The Daily Feed, WMATA

Metro will stay open late for Nats fans

Photo courtesy of
‘outta here for Harry the K’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

After an earlier announcement that the DC government did not have the money to keep Metro open for Nationals games that run late, the deputy mayor told the Washington Post last night that they would “work something out.” Good thing, because the alternatives (stranding people at the stadium or making them drive) sure aren’t pretty.

Entertainment, Fun & Games, People, Special Events, The Daily Feed

Meet The Belle Behind The Blog

Photo courtesy of
‘mannequins’
courtesy of ‘doyoubleedlikeme’

Are you a fashionista looking for something to do tonight? DC’s own Capitol Hill Style has partnered with London-chic brand Karen Millen to have a champagne and shopping night with a 15-percent-off discount at the Georgetown location.  Along with the discount, and drinks, you’ll also be able to get some coveted live fashion advice from Belle. I love it when the real world and the blogosphere intersect and you can meet and see the people behind the blog. (Just wait until WLDC throws an event. We’ve got some hotties on staff, that’s for sure.) If I weren’t already booked tonight, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

The Daily Feed

Nats Celebrate Earth Day


beam me up, Scotty!
Originally uploaded by philliefan99

While they’re trying to sweep the Braves tonight, the Nats are offering $3 off of tickets for showing your SmarTrip card at the box office. John Lannan faces Jair Jurrjens at 7:05pm tonight at Nats Park, provided that the rain stays away. There are some great seats available, so if you want a little break on the prices, take Metro & show your SmarTrip card, for Earth Day tickets.

The Daily Feed

Love In This…White House…

Photo courtesy of
‘Usher answers a question’
courtesy of ‘House Committee on Education and Labor’

ZOMG Usher is visiting the White House today, it appears. The singer (or, as Politico called him, the “pop sensation”) made a stop to chat with White House staff about, like, Africa and global issues and stuff. Unfortunately, Mr. Raymond just missed President Obama, who is in Iowa today celebrating Earth Day by stumping for wind power. Insert “Trading Places” reference here.

On a personal side note, this reminds me of November 3rd, 2008, when I was going to the final Obama rally in VA while a friend of mine was covering the Usher concert in New York for Seventeen magazine. Actual text message received: “Oh man Usher just took his shirt off! Maybe Obama will too.”

The Daily Feed

A Photographic heads-up

Photo courtesy of
‘caution’
courtesy of ‘volcanojw’

If you’re a photographer planning to submit anything to the Smithsonian’s current photo contest, make sure you’re okay with the fine print. Carolyn Wright of the excellent Photo Attorney blog makes  a habit of pointing out the fine print in photo contest agreements and she observes that the one for Smithsonian Magazine requires you to surrender full use of the photo in perpetuity, including for their commercial purposes. That includes derivative works, so you could end up in a composite or have your shot radically edited.

There’s nothing wrong with that if you’re cool with it, but realize going in that you’re going to receive between $0 and $500 in exchange for their right to use and/or ‘remix’ that photo, forever. You’ll still own it though, unlike if you submit it to Oprah.

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed

Earth Day For Foodies

Photo courtesy of
‘DSC01904.JPG’
courtesy of ‘lizkdc’

Looking for something to do this evening to celebrate Earth Day? There are a bunch of options, but the foodie one that tempts me is the official re-opening of Poste Modern Brassiere‘s patio “The Garden” with an Earth Day celebration benefiting FRESHFARM Market, the organization behind most of DC’s farmer’s markets.

With a $5 cover charge, you’ll get to snack on truffle frites and warm gougères, and sample the new summer menu of punches. Also in the drinks department, and keeping with the spirit of drinking locally for Earth Day, Poste will premiere its new, all-Virginia wine list. Vendors will be on hand to answer your wine questions. Cheese samples will be provided by neighboring Cowgirl Creamery.

I’m guessing with all this yummyness and fanfare, Poste will get pretty crowded tonight (unless it rains, party pooper, Mother Earth!). So I’d recommend getting there early. Poste is located in Chinatown at 555 8th Street, NW Washington, DC, 20004.

