Monthly Archives: November 2011

The Daily Feed
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A few Black Friday deals for our readers

Photo courtesy of
‘Cupcake Row’
courtesy of ‘Kevin H.’

Don’t worry, none of us were actually up this morning at 5am to post this, thankfully, we could do this through a scheduled post. There are a whole bunch of great Living Social deals for today, though, and we wanted to get you in on it first thing. Clicking through on these deals will help us keep the lights on here, too, in case you needed a reason to buy them.

We’ll also be starting with our own brand new Holiday Gift Guide come Monday!

The Features
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Happy Thanksgiving, DC!

Photo courtesy of
‘Boulder Bridge in the Fall III’
courtesy of ‘pablo.raw’

While we aren’t able to deliver you all turkeys like Marion Barry, know that today we are thankful for all of you, dear readers.

I went for an early morning bike ride today, ahead of this evening’s eventual turkey feast, down from the Capitol, up past the Smithsonians and the Washington Monument, and I paused to ride around the District of Columbia War Memorial, which memorializes those District residents who died for their country in the Great War. From there, it was past the King Memorial, the FDR, and down through West Potomac Park.

I am immensely thankful for these amazing sights and sites as I rode through the city that I love. This city is not perfect, no place is, but so much of this autumn has been visual reminder of the incredible grandeur of this city in the bright sunshine and in the pouring rain. I am thankful for her monuments, for her government (the city’s), for her neighborhoods from the beautiful Victorians of Bloomingdale to the row houses of historic Anacostia. Yes, for bike lanes, but also for all the great barbershops and take-aways with their delicate and uncertain art of mumbo sauce.

Thank you, DC, for being incredible. May your day be peaceful, your meals be filling, and the whole day a reminder of this incredible place we all share.

News, The Daily Feed
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Rest in Peace, Black Cat Bill (Updated: He’s Still Alive.)

Black Cat Bill by Erin Williams

Update (8:30am, 30 November 2011) Black Cat Bill is alive. Ryan Little from the City Paper was able to track down Bill in the Deanwood Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, and confirm he’s still with us. Sorry, Bill. We’re glad you’re alright.

Photo, with permission, by Erin Williams

Dave Stroup reported on Twitter last night that Black Cat Bill, unofficial doorman for the Black Cat on 14th street, has passed away. Bill was an institution on 14th street for years and years, panhandling in front of the rock club, his signature call of “Black Cat, Black Cat, how bout a little change for the homeless,” is familiar to anyone who ever caught a show at the Cat.

In 2009, Bill sat down for dinner with Erin Williams, who documented it for her blog, Journal of Rock Photographer, and the piece is too good to spoil with even a pull quote.

Peace, Bill. 14th won’t be the same without you.

There’s word brewing that there might be a benefit for homeless charities at the Cat in coming days, but no details are yet available.

capitals hockey, The Daily Feed
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Capitals Ground Jets, 4-3 (OT)

Photo courtesy of
‘Caps/Flyers (January 17, 2010) – 5’
courtesy of ‘Garyisajoke’

It only took nineteen games, but the Capitals team that many pundits were calling the runaway favorite in the NHL has finally emerged. Although there were previous glimpses of that potential, with the seven game win streak to open the season and 7-0 drubbing of the Detroit Red Wings, even in their early season victories the Caps looked lackadaisical and lazy at times. Tonight, however, was not one of those efforts. The Caps came out hard, playing spirited hockey, and kept up the effort for the full sixty (two) minutes, earning their second victory in a row.
Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Blanket the Earth, Starting with DC

Photo courtesy of
‘tents’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

This Friday Blanket the Earth plans to donate blankets, coats, socks and other warm gifts to protestors all over the country.

If you’re interested in donating to the Occupy DC crowd to help them endure the coming winter, you should meet on the southeast corner of Freedom Plaza (that’s 13th and Pennsylvania) at 2 pm on Friday. Violetta Shekinah, Blanket the Earth’s local contact, will be there to lead the distribution.

Occupy DC keeps a wish list going by using the Twitter hashtag #occupydcneeds. So along with bringing warm clothes and blankets, you can check there for other items to donate. At the time of this posting the list includes everything from office space to sugar.

Food and Drink
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Living Social Hosts a “Secret Mixology Event” – with a Punch

Photo courtesy of
‘Cocktail, Jack Rose Dining Saloon’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’

Recently, users of the smart phone app from daily-deal site LivingSocial might have seen an usual instant deal pop up: A “Secret Mixology Event” with no further details given. Daring buyers who bought the deal later received instructions on the time, place, and details. They were told to arrive at Jack Rose in Adams Morgan at 9:00, look for a man with a rose in his lapel.

