By Karl Johnson
‘Still Texting’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’
Ug. How did I not know John Oliver, from The Daily Show, was doing stand-up at the DC Improv!?! I need to pay more attention. We apparently missed a pretty entertaining show too. But not because of his routine, which I’m sure was great. But because of the interactions and jokes that came at the expense of a frustrated guy in the audience who would not stop texting on his phone throughout the show.
By Rebecca
‘Turandot Costume’
courtesy of ‘Roberat’
I don’t know about you guys but I’ve had an opera costume on my “must have” outfits list for a while, and this Saturday and Sunday (from 10am-5pm) I’ll finally have the opportunity to get one at the Washington National Opera’s Costume Sale. Ok, well maybe a 20 pound, girdled, Mikado kimono has not been on my mind, but if you’re looking for an awesome Halloween costume, this is your event.
Prices for full costumes range from $10-$200 with accessories priced at $2 or more. The sale is taking place at the WNO Studio in Takoma Park (6925 Willow St, N.W., Washington, D.C.)
By Rebecca
photo courtesy of NPS.gov
This Saturday from 6:30-9pm, the National Park service will host the 13th Annual Life & Death on the C&O Canal at the Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center in Great Falls, MD.
Volunteers and park rangers will take visitors on a one-hour journey back in time, and recreate the trials and tribulations experienced by the men and women who built, lived and staffed the canal during its 96 year long history. Every interpretation is based on documented facts or legends, and interpreters will present various 15 minutes programs throughout the evening.
Reservations are recommended and the program is not for young children. Ticket prices are $6 for adults, and $4 for seniors and children (4-14). Call 301-767-3714 for information and reservations.
By Rebecca
‘Battle of the Beltways’
courtesy of ‘brianmka’
The Nationals’ Screech? Or the Orioles’ The Bird?
Well, in the battle over D.C. TV ratings, our neighbors to the north have won. According to the Washington Business Journal, “D.C. is the only TV market in the country where a team from another city (the O’s) gets better ratings than the hometown team.” That’s sad.
What’s sadder still is that the two teams combined for 201 losses. :(
By Rebecca
‘potato printing acorn and pumpkin’
courtesy of ‘jimmiehomeschoolmom’
The weather is cooling, cravings for hearty stews are upon us and hibernating within our homes is becoming the norm. As we’ll be spending more and more time inside, hiding from the cold and darkness that winter will bring, it’s time we turn our attention to some of the amazingly creative and fun crafts the fall season brings.
Personally, I’m really big on craft projects that will actually be useful, especially since I just moved and my apartment is in serious need of some decoration. Plus, there’s no better feeling than to finish a project and immediately see your hard work put to good use. I’m BIG on not spending a lot of money. One, because I don’t have the budget and, two, because I tend to have a lot of useless stuff around the house that can be recycled for crafting purposes. I also think that crafts projects should last at max only 4 hours and should be completed by that time. No one wants to have shreds of felt paper, uncapped glue sticks and newspaper around their apartment for weeks at a time. My motto: keep crafts simple, fun and doable. Continue reading
By Kirk
‘The Saloon, U Street’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’
Commy, owner of the Saloon, is hosting a flea market this Sunday at his famed, U St. pub. He promises to offer “many unique items” for sale, the proceeds from which will benefit his international school building efforts. On top of the interesting goods and the worthy cause, the Saloon will be offering $2 off its selection of excellent beers. The market will run from 1pm-5pm and, contrary to normal Saloon rules, there will be a strict, no-sitting policy for the afternoon. So, go out, enjoy a nice beer on what promises to be a lovely fall afternoon and support school construction in developing nations.
By Katie
‘Are you gonna take me home tonight’
courtesy of ‘christaki’
OH MAN I JUST GOT RULL EXCITED because I just remembered that not only does October mean my birthday, it also means THE BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR, the High Heel Drag Queen Race! Squee!
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 27th, to watch all the ladies (and hot tranny messes) parade up and down 17th street. If you can’t wait ’til then, (and who can, honestly?) check out our past coverage including a photo gallery.
By Rebecca
‘Kids in the Air’
courtesy of ‘M.V. Jantzen’
According to the Q Street Neighborhood Association, the Big Kids Block Party was a rip-roaring, rocking and uber-successful event.
Here are some stats:
-1,048 people in attendance
-26 tapped kegs
-200 Ben’s half-smokes eaten
-585 other hot dogs devoured
-500 oz Mr. Yogato fro-yo grobbled
-100 Julia’s Empanadas consumed
-100 Rice Krispie Treats inhaled
-Countless pounds of popcorn, cotton candy, regular candy, chips, etc. scoffed up
-50 butchered (carved) pumpkins
Most importantly the block party raised $20,151.32, **More than DOUBLED the original goal**, all of which will go to four deserving non-profits.
