Kiki Ryan

Portrait Gallery bleeding Dodger blue

Remember that scene in “Fletch” where Chevy Chase’s character says, “I hate Tommy Lasorda!” as he punches a photo of the great Dodger manager on the wall? Well, Fletch would likely be unwelcome in the National Portrait Gallery come next week, when Lasorda’s portrait is hung. The date: Sept. 22, Lasorda’s 82nd birthday. The life-sized painting, by Everett Raymond Kinstler, will join portraits of Dodgers stars Don Drysdale, Leo Durocher, Sandy Koufax and Jackie Robinson, among others in the museum. “I have been honored many times in the past, and am appreciative of them all,” said Lasorda in a statement, “but to be included in...

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Fenty, Rhee documentary in the works?

Wednesday evening saw the local premiere of the Sundance Channel's docu-series "Brick City," about gangs and crime fighting in Newark, N.J. But at the pre-screening reception at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association offices, director-producers Marc Levin and Mark Benjamin had their sights on their next project. "We want your superintendent of schools [Michelle Rhee]," Benjamin told Mayor Adrian Fenty. "We want her, we want you. And we're looking for a D.C. policeman." If "Brick City" is any indication, it would mean plenty of screen time for Fenty, because Newark Mayor Cory Booker, a longtime Fenty pal, figures prominently in the...

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JLo and Marc: Talk about a birthday!

Marc Anthony not only celebrated his lifetime achievement award at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) 32nd Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, but his 41st birthday (hardly a “lifetime”) which featured some very A-list stops, fetes and food. Anthony, along with wife Jennifer Lopez, had a full day supporting several political causes, but somehow managed to make the time to celebrate his big day. Their day in Washington started off meeting with Speaker Nancy Pelosi to discuss education for Latino youth and college affordability. Later that afternoon, the Latino power couple met with Washington’s top power couple – President Obama and Michelle...

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Media Mix: Wale

Local rapper Wale is performing on Friday as part of the Kia Soul Collective Tour. Also performing at the weekend-long event at 3300 New York Ave., NE, are MGMT, Dan Deacon and the Creepers. Wale gave us his Media Mix via email. Q: What are you reading? "ESPN The Magazine" Q: Whats the last movie you saw? "The Hangover" Q: Whats your favorite TV show? "Entourage" Q: Whats new on your iPod? Young Dro Mixtape Q: What Web sites do you visit in the morning? Twitter rapradar Photo: John Dragonette/Courtesy Interscope...

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President Obama (fake) stabs a man

President Obama playfully stabs Tim Morehouse, who won a silver medal in the saber at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The demonstration was part of a White House event to promote Chicago's bid for the 2016 Games. Photo courtesy Tim...

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Bad timing for Serena’s ‘Solid Character’ nomination

In sports, timing is everything. So, too, in sports awards. Tuesday night brought the sixth annual Greater Washington Sports Alliance “Sneakerball” fundraiser to the National Building Museum, and with it the organization’s slate of awards for local sports figures. And wouldn’t you know it, there in the program was Serena Williams, nominated for the “Solid Character” award. (Williams was the Washington Kastles’ marquee player for a portion of their summer season.) Williams, you may recall, was defaulted out of her U.S. Open semifinal match and fined $10,000 for telling a line judge that she felt like “taking this [expletive] ball and...

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Rep. Crowley’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Penn Quarter got its own version of the Cavern Club on Tuesday night as pols and other VIPs turned out for the local release party for the “The Beatles: Rock Band” video game at Gibson Guitar’s Showroom. Taking up the mantle of John, Paul, George and Ringo were Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., who did a take of “Come Together,” and Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y., who ran through “I Saw Her Standing There” and “I’m Looking Through You” with Erik Huey of the Entertainment Software Association. “Crowley and I had the harmony thing going,” Huey said. Also on hand: Reps. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-N.J., Bart Gordon, D-Tenn., Marsha...

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For trafficked persons, Liu is an ‘Angel’

She kicked butt in “Charlie’s Angels” and “Kill Bill,” but now actress Lucy Liu is looking to take out human trafficking. As a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Lui was in town Wednesday as the keynote speaker at an anti-trafficking conference hosted by USAID. Liu passionately addressed the mainly women-filled ballroom at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel about the atrocious acts of trafficking young women across the world, including right here in our own backyard. Liu explained how she first learned about this “modern-day slavery” while doing work with UNICEF, but furthered her involvement in the cause when she joined on to star in the MTV...

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Paul Simon back to stump for health care

Paul Simon was back on the Hill on Wednesday to stump for his pet issue: health insurance for kids. “Paul Simon is a man, we’ve learned, that can be very passionate in his words and music,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., before making several bad puns based on Simon’s music and professing his as well as his wife’s love for the singer. Reid said Simon was instrumental in creating the current child health care laws, crediting his passion and way with words. Simon, who is the co-founder of the Children’s Health Fund, said that if he were in Washington to sing about children’s health care, he would sing, “Poor kids can’t...

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Speakeasy: Mike Pence

"I told him he should have worn a white coat. I was only half kidding. Put a little pocket protector in it and fill it with pens." -House Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence, R-Ind., recalling what he told Rep. Charles Boustany, R-La., before Boustany, a physician, gave the GOP response to President Obama's address to Congress last...

