By Don
‘A day with Erin 009’
courtesy of ‘novemberwolf’
WTOP brings the bad news for any of you planning on hitting the pool in Montgomery County this coming weekend: delays in bringing the pools into compliance with new safety standards is holding up opening for a few locations. Bethesda Outdoor Pool, Germantown Pool, and Wheaton/Glenmont Pool will be have partial closures. Check the article for full details and addresses.
By AcaciaO
‘Michael Jackson’s star’
courtesy of ‘[MC]’
Black Cat just wants your extra time and your…THRILLERRRRR. You’re confused, I can see it in your face. Let me explain: Black Cat hosts DJ Dredd on Sunday night, spinning an 80s showdown: “PRINCE vs. MICHAEL JACKSON vs. MADONNA Dance Party.” This means a battle of Final Countdown-epic proportions and dance-a-rama to some of the greatest hits of all time. Break out that one glove you have because you lost the other one and head over — doors open at 9 p.m. Sunday, cover is $13. It’s memorial day and we’re gonna party like its 2009/Celebrate! Holiday!
By Katie
New Fugly Metro Cars
Originally uploaded by needlessspaces
I stepped onto the red line this morning and did a double take, overwhelmed by this color and pattern.
AH, the ugliness! The new cloth seats, the non-carpet black and white flooring, no Metro, please no…
By Tom Bridge
boulevard diner
courtesy of Paul Keleher
You might’ve caught the Washington City Paper’s piece this morning on the soon-to-be delivered Capital City Diner, about an old rail-car-style diner from upstate New York being moved to DC to be put up in Trinidad. If you missed it, it’s well worth the read, so head on over, and then click back.
Today, as it turns out, is the move-in day for the diner itself, being delivered to its new home over in Trinidad on the back of a semi. One slight problem: DCRA has not, and apparently will not, approve the foundation that the diner is due to be sitting on. According to their twitter feed, at one point a DCRA inspector came and left without approving the foundation, and after a few back & forth tweets, it seems that DCRA themselves headed out to the site to get things resolved, but not before the diner was given a parking ticket by the city. Now, I’m not exactly sure the last time an entire restaurant was given a parking ticket, but I have to feel for Matt Ashburn, who must feel like insult is being added to injury at this point. Young and Hungry has some more detail as well.
[Update]: DCist has talked with Ashburn, and he’s gotten permission to put the diner on the foundation. We’re still waiting to hear back from @dcra on Twitter, here’s hoping we can get to the bottom of what happened.
[Update 2]: DCRA has put up a couple public replies about what happened today: “But he had some serious issues with architect who took advantage of them.” and “But architect essentially forged engineer’s signature. The REAL engineer confirmed this.” Ouch! That’s shady shady shady! Fortunately, DCRA & Capital City Diner are kissing & making up. From @dcra: “The @capcitydiner guys are great and are now doing the right thing. We’ll do anything they need to make it happen.”
By Don
‘Jerk City’
courtesy of ‘Smath.’
Reader Will H asked us to gently bring this Examiner article on Metro’ priority seating campaign to everyone’s attention. While you’re working your single mojo lookin for love you should try to do it without consuming a seat meant for folks with mobility issues.
The campaign does raise an interesting dilemma, though – Metro’s accessibility program director Glenn Millis is quoted as saying “Not all disabilities are visible, and it might not always be obvious when a person needs a seat.” Presumably that includes the people already in them, so how do you know they should be giving up their place?
By Katie
H Street Country Club
Originally uploaded by jenconsalvo
H Street Country Club has officially confirmed the rumors that Wednesday, May 27 is the day they will open to the general public.
General words of wisdom around the DC foodie world say that to avoid the massive crowds you should arrive early, or be willing to head out really late, since HstCC has been so highly anticipated. Me thinks that the required uniform is the ironic pink polo, popping the collar is optional, but highly encouraged. I’ll be wearing madras, maybe topping them off with some croakies. (I may or may not be doing this completely un-ironically since J.Crew is life, but I digress.)
I’ll run a first look for you on opening day, so stay tuned for a preview of what you’re in for. I bet it’s a lot like heaven.
By jasmine
‘Going for a Ride’
courtesy of ‘John of Austin’
And now, for your WTF of the day: the Air Sex Championships are coming to DC. Although Rock and Roll Hotel is hosting, this is not some weirdly-named band you’ve never heard of, it’s an actual judged competition of an activity much like air guitar…but with sex. Competitors get up on stage (one at a time), fully clothed, and perform to a song of their choice. For an even more graphic representation, here’s a video from the place where it all started: Texas. Like I even need to say this, but it’s definitely NSFW. Catch all the action for yourself June 10 for $10.
