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Tuesday, April 30, 2013
It's Caption Tuesday!! Give Senator Mitch McConnell's rebuttal to President Barack Obama's joke on Saturday a caption. If President Obama declines, I'm sure Clint Eastwood would gladly take the empty seat!
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Our Margarita March Recap
As we can all agree, there’s nothing better than walking around DC with friends on a beautiful, Saturday afternoon. Throw in a couple of margaritas and you’ve got the DC Margarita March. The DC Margarita March, from the creators of DC Whiskey Walk, covered eight bars across U Street, 14th Street and Logan Circle. Each stop included a specialty cocktail and plenty of food and drink specials.
The Mariachi Band.
Although the march itself lasted from noon to 10:00 pm, we decided to pace ourselves and check in early at Alero. Along with our credentials, we were given a stick of gum (always important) and a Metro card (greatly appreciated given everyone’s level of intoxication). At Alero, we were greeted by a mariachi band to send us off on our journey.
Swag from Nelli’s Sports Bar
During the march, we had everything from your traditional margarita to a berry margarita to a mysteriously blue margarita. Along the way we picked up some pretty cool swag from Nelly’s and met a ton of friendly Washingtonians who truly enjoy the taste of tequila, triple sec and lime juice.
Without a doubt, we would recommend the margarita march to any of our friends and look forward to next year’s event.
Friends we made!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Dreaming of a Summer Break in New York
New York City, affectionately to its residents’ as The Big Apple, is a veritable paradise for a good many of the people that come here for a visit, a unique city that caters to the whims of each and every soul that strides through its energetic and vibrant streets. It’s a city that consists of a multitude of attractions and options for people looking for a meaningful break from the monotony of their everyday lives. Greenwich is ideal for foodies and those looking for quick, satisfying meals, there are also options to enjoy shopping in the Upper East Side and a quick stroll in Central Park might do you a world of good. Breaks to New York can be beneficial for anyone as the city contains a host of attractions that will appeal to those with two eyes and a sense of taste.
Central Park – Photo Credit: TimeInc.com
For tourists, taking advantage of the New York City Pass is a great way to start as it gives tourists an excellent discount when visiting some of the top attractions, allowing you to secure your budget and organize your trip efficiently.
For a look at the world beyond New York City’s thriving landscape, be sure to visit Central Park, a wonderful escape where tourists can take walks, serene boat rides and even enjoy quaint picnics under the calming cover of greenery and lush foliage. In stark contrast to this sedate area is Times Square, the thriving, kinetic area of NYC where various cinemas, theaters and electronic billboards sit, welcoming a stream of guests each day.If you are lucky enough to be able to spend a few days away from your routine this summer, a visit to Times Square to complete your trip to New York would be a splendid idea.
Metropolitan Museum of Art – photo credit: artstor.wordpress.com
Elsewhere, those seeking a spot of culture will enjoy the fascinating selection of museums, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the famous Guggenheim Museum. Budding shoppers must also find time to visit Macy’s Shopping Department, a luxurious 10-story Department building.
The spot on which the World Trade Center stood has become a highly spiritual zone, popular with tourists as well as those who wish to pay their respects to those who died on September 11th, 2001. The area honors the near-3,000 people who lost their lives and a museum is currently being built on the area as well.
Ground Zero Today – Photo Credit; Canoe.ca
Across Manhattan sits The Empire State Building, a proud pinnacle of the most famous skyline in the world. The looming art-deco building offers unmatched views of the beautiful city and is open late, making it perfect for tourists to catch a glimpse of the sun shrinking down across the majestic skyline.
Empire State Building – Photo Credit: Bloomberg.com
The Statue Of Liberty, which sits on Liberty Island, proudly welcoming incoming boats and ships, is another iconic testament to New York City’s appeal. It was once a beacon of hope for the immigrants who wished for a better life in the USA and remains a great historical landmark, standing tall and proud and featuring an abundance of museums and great opportunities to take unique photographs of your time well spent in NYC.
On this day in 2004, the World War II Memorial opens in DC. Providing overdue recognition to the 16 million men and women soldiers who proudly served our country. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/
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Uninvite someone to your big, fancy party and they may just throw one that out does yours completely. Here's our recap of the BuzzFeed BBQ Party from this past weekend. http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/04/buzzfeed-bbq-wrap-up/
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BuzzFeed BBQ Wrap Up
This was the hottest party Saturday night. Many party goers packed into Dupont circle’s Jack Rose Saloon for the BuzzFeed BBQ After Party. Here is a collaboration of tweets and photos to help describe the evening.
Packed house at BuzzFeed BBQ
Located at the back of the bar (if you could get there) was a large sign for the event. The DJ (beneath) was spinning tracks that got everyone dancing.
I like to think I pick winners, even with where I party. #buzzfeedbbq twitter.com/RepUnderwoodSC…
— Francis J. Underwood (@RepUnderwoodSC) April 28, 2013
The party was just as much the place to be as the WHCD, evidenced by C-SPAN broadcasting on-site. Heard on the Hill’s Neda Semnani captured the side-by-side coverage of both events.
Side by side of #whcd2013 and #buzzfeedbbq on @cspan OH “DC is ABSURD” twitter.com/Neda_Semnani/s…
— Neda Semnani (@Neda_Semnani) April 28, 2013
Everyone was tweeting #BuzzFeedBBQ, it became a trend on twitter.