Tucked in one of the lovely little private rooms off the upstairs bar, complete with cozy fireplace and lovely view over the slightly-drizzly night, the small group assembled around the bar to learn from noted cocktail-mixer and Jack Rose beverage director Rachel Sergi about how to make festive holiday cocktails fevor their own gatherings this season. Being greeted with a flotilla of Bulleit Rye bottles arranged in a line across the bar upon arrival, things were off to a good start.
Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Hot Ticket: Puscifer @ Lisner Auditorium, 11/26/11

Puscifer - Conditions of My Parole

Puscifer never would’ve been on my radar if it weren’t for Maynard James Keenan, the mysterious frontman of Tool and A Perfect Circle. Like all Tool fans, I’ve learned to expect long waits between albums (it’s been 5 1/2 years since the last one, by the way). I imagine Maynard has an infinite supply of creative energy, as he’s always working on something – he just keeps focusing it on the wrong things, like his vineyard in Arizona. Or Puscifer’s 2007 album, “V is for Vagina”, which struck me as a collection of half-baked songs serving up unfunny innuendo.

Can we just ignore that one? Puscifer’s latest album “Conditions of My Parole” shows that they can actually write songs. The tracks sound more like an alt-country version of Maynard’s other bands – the same ominous tone, with the intenity turned down. But the live show is what makes the band. Puscifer shows are part comedy, part cabaret, and unlike anything else out there. Check them out on Saturday to get a taste of the ideas Maynard can’t quite fit into his usual projects.

Puscifer
Saturday, November 26, 2011 @ Lisner Auditorium
w/ Carina Round
Doors 7pm
$45

Special Events, We Love Arts
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Discount Theater for the Price of Silly

Photo courtesy of
‘Ready to take flight (IMG_2633a)’
courtesy of ‘Alaskan Dude’

Alternate title: Audience Participation Has Gone Too Far

Arena Stage has apparently been dipping into the Thanksgiving cooking sherry; Previews for their new show You, Nero are starting on Saturday and they’ve decided to encourage you to get into the spirit – they’re running pay what you can deals… provided you show up in a toga.

You’ll get to dull the pain of embarrassment – or perhaps just the chill – with $2 PBR as well. I has no idea Pabst was Roman and that’s about $3 more than a PBR is worth as far as I’m concerned, but hey, cheap beer.

The only really obnoxious part of this light-hearted promotion is that they’ll sell two tickets to each person in a toga, allowing one of you to look like a normal human. Well, a normal human accompanied by some dweeb in a bedsheet.

If you’ve never gone out and tried theater during pay what you can previews this would be a fun Thanksgiving weekend outing for you; PWYC tends to be full of all the other theater folk from town and they’re very enthusiastic. For a show obviously going for the fun angle – to the point where they’re letting you bring your booze into the theater itself – that should make for a good energy.

Previews and PWYC will continue through 12/4 so if you can’t get your turkey-stuffed keester off the couch this weekend you’ll still have a little time. Confirm showtimes and dates at the at the Arena link above.

Music
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The Winning Ticket: Markéta Irglová

This week we are giving away a pair of tickets to see Markéta Irglová (of The Swell Season) at the 9:30 Club on November 28th. Tickets for this concert are available on Ticketfly or at the 9:30 Club box office.

If today doesn’t turn out to be your lucky day, check back here each Wednesday for a chance to win tickets to other great concerts.

For your chance to win these tickets simply leave a comment on this post using a valid email address between 9am and 5pm today. One entry per email address, please. Comments will be closed at 5pm and a winner will be randomly selected. The winner will be notified by email. The winner must respond to our email within two hours or they will forfeit their tickets and we will pick another winner.

Tickets will be available to the winner at the 9:30 Club Guest List window one hour before doors open on the night of the concert. The tickets must be claimed with a valid ID. The winner must be old enough to attend the specific concert or must have a parent’s permission to enter if they are under 18 years old.

The Daily Feed
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Walmart, DC reach accord over community benefits

Photo courtesy of
‘WALMART’
courtesy of ‘KOMUnews’

When Walmart and the Mayor announced this past week that they’d reached an agreement (PDF available) over the retailing giant’s commitment to retail positions throughout the city, many recoiled, citing a lack of a Community Benefits Agreement in place as part of the deal.

This afternoon, Walmart and the city came to an agreement that features $21M in charitable community work, a commitment to using at least 35% of local CBE vendors as part of construction, Capital Bikeshare stations at its stores, SmarTrip kiosks, electric car charging stations, bus shelters, a workforce development program, and a commitment not to sell guns or ammunition.

In addition, Walmart has agreed to “comply with the terms of any and all applicable laws” in DC. That strikes me as one of those “wait, were they planning not to?” moments. But, there we are.

