Happy Funtime Friend Service

We've Moved!

2006-09-12T13:07:00.000-04:00

Check us out at our new location:
http://www.happyfuntimefriendservice.com

Barbraaaaaa!

2006-06-19T12:45:00.000-04:00

Papa, can you see me? Papa, can you hear me? Papa, can you stop me from shilling out $300+ for tix to see Barbra in October at the Verizon Center? Yowch. Too late. For these prices, I think Ms. Streisand should start her shows off with a rousing rendition of Pink Floyd's song "Money:"

Money, it's a crime.
Share it fairly, but don't take a slice of my pie.
Money, so they say
Is the root of all evil today.
But if you ask for a raise it's no surprise that they're
Giving none away.

Get those tix now. They just opened regular sales today, and that means by tonight you'll be scouring Craigslist for a pair at an insanely marked up rate.

The Unblinking Eye

2006-06-08T23:01:00.000-04:00

At least that's what I always think of when I think of documentary filmmaking. The American Film Institute (AFI) is hosting their annual Silver Docs film festival at the AFI Theatre in Silver Spring (with support from their new neighbor, the Discovery Channel) June 13 - 18.

Martin Scorcese is a featured panelist, but unfortunately his session is sold out (and before coquette cutie and I could grab tickets). We are planning to see Air Guitar Nation about the international air guitar championship (yes, you read that correctly). I missed it at Tribeca Film Festival and it's been getting some interesting buzz. Last year, we saw The Aristocrats (you know, a guy walks into a talent agent and says, "Have I got an act for you"). I was also thinking of Soweto Blues.

It looks like they have a good lineup, and it's defintely worth a visit to Silver Spring if you haven't been lately. It's not like you remember it. Mayorga Coffee is a terrific, locally-owned coffee shop - an offshoot of the local importers and roasters.

Now if only Ray's the Classics (the second location of Ray's the Steaks) would finally open....

Strawberries!

2006-06-06T00:38:00.000-04:00

There's still time to pick strawberries during the ever so short season. That's really the only time to eat strawberries - when they are red all the way through (instead of that nasty white inside) and still warm from the sun as you pick them.

My favorite places to pick are Butler's Orchard in Germantown, MD and Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA. This week and next weekend are probably the last of the season, so try and get out this week if you can.

I'll be picking this weekend and making my first attempt at strawberry-rhubarb jam.

If you go by Butler's, don't miss the caramels at the checkout counters.

Upcoming Shows That Tempt Me

2006-05-31T23:17:00.000-04:00

I’m looking at a refrigerator door devoid of tickets and wondering how I’ll spend my summer. There are a few shows that are tempting, some merely interesting, and a few downright scary (I’m looking at you Ashlee Simpson).

Dave Matthews Band on June 24 except that it’s at Nissan Pavilion and the same weekend as the Wine & Food Festival.

Echo & The Bunnymen on June 26th at the Black Cat.

There are others that make me think about going (ABC, English Beat, Jello Biafra from the Dead Kennedys) but not enough to make me pull the trigger.

I’d say something snide about the Def Leopard / Journey matchup, but they're at least raising money for Music Rising, so I can’t really say anything.

And of course, Nickelback at Merriwether, which brings to mind the comedian who said, “It’s not violent music that makes people violent; it’s bad music that makes people violent. For example, Nickelback makes me want to kill Nickelback.”

Pop Tarts American Idol Tour?

2006-05-31T23:16:00.000-04:00

Pop Tarts is sponsoring this summer's round of the American Idol tour.

Enough said.

Free Movies at Library of Congress

2006-05-31T21:22:00.000-04:00

After some renovations and funding, there is a new series of movies and television planned for the Pickford Theatre in the Library of Congress. The current schedule runs through September and includes series paired with Library of Congress exhibits including one on Bob Hope. So expect to be "On the Road to..." somewhere. They also have an impressive line-up of classic television including the first episode of Laugh-In and the first episode of Soap. I'm sure it'll be fun to see now what we all thought was so scandalous then.

Movies are free but the theatre is small so you have to reserve in advance (up to a week ahead) by calling 202.707.5677. Even if you don't get in, it's worth heading over if there's something you really want to see. Ten minutes before showtime, any unclaimed seats are released.

Capital South is the closest Metro and give yourself time to get through security.

Don't Come Knocking

2006-03-21T23:16:00.000-05:00

Saw a preview of the new Wim Wenders film Don't Come Knocking at Landmark Bethesda followed by a Q&A with the director himself. The film is the first time star and story writer Sam Shepard has been in a movie with his wife, Jessica Lange, in over twenty years. Filmed in the west, the movie is visually stunning and you just have to let the story unfold. It seems like it's going to be like Broken Flowers, but it's not. I loved Tim Roth as the insurance rep sent to track down the AWOL aging movie star.

I also like Wim Wender's title of "52 Miles to Wisdom" better, but that will only make sense once you've seen it.

It will be released on April 14, but in the meantime, you can see the trailer or hopefully soon buy the soundtrack soon on iTunes.

Chappelle Shutout

2006-03-21T00:16:00.000-05:00

In a rare defeat, the Happy Funtime Friend Service was unable to procure tickets for Dave Chappelle's show at the Kennedy Center to raise money for the Duke Ellington School of the Arts which he attended. We're guessing it's going to be a rollicking show so if you have an extra ticket or two, please let us know.

Jerry Seinfeld at the Kennedy Center remains the best stand up we have ever seen.

Aloha ee

2006-03-21T00:08:00.000-05:00

To anyone who knows me, it will come as no surprise that I'd decided to attend what was supposed to be the last night of U2's Vertigo Tour at Aloha Stadium in Hawaii. Circumstances have changed for the band and they've delayed their last ten dates - probably until November. But who am I to whine about a trip to Hawaii? I've been dutifully TiVo-ing "Girl Meets Hawaii" on the travel channel and my travel compatriot has secured a travel guide, but we're looking for on-the-ground suggestions. We're staying on Oahu but definitely want to get out of the Waikiki-Diamond Head area and see more interesting things. Any suggestions on where to stay, what not to miss, best drinks in town?

