Monthly Archives: May 2010

Sports Fix, The Daily Feed
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Nats Win Crazy Game Over Mets

Photo courtesy of
‘Diving Grab’
courtesy of Tom Bridge

The Mets tonight turned a triple play against the Nationals, the first one in our fair city since 1964, and Angel Pagan hit an inside the park home run, but still it was the Nats that came out on top.  The last time a team had a triple play and an inside the park home run in the same game was 1955 when the Phillies did it.  Of course they won that game, while the Mets came up short tonight.  Hard to think that a team that did two of the rarest single acts in baseball would also come up short.

Continue reading →

Business and Money, Life in the Capital, News, The Daily Feed, The District, We Green DC
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Move That Hybrid Electric Vehicle!!!

Photo courtesy of
‘ups’
courtesy of ‘loop_oh’

United Parcel Service (UPS) is expanding its alternative fuel fleet and deploying 17 new next-generation hybrid electric delivery trucks in the metro DC area.  These vehicles are part of a 200 alternative fuel vehicle expansion taking place in DC, Austin, Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Long Island, Minneapolis and Louisville.

Whenever you acquire a solar PV system or an electric vehicle, the seller may provide you with an option to install a charging point in your residence as well. For electric vehicle owners, it’s possible to charge the vehicle at your house through the use of a home charging point. While charging both types of electric vehicles is a straightforward process, EV charger installation, on the other hand, isn’t so simple. According to electricians near Williamsburg, the charging process only requires you to connect the vehicle to an electricity source using a cable.

According to UPS’ press release, the new fleet will ” reduce fuel consumption by roughly 176,000 gallons over the course of a year,” and will “reduce the amount of CO2 gases released annually into the atmosphere by 1,786 metric tonnes. ”

This UPS “green” fleet uses a multitude of alternative energy technologies, such as hydraulic hybrid technology, regenerative braking (when energy generated from applying the brakes is captured and returned to the battery as electricity,) compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, electricity, etc. Learn more about electricity usage at Forbrukerguiden.no.

The new hybrid trucks, currently being deployed in DC, will look exactly the same as regular UPS trucks, except for the additional labeling identifying them as hybrid electrics. So keep your eyes peeled.

The Daily Feed
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Kastles Announce 2010 Ticket Sales


Mark Ein, Adrian Fenty, Jack Evans by Max Cook

The Washington Kastles, defending World TeamTennis champions, announced at a press conference today that all individual and season tickets are now available for their 2010 season.  In attendance were Mayor Adrian Fenty, Councilman Jack Evans, team owner Mark Ein, and returning coach Murphy Jensen.  Tickets for individual matches can be purchased on their website or on TicketMaster, while season tickets can be purchased by calling 202-4-TENNIS.

The upcoming season in July promises to be another exciting time for tennis fans, with the return of coach Murphy “Refuse to Lose” Jensen and the addition of Venus Williams to the team.  Also returning this year are her sister Serena Williams and doubles dynamos, Leander Paes and Rennae Stubbs. “With the talent on this veteran roster, we should win it all again,” said Jensen. “I know I speak for the entire team when I say that last season was one of the best experiences of our careers and we’re coming back to repeat as champions.” Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Win Tickets to Fab Faux at Lisner!

fabfaux.jpg

A good cover band is a great experience.  Finding someone that can bring life to another’s music while not charging an arm, a leg and a vital organ to get in, well, it’s a great experience.  This Saturday, the Fab Faux are taking the stage at Lisner Auditorium to recreate the magic of a Beatles concert, and we want to send you.  The Fab Faux have members of Conan O’Brien’s Max Weinberg 7, Paul Shaffer’s CBS Orchestra, and some incredibly talented extended band musicians joining them for Saturday’s show at the Lisner.  Want to go?  Leave us a comment and we’ll make it happen. We’ll draw some names on Thursday and get you in for the show.

The Daily Feed
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Stealing a Meal Without Skipping the Check!

Photo courtesy of
‘VTSS Event at 701 Restaurant_4’
courtesy of ‘PZAO’

Looking for your next lunch spot or a deal on a great dinner?  701 Restaurant has you covered with their “Steal of a Deal” lunch and dinner specials.  Monday through Friday between 11:30 am and 3 pm in the restaurant’s Bar 7 and lounge spaces, you can grab lunch for just 15 bucks (tax and gratuity not included).  Whether it’s the Crispy Calamari Salad with shrimp, scallops, capers, and olive vinaigrette, or the 701 Classic Hamburger, I don’t think you can go wrong with this menu.

