tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144111112011-10-31T04:26:10.232-07:00Spontaneous observations of places, ideas, and happenings in a mobile photo weblog. Based in and around NoVA and Washington, DC. (Note: This blog is somewhat abandoned, but we're keeping the content up.)Christiannoreply@blogger.comBlogger1021100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-48105370772285153262007-10-24T10:22:00.001-07:002007-10-24T10:49:26.620-07:00

People are asking for the information about this year's High Heel Race, so I'm glad to help. It's Tuesday, October 30 at 8PM. You can call JR's Bar & Grill for information. For some fun scary movies on Halloween (October 31), I suggest the $1 showings of Shaun of the Dead and Halloween at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse or a Rocky Horror Picture Show-ing (see this link for some local Rocky Horror

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-50920881354125178212007-06-29T15:05:00.000-07:002007-06-29T15:19:30.084-07:00

Say hello to the first people in DC with iPhones. No, I'm not getting one, I just dropped by to check out the scene. More picsApple Store2700 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 (map)703 875 9880 | store.apple.com

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-50950571720713212782007-05-14T20:56:00.000-07:002007-05-15T19:33:44.550-07:00

There are no casual observers at the much-hyped Bodies: The Exhibition, one of Arlington’s latest attractions. The exhibit features real, preserved human bodies, displayed in various states of dissection. The process used to preserve the bodies effectively converts specific tissues into plastic, preventing decay and allowing for exhibits to show the isolated systems of the body, like just the

sheribombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422944169014271794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-33425158555439936642007-05-04T10:10:00.000-07:002007-05-04T11:24:12.633-07:00

Cafe Wilson is located right at the Clarendon Metro station on Wilson Blvd. I love this place for several reasons: all day breakfast, vegetarian sandwiches ("B".L.T.'s, "chicken" cheese "steak", etc), and even good coffee. It's a small cafe with more outdoor seating than indoor on nice days, and is open 7am-8pm Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm on weekends.Cafe Wilson Deli3033 Wilson Blvd, Arlington

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-57313916396316544492007-03-25T18:34:00.001-07:002007-03-25T21:35:06.071-07:00

The 930 Club is arguably D.C.'s foremost music venue. On any given day you can hear the newest and freshest music offered by the most talented bands in the world. It also has an impressive selection of microbrews, which automatically makes it cool.This past Friday we went to a concert featuring the eclectic mix of hip hop, electronica and rock of RJD2, the lightning fast abstract rap stylings of

Jim S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00491942057905865087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-33712775117794478822007-03-25T17:51:00.000-07:002007-03-25T21:41:24.224-07:00

Pita House in Old Town Alexandria is quiet and cozy, tucked away from the main tourist strip on King Street. The food is Mediterranean/Lebanese, and the extensive vegetarian menu includes flavorful entrees well beyond the usual hummus and spinach pies (although those are great too!). There are also plenty of favorites for non-vegetarians -- the shawarma seems especially lauded.The quality of the

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-91986728611896135792007-03-23T13:45:00.000-07:002007-03-23T14:21:44.646-07:00

... was awesome!The parade is basically a jumble of Baltimorian craziness and whatever Irish stuff the town can muster up. For example, there were bagpipe players in their fully kilted glory, followed by two New Orleans style marching bands. Check out my extended post about the parade in my blog, Bad Nanobot.The Baltimore St. Patrick's Day ParadeMarch 11, 2007 from 2:00 PM onward, from the

sheribombhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05422944169014271794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1170107486735575072007-01-29T13:49:00.000-08:002007-01-29T21:40:17.340-08:00

(More photos)The January 27 March for Peace and Justice demonstration took place this past Saturday in DC. The turnout was impressive and the message was clear: the immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq. Protesters held the Bush Administration accountable for misleading us into war, then mismanaging the war's execution.

Jim S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00491942057905865087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1169840453137249322007-01-26T11:40:00.000-08:002007-01-26T11:53:34.536-08:00

Last night DC9 hosted a CD release party for Motel, an ensemble appropriately described as "the intersection of DC hip-hop with original NYC jazz." The show was remarkable. The MCs provided cerebral and socially aware lyrics well suited to the music, which was a superb amalgam of fusion and funk. I recommend Motel's new album, "Lost and Found."Motelwww.welcometomotel.comDC9 Nightclub1940 9th

Jim S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00491942057905865087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1167953035251087932007-01-04T15:00:00.000-08:002007-01-26T11:49:49.853-08:00

I checked out Elevation Burger in Falls Church this afternoon, which is a new "healthy" burger restaurant. Although I'm dubious of the healthy-ness of burgers and fries, I appreciate their having two different veggie burgers on the menu. Veggie burger #1 has a meat-like taste, and veggie burger #2 tastes like veggies.For beef eaters (no, I don't mind the guy on the gin bottle) there are organic

Christiannoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1163562987049591612006-11-14T19:28:00.000-08:002006-11-14T20:01:36.120-08:00

