Daily Archives: May 20, 2010

Essential DC, Fun & Games, History, Special Events, Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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BREAKING: Strasburg may Start June 4

Photo courtesy of
‘4TH’
courtesy of ‘MissChatter’

The rumor mill has it that the second comi…. I mean Steven Strasburgs’ major league debut will be on the June 4 game against the Cincinnati Reds. For those of you living in caves, Steven Strasburg is one of the hottest prospects in the history of major league baseball, and certainly the top for 2010.  The Nats picked him up with their first round draft pick last year and sent him to the minors for some conditioning. In the minors he’s pitched just over a 1 ERA with around 1 strike out per inning.  That’s scary.  His start promises to be one of the biggest events in Nats history. The game will sell out, so buy those tickets quick.  At this point, the cheap seats are already sold.

Adventures, Crime & Punishment, Life in the Capital, News, People, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Stolen Segway On The Loose

Photo courtesy of
‘Quio #19 (48/365)’
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

Coming out of today’s Ward 2 Watch Commander’s Crime Update, it appears we’ve got a hot Segway on the loose in the streets of DC.  The report states that the victim was “watching a basketball game, left their Segway unsecured in the rear of the location during which time an unknown suspect(s) stole it.” The theft occurred late Wednesday night along the 2000 blk. of G St., N.W.

Really guy? You left your Segway out back with the keys in the ignition? Dumbass. But as much as I despise people cruising the streets on these horrid vehicles–just walk for f*#k’s sake you lazy piece of poop!–I despise thievery even more. So for those .0003 of you who have a Segway, be sure to lock. it. up.

The Daily Feed
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NTSB meeting set for July 27

Photo courtesy of
‘137/365’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’

The National Transportation Safety Board has announced a Board meeting on July 27th to share findings related to the Red Line crash in June 2009. You may recall that Metro has been operating trains manually (and therefore at lower speed) since the incident nearly a year ago, pending the outcome of NTSB’s investigation. So it’ll be nice to get final recommendations from NTSB for Metro to follow up on so that factor contributing to system unreliability can finally be eliminated.

The Daily Feed
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Remember: Bike to Work Tomorrow!

Photo courtesy of
‘Bike Lust’
courtesy of ‘(afm)’ 

Many of my friends do cycle regularly, but if you’re not part of the regular biking crowd, tomorrow is a great day to try it out.  WABA is leading bicycle convoys during the morning and evening rush, and there will be numerous pit stops for cyclists, in case you need a break, some water, some help, etc.  More than 8,500 people have registered with WABA as participating in this year’s event.

Couple things to think about, before tomorrow:

  • Make sure your helmet fits.
  • Make sure you’ve got air in your tires and you can do a quick ride around the block.
  • Don’t wear loose fitting pants without a strap to keep them off your chain.
  • Make sure to bring a lock for your bike.
  • Be sure to lock your bike properly.

Safe riding, everyone!

We Love Arts
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We Love Arts: Victoria F. Gaitán

Victoria Gaitán by Max Cook
Victoria by Max Cook

As a patron of the arts, I have had the fortune of meeting many amazing people in the local arts scene, including gallery owners, curators, artists, and others who equally share my passion.  Only recently did it dawn on me that I have access to a quiver of creators, to some incredibly talented people whose lives and work I’d like to share with you, because well, it would be a shame not to.

Our city sometimes lacks the credit that it deserves in many aspects, particularly when it comes to the world of the arts.  Some of this criticism is rightly due, but in the relatively short time that I’ve lived in DC it has continued to bloom and take on an identity of its own, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of it.

So I’ve decided to dive head first into featuring creative minds that I know and who shine in my eyes, to feature their work and to share their lives with you.  My approach, much like my personality, is intended to be honest and unorthodox, and to educate you as well as myself in the process.  I hope to avoid formalities, skip the bullshit, and get right down to the dirt.

We begin with local photographer, Victoria F. Gaitán.  When I first saw her at a gallery opening years ago, I was intimidated by her height, 7″ heels, black latex pants, and blonde locks that flowed past her knees.  By nature I am not an extrovert, and I sure as hell am not one with a beautiful specimen like Victoria, so it took me a long time to get up the nerve to speak to her.  I remember a time when we sat on a couch next to each other, and given my fear factor and her shyness, not a word was spoken.  As time went on, I realized that she is one of the sweetest, nicest, most creative and approachable people on the planet, which is why I have chosen her to be my guinea pig.