#buzzfeedbbq is now trending in #DC trendsmap.com/us/washington
— Trendsmap DC (@TrendsDC) April 28, 2013
BuzzFeed stickers, or pieces of flair, were encouraged.
Pretty much sums up the night. #buzzfeedbbq twitter.com/Kauza/status/3…
— Andrew Kauz (@Kauza) April 28, 2013
Free pedicabs were available!
We got our own pedicabs! #buzzfeedbbq twitter.com/jonsteinberg/s…
— Jon Steinberg (@jonsteinberg) April 28, 2013
…And the House of Cards cast crashed the party!
HOUSE OF CARDS castmembers, left to right, Constance Zimmer, Kate Mara, Michael Kelly, Robin Wright and Executive Producer Beau Willimon — Photo credit: Catherine Bartosevich
Source: http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/buzzfeed-bbq-house-of-cards-kate-mara-robin-wright-penn-kevin-spacey_b102985
Even one of our editor’s, Chris Baggett and friend, were excited to meet Congressman Russo (actor Corey Stoll).
Big thank you to our friends at BuzzFeed for the invitation. We certainly look forward to the next year’s party!
Our Review of Glen’s Garden Market
Glen’s Garden Market, a small grocery store featuring almost exclusively local food, opened last week in the site of the former “secret Safeway” on 20th Street NW. I attended their press night and stopped in for some groceries in order to let Cloture Club readers know whether it’s worth a trip. In summary- yes, it’s worth a visit, but given the prices, best as a source for key items and special treats.
First, the positives: the store is gorgeous, clean, easy to navigate, and has tables and seating. You’ll recognize some of the food brands and farm names from farmers markets around DC, such as Trickling Springs Creamery and SouperGirl. The appetizers and snacks at their press night were all fantastic, and turned me on the delicious combination of roasted turkey with pepper jelly, which I will definitely be imitating.
Glen’s has typical grocery offerings (including alcohol), as well as a prepared food case, deli case, sandwiches and even beer on tap. Envision a farmers market inside a store that is open every day; great for those of us in the surrounding neighborhoods who don’t love fighting the crowds at the Dupont Circle Farmers Market on Sunday mornings. And best, for health-conscious label-scanners, you can be sure that the food you’re buying won’t have scary chemicals, MSG, or high-fructose corn syrup.
However, the downside of selling high quality natural and local food is that you pay quite a premium. The grocery store products and pre-made food was priced in line with upscale food stores like Balduccis and Dean and Deluca, but I was not quite prepared for their prices on produce. Lettuce was $28 per pound, at which point it is more economical to drink champagne for breakfast than green smoothies. I pointed it out to my boyfriend joking that the lettuce better taste amazing if it’s 4 times the cost of organic lettuce at Whole Foods (which is roughly 4 times the cost of lettuce at a normal grocery store). He replied that lettuce doesn’t have a taste so this could not taste 4 times better, to which I had no good comeback. We decided that we would only spend $28 a pound on lettuce if it were covered in lobster meat, and moved on.
I try to buy chemical-free and high quality food, which I believe helps keep my healthy, so I am thrilled Glen’s opened in my neighborhood. I’ll likely shop there for products where freshness and production methods matter most to me (and where I’m willing to spend the extra money); free-range eggs, grass fed dairy and well-raised meat. But, unless I win the lottery any time soon, it won’t become my new go-to grocery store.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
2013 White House Correspondents Dinner Videos
If you too busy this last weekend because you were partying around town , here are the videos from the 2013 White House Correspondence Dinner (aka nerd prom).
President Obama
Conan O’Brien remarks
House of Nerds with Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey returns for the “House of Nerds”, a House of Cards spoof, in last nights White House Correspondence Dinner. Let us know what you think in the comment section!
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Kevin Spacey returns for the "House of Nerds", a House of Cards spoof, for last nights White House Correspondence Dinner. http://youtu.be/dCzI521sgqE
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Friday, April 26, 2013
Our Review of World of Beer in Arlington
World of Beer (WOB) Arlington is located on the ground floor of an office building right on the corner of Glebe Road and Fairfax Drive in Ballston. I’d been dying to visit WOB ever since it opened its doors in August of 2012, but decided to wait until the craze of a new watering hole in Arlington subsided. Being a franchise, I half expected WOB to be a disappointment, boy was I wrong!
Atmosphere and Service: WOB is spacious and comfortable, and has ample seating that is spaced out far enough so that you’re not on top of your neighbors. Want to enjoy a beer outside? WOB has you covered there too, with patio seating for about 70 people.
Everything about the décor inside WOB is focused on beer, with brewery signs and flags from around the world adorning the establishment’s brick walls. Above those signs, wall-to-wall flat screens TVs broadcasting everything from news to sports. WOB also offers live music every Thursday – Saturday starting at 9pm.
photos from arlnow.com
Being a franchise, my expectation was set pretty low for the staff’s knowledge of beer. I decided to act the part of “beer novice” and ask my server for a recommendation. She definitely knew her stuff, and was able to adequately describe the taste and other characteristics of different beer styles based on my likes and dislikes. She also pointed out an educational section of the beer menu that gives brief descriptions of different beer styles. The impressive menu also contains beer facts and history to educate the novice and expert beer drinker alike.
Selection: The selection at WOB definitely deserves a WOW! There are 50 beers on tap, ALL CRAFT, and the selection changes daily. WOB even has a section of the menu devoted to telling customers about upcoming beers.