If you can’t make it on your lunch break, you have the option for dinner too.  Between 5:30pm and closing all week, you can choose not one, but two courses from the lounge tasting menu with two wine pairings, all for $35 (tax and gratuity not included).  You can go for an appetizer or entree, or entree plus dessert.  Menu items like the Seared Scallops with cauliflower puree, pine nuts, and balsamic reduction or the Fried Chicken with creamy grits, collard greens, scallions, and gravy are sure to please.  Whatever you decide, General Manager Chelsea Yancho and staff invites you and your friends to come “steal a deal” very soon. 

701 Restaurant is located at 701 Pennsylvanie Avenue NW.  Call (202) 393-0701 or visit the website for more information.

News, Talkin' Transit, The Daily Feed, WTF?!
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16th Street Near Scottish Rite Temple Closed

Photo courtesy of
‘House of the Temple’
courtesy of ‘NCinDC’

16th Street between S & R is currently shut down for police investigation of a second suspicious package there this morning. I’m not sure why you’d want to blow up the Masons, really, unless you’re deep into conspiracies…oh. I see. Well.

Buses are being stopped (including all of the S buses that run down 16th Street) around the area, and you should probably steer clear from there for now. From what I understand, buses were being offloaded and checked for suspicious packages by MPD in the area, as well.

The Daily Feed
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Georgetown’s “Style and the City” to Prep DC for SATC2

Photo courtesy of
‘sex and the city 2’
courtesy of ‘IKEA Boy â��ã��J.D Chenã��â�¢’

If I had to make a guess, I would say that there is a pretty good population of “Sex and the City” fans here in the District, including moi (I’ve always been a little partial to Charlotte myself).  That being said, it is my moral obligation to inform each and every one of you of one more reason to get excited about the film’s highly-anticipated sequel hitting theaters Thursday May 27th.  From May 23-30th, Georgetown retailers, restaurants, and spas will unite in honor of the movie’s release for “Style in the City” week.

What is “Style in the City,” you ask?  Well, only the next best thing next to “Sex and the City 2”!  First, there’s the shopping:  retailers throughout Georgetown will have a special “Style in the City” swag bag for you if you spend $150 or more and mention “Style in the City.”  The bags will have tons of treats you’ll love, including a ticket to see “Sex and the City 2” at AMC Georgetown!!  Also, If you see the movie at AMC Georgetown and present your stubs to participating merchants, you can get even MORE goodies!

As if the swag bags aren’t enough, Georgetown restaurants will be offering $5 Cosmos all week and brunch specials on both Sundays.  Finally, grab a buddy so that you both can enjoy the “Bring Your Girlfriend” specials.  Spas and salons will offer facials, pedicures, and other spa treatments at a discount for you and your pal all while you sip on a little champagne.  Honestly, I don’t know if it can get much better than this:  shopping, cosmos, the spa, AND “Sex and the City”?!  See you at the movies ladies!

The Daily Feed
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Abe Smiling Down? Luck of Leonsis? Somehow Wizards Snag #1 Pick

Photo courtesy of
‘Caron Butler at the line’
courtesy of ‘afagen’

A rough sports year will sometimes mean grabbing little victories wherever you can get them. Still, there are definitely some legitimate bounces that will help restore faith that things will indeed get better. Last night was just one of those nights for the Washington Wizards, beating the odds and four other teams with higher probabilities to secure the #1 pick in the 2010 draft. The Wiz may have had the worst of it of any team – controversy around its biggest star and the unfortunate loss of its owner, Abe Pollin – so this was definitely a needed break in their favor.

Smart money suggests that management – which now includes Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis – will likely grab John Wall, the freshmen phenom who spent one year in college before declaring earlier this spring. Aaron Morrissey definitely won the headline war this morning over at DCist (“Great Wall of Chinatown” – well done, sir), but there are many more reasons for Wizards fans to be ecstatic beyond the likely pick of the Kentucky point guard.

Ultimately, when June 24th rolls around, whether it’s John Wall or another top prospect, the Wizards will be adding a third leg to complete DC’s “Big Three” of pro sports. The young, top-pick talent of this pick, Alexander Ovechkin and Stephen Strasburg will hopefully be something sports fans around the District can get excited about for many years to come.

Comedy in DC
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Comedy in DC: Too Punchy to Blog Edition

Photo courtesy of
‘Need a hit-man? Or help obtaining information?’
courtesy of ‘voteprime’

It’s raining! It’s gross! It’s humid! What, don’t you remember what I said about comedy being performed in basements? It’s an all-weather sport, you guys.

This Friday the 21st, as I mentioned last time, is the Don’t Block the Box Comedy Show at the Wonderland Ballroom. Only 2 bucks to see featuring Aparna Nancherla, Keith Irvin, Graham Hall, Ahmed Huidobro, and Lafayette Wright, with Pete Bladel hosting. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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The Collective

Photo courtesy of
‘Looking Dapper for Barack Obama’
courtesy of ‘starbuck77’

Need a mid-week pick-me-up?  How about exploring an innovative fashion line tonight at Policy Lounge on 14th Street?

