It’s Friday afternoon. I know perfectly well you’re not working. So here’s some video of the National Zoo’s clouded leopard cubs engaging in some kitten-like activity for you to procrastinate with.
The two male cubs in the video will soon be sent to other zoos to be paired with females so that this endangered species can continue to be preserved. There, now you have learned something and can go back to the squeeing over the OMG ADBORBS KITTEHS.
By Tom Bridge
”Western’ Washington, D.C.(1)’
courtesy of ‘cizauskas’
I couldn’t quite decide what today’s greeting should be. The retrocession of the area of the federal district south of the Potomac River is a bit of a mixed bag, like most of American history. Ostensibly, it was done to pump capital into the neglected port of Alexandria, but it was also done to preserve the slave port at Alexandria, in an effort to preserve the union. As no federal buildings could be constructed west of the Potomac, none of the existing government structures were in the area, and it made for an easy give back to Virginia. Continue reading
By Ben H. Rome
‘Caps/Habs (April 15, 2010) – 20’
courtesy of ‘Garyisajoke’
Fresh off a career high season, Eric Fehr has extended his stay with the Caps after signing off on a two-year deal worth $4.4 million yesterday afternoon. Fehr had 21 goals and 39 points in 69 games with the Caps last season, even though he averaged less than 13 minutes of ice time a game. Out of all the 20+ goal scorers in the NHL, Fehr had the lowest on-ice average.
Plagued with injuries during the early portion of his career – he was the Caps’ first-rounder in the 2003 Entry Draft – Fehr finally came into his own last season, shrugging off surgery on both shoulders and a major back injury. Having been an offensive force despite the low ice time, his return to the Caps offense should elicit a great sigh of relief for the Rock the Red nation. Fehr had a solid playoff performance last year, with 3 goals and 4 points in the seven game series with Montreal.
By Patrick Pho
‘Cucumber Puree’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’
There is a reason that we love DC- and Top Chef DC. Washington DC is a Top Chef town with many former contestants and judges working in the area. This week the names we’ve grown to love locally returned to the small screen.
But first, a baby challenge.
With Padma fresh off a pregnancy (sporting a turtle shell for a shirt) and Tom with young children of his own, the two hosts challenge the chefs to create an adult meal with a companion purée for a child.
The chefs certainly came up with baby food that I wouldn’t expect to see in the grocery store aisle. Duck with Spinach? Curried Sweet Potato Bisque? Pan-Seared Rib Eye?
Certainly choices for those being fed with a silver spoon I suppose. Of course I am a 26 year old blogger with no kids- is making your own baby food the in thing for DCers or do you head for the Gerber aisle? Continue reading
‘Nationals vs Orioles 04’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’
The Washington Nationals are hosting their annual Christmas in July Toy Drive benefiting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program all weekend.
Fans are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages that will be collected and distributed to non-profit organizations and hospital pediatric wards throughout the D.C. Metropolitan Area. Last year, the Christmas in July Toy Drive brought in 23 bags of toys and more than $16,000 in cash donations. This year, the Nationals look to do that again and then some.
Toys will be accepted starting with Friday night’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants when the center field gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Fans can continue dropping off all toy donations through the end of the fourth inning on Saturday and Sunday as well. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Photo by Cheryl Nichols/Nationals News Network
The brooms were kept tucked away Thursday night at Nationals Park when San Diego right-hander Mat Latos dominated the Washington Nationals over seven innings preventing a series sweep.
“He threw a good ball game or two against us before tonight,” Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman said about Latos after the game. “We saw him out there at their place and he was every bit the same tonight. He was tough.” Continue reading
courtesy of ‘christopher.poole’
The monthly comedy showcase at Eleventh Street Lounge is tonight, and this month it’s Night of the Newbies, featuring newer local comics who have been workin’ it at open mics but haven’t started getting into a lot of these pre-booked shows yet. Comics featured will be: Emily Ruskowski, Brandon Wardell, John Robbins, Jessica Brodkin, Josh Scott, and Reggie Melbrough. Chris Barylick of the Geek Comedy Tour will host, and Courtney Fearrington (of general hilarity) will also appear. I recommend you check it out.
By Dave Levy
‘Polipetti alla Griglia’
courtesy of ‘LaTur’
The World Cup is just about to conclude with a final match this Sunday that features Spain and the Netherlands (Not Germany, as originally was here, my bad! -DL), two countries who have never won the championship in its illustrious history. There were two fantastic side stories during this year’s really entertaining tournament: the first was the Vuvuzela, and all the annoyance it brought. The second was the story about a German octopus (his name is Paul) who was tasked with predicting every game that featured his home country’s national team. for more accurate psychic readings, check outhttps://www.peninsuladailynews.com/marketplace/best-psychic-reading-online-100-accurate-psychics-with-answers-to-all-your-doubts-and-questions/.
