Category Archives: Special Events

Fun & Games, News, People, Special Events, The Daily Feed, The Hill, WTF?!
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Cupid’s Undie Run – Another Excuse for DC To Go Pantless

Photo courtesy of
‘Vintage Kewpie Valentine Postcard’
courtesy of ‘chicks57’

Hey DC, want another excuse to take your pants off? Did the No Pants Party on the Metro leave you wanting more? Your prayers have been answered in form of a pantless run around the Capitol scheduled for Feb. 13.

Registration for Cupid’s Undie Run (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like) is now open and costs $30 to enter. The registration fee includes a commemorative event t-shirt, all day drink specials, post-race food, and the chance to run around DC in nothing but your skivvies.

The party starts at noon at Pourhouse (located at 319 Pennsylvania Ave, SE) and ends with a 1.75 mile jog around the Capitol. Who knows — you just might meet your future ball ‘n chain. It’d sure as hell make a good story for the grandkids!

Entertainment, Night Life, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Millennium Stage Celebrates Robert Burns

Photo courtesy of
‘Washington, DC 2010 20’
courtesy of ‘giantminispacego

Want to get away from today’s semi-unseasonal weather? The Millennium Stage at The Kennedy Center is playing host to Tony Award nominee and stage-show veteran Euan Morton and the one-man show “Burns’ Night in America“.

The show commemorates the birthday (which is today!) of “Auld Land Syne” lyricist and 18th-century poet Robert Burns.

The night kicks-off at 6 p.m. Admission is free of charge.

Can’t make it to the performance? The entire show will be broadcast live via the Millennium Stage website starting at showtime.

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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AU Hosts Holy Cross in Patriot League Championship Rematch

AU beats Holy Cross in the Patriot League Championship

When you think of college basketball in DC, one of the furthest things on anyone’s mind is the American University Eagles. But — once a year — students don their red, white, and blue apparel inside Bender Arena for the “BIG” game of the season i.e. Phil Bender.

This year’s game is a rematch of last season’s Patriot League championship between the 2008 defending champion Eagles and the Holy Cross Crusaders. Granted, this is no “We Are Georgetown” packed house at the Verizon Center, but it’s as close as AU gets.

AU Men’s Basketball made it to the NCAA tournament for their first taste of March Madness in school history in 2008, followed by a repeat appearance in 2009. They were knocked out in the first round, but if there’s anything that could have and should have been learned it’s that school pride reigns supreme when sports are involved.

Continue reading →

Adventures, Entertainment, Life in the Capital, Night Life, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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United For Haiti Fundraiser

Photo courtesy of
‘Dining Room Interior, Policy’
courtesy of ‘Jenn Larsen’

If you’re looking for a place to have your Thursday night out, and honestly who on a Wednesday afternoon isn’t thinking about non-work related activities, then definitely check out United For Haiti Fundraiser to benefit Partners in Health (PIH) taking place at Policy.

Starting at 7:30pm, your $25 donation will help aide PIH’s efforts in Haiti, get you entry into one of coolest restaurants/lounges in DC, provide complimentary liquor drinks until 9:30pm and have DJ spinning good beats until the wee hours.

A good cause, good food, good drinks, good friends, what a great way to start the weekend.

Scribblings, Special Events, The Features
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Divulging Canadian Secrets at the Spy Museum

Photo courtesy of
‘Spies, More Spies, & Still More Spies’
courtesy of ‘Kevin H.’

“Certain death lay ahead if the least hint of my intended desertion got about.”—Igor Gouzenko

In September 1945, a cipher clerk named Igor Gouzenko walked out of the Soviet Embassy in Ottawa, Canada with secret papers and a plan. For Western intelligence, Gouzenko’s defection, and the layered information he shared, ushered in a new era of cooperation against a common foe. Tonight, join Amy Knight, author of How the Cold War Began: The Gouzenko Affair and the Hunt for Soviet Spies, to hear her ground-breaking findings. She was the first to explore recently de-classified records of the Gouzenko case in Canada, Britain, and the United States.

