Meh-NAH-meh-nuh? Meh-NOH-meh-nuh? Meh-noh-MEE-nuh? A nonsense word, an inside joke, or derived from that fantastic old school Muppet Show sketch? Whatever it is, it’s not much of a telling name for a band with such a wide array of musical backgrounds and interests. Their debut I Am the Fun Blame Monster! was characteristically all-over-the-map in its creativity, but erred on the side of goofy and even a little obtuse. Then came Under an Hour, a score…

We’ve already received a few submissions to our August Touch Up D.C. photo editing extravaganza, so here’s our very first selection, by Flickr user htlvhwy, titled “Tessie, the Tidal Basin Monster.” The serene paddle boaters are a particularly nice touch to this mashup of Scottish folklore and American tourism. Well played, htlvhwy! In case you missed yesterday’s announcement, inspired by our sister site Londonist’s regular Touch Up London feature, we’re going to run the…

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,…

It’s a little dreary out today, isn’t it? Please accept this video of adorable baby meerkats at the National Zoo trying to dig holes as a token of our concern for the mental well being of Washingtonians in desperate need of a sunny, warm spring day. [DCGuide]. >> There are plenty of things D.C.’s federal workers can complain about: shifts in the administration, incurring public ire during tax season, being treated like a number in…

Dine Out For Life On March 8 If you’ve been feeling guilty about all your meals out lately, get ready to wash that all away next week. The annual Dining Out For Life benefit will take place next Thursday, March 8. If you’re unfamiliar with the charity affair, it’s one day each year when dozens of area restaurants donate at least 25% of their profits to local charity Food and Friends. The event, which takes…

It’s become a clichéd national joke. When someone mentions monster trucks, someone else says “SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!” Unfortunately the Monster Jam was at the Verizon Center Friday and Saturday, so we didn’t get to hear those immortal words on TV. But aside from Bigfoot happy meal toys when we were little, we’d never gotten close to a genuine monster truck. Much like a Godzilla movie, the monster truck rally sounded great in theory, but didn’t…

Jagshemash! Borat is a hit. It’s grossing millions and definitely the most quotable thing we’ve seen in ages. But Borat himself seems to have missed most of the -ist cities, and we were all wondering how the film would have been different if he’d made his way around the world on the -ist tour. In Shanghai, Borat would be observing Inane Learnings of Penis Photos for Make Benefit Glorious Flat World of Handmade Toy…

FRIDAY: >> From the amount of Evites and mass emails running around inviting folks to giant group outings to see Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, we’re guessing that’s what a lot of you are doing tonight. As of now, only the 5:15 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. showings at Gallery Place still have tickets available, but the Loews Georgetown has plenty more options. Jagshemash! >> Paging John Hodgman! Director…

Editorial Disclosure: DCist Jason Linkins has a supporting role in this production Quite a few interpretations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein have been gracing the D.C. stages lately. Round House Silver Spring has a take, and we were impressed with the lyrical, atmospheric vibe that Synetic Theatre’s production captured in September. While Rorschach Theatre’s most recent effort may not have the same melancholy moodiness that Synetic achieved through striking set design and choreography, the work still…

Written by DCist Contributor Christopher Durocher In commemoration of National Coming Out Day it’s time to set the record, er, straight. It’s time to admit what every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered person already knows – mainstream, gay-themed cinema is, at best, a mixed bag. But don’t despair. Beginning October 12, the Reel Affirmations International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, is going to show D.C. that there is more to queer cinema than gay…