DCist

Froyo-pocalypse at TangySweet Penn Quarter

Thursday marks the opening of the second TangySweet location, this one in Penn Quarter (the former Juan Valdez Cafe). The store is in addition to their latest trendy venture - Red Velvet Cupcakery. To celebrate the opening, they will be serving up free frozen yogurt from 11a.m. to 11 p.m. Take a look at our story on the opening of the first Tangysweet location. For those of you willing to brave the cool temps and knock-down winds predicted for tomorrow, enjoy!

Tangysweet
675 E St. NW
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Image courtesy of: aliciagriffin

Comments

I give this place 3 months before they shut it down due to lack of business. That corner is cursed.

Posted by yonas January 7, 2009 2:20 PM

TCBY called from 1987, they want their fad back.

Posted by Virginia is for Losers January 7, 2009 2:23 PM

Any news on the JuicySweet shop around the corner? They're supposed to serve whole fish hand-bashed on a rock, courtesy your host Gollum. I could do without the singing, though.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 2:29 PM

Is this city too classy for a White Castle? We had one before. What happened to cheap affordable foods for the poor and lower middle class? I never go into these joints.
No time for sit and spin.

Posted by Deep January 7, 2009 2:32 PM

I find the idea that a cupcake shop could be trendy pretty laughable. Ah, yes, this is DC, where early-2000s trends from nearby large cities go to die.

Posted by ricky d January 7, 2009 2:37 PM

I was just thinking the same thing! Low income DC residents are terribly underserved by the fried starch and processed meat industries. Why, did you know that there is not a single place in Penn Quarter to buy a 40 of Micky's? Classism! Where is Marion Barry on this? I demand justice! Disgusting, greasy, barely edible justice!

Posted by NorthCap January 7, 2009 2:37 PM

Springsteen Rumored to Perform Free Show During Inauguration

Yesterday, the Presidential Inaugural Committee sent out a release announcing that a deal had been struck with HBO that would allow the pay cable network to broadcast exclusively an event being called the "Opening Celebration for the 56th Presidential Inaugural," a free concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial planned for Sunday, January 18. The release boasted that event will feature "some of the biggest acts in the world of entertainment." Today, WTOP reported they've heard that Bruce Springsteen is expected to headline.

Now, the key word here is "expected." Rumors were rampant that Springsteen was also "expected" to perform at Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field in Denver at the end of the Democratic Nation Convention last August, but the Boss never materialized (Stevie Wonder and Michael McDonald played instead). We're sure WTOP has what they think is reliable information, but when it comes to Bruce Springsteen, we don't recommend betting that he'll follow through, though of course we'd love to pleasantly surprised. Given the involvement of HBO, though, we can at least be sure that some big name act will be performing a free concert in Washington on January 18. So stay tuned. Full release from the PIC on the HBO deal after the jump.

HBO to Exclusively Televise the Celebration of America to Kick Off Inaugural Opening Festivities at the Lincoln Memorial

Washington, D.C. - The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) is pleased to announce that HBO will exclusively televise the Opening Celebration for the 56th Presidential Inaugural, a celebration of America to be held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday, January 18th. HBO will televise the event that evening on an open signal, working with all of its distributors to allow Americans across the country with access to cable or satellite television to join in the Opening Celebration for free.

The Opening Celebration will be a marquis event, featuring some of the biggest acts in the world of entertainment to celebrate our common heritage and our new direction. President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden will both attend the event, which will be free and open to the public.

"We are very excited that HBO will be televising the kick-off event for our Inaugural," said PIC Executive Director Emmett S. Beliveau. "Their proven track record as a leader in television will help ensure an event that reflects President-elect Obama's commitment to holding an inauguration that is open, accessible and reflects America's spirit of unity. The Presidential Inaugural Committee is committed to staging an Opening Celebration that reflects the best of our nation, and we are pleased that millions of people across the country will be able to share in this historic experience."

"We are honored to be broadcasting an event of this national significance featuring some of the leading talent from the music and entertainment industry," said Bill Nelson, Chairman & CEO, Home Box Office. "HBO is proud to work with all of our distributors to make this event accessible to as many citizens as possible."

Televised to the nation, the Opening Celebration will be a declaration of common purpose and new beginnings. The Sunday afternoon performance will be grounded in history and brought to life with entertainment that relates to the themes that shaped Barack Obama's campaign and which will be the hallmarks of his administration.

For the latest information on the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, please visit www.pic2009.org.

Comments

Yay! I love unsubstantiated rumors! I heard a rumor that the stinking corpse of Robert Mitchum will make a suprise performance of "The Ballad of Thunder Road" and then he'll go after Gregory Peck's daughter.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 2:13 PM

I suggest an open mike night. One hour of unadulterated
rhythm and booze. The finale will be the entire mall singing the theme song from The Bodyguard.

and I..............
will always love you...........

Posted by Deep January 7, 2009 2:28 PM

Photo of the Day: January 7, 2009

Our schizophrenic weather these days is pretty annoying; we kinda wish it would just pick a direction already, even if it means some serious -pocalypse warnings from Davy DCist. That's probably why we were taken with Aziz Y's photo from last January of the frozen-over Capitol Reflecting Pool, cause it, you know, went there. And look at those sea gulls, prancing around, acting like it's no big deal to walk on water.

Hey, you know what today is? We know you do. Get 'em in before midnight!

Comments

davy dcist is a punk. he wouldn't dare show his face today!

Posted by IMGoph January 7, 2009 12:40 PM

Using the word "schizophrenic" in a flip way is also pretty annoying, but so it goes.

Posted by mellbell January 7, 2009 1:07 PM

It's also bad grammar. Schizophrenia is characterized by hallucinatory behavior, paranoia, delusions, and disorganized speech, none of which are applicable to the weather. What they really mean is that the weather is exhibiting multiple personality disorder, but that doesnt' make for a really good blurb.

Anyway, both of my personalities agree with mellbell.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 1:13 PM

We've been awfully lucky these few years. No major snow storms or severe weather days. Looks like we've got some special weather guardian. For instance, last night..if the temperature had dipped just 5 degrees..it would have been a disaster. I'm talking slip sliding away and at least 5 inches of snow.

Weather guardian, please go away. I want a snow day.

Posted by Deep January 7, 2009 1:20 PM

agreed. i want a disastrous, mother f'in blizzard.

Posted by McGillicuddy January 7, 2009 1:24 PM

This is the 13th anniversary of the Blizzard of 96. If it had been cold enough we could have had a wonderful repeat. Damn global warming.

Posted by flapjack January 7, 2009 1:39 PM

We may have to sacrifice some virgins.....carnally to please the global warming demons. I volunteer myself for the female virgins. Please, No Kate Moss's. I like meat on my virgins. This may be the best way yet for a snow day.

Posted by Deep January 7, 2009 1:58 PM

'Taxation Without Representation' License Plates Could be Mandatory

The Examiner's Michael Neibauer reports today that the D.C. Council is considering requiring all license plates issued by the District Department of Motor Vehicles to be the 'Taxation Without Representation' version. Currently, residents may request a license plate from the DMV that bears the city's web site url, “www.dc.gov,” instead of the voting rights slogan.

The story predictably quotes voting rights rabble rouser Mark Plotkin saying he thinks making the plate mandatory is the right thing to do, but fails to address the most obvious question in our minds — will the slogan still carry the same weight in the event the DC Voting Rights Act, which was reintroduced in the House and Senate yesterday, is passed?

It's an issue that places voting rights pragmatists who have been pushing the current bill versus those who think settling for only one House member amounts to agreeing that the District deserves less than full representation. If the bill passes, District residents would still be being taxed without representation in the Senate, but we would no longer be able to claim that we have zero representation in Congress.

Would you support changing the slogan if the current bill passes? Or would bothering to point out that we have Taxation With 1/3 Representation just look ridiculous?

Comments

trying to deal with stuff like this in the middle of a fluid situation (our representation status) is patently ridiculous. jesus h. christ, if the council doesn't have enough to do, then they should all just go out to a movie or something.

Posted by IMGoph January 7, 2009 12:34 PM

Nothing says democratic idealism like forced political speech! Yay hypocrisy!

Posted by Reid January 7, 2009 12:35 PM

I'm all about congressional representation and all, but seriously, get a hobby city council. I suggest needlepoint, weight lifting, or any of the traditional means of achieving nirvana.

Posted by MahoganyShip January 7, 2009 12:38 PM

I'd support a DC license plate that says "Suck My Oil, Fools!". It's immune to the outcome of the voting rights legislation. Plus, it expresses my views on most topics in a clearer manner than the current license plate slogan.

Posted by cactus jack January 7, 2009 1:15 PM

If I had a car. I'd have a license plate that read:
DC This Space for Rent

or DC Home of Out-of-Towners

Posted by Deep January 7, 2009 1:29 PM

Not that DC government usually cares about such things, but such a move would probably be unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ruled over 30 years ago that a state cannot force a citizen to broadcast a message on a license plate --

"A system which secures the right to proselytize religious, political, and ideological causes must also guarantee the concomitant right to decline to foster such concepts. The right to speak and the right to refrain from speaking are complementary components of the broader concept of 'individual freedom of mind.'
. . .
"[W]here the State's interest is to disseminate an ideology, no matter how acceptable to some, such interest cannot outweigh an individual's First Amendment right to avoid becoming the courier for such message." Wooley v. Maynard, 430 U.S. 705 (1977)

Posted by washingtonydc January 7, 2009 1:38 PM

jesus h. christ, if the council doesn't have enough to do, then they should all just go out to a movie or something.

Yeah, I kind of agree with you. Here's a little something to get them started:

How about a new law that automatically and permanently revokes the taxi license of anyone operating a cab that has "dealer" tags.

Or a law that says any DC auto dealership must have proof of a passed DC inspection before issuing a temporary tag for any vehicle.

Or a law that says that any auto older than five years old that is sporting a "dealer" tag will be confiscated, crushed, and melted down into No Parking signs.

Posted by ibc January 7, 2009 1:40 PM

was that Live Free or Die in NH?

Posted by MSto January 7, 2009 1:44 PM

"Not that DC government usually cares about such things, but such a move would probably be unconstitutional. The Supreme Court ruled over 30 years ago that a state cannot force a citizen to broadcast a message on a license plate --"

washingtonydc: It's not so much a slogan advertising a political cause, but rather, a fact. I don't think anyone could argue that DC is taxed and does not have representation in Congress. It's pretty much equivalent to Florida having a statement on their license plates saying: "We have orange trees here!"

Posted by mlwdc January 7, 2009 2:03 PM

Good grief! Don't these asswipes on the City Council have any idea what a shithole this city has become? Employees are embezzling money from right under our noses, we're operating in a deficit, murders and assaults are on the rise (I could go on) ... but their answer to everything is mandating what's on my license plate? Go ahead, I'll just buy the biggest bottle of white out and create my own message. You'd think that renaming part of South Capitol Street would have gotten their rocks off.

p.s. my irritation while composing this post was exacerbated by the fact that my browser kept crashing ... can't wait for all the bugs to be fixed on the dcist site.