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Late night with President Obama

Next Monday night is going to be a late one for President Obama, but not because of presidential matters in Washington, D.C. Instead, Obama will be the sole guest on David Letterman’s “Late Show” — his latest effort to push his health care plan. Obama will make late night show history for the second time this year, becoming the only sitting president to sit on Letterman’s couch in the history of his 16 years as host of the show. And it’s not a first time the men have met — Monday night will mark the sixth time. It took Obama only two months to be the first sitting president to chat it up on late night television, granting Jay Leno the honor of...

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It’s no lie: Rep. Wilson has serious credit card debt

No wonder he’s a little stressed out. Rep. Joe Wilson’s, R-S.C., outburst last week on the house floor during President’s Obama's joint session speech on health care legislation has become the interruption heard around the world this week (Kanye West’s outburst at MTV’s Video Music Awards notwithstanding). But documents filed at the end of last year could point to one explanation — he’s in some major credit card debt. Documents obtained by watchdog group OpenSecrets.org show that the congressman has a minimum credit card debt balance of $30,002 between his American Express credit card and Bank of America credit card. And that’s the...

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As Brown’s book is release, Masons tell real story

As Dan Brown’s book “The Lost Symbol” is being picked up this week by thousands across the country, a lesser publicized book is hoping to prove the inaccuracies of what is to be expected in the “The DaVinci Code” author’s book on the Masonic secrets in Washington. Author James Wasserman was in Washington Tuesday to discuss his book “The Secrets of Masonic Washington,” a guidebook of sorts full of pictures of the “signs, symbols, and ceremonies” that our nation was founded upon. Joined by Mason Akram Elias, the two men traced the history of our country through the traditions set in place by the father of our country and Mason,...

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Kilmer spotted at Il Mulino

A day after Presidents Obama and Clinton dined at Il Mulino in New York, our own outpost of the Italian eatery had its own VIP for lunch — though, we concede, this one was a little more B-list than A-list. Val Kilmer, the actor-turned-potential candidate for governor of New Mexico, was spotted Tuesday at Il Mulino on Vermont Avenue. Sources say he went largely unrecognized, due mostly to the extra weight he was carrying and his “greasy blond hair.” Like a good aspiring New Mexico pol, Kilmer sported a bolo tie and a cowboy hat....

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Bush: Obama wasn't 'remotely qualified'

The latest tell-all from a Bush administration aide, speechwriter Matt Latimer's long-awaited "Speech-Less," hits stores next week. Byron York teased the book's content on Tuesday, and now GQ is out with the first actual excerpts. In it, President George W. Bush weighs in, according to Latimer's recollections, on several of the players in the 2008 elections, and does so scathingly. After Barack Obama blasted his administration in a speech, Bush spouted off in the West Wing: "This is a dangerous world, and this cat isn't remotely qualified to handle it. This guy has no clue, I promise you." Vice President Joe Biden didn't escape Bush's candid assessment, either....

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Albright’s jewels focus of book, museum exhibit

Madeleine Albright is telling a story about her pins that told a story. That’s the premise of her upcoming book, “Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box,” which traces the meaning and history of the former secretary of state’s large collection of brooches she used as diplomatic, political and social tools. “Former President George H.W. Bush had been known for saying ‘Read my lips.’ I began urging colleagues and reporters to ‘Read my pins,’ ” Albright writes explaining how she began to portray messages through her jewelry. Some of her collection includes a “Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, See No Evil”...

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Billy Crystal sups at Proof

And on his 701st Sunday, Billy Crystal was spotted having dinner at Proof, the wine-centric restaurant in Penn Quarter. In town for his one-man show at the National Theatre, “700 Sundays,” the comic and his wife, Janice Goldfinger, shared some Prosecco and sparkling water, eggplant salad and panzanella, hanger steak, duck breast and a side of rapini. And on Monday, Crystal was spotted outside the Willard Hotel, signing autographs for fans. (Photo: Mark...

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Goodbye Real World, enter Real Housewives

As "The Real World: DC" winds down its weeks of taping in the nation's capital, another "Real" show is on the way, as the "Real Housewives of D.C." is set to begin taping locally later this week. A spokeswoman for the Bravo network, which airs the "Real Housewives" series, would not confirm a start date, but we hear from numerous sources familiar with the show that is set to begin filming on Friday. Josh Friedman of the DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development said the show has been in touch with his office, but has yet to file any specific permit applications. Among the stars of the show are McLean socialite/supermom Mary Amons...

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Perez Hilton tries his best to be political in DC

From blogging to music, gay rights to health care, Perez Hilton certainly is expanding his influence beyond the title of "Queen of all Gossip." Writer of the self-proclaimed "most feared" Web site in Hollywood, blogger Hilton (nee Mario Lavandeira) was in Washington on Saturday night for his latest venture, a music tour. The 9:30 Club hosted Perez and his four independent music acts, which - given the city he was in - Perez used as a forum for his latest political cause, stumping for health care reform. As many will remember, it was Perez's question about gay marriage to then-Miss California Carrie Prejean that stirred up huge controversy. Proving he's focused on...

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Women behind the Hill's power honored for work

Most people don't recognize their names, but 37 of the most powerful women in Washington united Thursday evening for an event in their honor as the Hill's female chiefs of staffs. Held at the the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, which serves as the headquarters of the National Woman's Party, hundreds of women (and some men) fetted the accomplishments of these chiefs of staffs under a tent in the backyard of the historic home on the HIll. "Women make decisions differently than men," said Women's Campaign Forum CEO Sam Bennett, sounding all Sonia Sotomayor-ish....

