By Ben H. Rome
Image by James P. Blair; courtesy National Geographic
Only 2 hours left for you to win a pair of tickets to a National Geographic Live event in October. There’s lots of great evening activities this month, so why not take a look to see what appeals? And you may even win a couple of tickets in the bargain!
‘212/365’
courtesy of ‘Danilo.Lewis|Fotography’
Last week, 14th Street pet owners shed a collective tear when GreenPets and Dogs By Day closed their doors. On Friday, Adams Morgans pet owners rejoiced when the two businesses re-opened as Planet Pet, set just off the 18th Street strip.
The new space is bigger, better and closer to my house — all reasons worthy of celebration. The doggie daycare/boarding facility features indoor and outdoor sections with separate rooms for seniors and puppies. The retail area is about twice the size of the old GreenPets, and offers an expanded selection of toys, accessories and all-natural food and treats. There will also be an in-house holistic vet and a bereavement area for those who have recently lost a pet.
If you were affected by the move, Planet Pet is offering their daycare dogs free pick-up and drop-off services to and from your home throughout October. And in case you were wondering, yes, the resident black cats from GreenPets have come along to the new space.
Planet Pet is located at 1711 Florida Avenue NW.
By Ben H. Rome
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courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
And just like that, Fall arrived, giving us a gorgeous weekend to enjoy. Feel like you missed out? Don’t worry, our local contributors got you covered…
By Dave Levy
‘Pile-up’
courtesy of ‘BrianMKA’
Throughout the fall, we want to make your water cooler chatter on Monday mornings a little less painless if the topic turns to football and the Redskins. While we can’t do anything about the team, we can at least do our best to prepare you to make it look like you care.
The ‘skins were not supposed to win this game. The first three weeks include a close win/escape in Dallas, a heartbreaking choke of a loss to Houston and then the metaphoric-egg-laying in St. Louis last week. Heck, every single one of the 19* analysts on Fox even picked the Eagles to beat up on Donovan McNabb in his first return to Philadelphia in something other than green.
*Please note, there are less than 19 football analysts in this photo. It was hyperbole.
There’s a reason games are played on the field and not on paper/behind analysts’ desks. As you chat about the Redskins 17-12 win, here are a few quick points to keep in mind this morning, after the jump. Continue reading
By Will Packard
The Caps unveiled their uniforms for the NHL New Years Day Winter Classic today at the Caps Convention at the DC Convention Center. In keeping with the theme of embracing the past even as they push for greater glory, the Capitals’ Winter Classic jersey hearkens back to the original red, white and blue away jersey with the six stars above the original logo, with red and blue horizontal bands at the waist. In a nod to the elder statesmen, former captains Yvon Labre and Rod Langway took the stage ahead of current captain Alex Ovechkin in modeling the Winter Classic jersey.
Indeed, the past was present today, and the several thousand season ticket holders and red-clad fans showed their appreciation. At least 16 former players, including fan favorites Mike Gartner, Peter Bondra and Olie Kolzig were in the house, bringing together 35 years of hockey history. Addressing a large audience of Caps fans, Ted Leonsis said he is looking for generational excellence out of the current team. The team’s new slogan “Building America’s Hockey Capital” and Leonsis’s focus on bringing the Stanley Cup to Washington shows an ambition beyond selling out the Verizon Center every night. Let the games begin!
Here is some more good news for the future: Leonsis mentioned that with Monumental Sports now owning the Verizon Center the ice surface (and the ambient air) will be kept colder, addressing the perennial player complaint of soft ice. So put on your sweaters and get ready for fast ice at the home opener next Saturday night.
By Tom Bridge
‘The Daily Leaf’
courtesy of ‘Tony the Misfit’
NBC Washington’s Kriston Capps has confirmed that CBS Radio’s Howard Arenstein and his wife were arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute yesterday. Arenstein, whose bio lists him as both correspondent and bureau manager for DC, was arrested along side his wife for growing marijuana in their backyard in Georgetown. Plants were reported to be up to eight feet in height.
Depending on how much the police confiscated at their Georgetown home, under DC Code § 48-904.01 Arenstein and his wife may face up to 5 years and $500,000 in fines if convicted for that arrest. If they had less than 8oz of marijuana, they may only face 180 days in jail, but it sounds like multiple plants were confiscated, with each plant tending to be approximately a pound, they’re probably in the front half of things.
‘How Much is that Bottle in the Window?’
courtesy of ‘Karon’
The finer things in life have always excited me. Among the lengthy list of luxury items I tend to fancy, bourbon is in the top five. Smoky with a slight burn, it’s delectable as much as it’s tasty.
If you find yourself thinking, “Why, I too fancy myself a fine glass of bourbon,” then I’ve found you a place to do that. The Bourbon tasting class at Acadiana is back by popular demand.
