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Thursday, October 31, 2013
Hunger Games Capitol Hill
The Hunger Games is your typical event on Capitol Hill where both boys and girls from both parties, Democrats and Republicans, battle to the death for food and drinks.
Here is actual footage, sent to us by a tipster, from the Bison Day Reception on Capitol Hill last night.
Hey Clubbers, put 1-800-200-TAXI in your cell phones Now. FREE ride HOME tonight, (up to a $30 fare) from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Please share this post to help spread the word.
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NCAA Football Week 10: Rivalry Edition
I enrolled at the University of Miami in 2005. I never rooted for the Hurricanes growing up, but the months leading up to orientation I quickly became on board and became a fan.
We started out that year ranked in the top 10, a strong contender for another national championship. And the very first game of that season was against the hated Florida State Seminoles. Labor Day night. On the road. Primetime on national television.
It was my introduction to a rivalry. And, it was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
Of course, we would up losing that game (something I got very accustomed to over the next eight years). Muffed a snap on a field goal and lost by three.
But the result that night doesn’t matter, because that Labor Day I became a part of a rivalry. That night FSU became an enemy.
Rivalries define college football. They separate it from the NFL and other professional sports.
Florida-Georgia. Alabama-Auburn. Texas-Oklahoma. Notre Dame-USC. Michigan-Ohio State.
They give teams added motivation, fans an enemy and the game a spectacle rooted in traditions, heartbreaks and triumphs.
They are why we watch. They are why we care.
Saturday night, the rivalry continues. Miami. Florida State. Top 10 showdown under the lights.
Go ‘Canes.
Bar to Spend 11 Hours of Your Saturday
First Down Sports Bar. Right across from the Ballston metro, this classic neighborhood sports bar has the best chicken wings in the area, with something like 40 different sauces to try (Siricha being the go to). They’ve got all your games covered with wall-to-wall TVs, and its one of the many homes in the area for West Virginia and Virginia Tech fans to congregate during game days.
Three Must See Rivalry Games
Michigan (21) vs. Michigan State (22)
ABC, 3:30 p.m.
The Spartans have an incredible defense, holding opponents to just 12 points per game, and they are criminally underrated with just one loss on the season. They have a legitimate shot of heading to the B1G Ten title game for a chance to play in the Rose Bowl. Michigan has been unimpressive all year, giving up tons of points and lacking execution on offense and special teams. They won’t win on the road against the better MSU team.
Georgia (NR) vs. Florida (NR)
CBS, 3:30 p.m.
The game formerly known as the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is a bit of a downer this year, with both the Gators and Bulldogs struggling with injuries. The fans will still have a good time, until the game starts and they have to watch the horrid Florida offense. I’ll take Georgia to win.
Miami (7) vs. Florida State (3)
ABC, 8:00 p.m.
Miami is a 22 point underdog in this game, which is a record for two top 10 teams. Look, Florida State is the better team. But they aren’t 22 points better. This rivalry is full of weird, fluky things; blowouts aren’t one of them. Miami covers the spread, and what the hell, they win this one on the road for the major upset.
Season Prediction Record: 17-10.
Games to Watch Just Because It’s College Football
Tennessee vs. Alabama CBS, 3:30 p.m.
Oklahoma State vs. Texas Tech FOX, 7:00 p.m.
Nevada vs. Fresno State ESPNU, 10:30 p.m.
Alumni Club
The DC Canes. One of Miami’s largest local alumni clubs, the DC Canes proved its collective worth last spring by out donating the Boston chapter in a spirited fundraising drive hosted by the university. Nowadays, the DC Canes pack PQST on game day where they host a halftime raffle for a local scholarship. Prizes have included Canes gear, fresh seafood, wine and even a Jägermeister shot machine!
GIF of the Week
Courtesy of Reddit.
