Yearly Archives: 2011

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
By

Uncorking the First DC Wine Week

Photo courtesy of
‘on the table’
courtesy of ‘cerotio’

October 15 – 22 marks the first-ever organized “wine week” in DC. Much like the beer weeks we have come to know, DC Wine Week exists to educate and engage patrons with wine and encourage them to sample some new tastes in new places.

Created by two wine-loving friends, Lisa Byrne of DC Event Junkie and Vanessa French, DC Wine Week has events scheduled all over town. They range from the extravagant – a Champagne “Experience” at Bourbon Steak – to the more accessible classes, tastings, and happy hours. An invitation-required party at Sonoma launches the week on Saturday night – and a big closing party at One Lounge will wrap it up on the 22nd.

Weather you are a wine newbie or a dedicated oenophile, DC Wine Week hopes you come out, taste, and meet other wine people in the area.

Entertainment, Music, Night Life, The Daily Feed
By

Hot Ticket: Yuck @ Black Cat 10/12/2011

image courtesy of Yuck

Head to the Black Cat tonight for young British noise-pop-rockers Yuck. Fans of Dinosaur Jr. or Sonic Youth will likely enjoy Yuck’s melodic, catchy, distortion-filled-fuzz-rock. Clearly reminiscent of the early 90s alternative noise bands, but with their own fresh take, Yuck’s live show is energetic, goofy and fun.  Check out their catchy noise anthem “Holing Out.”

Yuck

Porcelain Raft

$15/8pm

Black Cat

History, The Daily Feed
By

Smithsonian Snapshot: Pneumatic Mail Delivery

Pneumatic Mail Container; photo courtesy Smithsonian Institution and the National Postal Musem

Today’s Smithsonian Snapshot looks at another method of mail delivery that dominated the early 20th century metropolitan landscape: the pneumatic mail container.

In the late 1890s, networks of pneumatic tube systems were installed under city streets to move the mail. Each pneumatic tube canister could hold up to 500 letters. The canisters, also known as carriers, were air compressed through the system, traveling in a spinning motion at an average of 35 miles per hour. At its peak productivity, 6 million pieces of mail traveled through the system daily at a rate of five carriers per minute.

In 1893, the first pneumatic tubes were introduced in Philadelphia; in 1897, the service started in New York City. Boston, Chicago, and St. Louis also eventually incorporated the system. By 1915, six cities (including Brooklyn) had more than 56 miles of pneumatic tubes pulsing under the streets.

During World War I, the Post Office Department suspended the service to conserve funding for the war effort. After the war service was restored in New York and Boston. By the 1950s, it became clear that the end of pneumatic tubes was in sight as increasing mail volumes and changing urban landscapes made it impractical. While post offices and businesses moved with relative ease, the underground pneumatic system did not.

The Daily Feed
By

It’s okay, your SmarTrip is safe

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

In a security-related story this morning published on usually reliable Ars Technica, it was suggested through photography that SmarTrip cards might be affected by the security vulnerability mentioned in the story.  Several other cities’ transit cards are at stake, including San Francisco’s Clipper card. Given the similarities of the BART and Metrorail systems, it may have been a natural assumption that SmarTrip was also vulnerable to the hack, which would reveal the encryption key used to store all your trip and fare data on your card.

We contacted Metro this morning for comment, and Dan Stessel speaking for WMATA said, “This attack is against the Mifare DesFire which we do not use on SmarTrip.”

Of more concern would be the numerous buildings in the DC area that may use these cards as part of their security systems. HID systems, which handles many government facilities in the area, is said to have used these cards at many locations, as part of a push to comply with a Presidential Directive concerning security.

Entertainment, The Daily Feed
By

DC’s LGBT Film Festival Celebrates 20 Years

Photo courtesy of
‘105.’
courtesy of ‘Lauren PM’

Ready to party with one of the proudest crowds in town? Reel Affirmations, DC’s international LGBT film festival, celebrates its 20th anniversary this week with happenings around GWU’s campus and other local venues from October 13-22.

The festival began in 1991 and has grown into one of the largest LGBT events in the region. In addition to screening over 85 films from 23 countries, Reel Affirmations includes an opening night film and party, a women’s filmmakers brunch, and a closing film and party.

This year, the festival has added a few screenings and light receptions at participating embassies. Because of the small space and security regulations, embassy screening passes must be reserved in advance by Thursday, October 13.

To take part in the festival, you can buy individual tickets, six-pack passes, full festival passes, and VIP sponsorships that include special receptions and seating options. Some of the venues are super-small, so order your tickets in advance to be certain to get a seat.

