Category Archives: The Daily Feed

The Daily Feed
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Puppywatch 2009 BREAKING NEWS

Photo courtesy of
‘Yawning Puppy’
courtesy of ‘Ber’Zophus’

Sorry, I ate some bad food last night and caught some Drudge.

People magazine reports that the Obamas seem to have a breed and a timetable set for adding to the White House family. Plans seem to be to get a Portugese Water Dog – rescue, of course – sometimes after the girls’ spring break.

I’m not sure Mrs Obama has really grasped just how many people her new not-so-humble abode employs, though. “Got to do it after spring break. You can’t get a new dog and then go away for a week.” I’m pretty sure there’ll be one or two folks holding down the old homestead, ma’am….

And yes, that blue dog pictured up above is indeed a PWD, though the Obamas appear insterested in adopting a slightly older animal.

The Daily Feed
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Top Chef’s Carla

Photo courtesy of
‘Top chef conversation heart’
courtesy of ‘VeryBadLady’

I’ve waxed poetic about my love for current Top Chef contestant Carla Hall already. I can dig her big hair, I can get down with her quirky sense of humor, and I adore her always-positive attitude. NOTHING gets Carla down, she’d make a great caterer and if I were throwing a formal party or getting married any time soon in DC, she’d be my one-stop-shop (though I can imagine she’s booked up). The Washingtonian had a great interview with Carla today, I was tickled to read her local favorite foods. She gives a shout out to one of my local favorites, Equinox, and shares the thrilling news that she sometimes teaches class at Culinarie. If only I were so lucky as to take a class from her! DCist also snagged an interview with Carla, and she dishes about her Top Chef co-contestants and imagines what a DC Top Chef season would look like. Here’s wishing her the very best tonight on the season finale!

Life in the Capital, People, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Capitol Hill Style Exposes ChickDownTown Site

Photo courtesy of
‘Dress’
courtesy of ‘farrelley’

One of my all-time favorite local blogs, Capitol Hill Style, has a post today about an internet scam that had me glued to my computer monitor. The lovably snarky CHS author Belle tells a sordid tale of buying from a scam Web site ChickDownTown – and how the “company” is a tangle of deceit, lies, fraud and credit card scams. I felt it my blogging responsibility to share her horror story, and save others from ChickDownTown’s sketchy behavior . Plus, she’s one of the people behind DC’s fashion uprising, and we can all appreciate efforts to make our fine city better looking.

She’s not all florals, dainty jewlery and lingere advice, she’s rock solid and I appreciate the fighting fashionista in Belle!

The Daily Feed
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Give us Statehood or Give us Puerto Rico!

washington dc by wayan
Photo by Wayan

The Senate will be discussing a vote for DC in the House today. And I hope the effort fails. I reject the concept that 500,000+ people should only get one vote in Congress. We should have a real real representation – two Senators and one Representative. Or we should be free from Federal taxes.

Give us Statehood or give us Puerto Rico!

Personally, I’m all for Puerto Rico. They get full governmental benefits but are exempt from Federal income taxes. If DC were to have the same setup, our standard of living would jump waaay up. All those tax-avoidance diehards who lurk in NoVA would jump the Potomoc overnight, sending property values, population density, and economic activity into the sky. Oh and I would save up to $14,000 on my tax bill.

The Daily Feed
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A saucy ticket giveaway

Photo courtesy of
‘Suggestive by composition’
courtesy of ‘primplan’

The New Gay is giving away tickets to a workshop this Friday that performer and educator Tristan Taormino is holding at Hotel Helix. Since I know a lot of you read this from work I’ll say that it’s an entry-level (hah) workshop about pleasure and the… well, let’s say it’s A Not Always Lovable orifice.

The shindig is being organized by WholeDC, a new organization looking to offer classes and provide a place for supportive discussion. They say “Washington, DC is overdue for a sex-positive community center that brings together diverse people for education and entertainment.” I don’t know if we’re overdue or underserved there, but I’m all in favor of anything sex-positive.

All Politics is Local, The Daily Feed
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Cloture!

DCVRA.png

Never has such a weird word been so loudly acclaimed. Today, the Senate voted 62-37 to close debate on S.160, the bill that grants the District a Representative in the House, and tomorrow will vote on its passage. Several senators crossed the aisle (at least one in the opposite direction…) to make this cloture vote possible. The House is fairly receptive to the idea, and this means that come 2011, it’s very probably that the District will have a voting member in the House of Representatives.

Ed. note: This post has been updated to add the link to the vote tally.

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed
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Where to find a good King Cake?

Photo courtesy of
‘King cake 2’
courtesy of ‘MGShelton’

You know, I have never really gotten into Mardi Gras, but what I CAN get into is a good King Cake. I love the sugary goodness of a delicious king cake – and of course, there’s got to be a little plastic baby inside. So where oh where in DC can you find a good King Cake? Well, I turned to the one and only source for trusted eating info – Chowhound.