Happy Halloween! For those who live Capitol Hill, check out the Spider House on C and 13th Streets SE. (Photo: Lara Walker) http://dcist.com/2013/10/photos_the_spookiest_halloween_disp.php#photo-3
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Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Have you seen this photo yet? Source: https://twitter.com/bengoodman
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With Halloween tomorrow, we thought we'd share our favorite post again; 10 Ghost Stories of the Capitol. Did you know about the Lincoln Bathtubs and the Vice President who died? http://www.clotureclub.com/2012/10/10-ghost-stories-of-the-us-capitol/
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WMATA thinks our Metro system not only isn't overburdened during rush hour; it's actually under-crowded. Do you agree? http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2013/10/30/wmata-report-metro-is-undercrowded/
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Cupcakes vs Domestic Violence
The Fourth Annual Cupcake Camp DC took on domestic violence on Oct 5 and cupcakes definitely won, raising over $1,600 for local domestic violence non-profit Becky’s Fund. The Camp took over two floors at the Brixton on U Street, and the cupcakes were donated by an incredible range of cupcake big beasts (Sprinkles), guerillas (CrunCakes), caterers, and home bakers. Attendees received raffle tickets that they exchanged for the cupcakes of their choice.
Co-organizer Nicole Oandasan (left with Ariel, from her army of volunteers) coordinated the extravagant cupcake displays, lined up the panel of judges, and oversaw the (somewhat) peaceful distribution of the spoils.
Photo courtesy of Cupcake Camp DC
So what did we eat? Well, our elbows weren’t sharp enough to grab a first-place banana pudding cupcake, but we were totally happy with the classic chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting brought by LaTanya of Pink Piggy Sweets.
The Happy Tart brought in some amazing candied ginger-topped spice cupcakes - and we would never have guessed that they're gluten-free (as is everything they produce at their Gluten-Free Patisserie in Del Rey).
After the judges (Mary from Girl Meets Food, Yelp DC Community Manager Kimberly, and "Civilian Judge" Anya) declared the winners, the hungry hordes cleaned up and left nothing behind. After selecting their cupcakes, attendees sat around in packs and devoured them.
But the mimosas flowed freely long after the cupcakes were gone.
ClotureClub was proud to be a media sponsor of this fantastic event - props to Nicole for organizing a fun afternoon in support of a great cause.
Want to see more photos from the event? Visit the Cupcake Camp Flickr pool.
Are you looking for a job on capitol hill? Or maybe looking for a promotion. Here are 20+ posted job openings. http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/10/capitol-hill-jobs-we-found-this-week/
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Tuesday, October 29, 2013
We're giving away 30 tickets to Thor 2: The Dark World screening next Tuesday, November 5. Enter today! Anyone else excited? http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/10/giveaway-30-screening-tickets-to-thor-2-the-dark-world/
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Giveaway: 30 Screening Tickets to Thor 2: The Dark World
Marvel’s "Thor: The Dark World" continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s "Thor" and "Marvel’s The Avengers," Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. To defeat an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor sets upon his most dangerous and personal journey yet, forced into an alliance with the treacherous Loki to save not only his people and those he loves…but our universe itself.
Tuesday, November 5
7:30 PM
AMC Tysons Corner
7850 TYSONS CORNER CENTER
MCLEAN, VA 22102
Winners will be announced on Friday, November 1, 2013.
Enter below:
Bonus points will be given to those who also tweet out!
Thor 2: The Dark World Trailer
Ghosts of DC posted this image of a birds-eye view of D.C. circa 1916. http://ghostsofdc.org/2013/10/29/cool-1916-birds-eye-view-washington/
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Monday, October 28, 2013
A big thank you to all who attended our Tower of Terror party in Adams Morgan this last weekend. Photo booth and photographer photos will be up later today!
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The Dupont gardener returns and manages to install a large cube filled with comments about his phantom plantings at the Dupont Metro Circle station. Did anyone see it this morning? http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/metro-pulled-out-his-flowers-but-guerrilla-gardener-pops-back-up-in-dupont-circle/2013/10/27/2b22d8fc-3f22-11e3-ad86-5120269ae35b_story.html?hpid=z5
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Friday, October 25, 2013
According to the The Washington Times, Dan Snyder's neighbor has registered the trademark "Washington Bravehearts". Possible change for our NFL team? http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/redskins-watch/2013/oct/25/dan-snyder-neighbor-trademarks-washington-bravehea/
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One of our favorite articles: The 10 ghost stories of the U.S. Capitol. Do you know about the bloody stairs on the House side? http://www.clotureclub.com/2012/10/10-ghost-stories-of-the-us-capitol/
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Thursday, October 24, 2013
Only a few days left before our Tower of Terror Halloween party. Here are a few easy-to-make political theme costume ideas from our friend Benny @ Buzzfeed: http://www.buzzfeed.com/bennyjohnson/9-must-have-political-halloween-costumes-for-2013 Get Your Tickets Here --> http://totdc.eventbrite.com/
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Our sports contributor Mike Lewan came up with a list of Members of Congress and their NCAA mascot doppelgangers. Do you see any coincidences? Demon Deacon (Wake Forest) and John McCain. http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/10/12-members-of-congress-and-their-football-mascot-doppelganger/
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Body found behind wall at Judiciary Square Metro station. 2 assumptions: spy games or zombie attack. http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Body-Found-at-Downtown-DC-Metro-Station-228984431.html
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NCAA Football Week 9: In Memory of the BCS
On Sunday, the BCS Rankings were released for the final, first time. The much mocked and hate-inducing ranking system is on its way out, soon to be replaced by a modified playoff system that will determine the national champion on the field.