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Big night out for the Holders

Attorney General Eric Holder and his wife, Dr. Sharon Malone, were spotted having a date night at Teatro Goldoni Saturday. Arriving around 9, Holder started off with a Caesar salad while his wife had the artichoke hearts carpaccio. For their main dish, both opted for the power-spot's signature dish of lobster risotto....

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Study: Yuppies multiplying in D.C.

No, you're not imagining things when you walk around Georgetown, Logan Circle or Clarendon these days: there really are more affluent young adults zipping around in their BMWs and dropping $50 on brunch. A new county-by-county study by Nielsen Claritas shows that D.C. has a larger percentage of the young and wealthy (those 25-34 making $100,000-plus) than any other metropolitan area in the country. In fact, sixteen of the top 50 "young and wealthy" counties are in the D.C. area — including the No. 1 and 2 counties: Loudoun and Arlington. “In 1990 you had a lot more concentration of this demographic in the heartland and in Texas, likely driven by the oil economy,...

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Diminutive actress tackles hugely important issue

While Capitol Hill was preparing to hear President Obama’s speech on health care, across town actress Christina Ricci was hosting an event concerning an issue that will surely be affected by changes in the medical field. People packed the sleek and modern offices of the strategic communications firm Navigators Global Wednesday night to listen to RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) spokeswoman Ricci, who spoke along with Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., about the importance of both physical and mental services for victims of sexual abuse. Harman, who dashed in for a moment before Obama’s speech, read off some statistics she found “appalling and...

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Actress, mother Garner wants to ‘save the children’ with education

Congress is back in session, which means back to celebrity sightings on the Hill. Wednesday brought us actress Jennifer Garner, who as an ambassador for Save the Children was there to introduce the Full Service Community Schools Act. In the Capitol building, she greeted Save the Children Vice President Mark Shriver, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., who kicked off his introduction of the actress like an avid reader of gossip rags. “I know you’re here to see ‘Bennifer.’ I’m not that ‘Ben,’ ” Nelson joked, referring to the uni-name given to Garner and her husband, actor Ben Affleck. “That...

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Reichs gets down to the bare ‘bones’ at discussion

One of the first questions people ask Kathy Reichs is whether or not real bones are used on the set of Fox’s hit series “Bones.” “I don’t think Emily (Deschanel) or David (Boreanaz) would stick around for five seasons if we made them work with real dead bodies,” Reichs said. Reichs is a producer for the show, which is loosely based on her book series about Dr. Temperance Brennan, was in town on Wednesday as a speaker at the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program to discuss her newest book “206 Bones.” There are several differences between “TV Tempe” and “Book Tempe,” as she affectionately calls them, but this...

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50 Cent: You can find him in da non-fiction section

Howard U students flocked to see Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson on campus Wednesday, but it wasn't to hear him rap. The crowd, most back on campus after summer break, were there to hear he and co-author Robert Greene discuss their recent book, “The 50th Law.” Greene started the evening by explaining his and Fiddy's “weird connection,” which became painfully clear throughout the evening as Greene struggled to connect with a crowd that was clearly there to see to see the popular rapper. Jackson had been a fan of Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power – a book that distills takes three thousand years of the history of power down to 48 laws — and in...

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Speakeasy: Dan Brown

“I’m fascinated by power, especially veiled power. Shadow power. The National Security Agency. The National Reconnaissance Office. Opus Dei. The idea that everything happens for reasons we’re not quite seeing. It reminds me of religion a little. The power that religion has is that you think nothing is random.” — Author Dan Brown, speaking about his long-anticipated, Washington-centric book, “The Lost Symbol,” in this weekend’s issue of Parade...

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‘Arab Trump’ has green on his mind

They call him the "Arab Trump." The only difference is when Sulaiman al Fahim thinks green, he’s not dreaming of money. He already has a long list of titles before him — real estate developer, owner of the Portsmouth soccer club in England’s Premier League, reality show creator, philanthropist and world chess champion — but al Fahim hopes to add green housing entrepreneur to his resume. The American University alumnus is back in Washington this week, meeting with some senior members of Congress — including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid — to discuss his plans to provide green sustainability to low- and middle-income families. “You...

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Media Mix: Michael Voltaggio

Michael Voltaggio, a native of Frederick, Md., is one of three contestants on this season’s “Top Chef” with local ties (the others are his brother, Bryan Voltaggio, and Mike Isabella). Continuing our series, we asked Michael for his Media Mix. Q: What book are you reading? “The Big Fat Duck Cookbook” Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “The Hangover” Q: What’s your favorite TV show? “Entourage” Q: What’s new on your iPod? Matisyahu, Citizen Cope, the new Eminem Q: What Web sites do you visit in the morning? mylastbite.wordpress.com, kevineats.com, latimes.com...

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Meghan McCain moves her ‘view’ to TV

Meghan McCain set the record straight Wednesday as a co-host on “The View” –not about her edgy statements on the Republican party or her remarks about the media scrutiny on her – but about her having kids. “Last time I was here I got into trouble,” McCain opened her remarks at the table, referring to her time as co-host last March, when she said she didn’t want to have kids, something that upset her pregnant friends. She Clarified it once and for all, but kept the chances seemingly low, saying she might take the plunge “maybe when I’m 50.” Hey, her dad had her at 46. McCain, who is a columnist for The Daily Beast Web site,...

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Blonde Charity Mafia fixed with a 2010 debut?