S-A-T-U-R-DAY...NIGHT!

2006-03-20T23:20:00.000-05:00

A newly single co-worker and I set out on the town on Saturday night, starting at Lush in Georgetown for a party to try their "dirty" (mud-based) products. Well, we really go for the samples, but I bought one of the honey-bunny soaps and the charcoal toothpaste.

From there we walked to Dean & DeLuca for my fancy granola that they suckered me into with free samples the last time I was there plus these amazing cookies from Amy that are like Oreos but if oreos were made from Valrhona chocolate and Kalhua Creme. At $26/lb they are a rare indulgence but oh so worth it. And as always we marveled at those fortunate few you always see at Dean & DeLuca doing their regular grocery shopping for the week there.

We walked back down to 28th & M to our favorite King of Falafel to join up with Coquette Cutie and revel in the falafel goodness. Sit at the counter and get the falafel platter - you won't regret it. Though next time I think I might go for the veggie platter since it's falafel, hummous plus baba ganoush. And dinner for less than $8 - what a bargain! (Actually I think that was the least expensive part of the evening.)

We walked back to pick up the car and head over to Cafe St. Ex for drinks. We moved downstairs and found it suprisingly easy to get a table. Oh, and if you have untapped DJ desires, you can bring your iPod and playlist to the downstairs lounge on the second Wednesday of every month and see if you have what it takes.

After that we found more friends who'd been searching for parking and headed to the Black Cat for the combined Mousetrap + Right Round dance party. Okay, so I never left the back stage to check out Mousetrap but by all accounts DJ Lil 'e had the better music mix going on. She had the Friend Service up on the stage and dancing 'til the wee small hours.

A final stop at Silver Diner for breakfast completed the night. I did remember to drink my Urban Detox before I went to bed which seems to have saved me from the combined effects of the smoke-filled bars and the Stoli Vanil + diet cokes I was drinking all night.

And then I slept until 1:00 p.m. and watched DVDs all day on Sunday, completely ignoring my laundry which is why I'm not at Pub Quiz at Four Courts tonight.

St. Patrick's Day Delight

2006-03-20T23:09:00.000-05:00

This year I did my St. Patrick's Day celebrating the night before at the American Ireland Fund dinner at the National Building Museum. It's a beautiful event full of the most fun people you can imagine. This year, the Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern attended along with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams. Senator Joe Biden was surprisingly touching, particularly when recounting the support his mother gave him and the family growing up.

But the real Happy Funtime came during the pub after dinner when Scythian played. Fresh from their award winning performance in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, they were ready to have fun. And accompanied by Irish step dancers, they had everyone clapping and dancing along. We'll be seeing them again at Fado in a couple of weeks.

And one day I'll have to go back to the Building Museum when it's not for an event. It's a beautiful space and I'd love to take the time to look around.

You Caught the Tater

2006-03-20T23:01:00.000-05:00

In a week of sold out shows (how do I get so lucky), Coquette Cutie and I caught Ron White at the Improv ahead of his performance over the weekend at the Warner as part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. I was glad to get the chance to see him alone instead of having to buy tickets and try to time it so I'd miss the others. Plus, as much as they pack you in at the Improv, it's still nice to see good people in a small venue.

Ron White is definitely vulgar but he is funny. Apparently his new special is "You Can't Fix Stupid" but that bit didn't come up for us.

The opening comedian was Eric Meyers and he surprised me - it's a tough job to be between packed in drunks and the headliner and he had us laughing, so keep an eye out for him so you can say "I saw him before anyone knew who he was."

If I Should Fall From Grace With God...

2006-03-20T22:55:00.000-05:00

...I hope I can hold my whiskey like Shane McGowan. I've always loved the Pogues and was lucky enough, through the auspices of the coolest person I know, to get tickets to see them at the 930 (and even end up in VIP). It was my second show of the week at the 930 and the second that was sold out, but I swear there were at least 500 more people at the Pogues show.

And I could say a lot about how hard it is to watch Shane go through a bottle of whiskey in the course of a two hour show and how there is definitely a voyeuristic aspect to going to see them now. And clearly a lot of people in the audience felt it was going to be their last chance to see them. And all that is true.

But it's also true that Shane can still sing, the band is full of solid musicians, and the songs are great. It's also wonderful to see big tough guys with tatoos going all misty at Fairytale of New York.

It was my first and I can only hope not my last Pogues show. If you get the chance, go. You won't regret it unless you hate fun.

Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah

2006-03-20T22:53:00.000-05:00

Or say if David Byrne and Bob Dylan had a baby, this is what it would sound like when it sang.

Saw them at the 930 on April 8. Sold out show, but I gotta tell you, I just don't get it. Coquette Cutie is a fan and seemed to have a good time, but all I could think was:

Me: They're no Arctic Monkeys

Evil Me: You don't like Arctic Monkeys

Me: Exactly

Long Story Short...

2006-03-20T22:38:00.000-05:00

First, I apologize that the Happy Funtime Friend Service went MIA over the holidays, just when I was trying to plan all my secular advent activities. Work + personal travel combined with a bout of consumption that had me on antibiotics for a total of 45 out of 60 days meant that the holidays passed in a Nyquil induced haze.

Highlights included:

My first trip with Habitat for Humanity over Thanksgiving. I went to a small town near Actopan in Hidalgo (outside Mexico City) and learned to lay bricks and helped on two houses. A terrific group of people were on the trip and another in the town. We cooked Thanksgiving dinner for everyone (50 people) in a convection oven.

Jazz Piano Christmas at the Kennedy Center - Dr. Billy Taylor, Slide Hamilton and all recorded for NPR. It definitely puts me in the Christmas spirit.

Holiday Pops at the Kennedy Center - Marvin Hamlisch + Santa = Holiday Fun

Messiah at the Kennedy Center - Yes, I know it's about Jesus. And yes, I know it's really written for Easter. But I love it every year.

Christmas with my parents - even on antibiotics, Florida is fun.

The Happy Funtime Friend Service is still searching for a good New Year's Eve, so any and all suggestions are welcome for 2006.

