By Rebecca
‘july09 031’
courtesy of ‘your idea’
Which cast member of the Real World DC was just hired at Tony & Joe’s along the Georgetown waterfront? Can’t reveal our sources, but all signs point to lame reality service industry drama (with some horrible Matchbox 20 song played over it).
By Rebecca
While dining at Olives Friday, my waiter informed me that they’d be closing their doors for renovations after the evening’s service. Staff have been told that renovations, the restaurant’s first in 12 years, will last until at least the end of August, if not into early September. Hopefully these “renovations” are not a signal that the renowned dining establishment is not coming back, an unconfirmed DC restaurant community rumor, but rather that the restaurant is getting a much needed face lift.
‘it’s pretty cool living in DC…’
courtesy of ‘blakespot’
Hey, look at that. City Council is meeting in Vince Gray’s office to discuss the $60,000 contract Marion Barry gave to his girlfriend. According to WTOP’s Mark Segraves, the press demanded to be let into the meeting, but has been removed from the room, under threat of being physically removed by the guards. Some of the news outlets are calling their lawyers.
By Tom Bridge
‘Hospitality Island’
courtesy of ‘Justin S. Campbell’
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit today rejected the ruling of a lower court that last summer’s police roadblocks in Trinidad were constitutional. The case has been returned to the lower court for further review, so we’ve not seen the last of it. You can read the court’s whole opinion (PDF) via the Pacer system. Councilman Phil Mendelsohn said in an email statement this afternoon, “It is unfortunate that the District’s Attorney General was so wrong to insist that the roadblocks were constitutional. However, today’s decision is no surprise given that the DC Court of Appeals came to the same conclusion regarding roadblocks – ironically, also in Trinidad – in 1991.”
The Court’s opinion today is largely based on an important case concerning police checkpoints decided by the Supreme Court in 2000: City of Indianapolis vs. Edmond. Here, I quote from the finding: “But the Court stressed that “[w]e have never approved a checkpoint program whose primary purpose was to detect evidence of ordinary criminal wrongdoing.” Edmond, 531 U.S. at 41. The Court then concluded that “[b]ecause the primary purpose of the Indianapolis checkpoint program is ultimately indistinguishable from the general interest in crime control, the
checkpoints violate the Fourth Amendment.” Id. at 48. It is this rule which governs the present case, and as the purpose of the NSZ checkpoint program is not immediately distinguishable from the general interest in crime control, appellants’ argument that the seizures were unconstitutional appears headed for ultimate victory.”
By Don
‘tunnel’
courtesy of ‘volcanojw’
A week ago I put up a piece talking about the nature of the sensors that are emerging as a possible cause of Metro’s fatal Jun 22 accident. One of the questions I asked was whether it was reasonable to expect WMATA to look for this problem – whether it was a known issue with the technology.
Earlier this week it was revealed that San Francisco’s BART system uses the same sensor technology and that they have been running a supplementary system since their opening in 1972, precisely to deal with this “flickering” issue.
There’s some additional discussion of this matter in WaPo’s reporting on a meeting Catoe had yesterday with a committee of board members but it’s pretty unsatisfying. I’ve linked to page 2 of the story since that’s where the real fun is.
Metro does not have the same kind of tool, but it does have “diagnostic tools,” said Metro rail chief Dave Kubicek.
Asked whether Metro could have prevented the crash if it had something similar to BART’s system, Metro officials said they did not know.
“I want to commend you,” Graham told Kubicek. “You should be a lawyer.”
By Katie
As promised on Tuesday, I have used Random.org to generate a winner for the Old Bay gift basket! (And have the screen shot to prove it!) Congratulations to Farr, commenter 2, who answered this when asked where the best crabs in the DC area are:
“I went to Jimmy Cantler’s in Annapolis last weekend. They were delicious and with my parents in town for the Fourth and footing the bill, very affordable.”
Farr wins the “Basket of the Bay” gift bag, which includes Old Bay Seasoning, Old Bay Seafood Steamer bag, a beach towel, beach bag, keychain with bottle opener, temporary Old Bay tattoo, and some great new Old Bay-inspired recipes for her to try out! Thanks to everyone who entered, may you be blessed with tasty crabs forever. (THE SEA KIND, people, crabs from the sea.)