Photo from wobusa.com
Don’t feel like having anything that’s being served on tap? WOB has an extremely diverse portfolio of 500 bottles available from around the world, which are organized on the menu alphabetically by location.
With a beer menu as extensive as WOB’s, one can usually expect to spend valuable drinking time picking out an obscure beer they’d like to try, only to be disappointed when the server states “I’m sorry, we’re out of that right now.” This didn’t happen at WOB. Our party of three ordered various beers from both the draft and bottle menus, and WOB had them all. Very impressive!
Photo from wobus.com
Want something different? If you’ve ever had a Black & Tan you can get that at WOB also. In fact, WOB has 14 different mixed draft concoctions that they’ll prepare for you. I’m looking forward to eventually trying them all!
WOB offers a limited selection of food to munch on while you’re hanging out. We ordered a crab stuffed soft pretzel, which was amazing and had a great kick! Great food isn’t the focus at WOB however, great beer is to keep hungry customers happy, WOB has an open food policy and allows its patrons to bring in outside food from wherever they’d like. Wanna bring in that sub you picked up at the Italian Store? Fine! That leftover casserole from last night? Fine! Three local restaurants, (PF Chang’s, Vapiano, and Big Buns), will even deliver food directly to your table! How cool is that?!
Value: Both the beer and the food at WOB is reasonably priced. There are also themed nightly specials such as military night, ladies night, and service industry night, as well as a loyalty club. Check these out at http://wobusa.com/Locations/ArlingtonVA.aspx.
Overall: I’d read a number of reviews on Yelp and various other sources before heading to WOB. I have to count my experience among the majority of those reviews, and give WOB my top rating. I will definitely make a point to go back whenever I’m in the Ballston area, and I encourage you to as well! For those of you living in DC, World of Beer is definitely worth a trip across the Potomac!
Nuff said. Until next time, stay thirsty DC.
Website http://wobusa.com/Locations/ArlingtonVA.aspx
Twitter WOBArlingtonva
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wobarlingtonva?fref=ts
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Reminder, major metro work this weekend. Expect plenty of delays on all lines. http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=5487
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What’s up with the Washington Nationals?
The phrase “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” is widely tossed around in sports jargon. But if there’s one game in particular to which the phrase most applies, it’s bound to be baseball with its 162 game schedule that stretches from the pre-Cherry blossom days of early April to the Halloween costume rush of mid-October.
And so the Nationals should take comfort in that long-run mentality, one day after getting swept by the St. Louis Cardinals to drop below .500 for the first time all season. Wait, what? The Washington Nationals below .500 and in third place at the end of the first month of the season? The defending NL East Champion Washington Nationals who are essentially returning their same — but now more experienced — core unit? The darling of the pre-season pundits Washington Nationals who most inside the Beltway pronounced would rival the dominance of Ruth and Gehrig’s ’27 Yankees???
Not so fast. Despite the pre-season hype over how high the ceiling is for Bryce Harper or whether Stephen Strasburg would challenge the single season strikeout record without a pitch count, the fact is that this is their first season playing with any sort of expectations. And while they are not necessarily being crushed by the weight of those expectations, there is definite cause for concern at 10-11.
Errors and power outages have been their undoing. Nineteen errors through 21 games certainly ain’t pretty and doesn’t help your pitching unit. Yet, they have coped. Strasburg for example, although tagged with a 1-4 record, has an ERA of just 3.16. That’s indeed a respectable number — good enough to get most starting pitchers to the All-Star game — and is around the number most managers would dream of for the ace of their staff. More concerning has been a sluggish offense. The Nats have just four runs in their last four games and in their last four series (three against division opponents) they have a run differential of -19. Even a cursory glance of their at-bats can tell that Nats players are chasing pitches and exhibiting over-angst at the plate. Together they are just 2-10 against teams with records above .500 — perhaps all tell-tale signs of the pressures from weighty expectations?
Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images
Adding insult to injury, they were swept this week by the Cardinals — the same Cardinals who ousted the Nats from the playoffs last year — and dropped two of three to the Mets over the weekend. The many Mets fans around the DMV were surely keeping a close eye on the Friday night match-up between Strasburg and Mets pitching phenom Matt Harvey. Both are 24 years young and their consistent mid-90s fastballs will make them the aces of their respective staffs for many years to come. If both stay healthy, then the NL East is in for a treat as this enticing pitching rivalry develops in the coming years.
Should the Nats be concerned about their latest skid? Absolutely. Is it time to panic? Definitely not. There’s still plenty of baseball to be played. With April not even fully in the books we are just getting started and the Nats’ offense is too well balanced to stay mired in this same rut. Just recall how long it took the Miami Heat to click in their first season after being burdened with such endless expectations. In a city where you can’t go more than one block without stumbling into a yoga studio, the Nationals would do well to channel some zen-like calmness to purge any nervous jitters stemming from being the team with the target on their backs.
Keep calm and carry on, Nats fans.
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Washington City Paper did some data crunching and put together a graphic of DC's economy of the rich and poor, based on metro stops. http://t.co/g4Rb9IRSEU
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Thursday, April 25, 2013
The Presidents Club sharing a laughing before today's dedication. Give this photo a caption (or joke!)!
