Category Archives: The Daily Feed

The Daily Feed
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NTSB meeting set for July 27

Photo courtesy of
‘137/365’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’

The National Transportation Safety Board has announced a Board meeting on July 27th to share findings related to the Red Line crash in June 2009. You may recall that Metro has been operating trains manually (and therefore at lower speed) since the incident nearly a year ago, pending the outcome of NTSB’s investigation. So it’ll be nice to get final recommendations from NTSB for Metro to follow up on so that factor contributing to system unreliability can finally be eliminated.

The Daily Feed
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Remember: Bike to Work Tomorrow!

Photo courtesy of
‘Bike Lust’
courtesy of ‘(afm)’ 

Many of my friends do cycle regularly, but if you’re not part of the regular biking crowd, tomorrow is a great day to try it out.  WABA is leading bicycle convoys during the morning and evening rush, and there will be numerous pit stops for cyclists, in case you need a break, some water, some help, etc.  More than 8,500 people have registered with WABA as participating in this year’s event.

Couple things to think about, before tomorrow:

  • Make sure your helmet fits.
  • Make sure you’ve got air in your tires and you can do a quick ride around the block.
  • Don’t wear loose fitting pants without a strap to keep them off your chain.
  • Make sure to bring a lock for your bike.
  • Be sure to lock your bike properly.

Safe riding, everyone!

The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Sheldon Cooper Lives in DC, Needs Roommate

Photo courtesy of
‘Sheldon Cooper – Mad Man’
courtesy of ‘techfun’

A friend of mine sent me this delightful Craigslist ad from last night, which offers a room in a Capitol Hill apartment that is roomy (12’x14′) for just $850. It sounds like the guy is pretty normal, he’s a researcher for DOD, loves kickball and going out, and hiking and biking and other outdoorsy activities. There’s just one catch…

One more thing, please read this so we don’t waste each others’ time! On our bathroom door is a checklist. I like to keep a record of my bowel movements and I expect you to do the same. It’s a just a simple checklist with each day of the month, simply place a check on the day if you have a bowel movement. It’s no big deal and you needn’t worry about replacing the list, I’ll take care of everything. Hope to hear from you!

I am so relieved to hear that Sheldon Cooper, noted theoretical physicist, is living in my town!

The Daily Feed, Tourism
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Local Artist Bluebrain Writes Custom Score to Sant Ocean Hall

 Photo courtesy of
‘Sant Ocean Hall’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

While some folks are social explorers in museums, tending to talk about everything they’re seeing, I tend to be a more contemplative traveller through these places, stopping to take it all in in silence. Apparently, I’m not alone, and the folks at Bluebrain have just the thing for you to try out as you head to the National Museum of Natural History’s Sant Ocean Hall.  The free track, available in MP3 format, is meant to be started as you enter the exhibit from the Elephant side, and listened to as you wander throughout the exhibit, learning about the development of ocean life.

The Daily Feed
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Andean Bear Cub Name Results Are In!

Photo courtesy of
‘Andean Bear Cub in Tree’
courtesy of ‘macmoov’

Your votes have been tallied and the results are in — the two Andean bear cubs currently calling the National Zoo home are nameless no longer!

Almost 5,000 exercised their right to vote in this fun and festive zoo campaign. Here are the results:

Chaska for the female

Bernardo for the male

Chaska, a Quechua word meaning “dawn star” and Bernardo, a Spanish word meaning “brave like a bear” were chosen by all of you.

Now, the only thing left to do is go visit with DC’s newly named cutey-patootey’s Chaska and Bernardo. I’m sure they are looking forward to meeting you! You can visit with the cubs when they make their public debut this Saturday with their mama Billie Jean and poppa Nikki.
News, The Daily Feed
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DC Schools Make Advances, Still Far Behind

Photo courtesy of
‘Bill Gates talks “free education”‘
courtesy of ‘opensourceway’

While DC Students are still scoring below the national average at the 4th and 8th grade levels, they are making gains, according to data released today by the National Assessment of Education Progress.  The data shows that DCPS students were the only participating urban district that experienced any growth at both grade levels from 2007 to 2009.  The Assessment was administered in 18 of the country’s largest urban school districts, and DCPS 4th graders picked up 6 scale points in reading, compared to a flat national average; DCPS 8th graders picked up 4 scale points in reading, compared to a flat national average.

DCPS cites their reform efforts in the classroom as leading directly to the success.  Michelle Rhee said, “While we still have a long way to go, we are encouraged by the strides we’ve made with focusing on instruction, and the dedication of our teachers, school leaders, parents and students providing them with an student and teacher diary planner to each one at the beginning of the course.”