Posted by Wizzyliz January 7, 2009 2:08 PM

I personally would like DC to give us a greater choice of license plates like VA does. I have kept transferring my old plates over to each newer car because I don’t like the current places as much as the Celebrate and Discover plates. This would be a great way for DC to raise more money by charging for the plates. I would like a ‘Bitch Set Me Up’ plate with the starting letters MB and would gladly pay $100 extra for it.

With a large budget deficits facing DC, tons of crime, failing schools and other problems this may just be the time for the council to debate this important issue.

Posted by dcist20009 January 7, 2009 2:08 PM

If they made a "Bitch set me up!" license plate, I would totally move to DC and register my car in the city.

Maybe.

Posted by Henry Krinkle January 7, 2009 2:19 PM

The dealer I bought my car from handled the registration process, and we ended up with the www tags instead of the Taxation tags for some reason. So if Jim Graham wants to pony up the $15 or whatever fee, and stand in line at the DMV so I can have Taxation plates, then I'm all for it.

And I'm 100% for voting representation in congress, but I'd prefer the constitutional type, not this half-ass solution that Sherlock Holmes-Norton and DC Vote are shoving down our throats and wasting our time and tax dollars on. It's sure to be shot down by the Supreme Court, anyway.

Posted by Virginia is for Losers January 7, 2009 2:20 PM

I totally agree! Virginia seems to have a commemorative license plate for just about every cause or organization (even Maryland has a couple of different ones). DC will have just the Taxation Without Representation tags. Given the budget deficit, shouldn't they offer a bunch more license plate options to raise some money? Nah. That would only make sense and not be as good a Grahamstanding event as this lame-ass idea.

Posted by OldPosterKnownAsCranky January 7, 2009 2:25 PM

Making the license plates themselves could be a terrific hobby for idle hands. Of course, you need to serve a prison term to get a job like that. I'd see it as a real forward thinking move from our current DC Council.

Posted by boondoggle January 7, 2009 2:26 PM

But DC isn't a state. If it was there would be no need for the slogan in the first place.

Posted by boondoggle January 7, 2009 2:30 PM

Parking Meter Rate Hike Approved

After a first vote in late December, on Tuesday the D.C. Council gave final approval to a measure that doubles parking meter rates downtown from $1 to $2 an hour, reports WTOP's Mark Segraves. The rate hikes will also hit other parts of town, though less so -- expect to pay a quarter more an hour. District officials expect the hike to raise an additional $2 to $7 million a year, which will be directed to affordable housing programs and restoring the O Street Market.

The only vote against the rate hike came from Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large). According to his office, Mendelson voted against the legislation because he felt that the amount of the rate hike wasn't based on any local studies of traffic and parking conditions, and that it might not actually help facilitate turnover in on-street parking or promote alternative forms of transportation.

The D.C. Republican Committee also came out against the proposal, though for a different reason. In a statement, Chairman Robert J. Kabel said, "Six days into the New Year and the D.C. Council is already considering a new financial burden to place on District taxpayers. The Council should abandon [Council member Jim] Graham's meter rate hike, and find ways to cut their bloated budget. If the District's parking fares are less than our neighboring jurisdictions, why would we get rid of an economic incentive for people to shop and do business in the District."

In our minds, Mendo has a better reason to oppose the legislation than do the Republicans. We've written about making changes to parking rules in the District, and finding ways to make on-street parking more closely match its market value and promote quicker turnover is a good place to start. And while jacking up rates downtown is a political no-brainer -- how many people really live downtown? -- Mendo is right in pointing out than an arbitrary $1 jump may sound great, but it's not terribly scientific. The Republican Committee, though, seems to be stretching in assuming that the only incentive to shop in the District is that it has cheaper on-street parking than neighboring jurisdictions. (It might not -- Arlington has recently debated raising rates too.)

As an occasional driver myself, I can say that stricter on-street parking rules have had an obvious impact on whether or not I choose to drive somewhere in the city. Though I rarely drive into downtown, pumping that many quarters to park will very quickly dissuade me from ever trying to park there. That's not to say I won't ever go there -- just that my bike looks that much better now.

Picture by phot0matt

Comments

If there were more than three republican voters in the district, Kabel's comments might be worth something. As it is, the council has no reason to even bother giving him the time of day.

Posted by Moose January 7, 2009 12:12 PM

If they were smart, they'd be data mining this info to find out whether the hike is increasing space turnover or discouraging people from spending money downtown. I get the suspicion that it will end up being a little of both. Anyway, spending $4 instead of $2 to go to a gallery or restaurant isn't going to bankrupt me. And the most vehement complainers probably don't drive downtown anyway. Hell, they probably haven't been in DC since Marion Barry was on the School Board and only eating the occasional gristly teenager.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 12:15 PM

fact is, on street parking is still undervalued. it's so much cheaper than parking in a garage downtown. unfortunately, it's been too cheap for so long that people feel it's a birthright. tough shit, says i. no free lunch and all that tripe. if we have something valuable, we (the people of DC who own that public space) should start getting our money's worth from it.

i'm just disappointed that the council wimped out and didn't bring back saturday fees. should have sunday fees as well if you ask me. no reason anyone should have free use of that valuable, limited resource.

Posted by IMGoph January 7, 2009 12:15 PM

This is why I just park my Hummer on sidewalks.

Posted by OldPosterKnownAsCranky January 7, 2009 12:15 PM

$2 an hour is trivial compared to the cost of garage parking downtown - still nowhere near market rate for such a scarce resource.

On the other hand, getting rid of "quarters only" and moving to credit card pay stations would make all kinds of sense and could be financed by higher rates.

Posted by somegirl January 7, 2009 12:17 PM

If they're so desperate for revenue, how about TICKETING DOUBLE-PARKING CHURCHIES ON SUNDAY?

Oh dear. Did I just think that or say it out loud?

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 12:18 PM

They should ditch the meters COMPLETELY. I'm f**king sick of putting a quarter in a meter and NOTHING HAPPENS. So I put in another and NOTHING HAPPENS. Then I put in another and get 10 minutes. WTF? Half of the meters I try are either busted, flashing the FAIL warning, or somewhere in between. You have one credit card station per block, that's dozens of meters that you don't have to maintain anymore. Jeezus, who the hell carries change now anyway? The only change I carry around is a roll of quarters I use to beat the $h!t out of hobos before I strangle them. And that goes DOUBLE for mimes.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 12:23 PM

Credit card pay stations also allow the city to quickly change prices in order to respond to changes in demand. $20 per spot within 4 blocks of the Verizon Center on game nights? $100 per spot for inauguration?

Posted by NorthCap January 7, 2009 12:41 PM

Glad I don't have a car... nor that I am homeless for that matter with Monkeyrotica running around betting the crap put of people with change.

Posted by Shelbsthomcat January 7, 2009 12:51 PM

Again, I am immune to these modern horrors. I don't drive and I don't have a car. They won't let me.

Posted by Deep January 7, 2009 1:07 PM

So this morning's post, at 7:45 AM, was like getting a Wii on Christmas morning, rare and exciting. Waiting until 12:03 to get the next post was akin to receiving Monkey's heavily stained Fruit of the Looms; apparently Santa Claus - and the rest of the DCist staff - was wiped out by the initial effort.

CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT! FEED THE ORNERY READERSHIP BEAST!!!!

Posted by DreadPirateRoberts January 7, 2009 1:10 PM

Two weeks ago I needed to drive to my office and the minimart in front of my building would only give me $1 in quarters. A week before that I drive to GW to sit a final exam, walked around the corner to get quarters from starbucks and had a parking ticket by the time I got back. (please note that these are the very rare occasions on which I drive in NW) DC needs to make it easier to do the right thing. I should point out that the card machines need maintenance too- I parked on barracks row recently and the machine made printing noises but never actually spat out a parking voucher.

Posted by OnlyatBrandeis January 7, 2009 1:13 PM

The only thing better would be if those machines worked regularly.

I've been on 8th SE plenty of times 30min to an hour before free parking and not been able to pay the pretty little machine because it didn't work.

Give up my parking spot in search of a functioning machine or pray the meter maids don't come by (and they always do)?

Whatever, I'm a pedestrian most of the time, I could give a rats ass.

Posted by petitq January 7, 2009 1:24 PM

It would be nice if they could use some of the money to install new meters. There's a stretch of L Street between about 16th-14th Streets, NW, where one side of the street has meters and the other doesn't. Guess which side fills up first? Not only that, usually several cars begin parking at about 9:10-15 a.m. or so and the drivers just sit there with the engine's idling because technically there's no parking until 9:30 a.m. Even when gas was close to $4/gallon they would do it.

Posted by MikeB January 7, 2009 1:25 PM

DC needs to make it easier to do the right thing

In what sense? Either you pay your pittance of a parking fee and park legally, or one of the meter maids comes by and slaps you for $50--which goes directly into the city coffers.

Win-win.

Posted by ibc January 7, 2009 1:49 PM

Time for me to get a handicapped placard so I can park on the streets for FREE!!!

Posted by Wizzyliz January 7, 2009 2:14 PM

There are other options for drivers downtown. Parking garages, for example.

Posted by downtown rez January 7, 2009 2:16 PM

Hey geniuses. You want to make more money from parking meters? Here's an idea. Why don't you start charging on Saturday like just about every other jurisdiction on earth? If you're worried about residential parking then make an exception in such places for permit holders.

Posted by jamie January 7, 2009 2:37 PM

Morning Roundup: Cold, Wet and Awful

Good morning, Washington. Ice! Good lord, there's ice! Not much, admittedly — in fact, by this hour there's probably almost none. But still, the weather's been so unpleasant for the last day or so that we find ourselves wishing for evidence that it's transcended mere unpleasantness and moved straight into genuine deadliness. Today's weather is also supposed to be pretty miserable, but the rain should begin letting up toward the end of the afternoon.

Kaine Revisits Virginia Smoking Ban: Tim Kaine is taking one more shot at secondhand smoke in Virginia bars and restaurants, WJLA reports. The governor and freshly-minted DNC chair has met with disappointment on similar efforts in the past, but says he's optimistic that changes in the General Assembly make it more viable now. Even if this push fails, a soon-to-be-introduced bill with more modest ambitions — allow communities in Northern Virginia to issue their own smaller-scale bans — may still succeed, according to WTOP.

Key Bridge to be Closed for Inauguration: Well, that pretty much does it. WTOP reports that Key Bridge will be closed on the 20th, joining the 14th Street, Memorial and Roosevelt Bridges in being inaccessible to private cars on the day of the inauguration. This means that it will be more or less impossible for a driver to get from Arlington to the District on that day — with the possible exception of Chain Bridge, which officials say will either be closed or so clogged as to be completely useless.

Briefly Noted: School bus crash leaves three kids with minor injuries... Freez King, a Frederick landmark, is up for sale... Protest permits granted for inauguration... Montgomery County on track for significant increase in crime... Apartment fire in Arlington sends 15 to hospital...