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He's back! Survived poison envelopes, Elvis impersonators and gun legislation. We asked you a few days for questions, so here's his answers! http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/04/ask-a-staffer-is-back-what-is-the-best-capitol-hill-building-and-another-jobs-question/
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Our Brunch Review at Curious Grape
I was more than excited to learn I would be reviewing the Curious Grape’s Sparkling Brunch. Number one, I love brunch. Number two I live close enough to Shirlington Village to walk. For those familiar with the Curious Grape or Shirlington you may remember that just two years ago the Curious Grape was a retail only wine and gourmet shop on the main strip of Shirlington Village, Campbell Ave.; but it is now a full service restaurant and wine bar complete with an espresso and coffee bar just around the corner from the old location but still offering wine, beer and gourmet items for retail sale. For those unfamiliar with the Curious Grape, you should familiarize yourself with it, quickly!
Since the long overdue Spring thaw is finally upon us, I chose to sit outside and I will proudly sport the farmers tan I acquired while there. Their deck is an excellent choice this time of year but it fills quickly, especially during brunch, so reservations are recommended. There is ample seating in the restaurant and at the bar and it even has a large private space near the kitchen for large / private parties. I was immediately taken by the really inventive and unique brunch menu, from the wine based bloody mary’s (more on that in a moment) which are the brain child of owner and Certified Wine Educator (CWE) Suzanne McGrath, to the food items like doughnut with wild boar; a staff favorite that sheds light on some of Executive Chef Eric McKamey’s creativity. The menu changes seasonally to incorporate fresh local ingredients (think Irish cheddar from PA) but offers plenty of options, both sweet and savory, that will please brunch traditionalists and the more adventurous as well. Another nice touch is the availability of half portions of the brunch entrees in case you’d like to try more than one, which I recommend you do.
I started brunch with the flight of their signature mary cocktails, each of the three has a unique country theme to it (Italy, Spain and Japan) complete with a wine base native to that country as opposed to the traditional vodka base. The presentation was amazing, and a sign of things to come. The Ciao Bella, my favorite of the three, had a prosecco base giving it a nice light body and the addition of balsamic vinegar and basil is evident from the first sip and gives you a little sweet to compliment the spice. To me it was almost like a palate refresher, and was definitely light enough to make a nice pairing throughout an entire meal. The Bloody Maria has an Iberian flair with a white port serving as the base and smoked paprika which is rather prevalent along with hint of cumin making this the spiciest of the three. Finally the Beijing Mary (yes I know Beijing is in China not Japan) has a sake base which helps balance the savory flavors of soy sauce and sesame oil. The oil makes it seem a bit heavier in terms of mouth feel, but for those who prefer a saltier version of a bloody, the soy flavoring is dominant and this is the one for you. All three are nicely and not overly spiced with no single flavor overpowering any other despite the contrasting flavors giving them all nice balance. They’re all also dangerously easy to drink which I am certain could turn your Sunday afternoon into an unproductive one if you’re not careful!
Bloody Mary’s
As I made my way around the world courtesy of the mary cocktails, my first appetizer arrived- the wild boar stuffed doughnuts. The three small house made doughnuts filled with lightly spiced wild boar is a perfect sized appetizer portion. The light dusting of powdered sugar compliments the spice of the boar and contrasts the savory flavors of hoisin sauce. The boar is presented in a pulled pork style stuffed in each doughnut and that combined with the pickled onion made me think of NC style bbq, but please note I am a North Carolinian! I particularly enjoyed pairing this dish with the Beijing Mary as I thought the soy married perfectly with the boar. Absolutely delicious!
Boar doughnuts
As I was halfway through the second doughnut, my baked to order mini soufflé arrived. The are three options to choose from with the soufflés, and each is baked to order, so I strongly recommend starting with an appetizer or selection from the pastry bar while your soufflé is prepared. That being said, it was well worth the brief wait. Anna, my waitress, who is expertly versed in all aspects of the menu and genuinely enjoys her job, an evident quality from the get go that absolutely makes the dining experience more pleasurable, chose the fromage a trois (three cheeses, get it!?!?) for me as I was torn between that and the rosemary goat soufflé. I was not disappointed with her selection. The three cheeses were all cheddars (Vintage Irish, Quicke’s English Farmhouse and Fiscalini from Modesto, CA) with a dash of shallots mixed in. The result was a light and airy creation that won’t overstuff you. The baked cheddar taste to me was similar to that of cheese straws, but not the store bought kind, much more like the ones your Mom or Grandma probably baked around the holidays. Savory doesn’t come remotely close to summing up this wonderful creation, and I again highly suggest you try one perhaps with a sweeter appetizer option like doughnuts or ricotta blintzes.
I decided to switch to wine to help compliment the soufflé and also in order to ensure I could coherently finish writing my notes for this review! The wine list is smartly organized and easy to navigate with wines uniformly organized from light to full body in each category (sparkling, light crisp whites, full bodied reds, etc.) and organic / biodynamic wines being listed in green. It’s clear that time and effort went into the construction of the list with many unique finds jumping off of its pages. The list also reflects responsiveness to their patrons as there are 30 bottles for under $30 per, which is sadly rare in restaurants these days and the Curious Grape is to be commended for this. I chose the 2012 Anne Amie Muller Thurgau from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. I have never tried a Muller from the US, as this is a table grape native to Germany; did I mention unique finds??? I was extremely happy with the Muller both overall but more specifically in terms of complementing the baked cheddar goodness of the soufflé. It was different than the German version of Muller that I’ve had, as it had apricot and stone fruit aromas subtly leaving the glass. On the palate, I got some granny smith apple and even a little tropical fruit to go along with its medium body. It’s super dry with moderate acidity and what I perceived to be reasonable alcohol content giving it a nice overall balance and a longish finish. This was a perfect pairing with the fromage a trois that complimented the sharp cheddar flavors. It’s a unique find on a wine list, especially by the glass and I highly recommend you give it a try.
