Friday, June 28, 2013

We live in the greatest country. Here are 16 people who love America more than you! Agree? Give us a like and chant "Merica"! http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/06/xx-people-love-america-more-than-you/



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151721029349254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1

16 People Who Love America More Than You

With 4th of July next week, we thought we’d round up some “Great Americans” who show their true love for our country. Murica!




This family!



photo credit: wallcandyarts.com



This patriot!


Merica!

photo credit: blogspot.com



These tights!



photo credit: nymag.com



Jumping Jiggawatts! This Bro!



photo credit: blogspot.com



Why not go full suit?



photo credit: wholesalehalloweencostumes.com



Duct tape prom!



Photo credit: carddit.com



This beard



photo credit: Flickr.com




usatoday.net



All smiles.



photo: allpostersimages.com



We bet she named her cat Lady Liberty.



photo credit: tumblr.com



We know Steven Colbert loves America.



STEVEN COLBERT! photo credit: comedycentral.com



Ford Tempo!



photo credit: SideSalad.com



15 people who love america more than you do


God bless America!



photo credit: jpegvault.com




lobshots.com



USA!



The post 16 People Who Love America More Than You appeared first on ClotureClub.com.


Next week is the 4th of July. Have you found a spot to watch the fireworks yet? Here are our suggestions! http://www.clotureclub.com/2012/06/best-place-to-watch-fireworks-in-dc/



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151720921764254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1

White House Down Review

Let me preface this review with: I did not see Olympus Has Fallen. The other White House-is-taken-over movie.


That being said, I had only watched 1 trailer for the movie, and thought it may not be the best of movies; especially considering that it is coming out months after a movie with a similar plot had just come out.


And of course, to meet me low expectations, the movie begins very slow. About 25 minutes of the movie of the movie is just showing people’s relationships with their families or each other or showing the characters at work. But, somewhat thankfully, there are a couple scenes of the terrorist plot starting to take form.


But that is where I become pleasantly surprised and the movie becomes entertaining. Big fun over-the-top explosions/disaster scenes are paired with lots of constant fast-paced action for the rest of the film. But rather than being a serious action film “only” with general badassery, they also keep the film semi-light with multiple comedic scenes and a great rapport between the main characters, played by Jamie Foxx and Channing Tatum. Jamie Foxx plays a peace-loving President that potentially will solve all issues with the Middle East/sign a peace treaty/pull out all American Forces immediately. Channing Tatum is an un-reliable father and (ex) husband who is a veteran and bodyguard for the Speaker of the House. He uses some connections [read: uses his patented “Channing Tatum charm” on his current squeeze] to score an interview for the Secret Service. After being declined, and almost embarrassed at his interview, he takes his daughter on a tour of the White House when the terrorist takeover occurs. Explosions, cool fights and some hilarity ensue.


White House Down Review


The thing that really “makes” the movie is the buddy-buddy relationship between Tatum and Fox’s characters. They bond, and work together to get out of this incredulous situation they find themselves in. Most of the movie is focused around the two of them, and they do not disappoint, but notably, there was also a great supporting cast; James Woods, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Richard Jenkins, Jason Clarke and Lance Reddick. I was actually surprised to see so many actors in the cast when they aren’t really shown in trailers or mentioned anywhere.


All in all, I left the theater entertained and happy that I saw this movie. I give it a B+ with points being taken away for the slow start and some of the melodramatic scenes. It is a fun-light movie to take the family to see with 4th of July around the corner.




White House Down Trailer



The post White House Down Review appeared first on ClotureClub.com.


Thursday, June 27, 2013

Giveaway – Red White and Boom

Join us on July 4th as we celebrate Independence Day while looking out on to the Potomac River at the newly renovated Kastles Stadium at the Wharf on the Southwest Waterfront. This outdoor event will feature 5 hours of open bar, bands, DJs, dancing and a beautiful view of the fireworks over the National Mall.