Here’s how it worked. Paul’s keeper, Oliver Walenciak, would arrange two glass boxes displaying the flags of Germany and its opponents in the aquarium, each with a bit of food. The box that Paul selected would represent the winner – and the eight-legged soothsayer managed to go a perfect six for six in all of Germany’s matches. This unfortunately, upset some of those at the wrong end of the prediction, which included the Germans in yesterday’s semifinal game against Spain.
For Spanish fans, though, the prediction of Paul is to be honored, having come true. Among those fans is local chef, José Andrés, who has pledged to remove octopus from his menu for the weekend as a gesture of gratitude to the creature. Think it would have been two-for-one calamari night if Paul was wrong?
By Dave Stroup
‘Ghost Bike’
courtesy of @victorzapanta
Today marks two years since 22-year-old cyclist Alice Swanson was struck and killed by a trash truck at the corner of Connecticut Avenue and R Street in Dupont Circle. Shortly after Swanson’s death, a memorial “ghost bike” appeared at the corner. The memorial remained in place, often adorned with flowers or notes, until last August. At the behest of the Dupont Circle Merchants and Professionals Association the memorial was removed by the city.
This morning, Swanson’s friends and family placed mementos at the site of the accident, and chalked messages on the sidewalk. This afternoon, the ghost bike memorial was replaced. Twitter user @victorzapanta sent along a photo of the new memorial.
The previous bike was removed by the Department of Public Works following a request by the Mayor’s office. The original request came from Ed Grandis of DC MAP, who characterized the well-kept memorial as an eye sore. Most street memorials in the District are left in place for 30 days before removal by DPW. These are generally memorials of photographs, flowers and/or stuffed animals. The District Department of Transportation has a policy of removing abandoned bicycles, but only after leaving a notice on the bicycle first.
In any event, a ghost bike is a solemn reminder to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians that all must share the road. Last year the District debated constructing a memorial tree box at the location, but eventually declined to pursue that course of action. It will be interesting to see how the city reacts to the replacement of the ghost bike.
‘Nationals vs Mets 15’
courtesy of ‘maxedaperture’
The Final Vote fan ballot closes TODAY at 4. That’s just under an hour and a half from now.
Want to see Nationals third baseman Ryan “Mr. Walk-off” Zimmerman join reliever Matt Capps at the All-Star Game in Anaheim? Place those votes ASAP.
Don’t know why to vote for Zimm? Well — he was a 2009 All-Star, a 2009 Golden Glove winner at third base, a and 2009 Silver Slugger winner. We could go into more detail, but do you really need more at this point?
By shannon
‘CIC’s New Bikes’
courtesy of ‘rmburnes’
Via BeyondDC, we have word that the first bike-sharing locations for the Capital Bikeshare system have been announced. These first 14 stations of the proposed 114 throughout DC and Arlington are located in Pentagon City and Crystal City. Check out the map of the recently-announced stations— they’re all in pretty high-traffic areas close to restaurants, offices, apartment buildings.
Capital Bikeshare is expected to start up in September, and there’s still time to vote for where you’d like to pick up and drop off bikes.
By Dave Levy
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
Since 1971, National Public Radio has fallen back on the acronym “NPR” as a shorthand for its lengthy, official name. As of today, the truncated version will be the only thing left, as the District-based organization is ditching the long moniker.
All things considered, this isn’t that much of a change beyond nomenclature, but there is some rationale in the decision. NPR has jumped head first into several digital channels, dominating the podcast landscape and trying its best to build as many useful smart phone apps as possible – translation, it’s about a lot more than just radio these days. Paraphrasing from NPR’s CEO, this change is meant to mirror the efforts and help NPR become more streamlined and more in touch with the speed of media.
For the NPR fans out there, here’s one more treat from the “trying to be more in touch with the digital generation” that NPR did earlier this summer. Enjoy as All Things D and NPR’s personalities embrace several Internet memes from the last few months:
By Max
Starbucks by Jomo
I think it’s safe to say that none of us are enjoying this lovely heat wave, and that includes the employees at Starbucks on Dupont Circle. Their air conditioning has been broken since yesterday, forcing them to close up shop and to deprive many people of caffeine and free wireless. However much to my delight, when I stopped by about an hour ago they were serving free iced coffee and iced tea on the back patio. So if you’re in need of some free caffeine, hurry over and get yours while supplies last.
‘Swing batter batter!’
courtesy of ‘m hoek’
Nats fans — don’t let the Phillies pull a fast one on this city again.
As of right now Phillies Nation is soliciting the baseball faithful of Philadelphia to jump on a bus and turn Nationals Park into Citizens Bank Park South.