The long-awaited reality show “Blonde Charity Mafia” is making you wait even longer. The show, which follows three Georgeotown “alpha gals,” was initially due to air in spring 2009 but got pushed back to an "official" premier date of July 7. But then in early June, it was announced the show was again moving, airing sometime "midseason" with sources at the CW saying mid-October. Now, once again, the show finds itself with an ambiguous premiere date. When Yahoo’s telelvision Web site announced fall lineups last week, it curiously stated that the show “Premieres in 2010 on The CW.” Co-star Katherine Kennedy couldn’t...

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Jennifer Garner: Supermom

Jennifer Garner accompanies Mark Shriver on the Hill Wednesday, as they help to introduce the Full-Service Community Schools Act of 2009. Photos: Mark...

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Springsteen, DeNiro lead list of KenCen honorees

And the envelope, please: this year's Kennedy Center Honorees are Bruce Springsteen, Mel Brooks, Robert DeNiro, jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and opera singer Grace Bumbry. This year's ceremony will take place Dec. 6 at the Kennedy Center, and recorded for broadcast on CBS on Dec. 29. Producing, as he has since he created the Honors 32 years ago, will be George Stevens, Jr. "With his hilarious movies and musicals, Mel Brooks has created comedic gems that will keep us laughing for years to come,” said Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman. “Dave Brubeck's genius has dazzled us for six decades and has helped to define an American art form. Grace Bumbry helped to break...

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Former first lady talks about Michelle Obama’s decorating touches

Though out of the White House former first lady Laura Bush finds herself with something in common with current one— decorating new homes. Mrs. Bush weighed in on Michelle Obama Monday while in Paris for a United Nations meeting to promote global literacy, telling CNN’s Zain Verjee that she “thinks she’s doing great” and discussing their similar experiences. “I know what she is doing. And you know, it’s what every woman who moves there does, and that’s try to make it a home, both for her husband, who is the president, and for her children,” she added before telling about her own remodeling job. “We’re enjoying our home in...

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Tipper Gore: Back to Washington politics as an endorser

A candidate for local D.C. Council member At-Large has received an endorsement from a former resident of a home reserved for one of our nation’s top political positions. It was announced Tuesday that former second lady Tipper Gore has thrown her support behind a local race, holding the first fundraiser for candidate Clark Ray’s campaign for a spot in the District’s government. Tipper’s work in helping Ray raise funds is a turning of the tables of sorts. Ray has a long history supporting the Gore family. During then-Vice President Gore’s presidential race in 2000, Clark served as Tipper Gore’s deputy campaign manager and chief of staff. Prior to that,...

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Freshman members’ schooling could provide senior rank

It’s back-to-school time, which also means back in session for Congress. But instead of science, math and history, the House of Representative’s freshman class will need to be schooled on health care and the economy. And we’ve noticed that their college experiences might come in handy this term. William Cassidy, R-La., and Phil Roe, R-Tenn, both attended medical school, so they no doubt can provide some insight into the world of doctors. While Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., may not have practiced medicine on humans, they did earn degrees in animal science and veterinary medicine. The economic state of America may get a bit better consideration as...

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Barack, Michelle flex for health mag covers

President Obama’s health care bill is all anyone is talking about. But the president and his wife, Michelle, are speaking out about their own family’s health, each appearing next month on the cover of two health magazines. Men’s Health and Women’s Health both scored interviews with the first family of fitness and are starring each one individually in their sex-specific magazines. In Men’s Health — Barack Obama’s second appearance in the fitness glossy — the president weighs in on a variety of issues, including: * The bowls of apples in the Oval Office are the “first step toward health reform.” * Perhaps believing his job...

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Speakeasy: Dinner guests

“Gandhi … Dr. [Martin Luther] King ... and Cesar Chavez.” The three people President Obama said he would like to have dinner with “dead or alive” in response to a Wakefield High School student’s question Tuesday in...

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Speakeasy: Robert Gibbs

"It's a sad state of affairs that many in this country politically would rather start an "Animal House" food fight rather than inspire kids to stay in school." White House press secretary Robert Gibbs discussing President Obama's back-to-school speech aboard Air Force One Monday en route to Cincinnatti, Ohio where the president's gave a speech at the AFL-CIO Labor Council's annual Labor Day picnic....

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Mash-up of rappers and 'the boss' in Washington

Several big-name singers picked Washington as the city to spend their final weekend of the summer. The boss over of all our musical sightings this past weekend goes to Bruce Springsteen, who was spotted checking into the Four Season Hotel in Georgetown on Saturday. Putting to rest rumors of marriage trouble, we heard the singer looked happy to be spending a few weeks off from his U.S. concert tour alongside his wife Patti Scialfa. Later that evening, Jamaican-born Sean Kingston was seen partying it up at Stir Lounge in the Chinatown area. While Springsteen kept a low-profile while in town, the reggae rapper sure knew how to drew all eyes on him. Arriving around 1a.m., Kingston pulled...

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Speaker Pelosi’s kryptonite is her hair?

She’s the most powerful woman in politics, but when it comes to Speaker Nancy Pelosi's hair, she finds herself lacking any power to veto a bad hair day. "Nancy said that in her next life, she would like to be able to style her own hair," said Gary Croteau, stylist at Salon Mario Russo in Boston, Mass. Not too surprisingly, as for years, Pelosi has made the salon at the Four Seasons in Georgetown her first stop every morning. Croteau counts Sen. Ted Kennedy as a client, so in sort of homage to the senator, Pelosi choose him to primp her hair prior to his memorial service. And it sounds like although Pelosi depends on a hair professional, she still expects the perfection....