Want to go for free? Enter our raffle below!



The post Giveaway – Red White and Boom appeared first on ClotureClub.com.


Even the Google Street View car can't escape the DC morning traffic.



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151719069859254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

17 Ways You Know You've Become a Washingtonian. #3) When you feel angered by someone standing on the left side of the escalator. GRRR! Like if you agree!! http://www.clotureclub.com/2012/10/17-ways-you-know-youve-become-a-washingtonian/



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151717417664254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1

Mentor You – Issue 14

The post Mentor You – Issue 14 appeared first on ClotureClub.com.


The Heroes Who Live and Learn

The expression “live and learn” is familiar to most, yet many do not understand the opportunities found within its meaning. Paraphrasing M. Scott Peck: life is difficult and we are here to learn from life’s lessons. Too many people hold on to fear and make life more difficult than needed, there are heroes that take full advantage of learning while living.


These heroes willingly go outside of their comfort zones to periodically confront their outlooks on life, beliefs, professions, relationships, and knowledge. They are willing to challenge that which they consider sacred and etched in stone. They do not fear lifting their shades to rethink their realities and escape the voices and influences around them that may prevent them from breaking out of their comfort zone.


Yet, to grow and strive towards wholeness, one must first take that first of many steps into the unknown. They are willing to be surprised with what life throws at them and prepared to learn the lessons. When we were children, we were willing to experience this as we learned to crawl then walk then run. Our first steps usually resulting in small successes followed by a fall, yet we got back up, took a few more steps, fell, and got up repeatedly. This was quite natural and the more steps we took, the faster we walked until we were running.


As adults, we have developed a fear we didn’t have as children, yet the heroes remember the lessons that falling is part of the process. They ignored their egos whose inclination was to label these falls as failures rather than see them as successes towards a goal. They realized that to call something a failure, it meant that they were adding an interpretation and they would be comparing themselves to others and that would stop them in their tracks. Heroes of live and learn are wise and do not fall into that mental trap.


This unusual group also realizes that they have little control over life and the universe. Instead, they strive to grow who they are and realize that life can often come straight at them and at inconvenient times. They have learned not to take it personally: it is not what happens but how they handle the crisis. Along their path, the heroes pass victims on the side of the road – those who defeat themselves and a resort to the language of labeling themselves as failures or accepting “that is who I am.”


I have a client who makes it a point each quarter to objectively reads a book that has the opposite viewpoint of his political or social thinking or studying religions other than his own. He has gone through some terrible experiences in life, yet he has emerged with a greater understanding of empathy for others and a willingness to serve and grow and take more steps. He refuses to interpret events through a small lens that may lead to drama and discord; he chooses to see opportunities to learn and continue to grow.


Life is difficult, but it is our choice how we handle its surprises. Heroes do not hold onto fear, they do not make life more difficult, and they learn from living. In my lifetime, I have only met a few heroes of living and learning. It takes courage to walk along this path so when you see them, instead of embracing your insecurities, enroll in their possibilities by participating in their greater cause. If you can do this, you might just become a living and learning hero.


The post The Heroes Who Live and Learn appeared first on ClotureClub.com.


Yep.



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151717025399254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Hopefully you didn't try to visit your favorite restaurant this past Sunday because everyone was at The RAMMYS (the Oscars for foodies) award banquet. Cloture Club was there to witness the best awarded in the dc food biz. Check out Alex's recap! http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/06/restaurants-in-bloom-rammy-awards-recap/



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151715783774254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1

It's Caption Tuesday!! Give this photo of President Barack Obama visiting an elementary school in Ireland with PM David Cameron a caption! Best caption wins a "wonky" gift. We'll even send it to you directly. http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/06/caption-this-obama-visits-with-school-children-in-ireland/



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151715124399254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1

Caption This: Obama visits with school children in Ireland

President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron visit with school children at Enniskillen Primary School, Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, June 17, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)


Give this photo a caption! Use the comments below and include your email address. Winner will be chosen on Thursday. We’re going to send the best caption winner something “wonky”! Trust us. You’ll like it :)


The post Caption This: Obama visits with school children in Ireland appeared first on ClotureClub.com.


