Saturday, May 14, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Morning Walk
After a stop at Chinatown Coffee Company this morning (which was TOTALLY empty ... holiday weekend, I guess), we walked to Union Station and back, and this SunTrust Bank building really caught my eye.
The façade appears to be made of a very corrosion-prone sandstone, because it is quite literally wearing away. You can't see the backside very well from this angle, but it doesn't connect to anything. I suspect when they built the very modern building behind it they wanted to maximize ground-level window space, so they left the buildings unconnected. The SunTrust building itself is almost all windows, which makes it very appealing.
We also saw this guy for the first time.
The Victims of Communism Memorial at the intersections of New Jersey Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue, and G Street NW. Who knew this thing existed? We've got a memorial for everything here. From the website of the memorial foundation, which touts a Glenn Beck [spit] documentary, I don't think this is a non-partisan affair. To me, having lived through the 80's, this organization seems a bit quaint for its objective of keeping alive the fight against communism.
Here's my chance to play off a quote of Ferris Bueller, quoting John Lennon:
"Not that I condone [commun]ism, or any -ism for that matter. -Ism's in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an -ism, he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon, 'I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me.' Good point there. After all, he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. I'd still have to bum rides off people. "
We also saw this guy for the first time.
Here's my chance to play off a quote of Ferris Bueller, quoting John Lennon:
"Not that I condone [commun]ism, or any -ism for that matter. -Ism's in my opinion are not good. A person should not believe in an -ism, he should believe in himself. I quote John Lennon, 'I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me.' Good point there. After all, he was the walrus. I could be the walrus. I'd still have to bum rides off people. "
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Screen on the Green
Got so wrapped up in yesterday's loves-me-loves-me-not streetcar drama that I missed the day's other fantastic news for lovers of District culture: Screen on the Green has been saved! So are HBO and Comcast going to go through this whole teasing exercise every year?
Update: A schedule might be helpful. See after the jump.
Update: A schedule might be helpful. See after the jump.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Death of the Streetcar
Bad news being reported at Greater Greater Washington: All funding for the streetcar program has been cut. Guess that means H Street real estate just got more affordable.
The culprit? Mayoral candidate and fence-bylaw-flouter Vincent Gray and his Deputy Director for Capital Projects, Sarah Campbell. GGW notes that Campbell is friends with the anti-overhead-wire lobby, which, in turn, is no good friend of the streetcar project. According to GGW, "There's no way to know for sure how much of her opposition came from professional opinions or personal loyalties." But more than anything, I think Gray wanted to make a splash in his campaign for mayor and prove that he can make "tough" budget decisions.
I know he made a splash with ctrl+alt+dc. It's looking like some FENTY 2010 banners may be popping up around these parts. The primaries will be held September 14, 2010.
Update: Officially dead.
Update 2: Signs of life?
Councilmember Tommy Wells has responded to my email of support as follows:
Tommy
The culprit? Mayoral candidate and fence-bylaw-flouter Vincent Gray and his Deputy Director for Capital Projects, Sarah Campbell. GGW notes that Campbell is friends with the anti-overhead-wire lobby, which, in turn, is no good friend of the streetcar project. According to GGW, "There's no way to know for sure how much of her opposition came from professional opinions or personal loyalties." But more than anything, I think Gray wanted to make a splash in his campaign for mayor and prove that he can make "tough" budget decisions.
I know he made a splash with ctrl+alt+dc. It's looking like some FENTY 2010 banners may be popping up around these parts. The primaries will be held September 14, 2010.
Update: Officially dead.
Update 2: Signs of life?
Councilmember Tommy Wells has responded to my email of support as follows:
I’m arguing against these cuts to the streetcar system and just voted against the budget because of it. There is a final vote later this afternoon and I have an amendment ready to introduce to restore some of the funds.
Please keep calls and emails to my colleagues coming.
Update 3: Success!
The funding has been restored.
From Nikita Stewart at the Washington Post's Breaking News Blog:
“The decision to restore funding came just hours after the council said they would pull money from the streetcars to fund other services. But within moments of the decision, the council was inundated with calls.”
Nice work everybody!
Overheard in Penn Quarter
Pedestrian #1: "I thought she was a singer."
Pedestrian #2: "Oh no, honey, she's a Pussycat Doll."
Pedestrian #2: "Oh no, honey, she's a Pussycat Doll."
Monday, May 24, 2010
Walk On
Rebecca at We Love DC reports that fair Washington has been named America's fittest city. Again. And again. That's three years in a row. As Rebecca notes, the methodology is a little bit suspect, and is based mostly on the potential for fitness, rather than actual fitness. But at least Peter King at SI thinks that Washington is "the best walking city in America." And the Daily Beast thinks we're the hottest state. So choke on it, Philly.
Kidding.
Kidding.
Week Preview
Overcast skies greet the District this morning. A light week ahead for the ctrl+alt+dc gang.