Prince William Forest National Park is one of Northern Virginia's largest least crowded parks. It's large (over 15,000 acres) and rich in natural beauty. The main natural attractions are trees, creeks, and wildlife.Camping in either tents or cabins (rustic ones!) is available in the park and is very inexpensive. If you're a tent camper, you can either drive up for car camping or hike in to a more

Christiannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1161907008224255222006-10-26T16:35:00.000-07:002007-10-30T12:37:22.631-07:00

Update: 2007 race info on my homepage.Here are the promised (but somewhat unimpressive) photos from the 17th Street High Heel Drag Race on Tuesday.A huge turnout! I wasn't able to get a front-row "seat" this time, and should have asked these guys to take photos form me, who are sitting on top of Trio's Fox & Hound's on 17th.The race included this guy or gal, who's not in drag but apparently comes

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1161707755579565922006-10-24T09:34:00.000-07:002006-10-24T09:37:43.163-07:00

Just a reminder, the High Heel Drag Race for 2006 is tonight -- the fun starts 7:30 or 8PM, the race starts at 9PM. I will be there armed only with my RAZR for photo documentation.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1161669521622883172006-10-23T22:31:00.000-07:002006-10-23T23:00:00.596-07:00

Iota Club and Cafe on Wilson Boulevard is a great local live music venue. They even have good food, even though the portions are small and pricey. The entertainment comes in different flavors, mostly varieties of adult contemporary, rock, indie, folk, or some combination thereof.This past Friday night I had a killer time there seeing two great local bands, Everyone But Pete and Shane Hines and

Christiannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1161448721756067952006-10-21T09:37:00.000-07:002006-10-21T09:44:30.373-07:00

In the wet and shiny weather Thursday night, we heard a screeching car crash on I-66 near Route 29 (in Arlington). With a few drinks in our bloodstreams, we decided we'd run to investigate. We made it to the scene within minutes with just one minor injury (a scratch that's now healing nicely) to find traffic completely stopped and the scene covered with police, a fire truck, and at least one

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1160973811138921692006-10-15T21:26:00.000-07:002006-10-17T18:58:29.760-07:00

I have yet to see a WMATA gas/electric hybrid bus on the road, but at least there was one on display at this weekend's DC Green Festival. Thanks, Metro! Now let's see some on my regular bus routes. I hope they're faster than the natural gas models.Green Festival: www.greenfestivals.orgWMATA: www.wmata.comThanks to my mom for taking one of these photos.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1160099022323741842006-10-05T17:51:00.000-07:002006-10-10T14:29:17.506-07:00

White's Ferry is the last ferry service operating on the Potomac River. Located along the C&O Canal, the ferry carries cars, passengers, and bicycles between Montgomery County, Maryland and Loudon County, Virginia. In one of the greater DC area's remaining rural areas, the ferry is depended on by locals for transit and is a haven for bicylists and water sports, including fishing. White's Ferry

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1155521807864048152006-08-13T19:13:00.000-07:002006-08-13T19:44:27.906-07:00

Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant is a longstanding favorite among DC area vegetarians. Since 1997, the family-owned cafe in Vienna has served meat-free Asian dishes in a cheery atmosphere decorated with sunflowers.After nearly a decade of happy customers and great reviews, Sunflower will open a larger location in Seven Corners (Falls Church, VA). The new location is on Route 50 in the building

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1154575859803125872006-08-02T20:30:00.000-07:002006-08-02T20:31:32.113-07:00

Washingtonians should sometimes break free from the Beltway to the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether it's a daytrip to Harpers Ferry, a pleasant drive along Skyline Drive, or a multi-day hike along the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Mountains provide boundless rustic adventures just hours from downtown DC.One such adventure is the annual FloydFest near Floyd, Virginia. This

Jim S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00491942057905865087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1154490725479868822006-08-01T20:37:00.000-07:002006-08-01T20:52:36.263-07:00

Guajillo Mexican Restaurant is located on Wilson Boulevard in the Courthouse area of Arlington. It's in a strip mall of small businesses that's hard to browse by car, so is often overlooked by folks who don't live in the area.The family-owned restaurant is popular for authentic and delicious Mexican food, great sangria, margaritas, and mojitos (with even a virgin mojito on the menu), and good

Christiannoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1153970922557585352006-07-26T19:57:00.000-07:002006-07-26T20:29:20.696-07:00

Java Green is a killer vegetarian cafe with lots of vegan and non-dairy (X.O.) options. It's popular among both vegetarian and omnivorous office drones for lunch, when it commonly has a line reaching to the door and beyond. GW students can also be spotted dining there.My favorites on the menu include the Seoul Chicken Salad, the Chicken Jobche, and the Green Frappe drink. (Of course the chicken

Christiannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1153890743107942072006-07-25T21:13:00.000-07:002006-07-25T22:22:06.273-07:00

