By Tom Bridge
‘No Shelter for Fenty’
courtesy of ‘spiggycat’
We’ve talked before about how it’s looking like no one will step up and challenge Mayor Adrian Fenty in his bid for re-election this year, and how unfortunate that is. Mike DeBonis of the City Paper has a list of draftable candidates that could make the District a far more interesting place to live. He suggests, amongst others, Kojo Nnamdi and Peggy Cooper Cafritz. It’s a good read, time to go dream.
If you’ve been searching far and wide for “that ultra-catchy sound that you’ve always wanted” to hear but couldn’t seem to find, go see one of L Magazine‘s “8 NYC Bands You Need To Hear in 2009” tomorrow night at the Velvet Lounge.
Savoir Adore started out as a two-piece band featuring singer-songwriter Deidre Muro on keyboards and Paul Hammer on drums but is up to a six-man roster, complete with female vocals (compliments of Sasha Brown).
Savoir Adore is joined by fellow rockers Ra Ra Rasputin & Bellflur.
Doors open at 9, show starts 10. It’s 21+ with an $8 cover.
Photo by Rachel Levitin.
By shannon
‘taking the bus’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
Metrobus is reinventing itself, reports The Examiner. Their new slogan (“See how far we’ve come”) and ad campaign is taking over the District. This $739,000 campaign is aimed at reversing the decline in bus riders in the wake of several Metrobus accidents last year.
While I like the shiny new buses, I think Metro’s dollars might be better spent improving NextBus service and getting more riders to use it. A new slogan won’t get me to take the bus, but knowing when the bus is coming so I don’t have to wait out in the cold would.
By Tom Bridge
New Parking Meters
Photos courtesy of DDOT
One of my biggest complaints about parking in the District in the meters. The older single meters require a whole satchel full of quarters, and the new ones have reliability problems in my experience, making parking a total crapshoot if you want to avoid a ticket. DDOT’s aware of the issues, and is looking for options to expand their current offerings. Look for meters like these above to spring up in five districts:
U Street/14th Street, NW (Ward 1)
2000 H Street, NW (Ward 2)
600 Indiana Avenue, NW (Ward 2)
5300 Wisconsin Avenue (Mazza Gallery) (Ward 3)
3500 John McCormick Road, NE (Catholic University/Brookland Metro) (Ward 5)
The new meters are quick to install, just two minutes, and fit over the existing change tanks, and better yet: they take Visa or Master Card, which means you can stop carrying roll upon roll of quarters. DDOT hasn’t said for sure if they’re also going to take advantage of the pay-by-phone option that these meters also accept.
By Rebecca
‘Dining Room Interior, Policy’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’
If you’re looking for a place to have your Thursday night out, and honestly who on a Wednesday afternoon isn’t thinking about non-work related activities, then definitely check out United For Haiti Fundraiser to benefit Partners in Health (PIH) taking place at Policy.
Starting at 7:30pm, your $25 donation will help aide PIH’s efforts in Haiti, get you entry into one of coolest restaurants/lounges in DC, provide complimentary liquor drinks until 9:30pm and have DJ spinning good beats until the wee hours.
A good cause, good food, good drinks, good friends, what a great way to start the weekend.
By Rebecca
‘Obamismo’
courtesy of ‘Daquella manera’
Georgetown shop, Commander Salamander, which surprisingly has its very own definition in the urbandictionary, will be shutting it’s Wisconsin Avenue doors shortly. The shop known for it’s puny t-shirts, colorful trucks and gag gifts has long been a staple of the Georgetown shopping scene. No word yet on why the shop is closing, but fortunately, sister shop Up Against The Wall, with a location in the Georgetown Mall on M Street across from J. Paul’s, will remain open.
By Don
‘[Kitchen utensils hanging below a spice rack with mint, caraway, tyme, and sage jars] (LOC)’
courtesy of ‘The Library of Congress’
I got around to listening to Friday’s episode of the excellent Dinner Party Download this morning on the way to work and was tickled to hear that this week’s history-inspired cocktail is the Hattie Bo Baddy created by Todd Thrasher of PX and Restaurant Eve. While I might quibble a bit with DPD choosing an Alexandria-based mixologist to honor the first woman of the Hill (you couldn’t pick someone at least in the D.C. limits? ) it’s hard to complain about getting the skinny on a Thrasher cocktail.
Not that this is a concoction to try at home unless you’re serious. You can find the full recipe at the link for DPD #40, but suffice to say if you’re not willing to spend the thirty minutes to create the components you need for this cocktail (caraway-infused honey syrup) maybe you should just go let Mr Thrasher make you one himself…
By Katie
‘Conversations’
courtesy of ‘N.S.’
From now until January 22nd, if you’ve got Facebook, you’ve got the power to change Arlington’s homeless population forever.