On Tuesday, cooking class at CulinAerie just off Thomas Circle.
Wednesday opens softball season on Monument Field.
With any luck, Friday should find us at the first installment of this year's Jazz in the Garden series at the National Sculpture Garden.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
There's a Day for Everything
Happy Law Day! Or as we call it in the District, May 1st.
In honor of the happy occasion, a rundown of some of our favorite law-oriented t-shirts after the jump.
In honor of the happy occasion, a rundown of some of our favorite law-oriented t-shirts after the jump.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Washington Post Review
Here's a summary of what caught my eye in this morning's Washington Post.
Democratic leaders in Congress scuttled the bill that would have given DC a vote in the House. In the end, the cost—DC's gun control laws—was jut too great. I'm inclined to agree. DC residents seemed too quick to trade in some of the District's hard-won home-rule powers for what, really, isn't an enormous amount of say in national matters. One congressman seems unlikely to shake things up as much as, say, one senator might. But it'll be a cold (maybe unconstitutional?) day in hell when the Senate gives DC a spot at the table. Until that cold day we'll have to resign ourselves to just thinking nationally and voting locally.
And speaking of home rule, DC is one step closer to legalizing medical marijuana. First gay marriage, and now this? DC is definitely leading the way to a brighter, more progressive future. Well, if not "leading" then at least getting on the bandwagon relatively early.
Finally, the Post reports that DC is seeking federal funds for its H Street streetcar project. Hopefully everything falls into place and we can start getting some hot new public transit action on our way to Granville Moore's by the end of 2012. The Chinatown-to-H-Street shuttle service, while much appreciated, leaves much to be desired.
Democratic leaders in Congress scuttled the bill that would have given DC a vote in the House. In the end, the cost—DC's gun control laws—was jut too great. I'm inclined to agree. DC residents seemed too quick to trade in some of the District's hard-won home-rule powers for what, really, isn't an enormous amount of say in national matters. One congressman seems unlikely to shake things up as much as, say, one senator might. But it'll be a cold (maybe unconstitutional?) day in hell when the Senate gives DC a spot at the table. Until that cold day we'll have to resign ourselves to just thinking nationally and voting locally.
And speaking of home rule, DC is one step closer to legalizing medical marijuana. First gay marriage, and now this? DC is definitely leading the way to a brighter, more progressive future. Well, if not "leading" then at least getting on the bandwagon relatively early.
Finally, the Post reports that DC is seeking federal funds for its H Street streetcar project. Hopefully everything falls into place and we can start getting some hot new public transit action on our way to Granville Moore's by the end of 2012. The Chinatown-to-H-Street shuttle service, while much appreciated, leaves much to be desired.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Pall Over Tonight's Nationals Game
The New York Times reports that Colorado Rockies President Keli McGregor has been found dead in a Salt Lake City hotel room. The mood at tonight's Nationals-Rockies game certainly will be somber.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Caps-Habs Game 2
Tough way to open the night for the Caps. Down 0-1 within the first minute and 0-2 about seven minutes later, bringing a premature end to Theo's time in the goal for the game (and likely the rest of the playoffs). Fehr brings the Caps within one until Montreal gets their third goal in the second period.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Emancipation Day
A little history lesson from a friend at Ford's Theatre:
On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln declared emancipation for all enslaved persons within theDistrict of Columbia District of Columbia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Day#Washington.2C_D.C.
On April 16, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln declared emancipation for all enslaved persons within the
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emancipation_Day#Washington.2C_D.C.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Red Riding Trilogy
I missed the Red Riding Trilogy's brief run at the Landmark E Street Cinema. Luckily the films were all available on demand. Still are, actually, until some time in April.
I'll leave the criticism to the professionals. But I really, really liked these films. Strong performances throughout. Particularly Paddy Considine in "The Year of Our Lord 1980" and David Morrissey in "The Year of Our Lord 1983." The first two films together recall Roberto Bolaño's 2666. (Yes of course the Red Riding books were written first. But whatever.) The third film stands a bit apart in my mind, perhaps because it has to wrap up all the threads. The trilogy requires quite a bit of patience until those threads came together. But the wait is definitely rewarded.
I'll leave the criticism to the professionals. But I really, really liked these films. Strong performances throughout. Particularly Paddy Considine in "The Year of Our Lord 1980" and David Morrissey in "The Year of Our Lord 1983." The first two films together recall Roberto Bolaño's 2666. (Yes of course the Red Riding books were written first. But whatever.) The third film stands a bit apart in my mind, perhaps because it has to wrap up all the threads. The trilogy requires quite a bit of patience until those threads came together. But the wait is definitely rewarded.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Super Bowl XLIV Commercials - Q4 Winners and Losers
WINNERS
Vizio Internet Apps
Taco Bell (but only for Sir Charles)
Vizio Internet Apps
Taco Bell (but only for Sir Charles)
LOSERS
Emerald Nuts / Pop Secret
Budweiser: Bull / Clydesdales (one too many times at this well)
Denny's: Damned screaming chickens
Audi TDI: Green police (smug alert)
Doritos: Stolen Doritos from locker
Bud Light: Book club
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Super Bowl XLIV Commercials - 3Q Winners and Losers
WINNERS
VW: Slug bugs
HomeAway.com: Chevy Chase / Vacation
Coke: Serengeti sleepwalker
e*trade: "Milk-a-what?"