Since 2002, DCPS fourth graders have added 13 scale points to their scores, growth eclipsed only by Atlanta in the same time period.  DCPS still tests below the urban average overall, and specifically in group of students eligible for school lunch programs.  Troubling, though, is the report’s demonstration that more than half of the city’s fourth and eighth graders are at below basic reading comprehension, and the scale point gap between the district’s white students and black students.  Less than 15 percent of the students in eighth grade are testing at proficient levels of reading or better, which is deeply troubling.  Literacy and writing are two of the most critical skills for students to develop, and with more than half unable to do so at a basic level, it’s clearly a failing inside the system that needs to be remedied.

The Daily Feed
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Santana Moss Linked to Accused Canadian Doctor and HGH

Photo courtesy of
‘120306 473’
courtesy of ‘Keith Allison’

I guess the other foot on the big DC sports week had to drop eventually, and it involves the only district squad hanging around without a #1 pick. ESPN just passed along a report from the Washington Post that Santana Moss, who led the Redskins last season at receiver, received Human Growth Hormone (HGH) from Anthony Galea, the Canadian doctor accused earlier this week of unlawfully distribution of the product among the athletes he has treated in the past. The Buffalo News confirmed that Moss was a patient of Galea, but the HGH claim has not been verified.

The reports mention that there is no reason to believe that Moss could be charged in relation to the case; however, any professional athlete with a connection to Galea is likely to cause significant suspicion about performance enhancing drugs.

The Daily Feed
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DC Makes You Cheat On Your Wife

Photo courtesy of
‘Pants on Fire’
courtesy of ‘Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com’

…or so says disgraced Republican Congressman Mark Souder.  I’m certain that Mayor Fenty, AG Nickles and Police Chief Cathy Lanier forced their way into Souder’s DC apartment, stripped him naked, and forced him to engage in mutual sexual conduct with a member of his staff. Wait, that’s not what happened? I’m so confused.  

I rather enjoyed Jason Linkins’ examination of the subject, as he called out this bullshit convenience ploy line.

See, Souder is blaming Washington DC for forcing him to have sex. In Indiana. With a member of his Indiana office staff.

I love the smell of hypocrisy in the morning. Smells like…victory? No, wait. Assholes.

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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It’s About To Be A Cupcake Catfight

Photo courtesy of
‘WHAM!’
courtesy of ‘Cats in trees’

If there’s one thing this town knows, it’s cupcakes. In vain of that, a couple of DC’s top cupcakeries are teaming up for a Cupcake Catfight in anticipation of the Sex and the City 2.

Red Velvet and Buzz Bakery are going head-to-head in this SATC themed challenge of who can create the best movie-themed window display. You can check out the photos and place your vote on Metromix Washington or in person at their respective stores.

The winner will be announced at the film’s screening on Tuesday.

You  can check out the window displays after the page jump. Continue reading →

Adventures, Entertainment, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed, The Great Outdoors
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Dueling Birds: A Nats v. Os Weekend

Photo courtesy of
‘_MG_4239’
courtesy of ‘dbking’

We’ve got a beautiful weekend, save some scattered t-storms, shaping up for us and we’ve got a “Battle of the Beltways” series kicking off Friday night between the visiting Baltimore Orioles and our hometown Nationals. You’ve got three opportunities to catch the match up this weekend, and it’s sure to be great time with the stadium pack with fans from both sides.

While neither team is at the top of their divisions, both come packed with longtime crowd favorites like Nick Markakis, B-Rob, Zimmer-sapien and Christian Guz-sapien, who are sure to make the game competitive and entertaining.

What I’m really looking forward to is Screech and the Bird strolling around the stadium and taunting each other Phillie Phanatic style. Obviously, sans taser.  I’m assuming both birds will join the Presidents in the 4th inning race, where of course some antics will ensue between the two avians to prevent Teddy from winning. Alas poor Teddy, I wanted him to win.

The Daily Feed
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You Could Be On HGTV!

Photo courtesy of
‘windows with color’
courtesy of ‘spiggycat’

HGTV‘s “My First Sale” is casting in the DC-area!

The show runs in prime time on national TV and is looking for “motivated, first time sellers who are excited about sharing their story on television”.  Candidates must be “financially candid” and willing to share with America all the stress (and joy) that goes into selling residential real estate during a depressed economy.

And if getting your 15-minutes of fame isn’t prize enough, compensation for airing all of your dirty laundry on national TV is a DVD copy of the episode.

If you are interested – please, please apply!  I can’t think of a better way to spend my evening than watching you try and sell and your place.  No seriously, I really can’t.

For more information, or for an application, contact Sami Hartman at shartman{at}highnoontv.com.

Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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Nats Win Crazy Game Over Mets

Photo courtesy of
‘Diving Grab’
courtesy of Tom Bridge

The Mets tonight turned a triple play against the Nationals, the first one in our fair city since 1964, and Angel Pagan hit an inside the park home run, but still it was the Nats that came out on top.  The last time a team had a triple play and an inside the park home run in the same game was 1955 when the Phillies did it.  Of course they won that game, while the Mets came up short tonight.  Hard to think that a team that did two of the rarest single acts in baseball would also come up short.

Continue reading →

Business and Money, Life in the Capital, News, The Daily Feed, The District, We Green DC
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Move That Hybrid Electric Vehicle!!!

Photo courtesy of
‘ups’
courtesy of ‘loop_oh’

United Parcel Service (UPS) is expanding its alternative fuel fleet and deploying 17 new next-generation hybrid electric delivery trucks in the metro DC area.  These vehicles are part of a 200 alternative fuel vehicle expansion taking place in DC, Austin, Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Long Island, Minneapolis and Louisville.

Whenever you acquire a solar PV system or an electric vehicle, the seller may provide you with an option to install a charging point in your residence as well. For electric vehicle owners, it’s possible to charge the vehicle at your house through the use of a home charging point. While charging both types of electric vehicles is a straightforward process, EV charger installation, on the other hand, isn’t so simple. According to electricians near Williamsburg, the charging process only requires you to connect the vehicle to an electricity source using a cable.

According to UPS’ press release, the new fleet will ” reduce fuel consumption by roughly 176,000 gallons over the course of a year,” and will “reduce the amount of CO2 gases released annually into the atmosphere by 1,786 metric tonnes. ”

This UPS “green” fleet uses a multitude of alternative energy technologies, such as hydraulic hybrid technology, regenerative braking (when energy generated from applying the brakes is captured and returned to the battery as electricity,) compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, electricity, etc. Learn more about electricity usage at Forbrukerguiden.no.

The new hybrid trucks, currently being deployed in DC, will look exactly the same as regular UPS trucks, except for the additional labeling identifying them as hybrid electrics. So keep your eyes peeled.

The Daily Feed
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Kastles Announce 2010 Ticket Sales


Mark Ein, Adrian Fenty, Jack Evans by Max Cook

The Washington Kastles, defending World TeamTennis champions, announced at a press conference today that all individual and season tickets are now available for their 2010 season.  In attendance were Mayor Adrian Fenty, Councilman Jack Evans, team owner Mark Ein, and returning coach Murphy Jensen.  Tickets for individual matches can be purchased on their website or on TicketMaster, while season tickets can be purchased by calling 202-4-TENNIS.

The upcoming season in July promises to be another exciting time for tennis fans, with the return of coach Murphy “Refuse to Lose” Jensen and the addition of Venus Williams to the team.  Also returning this year are her sister Serena Williams and doubles dynamos, Leander Paes and Rennae Stubbs. “With the talent on this veteran roster, we should win it all again,” said Jensen. “I know I speak for the entire team when I say that last season was one of the best experiences of our careers and we’re coming back to repeat as champions.” Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Win Tickets to Fab Faux at Lisner!

fabfaux.jpg

A good cover band is a great experience.  Finding someone that can bring life to another’s music while not charging an arm, a leg and a vital organ to get in, well, it’s a great experience.  This Saturday, the Fab Faux are taking the stage at Lisner Auditorium to recreate the magic of a Beatles concert, and we want to send you.  The Fab Faux have members of Conan O’Brien’s Max Weinberg 7, Paul Shaffer’s CBS Orchestra, and some incredibly talented extended band musicians joining them for Saturday’s show at the Lisner.  Want to go?  Leave us a comment and we’ll make it happen. We’ll draw some names on Thursday and get you in for the show.

The Daily Feed
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Stealing a Meal Without Skipping the Check!

Photo courtesy of
‘VTSS Event at 701 Restaurant_4’
courtesy of ‘PZAO’

Looking for your next lunch spot or a deal on a great dinner?  701 Restaurant has you covered with their “Steal of a Deal” lunch and dinner specials.  Monday through Friday between 11:30 am and 3 pm in the restaurant’s Bar 7 and lounge spaces, you can grab lunch for just 15 bucks (tax and gratuity not included).  Whether it’s the Crispy Calamari Salad with shrimp, scallops, capers, and olive vinaigrette, or the 701 Classic Hamburger, I don’t think you can go wrong with this menu.

