Category Archives: The Features

These are our features. They come back either weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

Sports Fix, Talkin' Transit, The Daily Feed
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Open Top: Closed Shuttle

From WaPo: Open Top Sightseeing, purveyors of double-decker bus tours, has suspended its Nationals shuttle service after two people were killed standing on the upper deck as the bus went through an underpass.

Condolences go out to the families of those killed.

It’s unclear if there was sufficient clearance for the bus, or if the two guys who died were standing on the floor or on their seats, and the whole thing is being investigated; but I think we can all agree: don’t stand while riding the upper deck, and if you are standing, for heaven’s sake please sit down if you see a tunnel or bridge approaching.

Washing

Adventures, Downtown, Featured Photo, The District, The Mall
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Will They Ever Learn?


A watchful eye
Originally uploaded by afagen

I’m downtown DC this evening photographing some buildings as the sun sets. It’s a great night to shoot reflections on windows, something I enjoy in photographing buildings. And I’m making my way towards L’Enfant Plaza to begin heading home and there’s a perfect shot of the Dept. of Transportation building’s windows being intersected by its neighbor. A great mirroring image. So I stop, fiddle with my settings, set my stance, and begin photographing.

Well, it’s a long story but I’ll keep it short. Basically, one of the DoT security guys tells me in broken English that I cannot photograph the building unless I have a permit. I explain I’m on public property and can take pictures at will. I explained – repeatedly – that I’m an amateur photographer and take architectural photos. He says I can’t take the pictures. I ask to see where such a policy is written. He calls the supervisor.

Now, the supervisor was a nice guy. He seemed a bit confused as well, but I patiently explained that I didn’t need a permit to photograph. His counter? “Well, you know, terrorists walk around, taking pictures, plotting stuff. You could be one. So we can’t let you do that.”

Um, yeah, ok. Not. (I hardly look like a terrorist, people.) I explained the whole public property deal, told him I appreciated him doing his job – but that he was misinformed about photographing public buildings. There’s no permit required, nor do I need “permission.” Going inside? Different story. So we exchanged info – yeah, I cooperated because there’s no need to be a tool here – and then I went on my merry way after we shook hands. It certainly wasn’t a Union Station experience.

Unfortunately, the sun set and I lost the light. Oh well. At least someone got an education tonight.

Ain’t DC grand?

Comedy in DC, Entertainment
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Comedy in DC: Jon Mumma

I first saw Jon Mumma at the Laugh Riot at the Hyatt in Bethesda doing a featured set. I laughed all the way through, so I was delighted to see that he’s emceeing at the Improv this week- you should check him out there, appearing with headliner Kevin Pollak. I could spend rather a lot of time geeking out about his use of non-verbal communication to enhance the joke he’s telling, but it would probably only be interesting to me. The short version: He’s funny, and you should go see him. But don’t take my word for it… watch him online.

Continue reading →

Downtown, Talkin' Transit, The Daily Feed
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Weinermobile on K Street

Random Washington DC

Since its invention in 1936 by Oscar’s nephew, Carl G. Mayer, the Weinermobile has been a marketing icon. And not for the first time, was it recently seen on Washington DC streets.

Here it is touring K Street, probably giving a Congressman a lift to a mid-day power lunch.

The question must be asked then: If you were in a position of power, and had the opportunity to take the Winermobile for a spin, would you? And where in DC would you go?

Essential DC, Monumental, The Daily Feed, The Mall
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Schmap Guides

Schmap makes interactive map/tour-book hybrid guides that you can reach on the web or download to your computer or iphone. You can click on map-points to see places of interest (with photos solicited from local Flickr photographers), directions, and information.

The D.C. edition seems like a great choice for those going out on “local tourism” adventures, but trying to keep touristy image to a minimum.

Many editions exist for cities around the world and all are available for free. An updated version of the Washington guide will be published mid-August.

Featured Photo, Life in the Capital, The District, The Mall
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Featured Photo

Presidential Helicopter Passing the Washington Monument by realkevin

Talk about being in the right place at the right time. This perfectly framed shot of what could be Marine One flying in front of the Washington Monument makes me wonder what George was up to. Was he coming back from Andrews AFB? Was he on his way to Camp David? Was he giving some Saudis a tour of the city or just out for a joy ride? We’ll never know.

