‘Sweetbites & DC Slices Trucks’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Back by popular demand…all the food trucks fit to map!
Continue reading
By Ashley
Yearly Archives: 2010
By Ashley
By Tom Bridge
DC Court of Appeals rules for District on rejection of gay marriage referendum vote
‘Chris and Hampton’
courtesy of ‘erin m’
The DC Court of Appeals, in a 5-4 verdict (available in PDF), upheld the District’s rejection of a referendum on gay marriage. At stake was the choice of the Board of Elections and Ethics to reject the petitions from Harry Jackson and others to require that gay marriage be put to a vote of the citizens of the District. The BOEE argued, successfully, that to put this on the ballot would be to potentially authorize discrimination in violation of the Human Rights Act. Associate Judge Thompson, writing for the majority, said “we therefore affirm the Superior Court’s rulings that the Council acted lawfully in imposing the Human Rights Act safeguard and that the Board correctly determined that the safeguard required it to reject the proposed initiative.”
Most interesting in the 84-page verdict was the item upon which all nine judges agreed: “the Board correctly determined that the proposed initiative would have the effect of authorizing such discrimination.” While the dissenting judges disagreed regarding the authorities involved in the case, they did accept that a voted prohibition against gay marriage was a wholesale violation of the Human Rights Act. Let that sink in a minute. We’ll have some more detail and reaction later today.
By D.C. Gets Shafted On Paste Magazine’s 50 New State Songs List
‘Memorial, reflected’
courtesy of ‘(afm)’
I realize D.C. is not a state, but it would’ve been nice for Paste Magazine to at least mention D.C. in their list of suggested state songs for the 21st century. A simple line stating “We would designate a song for D.C. but it is not a state,” would suffice. But no mention? Uncool, Paste Magazine. Uncool.
The list has some winners including a nice spread from Ryan Adams, M. Ward, Sufjan Stevens, and Ben Folds — but D.C. doesn’t even get mentioned as being in existence.
So let’s play a game in the comments: What would YOU pick as D.C.’s “state” song of today?
My vote goes to the DC remix of the Jay-Z/Alicia Keyes “Empire State of Mind” WLDC author Rebecca found online earlier this year by Eezy Money entitled “Capital Conscience.”
By We Love Music: The Smashing Pumpkins @ Ram’s Head Live 7/12/10
photo by Michael Darpino.
The Smashing Pumpkins (2010 edition) performed at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore on Monday night. The show was part of the current ‘small venue’ tour to promote Billy Corgan’s latest free-on-the-internet Smashing Pumpkins’ project/album, “Teargarden by Kaleidyscope”. The small venue tour also seems designed to generate the buzz of exclusivity for shows that are meant to erase the memory of the 2008 anniversary tour that swayed in quality from disappointment to fiasco. As both a promotional tour for the new album (it got me downloading it*) and a do-over for the infamous 2008 “shitshow“, Monday night’s concert was a success. The show was less a nostalgia trip (although some classics were performed) than it was an introduction to the new line-up, an exploration of the band’s more recent output, and an ego-stroke for The Smashing Pumpkins’ perpetually wounded band-leader Billy Corgan.
By Patrick Pho
We Love DC Does Top Chef DC: Episode 5
‘claw’
courtesy of ‘volcanojw’
I can’t believe we are only five episodes in- it’s already felt like I’ve been watching this show FOREVER. Mostly because it’s been a couple of episodes since there’s been anything to be put the DC into Top Chef DC but hey I don’t want to disappoint those looking for my cutting-edge analysis so as long as they show airs, we’ll be here watching it- so you don’t have to!
The show opens with a scene setting up two “couples” within the group: Tamesha and Angelo along with Ed and Tiffany.
Tamesha is enjoying getting “mentor” help from one of the show’s strongest contestants and Angelo is attracted to Tamesha because he sees himself in her.
Excuse me for the sexual innuendo, I don’t honest think Angelo is attracted to Tamesha (who works in DC’s Oval Room,) in a sexual way- I think he used the word attracted because he’s so full of himself he’d be attracted with a self-reflection off a spoon.
Anyways it all results in a really awkward lean over to whisper some sweet nothings that he hopes isn’t picked up by the enormous boom mic above him.