For those of you who couldn’t make it, they’ll be throwing the 2nd Annual Big Kids Block Party in 2010, after a much deserved recovery.
By Rebecca
‘The Good Stuff’
courtesy of ‘DaveFayram’
In last weekend’s Washington Post, the article “Tips on Throwing a Neighborhood Block Party,” detailed the ins and outs of how to–legally–plan, promote and execute a block party in DC.
So now, my friends, it’s time to get the block partying on!
Look no further than the Big Kids Block Party, Saturday, October 3 from 6pm to midnight at Marion and Q St NW in DC’s Shaw neighborhood. The party is being hosted and organized by the Q Street Nehighborhood Association, is properly sanctioned by local DC authorities and, as a BIG kids block party, is for the 21+ crowd (photo ID will be required for entrance.)
Did I also mention all the local restaurants/shops that are providing provisions for the event? I’m talking 200 half-smokes from Ben’s Chili Bowl, Mr. Yogato fro-yo (and they’ve got some sort of 100 yogurt cup competition up their shelves AND gift card giveaways,) lots of tasty goodies from Julia’s Empanadas, a cotton candy machine, rice crispy treats and more. Continue reading
By Cathy
‘rental’
courtesy of ‘staceyviera’
With the Lebowski Fest coming to DC on September 28-29, we’re sure you have bowling on your mind. These days you can bowl on your iPhone, your Wii, and a number of other technological devices, but some days you just want to get out there and have the whole experience. Perhaps you’ve already thought of hurling a ball towards ten pins as your preferred indoor activity during the upcoming winter season, or even – Dude! – joining a bowling league.
Well, lucky for you, the DC area has a plethora of options for getting your bowl on.
Keep it casual
Maybe you’re not looking to get into a serious relationship with bowling just yet. Maybe you want to date before you marry. Lucky Strike in Chinatown and Strike Bethesda are high-end options for an occasional bowl. The pricier-than-most food and drinks accompany the bowling prices, but when all’s said and done, it’s a classy – and still affordable – affair for a great night out. On the opposite end of the spectrum, GW’s Hippodrome offers cheap, cheap, cheap – no frills – bowling. And, while not always possible, moving your bowling extravaganza out of the city and out of the way of a metro guarantees a more “authentic” experience. — See below for more details on US Bowling (VA), Bowl America (VA) and Marlow Heights Lanes (MD). Continue reading
By Rebecca
‘Don’t Have Any Words at the Moment’
courtesy of ‘marciadc’
I’m guessing that even if you’re Irish, you probably didn’t realize that tomorrow is the halfway mark to 2010’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
If you’d like to celebrate this VERY special occasion, have a pint or you’re just looking for a good time, check out the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Kelly’s Irish Times and the Dubliner tomorrow. Festivities begin at 4pm and last until 12pm with drink specials, raffle prizes and live music.
Entry is $5 in advance, $7 if you’re sporting green and $10 if you just want in at the door, and can be bought through Lindy Promotions.
By Kirk
‘Skull and cross bones pirate flag’
courtesy of ‘baltine’
I just wanted to remind you all that tomorrow is Talk Like a Pirate Day. I realize that this isn’t strictly DC interest, but since it is an international holiday, it does apply to our fair city. So, please, bust out the “yarrs” and “avasts” and enjoy this yearly excuse to call other people “wenches.”
By Rebecca
‘Defiance’
courtesy of ‘artwork_rebel’
There’s a casting call for some serious adult male soccer players for a video shoot next week. The production company is having “auditions” – today, where all you have to do is show up in your hotness and show them your footie skillz. It’s all for some sort of Gatorade-ish take-off spot, so envision sweat drops in slow-mo. If you qualify, contact Karen @ Carbone Entertainment. Also, please forward your headshot to the ladies at WeLoveDC. ;)
By Rebecca
‘American Girl Place Los Angeles’
courtesy of ‘Smart Destinations’
Local Michaels’ stores will be hosting FREE crafts event this Saturday, September 19, inspired by the American Girl series. Participants will create three American Girl® projects that are focused on various periods of American history from the viewpoint of pre-teen girl characters. It would also be a great time to check out the Halloween supplies they have for costumes.
By Rebecca
‘Running Against the Grain’
courtesy of ‘john w’
Interested in getting a little exercise this weekend, AND raising money for a good cause? Then sign up ASAP (by Thursday, September 10) for the Sprint Four the Cure to benefit the Washington Hospital Center.
The 5k run starts near the Four Seasons Hotel and takes you along the scenic C&O Canal. Your $25 registration not only goes to a fantastic DC-based cause, but also gets you a t-shirt, raffle ticket and Four Seasons breakfast. YUM!
Additionally, Georgetown Cupcake will be providing post-race sweets and a number of local Georgetown establishments have donated raffle prizes including: the Four Seasons Spa, Clyde’s, Peacock Cafe and more. Grand Prize is two American Airlines tickets, two night stay at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale with Daily Breakfast and two 50 minute Spa Treatments.