How's this for a dining adventure? Eden Center, the capital of Northern Virginia's Vietnamese universe, is packed with more than a hundred shops and restaurants. It's located in the Seven Corners area on Wilson Boulevard. The outside strip mall of Eden Center is striped with unusual shops, many labeled only in Vietnamese to leave English-only speakers guessing.Inside Eden Center is a mall, with

Christiannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1153719976548225182006-07-23T22:18:00.000-07:002006-07-23T22:52:18.923-07:00

Workplace team-building: This is what led me to the tram tour at the National Arboretum. It's one way to get out to some nature in DC without a lot of walking or sun. The trams run on weekends (and weekdays by appointment only) and rides cost $4. There's a pre-recorded tour played during this slow, thirty-five minute ride. Although it contains interesting factoids here and there, you can mostly

Christiannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1153513703257996542006-07-21T12:22:00.000-07:002006-07-21T13:30:40.673-07:00

In red lighting ...Cloud at Dupont Circle lured us in with its unique and delightful specialty martinis, particularly the "Star of India", which contains organic rose petals. I had early evening cocktails at Cloud serveral times before I recently tried the menu, which offers tapas in intriguing flavors from all over the world. I ordered a few vegetarian options and cleaned each of my (small)

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1153284055061408852006-07-18T20:58:00.000-07:002006-07-18T21:50:17.910-07:00

About two blocks from Dupont Circle, this colorful Thai restaurant has upper-shelf cocktails available for happy hour prices ($4.50) seven days a week from 3:30PM to 7PM. Beer (at $3.50) and tasty appetizer specials are also available in Mai Thai's cushy bar and lounge area.Mai Thai's indoor and outdoor seating, accessible location, striking interior, and large food and drink menu make it a prime

Christiannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1152496174741217542006-07-09T18:36:00.000-07:002006-07-18T21:48:24.903-07:00

The new Air Force Memorial has been steadily creeping up behind the Pentagon since 2004. It's going to be a striking addition to Arlington's skyline and visible from the National Mall.Some people have commented on it's blue-ness. When complete (in 2007), it will be a swooshing sliver structure launching from between the Navy Annex and Arlington National Cemetery. I'm looking forward to seeing it

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1146633800253653432006-05-02T22:21:00.000-07:002006-07-18T22:08:23.423-07:00

One of the more unlikely internet access points I've seen yet is at Pedro & Vinny's, the extremely popular burrito stand on K Street at 15th NW. Here you can now surf the web from a lawn chair while you wait up to half an hour for one of this vendor's acclaimed burritos.Pedro & Vinny'sK Street NW at 15th, Downtown (map)www.pedroandvinnys.com

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1146443851403080672006-04-30T17:02:00.000-07:002006-07-18T21:53:57.410-07:00

Amma's Vegetarian Kitchen has two locations in Vienna, VA and Georgetown. It specializes in dosa, south Indian crepes with savory fillings. The staple of the menu is masala dosa, which hang off the edges of Amma's styrofoam and paper plates and are served with a spicy sambar (soup) and delicious coconut chutney.Amma's in Vienna has expanded significantly over the years, most recently upgrading

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1145834260737403492006-04-23T16:17:00.000-07:002006-07-18T21:58:20.543-07:00

Vegetarian Indian buffet? I'm so there. Behind this humble exterior lies one of my favorite vegetarian Indian restaurants. Saran Cuisine (formerly Saran Foods) has undergone major remodeling in the past year, becoming a restaurant with servers and tableclothes rather than a cafe with disposable diningware. The upgrade may have changed the prices somewhat, but Saran is still very affordable. The

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1145599111395634472006-04-20T22:58:00.000-07:002006-07-18T22:03:22.563-07:00

I had no idea what to expect from Domku in Petworth, but I my experience there was fantastic.I don't think I'd ever been to the Petworth neighborhood before going to Domku. On this beautiful spring afternoon, the area was really friendly and cute, so the ten minute walk to the restaurant from the Georgia Ave-Petwork Metro station (Green line) was enjoyable.At the restaurant, I even found some

Christiannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1134446648429693762005-12-12T19:57:00.000-08:002005-12-12T20:04:08.453-08:00

Small Picture DC is going to take a little break this winter. In the meanwhile, I'll focus on other projects, including my tech weblog, electron zoo. I won't stray far, so if you're interested in contributing to Small Picture DC or collaborating on any other projects, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Now grab a warm cup of cocoa and enjoy the archives. We'll thaw out together in the spring.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1133147522245566412005-11-27T18:19:00.000-08:002005-11-27T19:12:02.303-08:00

Appropriately named for its rocky incline -- which would be much easier if you had four hooves -- Billy Goat Trail is one among the most rigorous circuit hikes near DC.This short hike lasts only two to four hours, but it's a serious workout. Nearly half of the hike is spent bouldering along the Potomac waterfront, huffing and puffing to fantastic views. Billy Goat Trail is fairly popular in spite

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1132031066593484222005-11-14T19:27:00.000-08:002005-12-04T17:12:53.356-08:00