This evening, “The Collective” and Bleu Magazine will be hosting an event that will include vintage pop-up shops, live painting by Moe the Creator, Bam Body Art by Jabious Williams, and the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.  And if that didn’t sound interesting enough already, you will also get the exclusive opportunity to check out (and purchase) DMVntage and the Marc C. Collection.

If you want to attend, get yourself on the guest list.  Just e-mail RSVP{at}loft829.com.

Adventures, Essential DC, The Daily Feed
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How much is that doggie in the White House?

Photo courtesy of
‘Biden Insults President’s Dog!’
courtesy of ‘Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com’

With both President Obama’s and Vice President’s Biden financial disclosure forms released this week, we now know how much that cute, little black puff ball, who caused such a media stir a little over year ago, is worth.

According to The Christian Science Monitor, Bo Obama, the Portuguese water dog gifted to the Obamas by the late Ted Kennedy cost the then Senator $1,600. A sweet deal of a purchase price for a dog that usually runs between $2,000 to $3,000. The newly revealed, provocative figure has political pundits on both sides feverishly drafting up their talking points for this weekend’s round tables.

Does the price indicate a clear lack of intelligence, character and ?  Or it merely a reflection of the dog secondhand status? Some even argue that Biden’s German Shepard pup, Champ, is the real brains behind the White House doggie administration.  The truth? Only time will tell.

Adventures, Business and Money, Essential DC, Food and Drink, News, The Features
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Whole Foods Opens In Friendship Heights

Morning Coffee Bar by pquill

Starting today, the Whole Foods Market (WFM) at 4420 Willard Avenue NW opens its brand spanking new, gourmet delicacy-revealing doors to the public.  This latest addition to The Shops at Wisconsin Place and the Whole Foods Market chain is twice as large as the current shop on River Road and, as experienced in yesterday’s blogger preview, brings new and innovative offerings to the area and highlights local growers, products and farmers.

According to my tour guide Ellen James, Whole Foods defines the term “local” as any location within one day’s drive of the store. That means the truck needs to leave and return to the store within 24 hours. So we’re reasonably talking PA, MD, DC, VA, DE, and WV.  If you really pushed it, perhaps NC, NJ, NY, etc. but WF knows that’s pushing it.

Throughout the tour it was clear that deep thought and local area market research went in to the design of this facility and hot sauce store. Not only will you find the traditional WF staples (salad bar, global cuisine bar, olive bar, meat counter, cheese shop, fish monger, soup station, etc.) but some additions and features specific to our regional palates. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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Shred-A-Thon: Not a Jillian Michaels Product

Photo courtesy of
‘Privacy Policy’
courtesy of ‘UrsulaAntares’

While you’re busy freaking out about Facebook’s latest demonstration that they would happily sell your DNA sample to the highest bidder, be sure to protect your offline, dead tree based privacy as well. There’s a Shred-A-Thon in Alexandria this Saturday at George Washington Middle School from 10-2, so pack up your piles of identity theft bait like utility bills and credit card statements and have them thoroughly shredded and then recycled. CPAs will be on hand to answer questions about document retention and disposal as well.

Entertainment, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Front Row Fashion

Courtesy of Fingerprint

Bethesda Row is throwing three days of “fashion, food and fabulosity” starting Thursday, May 20 – just in time for this dreary rain to lift and our desire for pretty summer frocks to rise! Participating stores include Bluemercury, Urban Chic, Sassanova, Lou Lou, Ginger Boutique…

It all kicks off Thursday morning at 11am with beauty consultations, designer denim-fittings, jewelry trunk shows and wine tastings (um, I feel a “mental health day” coming on…). That evening sees the launch party of Jill Kargman’s new book Arm Candy at Ginger Boutique, featuring sweets from Georgetown Cupcake and cocktails, natch.

Friday is chock-full of more fashionable frivolities like designer appearances and trunk shows. But the big event is sure to be Friday evening, featuring a fashion show with Project Runway alum Laura Bennett (she of the perfectly impeccable style and impossibly red hair), also reading from her new book and signing copies afterwards.

If you can’t take any fashionista mental health days, Saturday is also full of special store events all day (I recommend stopping into Cork & Fork for a wine tasting, the family really knows their wine and are adorable too).  Check out full details and rsvp requirements, and have fun!

News, People, The Daily Feed
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Local Family Launches Global Campaign To Find Bone Marrow Donor For Their 4-Year-Old Son

Devan
Photo courtesy of Be a Match for Devan

As the daughter of a heart transplant recipient, I find it absolutely necessary to inform the general public about how important organ and tissue transplantation is in our community and to our families. Had my father not received a heart in 1999, he would have missed out on an entire decade of our family’s life and my own would have changed forever. Thanks to the generosity of strangers, my father received a heart and was there to raise my sister and I. He even got to move us both into college.

