Am I the only one who thinks this year’s White House Christmas tree is a little … gaudy? These sweet little trees, part of the annual Pageant (or Pathway) of Peace, though perhaps less regal, seem more personal and softly colorful. Flickr user philliefan_99 took this shot of some families strolling by last week, down the path that shows off 56 trees — one for each state, territory, and of course, D.C. I’m sure…

When the Dismemberment Plan decided to call it quits in 2003, D.C. lost the one hometown act that just about everyone could agree on. The years since have been filled with high expectations for all of the band’s former members, though none of the post-breakup projects have managed to incite the level of excitement that always seemed to surround the Plan. As you’ll probably recall, the first out of the gate was Travis Morrison with…

For all the hand wringing over the Nats 9-17 April record (the second worst in baseball), the month’s last game provided some vindication for many of the teams fans, and especially for centerfielder Ryan Church. At the beginning of April, Church’s fate with the team was cloudy, with his supporters almost hoping he could be traded to find another opportunity. A quick glance at the lineup before a 3-2 win over the Padres late Monday…

I arrived to a half filled Black Cat last night, unsure what to expect from Danish superstars Mew. Their album, And The Glass Handed Kites, was one of the most interesting albums I heard last year, their fey yet bruising style of jangle prog a combination of Jeff Buckley’s tenderest falsetto moments and the whiplash of Bloc Party’s best Wedding Present imitation in one album that sequences connecting songs to great effect. However, the…

We know what you’re thinking. It’s the week of Valentine’s Day. You’re either coupled-up, buying the flowers, and getting ready for your $250 dinner at the Tabard Inn with your sweetie; or you’re single, planning on spending Wednesday watching “Lost” with your roommate, and secretly signing up for the next speed-dating session at Chi-Cha Lounge. So what better way to prepare for either event than standing in front of a packed room, re-hashing the hell…

>> Avoid the mall and take advantage of the numerous venues for purchasing handmade arts and crafts here in D.C., including Gateway Georgia Avenue’s 2nd Annual Holiday ArtWalk tomorrow night in Silver Spring. Local artists will have paintings, prints, photos, quilts and more available for sale for $15-$300. Even if you’re only browsing, you can enjoy free empanadas from Los Arrieros or wine and finger food at The Graphic Workshop, Pyramid Atlantic and Kari Minnick…