Yearly Archives: 2011

Weekend Flashback
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Weekend Flashback: 11/24-11/27

Photo courtesy of
‘Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger 5K 2011’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’

For a weekend that was half the week, a whole lot was accomplished. We survived the Attack of the Killer Turkeys, where it was eat or be eaten. I hope you took out as many turkeys as you could. Then we survived the “Day That Should NOT Be Named” on Friday. I don’t care how good the sales are, that many people rushing for a cheap TV, that early in a day, should be against the law! And, lastly, some of us got to see the new Muppet Movie; 80s Robot was a particularly awesome spot. Before you dig into that pile of work on your desk (and by that I mean all that online shopping), take a few minutes to look at how our photo contributors spent their weekend. Oh, and good luck with Cyber Monday…I mean, “work.” ;O)
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capitals hockey, The Daily Feed
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Caps Alumni Dale Hunter New Head Coach

Photo courtesy of
‘Hunter and Gartner Banners’
courtesy of ‘clydeorama’
Early this morning the Caps dropped a major post-holiday bombshell. (Not that we didn’t see it coming.) Former Caps captain Dale Hunter has been announced as the team’s new head coach, replacing Bruce Boudreau. The change comes on the heels of a horrific November for the team, including a 5-1 loss to an overly injured Buffalo Sabres team. (A game we didn’t recap because it was that bad.)

Hunter played 19 seasons in the NHL, appearing in 1,407 games and tallying 1,020 points (323 goals). He is one of only four players to have their numbers retired by the Capitals. The new coach, recently of the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League, will make his bench debut tomorrow night as the Caps host the St. Louis Blues.

Under his guidance, the Knights won their first Memorial Cup Championship in 2004-05. Hunter is the fastest head coach in OHL history to record 300 and 400 career bench wins; he also possesses the highest winning percentage in league history with a record of 451-189-23-24 (.691) in his 11 seasons with the team.

We wish the new coach well in jump-starting the Caps back to their winning ways; he definitely has his work cut out for him.

Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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Caps struggle on Black Friday, lose to Rangers 6-3

Photo courtesy of
‘washington capitals vs dallas stars at verizon center 11/08/2011’
courtesy of ‘jennifer.walters’

It might’ve been the tryptophan hangover, but the Capitals sure had a black Friday against the Rangers, dropping the matinee 6-3. Surrendering four goals in the 2nd period, and two more in the third did them no favors. The Caps got sloppy on Friday, and gave up some ugly goals, including getting stripped in their own zone. It’s no wonder that in the post-game press conference, Bruce Boudreau said that the Caps were lacking in confidence. Ruslan Fedotenko notched a pair for the Rangers, and Ryan Callahan picked up three assists as the Rangers picked apart the Capitals defense and made opportunities into goals.

The Caps’ Jekyll/Hyde inconsistency this season is something they’re going to have to sort out if they want a shot at the Cup, and while they made strides toward fixing a few of their problems tonight, they were struggling in others. As much as the Caps were making mistakes tonight, the Rangers were just as quick to strike while they had the opportunity, turning missed covers by Neuvirth and blue line turnovers into goals.

After the game, defenseman Karl Alzner was quick to identify their issue: “We’re getting too down. As soon as we get a goal scored against us it kind of feels like it’s the end of the world… we’re killing our momentum by having them score and the giving up another one.” The Caps put together such a strong first period, especially on the penalty kill where they were 3-for-3 in the first, that they were just waiting for their moment to strike as they headed out for the second.  John Carlson said after the game, “I don’t think too many things are going our way. We kind of sensed that we could get back in the game,” and he was spot on. The Caps struck back down 3-0 with goals by Troy Brouwer and Carlson to bring things near to even, but Brian Boyle fired one home toward the end of the period to let the air out of their rally, striking on a rebound that Neuvirth should have controlled.

It was disappointing to see such an unpolished performance from the Caps defense, especially given their Monday and Wednesday performances. The Caps head to Buffalo tomorrow night, and will face a tough Buffalo team looking to right their own ship, having lost two in a row. Confidence issues will be front and center as they head into one of the toughest visiting venues they face.


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Sports Fix
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Redskins Preview Week Twelve: The Seahawks

Photo courtesy of
‘Hawks_Saints_2011_Playoff-98’
courtesy of ‘KellBailey’

Every week I look at the offensive stats expecting the Redskins to be worse. The Redskins offense is still one of the least productive offenses in the NFL ranking 27th in points per game and 23rd in yards a game. The Redskins have one of the worst offenses in the NFL, but every week I watch them constantly go three and out and turn the ball over and it is hard to believe they aren’t the worst offense in the NFL. They are certainly one of the worst offenses I have ever seen. I wonder who could possibly be worse than this Redskins team. The Seattle Seahawks rank worse than the Redskins in yards per game averaging 298.5 compared to the Redskins 313.0, and rank directly above the Redskins in points per game averaging 16.8 compared to the Redskins 16.0. This is a match-up between two of the worst offensive teams in the NFL.

After years of being set at quarterback with Matt Hasslebeck as the franchise quarterback the Seahawks moved on to Tavaris Jackson. With Jackson now hurt the Seahawks are deciding between Josh Portis and Charlie Whitehurst to lead their offense on Sunday against the Redskins. The transition has not been an easy one for the Seahawks as they now feature a bottom ten pass offense. They have also allowed 34 sacks which ties them with Miami for the second worst in the NFL.

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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.
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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.
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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.