Ms. Knight is a well-known specialist on Soviet/Russian intelligence; in addition to her discussion, guests will also have a chance to see artifacts on loan from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service related to the case. The event is co-sponsored by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Embassy of Canada in celebration of the 25th anniversary of CSIS and in recognition of the collaborative and enduring security relationship between the United States and Canada.

A brief Q&A with Ms. Knight, after the jump. Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Cocktail Class at The Columbia Room

Photo courtesy of
‘20090120L1000010_640’
courtesy of ‘furcafe’

Now that The Passenger is well embarked with Tom Brown at the helm, brother Derek Brown’s internal cocktail laboratory – the bar-within-the-bar called the Columbia Room – is set to start classes in February. Seminars will be held every other Wednesday at 7pm for $65 each. The current line up through March sounds fascinating. It’s an ambitious program that will be helpful not only for you libation geeks already making your own bitters and eager to learn more, but also for those just delving into the world of craft cocktails.

“A Primer on Orange Liqueur” kicks off February 17, covering the difference between major top-shelf makers and showing participants how to make your own version of triple sec. Derek will demonstrate proper Margarita, Sidecar and Fancy Gin cocktails and help elevate this sometimes over-abused ingredient. Continue reading →

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Tickets On-Sale For 2nd Annual NatsFest Today

Photo courtesy of
‘Nationals Park – Magic of Summer – 9-20-08’
courtesy of ‘mosley.brian’

Get ready Nats fans! The 2nd annual NatsFest is scheduled for Sunday, January 31st and the team is ready to show their fans and their city some love before taking the field at Spring Traning 2010.

Fans will get the chance to take pictures with their favorite sluggers, fielders, pitchers and catchers and even get a few autographs in the process. And, for the older fans with a few more thoughts on their mind, there’s a Q&A with the Nationals Executives (and few TBA special guests).

NatsFest will be in the Lexus Presidents Club, Red Porch, Stars & Stripes Club and in the Nationals Park Conference.

General sale tickets go on sale TODAY (Wednesday, January 20) at 10 a.m. and are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. There are also ticketing options for season ticket holders here but will need to use a password provided to them via e-mail to redeem or purchase additional tickets.

Fun & Games, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Operation: SNOW PEA

Photo courtesy of
‘DSC_4606’
courtesy of ‘Ghost_Bear’

So you’ve watched 24 and are hankering for some personal spy action, right? Or perhaps you’re in the mood for something a little different during the cold, dreary days of winter. Well, for a limited time, you can be a double agent right here in the “City of Spies.”

The International Spy Museum is running Operation: Snow Pea through the end of February, giving you and your friends the chance to experience the museum and a special operation for the price of one admission. Simply provide the secret password (SNOW PEA) to one of the museum’s operatives or on the online order form and receive admission to the museum PLUS one of the following for only $20.10:

  • Be an intelligence officer on an international mission in Operation Spy.
  • Thwart a cyberterrorist attack on the nation’s capital! Play Polar Bear Spy in the City.
  • Enjoy creative cocktails and clandestine conversation at Spy at Night.

Offer isn’t valid between 2/12 – 2/15 and expires February 28. Get your spy on before the tourists come back…

Media, Penn Quarter, Special Events
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A Night at the Newseum: Nick Clooney Uses ‘Reel Journalism’ to Keep Us Up on the News

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Whether you’re Team Conan or Team Jay, one thing’s for certain — NBC didn’t mess up when they chose Brian Williams to be the face for NBC News. DC was treated to a gem of wit in journalistic proportions with the latest installment of “Reel Journalism with Nick Clooney.”

The series, started just over a year ago, was the brainchild of Distinguished-Journalist-in-Residence (for both the American University School of Communication and the Newseum), Nick Clooney.

That’s right — the man who brought us George Clooney is the same man responsible for ushering in a new era of journalistic integrity and understanding — as long as you get a ticket before they sell out.