According to my trusty sources on The Google:

As a security measure, Marine One always flies in groups with identical helicopters, sometimes as many as five. One helicopter carries the president, while the others serve as decoys for would-be assassins on the ground. Upon take-off these helicopters begin to shift in formation (sometimes referred to as a Presidential shell game) regularly to keep the location of the President secure. Also, Marine One reportedly is equipped with standard military anti-missile countermeasures such as flares to counter heat-seaking missiles and chaff to counter radar-guided missiles. To add to the security of Marine One, every member of HMX-1 is required to pass a Yankee White background check before touching any of the helicopters used for presidential travel. Marine One is always transported (as is the president’s limousine) wherever the president travels, within the U.S. as well as overseas.

I find anything and everything to do with the presidency fascinating. For example, “Air Force One is the call sign for any fixed-wing aircraft that the President of the United States may happen to be in at any given time. Should the aircraft happen to be a rotary-wing aircraft, it is referred to as ‘Marine One’.” Also, “A Marine Corps aircraft carrying the Vice President is designated ‘Marine Two’.” Who came up with these call signs? Why not call them ‘Big Bird’ and ‘Little Bird’? Or ‘Dumb’ and ‘Dumber’? I guess there’s a reason they didn’t consult with me on this decision.

I haven’t been lucky enough to be near the Mall or the White House with my camera when one of these choppers is flying around, but I know that no matter the occasion, one of our talented photographers will be on the scene.

Comedy in DC, The Daily Feed
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Liz Winstead is Classy

I met some friends at the Arlington Drafthouse last week to see Forgetting Sarah Marshall, a movie that pretty much demanded to be seen in the company of a few pitchers of beer. On the way in I noticed a few posters for upcoming comedy shows, including one shilling for “Daily Show Co-Creator Lizz Winstead” on Aug 8 & 9. Sounds good – I’ve seen her on tv and found her amusing.

I’m a little less enthused after seeing her delightful performance in the above video. I suppose she doesn’t think of people coming to see her here in our neck of the woods as “losers,” as she calls the people who were coming to the show she’s talking about in the video. Let’s hope that – if she doesn’t cancel on them – the AD management sees the above video and makes sure not to serve her any booze before the show…

Talkin' Transit
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Questioning Ghost Bike Barricades


Photo by maxedexposure

As a cyclist, I have two minds about the Alice Swanson Memorial that WABA organized.

On one hand, I do see it as a way to remind drivers and cyclists that we all need to share the road and respect each other a bit more, no matter our presumed importance or right of way.

On the other, doesn’t this memorial itself present a danger to cyclist and motorist alike? Pretty soon, this will become yet another obstruction on the sidewalk, no matter its good intentions, and by diverting pedestrians into the street, it will cause cyclist and driver alike to quickly swerve into each others’ path.

Might there be a better way to remind us of the dangers of metal vs. human? Maybe a painted chalk outline of a cyclist on pavement or a rumble strip shaped like a bike?

I for one, would rather have dedicated bike lanes instead of a dedicated ghost bikes.

All Politics is Local, Comedy in DC, Entertainment, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Ron Paul DC March

Ron Paul, the anarcho-capitalist cryptolibertarian neoconfederate survivalist Texas congressman and sometime presidential candidate who published a racist newsletter and opposed a medal for Rosa Parks, civil rights, MLK Day, Tibetan freedom, DC voting rights, and the 14th and 16th Amendments, and enjoyed endorsements from such greats as the John Birch Society, Stormfront White Nationalists, and the Ku Klux Klan, is having a march and rally today! Continue reading →

Special Events, The Daily Feed, The Mall, We Love Arts
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Opening Tomorrow: Jim Henson’s Fantastic World

Metro Ad for Jim Henson exhibit

Organized by SITES and The Jim Henson Legacy, the traveling exhibit Jim Henson’s Fantastic World opens tomorrow (Saturday July 12th) at the S. Dillon Ripley Center International Gallery, featuring artifacts of the much-missed imagination and visual thinking that brought us the muppets, Yoda, and The Dark Crystal. The Ripley Center can be a bit hard to find if you’ve never been there before, as it’s mostly underground; just look for the copper-domed kiosk sitting between the Castle and the Freer Gallery (map). I’m hoping to see one of my boyhood crushes there, Kira the Gelfling. Rawr.

Talkin' Transit, Technology, The Daily Feed, WMATA
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iPhone App for Metro

itransdc.png

At $15, the price is a little high, but starting tomorrow you can navigate the Metro system on your iPhone. The details of all the functions aren’t available on iTrans’ website just yet, but there are a couple pictures in the new iTunes app store (link requires iTunes) which seem to indicate it’ll be pulling train times from the published Metro schedule.

itransdc2.png

If they’re not using the Metro train-position API, one has to wonder why they bothered at all. Oh well.