To depart from my usual subject matter (and explain why I haven't added any new posts recently), here's a few observations of how San Francisco is unlike DC.San Francisco: Unwanted marijuana smoke wafting in your face.Washington, DC: marijuana-smoking LaRouche supporters (and other undesirables) waving propaganda in your face.San Francisco: In Chinatown, you can find everything from traditional

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1132025078754733982005-11-14T18:08:00.000-08:002005-11-14T22:08:53.496-08:00

Hemlock Overlook Regional Park is best known for the kind of corporate team-building events that help white collar cubicle-dwellers learn how little they can trust their managers. Complete with a ropes course and a zip wire, it's actually an outdoor education center run jointly by the regional park service and George Mason University.More importantly for hikers like me, Hemlock Overlook's section

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1130379532883445322005-10-26T18:43:00.000-07:002007-10-24T10:47:36.362-07:00

Update: 2007 race info on my homepage.The 17th Street High Heel Race (also known as the Drag Race) is too easily missed on a rainy October night. Located outside of JR's, a popular gay hangout, this pre-Halloween event invites locals to strut their stuff in elaborate Halloween drag.For about an hour before the event, the eclectic participants sashay up and down 17th Street in a disorganized

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1130119029206495792005-10-23T18:55:00.000-07:002005-10-23T19:24:35.830-07:00

I scarcely remember my parents taking me to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. After recently going there I now understand why my childhood visit was unmemorable. Modern sculptures are strewn across the garden like a tornado dropped a giant trash heap onto an ornate garden. Yes, I am unsympathetic to the legions of starving artists who invent these monumental eye-sores, but not without

Jim S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00491942057905865087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1130103334130265522005-10-23T14:34:00.000-07:002005-10-23T18:58:39.710-07:00

According to its website, http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley/">Huntley Meadows Park "is a rich, natural island in the suburban sea of Northern Virginia." Truer words are rarely written. Down Route 1, among ever-present strip malls and asphalt sprawl lies an incongruous oasis of natural splendor. Be sure to visit the interpretive center to better understand the ecological and historical

Jim S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00491942057905865087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1129171080600043142005-10-12T18:57:00.000-07:002005-10-12T19:39:32.973-07:00

I had neglected to visit Cafe Asia's Arlington location before this past Saturday. Compared to the downtown DC location, this restaurant has a larger but friendlier interior, expansive bar seating, and an even better happy hour. Having a somewhat early Saturday dinner at 6PM -- well within the 4:30-7:30 happy hour window -- we had dinner for two for $18. ($24 after leaving a nice enough tip.)

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1129171217184788532005-10-12T18:38:00.000-07:002005-10-12T20:15:20.756-07:00

Karaoke has always been an underground phenomenon in America. Unlike the Japanese, who've made karaoke a national pastime, many Americans publicly mock it as a garish time-waster. Nonetheless, you can find a karaoke bar or two (or twenty) anywhere. The participants are a diverse crowd of all cultures, ethnicities, and ages. Karaoke's common ground lies in both its participatory and voyeuristic

Jim S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00491942057905865087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1128802115207882362005-10-08T12:46:00.000-07:002005-10-08T13:11:38.743-07:00

The Navy Memorial encircles visitors in a peaceful fountain, making it a great place to relax midday to calming white noise.Enthusiastic super-tourists can also enjoy this attraction without a moment's rest. The Memorial features a 100-foot diameter map of the world and artwork depicting naval history along its perimeter. The Memorial is directly is across the street from the National Archives

Christiannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1128797672476142652005-10-08T10:26:00.000-07:002005-10-08T12:43:38.080-07:00

Cafe Asia's interior is too modern to be comfortable and too hip to be boring. It faintly reminds me of the sterile, sci-fi setting of THX 1138. But not in a bad way.Happy hour at Cafe Asia offers $2 drafts, half price sake, and $1 per peice nigiri sushi from 4:30 - 7:30, Monday through Saturday. But don't overdo it -- drink too much and you're likely to fall off the stylish white cylinder you're

Christiannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1128387598602799742005-10-03T17:19:00.000-07:002005-10-08T13:13:01.856-07:00

Gigantic international grocery stores abound in Northern Virginia, from Fairfax to Annandale to Falls Church to Woodbridge. Frozen empanadas, sake, kimchi, exotic deserts, cheap produce, and fresh herbs are all available in unfamiliar packaging and often at low prices.Besides being fun, cheap, and exciting, many of these enormous grocery stores have their own authentic restaurants built-in, where

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1128308917424247232005-10-02T19:27:00.000-07:002005-10-02T20:23:20.946-07:00

If you have a car and an imagination, there's no good reason to skip the Maryland Renaissance Festival, which is among the largest and most established in the country. Although the $17 entrance fee keeps some people away, you can't get much better entertainment for your money. Mostly intended to appeal to the masses (kids included), there are musicians, contortionist, swords swallowers, dancers,

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1127965829552343992005-09-28T20:37:00.000-07:002005-09-28T20:51:28.603-07:00

