Written by DCist Contributor Stephanie Taylor Travel + Leisure magazine has released their 2007 list of “America’s Favorite Cities”, which ranks D.C. as sub-par in most categories when compared to 24 other U.S. cities. Evaluated by our own residents, we came in a lowly No. 23 on the hotness meter, and No. 22 on the stylish (that’s out of a 1-25 ranking, 25 = bad, not good.) Visitors ranked Washington No. 24 on the people-I-like-to-look-at…

Walking into Jammin’ Java Friday night, here’s what I knew about Philly rockers Marah: 1) High Fidelity and About a Boy author Nick Hornby, a man who has documented his musical preferences at least enough for me to know I largely share them, loves on this band so much he devoted one of his book columns in Believer magazine a couple of years ago to their largely unsung magnificence. 1a) Stephen King –Josh Ritter…

Story and photo by DCist Contributor Jason Cox The last time Paul Van Dyk was in town, it was an almost somber occasion — his trance anthems pulsed through the chambers of Nation one last time, only weeks before the raver haven shut its doors for good. When would he return? Where would he play? Fur, the most obvious choice, was likely out of the question if you listen to the urban legends about PVD…

Review and photos by DCist contributor Paul Ghosh-Roy They don’t speak English. Their sound system consists of PA style loud speakers draped with mics. They play thumb pianos. The guy who formed the band was born in 1933. They also have a track produced by Timbaland on Bjork’s new album. Oh yeah, and they played the Black Cat on Friday night. What to make of all this, you ask? Well, it’s Konono No. 1, son,…

Cue sounds of cats hissing at each other. The latest issue of the Washington City Paper contains not one but two tongue lashings of Ward 1 D.C. Council member Jim Graham. The first, a lengthy cover story by Jessica Gould, nicely summarized in the subtitle: “Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham never met a misbehaving nightclub that blanket legislation couldn’t fix,” details Graham’s latest crusade against nightclubs — an issue we’ve certainly talked about before….

This post was written by DCist contributor Hayden Alfano When John Thompson III replaced Craig Esherick as head coach of Georgetown’s men’s basketball, Hoya alums and other Washingtonians expected a swift return to the top for the storied program. With an 87-84 win over top-ranked and previously-undefeated Duke Saturday afternoon at MCI Center, the Hoyas announced to the entire country that they’re back. After controlling most of the game and leading by as much as…

The Washington Wizards, fresh off of their first playoff trip in many moons, return to action tonight when the team travels to Toronto and tips off against the Raptors at 7:00 p.m. The Wiz had quite the offseason. They lost Larry Hughes, Juan Dixon and DCist fave Steve Blake in free agency and traded star-crossed former No. 1 pick Kwame Brown to the LA Lakers for Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins. Free agents Antonio…

A federal judge delivered mayoral hopeful Adrian Fenty a disappointing blow in his quest to ban the sale of malt liquor and other single-sale alcohol in certain parts of the District. Last year, Fenty, the councilman for Ward 4, pushed a measure through the city council that would have banned such sales. But a federal judge, Rosemary Collyer, intervened before the ban would have gone into effect and this past week, “struck down the law,”…

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Greetings from the capital of the Buckeye State. Thanks for all your input on our “Team America: World Police”-themed journey. We’re continuing to head west. This photo, taken from Third Street near the Nationwide Arena District shows one of Columbus’ more controversial advertisements. Like the giant H&M advertisement on the Flatiron Building in New York that has graced the landmark building and pissed off most everyone, the three-part ad seen here…

Taking cues from New York Press’ 50-Most Loathsome New Yorkers, DCSOB (with the help of DCeiver) evaluated, rated and put together a list of D.C.’s most loathsome people. There are a few surprises among a list of some more obvious candidates. DCSOB picked Ward 4’s Adrian Fenty for the No. 1 slot. But on the list include Washingtonienne aka Jessica Cutler (No. 25); James F. of why.i.hate.dc (No. 21); Carol Thompson, the former Riggs Bank…