By Brian Mosley
bailey’s cupcake
courtesy of ekelly80
This photo just made me smile. With Saint Paddy’s Day coming up next week, the sight of this perfectly made cupcake, and the green shoes, put me in the mood of the season. On an artistic level, this is a perspective that we all know well; who hasn’t taken a look at their yummy sweet just before devouring it? But Erin invested in some self-control and took the time to capture this perfect, Irish sight. May the luck of the Irish be with you all!
By Addison H
‘DSC_5742’
courtesy of ‘bhrome’
Mike Green reclaimed his “Game Over” moniker and sent the rebound of a Dennis Wideman shot from the point trickling into the net as the Washington Capitals defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime in front of a raucous Verizon Center crowd, the 107th consecutive sellout. The Capitals almost held on to win in regulation, but Jussi Jokinen scored for the Hurricanes with just over a minute remaining and their goalie, Brian Boucher, pulled in favor of the extra attacker.
By Donna C.
‘Bizarro Tulips’
courtesy of ‘theqspeaks’
Tonight marks the launch party for the 2011 Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital; soon the lights will go down for 150 films from 40 countries that illustrate the connection between energy and the environment.
The festival runs from March 15-27 in various locations around the city, and it includes talks by 55 filmmakers and 94 special guests. Tonight’s kickoff starts at 6:30 in the Warner Building Atrium and features art, dance, and music.
Which of this year’s films are of local interest?
Continue reading
By Ben H. Rome
Last year at this time, DC was buried under Snowmaggedon. The Caps lit the region with a hard-fought win over the Penguins as everyone prepped for the Super Bowl. This year, it’s deja-vu…sorta.
The Caps came into this afternoon’s contest on a mission to establish themselves and their game plan. After their dominating win over Tampa on Friday, it was imperative the Caps continue their new-found momentum as the Pittsburgh Penguins visited the Verizon Center.
Pittsburgh, however, arrived missing two of their marquee players. Sidney Crosby was currently out of the lineup due to lingering concussion symptoms from a Jan 5 game against Tampa Bay, and Evgeni Malkin was out, awaiting a second opinion on his torn MCL/ACL in his right knee. (Malkin may be out for the season at this point.) Continue reading
By Ben H. Rome
‘DSC_9034’
courtesy of ‘bhrome’
At the beginning of the season, many fans of the Caps pretty much wanted to fast-forward to mid-April and get going with the playoffs. Going into this year’s campaign, the Caps looked pretty good on paper and were predicted to be yet again runaway winners of the Southeast Division and one of the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference.
Now? Well, it’s not all doom and gloom – but reality has definitely sunk in.
The Caps currently sit second in the Southeast Division, one point behind the current leader, Tampa Bay. And two points behind the Caps? The surprisingly strong Atlanta Thrashers. This year’s division race will not be a repeat of last year, when the Caps had sealed their division title before the Ides of March with a thirty point cushion. It will come down to the wire again, much like 2007-08, when the Caps wrested the title from the Carolina Hurricanes on the last game of the season.
When comparing the first half of this season to the last two, the Caps are virtually in the same spot. Currently sitting with 52 points this year, it’s only three points less than last season and five points less than two years back. True, it is “less than,” which annoys many fans to no end. But considering the adversity and issues the team has had to deal with so far, the fact that they’re not less than 10 or 15 points back is something to take a bit of pride in. Or is it?
Let’s break the team down so far and see what we can see. Continue reading
By Donna C.
’67A #1′
courtesy of ‘Chris Rief aka Spodie Odie’
If you like buying stuff online at a steep discount, check out the newest program in town – Greenbacks. The twist? It’s all green, giving you at least 40% off of eco-friendly products, services, and events.
To celebrate the launch, today and tomorrow you can get a $50 gift card to Java Green and the new Cafe Green for only $25. Just buy the coupon, print it off, and take it to them.
Each week, Greenbacks will offer new deals at places like Holeco® Wellness Medi Spa, Herban Lifestyle, Big Bad Woof, and Energy Efficiency Experts, all eco-friendly businesses in the DC-metro area.
And if it’s on Greenbacks, you’ll know it’s green–each product or service goes through Live Green’s rigorous vetting process, which measures quality, social responsibility, and the greenness of both the product/service and the business’ operations.