I, for one, will miss the BCS.
It isn’t perfect. It isn’t even accurate. But there was something special about the BCS that made it feel right.
The way it used a confusing jumble of human polls and computer rankings, the way it refused to fully reveal the algorithms of said computer rankings, the way it changed the computer rankings to fit its needs, the way it made millions of dollars for faceless entities, the way it failed over and over again.
It was collegiate sports at its finest. Now it’s soon to be gone; vanished into the history books along with other past subjective attempts at determining the best team in America, only to be replaced by a boring, fair playoff system.
Just kidding. Can’t wait.
Bar to Spend 11 Hours of Your Saturday
Public Bar. Three levels, almost 50 televisions, projection screen, and located conveniently on the red line, this DuPont sports bar is a great place to watch the game. On Saturdays enjoy $3 Miller Lite and Coors Lite, $4 Blue Moon and Meroni, and/or a discounted food menu serving up Public’s classics. Just be sure to leave before Sunday, when the Oakland Raider fans invade!
Three Must See Games
Texas Tech (10) vs. Oklahoma (15)
FOX, 3:30 p.m.
Texas Tech enters Saturday as a surprising undefeated team; former star QB, turned head coach, Kliff Kingsbury has the Red Raiders clicking offensively, but they have yet to really face top competition. That all changes this week as they travel to play the Sooners, a team looking to bounce back from its disappointing blowout loss to Texas. I think Oklahoma is the better team and will win this one.
UCLA (12) vs. Oregon (3)
ESPN, 7:00 p.m.
Is this the first real test for the Ducks? Oregon is averaging just 57 points per game, and backing it up with the nation’s 12th best defense, but the next two weeks will be the true test for the Ducks. Win at home Saturday and next week at Stanford, and the only thing stopping the Ducks from making it to the title game is a likely rematch against UCLA in the PAC-12 championship. Ducks win.
South Carolina (21) vs. Missouri (5)
ESPN2, 7:00 p.m.
For all the hype of the SEC—most of it deserved—the fact that two good, but not great former Big XII programs could so quickly rise to the top of the conference indicates that perhaps the league isn’t quite as dominating as it appears. It’s not like Texas and Oklahoma joined, we’re talking Mizzou and A&M. Credit to Missouri, though, who is off to a great start atop the SEC East. Look for the Tigers to remain undefeated, knocking South Carolina out of the rankings.
Season Prediction Record: 15-9.
Games to Watch Just Because It’s College Football
Tennessee vs. Alabama CBS, 3:30 p.m.
Penn State vs. Ohio State ABC, 8:00 p.m.
Stanford vs. Oregon State ESPN, 10:30 p.m.
Alumni Club
Penn State Metro Washington. There are many local Nittany Lion fans in the area; you’d be hard-pressed to walk into any bar on Saturday without seeing PSU colors worn proudly. But they’re more than just chanting “WE ARE” over and over again around town, the alumni chapter hosts numerous charity opportunities for its members (including next week’s Walk to Help the Homeless), along with a ton of social and networking events that bring a little bit of Happy Valley to D.C.
GIF of the Week
Courtesy of SBNation.
The post NCAA Football Week 9: In Memory of the BCS appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Regardless of politics, you have to admit this is funny. Rep. Darrell Issa does 8 cats who called the HealthCare.gov hotline. http://issa.house.gov/district-blog/2013/10/8-cats-who-called-1-800-obamacare-but-still-couldnt-get-healthcare-3/
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Better get a good look of the US Capitol this week, scaffolding goes up early November. Will be up for 2 years. http://www.aoc.gov/dome/project-overview
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Tuesday, October 22, 2013
It's Caption Tuesday and almost time for lunch! Give this photo of smiling Joe Biden a caption! You can tell he is excited for lunch too!