This Day In DCist: One year ago Target was getting ready to open its Columbia Heights store and plans emerged for rebuilding College Park.

Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user mindgutter

Comments

Wholly crap an morning roundup before 8am! Good work Tom.

Posted by RJ January 7, 2009 7:54 AM

this weather sucks. sucks. SUCKS! either warm up and really rain, or cool down and turn to snow. this in-between bullshit rubs me raw...

Posted by IMGoph January 7, 2009 8:00 AM

I'm sort of amazed that we haven't heard more from VA complaining about the bridge closures. Anyone who booked hotels in Arlington/Alexandria is really cut off from the District, whereas anyone who chose digs out in MD still has hundreds of routes into the city. I have a lot of relatives and friends in VA (and am due to give birth on the Inauguration, lucky me) and in effect, that sides of the Metro area is lopped off. Doesn't seem equitable.

Posted by sophiagrrl January 7, 2009 8:19 AM

Tom, can you do Morning Round up every day? No. Seriously?

Posted by thatgirl January 7, 2009 8:26 AM

I'd rather stick my penis in a wood chipper than drive downtown on innauguration day. Were people honestly going to try and drive and park downtown on innauguration day? They've been announcing road closures left and right for weeks now, and even if the 2 million plus figure never materializes, who would want to be stuck on the Mall in a car in gridlock anyway? Screw that. Why be surrounded by slackjawed yokels when you can can watch President Bagger Vance walk the Green Mile and teach us the true meaning of Arbor Day from the comfort of home?

Who do I thank for finally getting rid of that pic of the fat guy with glasses in the header? That clown was creeping me out.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 8:40 AM

Let me guess the headlines for 1/21/09.

Above the fold:
OBAMA STARTS FIRST DAY, BUSH GONE FOREVER, NATION CHEERS

Below the Fold:

CROWD TOTALS FAR BELOW EXPECTATIONS; LOCAL OFFICIALS ON THE DEFENSIVE AS RESIDENTS FUME

Sports:

WIZ LOSE AGAIN
REDSKINS SIGN 40 YEAR OLD WR AND WILL NOW CHARGE FOR TOILETS

Posted by RJ January 7, 2009 8:48 AM

Sorry monkey, I still see your smiling face in the header, you creepy bastard. It's like big brother watching everyone, but with more pooh.

Posted by blittle January 7, 2009 8:54 AM

Is the logic really..

'There will be a lot of traffic, so we better close the bridges?'

That really is pure genius.

So instead, all of Arlington will be a giant parking lot.

People in those neighborhoods near the bridges should put cones in the street in front of their houses and charge for parking.

Posted by arglebargle January 7, 2009 8:59 AM

If sack and sugar be a fault, then God help the wicked! If to be old and merry be a sin, then many an old host that I know is damned. If to be fat be to be hated, then Pharaoh's lean kine are to be loved? No, my good lord; banish IMGoph, banish Hillman, banish blittle; but for sweet Monkeyrotica, kind Monkeyrotica, true Monkeyrotica, valiant Monkeyrotica, and therefore more valiant, being as he is, old Monkeyrotica, banish not him thy dcist's company, banish not him thy dcist's company! Banish plump Monkeyrotica, and banish all the world!

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 8:59 AM

This means that it will be more or less impossible for a driver to get from Arlington to the District on that day...

Oh come on. This might hold true even if all those bridges were open. I can't wait for the post Inauguration Morning Roundup: 'If they only kept this one road open, there would have been no traffic backup' or 'If they only ran more trains, Metro would have been fine.'
Because really, we don't want to see officials make the the best of a bad situation. We want to whinge and we need someone to blame.

Posted by boondoggle January 7, 2009 9:13 AM

I've heard that DDOT has considered making the bridge closures leading into Virginia permanent and affixing machine gun nests on the District side to keep those whiny Virginians (and their cars) out.

And Tom, MAJOR KUDOS for getting a morning roundout issued in - how novel - the morning! Office drones around Washington rejoice in your diligent ways...

Posted by DreadPirateRoberts January 7, 2009 9:17 AM

I have no problem with the Virginia bridges being closed. As a matter of fact, let's keep 'em closed!! Nothing ever good came out of Virginia.

Posted by Wizzyliz January 7, 2009 9:23 AM

@boondoggle I thought the bridges were being closed to provide extra parking for the 500-5000 expected buses.

Posted by downtown rez January 7, 2009 9:27 AM

Nice early post!

Can we still walk across any of the Virginia bridges?

Posted by Just161 January 7, 2009 9:28 AM

I think the best plan to reduce traffic would be to close I-95 from Baltimore to Richmond,the Beltway, rt 50 from Annapolis and 270 from Fredrick!

Posted by arglebargle January 7, 2009 9:36 AM

Kinda like how Metro is expecting 1000 busses and only has received reservations for 35 spaces. They are now is opening up parking garages/lots they were hoping will be filled with busloads of wild eyed liberals coming to praise their new Jesus.

Posted by RJ January 7, 2009 9:39 AM

Yes, but all of the tourists will be standing on the left sides of the bridges.

Posted by Henry Krinkle January 7, 2009 9:42 AM

At least the Key Bridge...

Posted by downtown rez January 7, 2009 9:42 AM

i hope so, for the sake of those who live close to them. if the crush on metro is what they say, it'll be easier and safer to walk across than to try to take a train only a few stops.

btw, fingers crossed our office manager wins out - he's trying to get our office closed on Inauguration Day. i only want to battle the masses if i can go to the Mall and photograph the crazies. i mean, tourists. i mean, supporters!

Posted by erincarly January 7, 2009 9:43 AM

Right. The idea seems to have been to get the buses as close as possible to the inauguration so that the passengers don't jam the metro lines.

Posted by downtown rez January 7, 2009 9:46 AM

Nice try. But I've come prepared. My anthracite fueled steampunk dinghy is no match for your puny bridgeblocking measures. Now, son of Jor El, KNEEL BEFORE ZOD!

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 9:47 AM

Not too late to move to Maryland then...at last I can be rid of those Virginians who stop for the green light! And the ones who stop 10 car lengths behind the car in front of them at the stop lights. And the ones who drive 25 in the left lane and absolutely refuse to move, no matter how many times I bump them from behind!

Posted by Fluxgirl January 7, 2009 9:58 AM

In all of last year, there were 21 homicides [in MoCo], compared with 20 in 2007. The numbers exclude two fatal shootings by police officers last year and one the year before.

Montgomery's violent crime totals pale in comparison with those from the less populous jurisdictions to the south and east. In the first nine months of last year, the District recorded 142 homicides and 3,180 robberies, and Prince George's County had 65 homicides and 1,919 robberies in the first eight months.

Can someone please tell me where there's a safe place to live? And don't say Iowa because I nearly choked to death on a loose-meat sandwich from Maid-Rite there and I'm never going back. The service was atrocious, but the gravy fries were not uninspired.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 10:01 AM

Monkey, finally seeing what you look like is kind of like having The Residents unmasked.

Posted by Henry Krinkle January 7, 2009 10:15 AM

George Washington

Posted by Randy January 7, 2009 10:22 AM

Yeah, I always wondered why DC has all of 4 bridges when other cities with rivers have them every couple blocks. I kinda figured it was to keep out Virginians.

If I were going to the inauguration, from my place, I would just walk the 2 miles to the key bridge. But I'm watching it from the comfort of my living room instead, which comes with climate control, bottles of champagne, and a convenient place to pee.

Posted by lilybelle January 7, 2009 10:23 AM

Maybe it's not enough, but I think we have about 11 bridges altogether.

Chain Bridge
Key
TR
Memorial
14th Street
South Capitol
295
Pennsylvania Ave
East Capitol
Benning Road
NY Ave

Posted by cactus jack January 7, 2009 10:33 AM

Funny. To me it's like finding out that Darth Vader's this fat bald dildo.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 10:37 AM

also Bill Clinton

Posted by Mojotron January 7, 2009 10:38 AM

All this talk about traffic during the inauguration is like Geico sending me info in the mail about saving on car insurance. I don't have a car and I don't drive.

The bridge closings remind of some kind of military maneuver where they seal off the city and spray us with a calming agent that slowly turns us all into Republicans or
Zombies. Either way it's all good cause from what I hear,
if you prepare brains the right way..(I got this from a Republican friend of mine)..it tastes just like Scrapple.
MMMMMMM Good!

Posted by Deep January 7, 2009 10:42 AM

I wish all the bridges were drawbridges.

Posted by no_more_caffeine January 7, 2009 10:44 AM

That Cheney told you, didn't he? That s.o.b. can never keep a secret when it comes to some fine hunting recipes.

Anyways, if we all turn into zombies, let me the first to wish you all:

Happy Hunting!

Posted by blittle January 7, 2009 10:46 AM

Anyone willing to bet that far, far fewer people show up for the Inauguration than the several millions number being tossed around? That original estimate of 2-5 million was based on absolutely nothing other than Fenty's mental math calculation of how many people the Mall could hold. That's not a crowd estimate; that's just pulling a number out of your arse! And the media has been running hard on those numbers, even though those numbers aren't based on any actual estimate of any sort.

Posted by OldPosterKnownAsCranky January 7, 2009 10:49 AM

I wish the world had all shiny people:)

Posted by Deep January 7, 2009 10:49 AM

What if we held an inauguration and nobody came?

Posted by Wizzyliz January 7, 2009 10:52 AM

I am happy Kaine is trying for the smoking ban again. I avoid bars and other venues in Va because of how nasty your clothes and hair end up smelling. Gross gross gross. DC trumps Va on this one.

Posted by muckraker January 7, 2009 10:58 AM

This whole seal the bridges thing is just the first stage. You don't think they'll ever re-open them, do you? Anyone ever see "Escape from New York?" We're gonna have to send in "Snake" Plisskin to save the President and Adrienne Barbeau.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 11:14 AM

willard scott

Posted by eatDC January 7, 2009 11:32 AM

it's 11:37. where's the next goddamn post? hello? anybody out there?

i wish hot women grew on trees.

Posted by McGillicuddy January 7, 2009 11:38 AM

Remember an estimate can never be wrong. It can only be replaced by a better estimate or the actual number.

In Fenty's case, it seems like he was just signalling general unreadiness with his estimate of 4 million. Like when Mayor Nagin claimed ten thousand lives were lost during Katrina; he probably knew that number was way too high, but it drew attention to conditions in New Orleans.

Posted by boondoggle January 7, 2009 11:52 AM

Just looking at all the comments congratulating dcist on the early posts. They probably did it to blindside us on the lack of posting later on in the day.

what's up with that? I actually worked for two hours today.

Posted by blittle January 7, 2009 11:58 AM

i'll gladly banish myself. let me just set up the paypal page that y'all can donate to in order to make it happen. we won't set too high of a threshold to be met, funds-wise...

Posted by IMGoph January 7, 2009 12:06 PM

bet they're still hard at work sorting through the bugs. i don't wish that kind of work on anyone.