And lest I forget, my Happy Funtime cohort, coquette cutie, gave me the best Christmas present ever - tickets to see Bono speak at ASAE's Center for Leadership in February. Yes, he's a good speaker. No, the rest of them weren't there.

But now it's spring and despite a random bout of allergies, the Happy Funtime Friend Service is out of winter hibernation and back to having fun, so come on along...

Hiatus Interruptus; Or, Things to Do This Weekend

2005-11-03T09:07:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the hiatus - I've been out of town and Lucky Charms has been incapacitated by the grippe. But there's lots to be done this weekend!

First of all, tie your feedbag on -- there are TWO ethnic food fests happening this weekend at my favorite places to eat -- Eastern Orthodox churches. I thank god for sour cream every time I go to one of these to feast on pierogi, piroshki, kielbasa, and halupki (i.e. stuffed cabbage). I suggest getting their early especially if you hope to pick up a few babkas or poppy seed pastries from their baked goods area.
St. Mark's Orthodox Church: November 4-6. Get more info @ http://www.saintmarkoca.org/bazaar/
St. Gregory of Nyssa Byzantine Catholic Church: Annual Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 5th, 10am-4pm, 12420 Old Gunpowder Road, Beltsville, MD. For more information please call 301-552-2434.

After you've gorged, you'll need to move that kielbasa. Head up to the annual Annapolis by Candlelight house tour which I did last year and would do again in a second: http://www.annapolis.org/news-calendar.html#nov

Finally, don't forget the Pumpkin' Chunkin I posted about before -- it's this weekend. Three fun-filled days of pumpkins whizzing overhead. Yeeehaw!

Octavia Butler Thursday

2005-10-25T12:08:00.000-04:00

If you grew up reading sci fi in the 1980s, then you picked up Octavia Butler at some point. Now she'll be in town Thursday at the Busboys and Poets bookstore to read from her new novel Fledgling. Her first in seven years, it's not 100% sci-fi, but it's vampified! Whoo! Teethies!

Drag Queen Racin'

2005-10-24T08:36:00.000-04:00

Dammit, I forgot my heels for work this morning so I'm forced to sprint around in my new Incredible Hulk green sneakers (pretty spiff), but you can bet these "ladies" won't forget their 12" stilletos for tomorrow night's High Heel Race in Dupont Circle. Starting time is 9 p.m., but get there early (like 6 p.m.) to stake out a piece of curb on 17th Street right between Q and Church to see them strut their stuff beforehand. The racers aren't only in drag, most of them have themed outfits too - one team's dresses were modeled after fast food restaurants. It puts a whole new perspective on getting a Happy Meal.

Sunday Sunny Sunday

2005-10-23T11:08:00.000-04:00

After yesterday's craptacular weather ended up canceling my bus wine tour (booo to the people who "organized" it but couldn't be bothered to inform us of its getting nixed), today's perfect cool, fall weather makes up for everything. Time to go outside!

No ideas? Here's a few:

Rummage through piles of books
Actually, this is what a friend and I ended up doing yesterday at the Arlington Central Library book sale. I picked up a few old pulp paperbacks which I love simply for their cheeseball covers and great titles like "Gas-house McGinty". It's still on today until 6 p.m. At some point, they switch over to just selling books by the bag ($5) or box ($8) full.
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/LibrariesMain.aspx
Full contact crochet (and knitting)
Don't forget the Knit Out, today from noon to 5 p.m. on the National Mall. Grab up some free patterns or head over to some free demonstrations. Definitely wear something handmade so you can blend with the natives.
http://www.knit-out.org/
Eat Tea - well, sort of
Head over to the Williams-Sonoma at Mazza Gallerie today @ 1:30 p.m. where tea guru John Harney will be signing copies of his new cookbook Eat Tea. I'm a big fan of the teas from Connecticut-based Harney & Sons, and now not only can I drink the stuff, but I can flavor dinner with it as well. Caffeine-induced heart palpitations, here I come!

DJ Lil E Spins

2005-10-21T19:15:00.000-04:00

I know this is super last minute, but Lil E was on vacation and I didn't realize Right Round is tonight.

From Lil E's mailing list:

Right Round - THIS Friday, October 21. Black Cat - backstage. You know the deal. It's 80s. It's alt-pop. It's at the Black Cat. 10pm - 2am. Werd. This month's Right Round is dedicated to my dear friend, Phil O'Donnell - Mr. Phil to his pals. He was one of my favorite humans on this rock of ours. He died Tuesday in a motorcycle accident, and I believe I can speak for all of his friends when I say that we are heartbroken. So if you hear some music with an Irish flavor on Friday, shake your money makers with me, wouldya? He'd be mad if we did anything else.

- Saturday, October 22. Yippee, I get to be the guest dj for Will Eastman's <> dance party (www.blisspop.com)!!! <> is a monthly dance party dedicated to attractively alarming new music, indie dance, disco punk, tech-funk, and the occasional disturbingly alluring pop classic. And guess what? It's also at the Black Cat. Backstage. 9:30pm - 2am.

The Legend of Zorro (in tight black pants)

2005-10-21T08:39:00.000-04:00

I'll admit it - ever since Antonio Bandaras played El Mariachi in Desperado, I've liked me some Bandar@ss in tight black jeans. Now, dressed entirely in black with a wee little mask, he's swashbucklingicious. Admittedly, sequels are usually pretty craptacular, but The Legend of Zorro kept me entertained which is saying a lot for a flick that's nearly 2 hours long. Ai yi yi! Donde esta el editorio?

After saving California from the last baddie, the Zorros got busy and produced a l'il Zorrotini. Naturally, the kid doesn't know that dad's the hero of the people (because we can't not have father/son tension). And now a new bad (read: French) guy has entered the stage with a plan at - yes, world domination - or a derivative thereof. Blowing up the U.S. Same thing. What I want to know is - what's the benefit from ruling the world? Why does every super villain want to conquer the planet? Why not just snark a few hottie dude slaves and take over a small, wealthy island like Aruba? I'm just saying.