Google
Kia Sorento: Toys fantasizing
VW: Slug bugs
HomeAway.com: Chevy Chase / Vacation
Coke: Serengeti sleepwalker
e*trade: "Milk-a-what?"
Kia Sorento: Toys fantasizing
LOSERS
MotoBlur: Megan Fox (too easy)
Bridgestone: Wife/Life pun
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Super Bowl XLIV Commercials - Q2 Winners and Losers
WINNERS
Budweiser: Human bridge
Letterman: With Leno and Oprah
CareerBuilder.com: No pants
Hyundai: Brett Farve 2020 retirement. Or not.
Dove: Men+Care
FTD Flowers
TruTV: Punxsutawny Polamalu
LOSERS
Dockers: "No pants" song immediately after CareerBuilder.com commercial
Bud Light: "Lost" gimmick
Dodge: "I'm a guy who does crap that girls want ... So I get to drive a Dodge. Ugh ugh ugh."
Dr. Pepper: Little Kiss
N.O. Decision to go for it on 4th & goal
FloTV: "Guys, you don't like shopping, so take one of our TVs with you. Ugh ugh ugh."
Intel: Robot foot in mouth
Budweiser: Human bridge
Letterman: With Leno and Oprah
CareerBuilder.com: No pants
Hyundai: Brett Farve 2020 retirement. Or not.
Dove: Men+Care
FTD Flowers
TruTV: Punxsutawny Polamalu
LOSERS
Dockers: "No pants" song immediately after CareerBuilder.com commercial
Bud Light: "Lost" gimmick
Dodge: "I'm a guy who does crap that girls want ... So I get to drive a Dodge. Ugh ugh ugh."
Dr. Pepper: Little Kiss
N.O. Decision to go for it on 4th & goal
FloTV: "Guys, you don't like shopping, so take one of our TVs with you. Ugh ugh ugh."
Intel: Robot foot in mouth
Super Bowl XLIV Commercials - Halftime Winners and Losers
WINNERS
FloTV: "We Didn't Start the Fire" / "My G-g-generation" makes constant TV viewing seem imperative
FloTV: "We Didn't Start the Fire" / "My G-g-generation" makes constant TV viewing seem imperative
LOSERS
Carmax: Dramatic animals (maybe they'll do a wedding dance video next)
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Super Bowl XLIV Commercials - Q2 Winners and Losers
WINNERS
Budweiser: Human bridge
Letterman: With Leno and Oprah
CareerBuilder.com: No pants
Hyundai: Brett Farve 2020 retirement. Or not.
Dove: Men+Care
FTD Flowers
TruTV: Punxsutawny Polamalu
Budweiser: Human bridge
Letterman: With Leno and Oprah
CareerBuilder.com: No pants
Hyundai: Brett Farve 2020 retirement. Or not.
Dove: Men+Care
FTD Flowers
TruTV: Punxsutawny Polamalu
LOSERS
Dockers: "No pants" song immediately after CareerBuilder.com commercial
Bud Light: "Lost" gimmick
Dodge: "I'm a guy who does crap that girls want ... So I get to drive a Dodge. Ugh ugh ugh."
Dr. Pepper: Little Kiss
N.O. Decision to go for it on 4th & goal
FloTV: "Guys, you don't like shopping, so take one of our TVs with you. Ugh ugh ugh."
Intel: Robot foot in mouth
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Super Bowl XLIV Commercials - Q1 Winners and Losers
WINNERS
Snickers: Tackling Betty White and Abe Vigoda
Doritos: Keep your hands off (1) my mama and (2) my Doritos
Coke: Simpsons
Bud Light: AutoTune with T-Pain and guacamole
Bridgestone: Killer whale rescue
Cars.com: Birthing a baby tiger
LOSERS
Bud Light: Bud Light house
Doritos: Dog collar
Bud Light: Scientist nookie
Monster.com: Fiddling beaver
Monster.com: Danica massage
Snickers: Tackling Betty White and Abe Vigoda
Doritos: Keep your hands off (1) my mama and (2) my Doritos
Coke: Simpsons
Bud Light: AutoTune with T-Pain and guacamole
Bridgestone: Killer whale rescue
Cars.com: Birthing a baby tiger
LOSERS
Bud Light: Bud Light house
Doritos: Dog collar
Bud Light: Scientist nookie
Monster.com: Fiddling beaver
Monster.com: Danica massage
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