Featured Photo
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Featured Photo

Photo courtesy of
‘Leafy Vines’
courtesy of ‘caroline.angelo’

A nice Fall, leaf picture; what more could one ask for? Well, I guess I could say more. Not only do the light reds and yellows of the leaves compliment the strong red of the brick wall, but the dark color of the window nicely interrupts the lines of the wall, brick pavement, and vines. Further, when you look at the picture, you start to notice that all the leaves are pointing down, as if the shot was taken between gusts of wind. And you start waiting for the next gust, to start moving these leaves. Back to the lines of the vines; going from bare to leafy, left to right, adds a fascinating depth to the shot. Not so simple of a shot, now is it?

Yep, caroline.angelo certainly captured a perfect Fall scene. It really makes you miss those wonderful colors.

capitals hockey, Sports Fix
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Caps Come Back, Beat Coyotes 4-3

Photo courtesy of
Joel Ward with Puck at Center Ice
courtesy of clydeorama

The Caps did two things last night that they have been unable to do over the past several weeks: they came back from a two-goal deficit; and, they held a late lead. The result was a 4-3 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes to end a four-game losing streak.

Before the game even started, Coach Bruce Boudreau shook things up by benching superstar Alexander Semin as a “healthy scratch” for the first time since his rookie season. Adding to the drama, Semin failed to appear at the morning skate or the pre-game up warmup skate where healthy scratches typically join the team on the ice. Maybe Sasha don’t care.

Once the game was underway, the Caps got an early break when Phoenix took a penalty two minutes into the game. But on the ensuing power play the Coyotes’ leading scorer Radim Vrbata intercepted a pass and went the length of the ice to score on the first shot faced by Tomas Vokoun. The Coyotes are known to be very good when they take the lead so this was not an auspicious start. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Proof’s Movember Fundraiser

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

If you’ve been growing out your mustache for Movember (or happen to know a fellow who is), then you’ll be in good company with the staff of Proof. The restaurant in Chinatown is hosting a Movember fundraiser on November 27th to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer and other men’s health issues.

You can attend the cocktail party from 9 PM until 12 AM and get your fill of hors d’oeuvres, craft beer, wine and cocktails for $50 per person. All the male waitstaff, managers and even the executive chef Haidar Karoum will be sporting mustaches curated with the best beard conditioner they could find for Sunday’s event. You can purchase tickets at either Proof or its sister restaurant, Estadio, or by calling events director, Kim Burke 202-737-7663.

So take yourself and your mustache or mustachioed friends to Proof. All of the proceeds from the evening go to Movember.

Sports Fix
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Cowboys defeat Redskins 27-24

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

The Redskins played there most entertaining game of the season this past Sunday as they fell in overtime 27-24 to their rival Cowboys. Some of the typical issues that have plagued the Redskins this season were still in evidence, but they were able to alleviate many of thoseissues. Roy Helu was the teams leading rusher with 35 yards on eight attempts which is unacceptable in a game as tightly contested as this. The Redskins did have success passing the ball and it is almost wrong to complain about sticking with what worked, but a more balanced attack could have reaped the rewards of better time of possession and less opportunity to turn the ball over.

Turning the ball over remains the Redskins biggest issue. The Cowboys were able to work with a short field and draw first blood on a Dez Bryant touchdown after Fred Davis fumbled the ball reaching for a first down. The Redskins have enough issues with the quarterback getting the ball to the receivers that they do not need the receivers to then turn the ball over or drop a pass. Fred Davis has been one of if not the only consistent performer on the offense this season and is on a very short list of Redskins that should be considered part of the future.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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The Muppets in Georgetown just got Real.

Jason Segel!

I’m not going to lie to you: I am a fan of the Muppets. I think they’re pretty rad. And it’s fairly exciting that Jason Segel has announced he’s introducing a midnight screening of the new Muppet Movie at the Georgetown Loews.  So, don your Rainbow Connection apparel, and get on down to Georgetown, Muppet Fans.

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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Friday Happy Hour: Hot Drinks at POV

P.O.V. at the W Hotel is rightly famous for the sweeping views off the rooftop terrace – but that may not bring it immediately to mind for a wintertime tipple. It should though because – as was on display at this week’s “apres-ski” themed party presented in conjunction with Gilt City DC – the terrace is heated and so are the tasty cold-weather drinks. There are even cozy W-branded blankets if needed to help you keep the nip of cold off as you sip on your cocktail.

Prior to the opening of the party, media guests were invited to sample the seasonal menu: Hot Apple Buttered Rum, Pumpkin Cider, Sheridan’s Coffee, and the Whiskey Skin. A chocolate soda and Blood Orange Old Fashioned are also available for the holidays, but we were there to focus strictly on steamy things served in mugs.
Continue reading →