Now, a Washington family is running the risk of losing their 4-year-old son to acute promyelocytic leukemia if they do not find a bone marrow donor in the next 11 weeks.

Devan Tatlow’s chances of finding a match are one in 200,000, according to WTOP, because he is a mixed race child. His father is European and his mother is a combination of Polish and south Indian heritage.

His parents have launched a global Internet campaign to find a donor to save their sons life, allowing him to live beyond the age of 4. Bone marrow donation drives are being held worldwide in an attempt to save young Devan’s life, but there are also a few drives in the coming days right here in our area.

If you are interested in visiting the drive sites and donating, you are not alone. More than 100 people attended the Turtle Park drive over the weekend to have their cheeks swabbed and checked to see if they were a match.

“This is a campaign that will hopefully benefit him but will certainly benefit many, many thousands of people beyond him,” Devan’s mother Indira Lakshmanan told WTOP.

For more information on how you can help Devan, click the page jump. Continue reading →

News, The Daily Feed
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The Battle is Joined: Gray Picks Up AFL-CIO Endorsement

Photo courtesy of
‘IMG_8660’
courtesy of ‘dbking’ 

In any campaign, it’s not just what you say, or what you’ve accomplished, it’s who endorses you that makes a bit of difference.  In a deeply democratic town, the voice of organized labor can carry the weight of many, making yesterday’s endorsement of Chairman Gray by the Metropolitan Washington Council of AFL-CIO.

According to a release from the Gray campaign, the support was unanimous among the council, which represents 150,000 members. Gray said yesterday, “Working families are the life’s blood of our communities and our economy. That’s why we need a mayor who’s focused on creating jobs and opportunities, building a world-class education system, and keeping our streets safe.”

This is the first big endorsement for either campaign.

The Daily Feed
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Height Limit Discussion Tonight

Photo courtesy of
‘a storied past’
courtesy of ‘m hoek’

There’s nothing like a discussion of the height limit to get people up in arms in the District– love it or hate it, it’s quite a polarizing issue.  The National Capital Planning Commission is commemorating 100 years of the 1910 Height Act with a lecture tonight at 6:30 over at the Navy Memorial’s Burke Theatre.  Hear from Larry Beasley, an “evangelist for urban density” (no question which side of the debate he’s on), who was Vancouver’s former planning director.  The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are appreciated.

Featured Photo
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Featured Photo


Zebra by Amberture

It’s one thing to snap a few pictures here and there, but when you come up with an idea for a series and actually execute it, you’ve stepped your game up a notch.  Case in point, Flickrite Amberture has created a series in which she has every day people, including family members and coworkers, dress up in animal masks.  By wearing the masks, her subjects’ mundane tasks become interesting and cause you to look at their environment in a whole new way.  Are we much different than caged zoo animals, forced to sit at our desks for 8+ hours a day?  They should arrange field trips for school kids, parading them around our cube farms, pointing out the different species.  “Hey look kids!  It’s a pinstriped lawyer stalking her prey.  She can spend months or even years preparing for the kill.  And over there in that cube, hiding behind the computer screen and stacks of O’Reilly books, is the wild and wooly systems administrator.  Don’t get too close to him or that smelly sucker will bite your head off!  OK, who wants ice cream?”

If you have an idea for a photography project, no matter how wacky it may be, your friends and family are likely to help.  Creating a series can help inspire your photography, build your skill level, and motivate you to get out there and shoot.  And on that note, I’ve gotta get back to cleaning up my fellow zoo animals’ dung before feeding time.

Crime & Punishment, News, The Daily Feed
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ATM Bandit On The Loose

atm robbery suspect, courtesy of MPD

UPDATE (May 21, 2010 8:50am): According to MPD’s Matthew Klein, an arrest has been made in connection to these armed robberies.  The MPD is now actively reviewing all cases and determining which robberies the suspect, arrested last night, is connected to. The suspect is currently being held without bail.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is warning Northwest DC residents about an ATM machine robber working in their neighborhoods. The suspect’s (pictured above) most recent robbery occurred the DC’s First District on the 600 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW. MPD believes this suspect is responsible for other similar robberies in the Second District.

The suspect’s MO is to approach individuals withdrawing money from ATM machines, and force them to withdraw additional funds while threatening to harm them. Several of the victims have stated that the suspect is armed with a knife.

As always, use caution when using ATMs and be aware of your surroundings. Should you see anyone matching this description, or if you observe anyone acting suspiciously, call 911 immediately.