This weekend is the 45th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence from Great Britain. To commemorate this event, the Embassy of Jamaica will be hosting a series of events capped off with the Independence Sunday Market on Sunday at the Organization of American States on the corner of Constitution Ave. and 17th St. NW. Not only will there be food and crafts, but also a concert headlined by reggae artist Shaggy. Shaggy gained a great deal of... more ›

Seriously, how much more ironic could this be? Queen Elizabeth II is visiting Washington today. Washington was named for one of the leaders of the fight for independence against the repressive British empire -- then led by King George III -- a battle that was in part provoked by a general frustration with the levying of taxes and the denial of representation. And yet, over 200 years later, the residents of Washington still pay taxes... more ›

When architects, developers, and laborers set about transforming the former Columbia Hospital for Women into the massive Columbia Residences complex at the intersection of 25th Street, L Street, and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, they placed the area within a protective cocoon of chain-link fences. Inside the fences, just across L Street from the back door of Marcel's restaurant, went a little-known monument commemorating a joint international agreement to reduce military forces patrolling the Great Lakes. With... more ›

You Dada See It: DCist finally spent a day exploring Dada at the National Gallery, and it's really the sort of exhibition that grows on you as you move through it. The first room, detailing the Dada movement as it emerged in Zurich, is a tough nut to crack -- a few too many photo collages that aren't terribly stimulating clutter the landscape. But as you move through Berlin and Hannover, eventually reaching Paris and... more ›

Looking to put an imprimatur on your burgeoning wine-swilling habit? On Monday, January 16, the Washington Wine Academy will hold its first class in the WSET’s five-week Intermediate level course at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Crystal City. more ›

Looking to get out on the water this weekend? Sunday is National Learn to Row Day and the Capital Rowing Club is hosting an open house at the Anacostia Community Boathouse at 1115 O St. SE, on the far side of the Navy Yard. There will be hands-on instruction in the basics of sweep rowing. And it’s free. All you have to do is be at least 13 years old. And we hear that... more ›

Area foodies have been using OpenTable since 1998 to book tables at some of the area's best restaurants. The service allows diners to search for restaurants and reserve tables with a few simple mouse clicks, and also rewards members with points, redeemable for coupons at participating establishments. The service did have a few bugs, and lacked a few features that could have made searching all the easier. more ›