I have a small confession. Months ago, when I agreed to take over Nats coverage for DCist, I was anticipating a historically bad season. The kind of season that I could tell my children about, and allow me to forever hold my head above future bandwagon fans. So imagine my surprise that on my inaugural post there are a staggering seven teams with worse records than the Nats, despite seven Washington losses in their last... more ›

All across the Ist-A-Verse (or at least the American parts thereof), writers and editors are in the midst of enjoying their three-day weekend. But after the week we've all had, we feel like the break is not only needed, but deserved. Just look at everything we've been doing! Gothamist headed into the Memorial Day weekend with a number of tasks accomplished. They worried about Long Islanders giving New Yorkers a bad name. They tried... more ›

Guys, guys, guys. We know you hit up DCist to check out this week's line-up at the Black Cat or the new gossip in the foodie world, but we like to think you love this city more than just for its evening entertainment possibilities and decent grasshopper taco locales. Last week we told you about our team for Servathon 2007, which will be taking part in the volunteer day on May 5. Team DCist will... more ›

Maryland entered this weekend the clear underdog against three opponents with Final Four pedigrees. They left with the trophy, proving that "experience isn't everything." Freshman point guard Kristi Toliver scored the team's final five points in regulation -- including a rainbow three-pointer from the right corner over 6-7 Alison Bales that tied the game with six seconds to play -- then made the go-ahead free throws in overtime in the Terps' 78-75 win in last... more ›

On Saturday, R&B Coffee will take a unique approach to fundraising: they'll be doing it in two worlds at once.

The Happening is a charity event that will occur simultaneously at the coffeeshop's H Street location and in a recreation of the coffeeshop that exists in the online world Second Life.

This isn't unprecedented: Second Life has hosted cultural events before. For instance, Stanford Law professor and intellectual property expert Lawrence Lessig gave a talk there not too long ago. Second Life differs from other persistent virtual worlds in that users can own property and objects within it. You don't see too many other software companies that keep an in-game embedded reporter on staff.

The Happening "will feature music, art, dance, film, poetry, and a fashion show," as well as an appearance by Make Magazine's Phillip Torrone, who'll be demoing his portable virtual reality rig — and presumably pulling off the neat trick of being in two places at once. Tickets to the physical event are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and attendees must be 18 or older. Basic membership in Second Life is free, but spaces for the event are limited. For more information, visit The Happening's website.

UPDATE: Via email and comments, the folks from The Happening inform us that there's actually no minimum age for attendees.

Thanks to David for the tip.

War Eagle, baby. The first round of the NFL Draft was steeped in Auburn mania, and the Washington Redskins played a big part in it, selecting Auburn alumni with both of their first round picks. Having lost Fred Smoot to free agency during the offseason, the Redskins’ chiefest need in the draft was in the defensive backfield. Washington used their ninth pick to select Auburn cornerback Carlos Rogers, one of a trio of top... more ›