Business and Money, News, The Daily Feed, WTF?!

Acting CFO of Freddie Mac Dead in Fairfax County Suicide

Fairfax County Police are reporting that acting CFO of Freddie Mac has committed suicide in his Fairfax County Home this morning. Police arrived on the scene in the 5am hour this morning, after being summoned by family members, and found the body of David Kellerman, interim CFO of Freddie Mac.

Details are scarce, and the Police continue to investigate, and are no longer confirming the suicide diagnosis that a police spokeswoman gave. They are, however, confirming there was no foul play.

The Daily Feed, WMATA

Star Trek Video Ad at Farragut West Metro

Metro now features video ads in stations, the first of which is a 15-second trailer for the upcoming Star Trek XI: The Wrath of the Franchise Reboot, silently flashed onto the Farragut West Metro entryway wall by a ceiling-mounted projector. Metro Marketing Director Mark Rydstrom says “In the words of Mr. Spock, we hope this concept will ‘live long and prosper.'”

Fitting that this first Metro video ad should be at a Farragut Square station, considering that pre-reboot Captain Kirk’s first deep space assignment was to the USS Farragut as a young lieutenant. Next on the wish list: holodeck Metrobuses. If that’s too much to ask, I’ll settle for working turbolifts escalators.

The Daily Feed

Measles Map


View Possible Sites of Measles Exposure in a larger map

If you’ve not seen the news about Measles returning to DC, you’re probably a lot like me: cocky that you’ve been vaccinated. However, it’s still a pretty serious outbreak, and measles is really just a giant pain in the ass of a disease. If you’ve been in the same places as the infected folks, as signified by the dots above here, check out DCist’s instructions for reporting yourself to the local health authorities

The Daily Feed

80s Night at Tattoo: It’s gonna be diesel

Photo courtesy of
‘Model on dark background, 1986’
courtesy of ‘| El Caganer’

I know what she’s thinking about. She’s asking herself, “Should I add a headband to this ensemble before heading out to Polyester Wesdnesdays at Tattoo??”  Tomorrow marks the first night of 80s night glory, starting at 10 p.m. Check out these ace perks: Open bar for the ladies 10-11 p.m., comp admission on the RSVP until 11, some boss 80s themed party favors and, of course, video DJ-ing.

My only question is, what’s the over-under on how long it takes for this party to get Rick-Rolled? I give it 37 minutes. 

FYI: Tattoo “does not discriminate against Spandex, braided headbands, bustiers, popped collars, banana hair clips, jelly shoes, Jordache Jeans, jelly bracelets, big hairclip bows, boyfriend blazers or leg warmers!” That’s good, because I’m planning to wear all of those at once. I’m totally amped.

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed

Whisky Me Away

"great scot!" by IntangibleArts, on Flickr

"great scot!" by IntangibleArts, on Flickr

PS7’s scored quite a coup when it nabbed top mixologist Gina Chersevani as its “head mixtress” back in January. One of my favorite places for drinks, its lounge lined with banquettes and windows is a great happy hour spot on any night.

But tonight is a special one for those of you who love Scotch whisky (is this redundant? I’m sure one of our clever readers can chime in, I can never figure out the whole whiskey/whisky/Scotch distinction) as PS7’s is featuring a scotch tasting for Balvenie, with Ms. Chersevani whipping up the whisky into delectable drinks and Balvenie’s “ambassador” Sam Simmons on hand to teach you all about the liquor the ancient Celts called “uisge beatha” – the water of life…

From 5:30-7:30pm you can sample their 12-Year Doublewood, 15-Year Single Barrel, and 17-Year Rum Cask scotches. Of course there will be noshes. And may I remind you that legally Scotch may not be bottled at under 40% alcoholic volume. So please, indulge in the nibbles while you sample and learn. It is only Tuesday, after all!

The Daily Feed, The District

Wow. Really.

Photo courtesy of
‘14042009339’
courtesy of ‘snarglebarf’

Seen in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s twitter feed: “Just spotted in the museum: Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese, here to accept MPAA’s Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award tonight!”