I thought the introduction of a super secret society hell bent on destroying the still foundling United States because someday it might be a threat to them was a bit of a stretch; it certainly didn't fit well with the 1850s timeline, but I guess the writers needed some reason for Zorro to beat the evil French guy pulpy on the front of a steam engine barreling at 220 miles per hour. Hello? He's French! That's all the reason Americans need.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/thelegendofzorro/

U2 @ MCI v2

2005-10-20T11:34:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough to acquire a floor ticket for the second U2 show, and it was definitely worth it. We found a good spot on the right side, up against the fence that separates the path into the ellipse (still not lucky enough to get inside), and ever so slightly elevated by the metal grating. This allowed us to be awesomely close when they were on the ellipse but not get trampled and still able to see when they were on stage.

Among the guests at tonight's show: Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Rick Santorum, and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice (and a number of accompanying security).

Each year, one of my friends sends out one of those questionnaires and it always includes "What's your favorite sound?" I always answer "the opening notes of Where The Streets Have No Name live." And tonight I realized that's completely true - it makes me unreasonably happy.

As I mentioned yesterday, it's a different show every night. Tonight we were treated to Wild Horses and Walk On. Unfortunately, they didn't end with 40, but considering that the trade-off was Bad, I'll take it.

U2 @ MCI

2005-10-19T23:50:00.000-04:00

In case you've been wondering where I've been this week, the short answer is I've been at a U2 concert - three or (with luck) four times this week, that's where you'll find me.

Every concert is different, with different songs and a different flavor. Tonight was no exception with For the First Time and an acoustic Stuck in a Moment as differences from the last show. I'm still waiting for Gloria and Bad - I seem to miss those nights.

But knowing your audience is always important, and Bono knows that here in DC, he has the attention of the policy wonks who work on issues like AIDs, debt relief and fair trade. Not one to pass up an opportunity, Bono convinced Larry to "put down his drumsticks and not interrupt" while he ran on, but Larry did time him and let him know that One ran 15 minutes tonight.

What I've found most amusing is that Bono has taken to begging water from the audience rather than waiting for someone to bring him a drink when he's out on the ellipse. The fans on the floor are always happy enough to oblige but it still makes me laugh.

I was on the Club level tonight (section 217) with an end seat and a great view. Interesting though that the club level was full of people who sat through the entire concert (some even tried to convince people in front of them to sit down) and wore ear plugs (just the red foamy ones, not even good ones). The vibe up there was a far cry from the true believers on the floor and inside the ellipse.

I'm still looking for a ticket for tomorrow night, if you have an extra...

Shopgirl Review

2005-10-19T08:38:00.000-04:00

Last week, thanks to the DC Film Society, I got a chance to see a sneak preview of Shopgirl starring Steve Martin, Claire Danes, and Jason Schwartzman who, in my opinion, stole the movie. At first, I was a little leary of Steve Martin becoming too Woody Allenesque casting himself as the love interest of a woman more than 30 years his junior, but the film avoided creepy dad-on-daughter image evoking love scenes entirely (yay!) and concentrated on Claire's quiet, reserved, nearly invisible character.

The film, based on Martin's novella of the same name, tells the story of shopgirl Mirabelle who works the glove counter at Saks 5th Avenue in L.A. Of course, she's really an aspiring artist (suffering from depression because what artist isn't). And also, of course, she meets men who want to protect her because, as I neglected to mention, she's a size 2 aspiring artist suffering from depression who can't get her act together. And naturally, men come out of the woodwork to help her. Bitter, party of 1, your table's ready.

Anywho, despite the lackluster plot (girl in need of life direction meets man with success and money but an inability to commit - hey, was the working title of this called Pretty Woman?), Shopgirl still got a few laughs out of me thanks to Jason Schwartzman's portrayal of quirky Jason who tells Mirabella after just meeting her that he's "an okay guy, by the way." He needs help getting his sh!t together and Mirabella inadvertently gives him the push he needs. Aaaaw. Mush mush mush. Still, I, the diehard cynic, clapped a little at the end.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/touchstone/shopgirl/

Stranger in a Strange Land

2005-10-17T13:59:00.000-04:00

As I posted earlier in the month, the Dupont Circle House Tour was this Sunday. My mom and I attacked the offerings like seasoned house tour professionals -- carbo-loaded and at the first house when it opened. When we reached the Mansion on O Street, everything went kaflooie. If you've never been (and their Website claims most Washingtonians are ignorant of their existence), it's a cross between a boutique hotel, a rummage sale and that mind-bending Escher print which hung in your college room, most likely, during your freshman year when you still thought it was wicked cool.

Apparently, three row homes have been combined to make up this maze of a ginormous hotel. The walls and shelves of the "two grand ballrooms, 12 separate dining areas, 21 conference rooms, 19 guestrooms, 16 fireplaces and 21 secret doors" guest are crammed with knick knacks, music memorabilia, books, and just plain junk - most, if not all of it, for sale. Imagine being in your hotel room, thinking "gosh, that's a nice print" and then upon closer examination, finding a small white sticker stating it's $295. Now, picture everything in your room right down to the toothbrush holder with little white stickers. I half-expected to find a sticker on my Mom at some point.

Midway through our expedition, we stumbled across an amazing cabin-themed room with a loft above the king-sized bed which held a sizeable kitchen, eating area, and the biggest TV I've ever laid eyes on. If you reserved this room for a visit to D.C., you'd never go out to see a monument. I've lived in smaller apartments.

Jamming...

2005-10-16T01:45:00.000-04:00

I tricked a couple of friends into joining me at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, MD this afternoon. After a week of gloom and rain, everyone seemed happy to be out in the country air, enjoying the sunshine, right up until I handed them quart baskets and made them pick six containers of raspberries (yes, those are thorns).

Half the fun was watching everyone heading to the pumpkin festival, complete with pumpkin train. Everyone in a 50 mile radius with an SUV and a kid was trying to get to the pumpkin festival or park at the farm market. After picking all our raspberries (and explaining to about 20 people that you get containers at the market and then go back there to pay), we headed back to the market and bought apples and concord grapes.

Eight hours later, I have 27 jars of raspberry jam. (Act suprised at Christmas when you get jam.) Tomorrow I have to buy more jars so I can make grape jelly for the first time.