By Don
‘Washington Hilton on Connecticut Avenue’
courtesy of ‘Maryland Route 5’
We just got a fun submission from a PR firm pimping the renaming contest for the Washington Hilton’s new restaurant and bar. According to the website
The restaurant and bar’s new name should reflect an authentic Washington experience, our menu of fresh, locally inspired meals, hand mixed cocktails and our contagiously hospitable atmosphere that welcomes guests – including heads of state – back time and again.
I’m not sure what makes for an authentic Washington experience but you can place your vote at the website above.
I’m also not sure exactly what you’re voting on there. There’s 4 items to choose from as well as a box to suggest your own. Are those four names that are already in the running? Am I supposed to pick one as well as suggest my own? Whatever. Make your suggestions. Rebecca beat you to “One Night in Paris” already but I’m going with “Firecrotch Cafe.”
By Max
Lowland Gorilla by Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Nope, it’s actually a baby Lowland Gorilla. The National Zoo’s newest addition to the Great Ape House, Kibibi, turned 6 months old today. Awwwww. She sure is a cute little primate isn’t she? Apparently she behaves much like human babies do, crawling around her environment, putting everything she finds in her mouth. According to the photo’s description:
“Kibibi’s favorite thing is exploring new flavors. In one week, she used her new teeth to try celery, ape chow, papaya, and chard, as well as less-palatable morsels like hay and bamboo.”
Ape chow, huh? How do you like them bananas?
By Katie
Happy Friday, DC! I’m so ready for the weekend, aren’t you? So food news, let’s do it: 2 times the Top Chef news, and a Belgian Independence Day celebration and more round out all the news fit to eat in the District. Continue reading
By Carl Weaver
‘Blood Drive’
Courtesy of Jerry
You are going out to the Reston Festival anyway, right, and while there you will see the good folks at Nice Mirror, and do the good deed of entering yourself in the bone marrow donor system. On the way out there, please stop on Route 50 in Fairfax at the Kena Shriners to give a pint of blood. We have a blood drive there about once per quarter, it seems, all run by the Red Cross, so stop on by and give the gift of life.
If you have never given blood before, you should know that you don’t leave simply having saved a life. In this case, you leave with a great breakfast, prepared by my friend Chef Don. Free food and hero status – can you think of a better combination? The blood drive will be operating from 9-12 on Saturday.
Learn more about the Shriners and tell them Carl sent you. They are great folks and Chef Don will treat you right.
By Kirk
‘the crossing’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
Ever been pressed between to sweaty guys on a Green Line train after a Nats game because you didn’t want to pony up $20 for parking? Well, Commuter Connections may have a solution. The carpooling agency has extending its services beyond the work week. Now, instead of just coordinating rides to and from work, Commuter Connections offers ride matching to major events like concerts, games, and parades. Ideally, this will reduce congestion and improve the overall air quality of our city. With 30,000 commuters already participating in the 9-5 program, events are a welcome addition to Commuter Connections’ services.
By Tom Bridge
‘Roosevelt at campaign contributions investigation (LOC)’
courtesy of ‘The Library of Congress’
Council Chair Vincent Gray has announced that the City Council will be investigating the contract given to Donna Watts-Brighthaupt by Marion Barry in the amount of $60,000, as to whether it was properly awarded. This is a bit of a backtrack for the council, as Gray had earlier said he wasn’t sure if the council had the authority to investigate Barry’s contract. The council will be retaining an outside law firm to conduct the investigation and make recommendations to the council regarding the status of the contract.
I was talking with a friend last night, and both of us were wondering if this would finally be the scandal to sink Marion Barry. Each of us wondered if there wasn’t a trail of these kinds of contracts through the last decade or so of Barry’s public service, and that this might be the final nail in the coffin. I think that, for as long as Marion Barry’s been around, he might get a slap on the wrist, because you don’t have such a long career here without knowing just how to play something like this. My friend made a valid point that it seems that a number of Republican governors could learn from Marion Barry’s scandal-handling techniques. I couldn’t agree more, the guy is a master at scandal operations.