Featured Photo
By

Featured Photo

Photo courtesy of
‘Mallards Coming in for a Landing’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

Urban wildlife; sounds like a contradiction, doesn’t it? But there really are quite a lot of interesting species of wildlife within the boundaries of DC. There are hunting eagles; baby deer; even foxes along the Mall! Most times, you just have to keep your eyes open and you’ll see some fascinating animals cross your path.

I know ducks aren’t necessarily that fascinating, we see them everyday after all, but a good picture of ducks is fascinating. And Mr. T’s photo is certainly a good shot. Catching the ducks landing, in formation no less, with a fast shutter speed to freeze the movement is what makes this shot. And if you’re interested in seeing more of the wildlife DC is blessed with, do what Mr. T does and go down to Constitution Gardens. You’ll see some fascinating birds, I can guarantee it.

The Daily Feed
By

Frank Kameny, Gay rights pioneer, dead at 86


Dr. Frank Kameny, photo by Max Cook

Some sad news this evening, gay rights pioneer Dr. Frank Kameny has passed away at his DC home at the age of 86. Natural causes as presumed at this time. Kameny, then an astronomer with the Army Map Service, filed what is believed to be the first civil rights case for his dismissal by the Army over his homosexuality. He took his case before the highest court in the land in 1961, only to be denied justice.

Kameny became a crusader for equal rights, fighting for those who had their security clearances revoked, their lives ruined, by an aggressive policy in the government against gays. In 2009, Kameny finally received the apology that he was due back in 1957, courtesy of the director of OPM under the Obama administration.

The intersection of 17th & R Streets NW was dedicated to Kameny in June of last year.

Kameny was a stalwart figure, who stood up for his rights, and the rights of others who were being marginalized. It is a sad end to National Coming Out Day, and we stand with the LGBTQ community in honoring Kameny’s legacy.

The Daily Feed
By

Third Annual Week of Bacon at Restaurant 3

Photo courtesy of
‘a magic number’
courtesy of ‘christaki’

Let out a great big yell, “IT’S BAAAAACOOOON!”  From October 13 through 22 Restaurant 3 is hosting their 3rd annual Week of Bacon.

Kicking off the week is a pig roast on the 13th with pulled pork sandwiches. The rest of the pork-tastic week features a bacon tasting dinner menu for $30 per person that incorporates bacon through every part of the meal, including dessert with a maple bacon ice cream. Restaurant 3 is also offering bacon bites at the bar and bacon-curing demonstrations during happy hours from 4 PM til 7 PM during the week.

If you can snag a spot, you can keep the magic of the bacon week alive in your own home by taking a free bacon curing class on October 16th at 3 PM. The restaurant’s chef, Brian Robinson, will show you how to cure bacon, give you bacon samples and share some of his curing rub recipes. You can try to get into the class by emailing events@restaurantthree.com.

And if that’s still not enough cured pork for you, you can also buy a pound to go of the restaurant’s house-cured bacon.

Entertainment, Music, The Features, We Love Music
By

We Love Music: The Lemonheads @ Black Cat, 10/7/2011

 

photo by Justin Feller

A word to the wise: don’t try to relive the past- you will inevitably be disappointed. In the weeks leading up to The Lemonheads show at Black Cat last Friday I was excited. Excited at the thought of hearing the album It’s A Shame About Ray performed top to bottom by the dreamy pop-rock idol Evan Dando and whoever else he was calling The Lemonheads this time around. Excited to be momentarily transported back to 1992, and the happy state that album put me in. I first heard that album when I was in middle school, and got to meet Dando several times from then on at various in-store appearances, including Kemp Mill Records in Georgetown (R.I.P.) and Tower Records in Foggy Bottom (R.I.P.). (To the kids of today- there used to be things called record stores, and artists used to make appearances/perform/autograph in them for publicity while trying to promote their albums.)

 So I was a fan from a young age, and saw Dando in his prime. He is no longer in his prime. (This has nothing to do with age, by the way) I think it is partly because I was a fan since I was 12 or 13, and had seen him up close (I have a picture of 13 y/o me with Dando), that I was so blown away and shocked by the sad state he appears to be in now. But I’m trying to write a music review, so before I address the crisis that is Evan Dando, I will talk about the music. Continue reading →

Adventures, Entertainment, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Special Events, The Features
By

Join Us at the Renaissance Festival!

Photo courtesy of
‘Exhorting the Gentlefolk’
courtesy of ‘Kevin H.’

UPDATE: THE BOOMERANG PARTY BUS TO THE RENNFEST WITH WE LOVE DC AND THE PASSENGER IS NOW SOLD OUT! THANK YOU!