Guys it’s reality TV- they are going to hear it.
Ed and Tiffany on the other hand are something else. When Ed says he enjoys Tiffany’s company I get that high school crush/reality showmance feeling. Nothing like having a conservation on the foot of her bed- it makes me wish Ed would just make a move so there’d be something interesting going on here besides cooking.
For the Quickfire challenge we are introduced to the episode’s guest judge: Patrick O’Connell, a James Beard (OMG that name again!) award winning chef and founder of The Inn at Little Washington. We are also introduced to the challenge: CRABS!
By Jenn Larsen
Fringe 2010: Do Not Kill Me, Killer Robots
I’m reviewing eight plays over eight days for the 2010 Capital Fringe Festival, in collaboration with DC Theatre Scene. Get your button and join me!
Actor Ben Egerman is the last human on earth. You the audience member are part of a horde of killer robots who’ve decimated the populace and are now clamouring for his blood, but you won’t kill him as long as he keeps you entertained.
That’s basically the premise of Egerman’s one-man show, Do Not Kill Me, Killer Robots – a quirky piece that reminded me of the elaborate pranks shy dorky boys used to pull to get your attention. That’s intentional on Egerman’s part. There’s not much substance here, just a string of vignettes ranging from truly funny to awkward. When he’s on and the delivery is strong, it’s hysterical. When the energy falls flat, it’s painful.
With the aid of hilariously drawn cardboard cut-outs, Egerman takes the audience (remember, you are killer robots!) through the events leading to (your) world domination, musing on (your) origins along the way. There’s a prolonged pitstop at space camp where Egerman does dead-on impressions of all the kooky characters you remember from any geek camp. Maybe too prolonged. Continue reading
By Trending in DC: Today on Twitter
‘tiny dice’
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’
One of the things I’ve always been amused to note on Twitter is the difference between DC’s local trending topics and the trends for all Twitter users generally. The greater DC area has a pretty educated population, so frequently while the rest of the country is talking about Justin Bieber, the trending topics in DC are a little more erudite. This fuels my personal sense of smug superiority, so I embrace it. But apparently that is not the case today, y’all.
What’s DC talking about today? According to Twitter, today DC is talking about: Continue reading
By Tom Bridge
Argonaut reopens as a Tavern tonight
‘The Argonaut Bar’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’
You have, by now, heard the tale of woe from the Argonaut. Finally, some good news. Tonight, they’ll reopen with a tavern license, which means that they’re open for business for drinks only. That means tasty beverages of many types, and a sweet patio for sitting. After all their troubles, head on over tonight? It’ll be good for your karma.
By DC One Step Closer To A Place In National Statuary Hall
‘Statuary Hall’
courtesy of ‘MichaelTRuhl’
So we might not have voting rights, but we might be getting statues. That’s almost the same as government representation, right? The House Administration Committee approved a bill this afternoon that would grant DC the right to install two statues in the Capitol’s famed National Statuary Hall Collection, a privilege every state has enjoyed since 1864. The bill’s final passage would be a symbolic victory during a dismal year for the District’s fight for equality, and one that Del. Eleanor Norton Holmes has fought for years to achieve. No word yet on when the bill will reach the full House floor, or whether it would survive a Senate vote.
By Ashley
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
‘Dupont Celebrates Spain’s World Cup’
courtesy of ‘borderstan’
Did you hear? Jose Andres was really psyched about Spain winning the World Cup. Whether it’s jet lag or that he’s lost his mind completely, he’s going to show you how excited he is with cold, hard cash. As part of the “All the Way for Spain” promotion, Andres will reimburse you (in the form of a Jaleo gift card) for the full value of your food and drinks purchased while watching a World Cup game at Jaleo.
Good deal, no? You’ll need to be organized to reap the benefits though. You must have your itemized receipt with total excluding tax and tip from any of the three Jaleo locations, and the date and time stamped on the receipt must be from a game day prior to 5pm. Bring your receipt to any Jaleo location before August 31st to claim your prize. More information and a World Cup schedule (in case you were in a sangria fog at the time) can be found here.