The CH commenters recommend picking up your cake at Wegmans, Firehook, or Louisiana Express in Bethesda. But those are the only real “local” place they named – instead, most commenters suggested going straight to the New Orleans sources and having them shipped. But that’s not very locovore of us, now is it? So, readers, where can a girl get a good King Cake round these parts?

The Daily Feed, WMATA
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Transit infopr0n!

Photo courtesy of
‘Tunnel Rats’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’

Via NBCWashington, I found this cool infographic from GOOD Magazine on how the US’ major metropolitan transit systems (including the DC Metro) stack up against the world’s transit systems. I had no idea that Metro has more riders than Chicago’s system, even has Chicago has many more miles of track than we do. Don’t forget to click through to the article for some good criticism of GOOD’s methodology from the commenters.

Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, People, The Daily Feed
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Better than voting for American Idol…

Photo courtesy of
‘marry’
courtesy of ‘anthrovik’

Our beloved morning Metro read, The Express is running the “Express Wedding Giveaway Contest“, the winner of which will win $35,000 in prizes. Readers are to choose from five couples and vote for who they believe deserves the prize (coughJessicaandAnthonycough) – whichever couple receives the most votes, wins! (Duh.)

The contest debuted in the Express last week, and I was thoroughly enthralled. So much so, actually, that I almost missed my Metro stop. So if you’re in the mood for love, or you like voting, stop on by and help a lucky couple get free stuff.

The Daily Feed
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It’s Peeps Season!

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_5771’
courtesy of ‘dbking’

As I was out and about last weekend, I found myself shaking my head at how ridiculous it is that we’re bombarded by Easter stuff–in February. Seriously, I just put down my scissors from making valentines.

But the upside of this is: Peeps season! I have some serious love in my heart for Peeps, and last weekend was the opening of the Washington Post’s Peeps diorama contest. This is something I look forward to every year, and I just know there are going to be some good ones–what will be this year’s “Peepator Craig’s Wide Stance” or “Full Sugar Coating”?

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed, The District, WTF?!
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It’s not “Simply Potatoes and Listeria,” Giant.

Photo courtesy of
‘Potatoes’
courtesy of ‘ChodHound’

The latest nutritional scare affects the local DC area, as Giant has recalled a series of potato products because they may contain Listeria, which can make you pretty sick. So, if you bought hash browns, potato wedges or potato slices from Giant recently, you might want to check with Giant. Of course, their Recall page only has stuff on the peanut products, so, someone’s asleep at the switch over there.

All Politics is Local, Downtown, Foggy Bottom, Life in the Capital, Night Life, The Daily Feed, The Hill, WTF?!
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D.C.’s Big Beer Ban


Participation Lager… Originally uploaded by dharmabumx

Well folks, it seems, much like the application of parking rates, D.C.’s leadership have painted with a large brush in order to solve a detailed problem. On February 9th, the D.C. Council enacted, at the behest of of several ANC members, a ban on the sale of single bottles of beer in several wards in D.C.. The Washington City Paper has an excellent write up on the issue. The local beer aficionado and brewers list (which includes many of the brewers for local brew pubs in the area, local breweries and others), DC-Beer, has lit up discussing the issue. 

In short, to paraphrase the City Paper, too many people in certain areas of the city have been pissing in the wrong people’s yards after a night of drinking and revelry. So far Ward 2 (Georgetown) and 6 (Capitol Hill) are directly affected (can anybody say “staffers”) but has the unintended affect on those who drink beer for taste rather than rote consumption. A number of specialty stores (or those who actually stock something other than the corn-fed varieties, such as Budweiser) are left shipping their stock to the basement to avoid penalties while trying to get responses back from unresponsive commissioners and councilmen. I ask, dear readers, have you been affected by this issue, or have an opinion?

Food and Drink, The Daily Feed
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New Java Green

Photo courtesy of
‘java green, washington dc’
courtesy of ‘tvol’

Oh, Java Green, how I adore thee. The earth-friendly, organic-til-the-end shop produces some fine, delicious food that makes me feel good about myself. The botomo sandwich makes me melt, and I could eat that vegan cake all day long, and be fat and happy. But the thing I hate about Java Green? The size. It’s as smooshy as an Orange line during the morning rush hour in there.

So I was thrilled to hear that Java Green is opening Cafe Green in Dupont Circle, 1513 17th street – I’ve not walked by the new local, but I’m hoping it’s giant and can serve all of us hungry for ethically-sound organic eats (sans the norovirus).  I’m ready for more Java Green, aren’t you?