New Big Wong presumably has something big on the menu, but if you're looking for the biggest cocktail in Chinatown, head right across H Street to Lei Garden for a Flaming Volcano. This enormous, inebriating, and flaming cocktail will only set you back fourteen bucks. Drink it all by yourself and you might not make it home right side up -- which makes it a fun drink to share with a friend.The

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1127963049424643692005-09-26T19:31:00.000-07:002005-09-28T20:57:45.050-07:00

By night, this past weekend's candlelight vigil for Iraq War casualties on the National Mall was particularly haunting.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1127184962784325312005-09-19T19:55:00.000-07:002005-09-19T20:37:55.740-07:00

Go to Chinatown for Chinese food. But go to Arlington for Thai food? Unfortunately Thaitown is distributed throughout the DC Metropolitan Area. A little traveling is required to get a sense of the Thailand's cultural and culinary beauty. Of the many Thai restaurants around -- some very good, some very bad -- most are mediocre. One of my favorites is Bangkok 54 in Arlington, off of Columbia

Jim S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00491942057905865087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1127182659031025522005-09-19T19:11:00.000-07:002006-07-18T22:10:21.823-07:00

Check out the line. Could it be so long if these burritos weren't totally awesome? I call this one-man shop the Burrito Guy, and he's my hookup for a delicious vegetarian burrito between 11AM and 2PM in downtown DC. He's got hundreds of bottles of hot sauce -- perfect for those of us who want to experiment and challenge ourselves -- plus two kinds of expertly spiced beans, three to five flavors

Christiannoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1126581560442231462005-09-12T20:16:00.000-07:002005-09-12T20:19:20.446-07:00

Want some entertainment with your music? DC's own Interrogation can deliver. Opening for New York City's Hypofixx at DC9 on Sunday, September 11, the band delivered a dark, emotional, and energetic set of original industrial music.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1126569178236290382005-09-12T16:52:00.000-07:002005-09-12T19:44:22.910-07:00

Going to Chinatown for Chinese food? That's so old fashioned. Ever since the MCI Center opened in 1997 the area has experienced rapid growth. The beautification of Chinatown, underwritten ironically by American commercial interests, has in some way helped to revitalize the small Chinese business community. But the area's Asian spirit is conspicuously diluted by the prevalence of businesses such

Jim S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00491942057905865087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1126470230296934762005-09-11T13:03:00.000-07:002005-09-11T13:23:50.303-07:00

You may have seen their ads on Metro asking questions like Do Cows Really Cause Global Warming? If you're a wannabe science nerd like me, maybe they'll suck you into this modern and attractive museum on 5th Street in Chinatown. Although Washingtonians, spoiled by free access to world-class Smithsonian museums, tend to frown upon museum entrance fees, the $5 admission to the Koshland Science

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1126309707410548512005-09-09T16:45:00.000-07:002005-09-09T16:48:27.416-07:00

I was not laughing at hurricane victims!You know who you are. You saw me chucking at the Express this morning, so you glanced over my shoulder and were horrified at what I appeared to be laughing at -- a story about body bags in New Orleans. Yes, I know, there is absolutely nothing funny on this entire page. I wasn't even reading it at that moment. I was laughing at something completely different

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1126300157648035872005-09-09T14:04:00.000-07:002005-09-09T16:52:24.863-07:00

There are some signs yet that people are uniting after the recent hurricane disaster. On I-66 eastbound, approaching Washington, DC, someone has hung fresh American flags on the highway overpasses like they did after 9-11. Whether the kind of unity we experienced in the aftermath of 9-11 was really good for this country and the world is still anyone's guess.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1126227707954083362005-09-08T18:00:00.000-07:002005-09-09T16:52:46.170-07:00

"What a DC moment," said a co-worker when approaching the White House to see two protests converging on this sunny Thursday afternoon. Hundreds of people were at the MoveOn protest to help hurricane victims, and many were carrying signs that said "Shame" and "Help Hurricane Victims".The other protest marched to the White House and back to urge Bush to fight genocide in Darfur, Sudan.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125974595474301052005-09-05T19:14:00.000-07:002005-09-09T16:51:37.203-07:00

It's a three-day weekend and your entertainment budget is shot by Sunday morning. Don't fret -- hope is not lost. Here's just one way to have a blast on a low budget on Wilson Boulevard in Arlington. No car is required, but we drove one, and yes, I'm including gas in the final bill.Sunday Night Stand-up at the Comedy Spot For those uninitiated into DC's stand-up comedy scene, Sunday

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125964588037664712005-09-05T16:56:00.000-07:002005-09-05T16:58:47.266-07:00

Two off-brand gas stations near the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Pershing Drive are simply out of gas today. The development had me pretty concerned, but I knew gasoline must be available somewhere, because people weren't rioting and looting in the streets or anything. I was able to fill my tank for $3.62/gallon at an ExxonMobil in Ballston. The gas stations off Columbia Pike are

