October Events

As next weekend will be the beginning of October, here's some of what's going on around town next month:

Dead Can Dance at the Strathmore on October 10 - this will be my first time seeing Dead Can Dance and my first time at the Strathmore in Bethesda, so I'm excited on multiple counts

Bacon Dinner at David Greggory on October 17 - unfortunately (or fortunately for my cholesterol levels), I'll be in Philadephia at the U2 concert. Bacon dinner is amazing. Yes, there is bacon in the dessert. Matching wines accompany each course. Yes, it's entirely too much food. You get take-home bacon at the end of the dinner. All this for $75. Why haven't you reserved your table yet?

Mark Twain Prize at the Kennedy Center on October 23 - Steve Martin will be receiving the Mark Twain prize this year, so I imagine there will be any number of very funny guests paying tribute. Keep checking back at the Kennedy Center web site for tickets. I missed the first go-round and managed to snag 2 seats that came available one evening.

Youssou N'Dour at the Strathmore on October 30 - you only think you don't know who he is. He's most commonly known for singing In Your Eyes with Peter Gabriel, but he's talented on his own and worth a listen.

October movies include the new Wallace & Grommit, In Her Shoes, Dreamer, Prime, and Elizabethtown.

And, of course, Halloween is on the 31st.

Book Festival

I'm just home from volunteering at the Library of Congress's National Book Festival on the Mall. (I hear next year's date is September 30, so mark your calendars now.) I worked in the Book Signing area all day. Thankfully the weather was cool and overcast, so even in long lines people weren't suffering. The sponsors provided plenty of water; 99.99% of the attendees were cooperative, and without exception all of the authors were exceedingly gracious. Many extended their time at the signing tables to accomodate everyone, and Neil Gaiman signed for over 4 hours! They were literally dismantling the tents around him, but he was committed to signing for everyone who stood in line for so long.

The only drawback to volunteering is that I don't get to run around and hear everyone speak or get anything signed myself. But I figure it's a worthwhile trade-off. And it's great to be around that many people who will never say "Why do you always have your nose in a book?"

It's been a week of too many fun things to do, and today was no exception. I'm missing the opening concert of the National Symphony Orchestra's season at the Kennedy Center tonight, because I knew I'd be too tired to enjoy it.

Speaking of Neil Gaiman...

MirrorMask is coming out next week on September 30th. I know, I know - that's the same night as Serenity. Mirrormask will be locally at E-Street Cinema for one week, so I'm encouraging everyone to see it during that week. Good box office receipts will help support a wider distribution.

They get you on the comeback...

So, I'm taking a lunch break with a co-worker after a client visit, and since we're in Georgetown, what's the harm in stopping by Lush on M Street?

For the uninitiated, Lush is a handmade cosmetics, skincare and bath store. Everything smells yummy (though the entire store can be overwhelming - use the provided coffee beans to refresh your nose), many products are suitable for vegans, and all are made in small batches with ingredients that don't rely on animal testing. So, you can feel good about it too.

Last Friday evening, Tiffany, Stephanie and I attended a launch party for a new product line. Raffle, punch, little cupcake snacks, all very good. But they also give you a bag of samples. And it was the Skin Sin sample that brought me back today - a very light body moisturizer that leaves a naughty/nice cherry smell. And of course, you can't just get the moisturizer - you need the cherry soap as well. Plus the Veganese conditioner to go with the Cynthia Stout shampoo from last week.. and so on...

Come on, just a little taste. At least this addiction keeps me clean and sweet smelling.

La La La, Don't talk to me!

I haven't watched the new Lost yet (I was in Chicago and TiVoed it), so don't talk to me about it or tell me anything.

U2 in Chicago

Abandoning my spot on the floor behind tall people with big heads, I found a seat about 6 rows up. This small change totally altered my perspective of the concert - it may be one of the best I've ever seen. They did a great mix of old and new songs (including Bad and Wild Horses).

It's almost enough to make me not want to see them again so I can keep the memory pristine.

Oh, who am I kidding? I have tickets to see them 3 more times this year, and it's not like I'm giving them up.

Better off without me

While I was in Raleigh for a meeting, my usual pub quiz teammates did better without me. Apparently a round of Match the Greek God to the Roman Equivalent gave them the push they needed to come in 5th! That's two spots better than we've ever done before.

They assure me that they want me back though, so I'll be there next Monday - back at 4 Courts in Arlington, ready with answers and a clever team name.

Just Like Heaven

Met Leslie and Ralph at Pho 75 for noodle soup (line out the door on Sunday afternoon!) and then headed to Courthouse for Just Like Heaven. It's much better than you think it's going to be. I read somewhere that "it's amusing if you're in a mood to be amused" so go without expectations and see what you think.