The rest of this article features strong language and imagery that may not be suitable for work environments. If that’s not your thing, take a gander at this instead.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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Sheldon Cooper Lives in DC, Needs Roommate

Photo courtesy of
‘Sheldon Cooper – Mad Man’
courtesy of ‘techfun’

A friend of mine sent me this delightful Craigslist ad from last night, which offers a room in a Capitol Hill apartment that is roomy (12’x14′) for just $850. It sounds like the guy is pretty normal, he’s a researcher for DOD, loves kickball and going out, and hiking and biking and other outdoorsy activities. There’s just one catch…

One more thing, please read this so we don’t waste each others’ time! On our bathroom door is a checklist. I like to keep a record of my bowel movements and I expect you to do the same. It’s a just a simple checklist with each day of the month, simply place a check on the day if you have a bowel movement. It’s no big deal and you needn’t worry about replacing the list, I’ll take care of everything. Hope to hear from you!

I am so relieved to hear that Sheldon Cooper, noted theoretical physicist, is living in my town!

The Daily Feed, Tourism
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Local Artist Bluebrain Writes Custom Score to Sant Ocean Hall

 Photo courtesy of
‘Sant Ocean Hall’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

While some folks are social explorers in museums, tending to talk about everything they’re seeing, I tend to be a more contemplative traveller through these places, stopping to take it all in in silence. Apparently, I’m not alone, and the folks at Bluebrain have just the thing for you to try out as you head to the National Museum of Natural History’s Sant Ocean Hall.  The free track, available in MP3 format, is meant to be started as you enter the exhibit from the Elephant side, and listened to as you wander throughout the exhibit, learning about the development of ocean life.

The Daily Feed
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Andean Bear Cub Name Results Are In!

Photo courtesy of
‘Andean Bear Cub in Tree’
courtesy of ‘macmoov’

Your votes have been tallied and the results are in — the two Andean bear cubs currently calling the National Zoo home are nameless no longer!

Almost 5,000 exercised their right to vote in this fun and festive zoo campaign. Here are the results:

Chaska for the female

Bernardo for the male

Chaska, a Quechua word meaning “dawn star” and Bernardo, a Spanish word meaning “brave like a bear” were chosen by all of you.

Now, the only thing left to do is go visit with DC’s newly named cutey-patootey’s Chaska and Bernardo. I’m sure they are looking forward to meeting you! You can visit with the cubs when they make their public debut this Saturday with their mama Billie Jean and poppa Nikki.
News, The Daily Feed
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DC Schools Make Advances, Still Far Behind

Photo courtesy of
‘Bill Gates talks “free education”‘
courtesy of ‘opensourceway’

While DC Students are still scoring below the national average at the 4th and 8th grade levels, they are making gains, according to data released today by the National Assessment of Education Progress.  The data shows that DCPS students were the only participating urban district that experienced any growth at both grade levels from 2007 to 2009.  The Assessment was administered in 18 of the country’s largest urban school districts, and DCPS 4th graders picked up 6 scale points in reading, compared to a flat national average; DCPS 8th graders picked up 4 scale points in reading, compared to a flat national average.

DCPS cites their reform efforts in the classroom as leading directly to the success.  Michelle Rhee said, “While we still have a long way to go, we are encouraged by the strides we’ve made with focusing on instruction, and the dedication of our teachers, school leaders, parents and students providing them with an student and teacher diary planner to each one at the beginning of the course.”

Since 2002, DCPS fourth graders have added 13 scale points to their scores, growth eclipsed only by Atlanta in the same time period.  DCPS still tests below the urban average overall, and specifically in group of students eligible for school lunch programs.  Troubling, though, is the report’s demonstration that more than half of the city’s fourth and eighth graders are at below basic reading comprehension, and the scale point gap between the district’s white students and black students.  Less than 15 percent of the students in eighth grade are testing at proficient levels of reading or better, which is deeply troubling.  Literacy and writing are two of the most critical skills for students to develop, and with more than half unable to do so at a basic level, it’s clearly a failing inside the system that needs to be remedied.

We Love Weekends
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We Love Weekends, May 22-23

Photo courtesy of
‘say “hay”‘
courtesy of ‘philliefan99’

Rachel: If you haven’t caught on by now, my weekends usually consist of one of two things (or both) — baseball and music. This weekend is no different. Friday and Saturday will be spent at good old Nationals Park to watch the Nats take on the worst team in the MLB this season aka the Baltimore Orioles. Then, before softball with the Near Misses in Glover Park on Sunday, there will be some good old music making in my apartment. I can only hope my neighbors like the Blues. Keep those fingers crossed for me.