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125934264031526462005-09-05T08:31:00.000-07:002005-09-05T08:35:44.610-07:00

Right outside the social pandemonium of Adams Morgan you can find The Grill from Ipanema, a creatively named Brazilian restaurant and bar. There I tried my first bottle of Nova Schin beer, which is brewed in Brazil, and a Caipirissima, a cocktail that tastes a lot like a mojito without the mint. The beer was tasty and the Caipirissma was tastier, especially in the restaurant's friendly,

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125875379104529082005-09-04T16:09:00.000-07:002005-09-04T16:09:57.140-07:00

For those of you who don't like big dogs, here's a giant dog with charisma at PETCO in Baily's Crossroads.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125874313635697072005-09-04T15:51:00.000-07:002005-09-05T17:07:35.056-07:00

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Spongebob Squarepants! And your fish can, too, with this aquarium decoration spotted at PETCO in Baily's Crossroads.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125873961412482342005-09-04T15:46:00.000-07:002005-09-04T15:46:25.256-07:00

Make that two cool car sightings. This pink Civic with a giant shopping cart handle -- er, spoiler -- was spotted with Hello Kitty in the windshield at Baily's Crossroads.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125870125140951682005-09-04T14:42:00.000-07:002005-09-04T14:44:43.353-07:00

Who owns this car? Unless it's some total wannabe or the Riddler (Batman's nemesis), it's a safe bet that it belongs to local celebrity Matthew Lesko, who wears a crazy question-mark suit and advertises that he never pays for anything thanks to government grants. This spotting was outside the Washington Hilton at T Street and Columbia Road, where ">Reagan was shot back in 1981. Being locals, this

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125782465448590282005-09-03T14:21:00.000-07:002005-09-03T14:21:38.000-07:00

The Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center Metro station has the coolest light-up escalator ever.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125541290655496582005-08-31T19:21:00.000-07:002005-08-31T19:22:16.140-07:00

In the vicinity of the National Cathedral, Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral is gorgeous and exotic. Here's a photo of its gilded dome.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125540307077034382005-08-31T19:05:00.000-07:002005-08-31T19:06:09.513-07:00

Bush's approval rating -- low? No way. I've heard plenty of people talking about it in DC, but nobody seems surprised. Here are some anti-Bush signs that have been posted on K Street for months.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125453405992446312005-08-30T18:56:00.000-07:002005-08-30T18:59:09.813-07:00

Want to keep eating junk food for breakfast and lunch downtown? You'd better stop reading now. At Juice Joint you can actually find something healthy to eat anytime between 7:30AM and 4PM (Mon-Fri). In the morning, you can find bagels, eggs, and pancakes here, and for lunch there are salads, wraps, and sandwiches hot and cold. All are made with fresh, natural ingredients. Oh yes, and juice! It's

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125283274757761652005-08-28T19:41:00.000-07:002005-08-28T19:42:00.496-07:00

Preparing to go to Raku for the first time, I looked up the address online and couldn't help noticing the "Asian Diner" had gotten some very negative reviews. We arrived there with low expectations. But it turns out that Raku is a victim of its own success -- it's really crowded most of the time, and for that, the service suffers. But if you can patiently wait for your table, you'll enjoy some

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125269472128279052005-08-28T15:51:00.000-07:002005-08-28T15:55:23.436-07:00

There's a big sign that says No Photography now posted at the Pentagon metro station. I wonder if there are any teeth to this policy? In New York everybody gets in a tizzy about proposed subway photography bans that come and go, but in DC we're just posting mandates with no explanation.In this case, I suspect they were posted by the long arm of the Pentagon. The same signs can also be found in

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125026944302190082005-08-25T20:29:00.000-07:002005-08-25T20:39:36.483-07:00

Righteously creepy at night, the Old Stone House in Georgetown is actually the oldest building in the District. It's still on the lot where it was originally built in the 1760s, before the War for Independence. Also on the property, which is now a part of Rock Creek Park, is a beautiful and peaceful garden, which you can wander into at night and enjoy with all the other tourists who are "doing

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1125026244490274302005-08-25T20:17:00.000-07:002005-08-25T20:17:55.526-07:00

If you like sports, beer, and sofas that are more comfortable than the furniture in your own home, try Rhino in Georgetown. This photo is of the second level, which has its own bar and is quiet several nights of the week, leaving you in peace to nurse your beer and enjoy six or seven games at once (especially major league baseball).