You didn’t like it the first time back on Opening Day when they stood around booing not only the Nationals, D.C. and the National Anthem but causing a drunken ruckus on the Nats home turf.
The Phillies return to Washington for a three game series starting Friday July 30. There’s plenty of time to ensure that the Opening Day Phillie fan frenzy doesn’t happen a second time this season.
So if you have any shred of pride for this District and for Nationals baseball, prove it over the weekend of July 30 – August 1.
By Ashley
‘Grant now my boon’
courtesy of ‘Loozrboy’
To celebrate Executive Chef David Varley’s big win at this year’s Grand Cochon competition, Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons Georgetown is putting on an all-you-can-eat pig roast on Sunday, August 1st from 3pm-6pm. For $25 per person (or $40 if you want to include drinks, and I think you do) you’ll get your share of a 400-pound roast pig. As if we couldn’t easily eat $25 worth of roast pig itself, you’ll also get tons of traditional sides like baked beans, ham and cheddar biscuits, mac and cheese and potato salad. And if you’re daring, you’ll be able to try the chef’s winning dessert from the competition–Porkeos. Trust me, you probably don’t want to know what is in them before you chow down. Bourbon Steak will also be partnering up with local (and personal) favorite Dogfish Head to dish out pork-friendly brews for the evening.
To purchase tickets for the event, call 202-944-2026.
By shannon
‘Fort Stevens’
courtesy of ‘Rob Shenk’
This Saturday is Fort Stevens Day, a celebration of the 146th anniversary of the only Civil War battle to occur in DC. Always needed an excuse to check out the Civil War Defenses of Washington? Now’s your chance!
Saturday’s event includes a kids’ activity tent, various historical presentations, and a Civil War heavy artillery demonstration. Check out the full schedule and directions to the park, and keep in mind that rain cancels the event.
By Dave Stroup
‘Ballot’
courtesy of ‘Berto Garcia’
The filing deadline for the District’s September primary has passed, and the Board of Elections and Ethics has released the final candidate list. You can download the entire list as a PDF from the DC BOEE web site. For the Mayoral race, both Vincent Gray and incumbent Adrian Fenty submitted their petitions back in June. Leo Alexander and Sulaimon Brown also had their petitions in before the deadline, rounding out the first and second tiers. Assorted others, including White House party crasher Carlos Allen turned in enough signatures to appear on the September ballot. In total, there will be seven Democratic candidates for Mayor: Adrian Fenty, Vincent Gray, Leo Alexander, Sulaimon Brown, Carlos Allen, Michael Green, and Ernest Johnson.
There aren’t any big surprises here. For Chairman of the Council, four Democratic candidates turned in their petitions before the deadline. Kwame Brown, Vincent Orange, Dorothy Douglas, and Calvin Gurley. For the At-Large Council seat there are also four candidates including incumbent Phil Mendelson, Clark Ray, Will Ross and another Michael Brown. Not to be confused with Michael A. Brown, a current At-Large member of the Council. No, this is Michael D. Brown, the Democratic Shadow Senator for the District. Continue reading
‘Freer Gallery Chandelier’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
If you didn’t get the chance to catch the last Asia After Dark event at the Freer Gallery of Art, now is your chance to make it up by attending Bhangra Night on Thursday, July 15.
Spice up your summer and listen to “Bhangra’s Ambassador”, the internationally renowned DJ Rekha, and sample some delicious speciality cocktails – all the while also exploring the current exhibition, Arts of the Indian Subcontinent and the Himalayas. All you have to do is follow the suggested attire (style, colors, and accessories of India) and purchase a ticket (available online or at the door).
You must be 21 years old and with a valid ID to attend.
The Freer Gallery of Art is located at 1050 Independence Avenue, SW. For more information call 202-633-1000.
‘IMG_0485’
courtesy of ‘dbking’
Washington experienced another scorcher Wednesday night at Nationals Park recording the second hottest starting temperature in the park’s history only second to Tuesday night’s game. But the 13,762 who stuck it out saw J.D. Martin get his first win of the season.
Martin secured a one-run win over the top team in the National League so far this season, beating the San Diego Padres 7-6.
One of the Nationals weaknesses this season, and particularly in the past month, has been an inability to score runs behind their starters and play solid defense to support their entire pitching staff. Tonight they did both. Continue reading
Image Credit: Sara Yousefnejad, Arlington Arts Center
For all local artists out there, tomorrow is your last chance to enter for a spot to be featured in a solo exhibit at the Arlington Arts Center.
Artists who “produce cutting edge contemporary art in any/all media, and who live or work in Virginia; Washington, DC; Maryland; West Virginia; Delaware; or Pennsylvania” are eligible to submit exhibition proposals. Furthermore, all work must have been completed within the last 3 years in order to be considered.
For more information contact the Arlington Arts Center at 703-248.6800.
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