At least it’ll get line service updates?

Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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Laich, Fedorov Stick Around

ESPN is reporting Brooks Laich signed a 3-year deal worth $6.1M, ending his arbitration suit. If he can maintain his frenetic scoring pace, he’ll be a bargain-basement steal for the Caps and another feather in McPhee’s hat. If he slacks off…well, I’m sure the fans will let him know.

Also of note, the Capitals and Sergei Fedorov came to a deal; the former Red Wing signed a one-year contract worth $4M – surprising, since it’s a 34% pay cut from his prior contract. Most likely, it has to do with the reported friendship with a fellow Russian, some guy named “Ovechkin.”

Adventures, Business and Money, Downtown, Entertainment, Essential DC, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, Music, Night Life, Special Events, We Love Arts, WMATA
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Why I Love DC: David


Capitol Columns #5
Originally uploaded by andertho

My first exposure to Washington D.C. was in 1982 as a side stop on our family’s trip down to see the World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN. On that trip we did the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the National Zoo in D.C.. I remember vaguely, the trees being more plentiful and taller, however I’m also a yard taller now, and they seem now, just a bit shorter. I’m still surprised I remember something from over 26 years ago, but D.C. had that kind of effect.
Continue reading →

Talkin' Transit, The Daily Feed, WMATA
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Bus Delays Now On Metro Homepage


Busted Ass Bus
Originally uploaded by tbridge

If you’ve wandered over to WMATA in the last couple days, you’ve seen that they’re now adding bus delay detail to the top crawlbar so that you can tell just as easily that bus traffic is fubar, as well as the rail traffic.

One thought, though, Metro, could you put the route number before the message, instead of having to wait to see it later in the message?

Arlington, Fun & Games, Sports Fix
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Capital Summer

Slapshot Banner
Slapshot at Game 7
Modified; originally uploaded by clydeorama

Now that the dust has (partially) settled, let’s look at the Capitals. Yes, that’s right, I said Capitals. Hockey in July.

Because the summer is when a team’s foundation is made.

First off, Brooks Laich and Shaone Morrisonn elected to take the team to arbitration. Nothing to get worked up over, just that Ted’s going to pay a bit more for their services if things proceed as normal. Laich wants about double of his current $725,000 salary.

Matt Cooke has gone north and signed with the Penguins. Not terribly surprising, after Matt Bradley signed his three-year extension back in May. Continue reading →

Talkin' Transit, The Daily Feed, The District
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DC Pedestrian Master Plan Meeting

The DC Pedestrian Master Plan is a long-term project to study and actively improve Washington’s state of walkability and pedestrian safety. The final draft of the plan report is up for review, and Ward 6 Councilor Tommy Wells is holding an open meeting with DC DDOT to invite public comment on Tuesday, July 8th, 6:30PM at St. Peter’s Church.

More info: Tommy Wells – Ward 6 Meeting on DC Pedestrian Master Plan.

Sports Fix, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Welcome Kastles

Kastles.png

Tomorrow night, the DC area’s newest sports franchise takes to the court for the first time. The Washington Kastles (yes, with a K. Seriously, unless I found out that they’re sponsored by Kastle Key, I can’t explain the typo.) will take on the Boston Lobsters tomorrow night at the temporary facility at 11th & H, on the old Convention Center site.

Who’s on the team? Well, Serena Williams, for one. Tickets run upwards of $40 to $60, and premium seats are available for a good chunk of cash.

Adventures, Downtown, Featured Photo, Monumental, The Daily Feed, The Mall
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Shooting the Monuments


Abstract Jungle
Originally uploaded by Ghost_Bear

Coming up this Saturday, July 12, the Washington Photo Safari is having their next Monuments and Memorials event. Led by architectural photographer E. David Luria, it’s a great way to spend the morning shooting various landmarks in the city and learning some great photo tips and techniques along the way.

I’ve been on some of these and they’re fantastic. Mr. Luria is extremely personable and a great photo guide; he’s quite capable of enhancing your photography skills, regardless of whether you use a simple point-and-shoot or a complex SLR digital camera. It’s well worth the money spent. (Transportation for this one is provided and covered by the fee.)

There’s a lot of events by the WPS; check out their calendar for other possible ideas. And maybe I’ll see you there!