Explore southern tradition on Saturday, October 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. in a class while learning about bourbon and its history with Scott Clime, Wine & Beverage Director of DC Coast, TenPenh, Ceiba, Acadiana, and PassionFish.
Participants will try ten rare and premium bourbons which also includes a small-batch and single-barrel bourbons. Lunch is also provided.
The event is $75 per person. For reservations, contact Jillian Zins directly or call 202-408-0201.
Acadiana is located at 901 New York Avenue, N.W. near the Washington Convention Center.
By Ben H. Rome
Diving Bahamas Caves by Wes C. Skiles; courtesy National Geographic
It’s fall and the National Geographic Museum has one heavy lineup ready for DC. National Geographic Live! is a series of dynamic lectures, live concerts, and compelling films presented at the Society’s headquarters on M Street between 16th and 17th Streets. We present to you the complete October lineup AND a chance to win a pair of tickets to one of the listed events!
National Geographic has provided us two pairs of tickets to give away; all you need to do for a chance to win our random drawing is comment with what two events you’d most like to see, using your first name and a legitimate email address by noon on Monday, Oct 4. We’ll draw the winners that afternoon!
NOTE: All programs will be at Grosvenor Auditorium at 1600 M Street, NW. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Free parking is available in the National Geographic underground garage for all programs that begin after 6 p.m.
‘Ray’s Hell-Burger’
courtesy of ‘KentonNgo’
MVTriangle reports that a new Ray’s the… restaurant by Michael Landrum will be taking over the old T-Mobile space in the City Vista complex at Mt. Vernon Triangle. No word yet on which of Landrum’s many brands it will be: A Hellburger to attract office and convention crowds at lunchtime? Ray’s the Glass for after work imbibing? Ray’s the Game for the culinarily adventurous?
Personally, I can’t even decide on a favorite. As much as I love having Ray’s River East so convenient to my home, this new restaurant will be right on my way home from the office, so I’ll be delighted with pretty much whatever Landrum puts in.
UPDATE: TBD has learned that it will be two Ray’s restaurants, one larger and one smaller, but still no word on which types they will be.
all photos by Erin McCann.
Imagine being trapped inside a tiny unit at a self-storage building that is on fire. You are trapped inside this 5×8 corrugated metal coffin and it is filling with smoke. Imagine yourself panicking, pounding on the walls, walls that keep getting hotter and hotter. You are roasting. Your sweat stings your eyes and soaks through your clothes. Now hear your own cries for help bouncing off of the burning walls, listen as the echoes turn into screams. Welcome to the existential terror that is seeing SWANS in concert.
Michael Gira, the spiritual leader of the group, has pulled together a new aural torture squad under the SWANS moniker after nearly 13 years of inactivity. SWANS are legends of the New York, post-No Wave, noise-rock scene. Gira used the group to explore a broad range of psychological torment music during their original run from ’82 to ’97. Rumors had been circulating the web for about a year that Gira was putting together a new SWANS line-up and album. By the Spring, we had confirmation in the form of some demo recordings appearing on his various websites. Last month SWANS released a very strong new album entitled “My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky”. On Wednesday night, at the Black Cat, Michael Gira and his SWANS performed their second concert of the 2010 reactivation tour. It was an experiment in terror that the crowd of devout fans and the sonically curious happily subjected themselves too.
By Jenn Larsen
Photo courtesy of Sam Vasfi Photography.
Sometimes you need to completely give in to your inner girl.
Kat Bangs understands. Not only is she the very talented sommelier at Komi, she’s got an eye for fun fashion that I seriously envy. Join her monthly Flower Cocktail Hour with the next gathering on Wednesday, October 6. From 6:30pm to 8:30pm you can relax at The Gibson’s upstairs marble bar enjoying delectable floral cocktails crafted by Jon Harris, while also learning how to construct wearable flower art. Email flower.cocktail.hour@gmail.com for reservations ($48).
I was lucky to attend last month’s flower hour and it was simply beautiful – the bar brimming with various flowers and greenery to choose from in stunning colors – featuring informal tutorials on how to make your own floral headbands and boutonnieres (the truly intrepid sported epaulettes!), or even just a simple handheld posy.
After Jon whips up three cocktails with a floral element, guests are invited to try their hand at crafting their own from a lovely line-up of champagne cocktail ingredients. This month will highlight some St-Germain cocktails, which is quite appropriate as Kat points out, “It’s an Elderflower Liqueur made in Burgundy from a blossom that blooms only once a year. It has a great honeysuckle and lychee taste.”
Mmmm… the perfect antidote to midweek dreariness. Get girly.
By Ashley
‘Lunch from Korean Food Truck’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Well Washington, it finally stopped raining for a bit. Venture outside today and try some food for a truck, before the monsoons start again.