By Rebecca
Reality TV: “DC Cupcakes” Premiere
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
Last night’s preview party for “DC Cupcakes” was filled with pink boxes, votive candles, delicious mini cupcakes, champagne and a fantastic look out at the trials, tribulations and success of locally owned and operated Georgetown Cupcake.
The first episode of the six-part series premieres this Friday at 10pm on TLC and opens on Valentine’s Day, the busiest day of the year, where the cupcakery must meet a demand increase of 500% (the shop usually sells 5,000 cupcakes a day, so we’re talking 25,000 cupcakes here,) AND tackle a last minute challenge for a good cause. Like every small business, and reality TV show, there are bumps in the road, conflicts, mishaps, lovable characters (look for comic relief from head baker Andrew and shop staffer Yasmin) and late nights. Also, be prepared for a blast from the past, as the episode contains Snopocalyspe covered streetscapes. SnOMG!
While some might argued that the cupcake craze has jumped the shark, there’s something sweet (pun intended,) charming and inspirational about two sisters quitting their finance and fashion industry jobs to join forces and simply bake cupcakes. According to co-owner Sophie LaMontagne, the two sisters originally defined success as “making the rent and baking with their mom at their side.” LaMontagne exuberantly added “I get to come to work in sweatpants and make cupcakes!” Got to admit that sure beats pantyhose. Continue reading
Montgomery County Dog Parks To Begin Charging
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
So much for the dog days of summer. As of August 1, Montgomery County will require a permit for the use of its five dog parks. Permits will cost an annual $40 for the first dog and $5 for each subsequent dog. Any dog found romping without a permit will incur a fine for its owner by the park police.
The permit fees are designed to generate funds for the county’s beleaguered Department of Parks, which is facing a proposed 17.5% cut in their requested budget for FY 2011. The new permits are expected to generate roughly $40,000 for the department each year.
Need a permit for your pooch? You can download a form at the Montgomery Parks dog parks page.
By Ashley
Food Truck Tracker
‘Lunch from El Floridano’
courtesy of ‘Mr. T in DC’
Since yesterday’s was so hugely popular, we’re making this a daily feed feature here at We Love DC, click through for today’s map of all the food trucks we know about and their haunts for today! As always, check their twitter feeds to make sure they haven’t moved before venturing out, and let us know about any we’re not watching!
Continue reading
Matt Capps Gets The Win At The 2010 All-Star Game
‘PRE’
courtesy of ‘MissChatter’
Congratulations are in order for the Nationals lone All-Star Matt Capps and the rest of the National League All-Star team who ended a 13 year drought last night, securing home field advantage for the National League in the World Series for the first time since 1996.
Capps was sent into the game to face the Red Sox clutch left-handed slugger and 2010 Home Run Derby Champion David “Big Papi” Ortiz in the bottom of the sixth while the National League was down 1-0. He threw five pitches, catching Ortiz with a two-seam fastball inside for a called third strike.
Capps was named the game-winning pitcher but not before the National League came out swinging in the seventh.
Braves catcher Brian McCann, who was named the All-Star Game’s MVP, crushed a bases-clearing three-run double to the right field corner off White Sox lefty Matt Thornton after a pair of singles from the Reds third baseman Scott Rolen and the Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday to secure a 3-1 victory over a dominant American League line up of the game’s strongest hitters.
Well done, Matt. Your father would be proud.
By Erin McCann
Photos: Welcome back, Screen on the Green. Missed ya.
‘Screen on the Green’
courtesy of ‘erin m’
Much as Fort Reno signifies something essential about summer for me, Screen on the Green is another one of those annual traditions that makes me happy to be living in DC. We’ve come close to losing twice it in recent years, but through the tireless effort of Jesse Rauch and his Save Screen On The Green campaigns, the free outdoor movie screenings are once again back to serve as your annual excuse to picnic on the Mall. Monday’s screening of “Goldfinger” ended early because of rain, but you’ve still got three more weeks to pack up your blankets, make a sandwich, and pour some illicit wine into a water bottle. (Personally, I’m most excited about “Bonnie & Clyde.) Below, photos from Monday’s festivities, featuring adorable puppies. Continue reading
The Winning Ticket: Chromeo
As a way to say thanks to our loyal readers, We Love DC will be giving away a pair of tickets to a 9:30 Club concert to one lucky reader each week. Check back here every Wednesday morning at 9am to find out what tickets we’re giving away and leave a comment for your chance to be the lucky winner!