Posted by IMGoph January 7, 2009 12:10 PM

Yeah, agreed.

Have you figured out your problem? After I saw your response yesterday I threw my hands up in the air and went back to drinking my desk bourbon.

Posted by blittle January 7, 2009 12:12 PM

DC trumps VA on many things.

Posted by DE January 7, 2009 12:14 PM

no, i haven't. i'll give it until next week, then bug the shit out of tom and sommer until they buy me a new pony.

Posted by IMGoph January 7, 2009 12:17 PM

Virginia put the river there to keep out trash from DC and Maryland. You can keep your crime and hiptards on that side of the river.

Posted by HCE January 7, 2009 12:22 PM

Well, that's one way of dealing with the bridge and tunnel crowd.

Next step: blow up the tunnels at both ends so that only Sylvester Stallone can save us.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 12:35 PM

yes, DE, but most of the things in which DC trumps Va are the reasons so many of us live in Va...

Posted by hoyacougar January 7, 2009 12:57 PM

Sure, an estimate can't be wrong, but after the fact you can certainly learn something about the accuracy of your model and I don't think you can get any less accurate the dart board approach.

How do you estimate attendance to this sort of event? I really have no idea.

Posted by econosize January 7, 2009 1:39 PM

This soliloquy should be performed at the Shakespeare Free For All this year (preferably without pants.)

Posted by Bethesdaist January 7, 2009 1:57 PM

I'm guessing Hizzonner is laying the foundation for his political future and it's not in the "local" city. (think: federal) If he gets this one right, he'll look like a frigging genius and gain the attention of Obama's people.

A short call and he's done for; a long call and everything will go smoothly. Who cares if the damned bridges are closed? Peeps shouldn't be out in that scrum anyway. Stay home, watch it on TV, walk downtown, or fly away for a week.

Posted by R_Street_Rat January 7, 2009 2:14 PM

btw, Clinton never gave jack schitt about Sharon Pratt Dixon Pratt Kelly Pratt Dixon; never mind the GOP who tried to pretend there wasn't even a city here. I hope for much better from BHO.

Posted by R_Street_Rat January 7, 2009 2:17 PM

I think he means Potomac River crossings.

After the Cabin John Bridge, there is nothing upstream until you almost reach West Virginia. (White's Ferry doesn't count)

Posted by R_Street_Rat January 7, 2009 2:28 PM

My guess is that most of the folks who booked VA hotels are from way out-of-town and are probably not yet aware of the situation here. If you are already aware of the closures, you probably didn't really need to know in the first place.

It would be cool for the city (feds, state, Park Service) to close Memorial Bridge once a month for pedestrian-only access.

Posted by R_Street_Rat January 7, 2009 2:33 PM

Go Home Already: Out With the Old

Photo by Fredo Alvarez

• Was your iPod stolen recently? Did you happen to travel through Dulles? A Warrenton man who used to work as a baggage screener has reportedly been arrested and charged in connection with the theft of electronics from luggage at the airport.
• Have a business, but not a valid business license? The District government is coming after you, reports the WaBizJo.
• Folks with long commutes home north and west of the city are in for a really crappy drive tonight. Other folks who are trying to drive just a few blocks through downtown could have an even longer commute.
• Oh yeah, and it's totally going to rain all night and into tomorrow morning, but there isn't much chance of ice.
• When Pepsi first redesigned its logo last year, I totally thought it looked like the Obama campaign logo. Turns out that was probably Pepsi's intention.
• We missed the sad news yesterday of the passing of the Bush family's cat, India (aka Willie).

Comments

Are you sure Pepsi's not trying to get us to buy Old Spice? That new logo sure looks a lot like a sailboat to me.

Posted by Bee's Knees January 6, 2009 11:29 PM

The good news: the D.C. Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs defines "valid business license" as "any approved by Harriet Walters where the check was made out to her Cayman Island offshore holding company."

The bad news: they define "business" as "any and all persons in DC who still have money left."

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 6:37 AM

'bout time they took down that giant cock ring.

Posted by Over the River January 7, 2009 7:05 AM

why put your ipod in your checked bag? The whole point is to tune out the brats screaming in coach.

...Pepsi, the choice of a new generation?

Posted by Disco Stu January 7, 2009 8:43 AM

And not one comment on the deceased Bush pussy? Wow.

Posted by ihatewalks January 7, 2009 10:52 AM

And the Mystery Blair House Guest Is ...

Former Prime Minister of Australia John Howard! Chalk another scoop up to the Washington Post's transition blog. Turns out that the only overnight guest staying at Blair House between now and Jan. 15 is Howard, who will be in town to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bush on Jan. 13.

President-elect Barack Obama and his family, you'll recall, had requested to move in to Blair House, the official White House guest house, two weeks early so that Sasha and Malia could start school on time. The Obamas were told Blair House was booked, so they rented a suite at the Hay-Adams Hotel. Guess being a member of the "coalition of the willing" still gives you housing priority in the waning Bush Administration. The Post reports that there are several other White House events and parties scheduled at Blair House before Jan. 15 as well.

Comments

And the Mystery Blair House Guest Is ... a giant douche

and the member of a party that has been kicked out of power in his home country.

plenty the two in that picture have in common.

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 5:57 PM

They couldn't have put him in the Lincoln Bedroom or maybe he could have bunked with Cheney. They could have had a fun sleep over party.

Posted by KrazyKat January 6, 2009 6:46 PM

Aus-ome! And like every other Ausssie traveling abroad he's getting tanked at a neighborhood bar every night. Alone.

Posted by boondoggle January 6, 2009 7:25 PM

Effin' foreigners...

Posted by AMDCer January 6, 2009 11:16 PM

where's the wall to keep the aussies out? let's get started on that one

Posted by frothr January 6, 2009 11:41 PM

Originally I didn't think this Blair House unavailability was a big deal.

But if you think about it it's pretty insulting to Obama. He's the incoming President. He has a family. Everyone has known for six months that he was the likely winner.

And Bush signs up the massive Blair House for use by just this one guy? And he's not even a current head of state.

Couldn't the Aussie be bumped to any number of other locations? How about the Australian Embassy, quite close by and huge?

Bush and Clinton both moved into Blair House before Jan 15. I think Clinton moved in as early as December.

This really was sortof a huge protocol breach. To Obama's credit, he didn't bitch about it.

Posted by Hillman January 7, 2009 7:23 AM

To pick nits, even as PM Howard never was a head of state, he was head of government. Queen Elizabeth II is Australia's Head of State. I have to say, though, the whole affair is a little strange, and at odds with precedent and not very generous.

Posted by ledroitist January 7, 2009 9:14 AM

This douche should be staying at the President Inn. It sure sounds fancy, and since this guy lives way down there on the world's left ass cheek, he probably wouldn't know the difference until it's too late.

Posted by Virginia is for Losers January 7, 2009 11:15 AM

Ugh. John Howard is a total douchebag. He and his eyebrows should go the hell away.

Posted by EdHoover January 7, 2009 1:02 PM

January Museum Round Up

Parade - Hoboken, New Jersey by Robert Frank. Copyright © 2009 National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC.

Whether past or soon to be present, the area's museums have your Presidential fix covered. So take a gander and soak in the history.

>> The National Gallery of Art opens two exhibits on American photography on January 18. Looking In: Robert Frank's "The Americans" presents all 83 photographs from Frank's photography book which is heralded as the most important photography book published since World War II. Held in conjunction with Looking In, Changing Perceptions: Reading the Modern Photography Book will display twenty-one books drawn from the Gallery's library to show how the photography book is a significant conveyor of contemporary experience and a witness to historical events. Both are on display through April 26.

>> There are only five copies of the short and famous Gettysburg Address handwritten by Lincoln himself. View the White House copy at the National Museum of American History. The exhibit has been extended until the 11th.

>> The Museum of the America Indian gets in on inauguration fever with Out of Many: A Multicultural Festival of Music, Dance and Story taking place the 17th through the 19th. The festival will feature 40 groups that will perform a variety of cultural traditions. In addition to the inauguration festival, the museum will open a small photo exhibition titled A Century Ago…They Came as Sovereign Leaders on the 14th. In honor of the 2009 inauguration, the exhibition focuses on President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1905 inaugural parade and the six great chiefs who participated in the procession. On view through February 17.

>> Did you know that almost one-third of America's presidents were vice presidents? Learn more about this office and the men who served there in the National Portrait Gallery's Presidents in Waiting, opening January 20.

>> The Freer kicks off its 13th annual festival of Iranian films this Friday with Banana Skin, a comedy about death and the afterlife. Tickets are required but the event is free.

>> Opening January 23 at the Natural History Museum, learn about how plants have grown and adapted to live almost anywhere in the world. In Orchids through Darwin’s Eyes learn all about this alluring plant and see the only orchid fossil ever discovered. Through April 26.

>> Experience a road trip in Norway with Detour: Architecture and Design along 18 National Tourist Routes at the National Building Museum opening January 28. See rest stops, information centers and observation towers that have been built with design in mind.

Comments

Sanjay Gupta Heading to Washington

Cue the Dr. McDreamy jokes, ladies. The Washington Post is reporting that the neurosurgeon who became a household name as CNN's chief health correspondent plans to accept the position of Surgeon General in soon-to-be-President Obama's administration. More than a pretty face on the tube, Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a former White House fellow, where he acted as a special advisor for health policy to then First Lady Hillary Clinton. The stellar notations on his resume also include his current position as assistant professor of neurosurgery, performing five brain surgeries while embedded with a U.S. Navy unit in Iraq in 2003, and, of course, being named one of People Magazine's Sexiest Men in 2003. Gupta is reported to be hesitating only due to the large pay cut, but is still expected to accept the position in the next few days. So gear up for Gupta sightings, D.C. Just keep in mind the man is married with kids.

Comments

Married with kids?! PPPFFFFFffftttttt!!! Since when has that stopped a man with a position of power in Washington?

Posted by yonas January 6, 2009 5:21 PM

brilliant pick. i was kind of like, "huh?" when i first heard this, but after some though, i realized the surgeon general's job is to get publicity for certain programs, and dr. gupta knows how to work the publicity machine.

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 5:21 PM

My thoughts exactly, IMGoph.

Also incidentally, when my coworker sent me the article, at first I thought it said that Obama had picked SANJAYA - as in the most annoying American Idol contestant of all time. I was very intrigued until I realized my error.

Posted by jen209 January 6, 2009 5:28 PM

he can mitigate the pay cut by writing a book. i really like this guy. hey, it could have been dr. phil. let's give thanks!!!

Posted by cynecdoche January 6, 2009 5:59 PM

The 39-year old is also Chief of Neurosurgery at Atlanta's Grady Hospital [largest hospital in GA].