By Donna C.
‘The Lawnmower Man (197/365)’
courtesy of ‘NomadicLass’
You may think that grass and veggies are inherently green, but a new guide tells you how to make yours even greener. If you want to learn more,visit https://www.anjtreeservice.com/.
The Climate-Friendly Gardener: A Guide to Combating Global Warming from the Ground Up, tells you how to lock carbon dioxide in the soil so it doesn’t heat the atmosphere.
“Gardening practices alone won’t solve global warming, but they can move us in the right direction, just like installing super efficient light bulbs and using reusable bags,” said Karen Perry Stillerman, a DC-based senior analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists Food and Environment Program, which released the guide.
Tips include avoiding chemicals and motorized equipment, planting trees and shrubs so they shade your house and block wind, minimizing fertilizer and water use on your lawn, composting, and planting winter crops.
By Donna C.
‘froyo’
courtesy of ‘laurarotondo’
The eco-conscious Sweetflow Mobile will be making stops in Virginia today and DC tomorrow to celebrate the 11 Kimpton Hotels that were recently Green Seal Certified at the Silver Level — meaning they’ve achieved standards to minimize waste, conserve energy, manage fresh water and waste water, prevent pollution, and commit to environmentally sensitive purchasing.
Be one of the first 50 when the truck arrives at each hotel, and you can get a free cone with one topping, such as strawberries, granola, or organic chocolate chips. You also can enter a raffle for a free weekend getaway at each hotel and get the “inside scoop” on the company’s more than 80 green products and practices.
Where and when: Virginia – Today at Hotel Palomar Arlington (3:15 p.m.), Hotel Monaco Alexandria (4:45 p.m.), Morrison House (5:30 p.m.), and Lorien Hotel & Spa (6:15 p.m.); DC – Friday at Hotel George (10 a.m.), Hotel Monaco Washington DC (11 a.m.), Helix Hotel (Noon), Hotel Rouge (3 p.m.), Topaz Hotel (4 p.m.), Hotel Madera (5 p.m.), and Hotel Palomar Washington DC (6 p.m.).
‘green roof’
courtesy of ‘(afm)’
Building environmentally sound buildings is extremely important because people spend the majority of their life indoors, and nobody wants to live, work, or play in a space that could be potentially detrimental to their mental or physical health. Furthermore, even more imperative, is the status of our schools. A place where children are meant to grow and learn – and be safe – yet, many primary and secondary schools expose children to toxins and other potentially harmful deficiencies.
Tonight, the National Building Museum is hosting For the Greener Good Lecture Series on Sustainable Schools, where expert healthcare, design, and education panelists will convene to share ideas for building schools – discussing the art and science of the education environment.
Learn why greener schools mean a brighter future for everyone.
For the Greener Good Lecture Series: Sustainable Schools will be from 6:30 – 8:00 PM. The cost is $12 for members and $20 for non-members, Free for students with valid ID. You can purchase tickets here or at the door.
By Donna C.
‘Green grass, Masonville Cove’
courtesy of ‘sidewalk flying’
In its just-released May issue, the Washingtonian names the winners of its 2010 Green Awards, which honor those who protect the environment and teach others the importance of eco-friendly living.
Loyal We Love DC readers may recognize a few names — Philip O’Neal and Rhon Hayes, co-founders of Green DMV, whose Greater Washington Green Jobs Corps graduates weatherized the Gospel Rescue Ministries homeless shelter earlier this year; Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea, who told us why he loves DC; and Tracy Bowen of the Alice Ferguson Foundation, which organized the massive Potomac River Watershed Cleanup for which We Love DC co-sponsored a site earlier this month.
See the issue for more on the efforts these and all honorees have made. A hearty congratulations to all the winners! Keep up the great green work!
By Katie
Here’s another feature where WeLoveDC authors Donna (greenie) and Katie (foodie) have paired up to tell you about local restaurants that take on the challenge of being green. Donna will explain the logic behind the environmentally friendly trends, and Katie will tell you if the food tastes any good. It’s a rough life, but someone has to do it, right?
Katie: When I first heard about Mixt Greens opening in DC I was already bored. We have Chop’t, we have Sweetgreen, what in the heck are we going to do with another lunch-only salad place? But someone who eats as much as I do can always use a good salad. So when I was invited to try it out, I went hesitantly, and without much expectation. And I must say, I’m a convert. Continue reading
By Donna C.