Ah, yes, it’s that time of year. The time when you begin to have strange cravings for Steak-on-a-Stick, or smoked turkey leg eaten right off the bone, gnawing away with relish like Henry VIII. Perhaps you find yourself speaking in an excruciatingly bad English accent, or inexplicably adding “e” to the ends of words like “Shop” or “Old” – well then my friend, it’s time to don thy frippery best and hie thee to the Maryland Renaissance Festival!

RennFest is always a blast, and this year we’ve decided to really let our inhibitions run wild with some good olde-fashioned goofy fun. Lots of it. And we want you to come along! We Love DC has partnered with The Passenger and the Boomerang Party Bus to bring you to the Maryland Renaissance Festival this Sunday, October 16th! Tickets are $25 and include both your bus ride to and fro ye old faire and your entry admission! Snap them up on the magickal PayPal.

We’ll depart promptly at 11am from The Passenger (that’s at 1021 7th Street NW, milords and ladies) and travel to the Festival in a refurbished school bus replete with music, mayhem and dance poles (Yes, I know that’s an anachronism. But seriously, have you seen The Tudors?). After arrival at the Festival you’re free to wander the Revel Grove, slurp down some oyster shooters, indulge in fried Oreos, beer and bee stings, testing your mad skills at archery or feats of strength, buying chainmail underwear, and just giving in to the kitschy glory that is the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Then our carriage departs around 5pm to hie back to The Passenger just in time for a late, delicious brunch.

So please come along with fellow WLDC authors Don, Fedward, myself and the rest of our motley crew as we join our favorite folks from The Passenger on a trip back in time… I may even wear a corset. HUZZAH!

Entertainment, Music, The Features, We Love Music
By

We Love Music: Geoffrey O’Connor, Jens Lekman @ Sixth & I, 10/5/2011

photo courtesy of Geoffrey O'Connor

Australian synth-pop artist Geoffrey O’Connor provided a unique set opening up a night of quirky, fun music at DC’s Sixth & I Synagogue on Wednesday night. O’Connor is currently on tour in the US supporting Swedish indie-pop darling Jens Lekman. When he took the stage he was a bit dwarfed by his surroundings- one man with a guitar and synthesizer in the spacious hallowed cavern of the synagogue. He introduced himself with small voice as well, not particularly exuding confidence or much stage presence. But as he began his first song, the contrast of his singing voice was immediately apparent- he sang with a deep, velvety croon, and when performing he clearly did not lack confidence. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
By

ChurchKey and Eat Wonky Bring You Wonky Tots

Photo courtesy of
‘wonky dog @ Eat Wonky truck- Washington, DC’
courtesy of ‘Plantains & Kimchi’

Sometimes you find yourself remembering two different dishes you’ve eaten and think to yourself, “If only there was a way to combine both of these dishes.” Wanting the flavors of two dishes to dance upon your tongue doesn’t necessarily make you greedy. So I was happy to see that two of the tasty foods I’ve eaten are coming together this week in the form of Wonky Tots.

ChurchKey’s tater tots from chef Kyle Bailey are teaming up with Eat Wonky’s squeaky cheese and gravy. It’s poutine 2.0 with tots.

You can get the wonky tots this week only from Eat Wonky, but there are just 20 orders available per lunch shift. In other words: hurry. You can stalk the truck’s location @eatwonky or @churchkeydc.

capitals hockey
By

Caps Weather Hurricanes 4-3 (OT)

Photo courtesy of
‘DSC_5742’
courtesy of ‘bhrome’

Mike Green reclaimed his “Game Over” moniker and sent the rebound of a Dennis Wideman shot from the point trickling into the net as the Washington Capitals defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime in front of a raucous Verizon Center crowd, the 107th consecutive sellout. The Capitals almost held on to win in regulation, but Jussi Jokinen scored for the Hurricanes with just over a minute remaining and their goalie, Brian Boucher, pulled in favor of the extra attacker.

Continue reading →

Essential DC, Life in the Capital, News, The Daily Feed, The District
By

DC Mourns Steve Jobs At Apple Store

If you walk by the Georgetown Apple Store, you’ll find that to left of the store’s entrance, DC Apple lovers have created an impromptu memorial to Steve Jobs filled with posters, letters, flowers and many apples. Personally, I found these tributes to be the purest and most genuine expressions of how Mr. Jobs and his company have inspired so many people and how the DC community is mourning the loss, and solidarity with the Apple community and Jobs’ family and friends. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
By

Friday Happy Hour: Blackened Gold at Toki Underground

I love Toki Underground. Super cute, great location, delicious vegan ramen, and they keep hours that suit me – which is to say, I can sit and eat a totally respectable dinner at ten on Tuesday and it is no big deal. Should you want something to drink with your ramen and dumplings (or to sip on while you wait for a seat) they have a list of sakes and unusual Asian beers – and they also mix up some interesting and tasty cocktails.
Continue reading →