Tag Archives: 20004

Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Dinner With a Spy

Photo courtesy of
‘I spy with my Metro eye …..’ courtesy of ‘christaki’

Next week, the International Spy Museum is holding one of their annual “Dinner with a Spy” events. This year’s guest is Oleg Kalugin, former head of Soviet KGB operations in the U.S. during the Cold War. Today, Oleg is an American citizen and an outspoken critic of his former employer and Russia’s current leadership.

During this intimate dinner, Kalugin will share some of his hottest stories from the Cold War, weigh in on the current international issues, and dialogue with his former adversary, CIA veteran and International Spy Museum executive director Peter Earnest. The ticket price includes a three-course meal at Zola and ‘unrestricted access’ to two extraordinary Cold Warriors.

It all goes down on Wednesday, March 18th at 7 p.m. Call the museum at 202.393.7798 for more information and to purchase tickets.

We Love Arts
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We Love Arts: Hell Meets Henry Halfway

Hell Meets Henry Halfway

Gabriel Quinn Bauriedel & Sarah Sanford in Hell Meets Henry Halfway
Courtesy of the Pig Iron Theatre Company

If we want to compare theatre to the movies, Hell Meets Henry Halfway is more David Lynch/Being John Malkovich than it is Rob Reiner/The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The playwright in this case set out to write something with the novel as an inspiration, not to adapt the novel to the stage. The program notes say that the “theatrical mixtape” that is Henry is 1/3 the source novel, 1/3 the playwright and 1/3 the Pig Iron Theatre Company.

If that sounds a bit out of the ordinary, then you’re starting to get it. This isn’t an experience for everyone. Coming back from intermission I overheard the couple in front of me. “… well we can get our things and go, then.” “No….. we’ll stick it out.” I’m pretty sure people have gone to the electric chair with more enthusiasm than this fellow. Hell Meets Henry Halfway emphasizes character and feel over realism and does it well, but it’s a specialized taste. Continue reading →

The Daily Feed
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DC Shorts

dcshorts

Katie thinks you should get yourself out and about to enjoy this weekend’s warm weather, but if you’d rather hunker down in the dark and watch some flickering lights there’s options for you too. DC Shorts will be running a screening of 14 of the best submissions from their 2008 festival this Friday and Saturday evenings at 7p. 14 films in 3 hours.

Personally I like the sounds of How My Dad Killed Dracula: “On Halloween night, a father recounts the harrowing tale of how he fought and killed Dracula” but those of you who like Tiff’s comedy writeups might enjoy Funniest Feds: “The stand-up comedy competition featured over 30 contestants — all of whom work as federal employees in the DC area.” At $10 it’s hard to imagine not getting your money’s worth.

US Navy Memorial
701 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
20004

The Daily Feed
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I Spy… More Inaugural Info

Warder_building

And yet more Inaugural info. Tired yet?

The International Spy Museum (at 8th and F St. NW) announced they are keeping its doors open longer to accommodate the anticipated high volume of visitation during the Inauguration. Festivities include the swearing-in ceremony and parade shown on screens at select locations throughout the complex, including the Spy City Café. The Museum is open until 8 p.m. starting today through Monday and again on Wednesday. Tuesday, they will close at 6 so people can scoot to the various Balls.

They announced special package rates and whatnot, including a nice $10 Hospitality package that gets you hot cocoa, a travel mug and a cookie. And of course, access to their restrooms. May be a good idea for you visitors; it’s going to be COOOOOOOLD on Tuesday.

Downtown, Food and Drink, We Love Drinks
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We Love Drinks: Round Robin

Round Robin Bar

"Round Robin Bar" by Jenn Larsen, on Flickr

Let’s say you need to get drinks with colleagues after work, or have incoming relatives or friends who aren’t particularly interested in the “real” Washington but rather want the “politico” version (and this last problem may be really relevant in a few days). I don’t think you can go wrong in those instances with the Willard Hotel’s Round Robin bar.

