Yearly Archives: 2010

The Daily Feed, Tourism, Travel
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Travel & Adventure Show This Weekend

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_1076’
courtesy of ‘bradleyolin’

Right about now, though I’m liking the warmer weather, I’m craving something warmer. Part of me wants to drive up to BWI, get on a cheap flight to Phoenix, and go see some baseball, but then I remember what happened to Kevin Smith, so screw that noise. But, that brings me to the 6th Annual Travel and Adventure Show which runs all weekend at the Convention Center. Find a cool vacation, find a cool adventure, and there will be all kinds of travel discounts available on the show floor. Shopping for a honeymoon, or another big trip, this could be a fun way to think about escape for a day.

We’ve got two passes to give away, so leave your name in the comments, and we’ll pick a winner tomorrow at noon!

News, The Daily Feed
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FEMA Says Snowpocalypse 1 Eligible for Funding

Photo courtesy of
‘little linc’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

President Obama today ordered FEMA to consider DC’s first snowpocalypse this winter as a true disaster, opening the floodgates for funding to the area for snow removal and snow-related damages. It’s not clear yet if the region’s second snowpocalypse will get the same qualification, but that could alleviate the impending budget disaster related to the massive snow totals. Much depends, here, on the determination that this was a “record” storm, which is in turn reliant on the weather station readings for DC. Slight problem: DC’s weather station is officially at National Airport, which sits at sea level, right on the temperature-moderating Potomac, and significantly removed from the parts of DC that got a significantly larger amount of snow. We’ll see if it makes a difference.

The Daily Feed
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Vasa Ride This Sunday

Photo courtesy of
‘Start of the Vasa Ride’
courtesy of ‘Craig Lebowitz’

The weather is supposed to be pretty pleasant this weekend– maybe it’s time to break out of hibernation and take a bike ride somewhere?  WABA and the Embassy of Sweden invite you to participate in the Vasa Ride, an organized bike ride on Sunday morning with 56-, 28-, or 14-mile options.  The ride commemorates the Swedish Vasasloppet, a cross-country ski race taking place this weekend in Sweden.  The ride is free and open to the public (though joining WABA or bringing a donation would be awfully nice), and at the end of your ride you’ll be rewarded with some fabulous blueberry soup at the Embassy of Sweden.  See you out there!

Sports Fix, The Features
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Caps Trading: Are All the Pieces in Place?

Photo courtesy of
‘Verizon Center ice’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

Yesterday was the NHL’s trading deadline for the 2009-10 season. Many hockey pundits (or wannabes, like yours truly) thought the Washington Capitals might make a minor move or two, or possibly stand pat with the current lineup. When it was announced on Tuesday that Flyers goalie Ray Emery was out for the season for hip surgery, I especially thought for sure the Caps would do some dealing with the hated Flyers. Let’s face it, the Caps have a strong backlog in goal – Theodore’s finally proving himself (though I think it’s a little too late for any hope of contract renewal), Varly’s been solid – when not injured, and both Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby show significant promise for the future.

But once again, GM George McPhee had other plans. The Caps made four moves in the eleventh hour yesterday, pulling in two forwards (Eric Belanger, Scott Walker) and two defensemen (Joe Corvo, Milan Jurcina) and shedding Brian Pothier and Oskar Osala from the rolls. Osala has spent most of his Caps career with the AHL Hershey Bears, so his absence is a non-factor outside of potential future development. McPhee instead gave away four draft picks (three in the 2010 draft, one in the 2011 draft) in his wheeling and dealing.

So, what to make of this roster “shake-up”? Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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The Blossoms Are Coming! The Blossoms Are Coming!

Photo courtesy of
‘DSC_2562’
courtesy of ‘Ghost_Bear’

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for this winter to be over. The best signpost of spring around here is the blooming of the cherry trees, and National Park Service Chief Horticulturist Rob DeFeo has finally announced their best estimate as to when we’ll be seeing these beautiful blooms. According to the NPS press conference this morning at the Newseum, we’re looking at an expected “arrival” of April 3-8 for peak coverage. The average peak bloom date is April 4 and is considered the day when 70% of the blossoms of the Yoshino Cherry trees are open. The peak bloom every year varies due to weather and can be as early as March 15 or as late as April 18.