‘Tree in the puddle’
courtesy of ‘fromcaliw/love’
It’s the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and green events are springing up citywide — an amazing number and variety. Highlighted are movies, drinks and more drinks, a special dinner, a “Song of the Earth” concert, an outdoor music festival, cleanups, a fundraiser to snug up homes for low-income residents, a walk for water, and even a seminar on making paper from junk mail.
And that’s just what happens next week. Events between now and the middle of next week appear in Part 1 (just in case you missed it).
Catch a Party and a Flick: No Impact Man
Thursday, April 22
6:30 and 8:15 p.m. (screenings); 6:45 – 10 p.m. (reception)
DC / U St.
AED Globe Theater (Formerly Visions), 1927 Florida Avenue, NW
$16 (film and reception)
Come see No Impact Man and attend the reception before or after your 90-minute screening. The film tells the story of Colin Beavan, a newly self-proclaimed environmentalist who could no long avoid pointing the finger at himself.
He left behind his liberal complacency for a vow to make as little environmental impact as possible for one year. No more automated transportation, electricity, non-local food, or material consumption. See the effect on him and his less-than-earth-friendly family.
Continue reading
By Donna C.
‘Peanut Butter & Jelly’
courtesy of ‘@joefoodie’
Here’s an idea: as Earth Day approaches, check out the PB&J Campaign.
The idea is that each time you have a PB&J, you shrink your carbon footprint, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution, cut back on habitat destruction, and conserve water.
And you get grade-A comfort food to boot. Where’s the best in town? Our authors are divided on the merits of Potbelly’s. What do you think?
By Ben H. Rome
‘DSC_6297’
courtesy of ‘bhrome’
Finally.
After what seemed like weeks of waiting – ever since the Olympics were over, really – the Washington Capitals finally enter the NHL postseason. First opponent in the opening salvos of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals?
The Montreal Canadiens.
The Caps desperately want to get the right skate forward this year; after last year’s rough start dropping the first two games at home against the Rangers, it’s something the team is aching to move past. And by all accounts from various team sources the last couple of days, they’re not only aware of it, they’re chomping at the bit to roll.
Despite the Habs’ recent struggles, however, the Caps cannot enter the series tomorrow taking Montreal for granted. True, the Habs enter the postseason after only notching three wins in their final 11 games. And true, forward Michael Cammalleri hasn’t been nearly as effective in his first nine games after knee surgery, nor has the netminder situation been anything spectacular. No team enters the NHL’s “second season” not wanting the prize at the end of the two-month campaign.
Let’s not kid around – both of these teams want the Stanley Cup. Montreal, to start its next century off right after last year’s dismal failure to celebrate their 100 years in style. Washington, to finally grab the golden ring of hockey that has been oh-so-close only a handful of times in its young (relative to Montreal) hockey existence.
So let’s look over the keys to Round One, starting here in the District on Thursday at 7 p.m.
By Donna C.
‘DSC_2744’
courtesy of ‘Ghost_Bear’
Starting today, you can tiptoe through the tulips and pick some too at America’s First Organic Tulip Festival, held an hour or so down the road in Madison, Virginia. (Charlottesville, Shenandoah National Park, and wineries are in that part of the world, too.)
Wander their 10,000 square foot garden and pick as many of their 40,000 tulips as you’d like, for $1 a stem. You can also spread out a picnic in the organic show garden, among more than 50 different types of flowers, including daffodils, alliums, grape hyacinths and irises.
What does organic mean? That they were raised pesticide-free, for a healthy plant and a healthy planet.
By Donna C.
‘Black Thai’
courtesy of ‘Samer Farha’
Spring has sprung, and with it a plethora of green-focused events — all involving drinks. So check out this list, and plan to attend a happy hour, or two or three. And make a toast to spring, and Mother Earth!
Have a Good, Clean Drink
Bartending For Change – World Water Day
Wednesday, March 24
6 – 9 p.m.
Downtown/U Street
Ulah Bistro, 1214 U St., NW
To celebrate World Water Day, Salim Bhabhrawala, an experienced bartender and one of the founders of Bartending4Change, will serve as guest bartender. Sam’s tips, as well as 10 percent of Ulah Bistro’s proceeds, will be donated to Water For People, which supports sustainable drinking water, sanitation and hygiene projects for impoverished people worldwide. Drink up!