Tiff: Saturday, it’s all about the Fiesta Asia Street Fair, especially the flash mob, but I may squeeze in a trip to the farm for more strawberries first. Sunday I’m probably going to be roaming around looking for jewelry to go with my costume for my dance studio’s upcoming recital. I’m thinking India Art & Craft and Eastern Market will be my first stops, but I’d love to hear your suggestions.   Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Santana Moss Linked to Accused Canadian Doctor and HGH

Photo courtesy of
‘120306 473’
courtesy of ‘Keith Allison’

I guess the other foot on the big DC sports week had to drop eventually, and it involves the only district squad hanging around without a #1 pick. ESPN just passed along a report from the Washington Post that Santana Moss, who led the Redskins last season at receiver, received Human Growth Hormone (HGH) from Anthony Galea, the Canadian doctor accused earlier this week of unlawfully distribution of the product among the athletes he has treated in the past. The Buffalo News confirmed that Moss was a patient of Galea, but the HGH claim has not been verified.

The reports mention that there is no reason to believe that Moss could be charged in relation to the case; however, any professional athlete with a connection to Galea is likely to cause significant suspicion about performance enhancing drugs.

The Daily Feed
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DC Makes You Cheat On Your Wife

Photo courtesy of
‘Pants on Fire’
courtesy of ‘Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com’

…or so says disgraced Republican Congressman Mark Souder.  I’m certain that Mayor Fenty, AG Nickles and Police Chief Cathy Lanier forced their way into Souder’s DC apartment, stripped him naked, and forced him to engage in mutual sexual conduct with a member of his staff. Wait, that’s not what happened? I’m so confused.  

I rather enjoyed Jason Linkins’ examination of the subject, as he called out this bullshit convenience ploy line.

See, Souder is blaming Washington DC for forcing him to have sex. In Indiana. With a member of his Indiana office staff.

I love the smell of hypocrisy in the morning. Smells like…victory? No, wait. Assholes.

Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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It’s About To Be A Cupcake Catfight

Photo courtesy of
‘WHAM!’
courtesy of ‘Cats in trees’

If there’s one thing this town knows, it’s cupcakes. In vain of that, a couple of DC’s top cupcakeries are teaming up for a Cupcake Catfight in anticipation of the Sex and the City 2.

Red Velvet and Buzz Bakery are going head-to-head in this SATC themed challenge of who can create the best movie-themed window display. You can check out the photos and place your vote on Metromix Washington or in person at their respective stores.

The winner will be announced at the film’s screening on Tuesday.

You  can check out the window displays after the page jump. Continue reading →

Adventures, Entertainment, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, The Daily Feed, The Great Outdoors
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Dueling Birds: A Nats v. Os Weekend

Photo courtesy of
‘_MG_4239’
courtesy of ‘dbking’

We’ve got a beautiful weekend, save some scattered t-storms, shaping up for us and we’ve got a “Battle of the Beltways” series kicking off Friday night between the visiting Baltimore Orioles and our hometown Nationals. You’ve got three opportunities to catch the match up this weekend, and it’s sure to be great time with the stadium pack with fans from both sides.

While neither team is at the top of their divisions, both come packed with longtime crowd favorites like Nick Markakis, B-Rob, Zimmer-sapien and Christian Guz-sapien, who are sure to make the game competitive and entertaining.

What I’m really looking forward to is Screech and the Bird strolling around the stadium and taunting each other Phillie Phanatic style. Obviously, sans taser.  I’m assuming both birds will join the Presidents in the 4th inning race, where of course some antics will ensue between the two avians to prevent Teddy from winning. Alas poor Teddy, I wanted him to win.

The Daily Feed
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You Could Be On HGTV!

Photo courtesy of
‘windows with color’
courtesy of ‘spiggycat’

HGTV‘s “My First Sale” is casting in the DC-area!

The show runs in prime time on national TV and is looking for “motivated, first time sellers who are excited about sharing their story on television”.  Candidates must be “financially candid” and willing to share with America all the stress (and joy) that goes into selling residential real estate during a depressed economy.

And if getting your 15-minutes of fame isn’t prize enough, compensation for airing all of your dirty laundry on national TV is a DVD copy of the episode.

If you are interested – please, please apply!  I can’t think of a better way to spend my evening than watching you try and sell and your place.  No seriously, I really can’t.

For more information, or for an application, contact Sami Hartman at shartman{at}highnoontv.com.

DC Victory Gardens, Food and Drink, The Features
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Too Much Farmers Market, Too Little Fridge

Photo courtesy of
‘fresh strawberries’
courtesy of ‘K’s Clicks’

The local farmers market you’ve been hungrily stalking finally has something other than winter storage apples and root vegetables for the first time since September. You’ve been dreaming about fresh asparagus since the Second Snowpocalypse. You finally have the chance to buy strawberries that aren’t imported from Chile or someplace so… if you’re anything like me, you just bought more produce than you can possibly hope to eat because it all looked so darn good.

Don’t let it go to waste! I know, you’re just one person and you’ve got a flat of strawberries because once again, you forgot to pace yourself so you can last all strawberry season. but fear not. Here are some suggestions about what to do with all that spring produce goodness.   Continue reading →