The blooming period usually starts several days before the peak bloom date and can last as long as two weeks, though frost, wind, and high temps can fluctuate that window. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival is usually timed around the average peak bloom date; this year’s festival will be from March 27 – April 11. There’s still time to volunteer for the festival, so if you’re interested then vist the official NCBF website and sign up today.

The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Will The Real Ferris Bueller Please Stand Up?

Photo courtesy of
‘old school’
courtesy of ‘bionicteaching’

It’s been 24 years since Matthew Broderick enlightened a nation of high school students regarding his wayward ways but it appears students enrolled at Churchill High in Montgomery Country are finally following in his footsteps.

The Washington Post announced today that police, prosecutors, and school officials are now examining a case where at least eight students allegedly used a USB device to steal teachers’ passwords and change 54 students grades.

The investigation is in the beginning stages at the moment, but school Principal Joan C. Benz confirmed that a criminal investigation ongoing.

What we DO know is an internal investigation of Churchill High proved that the grades of 54 students were altered during the Fall 2009 semester. Investigators have subpoenaed all records from the school system and have informed almost 700 families that their students’ grades are now in the hands of the state’s attorney’s office.

At this time, the school system does not know if the 54 students who had their grades changed knew that they had been.

The school is scheduled to hold a community meeting Monday evening at 7 to answer any questions.

News, The Daily Feed
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No Easy Road for Prosecutors with Barry

Photo courtesy of
‘George Gordon Meade’
courtesy of ‘NCinDC’

There’s no question that Marion Barry has dodged more jail time than pretty much any other sitting politician. It appears that the kickbacks scandal for which he was censured by the City Council and stripped of his committee chair will be no exception to that. Michael Neibauer took a dive into the prosecutor’s office to find out what the options for Barry are. It appears the Feds have some concern about Donna Watts-Brighthaupt’s reliability for testimony, and her public statements suggest that she may not be a good option for the stand. It’s entirely possible that Hizzoner could walk again. Doesn’t that just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?

Entertainment, Music, We Love Music
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We Love Music: Muse @ The Patriot Center 3/1/10

Photo courtesy of
‘Muse – Patriot Center – March 1, 2010’
courtesy of ‘Mrs. Gemstone’

Even though I consider Muse one of my favorite bands, I have written very little about them over the years. The majority of the 6 times I have seen them perform took place far away from DC and therefore the majority of their shows did not end up reviewed on any of the DC sites I write for. It is fitting that Monday night’s show at George Mason University’s Patriot Center is the one to finally get a feature review out of me. Fitting because it was without question the best performance of theirs that I have seen. Fitting too because I have followed this band since they first washed up on American shores and have witnessed their progression as a live act. Over the seven years or so they’ve been touring here, Muse have not so much shown an evolution as performers as they have consistently demonstrated their massive power as a live act; an act so huge that whatever stage I saw them on seemed tiny in comparison to their unbridled, power-pop fury. With each tour, each stage got a little larger, and Muse seemed one step closer to realizing their master plan of becoming the best live band on the planet. Having seen them on Monday night, I think it is safe to say that they have finally realized that master plan.
Continue reading →

News, Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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Terps Beat Duke, Fans Storm Court, Light Things on Fire

Maryland fans storm the court from Wash Post Sports on Vimeo.

This video comes to us from the great Dan Steinberg, from the floor of the Comcast Center in College Park as Duke (4) is vanquished by the Terps. Maryland (22) is now tied for first in the ACC with 12 wins, and could win the ACC were Duke to lose on Saturday. There are some great shots at the DC Sports Bog, which include some of the fires set by students at University of Maryland last night, and the large police presence on campus after the game.

Congrats to Maryland for beating the Dookies, but did ya’ll really need to light things on fire?