Posted by aaronsinger January 6, 2009 6:14 PM

Just think, for about 20 years Public Health was actually a real discipline that people dedicated their careers to. From Koop the pro-life shill (who, to his credit, turned his back on Reagan when it came to tobacco and condoms) to the TV doctor, we have come full circle in a way. By the way, in the battle of the good looking tv docs, Dr. Drew actually has more administrative experience than Dr. Gupta. I guess it could be worse, I mean the moron from Dr. 90210 actually worked for Koop and has an MPH along with his MD (but no board certification in plastic surgery, not that it matters to the Beverly Hills set).

The real loser in all this will be the Public Health Service which will likely be marginalized as nothing more than a feel good PR agency spouting common-sense health guidelines ("eat right", "exercise," "get your colon checked" etc) rather than a nationwide team of experts designed to prevent and respond to serious public health incidents.

I put this one up there with Shinseki as the biggest "head scratchers" of the Obama transition. Both talented men, by the way, but not properly placed.

Posted by hillvada January 6, 2009 6:39 PM

Oh, c'mon. It's not like he'll have a final say on policy. That's a team effort. IMGoph hit the important point.

Posted by downtown rez January 6, 2009 7:10 PM

Another ex-Clinton adviser, the amount of change in his picks has been a bit overwhelming!

Posted by arglebargle January 6, 2009 7:39 PM

Dude's going to take a 90% pay cut. That's dedication.

Posted by WestEnder January 6, 2009 9:57 PM

At least Gupta is a certified doctor, unlike Leon "Who's Al Kayda?" Panetta who's tapped to head the Central Intelligence Agency.

Posted by Wizzyliz January 6, 2009 10:42 PM

Yeah, because we need an M.D. to head the CIA...

Posted by AMDCer January 6, 2009 11:13 PM

He's a Doctor and he plays one on TV.

Gupta is reported to be hesitating only due to the large pay cut...

Aren't we all. Posted by Over the River January 7, 2009 6:55 AM

Dr. Gupta can check my colon anytime he pleases.

Posted by NotTheRedBaron January 7, 2009 9:00 AM

I've never heard of him, but he kind of looks familiar. Now I know whatever happened to that god damn Indian kid who always beat me in the state spelling bee every year.

Posted by Virginia is for Losers January 7, 2009 11:17 AM

He can poke around my brain anytime. Rrawr.

Posted by Bethesdaist January 7, 2009 1:46 PM

Fire on 14th Street NW

Be advised for your evening commute of a serious fire at 2209 14th Street NW, which is a small retail space. Fire officials have closed 14th Street NW between V Street and Florida Ave., along with part of the intersection at 15th St. NW and W St. NW. Avoid this area if possible on your commute home. Don't take a 50-line bus if you can help it. UPDATE: We've heard this space used to be a dollar store, but it was vacated to make way for an expansion of the nearby YMCA.

Comments

PoP says it's vagrants breaking in and setting fires there. hurry up and get the new place built, YMCA. kthxbai.

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 5:03 PM

That's the Perseus Project. Shouldn't the developers take some responsibility for keeping troublemakers out of their construction site? Why have they waited so long to demo those buildings fronting 14th St.? Thanks, Perseus, for giving our neighborhood some nice places for crackheads to squat.

Posted by DC Daddy January 6, 2009 6:24 PM

Voting Rights Bill Introduced in House and Senate

In case it wasn't clear in Martin's earlier post, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton did in fact introduce the D.C. Voting Rights Bill in the House earlier today, and Sen. Joseph Lieberman and Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah introduced the same legislation in the Senate. The AP has a brief report about the action, and over at City Desk, editor Erik Wemple is doing the hero's work of live-blogging the Senate proceedings via C-SPAN 2. No senator has bothered to come forward to say anything about the voting rights bill so far (since it was introduced by Sen. Lieberman -- you can download his full remarks here), but Robert Byrd did read a lengthy, rambling statement about the history of the U.S. Senate. Opening day Senate proceedings are something of hoot, aren't they?

Comments

'tis a shame that byrd has lost his fellow coot-off partner in "tubes" stevens from alaska...

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 3:50 PM

Someone is actually blogging, nay LIVE-BLOGGING, C-Span Senate proceedings?!?!?! That's almost as bad as reading a live-blog about C-Span!

Posted by DreadPirateRoberts January 6, 2009 3:55 PM

Hey Joe is good for something after all!

Posted by Rukasu January 6, 2009 6:05 PM

Please write Eleanor to oppose this piece of drek legislation. It upgrades DC residents from third class to second class citizens and puts statehood on ice for good. With a brother in the White House and Dems in control of both chambers of Congress, we should go for statehood NOW.

Posted by DC Daddy January 6, 2009 6:12 PM

That's right, DC Daddy: the perfect is still the enemy of the good.

Posted by the new demographers January 7, 2009 10:35 AM

About Tonight

Photo by volcanojw

MOVIE: The Washington Psychotronic Film Society hosts its final screening at The Meeting Place tonight, after having their arrangement at the downtown bar abruptly revoked by management. Tonight's film is MegaForce, a class tale from 1982 about a group of kick-ass, America Fuck Yeah!-style soldiers who defend our freedom with their big muscles. $2 suggested donation at the door, 8 p.m.

READING: The K Street Borders hosts David and Tom Gardner from the Motley Fools tonight for a reading and discussion of The Motley Fool Million Dollar Portfolio. The new book is billed as "an innovative book on investing ... that shows readers how to build a seven-figure portfolio with a proven market-beating approach." Worst book publishing timing ever? Or best? 6:30 p.m.

MUSIC: Get your moody, folk-influenced local music fix tonight with The Moderate and Brandon Butler at the Black Cat's backstage. $8, 9 p.m.

MUSIC: DC9 offers the anti-folk rock alternative tonight with psychobilly rockers Koffin Kats and The Goddamn Gallows. 9 p.m., $8.

Comments

"Yeah, but are ya'll gonna show an R rated movie? I mean a REAL R rated movie?!"

[shakes head, walks away]

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 3:22 PM

did i miss the weekly music agenda this week? or did it not show up?

Posted by Hoodrat January 6, 2009 3:34 PM

barry bostwick? Fuck yeah!

Posted by Fenster1977 January 6, 2009 3:49 PM

shame they don't go for something x-rated...

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 3:52 PM

NPR-All Things Considered features the SONIC CIRCUITS fest and District's electronic-noise scene tonight!

Posted by js adams January 6, 2009 3:54 PM

eh, yeah, there won't be one this week. The music staff is apparently still on vacation. It'll return next week. In the meantime I'll do my best to stay on top of any shows in the About Tonights.

Posted by Sommer Mathis January 6, 2009 5:17 PM

Fair enough. Can I recommend the inimitable Franz Nicolay at the Black Cat backstage Thursday? opening for the aptly-named Poor but Sexy.

Posted by Hoodrat January 6, 2009 5:39 PM

It's been many years since I've been to Psychotronic but I remember people getting shushed by some of the more avid patrons if they talked during the movie. That's not going to fly in any bar forever.

Posted by alexalexalex January 7, 2009 11:49 AM

Norton Wants Voting Rights, Right Now

D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton has made no secret of her desire to see the D.C. voting rights issue move, and move quickly. The Post's Mary Beth Sheridan writes today that Norton will introduce legislation granting both the District and Utah additional seats in the House (the same proposal passed the House in April 2007, though it failed in the Senate in September), while Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Ut.) will present the same measure to the Senate. In Norton's ideal world, all the debates and voting would be wrapped up by February 12, the bicentennial anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birthday.

While the votes are definitely there—the House just needs a simple majority and Democrats in the Senate picked up enough seats to surpass the 60-vote threshold—the timing might not be. Congress will now begin immediately working on an economic stimulus plan, and we'd be hard-pressed to make the argument that D.C. voting rights needs to be muscled through before legislation that could help dig the country out of this recession. Then again, Congress has already debated this measure and we all know where the votes will fall. Why not just quickly pass the bill so we can get on with the business of sorting through the inevitable court challenges that will surely follow?

As much as we'd like to play the optimist and say that 2009 will be the year for voting rights, we're also used to being let down on this issue. Getting the legislation out of Congress will likely be the easiest part of this year's battles, and even if it gets passed early on in the 111th Congressional session, and then survives an initial court challenge, that's still no guarantee Norton will be in possession of a floor vote by year's end.

Photo by Joe Newman

Comments

I may be the only person in Washington who doesn't want this legislation to go through.

For one, it's probably unconstitutional. Second, it's like giving Washington a bone to make us shut up: "There. Now that they have voting representation in the House, they should stop complaining." Besides, Norton already has nearly all the abilities of a full member except for being able to vote on the house floor. Let's face it, the situation is wrong and should be corrected, but I can't remember the last time a bill passed with such razor-thin margins that her vote would have made a difference. The Senate, however, is a different story.

Posted by alewis January 6, 2009 2:33 PM

What if we do get the vote? What will E. Norton do after that? DC is not a state! Isn't this a waste of time?
Won't the Consteetoonshum have to be amended? As a native Washingtonian, I can think of better things to do. Voting rights! Patooey! Remember when we all voted on medicinal
marijuana? They said, "Oh yeah! That doesn't count. You all will just get high." Give me a Mega Mall Bar Movie House Arcade. Now you're talking.

Posted by Deep January 6, 2009 2:37 PM

I'm sorry, but you don't make a very strong argument. And by "in Washington" do you mean "in the DC suburbs"? I'm just curious.

We demand representation NOW, or an immediate cessation to the "state income tax" deduction from all of our paychecks. Period.

Posted by yonas January 6, 2009 2:37 PM

You know, this reminds me of that age-old urban legend of the government denying representation for DC because it would technically have to convert it into a state. And if they did that, they'd have to change the flag by adding an additional star. But if they did that, then it would throw the star balance off and the flag would look stupid.

Haha! I'm starting to think that pea-brained legend is somewhat true ;)

Posted by yonas January 6, 2009 2:46 PM

I'm a DC resident and I oppose this bill. The only constitutional means of granting DC residents congressional representation is to amend the Constitution to make the district a state. Or amend the Constitution to say that representatives are chosen by electors of the state and the District of Columbia.

Anything else is well-meaning, but misplaced shenanigans.

Posted by flamingcissy January 6, 2009 2:53 PM

Why would they stop 'state income tax'? It's a vote in Congress that we're looking for - I take it you meant 'federal income tax'.

Posted by DE January 6, 2009 2:57 PM

"in the DC suburbs"

I think most people in the DC suburbs are for voting rights. Another vote in Congress that represents this regions mutual interest is a very good thing.

Posted by RJ January 6, 2009 2:58 PM

Norton and Pearson should write a book together called "Acceptance: When No Doesn't Mean No."

Posted by Wizzyliz January 6, 2009 3:07 PM

No, I'm a native-DC resident. I absolutely demand full voting representation in Congress, I just don't think that this is the right way to go about achieving it.

Posted by alewis January 6, 2009 3:10 PM

No, I mean state income tax. I just don't think it's fair that every week for years I've had to pay "state income tax" when I live in a semi-autonomous, unrepresented zone of the country. I don't think DC residents should have to pay it. You may be thinking, "where would DC's tax income come from then?" I think it should come from the federal budget.

