Memorial Day Weekend in the Shadow of Logan

No need to leave town when the Logan Circle area goes all out for Memorial Day weekend which is appropriate since Logan is named for General John Logan who is credited with creating the Memorial Day holiday.

First up is the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle clubs annual Buffalo Thunder rally a few blocks away at the African American Civil War memorial.  This annual event attracts hundreds of bikers to the memorial for a ceremony before biking down to the Mall to join Rolling Thunder.

Next is a Memorial Day ceremony at Logan Circle.  Speeches, music and reenactors that culminated in a Wreath laying ceremony in front of General Logan's statue.  

Last but to least, up the street again to the Cafe St Ex Chili Cook-off benefiting Garrison Elementary.  Chili, beer, burgers, and games for adults and kids!

Great weekend but there was one sour note.  Really? A VIP tent on T Street for a chili cook-off?  On Memorial Day?  Not sure General Logan would approve.

Inauguration Day Morning--My View

Dear Pope Benedict XVI: A Few Humble Suggestions for Your Trip

Dear Pope Benedict XVI:

Welcome to Washington, DC! I hope you have a wonderful visit!

In looking at your schedule though, I find it a little...predictable? I see you will be at the White House, you have a meeting with Bishops, there is that much anticipated Mass at Nationals Park and another meeting with Catholic Educators. It all sounds very official and business-like although I am sure it will be extremely memorable and meaningful for those who come into contact with you. But what are you going to do for fun? Are you going to have a few minutes to let your zucchetto down? Don't you want to see some of the real Washington?

April 15, Tuesday

Your official schedule indicates only one event: arrival at Andrews Air Force Base with a greeting by President and Mrs. Bush.

I am sure you will probably be a little jet lagged and I have a suggestion for what you can do. When Washingtonians have been out all night and are about to go home to sleep, we head to historic U Street to stop by Ben's Chili Bowl for its famous local delicacy--the chili half-smoke. While standing in line you will meet some of the diverse locals who eat there and hear some great R&B music.

There is a famous sign at Ben's that proclaims that Bill Cosby is the only person who eats for free. Do you think after your visit a second name will be added to that sign?

Wash down that half-smoke with a milk shake and I guarantee you will sleep like a baby!

April 16 Wednesday

Today is your birthday!! Happy Birthday Holy Father!

The day starts with your official visit to the White House. After the visit you are taking the Popemobile for a leisurely spin up Pennsylvania Avenue to Rock Creek Parkway to the nunciature.

Here's my suggestion to spice this up some and make it a little more fun: why don't you take Popemobile 1 and challenge a local like Condolezza Rice to take Popemobile 2 and race up Pennsylvania Avenue? I mean today is your birthday!!! You just know she is the type of gal who would like to kick off her Manolo Blahniks, put the pedal to the metal and pop a few Popemobile wheelies on Washington Circle in a Papal birthday drag race. The loser has to buy dinner at Brightwood's Colorado Kitchen. Order the meat loaf and save room for pineapple upside down cake-- you won't regret it win or lose!

April 17, Thursday

I realize this is your really busy day with the Mass at Nationals Park so let's keep today's side trip simple. After spending hours with thousands of people why don't you relax by spending some time with the animals? Stop by the beautiful National Zoo in Woodley Park and commune with nature. Here's an even better idea--have your picture taken at the zoo with a bear...in the woods. Trust me this picture will be posted on every blog around the world for years to come. A great souvenir of your trip to DC!

April 18, Friday

Sadly today you depart DC for New York so may I make one wee suggestion? On your way to the airport could you stop by the District Building for a few minutes and say thank you to your local host Mayor Fenty? After all it is us Washingtonians who are the ones who are dealing with traffic issues for four days and paying for part of the extra police presence for your security. We aren't complaining, we would just like you to spend some time with our Mayor. We like him a lot and think you will too.

It is said that your predecessor Pope John Paul II helped bring down communism in Europe. Are you aware that the local residents of the Capital of the Free World do not have voting representation in Congress? Have you heard the phrase "Taxation without Representation?" Mayor Fenty will explain this to you and maybe you could help us. The best thank you present you could possibly give to the District of Columbia is to help us get voting rights in Congress. If so, there is no need to send us a thank you note and a bottle of chianti when you get back home.

Pope Benedict XVI, thanks again for visiting our city. I hope you enjoyed your visit as much as we did! Have a safe trip back to Vatican City and please come back soon!

Regards,

Herb of DC

P.S. While you are here can you also catch and teach a Papal lesson to those people who are littering our streets?

Hollywood on U Street!