Butler's is my favorite place for pick your own fruit - strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. When you're checking out , be sure to grab a couple of homemade caramels.

The pumpkin festival runs through the end of the month, and later in the year, they have cut your own Christmas trees.

$40 a day? Luxury!

2005-10-14T22:04:00.000-04:00

Even though Washington, DC is full of very nice, expensive restaurants, there are some deals and steals to be had. A few of my favorites:

Pho 75 - A perenial favorite in everyone's Cheap Eats category, Pho 75 is simply the best noodle soup ever. A large bowl of soup with all the trimmings (peppers, bean sprouts, thai basil, lime) and a soda or lemonade will set you back $8.15 ($10 if you want to be generous and toss something in the tip jar). At these prices, don't expect a lot in the way of ambiance or service. But you can't beat the soup - a cure for all ills. Take out is available for an additional $0.50. Oh, and they open at 8 a.m. because apparently pho is a traditional Vietnamese breakfast.

Teatro Goldoni - The great Italian restaurant perfect for celebratory occasions also has a secret - the bar menu. Lunch is $12.50 and includes a glass of wine (or a soft drink). I think my all-time favorite is still the hamburger - it comes with eggplant and a fried egg and garlic french fries. But you can't ignore the chicken or any of the other very delicious choices. It's one of our favorite places to take clients or for a nice break away from the office.

Pollo Rico - Where else can you get a quarter chicken, coleslaw, french fries and a soda for under $5? Sometimes I'm grocery shopping and realize I'd be better off just heading to Pollo Rico (and depending on the wind, you can smell the wood fires when you get off the Metro at Virginia Square). It's also great for company - a whole chicken with accompaniments runs around $12. Drop the bones into a pot for soup - the seasonings make an amazing chicken broth. And then your $12 chicken turns into a couple of meals - how economical is that?

Afternoon Meetings

2005-10-13T20:56:00.000-04:00

Because of my breakfast meeting this morning and a couple of newly scheduled appointments, my lunch meeting was pushed back until almost 3 p.m. After a quick consultation, we decided that rather than trying to find lunch at that hour, we'd do something civilized and meet over tea at the Mayflower Hotel on Connecticut Avenue.

Other than a couple of conferences many years ago, most of my experiences at the Mayflower involve late nights at the Martini Bar, so afternoon tea was a nice change. The Cafe Promenade is beautiful and comes complete with a balcony for the harpist. We were settled at a corner table with tea menus. Resisting the urge to order "Tea. Earl Grey. Hot." we agreed upon the full tea, including savory sandwiches and a variety of sweets. My favorite is a tie between the raspberry tart - 3 perfect, fresh raspberries on a small spoonful of custard, all nestled in a flaky pastry shell, and the chocolate dipped strawberry

There's something about afternoon tea, particularly on a rainy day, that is like a spa treatment for the soul. And a mundane employee development conversation becomes a much more meaningful exchange about future plans, goals, and possibilities.

We might have to make this a new tradition.

Breakfast Meetings

2005-10-13T20:34:00.000-04:00

An 8 a.m. breakfast meeting is not the way to my heart, particularly on a rainy day. However, there I was in clothes that more or less matched (all blue at least), and mostly on time to meet my colleagues at Poste Brasserie at the Hotel Monaco at 7th & F Streets NW (diagonally across from the arena entrance to Gallery Place metro).

I'd only read about the hotel - it's quite amazing inside. Originally built as a post office in the mid-1800s, it's a model of public/private partnership to renovate unused federal buildings. It's also the city's first all-marble building. High ceilings, interesting public spaces with lots of nooks for private conversations, and Kimpton style make the hotel much more interesting than your typical business hotel. The Monaco is pet-friendly, and if you don't bring your own pet and are looking for a little companionship during your stay, the hotel will provide an in-room goldfish for you.

I barely take all the lobby details in as I beeline for Poste and my meeting. A couple cups of good coffee later, I'm ready to pay more attention to my surroundings. We were in the back room with heavy curtains to provide a sound barrier between us and the rest of the restaurant which was nice for us and probably everyone else since we had speakers. We started with juice (fresh squeezed orange juice) and a fruit plate. The brioche french toast with berry compote and vermont maple syrup was a good choice. Next time I think I'll try the oatmeal served with brown sugar, apples, and marscapone.

After the meeting was over, we took some time to appreciate the architectural details of the hotel before heading back to the office.

As handy as Poste is to the MCI Center, I'll definitely be back.

Ellicott City Fall Arts Festival

2005-10-13T12:23:00.000-04:00

Arts! Dance! Music! Strange little French guys in berets. What? Can't anyone else look arty other than French men in a berets? What's the deal with that? Tut, tut, tut! En Francais!

If the rain clears by Saturday, I'll definitely be in the mood for some arts festing and Ellicott City's Website claims that Main Street will be taken over by "artists and artisans exhibiting their work in music, dance, painting, sculpture and various other media" on Saturday, October 15 from noon to 5 p.m. But honestly, if I walk by a mime, I may have an acute attack of "igry" (or "spanish shame") and will be forced to duck into the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company. Well, it's something I try to do when I'm in town even if there aren't mimes.

http://www.ellicottcity.net/events/

Smart@sses of the World Untie!

2005-10-11T10:42:00.000-04:00

Everyone thinks they're a laugh riot. Maybe not on the level of funny as Jerry Seinfeld, but in daily conversation, they've gotten a genuine laugh or chuckle so hence, they're ready for a career in comedy. So slam all those wiseacres and wise-n-heimers in one room and what do you get? Why, it's the Improv's Stand-Up Comedy from Start to Finish class, part of their "Stand-Up Comedy: The Workshop Series".
I've cracked a few jokes in my day so about a year ago, I attended a one-night precursor of this 4-week course. The instructor Matt Kazam informed us that it was his first night teaching the class. I groaned inwardly. Someone heard me. Note to self - work on groaning inwardly.