May sound radical, but it's just my opinion. I think it's just as radical that we've had no representation for this long.

Posted by yonas January 6, 2009 3:12 PM

If this Congress gives DC a vote in the House, then what's stopping a future Republican-dominated Congress from taking away that House vote? Legally, what Congress giveth, a future Congress can taketh away.

I also question the constitutionality of this, but have no idea who would have legal standing to bring a case that would survive.

Posted by OldPosterKnownAsCranky January 6, 2009 3:18 PM

Irrespective of the method, DC should first invade and annex NoVa. Given VA's failing finances and Southern suckage, I'm sure we'd be greeted as liberators.

Posted by downtown rez January 6, 2009 3:20 PM

The DC House Voting Rights Act will be found unconstitutional. The constitution only gives representation to STATES. DC residents never voted to be 1/3 represented in congress, rather in 1980 they voted in favor of statehood. A token vote in the House will do nothing for Washington, DC residents but give the illusion of democracy.

@Jonas: there is already a flag that has been designed to show 51 states. Last year I removed a star to highlight DC's denial of full representation.

Everyone: please contact Norton & DC Vote and tell them to stop advocating a bill that was written for a republican controlled congress. It's a complete waste of time to be advocating such a dubious piece of legislation. We can do better than that!

Posted by Nikolas Schiller January 6, 2009 3:50 PM

i kind of have a feeling that this will be found unconstitutional too, but i want to see it voted on. let's just get that out of the way, so we know this route has run its course, and we can then put our full force behind advocating for statehood (or the equivalent that includes 2 senators and one rep...)

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 3:59 PM

Actually, there are already planned flag designs for 51, 52, 53, etc. states.

Posted by Peregrine Solus January 6, 2009 4:10 PM

People, people!!! The Supreme Court ruled in JUNE of 2008 that the DC gun ban was unconstitutional. But we have yet to get one damn gun store in the city. And I'm not quite sure if I can tote around my mother-of-pearl-encrusted-handle 44 magnum without getting handcuffed.

Before we start another battle of getting voting rights, I'd like my right to purchase a gun first. Then I'll ask about our voting rights. BLAM!!!!

Posted by Wizzyliz January 6, 2009 4:12 PM

The only realistic way of getting true congressional representation for the district is to get an amendment similar to the 23rd ratified.

No statehood required.

Posted by Peregrine Solus January 6, 2009 4:22 PM

Give us a Rep, but let us vote for senators in either MD or VA.

Posted by mho January 6, 2009 4:35 PM

Yeah, but I bet they don't have a flag design for 13 colonies.

Posted by yonas January 6, 2009 5:17 PM

I think the solution would be a hybrid system of allowing a seat in the House with full voting rights and allowing DC residents to vote for MD Senators (reflecting the fact that the land was ceded by MD). Politically it allows a marginal difference in the House and no effective difference in the Senate (since MD has become pretty democratic).

Posted by 3 toed Sloth January 6, 2009 5:34 PM

You don't need to amend the Constitution to make DC a state. You only need to shrink the District to National Capital Service Area (Mall, White House, and associated office buildings, no residents) and Congress retains exclusive control over that. The remaining territory can be admitted by Congressional simple majority vote.

Posted by DC Daddy January 6, 2009 6:18 PM

Amen! This bill has exactly one beneficiary: Eleanor Holmes Norton herself. We need to throw the limited half-assed representation bill into the Potomac and go for full statehood.

Posted by DC Daddy January 6, 2009 6:20 PM

You don't even need to shrink down the actual size of the District. The federal government already exercises control over all U.S. government buildings, so there's really no need to leave a tiny sliver of land that is technically still "the District."

However, there's a fat chance Maryland retrocession would ever become a reality. More likely would be DC residents getting to vote as Marylanders for the purposes of federal representation.

Posted by alewis January 6, 2009 6:23 PM

I'm from VA and I want DC to have fully counted votes, whatever that takes. Statehood, guns, retrocession, whatever. I find it ridiculous that US resident citizens don't have votes.

Being from VA, that's about all the opinion on the matter I feel entitled to have.

...other than to say that the grand experiment of having congress run DC as a model for the way cities should be run is an abject failure (and a large part of the reason I don't reside in the district itself).

Posted by ihatewalks January 7, 2009 11:04 AM

Photo of the Day: January 6, 2009

After the big tease of Monday's comparatively mild temperatures, we only have the cold wet stuff to look forward to over the next couple days. This texturific photo from EsoGato just about sums up the feelings of those of us (of the warm-blooded persuasion at least) who are not happy about having to trek outside today.

Although, what better excuse to stay home tonight and narrow your plethora of selections down to a mere three for the impending DCist Exposed contest! That Wednesday midnight deadline is approaching fast...

Comments

Looks like the kid just spotted Marion Barry with a fork and napkin.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 12:38 PM

That's the kid on my doorstep this morning. Sorry kid, I couldn't stop to talk, but here's a HOT POCKET to carry you over. MMMMMM Good!

Posted by Deep January 6, 2009 12:44 PM

Where about? It looks familiar and I've been looking for my baby all week.

Posted by ChickenArise January 6, 2009 1:19 PM

It was on 16th street. Right by the pit bull on the skateboard. I think the pit bull knew the kid cause it was drooling, but then again....

Posted by Deep January 6, 2009 1:23 PM

Can you really blame Barry, though? This kid would be scrumptious with some Uncle Brutha's No. 10 sauce!

Posted by yonas January 6, 2009 2:51 PM

please, please pick an avatar, you peoples who don't have one...

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 4:14 PM

Roy Pearson Won't Go Away

You have just got to be friggin' kidding me. The Associated Press is reporting that former administrative law judge Roy Pearson has filed a petition with the D.C. Court of Appeals requesting that his $54 million pants lawsuit case be reheard again, this time by a nine-judge panel. Three appellate judges ruled last month that Pearson's lawsuit had no merit. Pearson is now arguing that those judges failed to address all the issues in his appeal, and so is asking the full court to rehear the case. We just don't know if we can take another round of Pearson-related court proceedings. Surely the court can just reject his request at this point and refuse to rehear the case again, right? Pretty please?

Comments

I'm glad he was disbarred, but can someone now find him to be certifiably mentally unstable so he can be put away in a room with padded walls and never bother us again!?

Posted by Rukasu January 6, 2009 12:00 PM

The court docket is filled with crazy filings of the mentally infirm. The only difference with this guy is that he earned a law degree despite his mental handicap. I have a brilliant, high-IQ brother is gets equally persistent over petty slights.

Posted by ph7 January 6, 2009 12:17 PM

Roy Pearson is mad
That he lost his pants and now
He lost his shirt too

Posted by jamie January 6, 2009 12:19 PM

Would someone give this man is Z Cavaricci's and be done with the whole matter already?!

Posted by Jaynuze January 6, 2009 12:21 PM

1. Roy Pearson was not disbarred. As of 30 seconds ago he is in good standing and an active member of the D.C. Bar.

2. What he is is a world-class douchebag. He doesn't seem to get the message that he's not going to get rich quick by suing for millions of dollars that he does not deserve.

3. I would imagine that he's going to have a pretty tough time finding another job. Any court should deny his motion right away, and hopefully that will be the last we hear from this bum.

Posted by out_on_an_island January 6, 2009 12:23 PM

All he's doing is exercising his constitutional right to redress of grievances. This will only end when the Supreme Court refuses to hear the case or lets the lower court ruling stand. Although, it's kinda ridiculous him trying to couch this case in terms of a racist system taking advantage of an oppressed minority, particularly since he's bankrupted the Korean family he's been suing.

Anyway, this is going to make a smashing film. Kinda like Kafka's "The Trial" meets Peter Yates' "The Dresser." In hell. With no pants. Someone should sign up Biz Markie for the Pearson role. Brotha can act and sing the title track.

"YOU... you got WHAT I NEED! But you say you lost my pants. But you say you lost my pants. AW BABY YOU..."

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 12:24 PM

Roy! You are suffering from the Point Blank Syndrome. That is where the patient looses complete focus of logic and only focuses on the principle. Give me your address and I will send you a gift card from TJ Max. Problem solved.

Posted by Deep January 6, 2009 12:31 PM

I say we pool together $5 and spring for a pair of sweatpants from Walmart for him. They are literally $5 and they'll be perfect for his future 'profession' - pushing a shopping cart around Farragut Square.

Posted by out_on_an_island January 6, 2009 12:33 PM

I hate you - that song is now stuck in my head....

Posted by karnak January 6, 2009 12:51 PM

OH BABY YOU! GOT WHAT I NEEEEED!!!

Posted by demonfafa January 6, 2009 1:03 PM

I know where you live.....

Posted by karnak January 6, 2009 1:10 PM

He's asking for the court to hear the case en banc. Those petitions are hardly ever granted, least of all for this lunatic.

Posted by shoretoplease January 6, 2009 1:22 PM

I have a pair of silver sequined bell bottoms that light up and say "Disco Stu."

If I give them to you, Roy, would you please go the fuck away and stop demeaning the legal profession?

Posted by DrLRonHoover January 6, 2009 1:29 PM

I saw an episode of Law and Order last night that ripped this particular story from the headlines. DC represent!

Posted by DCGent January 6, 2009 1:40 PM

I stand corrected, he was rather, he was turned down re-appointment

Posted by Rukasu January 6, 2009 2:16 PM

You know, I'd like the court to hear his argument, and then as soon as he was done talking, issue an order dismissing the case. No need to wait several months for the judges to write up an opinion. Just toss the case out as soon as oral arguments were done.

Which would, no doubt, lead Pearson to then file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

Seriously, how is this man ever going to find another job in the legal profession? At what point does some family member try to commit him to an asylum?

Posted by OldPosterKnownAsCranky January 6, 2009 2:19 PM

We could all just hire some down-on-his-or-her-luck crackhead ninja assassin to cuff his arse.

Posted by Deep January 6, 2009 2:23 PM

You know where this is going to end? That's right. The World Court at the Hague. The loss of this man's pants is the biggest crime against humanity since Rachel Ray got her own show.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 2:24 PM

Nay! Nay, I say unto you, Monk. This man's final judgement will before God Almighty (with sweet little 8 pound, 6 ounce infant Jesus at his side).

And He will strike down upon Mr Pearson with great vengeance and furious anger and the dude will know the Lord when He lays His vengeance upon him!

Then (and only then) will justice be served. Amen.

Posted by skankapotamus January 6, 2009 3:12 PM

Even if he loses at the World Court, he'll just appeal to the Intergalactic Senate. You know Palpatine would totally hear this guy out if he thinks it will help discussions with the Trade Federation and the Bankers Guild. Or if will help him use Pearson's missing pants to get into Queen Amidala's royal pants!

Posted by OldPosterKnownAsCranky January 6, 2009 3:20 PM

Come on - in an odd way, we really don't want him to go away.