Would you like a chili half-smoke with your cell phone, Mr. Crowe?

Ben's Chili Bowl is ready for another DC close-up! Looks like the U Street institution and its environs will be featured again in filming to take place Wednesday, March 19th for Universal Studio's feature "State of Play."

I'm not sure which of the stars will be there but with a cast consisting of Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Helen Mirren, Rachel McAdams, and Robin Wright Penn the photographers and groupies should all be out in force to watch the stars eat DCs signature dish.

Originally Brad Pitt was to have starred but he dropped out after disputes with the director which disappoints me greatly since I had hoped that he and Angelina Jolie might consider adopting some of the Junior Herb Youth Corp.

When "The Pelican Brief" was filmed at Ben's back in 1992 or 1993 I recall lamely walking with my dogs back and forth across the plaza above the U St Metro (no Starbucks back then!) hoping for my dogs to be discovered. Yeah that's right. For my dogs to be discovered.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Versus DC Gentrification

Everyone's favorite underage anthropomorphic turtle misfits, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have left the sewers of Manhattan to fight crime, litter and gentrification in DC in a colorful wraparound mural to promote the Meat Market Gallery's Performance Week.


















Located at the corner of 14th and T NW, this exhibit once again demonstrates the prominance of the Logan Circle area as the new center of the local art movement.

"I see London, I see France! Where are the Rapture Loft occupants?"

Wait, isn't this the former site of the Church of Rapture that was featured in a two part article in the Washington Post about the impact of gentrification on this very corner?
























Is this loft conversion another project that has been put on hold due to the economy? Did God help the Church of Rapture's Doctor Theresa make the real estate sale of the decade just in time? If so will he advise me before my adjustable rate mortgage... adjusts?

With no lofty granite countertops or rapturous churchgoers this leaves me and my rarely washed Carhartts to take on Raphael's sai as I protect brunchers at neighboring Cafe Saint-Ex from his sarcasm and unrelentless demands for simple pizza.
























Leonardo joins reporter April O'Neil as she gets the scoop on the new three story bar/restaurant "Policy" rumored to be opening on the northwest corner of 14th and T which has some residents concerned about increased noise and more parking difficulties. Will this project succeed in the new reality of today's real estate climate?

























Gentrification or not one thing remains the same on this corner and the Foot Soldiers join me in my Sisyphean battle against chicken bone litter that has engulfed 14th St.

























Wow! In such a short time from Church of Rapture to Rapture Lofts to Meat Market! I think it is going to be another tough year. We are all going to have to remain calm, Rocksteady and pray for future real estate rapture.
























Credits:

Murals painted by Provincial Painting 1-800-775-0905.

























Photos by JessiCub

Chicken Bones by KFC

The New Whitelaw Market

No botox for this formerly gritty 13th and T NW landmark across from the historic Whitelaw Hotel but a full fledged facelift! The Whitelaw Market, once home of dusty bottles of Rock Creek Cola and several dead freezers, has been renovated and now offers more products and wider aisles under new management. The expanded wine section offers many moderately priced wines that you would not be embarrassed to take to a dinner party. Well, at least I wouldn't be embarrassed.

Drop by and support our neighborhood merchants and make a stand against the 7/11ization of Logan/U!

UPDATE 1/16/2008: And now there is an ATM inside!

A Little Chix Zen in DC!

Reasons You May Want to Go:

The environmentally responsible owners

The 100% natural, free range antibiotic-free, hormone-free chicken

The biodegradable packaging and utensils

The organic side dishes

Reasons You Will Go:

The cool chix-zen vibe

The tasty rotisserie chicken (3 kinds)

The hearty simmered black beans

The church supper comfort of the noodles and cheese

The wraps, bowls and salads

The friendly staff

"Eat responsibly" is their motto. Eating well is the result! Go now before the lines start stretching down 11th St for this quick casual restaurant!


chix
2019 11th St NW
Washington, DC
202-234-chix (2449)

Logan U St Shaw 14th St

Does This Sharpie Make My A** Look Big?

A headless performance artist boldly took on derogatory speech Saturday July 28 in what is apparently Hate Speech Central: The Red State leaning Starbucks at U Street/Logan Circle.

The mob of rich, racist, homophobic and hard snacking onlookers were invited to to take a break from the management of their Halliburton stock portfolios to write on the artist's body hateful phrases that they use freely such as "Butt Pirate", "Lard Ass" or "Laminate Countertops" in order to reclaim these slurs. Or something like that.














Credits:

Drunken Head Shots: JessiCub
Product Placement: Frito-Lays