The Daily Feed
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Sadly amusing

Photo courtesy of
‘got spellcheck?’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

Yesterday’s Washington Post had an article about Hoover’s FBI poking in to former MPAA spokesperson Jack Valenti’s sexuality during the 60s, when Valenti was a White House aide. In an effort to let the freewheeling hippies of today know that, hey, this could have worked out badly for Valenti, WaPo staff writer Joe Stephens opens his fifth paragraph like this:

In the Washington of the early 1960s, allegations or proof of homosexuality could end a career.

Well Joe, some of us might remind you that in the Washington of the early now that is still an issue. Don’t ask, Don’t tell is still the millitary law of the land, Leslie Hagen has only just regained work at the DOJ and an outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told a Senate committee that he thought homosexual activity is immoral and counter to God’s law.

I get what you’re trying to convey here, Joe, and we’ve come a long way in society in the time since, but that phrasing makes it sound like being Out today won’t have an impact on your career. T’ain’t so.

Technology, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Arlington Turns on the Red Light Cameras

Photo courtesy of
‘Drafthouse at dusk’
courtesy of ‘wfyurasko’

How hard up are counties in Virginia for revenue? Well, ask Arlington, they’re turning the red light cameras back on. Each ticket for running a red light is $50 for the county coffers, and doesn’t bother with pesky moving violations or points on the license. They’ll be video cameras this time, and they’ll start with four on Lee Highway, and one at Glebe & Fairfax.

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, The Daily Feed, The District, WTF?!
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Snuggie Pub Crawl

Photo courtesy of
‘Cult snacks!’
courtesy of ‘davitydave’

Do you like dressing up like the Polyphonic Spree to go drinking? Then we’ve totally got the Pub Crawl for you. DC will play host soon to the Snuggie Pub Crawl, where you and the closest 50 of your cultist friends can get plastered while wearing a WTF Blanket. But, in all seriousness, proceeds go to charity, and you can always wear a Slanket instead, just to mess with people.

Adventures, All Politics is Local, Downtown, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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D.C. Parking Injustice – If It’s Broke… Don’t Fix It


hello parking meter!
Originally uploaded by Nahh

The brew-ha-ha from last weeks parking meter hike around the city, and how it affected various commuters, visitors and others has taken an odd turn after some research and interviewing. In the apparent rush to receive those funds from the increased rate, it seems the D.C. DPW (whose responsibility it is to maintain them) were sloppily quick… either not being uniform in their application, or just wanting to make it interesting for those who choose to park downtown.

The meters originally under contention last week, actually play 3 different rates to parkers. One, the old rate ($1.50 for 8+ hours), two the projected 50% bump ($1.50 to $2.00 for 8 hours), or the crazy $0.25 for seven (7) minutes. I ask you, dear readership, and those who are regular street parking folks, have you come across similar issues? With the meters under three (yes three) different agencies to maintain, enforce and adjudicate, who’s going to be at the other end of that e-mail or phone call to hear you complain about the issue. Several of my parking buddies on two wheels have either moved to new locations (not yet changed), found a garage that will accept them, or stopped coming in via their former mode of transportation. One gentleman is still awaiting an e-mail back from Mayor Fenty’s office. I doubt this makes good policy, let alone much sense to the community.

The Daily Feed, WMATA, WTF?!
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I hate pole hogs!

Photo courtesy of
‘Metro Opens Doors’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’

My metro ride this morning was the exact opposite of the tranquility pictured above. I was one squishy sardine on the Orange line this morning (hey, at least it works today!) but the worst part of my metro ride was that a man on it was hogging the only accessible pole by leaning his body up against it. That, my friends, is my METRO PET PEEVE (all capital letters). It is rude and inconsiderate to hog an entire pole with your body. Even the crook-of-your-arm-hug annoys the crap out of me, cause I can’t fit my hand where it should comfortably go without hitting your private bits, lady! I used to hate it when people would stand on the left, but we all hate that, it’s an unoriginal Metro pet peeve that can usually be solved by saying “EXCUSE ME THAT IS MY TRAIN!”

My friend Rebecca hates it when people blackberry and walk at the same time. My boss hates it when someone sits on the outside seat blocking the empty window seat, or spreads out on one of the benches on the platform. My roommate hates it when someone stands in front of the door when she’s trying to get off the train instead of stepping out and waiting.

So I need a therapy session – let’s share, cause sharing is caring. And maybe you’ll learn a thing or two about which of your metro habits is annoying someone. What is YOUR metro pet peeve?

All Politics is Local, The Daily Feed
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Is Virgina Going Liberal?

You go boy!

You go boy!

For years, I’ve considered crossing the Potomac as the entry into a whole other country, a bastion of conservatism that confused my liberal mind. Now I think its Virginians that are confused. Or at least the gun toting, God-fearing types who must be thinking they’ve awoke in Maryland this morning. Just look at these two lead stories in the WashPost:

What’s next? They allow popsicle beer?