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By the Numbers: Obama's book

156 Number of weeks President Barack Obama's "Dreams from My Father" has been on the New York Times' best-seller list, beating literary agent Robert Barnett's former longest running client, William Bennett's 'The Book of Virtues.' 344 Rank in popularity of the president's book on...

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Whitney Houston has a fan in bin Laden

Whitney Houston — Bin Laden’s ‘Greatest Love of All?’ According to a new novel by Sudanese author Kola Boof, Osama bin Laden is obsessed with singer Whitney Houston. Boof claims that when she was held as a sex slave for the terrorist for four months in a Moroccan hotel room, he couldn’t stop talking about the legendary singer. “He told me Whitney Houston was the most beautiful woman he’d seen,” she writes in “Diary of a Lost Girl,” excerpted in next month’s Harpers’ Bazaar. Boof adds that he constantly spoke of “how beautiful she was, what a nice smile she has, and how truly Islamic she is but is just...

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Levi Johnston on Sarah Palin ... again

Two weeks ago, his mother was arrested and charged with six felony counts of misconduct involving a controlled subject. Yet not surprisingly, Levi Johnston found no trouble in bashing another mother — the grandmother of his baby boy, Sarah Palin. In excerpts from Vanity Fair released online, Johnston claims Sarah was a bad mother, making her children do all the chores, cooking and their homework without any help. He claims following the news of her daughter’s pregnancy, she had a crazy plan to keep it hidden. “Sarah told me she had a great idea: We would keep it a secret — nobody would know that Bristol was pregnant. She told me that once Bristol had the baby...

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Biden prepares her fall lesson plans

Fall means back to school for students — but don’t forget about the teachers. And in Washington, that includes the wife of Vice President Biden, Jill. With her Ph.D. in hand, Biden headed back to the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College Aug. 24, reports Lynn Sweet on her Daily Flotus blog. This will be her second semester teaching there, after starting last January after arriving in Washington. Sounding like a possible White House speechwriter, Biden is teaching “Preparing for College Writing” and “Critical Reading and Study...

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Tweeteasy: Meghan McCain

"When I was little I wanted to run away and join the circus, I kinda feel like thats exactly what I did, just the elephants are different :-)" -Meghan McCain recalling her childhood dreams on her twitter feed Wednesday night....

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First lady tapping a new favorite designer?

She is to fashion designers what Oprah is to authors. Michelle Obama made Maria Pinta, Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo some of the most sought-after fashions for boutiques across the country after she wore them on the campaign trail. And it’s safe to say fashionistas may want to get their hands on the creations from her new favorite, Maison Martin Margiela. The Web has been buzzing about the first lady’s avant-garde sandals by the Belgian designer ever since she stepped off Marine One on Sunday after returning from Martha’s Vineyard. But unlike her penchant in affordable items — such as the blue Crocs she wore a few days earlier on the island — the asymmetrical,...

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Kastles' summer grand slam

The Washington Kastles are officially big-time. Last week the team was presented with the key to the city and now Washington's championship World Team Tennis (WTT) team found itself honored on primetime television. Following the 7 p.m. match at the U.S. Open Wednesday night, the Kastles became the first WTT winning team to be honored at the famous tennis tournament. The team, along with owner Mark Ein and coach Murphy Jensen, was presented the King Trophy by tennis legend Billie Jean King at a ceremony on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court....

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By the Numbers: Kennedy's memoir

12 23 The rank of Sen. Edward Kennedy’s posthumous memoir “True Compass” on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com presale lists, respectively, as of Wednesday afternoon. The book will not be released until Sept. 14....

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Fenty apologizes to writer, poet Angelou in 140 characters or less

Tweeting means never having to say you’re sorry. Or, at least that’s what D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty might think after missing a meeting with poet Maya Angelou and civil rights leader Dorothy Height. “Missed meeting with Dr. Maya Angelou & Dorothy Height was due to scheduling conflicts and not disrespect :-)” Fenty posted on Twitter early Tuesday. He didn’t post, however, that this wasn’t the first meeting with the pair he has missed, sources report. The women were hoping to meet with Fenty about the sudden eviction of the Recreation Wish List Committee from the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in Congress Heights. The committee, coincidentally,...

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Obama staffers make yet another list

They’ve been included on People’s “Most Beautiful,” Forbes’ “Most Powerful,” and Vogue’s “Best Dressed,” but now White House staffers are finding themselves on yet another list. Vanity Fair released its 2009 “New Establishment: The Vanity Fair 100” Tuesday — due out in the October issue — and it includes five members of the Obama administration. Topped by Goldman Sachs’ Lloyd Blankfein, the Obama staffers fall under the magazine’s definition of being “taste-makers and trendsetters, opinion formers and agenda creators, not to mention empire builders.” Tying at No. 15 are White...

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President’s city attracting governors’ kids

Awkward teens with suitcases, crying mothers and packs of students crowding the sidewalks can mean only one thing: move-in day for local universities. And some gubernatorial offspring are among those in the current mix. Georgetown University welcomes two children this fall from the family of two states’ highest leaders. The daughter of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Christina, moved across the country this fall to follow in her mother Maria Shriver’s footsteps in attending the Jesuit university. Maybe she’ll become friends with Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley’s daughter, Grace, who also started her freshman year in Hoyaland. Word is they both attended...