Chase Bank is donating $5 Million to 100 small nonprofits nationwide, allowing Facebook users to decide the winners. Arlington’s own Street People Assistance Network (A-SPAN) finished in the Top 100 and is now eligible for the $1 Million Grand Prize. All you have to do is vote for A-SPAN on Facebook. A-SPAN will share the prize with these other Arlington nonprofits: AMEN, AFAC, AACH, Borromeo Housing, Doorways for Women & Families, and OAR.
I’m a big fan of Doorways for Women & Families, having volunteered at battered women’s shelters in college, so I love that A-SPAN will be distributing its $1 million prize far and wide to help all populations. For more info, see the Sun Gazette article. And, vote!
By Tom Bridge
‘Dunbar High Schoolâ��’
courtesy of ‘Daquella manera’
DC and VA have applied for $450M in Race to the Top funding, hoping to garner a share of the funds available through a new federal program to add significant federal dollars to local schools as part of new programs. Maryland has decided to wait until the second round of grants in mid-2010.
The District’s proposal (PDF) went unsigned by the WTU, which may detract from its strength. WTU is currently in a protracted conflict with Chancellor Michelle Rhee over their labor agreement, current policies, current staffing, current control structures and what color the sky is (Rhee says Columbia blue, WTU says more of a Dodger blue) which lead to this situation. The proposal weighs in at 187 pages, and features sections on low-achieving schools, better programs for teachers, and using data to better inform instruction.
Winners for Phase I will be announced in April. Unselected bids will get feedback so they can reapply in June of 2010.
By Ben H. Rome
‘Caps WIN!’
courtesy of ‘afagen’
Going into last night’s game, the Capitals knew they were going to be tested. This week, the Caps face both Stanley Cup finalists from the last two seasons and Coach Bruce Boudreau knew it was going to be an examination of sorts for the team. Coming off a 5-3 win against the Flyers on Sunday and winning four of their last five, the Caps were looking to impress. (And possibly get Ovechkin his 250th career goal.)
They did, but not in any way you’d think.
While the Capitals did skate out with a 3-2 win over an injury-ridden Detroit team, the Caps weren’t performing at their finest. Detroit controlled most of the game, dominating in the offensive zone and sewing up their defense around Osgood. The Caps started the game extremely weak, with only 3 shots on goal in the first period. The Caps forwards came on in spurts, but couldn’t sustain any consistant pressure against Osgood. Despite some stellar play by Jason Chimera early in the first to give Nicklas Backstrom a couple of shining opportunities to score, the Wings just dictated the pace of the game. Jose Theodore decided to have a good night, however, and kept the Caps even with the Wings through the first two periods, handling several breakaways with skill.
Then came the third period. Continue reading
By Jenn Larsen
‘20090120L1000010_640’
courtesy of ‘furcafe’
Now that The Passenger is well embarked with Tom Brown at the helm, brother Derek Brown’s internal cocktail laboratory – the bar-within-the-bar called the Columbia Room – is set to start classes in February. Seminars will be held every other Wednesday at 7pm for $65 each. The current line up through March sounds fascinating. It’s an ambitious program that will be helpful not only for you libation geeks already making your own bitters and eager to learn more, but also for those just delving into the world of craft cocktails.
“A Primer on Orange Liqueur” kicks off February 17, covering the difference between major top-shelf makers and showing participants how to make your own version of triple sec. Derek will demonstrate proper Margarita, Sidecar and Fancy Gin cocktails and help elevate this sometimes over-abused ingredient. Continue reading
‘Nationals Park – Magic of Summer – 9-20-08’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’
Get ready Nats fans! The 2nd annual NatsFest is scheduled for Sunday, January 31st and the team is ready to show their fans and their city some love before taking the field at Spring Traning 2010.
Fans will get the chance to take pictures with their favorite sluggers, fielders, pitchers and catchers and even get a few autographs in the process. And, for the older fans with a few more thoughts on their mind, there’s a Q&A with the Nationals Executives (and few TBA special guests).
NatsFest will be in the Lexus Presidents Club, Red Porch, Stars & Stripes Club and in the Nationals Park Conference.
General sale tickets go on sale TODAY (Wednesday, January 20) at 10 a.m. and are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. There are also ticketing options for season ticket holders here but will need to use a password provided to them via e-mail to redeem or purchase additional tickets.
By Jenn Larsen
‘Mojito’
courtesy of ‘Katayun’
Philadelphia, Atlantic City and Orlando – now DC will get its own taste of Old Havana when Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar opens at 9th & H Streets NW this May. I’m particularly excited by this news as Cuba Libre is known for its large rum selection featuring over 75 Latin American varieties. Will this mean that the naysayers who are calling for the death of the mojito will be proven wrong? We’ll see, as Cuba Libre is also known for this summery cocktail with 15 variations to choose from… at the very least, I’ll be happy to sip a Cafe Cubano after dinner!