Photo from LOC, because who doesn’t think that Teddy Roosevelt wouldn’t be an awesome investigator in this case?
By Rebecca
”
courtesy of ‘Nessa Land’
In a recent survey the District of Columbia ranks 6 out of 51 in Marijuana Usage by State, with 13.81% of D.C. residents using the drug in the past year. Northeastern states (Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusettes) round off the top 2-5, with Alaska taking the top spot with 15.83%. Surprisingly, Maryjane seems to be somewhat more acceptable in the Land of the Midnight Sun than cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol usage.
By Tom Bridge
‘DC Metro in black and white’
courtesy of ‘pilgrimscrybe’
Thanks much to the guys at Echo Ditto, the iPhone-optimized Metro Train site is back in action. If you’ve got an iPhone, you can now get live train locations through the website, which is great news for above-ground folks. Just wait until October when AT&T comes to the Metro. That’ll be a great day.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Giant Panda Turns Four!
Originally uploaded by Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The National Zoo never fails to amuse me with their party celebrations for the various animals in their care. St. Patrick’s Day with the apes, birthday parties for the panda… Tai Shan turns four today, and keepers made him a “birthday cake” out of beets and fruit, and presenting it to him with singing.
I’m not sure if I should be weirded out by all the anthropomorphizing of the animals, or relieved that the keepers entertain themselves in this way.
By Kirk
‘DAR Constitution Hall’
courtesy of ‘NCinDC’
Robin Williams is coming to DC and HBO is going to film him here. Williams’ national comedy tour, “Weapons of Self Destruction,” will make a stop at DAR Constitution Hall in November. THR.com reports that HBO plans to tape his performance there and air it as a prime-time special at some point December. If you’re hoping to get tickets to the show, good luck. The “Self-Destruction” tour is completely sold out. I guess that means that Robin Williams actually is funny?
‘sugar overload’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
Peep Jousting and Peep Dioramas are about to become year-round activities in DC. Just Born, Inc., makers of the famous technicolor marshmallow candies, have announced that they’re opening their first-ever retail location at the National Harbor development in PG County this fall. In addition to the squishy art supplies (because really, who actually eats those things?) they’ll sell a variety of peep-related swag, including china, some of which is apparentlymade by Lenox. Who knew Peeps gear could be so fancy?
The store will be in the vicinity of the Awakening statue, which to me seems like an invitation for some pretty hilarious photo ops. I expect to see your “Awakening…with a Peeps Moustache” photos in the Flickr pool by the end of the year. You are on notice.
By Tom Bridge
‘Pink Croc & Subway Rail’
courtesy of ‘Kevin H.’
If you’re working for Metro, you’d best leave your cellphone in your locker. Starting Monday, if you get caught doing anything with your phone while operating a train, you will be fired, with prejudice. While Metro used to have a three strikes policy, with the uproar in the community after a driver was caught texting this week, the previous 5-day and 10-day suspensions are now gone, and have been replaced with simple termination.
No word yet if this applies to drivers who fall asleep while driving the train.
By Max
Olga Puchkova by Max Cook
Despite a strong start in mixed doubles and a big women’s singles win by Olga Puchkova, the Washington Kastles were defeated last night by the St Louis Aces. The Aces may have actually benefited from the loss of their marquee player, Anna Kournikova, who is out for the season with a wrist injury. While she was once ranked eighth in the world in singles and first in doubles, her tennis career has been seriously curtailed in recent years due to injuries. She still draws quite a crowd and finds time to do charity work including yesterday’s Bloomberg Kids Tennis Clinic.
While the Kastles remain winless at 0-4, there is still hope. If Puchkova works on her doubles game with Rennae Stubbs and the team reduces their double faults and improves their break point conversions, they stand a good chance of winning. The players need to get fired up and start living up their motto, “refuse to lose”.
The Kastles play again at home on Sunday against the New York Buzz, so buy a ticket and hope for a win!
By brownpau
MyFoxDC has details on this HD video of a train operator seeming to fall asleep at the controls between stations on the Green Line, taken by Metro rider Gregory Thomas — bigblockz8 on YouTube.
Continue reading
By 