Posted by volite January 6, 2009 3:34 PM

What we should do is collect every type of pants, i.e. sweatpants, dress pants, painter pants, M.C. Hammer Pants, hot pants... and leave them in a big heap on his door step. Maybe then he would just go away and be content that he has pants to wear.

Posted by KrazyKat January 6, 2009 3:45 PM

Between this idiot and Blagojevich, I'd say Northwestern needs to revisit its curriculum.

Posted by jakers January 7, 2009 9:59 AM

it's kinda ridiculous him trying to couch this case in terms of a racist system taking advantage of an oppressed minority, particularly since he's bankrupted the Korean family he's been suing.

Which was the point of this exercise from square one: to maximize the amount of pain inflicted on the owners of the shop. I wonder if a counter-suit for harassment would be possible.

Posted by ibc January 7, 2009 1:45 PM

Police Warn Women of Sexual Predator in Temple Hills

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Prince George's County police are warning residents after a woman was robbed and sexually assaulted in broad daylight on Sunday afternoon.

The woman was returning to her Temple Hills apartment, on the 2500 block of Southern Avenue, just after 4 p.m. Sunday when a man forced the victim into her apartment. He then revealed a gun and demanded money, and then raped the victim and fled.

The suspect has been described as a black man in his 20s, 6 feet tall with braided hair, between 140 and 160 pounds. He was wearing a black hat with blue trim, a black jacket and black sneakers. Anyone with information on is asked to call 301-772-4908.

Police are urging women to exercise extra caution when walking home at night. They advise women not to walk alone and to have their keys ready as they approach their homes.

Comments

Barring hiring a full-time body guard, "not walking alone" is totally and completely not an option for me, and most other women in the D.C. area. This is bullshit advice provided only to quell fears, and does nothing to actually make streets safer.

Rather than just encouraging women to be safe, and protect themselves from physical and sexual assault, why not encourage men not to physically or sexually assault women as well? It would do about as much good.

Posted by onefemme January 7, 2009 10:52 AM

Best Dishes of 2008

It's been a delicious year in D.C. The city has seen a number of interesting new restaurants and eatieries, including spots like CommonWealth, Art and Soul, Cork Wine Bar, Adour, and Ray's Hell-Burger. The DCist food staff got together to look back on their favorite dishes, desserts, and drinks of 2008.

Cork served up one of Eric Denman's favorites — Pernod-braised lamb. The dish is a tender pile of shredded lamb shank atop small flagelots that have been cooked in chicken stock. If there's one thing Chef Ron Tanaka knows is how to add flavor to his dishes with incredible stocks that run the gamut from conventional veal stock to the unexpected scallop stock made with connective tissue in the shell. Eggplant chips and small parallelograms of squash, zucchini, and tomato add color to the dish.

Tanaka's old boss at CityZen, James Beard Award Winner Eric Ziebold, also adds to our list of most memorable dishes of 2008. Andrew Schneider was a fan of the braised shoat belly, which appeared in August. As he describes, "The small square of shoat was perfectly caramelized, giving it a powerful, rich flavor, even as the meat fell apart at the slightest touch of my fork. The shoat rested on a bed of homemade chorizo, beans, and a reduction sauce; it was reminiscent of a late summertime adaptation of cassoulet."

It was not surprising that most staff initially responded with dishes from Komi, mirroring the restaurant's receipt of a fourth star in Tom Sietsema's Fall Dining Guide and its third place ranking in the Zagat Guide. Andrew Chriss notes, "Considering the flavor, texture, and creativity that goes into each of the dishes prepared by Chef Johnny Monis, choosing a favorite dish is akin to selecting your favorite kitten out of a wide-eyed litter." The goat cheese s'mores are a goat-cheese marshmallow placed in between two Parmesan crisp crackers and spread with a little dried fruit paste. The s'more is only one part of the plate, wedged sequentially between a foie gras cream puff and a hot pepper "jelly cube." The winning progression of flavor as you move from the silky to the sticky/sweet to the spicy is a testament of the flavor profiles exhibited throughout the entire meal.

Alicia Mazzara favored the amuse of "crackerjack soup." As a kid, she notes, the best thing about Cracker Jack candy was the dinky little toy inside; usually the peanuts were stale and the caramel was burnt. Komi's soup tastes like a fresh, warm batch of caramel or kettle corn (the way you always imagined Cracker Jack candy might have tasted if it hadn't been sitting on the shelf for who knows how long). The soup channels all of the flavors from this childhood snack—caramel, nuts, salt, sugar—with almost none of the associated textures. The pale, peanut butter-colored soup is velvety smooth and thick enough to coat your mouth in a creamy, nutty blanket. Big flecks of sea salt provide a touch of crunchiness, as well as an electric burst of sodium.

A number of restaurants headed into the great outdoors this year. Comet Ping Pong launched a street furniture controversy with their ping pong table. Brasserie Beck also added al fresco dining, and their Belgian bread pudding tops Whitney Satin's list as one of the must-have desserts in DC. Loosely based on one of chef Robert Wiedmaier's family recipes, this decadent treat combines layer upon layer of Beck's crusty, freshly baked baguettes with molten bits of Belgian dark chocolate and tart cherries. The pudding is more bready than most, but it also lacks that eggy flavor that sometimes mars versions with a heavier custard element. Swirling a forkful in the pool of thick vanilla cream perfectly moistens each bite and provides a nice sweetness to round out the more bitter flavors from the chocolate and cherries. The end result is surely worth consuming those few (OK, many) extra calories to top off a Beck meal.

Another standout dessert in 2008 was Tosca's modern take on tiramisu. Though it falls in the "oldie-but-goodie" category compared to some of the offerings at D.C.'s newest restaurants — and the current cupcake craze when it comes to confections — Rebecca Cooper found it to be the best after-dinner dish she'd sampled this year. Chef Massimo Fabbri's somewhat de-constructed version of the classic Italian dessert, which boasts espresso-soaked chunks of cake, rather than ladyfingers, and cold mascarpone cream, is perfectly proportioned. There are no overly wet pieces of cake, no liquid at the bottom of the martini glass turned parfait glass that it is served in, and the cheese is flavorful and well-blended. The feather-light Italian custard, a zabaglione flavored with cappuccino that finishes the dish, creates the exact texture tiramisu strives for: one that is rich but at the same time not too heavy. You can sample this luscious treat any time at Tosca, even on the restaurant's daily pre-theater price fixed menu — so make sure you save room for dessert.

And to my surprise, Sushi Ko delivered on New Year's Eve with their panna cotta. I never expected to find such a flawless version of an Italian dessert at a Japanese restaurant. The vanilla custard-like gelatin dessert is topped with a dusting of espresso powder and toasted slivered almonds for a perfect melding of sweet and bitter.

This was definitely a year with many other memorable dishes: roasted marrow bones at Bar Pilar, Monday night fried chicken and mashed potatoes at CommonWealth, Todd Thrasher's pineapple pisco sour for Repeal Day, curried lamb with saffron rice from Sawatdee, pig ear fries at Tallula, soft shell crabs on black ink tagliarini with grilled ramps, cherry tomato, chile flakes, and wasabi tobiko at Tabard Inn, and braised pork cheeks at EatBar. With a list like this, we hungrily look forward to 2009.

Comments

LOL! As if anyone can afford to eat like this anymnore! Good one!

Posted by Fluxgirl January 6, 2009 10:59 AM

What? Not one word about the closing of DC's premier dining establishment?

The best thing about the recession is that you now have an excuse to make this stuff at home. If you've got an iron pot and some oil, you can find the ingredients for scotch eggs in your local 7-11. Bone marrow is available at most grocery stores: place in iron pan at 450 for 12 minutes. Cool. Spread on toast with coarse salt and parsley caper salad. It's the consistency of warm butter, but with the flavor of steak. And if you haven't heard, the stuff they put in spicy tuna rolls is the tuna trimmings they're about to throw out because they're going rancid, mixed with spicy mayonnaise. There are much more cost effective ways of giving yourself violent, explosive diarrhea. Like the Gut Blowout Special at Pho King.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 11:13 AM

Do the DCist foodies have a mandate to write a la Lord and Lady Marchmont of Posh Nosh fame (www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzjR0yL4f0Y). To wit:

"it was reminiscent of a late summertime adaptation of cassoulet."

"The winning progression of flavor"

"favored the amuse of"

"electric burst of sodium"

and the best...

"The pale, peanut butter-colored soup is velvety smooth and thick enough to coat your mouth in a creamy, nutty blanket."

Forewarn your Arga, anyone?

Posted by DreadPirateRoberts January 6, 2009 11:55 AM

Having just had spicy tuna rolls from Spices and Sushi Sushi on Macomb in the past 2 weeks, yet not suffering in any way as a result, either I have a cast iron gut or you're wrong. (I'd concede to "wildly speculative," though.)

Posted by KittyLiteral January 6, 2009 12:00 PM

If there's anything my tongue needs right now, it's a thick, nutty blanket.

At least they didn't say the pied de wombat confit with micturant frissee and lime foam fecal "air" was not uninspired.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 12:06 PM

If I didn't know you were a raging family man, I would accuse you of latent homosexual tendencies. But I concur - the last quote was akin to a bad review of a porno. Not that I'd know that, or anything.

Posted by DreadPirateRoberts January 6, 2009 12:13 PM

In your case, you probably had a decent sushi chef, fresh tuna, and an authentic Japanese mayonnaise, as opposed to the usual culprit of intestinal distress, "Uncle Hitler's Blitzkrieg Brand Panzerkämpfmayo (mit Iodine!)®"

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 12:15 PM

Hey, they call it food porn for a reason ;)

Posted by Jamie R. Liu January 6, 2009 12:26 PM

as someone with blatant homosexual tendencies i can tell you, DreadPirateRoberts, that there are plenty of 'raging family men' with latent homosexual tendencies... it's not an either/or thing, it's where do you fall on the scale.

Posted by hoyacougar January 6, 2009 12:54 PM

Pig ear fries? Seriously??

Posted by Nate January 6, 2009 1:35 PM

Sounds kind of good to me, but then again I'm one of those guys that eats everything on the pig but the oink.

Posted by hillrat January 6, 2009 1:41 PM

Excellent point. But to your point, not all posters fall on the same point of the scale o' sluttiness.

Posted by DreadPirateRoberts January 6, 2009 1:47 PM

Crispy pigs ears are dee-lish. Elegantly unctuous with a rich, mellow porkiness. Kinda like firmer, less fatty bath chaps.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 1:52 PM

I prefer Hot Water Soup! Just add hot water and season to taste.

Posted by Deep January 6, 2009 2:18 PM

Yes. They were awesome: just a bit of resistance from the cartilagineous meat that had been slow-cooked to make it tender, then battered and fried.

Posted by Eric Denman January 6, 2009 3:30 PM

Cooking at home with spices and flavored sea salts is the way to go these days. For an eclectic range of both, Secret Stash Sea Salts should do the trick.

www.secretsalts.com

Posted by Salty Mouth January 6, 2009 9:20 PM

Obama Opens Doors

Just like November 5 saw a run on post-election editions of the Washington Post and New York Times, Metro says it is doing brisk business with their commemorative Barack Obama inauguration SmarTrip card.