Since I went with more savory items to start with, I went all in on the sweet side for an entrée – the Austrian Pancake Soufflé. As if the name wasn’t good enough, this was by far my favorite part of brunch and was just sweet enough to make me forgo dessert. The dish comes in a small iron skillet with bacon and apple syrup with brandied raisins on the side. Again, just the word alone are enticing but I can assure you the dish tastes far exceed what printed words can properly convey. The first cut into the center of the soufflé released elegant maple aromas that are seemingly unending. The soufflé itself is light and airy and makes you feel like you’re eating maple flavored pancake batter. The brandy soaked raisins, both those in the skillet and those in the apple syrup, give a nice boozy tartness to offset the sweetness of the pancake so you know its not entirely dessert. The bacon was crisp and salty and reminded me of the flavor profile of good old VA Smithfield Ham. I had the small portion of the pancake soufflé, which made me a little sad that I didn’t have room for the full portion! This was simply excellent and I would rate it a must try on your visit to the Curious Grape and I would recommend a pairing with a nice rose (they have two by the glass).
Pancake soufflé
All in all, I was thoroughly impressed with the Curious Grape’s Sparkling Brunch; all aspects of it. The mary cocktails were unique and delicious, the food inventive and exhibited meticulous preparation and the wine list truly has something for everyone. The deck was pleasant and relaxing and those two thoughts occurred in my head throughout the meal and upon reflection later as well. I’d suggest going now while you can enjoy our quasi-spring weather and before it gets too oppressively hot out. As I sat back in the breeze and finished my meal, I couldn’t help but think that this was one of the best brunches I’ve had in the last couple of years. The outstanding food, drinks and service make you feel like you don’t have a care in the world and your only disappointment is not being able to sit there and enjoy all day. And honestly, isn’t that what a top notch brunch should leave you with?? I wholeheartedly recommend the sparkling brunch and commend all those at the Curious Grape that have had a hand in making it so darn good!
Website http://www.curiousgrape.com/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/curiousgrape
Twitter https://twitter.com/curiousgrape
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Ask A Staffer is Back! What is the best capitol hill building and another jobs question
I’m back! Survived poison envelopes, Elvis impersonators and Anti-Gun legislation. Here are your best questions!
Question: I’m graduating this May from college and don’t have a job yet. I was an intern for a Congresswoman last summer and really liked it. I have applied to any offices that I can find that have an opening but haven’t even been offered an interview. Should I just plan on coming back to the Hill as an intern and intern until I get a position? — Johnny
Johnny, in the Obama economy, I’m not surprised you don’t have an offer sitting on the table yet. The Bush years are behind us. I feel for you.
Kidding aside, not many people these days are getting offers before they get their diploma — and even back in the glory days, rarely was this the case on Capitol Hill.
The problem is, and maybe has nobody told you this — a full 0.18% of Congressional offices are going to give you an interview without a local address and a degree in your hand. (I hear Sheila Jackson Lee’s office is getting desperate.)
No office is going to let a position go unfilled for a few weeks or a month because, no offense, there are probably 20 other people equally qualified (read: able to do menial tasks for little to no pay) that have signaled an interest. And they’re here. Now. With degrees.
So, it’s more a matter of timing. Don’t sweat it.
Regarding interning — you might have to do that again. Sucks, yes. But lots of people go from interns to Staff Assistants in the leader’s office. I’ve personally seen it happen. But others intern for a long time until they find something.
It’s a cruel, cruel world out there. Especially here. Don’t lose sleep over it.
Question: Which House office building has the nicest offices to work in as a staffer (not factoring amenities), and likewise for the Senate. — Jack
It depends. My preferences have been Hart and Longworth, even though in the latter my ceiling was crumbling right over my head.
If you take amenities out of the situation, it all boils down to personal preference. Do you want to think you have a normal job, a normal life? Hart’s for you.
Stuck in the Mad Men era? Maybe Dirksen or Rayburn are for you.
Are you an old-school fuddy duddy or somebody who thinks they’re a BFD? Well, you belong in Cannon or Russell.
Either way, all are good enough buildings to work in.
Question: — With the gun legislation behind, do you think capitol hill will take it up again this year? – A hill staffer’s Mom
No.
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President Harry S. Truman officially opens the first White House bowling alley on this day in 1947. Have any of you bowled there before? http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/truman-inaugurates-white-house-bowling-alley
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Brag Booth: Mark Wahlberg visits with Senator Mary Landrieu's office today.
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The New 100 Dollar Bill
The Federal Reserve Board announced today the redesigned of the new 100 dollar bill will begin circulating later this year. Thew new 100 dollar bill will incorporates never before seen security features such as a blue, 3-D security ribbon. This will make it easier public to authenticate but more difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
The new design for the $100 note was unveiled in 2010, but its introduction was postponed following an unexpected production delay. To ensure a smooth transition to the redesigned note when it begins circulating in October, the U.S. Currency Education Program is reaching out to businesses and consumers around the world to raise awareness about the new design and inform them about how to use its security features. More information about the new design $100 note, as well as training and educational materials
Find out more about the $100 note from the federal reserve’s new website, http://newmoney.gov.