It tickles me that they named a humanitarian award after Valenti, the man who created an organization that is one of the most stifling influences on speech in film ever, presided over it for 30 years as it promoted violence over sexuality and engaged in homophobia, took some time out along the way to attempt to engage in protectionism by stifling innovation and promote a draconian law that made it illegal simply to tell people about certain technologies. I have no documentation proving that he ever kicked a puppy.

I’m sure the actual physical award was designed by committee to be completely bland and uninteresting and comes with a 40 page document describing the acceptable ways and places where it can be observed. If Scorsese doesn’t have an appropriate licensed shelf then perhaps he should just buy himself a proper one that they approve of.

Essential DC, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed

Social Safeway Gutted

Photo courtesy of
‘The Choice is Yours’
courtesy of ‘Zabowski’

I’ve had a report that the Social Safeway at 1855 Wisconsin Avenue, NW has been throughly gutted of groceries.  My friend went there this past Sunday to purchase some Yellowtail, and found the wine/beer aisle completely ransacked.  She did mention there were heavy discounts on the remaining items, which boiled down to a sparse produce section.  Continue reading

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed

The Rise of the Mocktail

Photo courtesy of
‘Dive In’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’

I’m not sure if ya’ll knew this or not, but WLDC author Jenn is so wise. Every trend that girl has predicted lately has come true, and she was certainly right on the uptick of the mocktail – the non-alcoholic cocktail. Because going to the bar and drinking soda is boring, and you certainly don’t have a fun glass to feel fabulous holding. Sometimes you just don’t want to drink liquor but you want something tasty and creative. Enter: Natalie Bovis-Nelsen Continue reading

The Daily Feed

There’s a New Goalie in Town

Photo courtesy of
‘Semin Waits for Face Off’ courtesy of ‘clydeorama’

Seems the Caps showed up in New York ready to play Game 3 and along the way, found their on-fire goalie. And his name isn’t Jose.

Rookie netminder Simeon Varlamov blanked the Rangers with 33 saves – he’s only allowed one goal in two games now – as Alexander Semin netted two on his way to a three point night. Alex Ovechkin continued to remain goal-less, but assisted on both Semin goals. Result? Caps 4, Rangers 0.

The win guarantees a Game 5 here in DC and cuts the Rangers’ series lead down to 2-1. Game 4 is Wednesday in New York.

News, The Daily Feed

The Zimmermen

Photo courtesy of
‘ready to slide’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

Congratulations to the Nationals for locking up Ryan Zimmerman for 5 years at $45M. Zim’s been the face of the club since he was brought up almost immediately after being drafted in 2006, and it’s nice to see him get the contract that he deserves.

Tonight will mark the first MLB start for Jordan Zimmermann, who will be filling the fifth starter slot for the Nationals. Frankly, he couldn’t be much worse than anyone else who’s started for the Nats this season, as their 1-10 record indicates. He was part of a big shuffle of personnel yesterday that sent 40% of the Nats bullpen down to AAA after blowing leads in three straight games against the Marlins this weekend. It looks dicey for the Nats, but we’ll see.

The Daily Feed

With Liberty and B&Js for All

Photo courtesy of
‘stress eating’
courtesy of ‘ginnerobot’

Tomorrow is the day — free ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s! Thank you tiny baby jesus. Between the hours of noon and 8, stop by for a free scoop of your favorite flavor at one of the following locales:

Ben & Jerry’s Union Station
50 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E.
Washington, DC 20002
202-842-2887

Ben & Jerry’s Old Post Office
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004
202-842-5882

Ben & Jerry’s Georgetown
3135 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-965-2222

Ben & Jerry’s Dupont Circle
1333 19th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036-1722
202-785-4882

Om nom nom.

The Daily Feed

Good Luck to DCPS!

Photo courtesy of
‘Multimedia message’
courtesy of ‘Big C Harvey’

This is the big week for DC Public Schools’ students, who will be taking their annual exams as part of the Average Yearly Progress section of No Child Left Behind. This is a big week for Michelle Rhee, as much depends on the students’ improvement in terms of what sort of political capital she can bring to bear against the Teachers’ Union when it comes to contract negotiation. Go DC!