This week we are giving away a pair of tickets to see Chromeo perform at the 9:30 Club on Monday, July 26th.
You wouldn’t think a couple of guys called P-Thugg and Dave 1 would be Hall & Oates reincarnate, but that is exactly how the men who are Chromeo have been described in the press. To embrace this comparison, Chromeo went so far as to do a full set with Daryl Hall at Bonaroo recently! These electro-funk Lotharios hail from the sexy Great White North and are spreading their unique brand of synth seduction across America with fellow electrolytes Holy Ghost and Telephoned in tow.
For your chance to win these tickets simply leave a comment on this post using a valid email address between 9am and 4pm today. One entry per email address, please. Tickets for this show are also available through Ticketfly. If today doesn’t turn out to be your lucky day, check back here each Wednesday for a chance to win tickets to other great concerts.
For the rules of this giveaway…
Continue reading
By REFRESH Fridays @ Phillips
‘Peep of View’
courtesy of ‘rabid_c’
Now that the frigid cold has passed and the whole DC-area is heat stricken, The Phillips Collection has decided to bring back the wildly popular winter promotion, De-Frost Fridays with a much “cooler” look.
Refresh Fridays began last week and will continue through August 27th. Head over to The Phillips Collection on a Friday to enjoy a FREE Arnold Palmer by FoodArts in the Phillips café with the purchase of admission to see the Ryman or Pousette-Dart exhibition.
The Phillips Collection café is open from 10 to 4.
Don’t Miss Interwoven
”
courtesy of ‘Hoffmann’
The Textile Museum once again is hosting another fantastic collaborative event.
Interwoven will host two evenings of “performance, film, and conversation” at The Textile Museum, July 23rd and July 24th.
On July 23rd, New York-based fashion collective, threeASFOUR will collaborate on an performance highlighting their “sculptural approach” to to textile design; while on July 24th, the program will feature the first American appearance by Copenhagen based duo Henrik Vibskov and Andreas Emenius — check out their website, they are truly incredible. Moreover, following each performance, author and artist, Sabrina Gschwandtner of KnitKnit magazine will moderate open discussions about the performances.
And while you are there, don’t forget to check out the current exhibition, “Art by the Yard: Woman Design Mid-Century Britain”!
Tickets are $20 per evening and can be purchased at interwovenarts.com.
By Tom Bridge
Elementary test scores down, middle school test scores up
’01-29-08′
courtesy of ‘Fort Worth Squatch’
DCPS today released their annual test results with some disappointing findings for elementary education. DCPS elementary students tested 4% worse in both reading and mathematics as compared to last year, while DCPS middle school students tested 4% better in both reading and mathematics. One step forward, one step back. Surely not the news that embattled Chancellor Michelle Rhee wanted to hear, nor something that Fenty wanted either. DCPS is quick to point out that the three year trends since Chancellor Rhee came on are still impressive, and they’re right: Since 2007, students scoring proficient in math and reading, in middle school, are up 14%, and in elementary school, are up 7% for reading and 14% for math. That’s a gain you can really see.
There’s going to be some variation from year to year in how the tests turn out. Are 4% drops good? No, they’re not. But it’s hard to ignore the longterm trend that’s going on right now.
By Jenn Larsen
We Love Arts: 2010 Fringe Week One
‘DC Fringe Festival Button, 2010’
courtesy of ‘[F]oxymoron’
I’ve seen five plays over the first weekend of the 2010 Capital Fringe Festival. It’s my first time completely diving in to what’s on tap with the festival – in years past I just went to a show or two – and the results have been theatrical overdose. What’s crazy to me is that I ran into people who said they’d seen twenty shows already. That’s dedication to Fringe immersion!
Normally with my theater reviews, I see a performance, let thoughts sift in my mind for a few days, and then write. But because Fringe shows have very limited runs, for this experience I’m posting as soon as I can and being as brief as possible. It’s definitely a challenge! With over one hundred productions to choose from and a rather chaotic schedule, Fringe can be overwhelming.
So let’s recap what I’ve seen so far, what I’m seeing next, and my recommendations for enjoying yourself.