So what's the key to stand-up comedy? Basically, it all boils down to good public speaking. Get on the stage and own it. Exude confidence and energy. The crowd paid to laugh and they want to see you succeed. No one came here with the intention of heckling. Take your time, work the room, move through your material and if a joke bombs, keep going or pause to harp on its failure and possibly stir up laughs that way. And go to open mic nights to practice, practice, practice. Testing on your friends doesn't count (and is inhuman).

The DC Improv: http://www.dcimprov.com/college/classes.htm

Boo, I say! BOO!

2005-10-11T09:15:00.000-04:00

I love this time of year. If you see a woman jaunting down the street with a jack o'lantern grin on her face, odds are that's me -- stomping on crispy leaves, munching on an apple, and loving my frizz-free hair. Hell, I love your frizz-free hair too.

Boo at the Zoo
If you've got kiddies, then this is the fest for you. If you don't, rent someone else's kids. Don spooktacular costumes and take them to the National Zoo's Boo at the Zoo. The volunteers deck the grounds out in cobwebs and scarecrows galore. One year, I walked through the zoo the day after the event; they had left the tape of screams and zombie noises running in the wolf den. I laughed, then bolted the hell out of there. I like my brainz:
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/Boo/default.cfm

The Phaaaantom of the Opera Is There -- Inside Your Miiiiind
Before Andrew Lloyd Weber turned the Phantom story into sap for the stage, there was a creepy 1925 silent picture by the same name. The Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage shows the flick on All Hallow's Eve with organist Ray Brubacher improvised accompaniment.
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/millennium/schedule.html

Pumpkin Chunkin
I have yet to get to this, but this may be the year. It's actually the first weekend in November, but it's about pumpkins so it qualifies. Picture it -- big machines lobbing pumpkins for MILES. Catapults. Air-pressurized cannons. You name it. I wish I had thought of it first.
http://www.punkinchunkin.com/

Ultimate House Tour

2005-10-10T00:06:00.000-04:00

Well, the grounds at least. It's true, it's house tour season in Washington, and of course the most famous house of all isn't easy to get in and out of without prior notice and planning (ask your Congressional representatives).

However, on October 22 and 23rd, you can have the opportunity to tour the grounds and gardens of the White House. You'll need to stand in line at the Visitor's Center to get a timed entry ticket (one per person) starting at 7:30 a.m. People do line up early, and it's very early for me, but if the weather is nice, you might see me there. If the weather's not nice, the tours can be cancelled, so it's probably a good idea to check ahead of time. After all, the Easter Egg Roll got washed out this year.

French for Fast Fashion

2005-10-09T20:22:00.000-04:00

Depeche Mode tickets are now on sale for their show at the Patriot Center on December 9. Every 80s fanatic I know will be there, but Happy Funtime Friend Service will be at the Kennedy Center that evening at NPR's Jazz Piano Christmas.

It's a busy night for good shows as Andy Bey will be at the Library of Congress that same night. Ticketmaster service fees aside, it's a free concert.

I know it's whiny, but for all the nights I'm sitting home watching Alias re-runs, why do three really good concerts have to all happen on the same night?

I Heart Meat

2005-10-08T16:46:00.000-04:00

The rain let up for ten minutes today and I was out the door to try a vegan restaurant called Java Green that the Washington Post had reviewed for a piece on Mock Meat, not because it served wheat protein, tofu, and soy beef and chicken, but because its menu included some Korean items - bulgogi, japche, and kimchi. Hell, I'll go anywhere for some bi bim bap.

I located the small cafe on 19th between K and L Streets and knew by the almost obligatory bohemian couple sitting out front like crunchy, earthy-smelling mascots that I had the right place. The interior wasn't very large, but in one corner I noticed a bunch of umbrellas so I'm assuming during the week, the lunch crowd can dine on their wads of tofu al fresco.

After placing an order for "boolgogi & kimchi" and lemonade, I grabbed a seat at the counter by the window. The place was packed. Two families showed up with their kids for the brunch; I watched as the kids got plates of pancakes with a side of square, gray non-meat. Dad kept saying to his 4-year-old daughter, "C'mon, you got to eat more than that." She looked as gray as the big slab of grayness on her plate. I searched my pockets for a few pieces of applewood smoked artisinal bacon and realized I'd left it in my other pants.

My bento box finally arrived and looked impressive enough that the couple next to me asked what I had ordered. The rice was purplish in color and came topped with two slices of lotus root. There were buckwheat noodles with slices of carrot and cabbage, kimchi, and the bulgogi barbeque which tasted rubbery and definitely un-beef-like. Needless to say, I was a little disappointed and swore not to be suckered by everything I read in the Post. If I tried the place again, I'd go for a soup or a curry instead. When you want Korean beef barbeque, texturized soy protein just isn't going to cut it. Man, I need that on a t-shirt.

100 Miles in This Weather?!

2005-10-07T14:04:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a lousy weekend for a bike ride, but Saturday is the very popular Seagull Century - 100 miles through the back roads of the Maryland Eastern Shore. I actually rode and completed this (painful) ride and in the rain with gnats and wind (the picture and a t-shirt are my only evidence). I haven't quite gotten over the experience enough to do it again, but from what I saw on the road, the ride organizers had their stuff together with four rest stops stocked with all kinds of goodies and several social activities both before and after the ride. After only 26 miles, I snarfed enough Fig Newtons at the first stop to make up for any registration fee.

http://www.seagullcentury.org/

Or next weekend, October 15, if the weather's cleared, slap some batteries in your headlamp and head out for the Moonlight Monument Memorials Ride. "From the Capitol to the Washington Monument, from the Lincoln Memorial to Hains Point." And they give you a commemorative souvenir t-shirt! Man, there's nothing I wouldn't do for a t-shirt.

http://www.bike123.com/

Free concerts

2005-10-06T22:04:00.000-04:00

One of the best things about Washington, DC is the abundance of free cultural activities. The Smithsonian museums are free, and the National Gallery of Art offers an abundance of seasonal musical offerings. Friday evenings in the summer bring hot jazz to the Scultpure Garden while Jazz on Ice during the winter is a great opportunity to strap on your skates and enjoy some cool jazz. In between there's Jazz Brunch (and if you don't love brunch, you have no business with the Happy Funtime Friend Service).