Even if you don’t actually see a Washington “insider,” the traditional dark wood and green walls fairly ooze influence. Beaten down leather banquettes, little pub tables, and that famous round bar in the center – all in a small nook off the side of the Willard’s opulent lobby. You even get a bowl of nuts to snack on, gratis.  

I know! – it’s like that soft cashmere sweater you reach for to make you feel cosy and cared for – it may have some unsightly moth holes, and you wouldn’t wear it out on a hot date, but you still snuggle up with it sometimes.
Continue reading →

Downtown, Special Events, The Daily Feed
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Navy Memorial Offers Restrooms, Food for Inauguration

Photo courtesy of
‘_SWP6526’
courtesy of ‘moworld’

Just got word that the Navy Memorial’s Naval Heritage Center will televise Inauguration Day activities live in its stadium-seating theatre, featuring a 46′ x 16′ HD screen. Registered guests get in-and-out access all day with clean, indoor restrooms. Food? No problem! A catered box lunch is included in the ticket price. All members of the public are welcome – IF they’ve got a $30 ticket and a reserved spot.

The Navy Memorial is on the Inauguration Parade route, halfway between the Capitol and the White House. Limited seating, so give them a call at 202.380.0733 or visit the memorial’s website.

Entertainment, Penn Quarter, The Features, We Love Arts
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We Love Arts: How Theater Failed America

How Theater Failed America

“You should not have come.”

That’s how Mike Daisey opens his monologue at Woolly Mammoth, acknowledging that this is going to be a different kind of show. He’s very wrong, mind you: this show has a self-selecting audience that is sure to be glad they came. The show’s title assures that. Anyone who reads “How Theater Failed America” on a program schedule and thinks “that’s something I want to see!” is pretty certain to enjoy it, since anyone who isn’t predisposed to be interested in a critical examination of the business of modern theater isn’t going to be jazzed by a moniker that holds up a metaphorical axe and grindstone.

That’s really too bad, since this is a show that anyone can take something away from. (Well, presuming they’re not afraid of the word “fuck,” which Daisey uses pretty liberally.) Daisey intertwines examination, analysis, personal anecdote and touching revelation to create something worth hearing even if you couldn’t care less about what ends up on local or national stages. Continue reading →

Arlington, Downtown, Life in the Capital, The Features
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Thrifty District: Cheap, but Chic

Flappers

"French Flappers, Parisian Cafe 1920's" by Vintage Lulu on Flickr

In one of my many other lives, I’m a theater costume designer. However, I’m not really a costumer (someone who actually makes clothes), though I sew on occasion, I’m always disappointing my friends by not making them exquisite clothes from scratch. But what I can do is shop with them! Costume designers have to realize a director’s expansive and expensive vision on a sometimes depressingly tight budget in a small amount of time. So in our continuing series on the Thrifty District and how to maximize your fast-depleting funds, I thought I’d give you a little taste of my favorite shops to get cheap yet chic fashion.

Let’s start with the basic rules (getting them out of the way fast so we can have fun with shops!):

Know Yourself and Support Yourself
No, this isn’t some New Age mantra. It means don’t buy anything that doesn’t fit. If it’s too tight or too loose just don’t do it. Don’t get distracted by sizes, they don’t mean anything anyway. If you knew your actual dressmaker size you’d freak out the number is so high – even you superskinny misses! Continue reading →

Essential DC, History, Interviews, People
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He Loves DC: Peter Earnest (Part 2)

Photo courtesy of Me
Peter Earnest, courtesy of Me

Last week, we introduced you to the Executive Director of the International Spy Museum, Peter Earnest. He sat down with me back before Thanksgiving; we talked for quite a while covering both his personal observations and his professional opinions on the Washington DC area.

Before we continue with the rest of the interview, I need to point out that Peter can be an extremely funny guy. If you doubt, witness the two-part episode that aired about a month ago on Stephen Colbert’s show, specifically the “Fallback Position” segment he does periodically. He did two segments with Peter, an interview and a look at some items in the museum proper. If you’ve not seen them, you must. (Each segment is about six minutes long.) Don’t worry, we’ll still be here when you get back.