So be sure to register by tomorrow either via Active.com or by calling 202.944.9163.
By Rebecca
‘DSC05164.JPG’
courtesy of ‘The_WB’
Celebrate Niner-Niner-Niner Day with copious amounts of Magic Hat #9 at RocketBar at 714 7th St NW in Chinatown starting at 7pm today. Free Magic Hat t-shirts go to the first 99 people, there will be 3-for-$9 specials on all #9s and awesome giveaways like free rounds of beer to parties of 9, a custom cruiser bike and iPod shuffles. Pretty solid marketing promotion for a tasty beer if you ask me. Hooray beer!
By Rebecca
‘and their (clothes are) off!’
courtesy of ‘m hoek’
Sorry for the semi-disturbing picture. Avert your eyes! Avert your eyes! But I couldn’t help it. I mean the event’s title is the Full “Corn Moon” Bike Ride. So, you’re better blaming the Washington Area Bicyclists Association who will be leading this nighttime tour of the Capital Crescent/Georgetown Branch Trail. The ride starts at 8:15pm right next to Cycle Life under the Whitehurst Freeway at the Georgetown Waterfront by moonlight starting from the Georgetown Waterfront. You’ll bike the non-hilly, cement paved trail all the way up to City Bikes in Chevy Chase, where you can feast on some BBQ before heading back.
By Katie
‘St. Pauli Girl (Hair-Down Label)’
courtesy of ‘drewesque’
The other day WLDC author Acacia and I were talking about her recent trip to New York City. I got jealous during our conversation cause while in the big apple, Acacia visited a legit beer garden. Together we were wistfully wishing DC had a hardcore actual German beer garden, complete with spilling pints and bratwursts.
Enter: news via Frozen Tropics, someone has heard our cry. Frozen Tropics reports, “Aaron McGovern of the Dupont Circle restaurant Russia House recently began work on his latest project. He intends to bring a large German restaurant and beer garden to 1355 H Street.”
Now excuse me while I go strap on my bodice and grab pint glasses to slosh together.
By Max
"Lake Anna Lifeguard Stand" by needlessspaces, on Flickr
Ah, one of the last summer weekends is upon us. The city is emptying out, you can have bar space to yourself, everyone’s baking in the heat and living slow. Enjoy.
Katie: It seems like DC’s disgustingly hot weather is going to keep up this weekend, so my plans will revolve around keeping cool. I’d happily take a day trip down to the beach at Lake Anna State Park outside of Fredericksburg, where you can soak up the sun on a sand beach, and float around in the huge lake. There’s even a snack shack with ice cream when you need a cool treat. To continue my plans to stay cool, I’ll probably be spending Saturday night on the roof deck at Eventide in Clarendon where they’ve built an entire food, wine and cocktail list revolving around cold. Sunday I’ll head over to my new Farmer’s Market crush, the small but loveable Columbia Pike market (props to WLDC author Donna for suggesting it to me!) and grab some watermelon for the fridge. The rest of Sunday will be spent indoors reveling in air conditioning catching up on summer flicks like (500) Days of Summer or Julie and Julia.
Jasmine: This weekend, I am venturing to a couple of places I’ve never been before. I pass the Postal Museum on my new commute, so I figure I better check that place out. Right now, they have an exhibition featuring alphabet stamps, which sounds like it will feed the word nerd in me. I also want to take a day trip to check out Great Country Farm’s outdoor laser tag setup in Bluemont, VA, which I read about a while ago. They have a lot of other activities, too (including a vineyard across the street) in case laser tag is a bust, but I am envisioning it something like the paintball scene in 10 Things I Hate About You.
Paulo: We’ll be at the Philips Collection to see Paint Made Flesh, an exhibit of modern post-World War II paintings of the human figure. Time permitting, we may also check out the Corcoran Gallery’s exhibition of William Eggleston’s Democratic Camera. Oh, and Alexandria residents may want to check out the current show of landscapes at The Art League Gallery, Torpedo Factory — especially since it includes a painting by (ahem) my wife.
By Kirk
‘On our way to Zombie Prom’
courtesy of ‘spiggycat’
Have you ever wanted to make like a zombie and chase tourists around Chinatown? Well, tomorrow, you may just get that chance. A group called “DC Defenstrators ” is hosting a massive Zombie Raid on Saturday afternoon. The idea is to get a bunch of Washingtonians together and then have them proceed around the city staggering like zombies and moaning about brains. The raid will begin tomorrow at 4:30 in Franklin Park. Participants are encouraged to wear realistic, zombie clothing, although makeup and fake blood are strictly optional. The Zombie thespians will be given directions as to where to proceed and the fun will begin. According to the Facebook invite, over 500 people are supposed to participate, giving this the potential for epic status. I think I’m in.