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Palin’s finally getting some foreign experience

She likely couldn’t see Russia from her front porch, but former Alaska governor and vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin will get the chance to see Asia in person this month. Palin will take her first visit to Hong Kong on Sept. 21-25 for the CLSA Investors’ Forum, where she’s scheduled to be a keynote speaker. Former keynote speakers at the forum include former President Bill Clinton and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. “Our keynote speakers are always notable luminaries, and they usually address subjects that go beyond finance, such as geopolitics,” CLSA spokeswoman Simone Wheeler said in a statement. “Our goal is to provide investors a diversity of...

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New White House film reveals more on Michelle’s garden

It’s a secret garden no more. The White House is kicking off an “Inside the White House” video series on Whitehouse.gov, with the first one featuring first lady Michelle Obama and White House chef Sam Kass sharing some unknown bits about the first White House garden since Eleanor Roosevelt’s “Victory Gardens.” To get that perfect soil, Kass said crab meal adds calcium and nitrogen to the dirt. And, of course, the locavore-loving chef added the crabs are from the Chesapeake. The seeds they planted — arrow peas, prickly spinach and tennis ball lettuce among other veggies — are from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello garden. Did you know...

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Watchdog group will ‘hammer’ DeLay’s dancing

Will the group behind the demise of Tom DeLay support him strutting his stuff on “Dancing with the Stars” just to see him continue on the show? Many cite the actions of the the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) as the reason for Majority Leader Tom DeLay’s indictment, but will the group put the past behind them and throw their support behind the former pol’s appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” just for entertainment’s sake? We’ll find out the night of the Sept. 21 premiere as the watchdog group hosts a viewing party at Top of the Hill for the ABC ballroom-dancing show. But after speaking with the...

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Speakeasy: Chelsea Clinton wedding

“That buzzy Martha’s Vineyard wedding in [The New York Post’s] Page Six this morning isn’t Chelsea Clinton’s — it’s my best friend’s cousin’s! Wish I could go.” A posting on twitter Monday giving some some proof that Chelsea’s Clinton’s wedding is not on Chappaquiddick Island this weekend....

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Economy makes Henry Paulson vomit?

The state of the economy made those in charge sick to their stomachs, literally. In an interview in the upcoming October issue of Vanity Fair, then-Secretary of Treasury Henry Paulson could not keep his lunch down while interviewing with the article’s author Todd Purdum in February 2008. Right as Paulson explains his relationship with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and her role in passing the $168 billion economic stimulus package, he is quoted making half-statements that add up to him saying he’s about to get sick from a “stomach problem.” “And with that, Paulson ducked into the private bathroom adjoining his office, closed the big paneled door, and...

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First family returns to Washington after buying Island treats

The first family’s trip in Martha’s Vineyard is over, ending on a more melancholy tone than it began. Rather than spending his final night in town on a fancy date night with his wife Michelle, President Barack Obama and the first lady traveled back from the funeral of Sen. Edward Kennedy. Matching the mood, they returned to torrential rain from Tropical Storm Danny. The cloudy and rainy weather that continued Sunday led to some indoor activities like taking his daughters Malia, Sasha and their cousin Suhalia Ng to do some souvenir shopping at Alley’s General Store in the village of West Tisby near their vacation home. He left with some astronaut ice cream and Nerds...

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Smithsonian displays Kennedy pic

The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery is among Washington institutions mourning the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy, who was laid to rest during the weekend at Arlington National Cemetary. The gallery has installed a portrait of the late senator in a first-floor remembrance gallery at the museum. The black-and-white silk screen was painted by pop artist Andy Warhol in 1980 to raise money for Kennedy's presidential run. It "plays off the colors of the American flag and suggests the glamour of politics by enhancing the candidate's features with thin red and blue lines and diamond dust," according to the Gallery. The work is on display indefinitely....

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Media Mix: Bryan Voltaggio

Maryland born Byran Voltaggio is the chef and partner of the three-star fine dining restaurant Volt in his native Federicksburg. You can find him taking his award-winning cooking skills to the small screen as a contestant on the newest season of "Top Chef." Q: What book are you reading? Next vacation I'll pick one up. I have no time right now. Q: What's the last movie you saw? "Superbad" Q: What's your favorite TV show? "Top Chef: Season 6" season premier, the newest "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" episode. Parents will understand Q: What's new on your iPod? Kings of Leon Q: What Web sites do you visit in the morning? New York Times, Washington post,...

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First daughter Jenna Hager's 180 with the media

And you thought she hated the media. President George W. Bush daughter Jenna Hager made headlines sticking out her tounge to reporters as first daughter, but now she's becoming one of them, joining on as the new correspondent for NBC's "Today." The Baltimore resident, Hager will be a contributing reporter for the early-morning show, but will not be covering the home she once lived in. Instead the schoolteacher and children's book writer said she will not be covering the White House, instead focus on "education, urban education, women and children's issues and literacy." "It wasn't something I'd always dreamed to do," Hager said. "But I think one of...

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Drescher recalls Kennedy's role in her cancer-advocacy

As Sen. Edward Kennedy was being laid to rest Saturday at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River, actress Fran Drescher was recalling her time with the man so influential in helping her in succeed in cancer advocacy. At a dinner Saturday evening at Teatro Goldoni, Drescher recalled to Yeas & Nays her greatest memory of the late Senator in helping the uterine cancer survivor get funds for development of a national gynecologic cancer awareness campaign. “He was instrumental in helping me pass the bill by unanimous consent,” Fran began in recalling his role in her success passage of The Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act. While in Washington in...

