In the 1970s, a survey in Russia found that the most well-known American in the country was Richard Nixon. Placing second on that list was Willis Conover, a man unknown to many Americans, but loved by millions around the globe as the jazz disc jockey for Voice of America. This was at a time when the world was flirting with self-annihilation, but even then, leaders in government realized that music and art can be a powerful transformative and persuasive force. more ›

FRIDAY: >> We told you all about the Buzzlife White Party at Five yesterday, so follow the link for more details. >> ArtOutlet presents its first ever Flash animation film festival, called Flick, at Warehouse. Tim Bracken opens the event with an alt-country set at 7 p.m., with screenings from selected artists beginning at 8. $5 suggested donation, also Saturday. SATURDAY: >> Like we mentioned in this week's music agenda, the artwork of Mingering Mike,... more ›

The worst part about National Geographic magazine, if there is a worst part, is the between-the-pages fold. It cuts large images right in half. The pages are too small. It’s like a magazine for ants. How are we supposed to see the pictures if they can’t even fit them in the magazine? It needs to be at least ... three times bigger. Until they make some changes, DCist has found a solution: check out the... more ›

>> Capital Jazz Fest 2005 goes throughout the weekend at Merriweather Post Pavilion. The line up includes George Benson, Joe Sample, Chaka Khan (at right) Lalah Hathaway and more. Ticket information can be found here. more ›

>> Don't forget to catch part of the US ASEAN Film, Video & Photography Festival before it ends on Saturday. The festival features fifteen nominated and selected films by talented independent filmmakers from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. The accompanying photography exhibitions showcase works that capture the beauty of Southeast Asia. Films are shown in the National Geographic Society's Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium. You can buy tickets here. >> Another photography exhibit of interest opens... more ›

>> "Mexican Report: Contemporary Mexican Art" -- the key show opening this week -- will be exhibited concurrently at three art venues in the D.C. area. It opens at the Cultural Institute of Mexico this Thursday with at reception at the Institute starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by a tour of the Meridian International Center (a five-minute walk, but transportation will be provided as well). "Mexican Report" consists of an extraordinary gathering of the... more ›