By Don
‘along the way’
courtesy of ‘Bill Jones Jr’
Express Night Out reports that you can catch a late-night showing of the new Night at the Museum sequel (filmed at the Smithsonian, if you have been living under a rock and didn’t know) tomorrow night in IMAX format, at the Museum of Natural History. The online ticket schedule doen’t have any listing for this supposed 11p 5/21 screening, however, so if you’re interested you should call them at 202-633-4629.
‘Metro Fail’
courtesy of ‘Karon’
The entertainingly-named Moving Momentarily calls our attention to WMATA’s recently released ridership demographics. The short version: Metrorail riders are typically college-educated, high-earning commuters, while Metrobus riders are less likely to have a college degree, and earn about 2/3 of what Metrorail riders earn. So, you know, when Metrobus service gets cut, it actually DOES disproportionately affect people who are dependent on public trainsit.
But Moving Momentarily does find an unexpected benefit (and possible WMATA revenue source!) from these numbers: look at all those educated top earners on the train! Metro speed dating, anyone?
By jasmine
‘Teddy and Teddy’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
It’s too early for giant-headed past presidents. Still in my morning pre-coffee stupor, I got off the escalator at Chinatown only to be greeted by good ol’ Teddy, the running prez. He was handing out 25% off coupons to the Memorial Day weekend games, which is always nice. He also informed me that there are post-game fireworks this Friday and free hats to the first 20,000 fans on Saturday. Thanks, Teddy. Now, if only you were handing out coffee…
By Katie
‘The Look’
courtesy of ‘Daniel.Techie @ 127.Ã�.Ã�.1’
Staff at Smithsonian’s National Zoo confirmed late yesterday that female giant panda Mei Xiang (may-SHONG) is not pregnant but was experiencing a pseudo, or false, pregnancy during the past several months. We knew this was possible, as Mei’s pulled this stunt before, but still, I’m sad about no baby cuteness.
The National Zoo says, “Female giant pandas almost always undergo a pseudopregnancy when they ovulate but fail to conceive. During a pseudopregnancy, hormonal changes and behaviors are identical to those of a true pregnancy, making it very difficult to determine if a giant panda is actually pregnant or not. This is the fifth time Mei Xiang has had a pseudopregnancy. She had her only cub, Tai Shan, in 2005. Giant pandas ovulate once a year—Zoo scientists will determine whether Mei Xiang should be considered for breeding again in 2010.”
At least we’ve still got those Cloud Leopard cubs to aww at.
By Don
‘R.I.P., Angela Kleis’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
We found out about our old friend Doug’s passing a few weeks ago and it prompted me to go looking through some of his old writings on his website, LoadAverageZero. Front and center at the top of the page is a message that says
On April 28, 2009 Doug Clifton passed away due to health problems. As his close friend and protégé, I am going to keep his site, visions, and programming ideals alive. Steve Perjesi
Coincidentally, NPR ran a story on the 11th about a person’s online legacy after they die, as well as some of the challenges and solutions surrounding the issue. It’s an interesting listen.
By Don
image used with permission from the Washington Post Writer’s Group
When exactly did WaPo’s Gene Weingarten become the spokesmodel for Wawa?
By Katie
‘art and soul happy hour’
courtesy of ‘needlessspaces’
Three exciting things just in from Art & Soul:
1) A new Crab and Beer Wednesdays happy hour
2) The introduction of a (gasp) fire pit on the patio (love!)
3) A Puppy Patio Menu complete with doggie drinks, treats and desserts
Let’s start with 1. A Crab and Beer Wednesday includes three super jumbo crabs, corn on the cob or seasonal vegetables, hushpuppies and potatoes, price will vary depending on the market price of the day. I’m sorry, did I just type hushpuppies? YES I DID. Continue reading
By AcaciaO
‘OMG, Shoes!’
courtesy of ‘meggle’
Shoe Woo, the new shoe store owned by Jones Company (of Jones New York) enjoyed its grand opening today in Union Station, replacing what once held Nine West. Though Shoe Woo will offer Nine West soles, along with other Jones offerings Anne Klein, Bandolino, Enzo Angiolini etc., the space is dramatically different. Fabulously… dare I say it… New York? It looks like somewhere Carrie Bradshaw would shop: bright white light, purplish-colored bauble chandeliers, display shoes spinning (yes–spinning!) on pedestals, impeccably dressed and attentive sales associates. Shoe expert and collector Lilly Harvey of https://shoeadviser.com has already made an announcement last month of the opening. There was a spread of women’s magazines on the counter and I think I may have seen a copy of Lipstick Jungle under a pair of snakeskin gladiator sandles. Just might have.