The food menu will be overseen by Chef Partner Guillermo Pernot, 2002 winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Concept chef for the Cuba Libre restaurants since 2006, he’s said to be inspired to create dishes as if Castro had never come to power. Indeed, that pretty much sums up the restaurant’s concept – to celebrate 1950’s Old Havana in every way. Continue reading
By Kirk
‘090924-G-4159B-936.JPG’
courtesy of ‘aclintonb’
As of yesterday, DC’s homeless can now have a healthy, home made dinner at Miriam’s Kitchen. Up till now, this local soup kitchen had only served breakfasts but has now expanded its service to include an evening meal, as well. This is good news for the philanthropically minded late-risers. If getting up around 5am isn’t your style, you can now volunteer in the evenings from 4pm-6pm. If you’re interested, check out the MK website and sign up. Those that want to be really cool should sign up for breakfast service on either the 2nd or 4th Thursdays of the month. That’s when the really awesome people volunteer, if you know what I’m saying.
‘Temple Ahead’
courtesy of ‘diskychick’
The Daily Beast has been crunching numbers to come up with a list of America’s 75 Worst Commutes, and surprising exactly no one, our own Capital Beltway came in at #3.
But what actually did kind of surprise me was the “expert’s opinion” quote they came up with to go with it:
“It’s a rough road,” says Adam Tuss, transportation reporter for WTOP 103.5. “It has lots of twists and turns, people speed on it and it’s got a lot of slow points too. It’s certainly not a freeway without its challenges.”
Really? That’s the best explanation anyone could come up with? It has fast-and-slow points? It’s twisty? Not the fact that it’s 5 lanes across in places and the exit patterns are constantly changing? Or that there’s pretty much no useful alternative to it if you’re trying to get between Maryland and Virgina?
By Tom Bridge
‘DSCF1771’
courtesy of ‘Kingfox’
Arlington Police are currently investigating a pervert who is exposing himself to women on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in the county. He has exposed himself to five different women in the past week. ACPD said today: “A white male subject exposed himself to woman at various sections of the bike trail. Detectives are looking for more information from the public regarding these exposures.”
If you know anything about this pervert and his tiny winky, please contact Detective Comer at (703) 228-4243 or Detective Austin at (703) 228-4241.
‘Taco Bell’
courtesy of ‘Javier Aroche’
To all of our dear Taco Bell lovers out there — we’ve got some good news and we’ve got some bad news.
Bad news first … Taco Bell founder Glen Bell, Jr. passed away on Sunday.
Now the good news … A Taco Bell is opening its registers at Union Station soon now open in the Union Station food court!
So go satisfy that craving you have for “cheap taco-y goodness” in memory of Mr. Bell. I’m sure he’d apprecaite it.
‘me limit 0:00’
courtesy of ‘theilr’
The parking meter conversion is scheduled to reach its completion today and DC residents must now be aware that new enforcement hours and higher rates – including Saturday enforcement and some meters running to 10 pm — are in effect.
Not sure if these changes have anything to do with you? WTOP has the low-down on what you need to know.
But one thing’s for sure, it’s probably a good idea to start paying attention when parking on the street. You don’t want to go and get a ticket for forgetting to read a sign.
‘These look like nice nuns’
courtesy of ‘Valerie Everett’
Ever wonder what nun’s do in their spare time? Wonder no more! The International Gallery at the Smithsonian opened a new exhibit on Friday featuring the stories of 12 Catholic sisters who arrived in New Orleans in 1727.
The exhibit demonstrates the overall impact of Catholic nuns had in the shaping of our nation’s culture and the evolution of social service over the past 300 years.
A wide-range of displays are featured, including: a letter from President Thomas Jefferson assuring the women that their work could continue following the Louisiana Purchase, the role of the sisters in treating soldiers on the front lines in the Civil War, the founding of the Mayo Clinic and other historically documented events.
“Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America,” is on a three-year tour and will be open to the public until April 25.
By Tom Bridge
‘DC Court of Appeals and Lincoln’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
The City Paper has a fascinating read today on what it considers DC Attorney General Peter Nickles’ War on the Judiciary. Right now, AG Nickles is in major conflicts with a number of different judges for attempting to short circuit judicial oversight of a number of city agencies. In a town that has been so fiercely against the unitary executive, it seems odd to see the Mayor try to emulate the former President in his quest to free the executive branch from both legislative and judicial oversight.
Reading some of the history of the six consent decrees that currently affect the District, and their origins, certainly gives one perspective on why Nickles might want to be free of oversight. It’s hard to see, though, why the District shouldn’t abide by prior decisions of the Court.
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