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Johnson, Mason shoot and score in helping our community

Thursday was all about NBA ballers shooting to help their communities. First up was legend Magic Johnson, who acted as the keynote speaker in support of the Minority Business Development Agency. Speaking to a crowd at the Omni Shoreham Hotel on Thursday morning, he brought his magic to the room, sharing with minority business owners the best ways to equip themselves in developing a successful enterprise. Drawing off lessons he’s learned as chief executive officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, the former Laker taught attendees how to develop a mission and use their talents, and also how to better listen and serve customers. Magic then went to a White House reception in the Old...

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Hey, Mr. President! Where’s your helmet?

Do as I say, not as I do. On Thursday, President Barack Obama took a bike ride with his family in Aquinnah. The first family cruised along Lobsterville Beach on a gorgeous, sunny day, but there was one glaring omission in an otherwise picture perfect tableau — the president was not wearing a bike helmet. White House spokesman Bill Burton said he did not know why the president was not wearing a helmet because he generally does. “He supports the wearing of bicycle helmets,” Burton said. (AP Photo/Alex...

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Key-sponsored team given key to the city

“I thought it might be a Kastle key” was a most appropriate way for the Kastles tennis team’s founder and owner, Mark Ein, to open his remarks Thursday. After all, he was being presented with the key to the city. Mayor Adrian Fenty was on hand to give Ein what he called “city’s highest honor” in recognition of Ein’s World Team Tennis team, the Washington Kastles’, successful year. “People didn’t know what team tennis was, but one man did,” Fenty said, acknowledging Ein for tennis team’s presence in Washington. Quite impressively, Fenty noted, after only two seasons — the most recent one kicked off to a 0-4...

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Fashion movie viewed by fashion-first females.

It was a Wednesday night, and it was a screening in a movie theater, but that didn’t prevent women from donning their most fashionable duds for the Washington showing of “The September Issue.” In what was probably the first time the carpet of the Landmark Theater was treaded upon by a combined 50 feet of high-heel inches, women packed the theater for the documentary that follows the making of Vogue magazine’s yearly “bible” — the 800-plus-page September issue. It was a intimate portrayal of Vogue editor Anna Wintour unlike many have seen before — interacting with her daughter, talking about her family, mentioning then-on-the-rise designer...

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Ants attack Obama vacationland

Though you can be sure the Secret Service has worked hard this week to rid Martha’s Vineyard of any unwanted pests, they seem to be outnumbered one relentless group of attackers. Ants. “It’s the worst I’ve seen since the ant explosion of 1997,” exterminator Dan Simski told The Boston Herald. He said his company has received dozens of calls from homeowners around The Rock in recent weeks. The certified bug-killer said the “explosion” is likely the result of a wet spring and summer. Also, “some years, there are just more ants,” he said. With any luck, the six-legged island vacationers aren’t enough to bug the president too much....

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Media Mix: Mike Isabella

Zaytinya chef turned “Top Chef” contestant Mike Isabella is already a favorite on this season’s cooking show for the fire he brings in and out of the kitchen. We caught up with the local chef, who shared with us his media favorites. Q: What book are you reading? “Garlic & Sapphires,” by Ruth Reichl Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “Slumdog Millionaire” Q: What’s your favorite TV show? “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” Q: What’s new on your iPod? “Purple Rain” by Prince Q: What Web sites do you visit in the morning? Metrocurean, Facebook,...

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Party to secure D.C.'s place in fashion world

The Estelle music the DJ spun from the backyard of Jaci and Morris Reid’s home was a sneak peek of what to expect this fall as BGR Group, Elle magazine and Louis Vuitton are set to host the preeminent party clashing politics, fashion and, yes, hip-hop. Morris Reid, who is managing director for BGR Group, and his wife hosted a fashion-forward cocktail party Tuesday night for special guests, Editor in Chief of Elle Magazine Robbie Myers and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communication for Louis Vuitton North America Heather Vandenberghe. But what many in attendance didn’t realize — as they were content with washing down their sushi and Georgetown cupcakes with...

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Brown sentenced to wash cars in Va.

The pop singer who beat his girlfriend Rihanna in a car is now being ordered by a judge to wash them. Virginia native Chris Brown was sentenced Tuesday by a Los Angeles judge to five years’ probation and 1,400 hours of “labor-oriented service” in his home state and to stay away from his former girlfriend during that time. Rather than having him perform community service such as mentoring young children, the judge ensured Brown would serve his time doing physical labor, consisting of washing cars and removing graffiti. Anyone who wants to see the R&B singer and assailant clean his or her car can travel to the Richmond area during the next six months. As the...

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Madoff mistress cashing in with book

When some women get dumped, they take to spending their nights face down in a bowl of ice cream. Or they write a tell-all. Sheryl Weinstein, the mistress of jailed Ponzi schemer Bernard Madoff, was on Good Morning America to promote her book, “Madoff’s Other Secret: Love, Money, Bernie and Me.” The former paramour dished about her 21-year relationship with the money man and said the reason for breaking her silence about the relationship was, well, financial. “I don’t have any art, I don’t have any jewelry,” she said. “What I have to sell is my story.” She lost millions in investments to her former lover — not just her own,...

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White House secretaries ‘communicate’ over lunch

We’re guessing they could’ve talked for hours. After all, it is their profession. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was spotted having lunch Tuesday at Georgia Brown’s with the man who held his post under our last Democratic president, former press secretary Mike McCurry. Gibbs managed to escape for a leisurely lunch, as deputy secretary Bill Burton is with President Barack Obama in Martha’s Vineyard. We’re betting McCurry, who was at the helm during the Monica Lewinsky scandal, certainly was able to dish — over dishes of Southern food — some advice to Gibbs. And though most senior aides are taking some time off, Gibbs was spotted back at...