It's not all about the jazz though. For the 64th year the National Gallery of Art presents their Sunday evening concert series. It's free (really free, not you have to buy a ticket through Ticketmaster and still pay a service fee free), first-come, first-seated basis. Seating starts at 6 p.m., concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. The slate is generally classical and often coordinated with the current exhibits in the Gallery. Concert notes are available on line. This Sunday is the second week of the season and brings the Beaux Arts Trio with a program of Martinu, Beethoven, and Schubert.

U.S. Poet Laureate Reads... Well, Poetry I Guess

2005-10-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

You say "poetry" and I say "where's the door," but nevertheless this is a cool opportunity to not only hear the U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser, but to see (part of) the way cool Library of Congress.

Thursday, Oct. 13, 6:45 p.m. in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public.

For more info, check out:
http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2005/05-170.html

NANOWRIMO? MO what?

2005-10-06T08:30:00.000-04:00

Granted, it's an atrocious acronym. NAtional NOvel WRIting MOnth is an "event" which runs the entire month of November and if you complete it -- you should walk away with a new novel written and ready for the vanity presses. Register at their site:

http://www.nanowrimo.org/

Knit Out! Crochet In!

2005-10-05T08:37:00.000-04:00

Time to oil up those knitting needles and crochet hooks, toss on your handmade poncho, and head on down to the 2005 Knit Out on the National Mall October 23rd from noon to 5 pm. We went last year and spent some time with a (very patient) volunteer who helped us through a few crochet stitches then we dug around the vendor tent. The vendors couldn't sell anything, but I snagged quite a few free patterns. I give this event four skeins!

http://www.knit-out.org

Dupont Circle House Tour; or Voyeurism's A-OK!

2005-10-04T14:51:00.000-04:00

I'm a house tour whore. All my friends know this. There's not a better way to spend a day then poking around other people's houses, tracking dirt everywhere, and commenting on their poor decorating choices.

The Dupont Circle Citizens Brigade..uhm..Association (aw c'mon -- their web banner sports the tagline "Keep it Neighborly") offers one of the best run and just darn nicest tours in the city. The next 2005 Dupont Circle House Tour is October 16 from noon to 5 p.m. Now I've traipsed through Georgetown, Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, and Logan Circle, but Dupont has a certain je ne sais quoi about it plus they usually feature one hell of a mid-afternoon tea too. This year the tea's being held in the historic Heurich Mansion.

Snag your tix in advance for $25 from local businesses in Dupont and Adams Morgan, or grab a pair online from the DCCA Website. Volunteering for the event is a great way to see it all for free. And we likee free.

You are 1038 in line to check out

2005-10-03T23:35:00.000-04:00

If you're a member of the Kennedy Center, then you should check out some of the more than thirty performances that went on sale this morning. Okay, so it's 11:30 p.m., and I just managed to purchase the tickets I've been trying to buy since 10 o'clock this morning (when I originally received the message "you are 1038 in line to check out"), but mission accomplished. I even enlisted the assistance of my cohort, coquette cutie, who is still trying to figure out how she went from 759 to 765 in line. (How do people cut electronically?)

If you're not a member, I encourage you to consider joining. Or you can wait until October 11 to buy tickets for these events. I acquired tickets for the Happy Funtime Friend Service to attend NPR's Jazz Piano Christmas, the NSO Pops Holiday Concert with Marvin Hamlisch, the Messiah, and the Washington Choral Arts Society's Christmas concert. This is definitely the part where you have to plan well in advance - most of the holiday events sell out before November when people actually start thinking about the holidays.

I can also recommend the Jazz New Year's Eve. We enjoyed it last year, with the dancing and balloon drop in the Grand Foyer. Funtime Friend Service is looking for New Year's Eve suggestions for this year - let us know your plans.

The Legitimate Theatre

2005-10-03T22:47:00.000-04:00

Whoo, I like theatre, but I love free theatre. And The Shakespeare Theatre knows how to do free! In the summer, they offer a "Free for All" Shakespeare in the park at the Carter Barron amphitheatre and now I've recently learned of their ReDiscovery Series -- free readings of "great but lesser known plays of world literature" (hand-picked by Artistic Director Michael Kahn). Tonight's reading of The Spanish Tragedy (murder! treachery! multiple stabbings!) actually started off not with tragedy, but with the jubilant announcement that there will be MORE free readings in the months to come. Whee! Keep an eye on their Website for announcements and the form to sign up.

And while we're on the subject of the bard, the Folger Shakespeare Library not only offers their own theatre season, but they also host a pretty impressive line up of authors for the PEN/Faulkner Lecture Series including Joan Didion, Deborah Tannen with Amy Tan, Michael Chabon, Terry McMillan, and more.

C-A-P-S! CAPS! CAPS! CAPS!

2005-10-03T00:28:00.000-04:00

You may have forgotten over the past year what with the lock out and the excitement of having a baseball team to call our very own, but we also have a professional hockey team. Of course, you'll only recognize a couple of names - Olie Kolzig, Brendan Witt, and Jeff Halpern are still here. Apparently there's an exciting crop of youngsters to build on for the future.

Opening night is Wednesday, 5 October and there are still good seats available.

I'll be there for opening night, but I'm still trying to decide whether to buy a hockey mini-plan, or save my money to improve my baseball seats next year.

Free movies from Loews

2005-10-03T00:20:00.000-04:00

The Loews in Georgetown in participating in the free Fan Favorites program. You have to register, but then there are free movies, and who doesn't love that?

Each month has a theme - not surprisingly, October's is horror classics, including Interview with a Vampire and The Exorcist.

September's theme was Back to School and included Old School. November's theme is Coming Home, and December's is Holiday Classics. Expect to see the holiday classics as part of my secular advent calendar.

Panda Baby

2005-09-29T18:05:00.000-04:00

Apparently the new panda baby is doing well at the National Zoo. They are having a contest to name the baby (well, more like voting to choose one of 3 names). The new baby isn't on display yet, but it will be worth a visit once that happens. In the meantime, here's a picture of papa panda from my last trip to the Zoo.

Who you calling a bastard?!

