RECENT POSTS

They could still probably use donations, though!

Flickr: vpickering

D.C. has so much Christmas spirit!

Jenny Rogers, who writes “The List” for TBD, discovered something interesting when she looked in to volunteering for the holiday (and since we highlighted so many non-profits and ways you could help a few weeks ago, I thought this would be extra relevant for DCentric readers):

Having just eaten a pile of Christmas cookies and feeling full of holiday goodness, The List decided to look into some volunteer opportunities —‘tis the season, etc. To her dismay, local non-profit directors told her that, well, they just didn’t really need the help. In fact, all the organizations The List spoke to were turning away volunteers because so many people had already offered their time. In a region known for its wealth and often painted as dysfunctional, it’s a testament to the goodwill of the people who actually live here that they’re fighting over the chance to serve.

That’s surprising and impressive. Good for D.C., that so many of its residents are so interested in doing good for D.C.

Spelling bees and Go-go music

This put a smile on my face (and made me want to take a bus in Southeast):

Riding the bus in SoutheastDC is pure comedy! Lil girls have spelling bee battles.Overworked mamas screaming at their kids & gogo music.
@AnacostiaYogi
Anacostia Yogi

Turkeys on Obama’s Plate, Today

Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy

Courage the Turkey was the lucky recipient of the 2009 Pardon.

After the President partakes in the Thanksgiving tradition of pardoning two turkeys at the White House, he has some nice plans for the rest of the day:

Later Wednesday, Obama and his family were delivering two turkeys less fortunate than Apple and Cider to Martha’s Table, a local charity that feeds the hungry and provides other community services. A Pennsylvania turkey farm donated the birds.

The Obamas visited the charity last year, also on Thanksgiving eve, and helped hand out frozen turkeys, stuffing and other fixings to people standing in line.

The Kojo Nnamdi Show is at The Arc, tonight.

As I mentioned yesterday, The Kojo Nnamdi Show will be in Southeast D.C. this evening, hosting another “Kojo in Your Community” event, at The Arc. Doors open in three hours.

If you read this blog, you’ll probably be very interested in the topics they will be discussing– including the employment gap, how Ward Eight is changing (organic groceries! art galleries!), plus gentrification. The event is free and metro-accessible (Green Line: Southern Avenue Station). The show will air tomorrow, so if you can’t make it tonight, you won’t miss it entirely…but wouldn’t it be much cooler to ask Kojo questions, in person?

On My Radar: Love Bites

DC Love Bites

The cupcake which made me a fan of sweet potato-based desserts!

On Saturday evening, I took my costume-clad puppy for her usual nightly walk around the neighborhood. We weren’t Trick-or-Treating, but I ended up going home with something delightful and sweet anyway– a free cupcake! Anyone who reads DCentric knows that I love food trucks, and I thought I knew all of the rolling players, from the purveyors of sought-after, coveted Lobster Rolls to the trucks that cruelly aren’t allowed in the city yet.

But as we strolled down U street, I did a double-take at the big red van parked across from Ben’s. I had neither seen nor heard of Love Bites and as we walked up, the owner jumped out and asked if she could take a picture of my dressed-up pup. Flattered, I said, “Of course!” I was shocked when she handed me a free, “signature” cupcake, as a treat.

“It’s sweet potato with cream-cheese frosting”.

…and then I was surprised for the second time in five minutes. Long before I ran around and tried to sample every DC food truck’s fare, I was a cupcake-fiend whose Yelp take on Baked and Wired was once “Review of the Day”. I have a ridiculous sweet tooth, and I thought I had heard of every cupcake variation or flavor possible.

Continue reading

District Cuteness

I have a meeting I’m rushing off to, so posting will be light for a few hours, but you won’t even notice I’m gone, because you’ll be too busy looking at this photo set of the National Zoo’s baby Lion cubs taking a “swimming test”! I think they passed, with flying paddling colors.

Smithsonian's National Zoo

I would like to volunteer for the next swim test, thanks.

Continue reading

Ready for Halloween

image

I spotted this festively-attired statue as I left WAMU. He had a similarly-adorned twin, ten feet away.

This adverb abuse is brought to you by the number “1″ and the letters “E”, “V” and “O”.

Fear the Turtle!

colorblindPICASO

Box turtle vs. King Charles Cavalier Spaniel

District Curmudgeon blogger I.M. Goph tweeted, “did no one else see this wapo story from yesterday?” with a link to this story:

12TH ST., 5000 block, Oct. 1. Animal control received a call about a turtle that was menacing Chihuahuas in a yard. An animal control officer took the eight-inch box turtle closer to a park.

Well thanks to I.M. Goph, we saw it and now so did you. Happy Friday, everyone!

Ben’s Chili Bowl Loves Vegetarians

What I used to get at Ben's: Chili Cheese Fries

One of you emailed me this link to DCist with the subject line, “Good news for you!”. Thank you for that! As for the “news”, it turns out that Ben’s Chili Bowl just started serving vegetarian hot dogs; now I can finally eat something at Ben’s which looks like what the rest of you order. From Ben’s Big Blog:

For a few years now customers have been calling and emailing Ben’s requesting that they offer veggie hot dogs. Though it took some time to find the one that lives up to the quality and reputation of Ben’s, a veggie dog is now on the menu! Get yours with mustard, onions and Ben’s famous veggie chili. Don’t forget, for years Ben’s has offered Veggie Burgers, Veggie Chili, Veggie Chili Fries and Veggie Chili-Cheese Fries.

I’m a vegetarian and I love Ben’s…mostly because I have happy memories of the instances when it’s almost empty and the staff and I sing along to “My Girl” or similar. Everyone who works there is so kind. And the chocolate milkshakes are yummy.

Continue reading