Beer for the Common Good
Drink Beer and Save the World
Thursday, March 25
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Downtown
District Chophouse, The Vault Room, 509 7th St., NW
Brewer Barrett Lauer presents seven hand-crafted ales with appetizers as beer activist Chris O’Brien discusses how drinking slow beer builds community and a more sustainable world. O’Brien, co-owner of the Seven Bridges Organic Brewing Supply Cooperative and Director of Sustainability at American University, will sign copies of his award-winning book Fermenting Revolution: How to Drink Beer and Save the World and answer all your questions about beer. This sounds so selfless, doesn’t it?
Continue reading
Caring about the environment is the cool thing to do, right?
According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, when people shop in public they tend to favor green and more earth friendly products – however, when shopping online people tend to favor the ‘regular stuff’; thus suggesting that “green purchases are often motivated by status,” says Vladas Griskevicius, co-author of the study.
Although I find this study to be quite interesting, I wonder how variables such as statewide or citywide mandates could moderate this study’s outcome. Since the District’s 5-cent bag tax law took effect, not only is going green now hip – but if you want to watch your pennies, it’s basically required.
I don’t really thing in the end anyone really cares what your reasons for being environmentally conscious truly are, because as long as a difference is being made then it doesn’t really matter right?
By Donna C.
Winter Pie with celery root puree
Here’s another edition of our Farm Fresh feature where WeLoveDC authors Donna (greenie) and Katie (foodie) have paired up to tell you about local area restaurants that take on the challenge of being green. Donna explains the restaurant’s environmentally friendly efforts and Katie tells you if the food tastes any good. It’s a rough life, but someone has to do it, right?
Katie: Radius is one of those neighborhood gems that make you feel like you won the jackpot when you discover it. Tucked away on the second floor of an old row house on Mount Pleasant Street in Columbia Heights/Mount Pleasant, the little pizzeria is one of my very favorite restaurants in the city. Last April, husband and wife team Todd and Nicole Wiss took over the former Italian eatery and turned it into one of the city’s most eco-conscious restaurants.
Donna: Chef Todd and his Nicole met while working at Poste Moderne Brassiere, which also has a commitment to local and sustainable food. It was there, while directing a James Beard Dinner that Todd became passionate about farm-to-table cooking. “Having eaten this way the majority of my life, I found it really important to make it our goal to create awareness to the diner that this is really important for the sustainability of our land, for future farming, and future generations,” said Todd. And then he shared that other reason: “It tastes a hell of a lot better!”
Continue reading
By Donna C.
Dirt! The Movie - © Gene Rosow
Break out the organic popcorn — the Environmental Film Festival is coming. From March 16-28, you can see up to 155 films from 31 countries. This year’s theme is the connection between food and the environment.
Going Green DC has a good wrapup of the festival’s global and local highlights. A Road Not Taken, which talks about the solar panels that once graced the White House roof, is another of the 13 local films.
So are Not a Distant Beast and “River of Hope”: Welcome to our City, Mr. President, which share the story of locals’ relationship with the Anacostia River.
Nora! features the founder of Restaurant Nora, the nation’s first certified organic restaurant. In Coal Country, Appalachian miners and activists tell the story of mountaintop removal coal mining, which helps to power the DC area.
This year, the festival received funds to offer additional free screenings to young and underserved audiences at libraries, museums, and theatres throughout the DC area. A launch party takes place March 10 at the Warner Theatre.
By Donna C.
‘Plenty of Plants!’
courtesy of ‘mscaprikell’
Those Arlington greenies are at it again. They spent New Year’s dreaming up a community energy plan, and now they’ve been chosen as one of four local governments nationwide to receive assistance for a Green Office Challenge program.
This friendly competition will encourage property managers and office tenants to save money, energy and water in their buildings and to reduce waste.
The ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, which developed the challenge with Chicago last year, will give the county guidance and technical support. Charleston, Nashville and San Diego also will take the challenge.
Luckily, there will be no competition from Dunder Mifflin’s “As Green As We Have To Be” initiative and “one cup per day” water cooler plan.
By 