2005-09-29T13:22:00.000-04:00

The Washington City Paper has been plastering my neighborhood with promotional flyers for Crafty Bastards - an alt-craftfest for the artsy crowd. Wouldn't you know it - it's this weekend. Will I ever find that handknitted skull and crossbones tea pot cozy?

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards/index.php

Zombify my love!

2005-09-29T10:01:00.000-04:00

Damnit. It's one of my personal goals to be a zombie and this is probably as close as I'll ever come (well, if you discount my drooling in grad class last night), but alas, I'll be out of town.

DC Film Office and Warner Bros. Announce Open Casting Call

Extras are needed for a new Warner Bros. film called The Visiting. All types of men and women age 18 and up are needed. The extras will be portraying "Snatchers" (people infected with a virus), military, police, government dignitaries, upscale party guests, citizens of Baltimore and Washington, DC, and resistance fighters. Please bring a resume, headshot or recent photograph, and a pen. No previous experience is necessary.

Who: Warner Bros. Studios
What: Open casting call
When: Saturday, October 1, 2005, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: One Judiciary Square Building, 441 4th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001

Revenge of the Nerds Redux

2005-09-29T09:52:00.000-04:00

I loves me a good interview esp. of two geek boys. Time interviewed Joss Whedon along with Neil Gaiman for a web exclusive. It's mega ultra super nerd geekfest '05. I'm not all that familiar with Gaiman, but he's a comic book writer so, in my book, he's all nerd (man).

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1109313-1,00.html

Serenity (non spoiler) review

2005-09-28T20:54:00.000-04:00

Had the opportunity to see Serenity at a preview screening at the lovel Regal Cinema in Chinatown the other night.

First, in case you're wondering, no, you don't have to have seen the show or read anything to enjoy the movie - it's just fine all by itself with no context. If you're a fan of the show or Joss Wheedon's other work, you'll get more out of it by knowing the backstory. On the other hand, you're probably not counting on my review to make the decision to see the movie. But just in case you were, SEE THE MOVIE!!!

It's funny, it's touching, it's sad, it's good versus evil, individual versus big government, all the fun things you want in a space movie. Plus a girl who totally kicks butt! (I think Joss has a think for strong, warrior women, but that beats the screaming, helpless female all to hell.)

I saw it with a crowd of the already converted, but everyone I heard talking about it later on the Metro truly enjoyed it.

I'm going to see if can get the soundtrack on iTunes. And trying to figure out when I can see it again (after MirrorMask).

Serenity Now!

2005-09-25T09:43:00.000-04:00

In preparation for Friday's release of Serenity, I'm spending all day Sunday recovering from the Book Festival and watching Firefly on DVD.

For anyone who doesn't already know, here's a synopsis:

Joss Whedon, the Oscar® - and Emmy - nominated writer/director responsible for the worldwide television phenomena of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE, ANGEL and FIREFLY, now applies his trademark compassion and wit to a small band of galactic outcasts 500 years in the future in his feature film directorial debut, Serenity. The film centers around Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a hardened veteran (on the losing side) of a galactic civil war, who now ekes out a living pulling off small crimes and transport-for-hire aboard his ship, Serenity. He leads a small, eclectic crew who are the closest thing he has left to family –squabbling, insubordinate and undyingly loyal.

All your old favorites plus David Krumholtz (and can I just say that if my math professors were like his character on Numb3rs, I'd have a PhD by now).

October Events

2005-09-24T22:45:00.000-04:00

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

2005-09-24T22:30:00.000-04:00

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.

Comic Con

2005-09-24T21:55:00.000-04:00

Ok, I went to a comic convention. I'm a big super huge geek. I still watch Saturday morning cartoons and can quote The Simpsons. I've seen a reading of Family Guy on Broadway. I'm wearing a Serenity pin right now (ok, I'm making that up).

The Washington DC Comic Con is coming to the new convention center:
Location: Marriott Hotel at Metro Center
Address: 775 12th St, NW, Washington, DC
Date: October 30, 2005
Time: 10am - 5pm

I went to the Baltimore Comic Con last weekend and walked away with a lot of movie promotional stuff including Wallace & Gromit and Serenity give-aways. And if you've been trying to hunt down any obscure cartoon or TV show for the 60s, 70s, or 80s -- well, there were just craploads of vendors selling bootleg DVDs. That's all I'm saying. I was seriously eyeing a set of Marine Boy DVDs and the complete Freakazoid. Remember him?

War! Huh. What is it good for?

2005-09-24T21:35:00.000-04:00

Well, I guess it's good for one hell of a protest rally down on the National Mall. I got a little confused and started screaming "Keep your laws off my body!" and then figured it was an anti-WAR march, not pro-choice. Ooooooh. All those Jesus freaks on the side yelling about salvation is enough to make anyone lose it.

I managed to get through the mini-Arlington Cemetary that the protesters had created (several dozen little white crosses planted in the grass a la Normandy -- nice visual) and reached the National Book Festival in time to see Neil Gaiman posing for some glamore shots. Crowds lined up hoping to snag autographs from him, John Irving, David McCullough. I ditched it all and got lost in the nearly empty National Gallery of Art. The early 15th-Century woodcuts exhibit (there until the end of November) surprised me with its gory depictions of the deaths of various saints. Then I noticed that those monks never learned how to color within the lines.

Speaking of Neil Gaiman...

2005-09-24T00:44:00.000-04:00

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...

2005-09-23T17:07:00.000-04:00

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!

2005-09-22T20:42:00.000-04:00

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

2005-09-22T02:59:00.000-04:00

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

2005-09-21T02:20:00.000-04:00

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

2005-09-18T22:31:00.000-04:00

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.

Corpse Bride

2005-09-16T02:10:00.000-04:00

I'd marry Johnny Depp dead or alive, so I understand the premise of the movie. It was visually wonderful with a fairly predictable storyline. Some said they could have done without the singing, and I could agree with that about 1/2 the songs.

The only distracting voice was Christopher Lee as the priest - I just couldn't get Sauruman out of my head.

Defintely worth a watch, and I think it would be better on the big screen than waiting for video.