We all know why Rusty the red panda went to Adams Morgan in the middle of the night. He was hungry. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/24/19117344-rusty-the-runaway-red-panda-found-safe-and-sound?lite



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151715012269254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Best Places to Watch Fireworks In Washington DC

On July 4th every year at dusk the Washington Monument becomes the most spectacular backdrop to display one of the biggest firework shows in America. For over half an hour the sky around the national mall fills up with brilliant colors and explosions to celebrate our Nation’s birth.


Here is some of the best places to watch fireworks in Washington DC!




West Lawn – The U.S. Capitol


capitol-fourth


This year’s “A Capitol Fourth” on PBS welcomes back host Tom Bergeron, the two-time Emmy Award-winning television personality (“Dancing With the Stars”), and stars music legend Barry Manilow. Yes! Barry Manilow!




The National Mall



We put the national mall as our second-place destination, because the mall is an experience all by itself. Pack a picnic. Break out the lawn chairs and glow sticks and celebrate America with thousands of patriots. This is one location you just cannot beat!




Cardoza High School


Cardoza High School - Best Places to Watch Fireworks In Washington DC

Photo by Nguyet.Vuong



There is a large hill where locals gather to not only watch the fireworks but participate with their own show afterwards.




Tidal Basin / East Potomac Park



Usually the Tidal Basin is the destination for cherry blossom seekers. With the fireworks reflecting off the water, you will be sure to enjoy the views. Make sure to get there early so you can mark off your real estate.




Iwo Jima Memorial



Watching the show from the Iwo Jima memorial will leave you feeling patriotic on Independence Day. The memorial can also serve as a great spot if you live in Virginia and want to avoid the large crowds in DC.




Steps of Lincoln Memorial


Photo Credit by egojab

Photo Credit by egojab



Watch as the fireworks get launched from the base of the Washington Memorial. Be warned, get there early! This is a favorite location for many.




Gravelly Point



Listed previously as one of Cloture Club’s top 10 hidden gems in DC, this place has plenty of space to spread out and see the fireworks in comfort. The airplanes flying out of Reagan National Airport will add to the ambiance.




Air Force Memorial



From the Air Force Memorial you see one of the most brilliant views of the DC skyline at night. This vantage point is a great place to see the DC and the Northern Virginia firework shows simultaneously.




Kennedy Center Terrace



A best kept secret. For those that live close to Georgetown or the Foggy Bottom Metro, the Kennedy Center Terrace (or the section of Rock Creek Park next to the terrace) are great locations to see the fireworks.




Steps from the Supreme Court



One of our own contributors found this secret a few years ago. When attempting to walk to the crowded Mall, she and her friends decided to sit down on the steps of the Supreme Court. They were treated to a seat and a surprisingly great view.




Memorial Bridge


memorial bridge dc fireworks

photo credit: about.com





Rooftops


Rooftop

Photo taken by sjmurdah



By law, every building in DC cannot be higher than the Capitol. So reach out to your network and find that lucky friend with rooftop access and ask them if they have any room for you come join them to view the patriotic spectacle.




Hay-Adams Hotel



Photo credit: Hotels.com



Money not a problem? Why not rent a room at the Hay-Adams hotel. They have a dinner package with a full 3-course dinner for two with wine and an open bar on the Lobby Level, with access to the 9th floor Top of the Hay for two for Champagne and desserts, to view the Capital Fourth’s spectacular Fireworks display


http://www.hayadams.com/washington-dc-packages


Have a fun and safe Fourth of July from the staff of Cloture Club!


The post Best Places to Watch Fireworks In Washington DC appeared first on ClotureClub.com.