New $100 Dollar Bill Video
New 100 Dollar Bill – Photo courtesy of newmoney.gov
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Who doesn't like margaritas! This Saturday the Margarita March takes place at 8 bars and we're raffling off two tickets ($100 value!). Want to go for FREE? Enter our raffle today! http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/04/margarita-march-giveaway/
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Goodbye and Hello
A few weekends ago, my wife, Mary, and I attended two birthday parties that were at the opposite ends of life’s experiences. Attended by family and friends, both events were joyous celebrations of two remarkable people marking their 21st and 100th birthday.
At 21, George’s journey was just beginning. At some point he will have enough experiences and accept enough meaningful responsibilities to wear the hat of “manhood”. Each decade offers new and different challenges and rewards compared to the previous ones. I remember that when I reached 21, I was just starting a teaching job in DC, I was married, the Vietnam War was dividing the country and my son, Matthew, was soon to enter this world. Today, George faces a shaky global economy, a worrisome job market, and marriage and children more may be a reality in his 30′s than 20′s.
But given that every generation offers rewards as well as challenges, the conversation at his party was upbeat and looking forward to new possibilities and new beginnings. Of course, his ultimate success will be how he reacts and approaches each.
The 100th birthday for Mary’s great aunt was joyous as the assisted living recreation room was filled with friends and family to celebrate a remarkable journey. There were pictures from all stages of her very active life showing her enjoying weddings, birthdays, parties, vacations, graduations, and many more that filled the large screen in front of the room. There was even a jazz band playing songs from yesteryears. Unlike George’s, there was no talk of future possibilities but rather possibilities realized and lost. I ended the weekend thinking that it was a rare experience to see such diversity in a few days.
But the real gift came a week later during Easter Mass when I was given the opportunity to think about these two birthday events in a different light. A profound awakening occurred in me when our priest spoke of life as a series of goodbyes. I totally agreed with his thinking but thought there was more to his message. George has had to say goodbye to childhood and adolescence and the facts and interpretations of the experiences – the good and the bad – that both stages offered. He also has the opportunity to say goodbye to a major dependence on his parents.
Mary’s aunt has said many more goodbyes including friends who were there for a month and to others for years. She has bid farewell to children who left home, loved ones lost too soon, physical strength once taken for granted, and the independence of driving. But this is not a downer and the rest of the message finally hit me. We are here on this earth to learn and it is how we learn to say goodbye that will determine our opportunities to experience the hellos that will lead to our purpose or great potential. One event has to close before a new one opens.
Too many of us get stuck in a goodbye and find it difficult to move on to the next hello and learning opportunity. In each goodbye there is a “teacher” present and a learning opportunity. Many fail to take what was learned and apply it to the new experience. They fail to open themselves to vulnerability and therefore the opportunity to fully experience life. I know many people past the age of forty who have not said goodbye to the stage of dependence and therefore have not experienced true independence within the stage of interdependence.
I lost both of my parents when I was in my late twenties. In the beginning, I grieved and thought of them every day, which was normal. On most weekends, I would often visit their gravesites in Frederick, Maryland, to talk and share how I felt. As time passed, I said goodbye and at that point I was able to say a new hello to their spirit, which now resides in me.
George and Mary’s aunt are at opposite ends of their journeys but the one common theme to both are the goodbyes and hellos. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable is one of the secrets of saying healthy goodbyes. We need to open up to our honest feelings, when remembering negative events, separating facts from interpretations, not taking ourselves too seriously, and not being afraid to share our experiences with others. The more we experience life and open our minds and bodies to celebrate life depends on how well we accept our goodbyes and say more and more hellos. On your next birthday, examine where you are stuck, deal with it, and welcome and embrace a new hello!
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Cloture Club reviews Coriolanus
For those forgetful of their days in English lit, the plot of “Coriolanus” bears a superficial resemblance to another of Shakespeare’s tragedies, “Hamlet”: in both, the playwright transforms somewhat obscure historical characters into individuals of complex emotions facing personal and political crises. Both stories also end in bloodshed—and carry similar moral themes, such as the futility of revenge—but there all similarity ends between plays and title characters. If Hamlet’s dominant personality characteristics introspection, Caius Martius Coriolanus’s is a suffocating pride. The title character (a victorious hero-general equipped with an almost invisible wife, a nearly mute son, and bloodthirsty mother) decides the honors being given him after a successful military expedition are insufficient, so he defects to the enemy camp to plan the conquest of Rome. Ultimately, Coriolanus’s mother is sent on behalf of a fearful but angry city to plead with him to reconsider.
One gets the impression that director David Muse was amused by Shakespeare’s treatment of Roman politics (though, it must be said, perhaps any polity that falls back on a mother’s fury as its last tool of statecraft deserves a laugh). “Coriolanus” is not a funny play, but that doesn’t stop Muse from trying. Yet while it ought to be easy for a Washington-based audience to overlook Shakespeare’s often tedious political discourse and relate to the political themes being developed onstage, STC’s production fails to engage the audience on an emotional level. The supposedly climactic scene featuring Mama Volumnia (Diane D’Aquila) giving an impassioned speech to sway her son from attacking Rome quickly becomes tiresome: one needs to see only so much saliva to get the point.
Philip Goodwin as Brutus and Robert Sicular as Menenius in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Coriolanus, directed by David Muse. Photo by Scott Suchman.