If you can’t make it on your lunch break, you have the option for dinner too.  Between 5:30pm and closing all week, you can choose not one, but two courses from the lounge tasting menu with two wine pairings, all for $35 (tax and gratuity not included).  You can go for an appetizer or entree, or entree plus dessert.  Menu items like the Seared Scallops with cauliflower puree, pine nuts, and balsamic reduction or the Fried Chicken with creamy grits, collard greens, scallions, and gravy are sure to please.  Whatever you decide, General Manager Chelsea Yancho and staff invites you and your friends to come “steal a deal” very soon. 

701 Restaurant is located at 701 Pennsylvanie Avenue NW.  Call (202) 393-0701 or visit the website for more information.

News, Talkin' Transit, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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16th Street Near Scottish Rite Temple Closed

Photo courtesy of
‘House of the Temple’
courtesy of ‘NCinDC’

16th Street between S & R is currently shut down for police investigation of a second suspicious package there this morning. I’m not sure why you’d want to blow up the Masons, really, unless you’re deep into conspiracies…oh. I see. Well.

Buses are being stopped (including all of the S buses that run down 16th Street) around the area, and you should probably steer clear from there for now. From what I understand, buses were being offloaded and checked for suspicious packages by MPD in the area, as well.

The Daily Feed
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Georgetown’s “Style and the City” to Prep DC for SATC2

Photo courtesy of
‘sex and the city 2’
courtesy of ‘IKEA Boy â��ã��J.D Chenã��â�¢’

If I had to make a guess, I would say that there is a pretty good population of “Sex and the City” fans here in the District, including moi (I’ve always been a little partial to Charlotte myself).  That being said, it is my moral obligation to inform each and every one of you of one more reason to get excited about the film’s highly-anticipated sequel hitting theaters Thursday May 27th.  From May 23-30th, Georgetown retailers, restaurants, and spas will unite in honor of the movie’s release for “Style in the City” week.

What is “Style in the City,” you ask?  Well, only the next best thing next to “Sex and the City 2”!  First, there’s the shopping:  retailers throughout Georgetown will have a special “Style in the City” swag bag for you if you spend $150 or more and mention “Style in the City.”  The bags will have tons of treats you’ll love, including a ticket to see “Sex and the City 2” at AMC Georgetown!!  Also, If you see the movie at AMC Georgetown and present your stubs to participating merchants, you can get even MORE goodies!

As if the swag bags aren’t enough, Georgetown restaurants will be offering $5 Cosmos all week and brunch specials on both Sundays.  Finally, grab a buddy so that you both can enjoy the “Bring Your Girlfriend” specials.  Spas and salons will offer facials, pedicures, and other spa treatments at a discount for you and your pal all while you sip on a little champagne.  Honestly, I don’t know if it can get much better than this:  shopping, cosmos, the spa, AND “Sex and the City”?!  See you at the movies ladies!

The Daily Feed
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Abe Smiling Down? Luck of Leonsis? Somehow Wizards Snag #1 Pick

Photo courtesy of
‘Caron Butler at the line’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

A rough sports year will sometimes mean grabbing little victories wherever you can get them. Still, there are definitely some legitimate bounces that will help restore faith that things will indeed get better. Last night was just one of those nights for the Washington Wizards, beating the odds and four other teams with higher probabilities to secure the #1 pick in the 2010 draft. The Wiz may have had the worst of it of any team – controversy around its biggest star and the unfortunate loss of its owner, Abe Pollin – so this was definitely a needed break in their favor.

Smart money suggests that management – which now includes Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis – will likely grab John Wall, the freshmen phenom who spent one year in college before declaring earlier this spring. Aaron Morrissey definitely won the headline war this morning over at DCist (“Great Wall of Chinatown” – well done, sir), but there are many more reasons for Wizards fans to be ecstatic beyond the likely pick of the Kentucky point guard.

Ultimately, when June 24th rolls around, whether it’s John Wall or another top prospect, the Wizards will be adding a third leg to complete DC’s “Big Three” of pro sports. The young, top-pick talent of this pick, Alexander Ovechkin and Stephen Strasburg will hopefully be something sports fans around the District can get excited about for many years to come.

The Daily Feed
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The Collective

Photo courtesy of
‘Looking Dapper for Barack Obama’
courtesy of ‘starbuck77’

Need a mid-week pick-me-up?  How about exploring an innovative fashion line tonight at Policy Lounge on 14th Street?

This evening, “The Collective” and Bleu Magazine will be hosting an event that will include vintage pop-up shops, live painting by Moe the Creator, Bam Body Art by Jabious Williams, and the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.  And if that didn’t sound interesting enough already, you will also get the exclusive opportunity to check out (and purchase) DMVntage and the Marc C. Collection.

If you want to attend, get yourself on the guest list.  Just e-mail RSVP{at}loft829.com.