Continue reading →

Food and Drink, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Buy a Keychain, Support Goodwill, Get Free Frosties In 2010

Photo courtesy of
‘Wendy’s’
courtesy of ‘daveynin’

As part of a major regional fundraising campaign to benefit Goodwill, any customer who buys a $1 Frosty-shaped key tag from now until February 28th, at participating DC area Wendy’s, will get a free Frosty with any 2010 Wendy’s purchase.

Could this deal get any sweeter? Goodwill of Greater Washington gets a donation, Wendy’s and DavCo Restaurants give back to the community in which their employees live and work, and customers help fund the charitable agency’s job training programs and get Frosties.

If you want to donate, but could do without the Frosties, Goodwill retail stores will be selling the key tags and benefiting from the proceeds.

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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“Peace out, District. What up, China?” Bye-Bye, Tai Shan.

Giant Panda

The end draws near on Tai Shan’s time in our fair District.

Zoo goers and panda enthusiasts will forever remember his tenure as one that brought joy to the eyes of children and adults alike. What better way to say “Peace out, District. What up, China?” than a giant party being thrown in your honor?

The Friends of the National Zoo is hosting the official “Farewell to Tai Shan” party at the National Zoo. The event is scheduled for January 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include: talks with panda experts, goodbye card writing, and sweet-sweet panda lovin’ (aka oooo-ing and ahhh-ing at how gosh darn cute that lil’ panda is).

Arlington, Food and Drink, Fun & Games, Life in the Capital, Special Events, The Features, The Hill
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Where to Watch the Game

Photo courtesy of
‘2010 BCS Championship 2010 BCS Championship Logo’
courtesy of ‘RMTip21’

Unless you live in a cave, or genuinely care about nothing sports related, you’re probably aware that the BCS Championship Game is this evening.  And, if you have even an inkling of football fanaticism, you’re probably planning on watching it. Year to year, the BCS Title is a clash of the titans, and one of the highlights of the football season.  This year pits the Texas Long Horns against the Alabama Crimson Tide.  I’ll leave analysis and predictions to others and focus on the most practical of matters: where to watch the game.  I’m going to assume that you’re already aware of the “my house” and the “my friend’s house” options, so here are a few suggestions in case you want to leave the living room.  If you’re not a real sports bar type, big game nights are excellent for branching out.  In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with the places below:
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Downtown, Food and Drink, People, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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New Vintage Wine Tasting on Monday

Photo courtesy of
‘Sonoma Wine Bar’
courtesy of ‘InspirationDC’

The New Vintage is hosting another charity wine event on Monday evening.  Castello Banfi, an Italian vineyard, will be showcasing a number of their wines at Cork Wine Bar, which is booked solely for this even. Tickets, which must be purchased ahead of time, are $50 ($25 is tax deductible) and benefit the American Heart Association. The event is a great way to meet and network with younger, philanthropically minded people.  Yours truly will be there, and I suggest that you come to.  After all, it’s nice to experience the softer side of charity, every so often.

Dupont Circle, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Phillips After Five, Tonight

Man Ray's "Noir et Blanche" courtesy of The Phillips Collection

Man Ray's "Noir et Blanche" courtesy of The Phillips Collection

Theater meets art tonight at The Phillips Collection’s monthly Phillips After Five event, featuring preview scenes from Round House Theatre’s production of Permanent Collection.

In a timely intersection with the Phillips’ current Man Ray exhibit featuring his photographs of African artifacts (closing this wekend!), the play is about a museum director’s “racially charged battle” over an African sculptures exhibit. A discussion on the politics of museum display follows with director Timothy Douglas and Round House producing artistic director Blake Robison, joined by the Phillips’ director Dr. Dorothy Kosinski and exhibit curator Wendy Grossman. That’s an arts powerhouse lineup!

Allyn Johnson will be performing piano pieces by Henry Crowder (Man Ray’s friend) from 5-8pm, the Round House segment is at 6:30pm, and gallery talks on the Man Ray exhibit will be held at 6 and 7pm. The whole event runs from 5-8:30pm with cash bar and tickets are $12. Definitely a great way to say good-bye to the Man Ray exhibit.

News, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Fist Pump Along with Cast Members of MTV’s Jersey Shore

Photo courtesy of
‘Fist Pump’
courtesy of ‘jimwhimpey’

Is the Real World not satisfying your thirst for reality television? Has your guilty pleasure quota not been met yet? Good. I didn’t think so.

The GW Hatchet announced that JWoww and Pauly D of MTV’s Jersey Shore  are making an appearance at McFadden’s on January 19.

McFadden’s will be running drink specials from 8 p.m. to midnight on $5 Jagerbombs. But that’s not all! There’s more! Get ready for some of Jersey’s finest while bar go-ers battle it out during a fist pumping contest AND a bikini contest for the ladies.

All Politics is Local, History, Life in the Capital, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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White House Staff: A History

Photo courtesy of
‘DC’s Biggest Postcard’
courtesy of ‘kimberlyfaye’

If someone on the street asked me to list the job titles at the White House, first on the list would be the President, VP, Chief of Staff, the news core, Press Secretary, etc…you know the people we constantly see in our national and local news reports.

But what about the behind the scenes people?  I’m not talking about the administration people, or those who do the glamorous, high powered functions, I’m talking about the guys and gals that service the place and walk secretly among DCers. Who are they?!! What’s their story? How do they make White House tick? How have their roles changed from administration to administration?

The answer is to be found at “The Working White House: 200 Years of Tradition and Memories,” at the White House Visitor Center, now through Feb. 28. The exhibit showcases the history of White House serving staff and other workers from the time of William Taft through George W. Bush.

Can’t wait for them to update the exhibit with how things have changed with the addition of the White House garden and Bo the dog.

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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No Pants Party On The Metro Scheduled For Sunday

Photo courtesy of
‘DSC_0182’
courtesy of

I never saw much of a purpose to those darn plastic card holders you can hang around your neck in order to NOT lose your SmarTrip on the Metro. But now — I see the real reason behind their being invented — No Pants Metro Ride 2010!

That’s right — NO pants METRO ride! The yearly ride is scheduled for this Sunday, so start wrapping your heads around the concept now before you board Sunday morning without any forewarning.

What’s the hitch? There isn’t one. Just get on the Metro, ride around as if nothing is out of the ordinary. I mean hell, what’s better than an excuse to wear no pants and get away with it? Sure — it could be warmer — but that’d make this whole thing way less funny.

For all you locals interested in joining in on this excuse for a “No Pants” party of sorts, NBC Washington reports that people are planning to meet at the C Street park near L’Enfant Plaza at 3 p.m.

Forget that it’s winter … take off your pants and ride the Metro! You’ll thank yourself for it later.

News, People, Special Events, The Daily Feed, WMATA
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Live Metro Chat on Friday

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’

WMATA is hosting a live chat with John Catoe this Friday from noon-1pm. This chat will be in the wake of the Thursday board meeting, during which general cuts to service are expected to be announced.  Metro is dealing with a $40 Million deficit, which the blame largely on decreased ridership due to the economic downturn, and in the wake to the train crash in June of last year.  Expect questions on how individual routes, particularly bus routes, will be effected by service downgrade.  You can join the chat here.

Night Life, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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New Year’s Eve at the National Building Museum Receives Major Complaints on GOG

Photo courtesy of
”
courtesy of ‘erin m’

Update: See below for apology letter. Did they pass the blame?

We love New Years in DC, but what happened here?? 85 “Reader Reviews” (and counting) of the New Years Eve Party at the National Building Museum hosted by the guys behind Gin & Tonic and Late Night Shots gave the party one and a half stars out of four.

At the forefront, this sounds like what you would typically expect at a huge NYE party: long lines, trouble getting drinks, and unreasonably high ticket prices. While some of the complaints about the party not living up to its expectations obviously led to some angry partygoers, some of the comments are pretty serious, including significant damage being done to the National Building Museum.

A lot of people are really, really unhappy with what they got for their money. So somewhere, there was definitely a mismatch of expectations and reality.

To quote one reviewer who pretty much sums up the other commenters:  Continue reading →