Ok, on with our conversation! We cover everything from public perception on espionage to cabbies to people; find out what Peter had to say after the jump. Continue reading →

Interviews, Life in the Capital, People
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He Loves DC: Peter Earnest (Part 1)

DSC_1784

As many are aware (and many more not), my first job in the DC area – what brought me here in the first place – was a full-time position in management with the International Spy Museum. At that time, I made the acquaintance of the Executive Director, Peter Earnest. As founding director, Peter brings to the museum over 35 years of experience with the Central Intelligence Agency, including two decades in the CIA’s Clandestine Service. He’s also served in the Office of the Director of Central Intelligence as liaison officer to the Senate and as an investigator / inspector with the Inspector General. He was a member of the CIA’s Senior Management Service and awarded the Agency’s Intelligence Medal of Merit for “superior performance” throughout his career.

A fascinating man who’s led a most interesting career with the CIA, Peter was gracious enough to sit down and talk about Washington, his career and espionage within DC with me. We had such a great time and shared so much info, I’ve had to break the interview up into two segments. We’ll publish Part 2 next week.

Continue reading →

Downtown, Essential DC, History, Monumental
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Monumental: U.S. Navy Memorial

DSC_1261

Architect Pierre L’Enfant envisioned a memorial in the capital to “celebrate the first rise of the Navy and consecrate its progress and achievements.” However, it never took shape until 1980 when Rear Admiral William Thompson, USN (Ret.) received blessing from Congress to construct a Navy Memorial on public land.

The Memorial Foundation, formed in 1977 by Admiral Arleigh Burke and other Navy colleagues, selected Market Square – across the street from the National Archives – as the site of the memorial. Construction started in 1985 and was officially dedicated on October 13, 1987, the 212th birthday of the US Navy.

There are two parts to the Navy Memorial, the public plaza and the Naval Heritage Center, which occupies one of the two buildings that flank the memorial. Just inside the entrance is a sculpture by Stanley Bleifeld, The Homecoming. The Center caters to building personal links between naval service personnel, both veterans and active-duty, and their families.

Continue reading →

Penn Quarter, We Love Arts
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We Love Arts: Twelfth Night

Images courtesy the Shakespeare Theater Company

Images courtesy of the Shakespeare Theater Company

The biggest complaint I have with STC’s production of Twelfth Night has nothing to do with the actual production they put on, so I’m going to just get it out of the way here and move on to praising them. Why in the name of all that’s holy wasn’t this the production they chose to do an all-male version of, rather than Romeo and Juliet? Here’s a story that contains gender-bending, and an (albeit brief) moment of a character confronted with the confusion of feeling romantic love for someone he believes to be his own gender. There’s interesting ground to cover there, as opposed to stunt casting that does little more than say “hey, check out how they used to do it four centuries ago!”

The only problem with that idea is that if I’d been at that production I wouldn’t have gotten to enjoy this one. The actors are all excellent, the set is beautiful, and Director Rebecca Taichman manages a flow and rhythm that pulls you along enjoyably. There’s one odd choice in the second half that took me out of the moment a few times, but it comes and goes quickly enough. There’s only one aspect that stands out notably and delightfully so. Continue reading →

Penn Quarter
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We Love Arts: The Way of the World

Photo courtesy of shakespearetheatreco

WRLDRHSL_120 resized courtesy of shakespearetheatreco

My darling fiancée and I took in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of The Way of the World on Sunday evening, which we both enjoyed – her more so than myself. Perhaps this is somewhat of a reflection of the fact that she’s lately been taking in the 90210 retread and I…. um, haven’t.

If you thought Melrose Place, Susan Lucci, and Rob Reiner invented the romantic potboiler then I have a three hundred year old news flash for you. Congeve’s play practically demands a diagram to figure out who’s attached to who via marriage, love, conspiracy or some combination thereof. I don’t dispute being a bear of very little brain, but my difficulty in keeping track of the plethora of M-names in the play and all their interconnection did somewhat strain my appreciation.