All Politics is Local, News, The Daily Feed, The District
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Marriage Day Slide Show

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘erin m’

Today was a big day for the gay community in DC and WLDC Flickr Pool contributor Erin M. was there to capture the moment.  I’m happy for the couples and realize that they’re the point of this whole business, but I find the counter protesters facing off against Westboro Baptist Church to be particularly hilarious.  I’m of two minds on this: I feel that counter protesting gives Westboro exactly the attention that they want.  On the other hand, I love when people stand up to hate groups.  Either way, I really enjoy some of the counter-protest signs.  See them in the slide show after the break. Continue reading →

Entertainment, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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The National Archives Presents Free Screenings Of Oscar Nominated Films Today Through Sunday

Photo courtesy of
‘Academy Award Winner’
courtesy of ‘Dave_B_’

Pumped for the Oscars this weekend? The National Archives are in on the fun and are presenting free screenings of films in four of the Academy Award’s nominee categories including Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Live Action Short Film, and Animated Short Film.

The screenings begin tonight and run through Sunday in the Archive’s William G. McGowan Theater. Free tickets are available at the National Archives Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue beginning one hour prior to start time.

Seating for the screenings are on a first-come, first-serve basis. And no – you’re not allowed to save any seats. The theater crew say it’s strictly prohibited.

For a full list of the screening schedule, visit the Archives website. The first screening starts at 7.

Dupont Circle, Entertainment, Fun & Games, Media, People, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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RWDC Live Blog Resumes

Photo courtesy of
‘The Real World DC House’
courtesy of ‘alifayre’

Well, the Olympics are over and I have no excuse: the RWDC Live Blog will resume again, tonight.  Be here at 9:45 with a drink in hand to mock the strangeness of those real folks that drank and grinded (ground?) their way around or city this summer.  Is this voyeuristic? Yes.  Can I wait for it to end? No.

New Category, Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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Caps Make Four Moves Today

Photo courtesy of
‘Rock the Red’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

This has turned into a banner trading day for the Washington Capitals, as they made four trades before the 3pm deadline. Yes, you read that right: four trades.

Who’s In?

The Caps picked up: D Milan Jurcina from the Blue Jackets, D Joe Corvo from Carolina, C Eric Belanger from Minnesota, F Scott Walker from Carolina

Who’s Out?

The Caps sent off: a sixth round draft pick (to Columbus, for Jurcina), D Brian Pothier, prospect F Oskar Osala and a second round draft pick (to Carolina, for Corvo), a second round draft pick (to Minnesota for Belanger), a seventh round draft pick (to Carolina, for Walker)

Wow. That’s a lot of shake-up and increased talent for the Caps. We’ll hopefully have some insightful things to say tomorrow when our head stops hurting from all the various parts of these deals from McPhee’s office. Whew!

Life in the Capital, The Features
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Fitness District: Barre at B.fit

Photo courtesy of
‘Studio – B.Fit DC’
courtesy of ‘prettylovelythings’

Author’s Note: This article is part of an ongoing We Love DC series, Fitness District.

I admit it; I am by no means a gym rat.  If you were to perhaps bump into me there, it would not be on a regular basis. Sometimes I might be busy reading something at myfitnesshub.com, sitting somewhere with my phone on. I exercise, sporadically, because it is the healthy choice to make – good for the body and the mind.  But let me say this one time for the record, I dread a morning, afternoon, or evening workout.  I dread them all.

Furthermore, I don’t think that the gym itself makes the experience any more delightful.  In my personal opinion, the gym atmosphere is often times unwelcoming, intimidating, and outright aesthetically unpleasing.  I honestly have no idea where the typical gym owner got the idea that horrendous lighting is flattering, because those harsh lamps with the yellow-ish CRI won’t make even the buffest of the buff look good, let alone poor me.

The solution to my dilemma, as painted above, has been to engage in alternative forms of exercise such as Yoga and Pilates. Quite recently I read the article on the Neuropathy Cure website when I was trying to find the apt medication for my damaged nerves and found that for my condition it is much suitable for me to practise yoga than lift weights. Since finding a fit that worked best for me, exercise was no longer a burden – but something that I truly enjoyed and looked forward to.  And the best part, when it comes to the typical Yoga and/or Pilates studio you are almost always guaranteed good, natural lighting.  However, with any routine, sometimes you need to be a bit daring and switch things up.  Which is exactly what I was about to do by enrolling in my very first Barre Class at B.fit.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Breast Cancer Survivors And Advocates To Be Honored On Mother’s Day At Ballparks Nation-Wide

Photo courtesy of
‘Life’s a bitch !’
courtesy of ‘pfala’

Major League Baseball and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer organization,  have teamed up to launch the 2010 Honorary Bat Girl contest. The contest was created to recognize the women who have fought hard to battle breast cancer. For the next six weeks, women are encouraged to share their inspirational stories.