Photo of the Week – Nationals Park Traffic

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Like food… a lot? Then you need to be following these DC Foodies on twitter. This large community of food bloggers cover everything from recipes, restaurant reviews, and food events. Follow them to yum yum land! http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/06/dc-foodies-to-follow-on-twitter/



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151705361184254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1

DC Foodies to Follow on Twitter

Like food… a lot? Then you need to be following these DC Foodies on Twitter. This large community covers everything from recipes, restaurant reviews, and food events (see Safeway BBQ Battle) here’s our comprehensive list of our favorite DC foodies.




@ByJennieTai – thehungrymuse.com

Author of thehungrymuse.com, a blog about food, travel & fashion.




@nourishdc

Washington Post Food Columnist – Nuff said!




@bonniebenwick

Deputy dawg of @WaPoFood








@bestbitesblog – washingtonian.com/bestbites

Food and dining tweets from Washingtonian.com‘s Best Bites Blog




@thedistrictdish – thedistrictdish.com

The “Dish” is Go-To Community Lifestyle Content.




@warojas

Insatiable @Heardonthehill gossip columnist, roving restaurant critic




@CapitalCooking – capitalcookingshow.com

Host. Producer. Editor. Foodie. Traveler. Blogger. Lawyer. Cook. How does she do it all? Nobody knows!




@CapitalSpice – capitalspiceblog.com





@GirlMeetsFood – girlmeetsfood.com

DC’s irreverent guide to food, drink + lifestyle, with unusual foods, tall gastronomic tales + offbeat dining guides




@BtchesWhoBrunch – bitcheswhobrunch.com

Becca and Cori Sue are “brunching” their way through DC. Check out their “bitchin” articles.




@EatingAroundDC – eatingarounddc.blogspot.com

An avid foodie with a voracious appetite. Eating Around DC provides restaurant reviews and dining commentary for DC




@JKnowsGoodFood – johnnaknowsgoodfood.com

Food blog all about the fabness of DC food, drinks and restaurants.




@EatDrinkMore – eatmoredrinkmore.com

Ran by @jigolden, this is a must follow account.




@capitolbites – capitolbites.com

20-somethings who are figuring how to eat well (and often) on a budget.




@tammy – floridagirlindc.blogspot.com

When she’s not teaching grandpa how to tweet, she’s providing some party food recipes.





@nevinmartell - nevinmartell.com

Food writer. Pop culture archeologist. Photographer. Author of The Founding Farmers Cookbook, which will be published by Andrews McMeel in October 2013.




@dmvdining – dmvdining.com

Just a couple of foodies who, after being together in the Washington area for over six years, are still in awe of all the new culinary adventures that are ahead of them




@foodobsessed6 – BeenThereEatenThat.net

Editor of BeenThereEatenThat.com, Lori has a passion of dining out. Join her in her journey!




@SportsFoodAlex – ciaochowchica.com

Cloture Club’s own Sports Editor and Food contributor. She throws together some recipes.




@MrCheapEats – CheapEatsInDc.com

Eating my way through Washington DC one restaurant at a time.




@WhatMickyEats – http://WhatMickeyEats.com

Voted Best Food Blog 2012 by Washington Post Express Readers.




@DCFoodCzar – ClotureClub.com

Shawn is our own food reviewr. He enjoys many flavors, beers and everything DC. He’s always on a conquest for the next breakthrough in taste.




@TheHungryLobbyist – hungrylobbyist.com

A lobbyist by day, food consumer by night. FamousDC’s food contributor




The post DC Foodies to Follow on Twitter appeared first on ClotureClub.com.


Our anonymous hill staffer takes a break from the farm bill and telling lobbyist off. Issues discussed this week are his fantasy of playing the drums on the speakers balcony, addressing a future spouse, and is he single? http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/06/ask-a-hill-staffer-future-spouse-dc-license-and-more-june-20/



via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151705148114254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1