The characters of Junius Brutus (Philip Goodwin) and Sicinius Velutus (Derrick Lee Weeden), both tribunes of the people, had more success affecting public sentiment than super PACs did in influencing the outcome of the 2012 elections. Perhaps they have a future in modern politics.
Perhaps the most successful part of this production is the interplay of light and sound, courtesy of lighting designer Mark McCullogh and composer Mark Bennett. The primal and warlike percussion performed onstage by members of the ensemble at moments of tension achieve the effect of unsettling the audience and provide a rare note of historical authenticity (contrasting with Murell Horton’s quasi-fascist costumes). Moments of swordplay and the frequent reconfiguration of Blythe R.D. Quinlan’s set (which is shared with the concurrently-running adaptation of Friedrich Schiller’s “Wallenstein”) at least provide one with something interesting to look at, if Patrick Page (in the title role) not wearing his tunic isn’t your sort of thing.
Philip Goodwin as Brutus and Robert Sicular as Menenius in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Coriolanus, directed by David Muse. Photo by Scott Suchman.
But even by the time intermission rolled around, the seats in Sidney Harman Hall left something to be desired, preferably escape.
If you want to escape from contemporary political machinations and the whims of a capricious public by watching ancient political machinations and the whims of a capricious public—and be reminded that revenge and treason always have their price — the show runs until June 2nd and tickets are available on The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s website at http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/tickets/all_tix.aspx .
Cloture Couple remind their friends of Mata Hari and Ernest Hemingway, except that they are much more daring and intriguing. When not writing theatre reviews for Cloture Club, they are involved with haute cuisine, oenology, and international intrigue. They are the most interesting people in the world. Or, at least, in their world.
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Tuesday, April 23, 2013
We have 2 screening tickets to tomorrow's screening of Arthur Newman. Staring Collin Firth and Emily Blunt. Interested in going? Give this post a LIKE and check back here today at 5:30pm when we announce the winner! Wednesday, April 24th – TOMORROW! 7:00PM -- AMC Georgetown
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It's Caption Tuesday!! Give this photo of Bill Clinton and Neal Caffrey a caption! Who do you think is giving the other tips on picking up women?
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Local website DCist put together a voter's guide for today's special election. If you're a registered voter in the district, don't forget to vote today! http://dcist.com/2013/04/your_dcist_voters_guide_for_the_apr.php
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Monday, April 22, 2013
#History - Today in 1970, the first Earth Day was created to increase public awareness of the world's environmental problems. In honor of it's 43rd birthday, here is some Earth Day humor.
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Margarita March Giveaway!
After being listed as one of our top events to attend this summer [link], our friends at Margarita March joined forces with Cloture Club to giveaway two tickets to their event this Saturday! Think of how jealous your friends will be when they know you’re out sipping margaritas, FOR FREE! Sure, they can come and pay a small fee [LivingSocial], but you’ll be kicking back in your flip-flops and relaxing in one of the eight bars this weekend.
Want to go? Sign up below!
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With the warm months ahead, here is our list of summer events worth attending. Margarita March , Virginia Gold Cup Races, Preakness Stakes, Run Or Dye and more! Which ones are you going to? http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/04/top-11-summer-events-were-looking-forward-to/
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Sunday, April 21, 2013
Top 11 Summer Events We’re Looking Forward To
With the warm months ahead, we’ve put a list of 11 DC summer events that we’re looking forward to.
Margarita March — April 25
From the creators of Whiskey Walk, shake up your Saturday brunch routine with the Margarita March. This event is not your typical pub crawl. You’ll be visiting 8 bars across U Street, 14th Street and Logan Circle with each watering hole providing a unique margarita. Act quick and grab the LivingSocial discount tickets. Website.
Virginia Gold Cup – May 4
A premiere steeplechase race makes a good excuse for people to wear searsuckers suits and large hats. Gold cup has is now allowing legal gambling at the gold cup. General admission car pass costs $85 for up to six people, or find one of the many transportation buses that offer buffets and drinks.
Preakness – May 18
Preakness is the horse race before the Kentucky Derby in Baltimore. The infield party is among the best with a $50-70 all you can drink option and entertainment by Pitbull, AfroJack and Macklemore. Get your tickets here.
Jazz in the Garden – Every Friday starting May 24
Starting 5pm every Friday, join jazz lovers in the National Gallery of Art sculpture garden. They sell wine and sangria pitchers, so bring your own snacks and blankets.
Rolling Thunder — May 24
Rolling Thunder is an annual motorcycle rally that is held in Washington, DC during the Memorial Day weekend. It’s a the annual reminder to recognize our veterans and POWs. 1000s of motorcycles come through DC and parade around. Website.
International Soccer Match US vs. Germany — June 2
Last year DC was the host to Manchester United (source). This year the US Men’s National team hosts Germany at FedEx field. This should be a good fill for those waiting for the 2014 World Cup. Game starts at 2:30 p.m. Tickets Link.
D.C. Jazz Festival — June 5-16
With more than 125 performances in dozens of venues across the city, the DC Jazz Festival is the largest music festival in Washington, D.C. and one of the most highly anticipated cultural events in the nation. The Festival presents year-round music education programs and concerts for DC students and residents by local, national and internationally-known talent at venues across D.C.
Run or Dye 5K — June 8
Labeled as “the most colorful fun run”, this 5k race blankets runners with vibrant color dyes (so wear clothes you don’t care) around RFK stadium. A cure from the regular races that occur every other weekend in DC. Starts at 9 a.m. Website.
