Parky McParkface, etc. etc.

With the opening of its ongoing Exploring the Early Americas exhibit today, the Library of Congress marks the beginning of a transformation that by the Summer of 2008 will “merge cutting-edge technology with the knowledge and inspiration embodied in the Library’s unparalleled collections and curators.” The exhibit features some of the 3,000 items representing the “beginning” of America (that is, the beginning of European documented America), that Jay I. Kislak has been collecting for more…

According to Forbes magazine, the Washington Capitals are the third most worthless team in the National Hockey League. This is a big step up from last year, when they were number one! Of course, being businessmen and not hockey fans, the boys at Forbes have failed to take into account the kinds of younger, developing players that the Caps hold, ready to carry them to success either this year or in the immediate future. If…

>> We interviewed former Grandaddy member Jim Fairchild earlier today, so be sure to check out his show tonight at Black Cat under the moniker All Smiles. Fairchild opens for David Bazan, formerly the driving force behind Pedro the Lion, will open along with Lavender Diamond. 8 p.m., $12. >> Palace of Wonders is hosting a special Day of the Dead performance of Philadelphia’s The Squidling Brothers’ Clown Centrick Sideshow, a vaudeville and burlesque…

The press ahead of D.C. United’s first round playoff clash with the Chicago Fire last night leaned heavily on D.C.’s poor record against the Fire, especially in recent playoff history. A lot of it also talked about Chicago’s big signing, Mexican national team veteran Cuahtemoc Blanco. And to some extent, there was some talk about D.C.’s injured stars, Jaime Moreno and Luciano Emilio. Both players picked up injuries in United’s completely meaningless season finale last…

This was not exactly the weekend that D.C. United was hoping for. A 3-2 loss to the non-playoff bound Columbus Crew closed out United’s MLS regular season and snapped United’s unbeaten streak (dating back to July). Worse yet, United lost their two star strikers, Luciano Emilio and Jaime Moreno, to foot injuries. With last night’s Fire victory over the Galaxy, United were assigned the Thursday night time-slot against a Fire team that might be…

D.C. United played out a relatively dull and featureless 0-0 draw with the Chicago Fire on Saturday night, but the real celebrations would come on Sunday night. The Colorado Rapids scored in the final minutes to pull out an upset over Chivas USA, 2-1, making D.C. United the first team to ever successfully defend the Supporters’ Shield. It probably wasn’t the stylish way United will have wanted to take the regular season crown, but with…

FRIDAY: >> Two shows for DAM! Fest tonight, with events at Rock and Roll Hotel and the Red and the Black. The former includes an appearance by recent Three Stars subject the Beanstalk Library, plus The Exit, Dragons of Zynth and The Teeth. Stick around for the free afterparty, We Fought the Hej, a combo of two of our favorite DJ nights, Hej Hej and We Fought the Big One. >> Don’t forget to check…

Good morning, Washington. It’s Columbus Day, the least observed of all the federal holidays — or is that Veterans’ Day? Unless you work directly for the government or your job is absolutely dependent on it being open for business, odds are about even you’re sitting at your desk at the usual time this morning, as a trade-off for getting to take the Friday after Thanksgiving off. It’s also, of course, a controversial day, and is…

Written by DCist Contributor Meghan Welsh What originally began as a venue to expose the residents of D.C. to traditional and folk dance genres has now become an annual tradition. Today through Sunday, the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities will present the 4th D.C. Dance Festival. Arts enthusiasts and even dance aficionados can find something new to experience at the festival — the three jam-packed days feature over 37 performances and interactive workshops,…