lost jobs faced with the prospect of bigger and bigger loans necessary for private education taking their children to the resurgent DCPS?  Perhaps.  We’re not sure what else, beyond improved conditions, represents the shift toward the boost in DCPS.

News, The Daily Feed
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Harris Teeter in NoMa to open December 7th

Photo courtesy of
‘Adams Morgan Harris Teeter’
courtesy of ‘jacquesofalltrades’

With Fall officially here two weeks already, and the brisk mornings of early October back as of this morning, that means we’re close to an opening of the Harris Teeter at Constitution Square near Union Station, right?

Well, yes and no.

We did hear back from Harris Teeter this morning, and they’ve set the calendar date for the opening of the new 50,000 sqft grocery store for December 7th, 2010 at 5pm.  This will be my new grocery store starting at about 5:01pm on December 7th.  It’s great to see another grocery store go into Northeast DC, along with the Aldi’s that will open in Starburst Plaza in Early 2011.

The Daily Feed
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Chinatown Coffee & eatWonky Tag Team Happy Hour

Photo Courtesy of eatWonky

After the success of last month’s collaboration happy hour with the D.C. Lobster Truck, Chinatown Coffee will once again team up with a mobile food unit tonight with their “Wonky Happy Hour.” Featuring poutine delicacies, the eatWonky truck will be stationed outside Chinatown Coffee from 6:30pm to 8:30pm tonight.

The shop will run specials on Dan’s Pale Ale ($3), Victory Prima Pilsner ($4) and Victory Hop Devil ($4) to go along with your Wonky fries and “Squeeky Cheese.”

Featured Photo
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Featured Photo


Shirlington Oktoberfest by Amber Wilkie Photography

A photograph often evokes emotion in those that view it, however it isn’t necessarily the same emotion for everyone.  More than likely your soul is aglow with happiness as you look at this guy enjoying a beer on a sunny afternoon, wearing funny overalls and a smile that is no doubt a reflection of his lubricated contentment.  Yet I only feel deep sorrow, as I attended the real Oktoberfest celebration in Munich several weeks ago and am forced to draw comparisons.  To begin with the obvious, I’m sad that I’m now sitting behind a desk rather than visiting museums, strolling through the vast English Garden, and eating every imaginable type of pork product.  Not only do I feel sorry for myself, but I feel bad for the beer in this man’s hand.  It looks lonely and cheated as it should be surrounded by more beer in a much bigger mug.  I feel sorry for his arm as it should be getting tired from lifting a much heavier Maßkrug, and for his liver as it should be processing much more beer (likely of better quality).  I feel sorry for his ears which should be ringing from a nearby band and the loud singing of his drunken friends.  And his eyes?  His poor eyes.  They should be well distracted by beautiful girls packed into their dirndls.  Now if you’ll please excuse me, I’m going to go cry in my currywurst.

Talkin' Transit, The Daily Feed
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Three Federal Agencies give employees access to Capital Bikeshare

Photo courtesy of
‘Do my nails clash with the red?’
courtesy of ‘fromcaliw/love’

Capital Bikeshare launched just two weeks ago, with installations popping up all over town.  The idea is simple: if you need a bike, grab your helmet and check one out from Capital Bikeshare and take your ride. When you’re done, return it to any Capital Bikeshare location.  Costs are pretty reasonable, with memberships starting at $50 a year.  Too pricy?  Rent by the hour with your credit card.

Better yet, if you work for OPM, GSA or DOT, you just got a free membership, courtesy of your employer.  The three agencies announced a partnership with Bikeshare to provide access to over 1,000 bicycles across the city for their employees to use as part of a wellness initiative.

The Daily Feed
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Chris Pontius, DC’s Finest

Chris Pontius courtesy of DC United

You know what every Monday needs? More man candy. I guess that’s why God created Cosmo. The magazine has launched their 2010 Bachelor Blowout, showcasing the finest specimens from all 50 states and DC. So who was named Washington’s fairest? That would be Chris Pontius, the fine-looking forward from DC United. Well-chosen, Cosmo. Well-chosen.

The 23-year-old is apparently “motivated, independent and caring,” and isn’t intimidated by relationships. But does he like sunsets and long walks on the beach? Cosmo has graciously provided an email address so that you can ask Pontius burning questions such as these.

If you think Pontius deserves to be named Cosmo‘s Bachelor of the Year, you can vote for him every day through October 10. There’s even a chance you can win a gift bag by voting. That’s almost the same as a date, right? RIGHT!?

The Daily Feed
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Transformers starts filming next week, complete with street closures

Photo courtesy of
‘Is this a Transformer?’
courtesy of ‘voteprime’

Michael Bay is blowing up DC next week, but, in the most generally benign possible way.  Transformers 3 is filming in DC next week, with a couple evening shoots near the Capitol.  Click through for the map of the closures on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.  Street closures will be far less draconian than your average State of the Union, but still noticeable, starting at 6:30 in the evening and going through 6:30 the next day.  Shia LeBoeuf is promising us that this will be totally worth it, bro, and you’ll be lovin’ him longtime come next summer.

We don’t take his word for it, given how awful Transformers 2 was, but hey, at least they’re bothering to film in DC, unlike so many other movies.

 

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Downtown, Entertainment, Fun & Games, Penn Quarter, Special Events, The Features, The Mall, We Love Arts
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October’s Best at SAAM & NMAI

Derek A. Bencomo, Hana Valley, First View from the Peaks and Valleys Series, 1997, milowood, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995--2003); photo courtesy Smithsonian American Art Museum

Some great stuff’s going on this month at the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum (SAAM) and the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI). While there’s a ton of events and exhibits happening at both locations, I’ve highlighted some of the more interesting things you may want to check out. Got a free afternoon or in need of some weekend inspiration this month? Well, there’s something here for everyone.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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We oppose all partisan AND bipartisan trash

Photo courtesy of
‘Street Junk’
courtesy of ‘mikecogh’

Several people have felt compelled to mail us and say that if we didn’t comment about the One Nation rally then clearly we were LUBRUL MEDIA JURKS because we posted a guest piece about junking up the mall before the Glenn Beck rally.