National Capital Barbecue Battle – June 22-23
This battle shuts down Pennsylvania Avenue for a meat show-down. A small fee to come in and try a selection of meet.
Here in Washington, we’re living in a golden age of slow-smoked meats, with new purveyors of pulled pork, pit beef, brisket or smoked sausage opening faster than you can say “Lipitor.” This annual barbecue event is a chance for out-of-towners to join locals in a competition to see who will be crowned National Pork Barbecue Champion.
PBS Special & Fireworks — July 4
We’ve watched it live on PBS but how about actually be there. Wednesday, July 4th, from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. immerse yourself in patriotic songs and fireworks. Website.
Best of Washington – Wednesday, July 17th
We attended this event last year (link) and had a great time. The Washingtonian magazine invites readers to vote for the best people, places, and services in the area and invites all winners to show off. Buy tickets here.
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The Star Spangled Banner
The National Museum of American History displays the U.S. flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Photo taken by Matthew Black.
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Friday, April 19, 2013
With the weather warming up, we thought we’d ask frequent runner Kenny Ames to give us a list of best places to run in DC. http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/04/best-running-paths-in-dc/
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Best Running Paths in DC
As the weather is getting warmer, many are coming outsidein hopes to get in shape for the summer. We thought we’d ask frequent runner Kenny Ames, who recently finished Monday’s Boston Marathon, to give us his best running paths in DC.
Best Running Paths in DC
With many people joining the running community to run in support of Boston, it is fitting to review some of the routes DC offers. I have run an estimated 20,000 miles in almost nine years of running, most of them on the streets, trails, and paths right here in the Greater Washington area through heat and cold and all forms of precipitation. Here are my favorite routes:
Best trail: C&O Canal
Website: http://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm
Photo credit: http://georgetown.patch.com/
With its entrance tucked underneath the Key Bridge, this flat path follows the Potomac River for miles into Maryland and beyond. It is perfect for beginners as there are bathrooms and water fountains just a few miles down at Fletcher’s Boathouse, a good turnaround point for those only looking for a short run. The trail draws many of the area’s runners so it can get crowded. There are fewer bicyclists on the C&O since it is a dirt path and road bikes tend to stay clear, preferring the paved Capitol Crescent, which it intersects at Fletcher’s.
Best route for a negative split: Capital Crescent Trail
Website: http://www.cctrail.org
Photo credit: gogobot.com
If you start at its base at the Key Bridge, this paved path makes a crescent-shaped arch from Georgetown into Bethesda and Silver Spring. It rises in elevation as you leave DC so by turning around, you will be running downhill allowing for a faster second half of your run. This is another popular trail that runners and bicyclists share with walkers and skaters that enjoy the sights as it curves through woods, passes homes, and through downtown Bethesda. There are a few water fountains for thirsty runners.
Best “DC” route: The National Mall
Website: http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc70.htm
We’re in DC for a reason, so take advantage of the history and beauty by running along the National Mall. Arguably the heart of DC, this stretch is perfect for the Congressional staffer looking for a quick lunchtime run. The route can be trimmed as short or as long as you like – the ambitious runner can run a large loop encompassing RFK, the Capitol, the Lincoln, and the Memorial Bridge and Arlington Cemetery. The downside is that there are busy cross streets that are dangerous to cross against the light and it can get congested with tourists, softball, kickball, rallies, and festivals. But, there is a reason many races incorporate parts of the Mall, which makes running in our capital city so spectacular.
Best route to go long: Mount Vernon Trail
Website: http://www.bikewashington.org/trails/vernon/
Photo credit: StickyBottleteam.com
Just over the river in Virginia, the Mount Vernon Trail is a scenic paved path that stretches from George Washington’s home in Virginia into Alexandria and connecting to Georgetown. The trail travels along the Potomac, passes the airport, winds in and out of Old Town, and rolls down to where George and Martha used to reside.
Best route to run in circles: Hains Point
Website: http://dc.about.com/od/restaurant1/a/EastPotomacPk.htm
Photo credit: Examiner.com
The best part about Hains Point is that it juts out from DC and is bordered by the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, making it seem that you are running off the end of the earth. With great views of the airport, the Wilson Bridge, and the DC landscape, it can be a simple run on a flat surface. Runners share the road with cars, bikes, walkers, skaters, and tourists, but it is worth the hassle. The wind can slow or speed up your run, depending on the day and direction. If you’re looking to run repeats or to just go short, this is a solid destination.
If you are looking for others to run with or for advice, consider checking out DC Road Runners Club, a chapter of the Road Runners Club of America. DCRRC has something for everyone from races to training programs to happy hours and group runs. DCRRC affords its members with a year-round calendar of running events that offer the opportunity for all to participate regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability.
His view on the Boston Marathon
Kenny Ames running in the Boston Marathon
Last Monday, I finished my 2nd Boston Marathon, 22nd marathon overall spanning 13 different states, and 100th race of any distance. It was an experience unlike any and my emotions ranged from excitement and anxiety to disappointment and pain to elation and then to sheer terror, guilt, sadness, and melancholy. If you want to read my thoughts and race recap of the Boston incident, visit brooklandrunner.blogspot.com and follow @BrooklandRunner and tumblr.com/blog/brooklandrunner. Or feel free to email me directly at kames@fireside21.com.
Kenny Ames, formerly a Congressional staffer, serves as Director of Outreach for Fireside21. He resides in Brookland with his girlfriend and can be found running with his dog, @RunningSpaniel.
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