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124766874969459952005-08-22T20:14:00.000-07:002005-08-22T20:15:45.260-07:00

Continental in Rosslyn has delicious signature martinis and cocktails -- a must for any place claiming to be a lounge. Plus there's groovy decorating, including a sparkly, amber-colored bar and vintage lamps and pool tables. Late at night you can get a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich here cheap, and with more class than hitting a diner.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124762925318391492005-08-22T19:08:00.000-07:002005-09-05T20:12:09.933-07:00

Wow, something I'd never seen in Georgetown before. The entrance to this little courtyard is near Big Wheel Bikes at 33rd and M Street.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124758409297636832005-08-22T17:53:00.000-07:002005-08-22T18:02:34.116-07:00

It's on a giant hill -- what could be more fun than biking up it on a hot summer day? No really, the National Arboretum is a beautiful, quiet place for a bike ride. Here's a photo I took at the bottom of the hill (before the hill conquered me ... er, I conquered it). It's not Athens, it's a photo of historic pillars that were part of the U.S. Capitol Building until it was expanded decades ago.(By

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124675816383584642005-08-21T18:56:00.000-07:002005-08-21T18:57:36.106-07:00

A Mecca for beer aficionados on the east coast is the Dogfish Head brewery and brewpub at Rehoboth Beach. It is home to such esteemed brews as 120 Minute IPA and World Wide Stout, two of the most extreme beers crafted.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124674893885735062005-08-21T18:41:00.000-07:002005-08-21T19:20:08.553-07:00

Cape Henlopen, a Delaware state park, is just a two and a half hour drive from DC ... well, if you don't hit heavy traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which you can easily avoid by oversleeping, then taking forever to leave your apartment. It's a natural beach with plenty of wildlife. We saw a superpod of dolphins (dozens of them) swimming along the shore and lots of other marine life. Getting

Christiannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124512442177292412005-08-19T21:34:00.000-07:002005-08-19T22:25:47.316-07:00

Local Vietnamese Pho restaurants always have this French style, espresso-like coffee. Here's mine, brewing over a bunch of deliciously fattening condensed milk. I always go to Fairfax County for Pho. Today we went to Pho Vinh Lo in Bailey's Crossroads (in the strip mall with Trader Joe's), where each bowl of Pho costs $6.25 and vegetarian Pho with tofu is available -- well, if you can ignore the

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124512009079521362005-08-19T21:26:00.000-07:002005-08-19T21:44:58.446-07:00

Tonight, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith opened at the Arlington Cinema N Drafthouse, a favorite local theater for boozing it up and while enjoying second-run films for a five dollar admission.In celebration of the Episode III, the Drafthouse has two three dollar shots: The Jedi Juice Shooter (it's green), and the red Sith Shooter. Let your feelings guide you.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124475653130754672005-08-19T11:20:00.000-07:002005-08-19T11:28:41.400-07:00

Zazz seltzer water from Giant foods is the best generic brand ever. Why? Purely because of its killer name, which is easily used interchangeably as a noun and a verb. I like to add it to my juice throughout the day and cocktails at night. Sure, I like to cut my calories and drink fizzy beverages. But the real reason I use Zazz is because I like to ZAZZ MY JUICE, baby.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124411193733277642005-08-18T17:26:00.000-07:002005-08-19T10:42:40.596-07:00

The new DC Circulator bus is a functional advertisement for hipster mass transit. (Just in case you didn't get the message, the destination signs always flash Try Transit.) The interior of the bus is cushy and spacious compared to a regular Metro bus, plus these rides have spiffy paint jobs and shiny rims. This bus route is designed for people who want to go out and about, not just to work. When

Christiannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124338180550092512005-08-17T21:09:00.000-07:002005-08-28T16:00:13.103-07:00

Tonight I saw Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at Screen on Stead, a summertime GLBT outdoor cinema event in the Dupont Circle area. We ate and drank at Peppers, which has pretty average mexican food, but a great location on 17th Street and margarita specials.While we were catching a ride home, our cabbie told us about a man who begged God for shoes because he had none on his feet. Then he met a

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124235700332806172005-08-16T16:41:00.000-07:002005-08-16T16:48:55.763-07:00

More underwater life. Maybe I need a larger Eco-Sphere at home? This large saltwater prawn lives at the Reef, a pretty hip bar and restaurant in Adams Morgan. They have good food and lots of Belgian ales on tap, plus the bartenders seem to know their brew and will answer questions and pour samples. (Ex: "How much alcohol is in this stuff?") For anyone who'd rather be scuba diving -- or at home

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124158525734776512005-08-15T19:15:00.000-07:002005-08-15T23:15:11.076-07:00

Mojitos, anyone? I make mine with Bacardi (two shots or so), soda water, fresh mint crushed in a mortar and pestel, half a lime, and just a wee bit of sugar. You can get the mint and limes much cheaper at an Asian supermarket. Other great things to buy at Asian supermarkets: tofu, noodles, pre-packaged lunches, dishes, and most kinds of fresh produce.Best place in Georgetown for mojitos:

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124071501666543572005-08-14T19:05:00.000-07:002005-08-14T19:06:05.243-07:00

Ah, the rat race. (I know this isn't a great photo, but it's pretty decent for a camera phone.)