According to WTOP, 20,000 of the cards have been sold online since they were rolled out in late December, while long lines have formed at sales centers. Another 40,000 cards should be available before the inauguration. They each cost $10 with no fare added or $20 with $10 preloaded on the card, $5 more than a regular SmarTrip. Each card features an image of a smiling Obama, with gold borders and lettering.

Predictably, the cards have appeared on eBay for much more than they're actually worth. (You can get 10 of them for $199! With no fare included! What a deal!).

The popularity of the card should be a hint to Metro -- collectible and commemorative SmarTrip and fare cards are gold. Just like the 50 State Quarters Program generated almost $3 billion in revenue for the U.S. Mint, limited SmarTrip cards emblazoned with the faces of historical figures or commemorating important events are a potential source of revenue.

What kind of special SmarTrip would make you shell out an extra $5?

Comments

After a first quick glance, I thought they put gold grillz on his teeth! yowzers-that would have been controversial!

Posted by loganmo January 6, 2009 10:41 AM

Butterstick! He's already on the paper farecards, but I don't use those anymore.

Posted by jen209 January 6, 2009 10:50 AM

The "Life and Times of Marion Barry” commemorative set
Or
The "Great Moments in Redskin History" (decade 2000 only).

Posted by RJ January 6, 2009 10:52 AM

how about a great jewish athletes commemorative card?

Posted by ces12 January 6, 2009 10:57 AM

I'd pay extra for a "I'm not late; I ride the Red Line" card.

Posted by Bethesdaist January 6, 2009 10:59 AM

how about "ride metro: prevent suicide"?

too soon?

Posted by MSto January 6, 2009 11:09 AM

A list of hotline numbers:

Suicide prevention
Alcohol poisoning
Personal hygiene
Schizophrenia
Homelessness

It would be a public service to all of us.

Posted by jen209 January 6, 2009 11:16 AM

It's more than a fare card - it's a magic card that brings hope and change!

Posted by Henry Krinkle January 6, 2009 11:19 AM

And if you flip it over, rainbows, unicorns, and butterflies fly out of his a$$. It's the My Little Pony/goatse mashup you've been waiting your whole life for! And they're using SCIENCE.!

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 11:22 AM

Monkeyrotica cards!! Fart-scented scratch and sniff...

Posted by AMDCer January 6, 2009 11:23 AM

Butterstick! He's already on the paper farecards......

I second that he has enough popularity already. Some of the revenue from the sale could go the the National Zoo! Posted by DanLemm2001 January 6, 2009 11:26 AM

sandy koufax, hank greenberg....who else? or was this supposed to be a joke?

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 11:33 AM

A "Taxation without representation" card would be nice

Posted by Rukasu January 6, 2009 12:10 PM

like our own little license plate for those of us without cars.

Posted by Rukasu January 6, 2009 12:11 PM

Vanity cards! Yes!

Posted by Bethesdaist January 6, 2009 12:18 PM

I want a Blelvis card.

Posted by Henry Krinkle January 6, 2009 12:40 PM

Mark Spitz and I'm out. There's a reason Brandeis is D3

Posted by OnlyatBrandeis January 6, 2009 1:07 PM

Boy, I sure missed those George W. Bush commemorative SmarTrip cards that came out in 2001. Am I the only one who finds this smarmy and inappropriate? I think Metro should stay out of the issuing "commemorative" anything bearing the likeness of a living politician, following the excellent precedents set by the Mint and the Post Office.

Posted by ledroitist January 6, 2009 1:36 PM

Billy of "Black Cat, Black Cat. Change for the homeless, Black Cat" fame needs his own SmarTrip card.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 1:41 PM

I agree with you philisophically -- but part of me thinks that whatever Metro wants to sell that will make them money is fine by me. It's not like your Smartrip is a vanity plate for all to see.

$50 Hard-core Smartrips FTW!

Posted by Burleith January 6, 2009 1:48 PM

Don't forget Rod Carew!

Posted by hillrat January 6, 2009 1:50 PM

STAND RIGHT WALK LEFT

Posted by fartynonsense January 6, 2009 2:27 PM

SmarTrip cards were only introduced to the Metro system in 1999, and initially didn't cover Metro buses or any of the outlying bus lines. Relatively few people were using them yet, and therefore very little money to be made by issuing a promotional card.

The first time WMATA ever issued a commemorative/promotional SmarTrip was for the opening of Nationals park last year. The Inaugural is just the next big event that offers an opportunity to cash in, and the enthusiasm over the event and the heavily Democratic tilt of the DC Metro area means that an Obama-themed card is likely to bring in a lot of resources.

True, it's possible that a future Republican inauguration would be seen as a less lucrative opportunity and thus not commemorated via SmarTrip, but perhaps you can hold off your alarmed cries of "Hypocrisy!" until Metro has actually had a chance to be hypocritical.

Posted by Nate January 6, 2009 2:51 PM

Actually, there was an earlier commerative SmarTrip card in 2001, celebrating Metro's 25th Anniversary. Mine just conked out about a month ago. Anyway, I'm sure that's why there wasn't one for W.

Posted by mho January 6, 2009 4:22 PM

business decision, ledroitist. no one would have paid for a gwb card. or, they would have paid for it and promptly lit it on fire, or run it through an industrial-strength shredder. maybe!

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 5:14 PM

id pay for one that came with an extra $5 on it. oh wait, that would be getting my money's worth!

but sadly i'll have to buy these for my parents, who are coming to town for the festivities.

Posted by badtzmaru January 6, 2009 7:14 PM

clever username :)

Posted by shermskis January 6, 2009 8:24 PM

Seriously, a rundown of Metro etiquette would be great, such as line policies for elevators (especially at Foggy Bottom and Dupont, where the escalators always seem to break down); if you're standing on the side of the train next to opening doors, get the hell out of the way so people can get on and off; keep your butt moving when you get to the top/bottom of an escalator; and, most importantly, echoing fartynonsense, STAND RIGHT, WALK LEFT!

But then, I guess the most serious offenders wouldn't have a SmarTrip in the first place...freaking tourists. Maybe they should post these in every train and station...

Posted by DJ Jesus Loves Lucy January 7, 2009 8:51 AM

You're assuming these people know how to read in the first place. If they can't be bothered to read a sign on the escalator, what makes you think they'll pay any attention to a list on a SmartTrip card? What they need to do is hire porn stars to demonstrate proper subway etiquette while banging the $h!t out of eachother. This provides the dual advantage of scaring away the morbidly obese hookworm-and-bible-belt churchies while providing the rest of us with free entertainment.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 7, 2009 9:04 AM

Morning Roundup: Challengers and Challenges Edition

Good morning, D.C. The city is grappling with more than its fair share of commute-relate challenges this week, it seems. As the Examiner rightly notes, President-Elect Barack Obama's presence at the Hay-Adams Hotel is causing all kinds of traffic woes. There was a large apartment fire in Arlington early this morning, which briefly shut down a westbound stretch of U.S. 50. And there's something cold and wet falling out of the sky, increasing the possibility that the threat of ice will cause area residents to drive like complete idiots. Be careful out on those roads, DCist readers.

Cheh Thinks Interns Should Be Allowed to Sue: Ward 3 Council member Mary Cheh says she will introduce legislation that would allow interns working in Washington to sue their employers, the Examiner reports. Apparently a sort of legal loophole exists in District law that currently allows only paid employees to sue for discrimination or sexual harassment. Unpaid interns should definitely be legally protected from their employers, but what would all those m4intern guys do if this bill passes?

Man Struck by Train at Braddock Road: Metro's Blue and Yellow line service was disrupted last night after a man was struck by a train at the Braddock Road station in Alexandria. Witnesses said they saw the man intentionally step onto the tracks at around 9:45 p.m., when he was hit. The man was breathing and conscious and was taken to a local hospital.

Briefly Noted: D.C. Council hardens line on handouts to nonprofits ... Three teens confess to beating man to death ... Kaine says he'll limit time spent as party leader.

Photo by akkleis

Comments

There's ice on a tree in Front Royal. Everybody FREAK OUT!

Posted by Kev29 January 6, 2009 10:21 AM

Area residents already drive like an idiots. Something cold and wet falling out of the sky only enhances their ineptitude.

Posted by mustachioed January 6, 2009 10:34 AM

Can we get the word out that stepping in front of the Metro trains is a very inefficient method of suicide?

Maybe something like the 'No Rapture' signs?

Posted by no_more_caffeine January 6, 2009 10:34 AM

"Four young people beat this man to death for no reason," Ivey said in a statement. "We have held them accountable for that. We have to take a hard look at creating new options for sentencing juveniles."

Kinda late for that, dontcha think? And besides, they did beat him to death for a reason. He wouldn't give the kids a cigarette.

Posted by monkeyrotica January 6, 2009 10:42 AM

there was also a fire last night at 1180 Vermont Ave in Ballston (Arlington). i'm sure that the residents were reached, but last night no one knew who lived there or how to find them. photos of the scene can be found here: fire @ 1180

Posted by erincarly January 6, 2009 11:16 AM

hey. not cool, the link didn't work. here, copy and paste, old school style:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rokstar/sets/72157612222894770/

Posted by erincarly January 6, 2009 11:17 AM

That photo makes me think it's unfortunate that there are so few hitching posts left around town. This would be an ideal way to re-purpose them.

Posted by HCE January 6, 2009 11:22 AM

About that Arlington fire, once again the Post finds a way to depict car commuters as the real victims. The headline: "Arlington Building Fire Slows Morning Commute on Route 50"

This is just like when they reported on Ristorante Piccolo in Georgetown burning.

Hey Post, car commuters already think the world revolves around them, you don't have to contribute to it by highlighting every slight delay they experience in the headline. Should you mention major delays in the article? Maybe. But how is it even news, let alone headline news?

As I joked after the Georgetown fire, I wonder if the 9/12/01 Post headline was "Airplane Incident Causes Major Traffic Headaches".

Posted by Reid January 6, 2009 11:56 AM

Is there a reason the blinkin' site keeps logging me out? It gets tiring having to re-log-in every time I close and reopen the browser.

Posted by Moose January 6, 2009 4:14 PM

moose: i'm still having the same damn problem. (mac os 10.4.11 with firefox 3, if one of you debuggers is paying attention). and, i liked it better when the comments kept nesting. i see now that they only nest one level, even if you're not replying to the first comment.

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 5:18 PM

IMGoph: I use firefox 3 as well and have it set up to where it deletes cookies when I close the browser. Perhaps you need to change this setting in order to have dcist's server remember you as a returned visitor instead of logging you on as a new visitor.

Posted by blittle January 6, 2009 5:38 PM

blittle: thanks for the advice, but i don't have my cookies deleted. with the old design, i would have this problem once in a blue moon, then it would right itself. but, since the redesign, it's been endemic...

Posted by IMGoph January 6, 2009 6:10 PM