It didn’t limit my enjoyment of the bright spots of the production, however, two of whom are pictured above. I enjoyed Floyd King in particular, who is wonderfully fun and foppish and who manages to convince you he’s rolling his eyes even from several hundred feet away. My only grump would be with Andrew Long, who I find very pleasant until he gets a little shouty. It’s something about his vocal delivery when he’s playing agtiated that has managed to take me out of the moment in Major Barbara, Julius Caesar, and now this. Perhaps it’s just me.

The sets in the Lansburgh for this production are just stunning, but the costumes makes it look shabby.  STC always has lovely costuming but this is a step above. Every outfit is impeccable, colorful, and lush. The sets are classy and particularly bright; everything seems to be a blonde wood that practically glows. The only tragedy is that we get to enjoy the adorable Chocolate House – the front of which swings open like a huge Barbie’s Restoration-era Playset – for only one act.

While the production as a whole didn’t gel for me, there’s a lot to reccomend it.

The Way of the World at the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Lansburgh Theatre
September 30th through November 16th, 2008
450 7th St, NW
Washington, DC  20004

Entertainment, The District, The Mall
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Tourism: The New Sant Ocean Hall

Phoenix, the Right Whale

Five years ago, the Museum of Natural History got together a group of people with the goal of expanding the Museum’s reach beyond just the land. The incredible wealth of life below the water’s surface, and the great span of the ocean, was a missing spot in the museum’s coverage. Thus, they began the most extensive renovation in the Museum’s History. Tomorrow, the NMNH opens the brand new Sant Ocean Hall. The ceremonies kick off at 11am out front of the Museum, where the Aloha Boys & Halau O’Aulani Dancers, as well as the Tlingit community, who will be performing a drum ceremony to bless the exhibit.

Once inside, the centerpiece is Phoenix, the Right Whale, suspended in the dead center of the exhibit about 10 feet off the ground. Phoenix is a model built off a living Right Whale living in the North Atlantic that scientists from the New England Aquarium have tracked for the last 21 years. Right whales represent one of the North Atlantic’s most endangered species, though their population is on the rebound with some of the more recent preservation efforts.

The Ocean Hall is 23,000 square feet, the largest single exhibit space in the Museum. It features a central corridor that features exhibits on coastal ocean life, and leads back toward the Open Ocean exhibit, featuring a couple of specially displayed giant squid. See, the fire marshall just about had a conniption when he found out the Smithsonian wanted to put a bunch of jars of flammable, toxic alcohol in the middle of a bunch of children. So, they went to the 3M corporation and they came back with their Novec 7100 Engineered Fluid, by the tankful. See, it still allows for neutral buoyancy, and the preservation of the specimen, it just doesn’t catch fire easily, or poison people.

Continue reading →

Adventures, Entertainment, Technology, The Daily Feed, The District, The Hill
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Sneak Peek: The Sant Ocean Hall at NMNH

Sant Ocean Hall

Wow, what a morning. I spent the morning walking through the new Sant Ocean Hall at the National Museum of Natural History on the Mall. We got an introduction from the direct of the museum, and a great tour through the 23,000 square-foot space. We’ll have a full review up on Friday as part of our Tourism column.

However, there was one bit that was way too cool to wait for Friday to share: Science on a Sphere®. The Smithsonian’s new exhibit features this cool technology from NOAA which involves multiple projectors and a suspended gray sphere. It’s based on four desktop computers running Linux and some multiple projectors. It’s just amazing. Click on for the full size video.

Continue reading →

The Daily Feed, The District
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Not So Car-Free Today


12th Street Corridor
Originally uploaded by maxedaperture

One of the big drawbacks of my job is that I can’t rely on Metro or the Bus to handle every place I need to go. So, for me, despite my desire to be car-free, I just can’t make it happen. And, judging by the traffic reports this morning, I’m far from alone. Hopefully, though, many were able to take public transit this morning, or carpool with friends to make it all work out.

For those who did make an effort to leave their wheels at home today, check out the Car-Free Festival on F St NW between 7th and 9th streets over by the National Gallery. You can’t miss the big balloon arches, and you can check out the new rent-shared bicycles that we love to hate so much.