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Our commute every morning on the red line.
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Monday, October 21, 2013
5 days before our Tower of Terror Halloween party! Have you gotten your tickets yet? http://totdc.eventbrite.com/
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Is this the best, or laziest, LC letter ever?
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SLATE Wine Bar Review
Located in Glover Park, the smartly decorated SLATE opened its doors a little more than 18 months ago in an area that was in great need of a good wine centric restaurant and bar. Sadly, the area is still in need of a good wine centric restaurant and bar. Offering an eclectic although seemingly haphazardly assembled selection of rotating seasonal fare complimented by a small but unique wine list, SLATE falls short of keeping up with the Jones’s in the DC wine bar scene.
While looking over the menu I ordered the 2011 Lagoalva Espirito, one of only 11 still wines offered by the glass, which is white Portuguese blend of Alvarihno, Verdelho and Sauvignon Blanc. It had a lovely floral nose with a bit of citrus, no doubt from the Sav Blanc in the blend. It was nice and dry, with excellent acidity, balance and a slightly longer than normal finish for an aromatic white. I got the citrus and floral notes on the palate as well as a little tart apple on the finish. A very nice wine and a nice start to any meal, although it was served a shade too warm for my taste.
Ahi Poke
The clean acidity of the Espirito I thought would complement nicely the Ahi Tuna Poke and Blistered Shishito Peppers. Both arrived quickly, and although the Tuna was presented in more of a Tuna Tartar fashion, I was eager to try them both with the wine. The tuna was delicious, and sesame and soy flavors were prevalent with some nice light spice that gave it a little kick, making it a very good starter. The peppers were a shade on the soggy side, but came in a sizeable portion. They were blistered nicely and the sear of the skins complimented the mild flavors and light spice of the dish. The Espirito’s acid and crispness worked well with both, and I would highly recommend its pairing with the tuna.
Shishito Peppers Peppers
For entrees, I went with Pan Seared Duck Breast and Mussels with Frites. Since those two were far enough apart on the spectrum, I decided for a red that I would go with the 2009 Genium Cellars Fresc, a big, jammy Spanish red from the Priorat region that’s a blend of Grenache and Carigena (Carignan). It was awesome and by far the highlight of the evening. Priorat was long a wasteland of Spanish wine making, but in the last decade + it has produced some of the finest wines in the country’s long and storied wine making history; many consider Priorat to be of “first growth” quality. It was chocked full of wet tobacco and jammy stewed fruit scents and complimenting them on the palate were big and bold black cherry and black berry flavors. It was a powerhouse wine for sure, and had a big, full mouth feel with nicely balanced acidity that helped cut through the seemingly high alcohol content. It’s rare you see a Priorat by the glass, and this one stars for SLATE, and should not be missed. For a dinner white, I gave the 2011 Cordillera Chardonnay Barrel Fermented from Curico, Chile a shot. It was nice a smooth, with some apple and dried apricot notes and did not overpower with oak; but did have the familiar creamy and slightly buttery notes most expect in a good Chard.
Pan Seared Duck
The seared duck breast was cooked quite well and I could almost cut it with my fork. The dried cherry sauce was excellent atop the duck, and in addition to finishing the dish in style, complimented the crispy skin. A very nice dish and the sweetness of the cherry sauce went well with the jammy tartness of the Priorat. I was less thrilled with the mussels and frites. There was very little of the mustard white wine sauce which left me wondering what to do with the frites. The mussels themselves were a bit on the briny side, but were good; although not great.
Conclusion:
SLATE just seems to miss on several fronts. For a wine bar in a town with quite a few wine bars, the wine list falls short of the lists of its brethren. The expense of the limited selection of wines by the glass pales in comparison to many of its competitors and certainly won’t appeal to the cost conscious with house wines coming in at $9 per glass. And although the full wine list has some nice and rare finds (Gewurzt from NY, Aussie Semillon and reds from Margaux and Priorat) its relative brevity leaves you wanting more. The menu wanders a bit but is reasonably priced with enough variety to make most diners happy. SLATE seems to lack an overall depth, and feels like a work in progress. The location, décor and menu give it promise but as a wine centric restaurant, SLATE still needs some refining before it is a finished concept that can stand alongside most of the other wine bars in DC.
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