So here you go:

We Love DC opposes people coming onto the Mall or anywhere else in the city – whether they be from far away or local organizations – and making a big honking mess.

We do not care if you are

  • Democrat
  • Republican
  • Libertarian
  • Pro-war
  • Anti-war
  • Christian
  • Buddhist
  • Pastafarian
  • Tall
  • Short
  • Black
  • White
  • Two-headed purple martian

We want you to not leave your crap all over the Mall. Take home the junk what you brung.

This includes the smart-assed and sarcastic who will be here on Oct 30 for the Stewart/Colbert thing.

Entertainment, Music, The Features, We Love Arts
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We Love Arts: Improbable Frequency

John Tweel and Madeleine Carr in Solas Nua's "Improbable Frequency." Photo credit: Dan Brick

A spanking new office building behind Union Station’s train tracks is a strange place to find oneself for a night of theater. Ushered through a blindingly white lobby, up the elevator to the sixth floor, greeted by a charming Irish lass asking you, “What’s the password?” Well, that’s the sort of night it was – equal parts improbable, uncomfortable, delightful, and unfinished.

Solas Nua is one of my favorite theater companies in DC. Known for their fearless dives into the Irish underbelly, Improbable Frequency is their first musical foray. There’s an enthusiastic cast backed by a live band in a space best described as cavernous. Sadly, preview night was unable to deliver the promised atmosphere of Todd Thrasher cocktails, vintage costumed extras and burlesque dancers working the crowd to create a 1940’s speakeasy – but when these elements are added (cross your fingers on that liquor license) it could help immeasurably to liven up what’s essentially a concrete skeleton.

Our guide through the musical action is Tristram Faraday, a cruciverbalist whose enthusiasm for and ability to solve crossword puzzles lands him a position as an unlikely spy in Ireland. He’s British, it’s World War II, and though the Irish are professed to be neutral there’s some suspicious codebreaking to be done. That alone could cause serious mayhem. But even stranger things are afoot – people randomly acting out bad puns, songs played on the radio weirdly affecting the weather. Throw in a mysterious double agent, a mad Austrian scientist, and the IRA!  Tangling out the plot beyond that would spoil the big reveal, so suffice to say it all begins to resemble a parody of a Doctor Who episode. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Metro Work on Columbus Day Weekend guaranteed to mess up your day

Photo courtesy of
‘Blue/Orange line work’
courtesy of ‘tbridge’

There was the banner this morning reminding me of what I knew deep in the recesses of my mind but filed away: Farragut West, McPherson Square and the Blue/Orange side of Metro Center are closed this weekend for track work. That also includes Columbus Day, Monday October 11th, which Metro considers a holiday, but half of DC workplaces do not.  Prepare for abject suffering during this weekend if you need to Metro anywhere.

Metro has all the details, including shuttle bus information, and the splitting of Orange and Blue lines, and the re-routing of the Blue line.  We’ll have more this week, and a reminder Friday and Monday, about the whole shebang.

Sports Fix
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Week 4 Recap: Skins vs. Eagles

Photo courtesy of
‘Stranger in a Strange Jersey’
courtesy of ‘Tony DeFilippo’

The Skins kicked off a brutal stretch in their schedule with a tough victory over the Eagles in Philly. I was expecting Donovan McNabb to get a rude reception from Eagle fans much like the one he received at the ’99 draft. Instead, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. The rest of the game did not go as smoothly. It was physical, mistake-filled, and left some key casualties for both teams. Michael Vick was injured in the first half and did not return to the game. Kevin Kolb stepped in and played admirably, but the Skins defense held him in check when it mattered most. Clinton Portis was also injured and sat out most of the second half. Despite this setback, the Skins ran the ball effectively, caused a couple of turnovers, and won the game 17-12. The Skins are now 2-0 in the NFC East after losing all six division games last season.

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The Daily Feed
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Foggy Bottom Metro Escalators Closed Due to Police Situation

Foggy Bottom Platform Escalator Fail

Update: Foggy Bottom Metro Escalators are open again. Police presence remains. Post reports the “unruly subject” was an aggressive panhandler.

Update from the GW Hatchet: Police activity following an altercation led to the escalator shutdown. An “unruly subject” being escorted from GW Hospital tried to grab someone outside, and the recipient of the grab proceeded to pull a knife, cut the grabber, then escape uncaught.

We’re hearing from the tweets that Foggy Bottom Metro has a police situation going on, possibly a stabbing. Metro escalators are taped off and the line for the still-working elevator goes down the block.

While that’s going on, we recommend that any Metro riders about to use Foggy Bottom walk instead to (or from) Farragut West, or catch the Rosslyn Circulator.

(Pic above is from another Foggy Bottom bottleneck incident but pretty much represents the station’s state nowadays even without police situations.)

The Daily Feed
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USA Today Names Best Burger Joints in the U.S.

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘spacebarpark’
USA Today has released their picks for the best burger restaurants in the United States, one for each state. And for once, D.C. actually counts as a state. And who are our winners? Well, no big surprise with Ray’s Hell Burger taking the win in Virginia. The best burger in D.C. goes to Rogue States, which seems to be getting more press these days for their unfortunate location than for their patties.

So do you agree? Is Rogue States the best burger in town? With their current legal issues and the rumors of the first Ray’s location in D.C. opening soon in CityVista, are they going to stay on top much longer?