Men and women over the age of 18 will be able to read these stories and vote for who they think should be this year’s Honorary Bat Girl. The woman chosen will receive two tickets to the Nationals game vs. the Florida Marlins on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 9) where they will take part in the pre-game activities which include being honored with a pink ribbon during an on-field ceremony.

“The Nationals are excited to participate in the Honorary Bat Girl program as it allows us to reach our fans on a personal level,” Nationals Vice President of Communications and Community Relations Chartese Burnett said. “We encourage our fans to share their triumphant stories at mlb.com and we look forward to hosting the winner at Nationals Park.”

All testimonials must be entered online and can be submitted by breast cancer survivors or advocates of the cause.

The contest ends April 13.

The Daily Feed
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Hooray Chris & Hampton!

Photo courtesy of erin m

, courtesy of erin m

There’s a lot of folks out there on day 1 of marriage equality in the District, but only two of them are my friends Chris and Hampton. How many people can say that they saw pictures of their friends getting their marriage license on the internet before being shown pictures by the friends themselves?

Well, today maybe a lot. But while there may be many couples like them, this one is mine. Congrats, guys.

Life in the Capital
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Be Prepared: It’s Not Just for Boy Scouts Anymore

Photo courtesy of robinvanmourik
‘The gear’
courtesy of ‘robinvanmourik’

As we’ve come out of the frozen tundra of the Snowfecta, we might think “oh thank goodness winter is over and we won’t have to worry about a blizzard for a while.” While you may be right in that regard, we’d be missing the larger point: A lot of people were not prepared to handle this in any way, shape or form.

We witnessed Hipsters who were lined up outside the closed P street Whole Foods almost rioted as if someone had just told them that Fleet Foxes sucked. The shelves in produce aisles city wide were bare. There were major lines at area supermarets. It was so bad we even ran out of condoms. With some of the power outages, people ran out of firewood and burned furniture to stay warm. It as a lot of smart, well-educated people with good paying jobs in a predicament they simply did not plan for.

The old proverb rings true: “He who fails to plan, plans to fail”

So what could people have done to be better prepared for this storm? We gave you some ideas on snow-specific preparation before, but what about things other than snowstorms? Well the good news is there’s things you can do that will let you be prepared for a lot of similar elements in disasters, from losing a job or a water main break all the way up to an earthquake or massive solar storm.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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National Zoo’s New Octopus Makes Invertebrates Cool

Giant Pacific Octopus
Photo courtesy Smithsonian National Zoo

I’m always fascinated to learn more about the other inhabitants of the planet that could totally kick my ass, so I’m pleased that the Zoo has a new Giant Pacific Octopus. It’s actually not so giant at the moment, weighing only 3 pounds, but it’s about to hit its growth spurt and will grow to be 13 times its current size over the next year. Which, to be frank, is not nearly as badass as it would be in the wild, potentially growing to hundreds of pounds.

But it does give me the opportunity to share my favorite collection of Octopus Facts: “This is Why an Octopus is More Awesome than Your Mom,” from The Oatmeal. Enjoy.

Business and Money, Media, The Daily Feed
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Washington Post? There’s an App for That

Photo courtesy of
‘Lotus #67’
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Online news site paidContent received reports this morning that the Washington Post is heading toward the Apple App Store. The new app, which will provide similar content as the paper’s online properties, should be available today for you to download to your iPhone or iPod touch. WaPo columnist Rob Pegoraro confirmed the news earlier this morning on Twitter.

As the post from pC noted, the application will run you $1.99, and this isn’t the first time a print outlet as done it as a paid version. The U.K.’s Guardian sold over 100,000 downloads of its $3.99 app in the first 10 weeks it was available, but its also worth noting that the New York Times has an app that is currently free (this may change further down the road when NYT moves to a paid-metered-content model).

I’ll toss this one to the crowd: Would you pay for a WaPo app or would you be more likely to download it if it was free?