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1124071385355013732005-08-14T19:03:00.000-07:002005-08-14T19:03:05.370-07:00

I forgot to write down what this cute little freshwater shark (on the right) was called. I saw him at the pet store today.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1123989371157638132005-08-13T20:16:00.000-07:002005-08-13T20:17:01.353-07:00

I found out tonight that the first transatlantic voice transmission was made between Arlington, Virginia (near the Pentagon) to the Eiffel Tower in 1915. Three radio towers stood there, and one was 600 feet tall. (The Eiffel Tower is over a thousand feet tall.) We tore our towers down in 1941 because they got in the way of our airplanes. This historical marker stands on South Courthouse Road (

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1123861854549377242005-08-12T08:50:00.000-07:002005-08-12T09:02:57.066-07:00

A metro subway train with a gigantic ad. Doesn't seem very spectacular, but this is a totally new development. Washington DC is partially federally funded, and the rich politicians who call the shots -- who come from everywhere in the country but here -- don't see why us commoners need public transit. They're doing their best to zero out the funding. This is why our Metro is literally selling out

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1123861511992572042005-08-12T08:45:00.000-07:002005-08-12T09:06:35.750-07:00

Clay Aiken (of America Idol fame) performs at Wolf Trap on Monday, August 8th. As seen from the rainy lawn seats. My mom -- a serious Clay Aiken fan -- bought us tickets (thanks mom!), and Clay did a lot of covers of classic contemporary music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s ... and so on.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1123369381048938872005-08-06T16:03:00.000-07:002005-08-06T16:04:55.026-07:00

This reminded me of a video game set. The photo was taken beneath a bio-tech lab in Baltimore.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1123130356547931702005-08-03T21:47:00.000-07:002005-08-03T21:49:32.663-07:00

FloydFest 2005 in the beautiful Blue Ridge county of Floyd, Virginia was a blast from another world. The tagline for the festival is "Rock of Ages" -- there was great music, but also a really positive scene, great artwork, and more. Here's one camper that was next to the campsite where we pitched our tent.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1123130515370097992005-08-03T21:46:00.000-07:002005-08-03T21:46:39.323-07:00

Snake Oil Medicine Show was one of my favorite acts. Besides great music, there's an artist on stage painting fun and interesting stuff.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1123130624234754222005-08-03T21:45:00.000-07:002005-08-03T21:50:27.386-07:00

Among all the wild activities, there was plenty of zen to go around at the festival. Beside a campfire, someone balanced these large rocks in the night. The stack came to above my waist.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1123131214579250212005-08-03T21:44:00.000-07:002005-08-03T21:57:32.536-07:00

One vendor called Oasis had a sign that said, "We are anti-capitalist but accept CREDIT CARDS nonetheless." Now that's pragmatic. (Interested parties: These are all the FloydFest photos I'll post, but I have many more. Get in touch with me if you want them I'll send you hi-res versions.)

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1122698073478029212005-07-30T00:34:00.000-07:002005-07-29T21:39:08.816-07:00

The National Cathedral on the right and ... what's that on the left? I know it looks like the Capitol, but I'm 99% sure it's not. This DC skyline photo was taken from Adams Morgan, near the National Zoo.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1122659438143119402005-07-29T10:50:00.000-07:002005-07-29T10:56:38.666-07:00

A bull made out of Red Bull cans at La Tasca in Arlington. Of the six or seven kinds of Sangria on La Tasca's menu, I've tried three, and they were all delicious ... and I still have some work ahead of me!

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1122573512071688412005-07-28T10:58:00.000-07:002005-07-29T21:38:24.063-07:00

Anti-abortion protestors on Vermont Avenue today. Their signs say, "Justice for All: Born and Preborn".Update: Now that I'm back at my computer, I had a chance to research this group. They're the youth of American Life League, probably still mobilized from a 1,300 mile "Crusade for Life" walk to the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Personally, these people really creep me out. Particularly the tagline

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1122343722993737362005-07-25T19:08:00.000-07:002005-07-25T19:08:42.996-07:00

Why not have your hair done by the hair unik?

Christiannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1122343524338393592005-07-25T19:05:00.000-07:002005-07-25T19:05:24.340-07:00

An obese restaurant. Ha ha.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1122343283364840632005-07-25T19:01:00.000-07:002005-07-25T19:01:23.373-07:00

The National Zoo, July 22, 2005. Here's a collage by Picasa.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1122160072623497372005-07-23T16:07:00.000-07:002005-07-29T11:25:41.486-07:00

We were very impressed by this Mantis Shrimp at the National Zoo. I'd like to have one for a pet, but it would scare the crap out of Shrimpi.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1122159966277397462005-07-23T16:06:00.000-07:002005-07-29T11:27:50.506-07:00

A Giant Pacific Octopus at the National Zoo.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1121302737382420942005-07-13T17:58:00.000-07:002005-07-23T17:42:42.016-07:00

I am very sad to finish this delicious box of chocolate I bought in Xanthi, Greece.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14411111.post-1121269770653751942005-07-13T08:49:00.000-07:002005-07-23T17:44:29.760-07:00

A seriously expensive belgian ale I'm gonna drink.

Christiannoreply@blogger.com0