By Brittany
‘Louis Vuitton Dog @ Atatürk Airport’
courtesy of ‘lrumiha’
While within the District and around the region the recession seems to still be felt terribly – the census numbers reported yesterday, for example, which show a marked rise in childhood poverty – other pockets of the metropolitan area are recovering faster. It was reported recently that, for the fourth year in a row, Maryland ranks second in the nation for millionaire households. Virginia holds seventh place in that ranking, and the District tenth. According to Forbes, six suburban counties in our area are among the wealthiest in the country. Loudon County Virginia, the richest in the region is also top in the nation, followed closely by Fairfax County.
Moneyed suburban Virginia – the flushest area within a region with one of the strongest economies in the country – made an appropriate setting, then, for experts to convene on luxury retailing in the post-recession world. The first event of 2010’s All Access Fashion encouraged journalists and marketers to delve into what is meaningful for consumers today. Even if some individuals still have the cash to buy them, how does one – brand or shopper – justify “luxury” goods?
Continue reading
By Rebecca
Ryan Zimmerman (aka Zimmersapien) loves baseball. He apparently also loves kazoos, berets and jazz.
The Zimm also spends his weekends dancing with Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. No word on if Zimmerman will be teaming up with Ron Burgundy and his “yazz” flute.
By Rebecca
‘Up’
courtesy of ‘OakleyOriginals’
Yesterday at Dulles International Airport, a Custom and Border Protection’s drug-detecting pup sniffed out approximately 21 pounds of marijuana hidden within packages of chocolate. The drugs were on their way to NYC from Mexico City and had an estimated street value of $17,000.
By Dave Levy
‘Library of Congress Reading Room’
courtesy of ‘tzk333’
Put down the books for one second to pat yourselves on the back, DC. According to CNN Money, you’re the smartest city in America. Where does the city’s summa cum laude come from?
In the District and surrounding suburbs, 47.3% of people 25 years or older have bachelor’s, master’s, professional school or doctorate degrees, according to new Census Bureau data released Tuesday. The national average barely tips 25%.
The figures don’t surprise John Schmidt, senior economist with the Center for Economic and Policy Research in D.C. The city is built on jobs that require degrees.
“There’s a very high share of federal government employees here,” he said, “and people dealing with the federal government, including defense contractors, lobbyists, businesses that want to influence the regulatory process; there’s lots of lawyers.”
DC holds a slight edge in the distinction over a few Silicon Valley cities – San Francisco and San Jose – and the rest of the top ten includes many other tech and research regions around the country (the North Carolina research triangle and Boston round out the five smartest).
Now get back to studying and your post-graduate degrees, colleagues. It’s apparently what sets us apart.
all photos by author.
I had been experiencing a pretty intense week of live music and was feeling a tad spent by the time Film School’s show on Tuesday night appeared on my calendar. It was my undying love of shoegazer music in general and my appreciation for Film School’s latest album “Fission” that kept me going just long enough to crawl into DC9 for the show rather than collapse in an exhausted heap on my doorstep. Film School delivered a delightfully laid back set of dreamy music that provided the perfect sonic pillow for me to rest my tired ears on.
By Rebecca
‘SWAT – Restoring Honor rally’
courtesy of ‘theqspeaks’
At around 2:20pm this afternoon, four armed and masked individuals robbed an armored truck stationed across the street from the Georgetown BB&T Bank. TBD reports that the suspects escaped with an unknown sum of money and, fortunately, no one was injured.
MPD is reportedly searching for four black males in a black Dodge Magnum with dark tinted windows, shiny wheels and unknown tags. The suspects are armed and dangerous and citizens should report any information about the suspects to the MPD.
By Don
‘No Answer’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’
If you’re a habitual in-the-car caller and drive in Maryland at all you’d better pick up a headset before tomorrow’s morning commute. The new law requiring a hands-free device when dialing and driving kicks in tomorrow.
It’s what’s known as a secondary offense, so an officer cannot pull you over and cite you solely for holding your phone to your ear; you need to be doing something else that you can be ticketed for, such as speeding or failing to stop at a stop sign. However, while in theory there is no difference between theory and practice, in practice this isn’t always the case – get an officer’s attention by violating the law and you may find yourself getting stopped when you wouldn’t have otherwise.
You really should just hold that call till you stop – studies show that your performance behind the wheel is degraded by having that conversation, regardless of using a hands-free device. However if you’re going to take the risk anyway you may as well save yourself the $40 first-offender ticket. Further offenses will cost you $100.
By Tom Bridge
‘Metropolitan Branch Trail-7’
courtesy of ‘TrailVoice’
The emails came through fast and furious this past weekend as reports of assaults and harassment came through on MPD’s 5th District listserve. A few cases of assault on the Met Branch Trail featured youths harassing riders on the trail, throwing urine on them or pushing them off their bikes. Commander Lamar Greene from the 5th District finally responded today with a note to the listserve: “The fifth district is sending officers through the trail in both uniform and plain clothes in hopes of making more arrest.”
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