By Tom Bridge
‘Glow Sticks’
courtesy of ‘jurvetson’
I know. Two weeks ago, it was looking like there was going to be a rocket launch every night in the week, but weather had other plans for the TacSat-3 launch at Wallops Island Flight Facility on the coast. They’re 150 miles from here, or so, out near Ocean City, but on a clear beautiful day like today, from any high place, you should be see the contrail of the bright Minotaur rocket going up into space with a couple of satellites.
With nary a cloud in the sky, only mechanical difficulties could delay the launch. Here’s hoping the mechanics are all set. Launch is scheduled for 7:35pm, and from DC, look to the East-Southeast.
By Katie
‘Georgetown Waterfront’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’
In Monday’s print edition of the Express, there was an article called “Reclaim Your Territory” by Fiona Zublin. (If the Express web site wasn’t so darn hard to use, I’d be able to find it and link to you, but I quit after 5 minutes of searching. But that is a whole ‘nother Daily Feed.) The article gleefully stated that since this past weekend was the end of the Georgetown school year, and the summer interns haven’t descended upon DC quite yet, those of you usually skittish of M Street and Wisconsin should head there now to take part in the momentary peace.
I’ll second this suggestion to head to G-town, but up the ante on recommendations. Zublin said to head over to Third Edition and Paulo’s, but I’m going to go farther out on a limb, since I don’t think of Paulo’s as generally mobbed by the GU crowd. I have to admit, some of my most fun nights of going all-out have been at Mr. Smiths, and if I can do that without getting hit on by a 20-year old psych major? Yes, please.
I’m also partial to the Georgetown waterfront, you all know how I feel about things on the water, though after a weird night at the beginning of last summer with a slightly euro-trashy main-chain-wearing crowd, I haven’t returned since. I’d happily give it a go during this down time. So what about you? Any Georgetown bars or places you’d like to hit up while we’ve got a respite from the ususal smattering of denim mini skirts and Miller Lite drinking frat boys?
By Max
motorcycle jump by Francesco Rachello
As a proud new bike owner (well Vespa owner to be exact), there’s one question that has been bugging the heck out of me. How cool do I look on my bike when I go zooming up the street? I mean it’s hard to tell what others are seeing as I haul major ass, pop wheelies, and do burnouts at stop lights. Thankfully I ran into Larry on craigslist* who can help me out!
‘CSA Box #2’
courtesy of ‘erinmahollitz’
CSA season is here! Many of you are already getting your weekly boxes of fresh veg and other farm favorites from your Community Supported Agriculture farm. (Tom and I have to wait another couple of weeks before our CSA starts.)
The biggest question people have when they participate in a CSA for the first time is, “What do I do with ____?” For me, getting stuff I’ve never had before and don’t know how to cook is part of the fun, but for some people, it can be kind of off-putting. Never fear, We Love DC is here to help! What did you get in your CSA box that you don’t know what to do with? What was in your box that you couldn’t even identify?
Leave your questions in the comments (or email them to me at tiffany -at- we love dc dot com) and we’ll figure out how to get the maximum deliciousness out of your farm box.
(post updated with a link to the CSA finder)
By Tom Bridge
‘Cinderella Castle4’
courtesy of ‘Definitely Disney’
A 15-acre parcel near National Harbor will be the site of Disney’s next resort hotel. The hotel will sit on Oxon Hill Road not far from the site of the Gaylord resort. The $11-million dollar parcel seems an odd choice in this economy, but would house a 500-room luxury hotel amongst a cluster of other large hotels at National Harbor. While designs and construction timetables won’t be available for some time to come, it’s clear that National Harbor will be rivaling the downtown Convention Center for business in the years to come. This would, though, bring a number of new jobs to Prince George’s County, both as part of the length construction phase, and then to the hospitality sector.
But, will it look like a hotel? Or maybe look like Cinderella’s Castle? I’m hoping for the latter, as it would counterbalance the oddly-amusement-park-esque Mormon Temple on the northern side of the Beltway…
By