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Obama is safe for online surfers

He’s all about Internet transparency, but good thing that doesn’t mean hackers are able to wreak havoc with President Barack Obama. Anti-virus software company McAfee released its list of most dangerous celebrity search names Tuesday, ranking Obama and first lady Michelle Obama the “safer” ratings of 34 and 39, respectively. This — fortunately or unfortunately, depending on which party you support — allows for one to spend hours on the Web following Obama’s speeches or Michelle’s fashion choices. A representative with the company explained the factors going into the rankings — downloading videos, creating computer wallpaper from...

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Farmer takes protest of Obama to 10,000 feet

One Texas farmer is going to the extreme to protest President Barack Obama, creating a sign that spans several acres — but you’ll have to be in the sky to see it. Sam Bates, of Lubbock, took out his aggression on his farm’s weeds, spelling out in the ground with his plow, “Say no to Obama.” He explained he did not mean to be partisan, but rather was just fed up with everything in Washington. “I thought, maybe some pilots from Dallas would get a good chuckle,” he said to a local news site. And though plowing the empty lake basin behind his house is an annual chore, this year’s explanation matches what many Hill staffers find in August:...

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Golf makes an honest man out of Obama

Every golfer in the world’s familiar with taking a mulligan, right? Not President Barack Obama. According to the Cape Cod Times, the golfer in chief never takes a mulligan — that is, hitting a bad shot over, typically on the first tee. He is also meticulous about recording his score, and he absolutely refuses to cheat. And sounds like after this trip, there will be plenty of players to confirm this with. Minutes after appointing Ben Bernanke to a second term as Federal Reserve chairman, Obama hit the links at Mink Meadows golf club for nine holes with White House trip director Marvin Nicholson, Michael Ruemmler from the presidential advance team and White House chef Sam...

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Where's Jeff?

The Washington Examiner's Jacque Bland will be filing in for Jeff Dufour until September 7, as he gets some much-deserved rest and relaxation – not to mention finalizing details – before his upcoming nuptials....

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By The Numbers: Booking good

5 The number of books President Barack Obama is reported to have taken along for pleasure reading to Martha’s Vineyard. 2,320 The total number of pages contained in the five selections. 725 The number of pages in David McCullough’s “John Adams,” which is, by far, the most ambitious of the selections 332 The approximate number of pages Obama would have to read on each of the seven days to complete every book on the list. Better hold off on that extra round of golf, Mr....

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Martha’s Vineyard restaurants embrace first family with new menu items

Sharkey’s Cantina in Oak Bluffs is welcoming the first family with some south-of-the-border flair: The restaurant has added the “Barack-O-Taco” and the “Obamarita” to the menu. According to the blog Obama Foodorama, the tacos are made of, “coconut-breaded shrimp, topped with pineapple cilantro vanilla-infused salsa and served atop refried beans, on a soft taco.” The Obamarita is made with “freshly crushed mandarin oranges with pineapple, triple sec and tequila.” This drink, no doubt, is far more signature than the margarita he downed in Phoenix last week, which was crafted with Sauza Tres Generaciones Plata Tequila, Presidente Brandy...

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Nick Jonas: Latest appearance is further training for his presidential dreams

Perhaps Nick Jonas thought appearing at the National Press Club would be the same as when he testified in June at a Senate hearing — same town, same issue of juvenile diabetes. But one difference that was clear on Monday: Questions from Senators are vastly different than those from teenage girls. But no bother for the youngest Jonas, who has dreams of one day being president (“2040 to be exact,” he clarified) — he proves he knows how to handle any crowd and keep them in his corner. Dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit complete the with a flag lapel pin, Jonas ignored a play out of our current president’s book and was composed as he spoke clearly...

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Baldwin stays in shape for the kids

Washington’s most known officer and gentleman Andy Baldwin spent his Sunday in Hawaii competing in the inaugural “Tag the World” triathlon, a nonprofit that raises money for several causes. The sold-out swim, run and bike competition drew many other bold-facers including “True Blood” star Mehcad Brooks and former “Baywatch” star Jeremy Jackson. Baldwin said there were about 50 foster teens participating who had never done a triathlon before. “These children have been dealt a tough hand, and today they felt a confidence they had not known before,” he wrote in an e-mail to Yeas & Nays. “It was one of the most rewarding...

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Marijuana growers may be adversely affected by Obama’s ‘private’ visit

The residents of Martha’s Vineyard are not unfamiliar with high-profile visitors. In fact, most residents of the small New England island are welcoming President Barack Obama and the economic boost his family’s visit is expected to generate. But one cottage industry isn’t so happy about it — the island’s small cadre of marijuana farmers. “The word was that some of the island marijuana growers actually had to get their crops in early,” said Mike Seccombe, a senior writer for the Vineyard Gazette, in an NPR interview Sunday morning. “They thought the helicopters scoping the place out for the president may have had something to do with drug...

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Media Mix: Jen Corey

Crowned Washington’s newest Miss D.C. only a few weeks after graduating from American University, Jen Corey is already in the thick of things here in the District. She took a break from her busy schedule to share with us her current media favorites. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? I just saw “The Time Traveler’s Wife.” Although I thought it was adorable, I felt bad for all the guys that had been dragged there on a date. Q: What’s your favorite TV show? My favorite show is “Cops” and “The Colbert Report.” “Cops” is ALWAYS on some channel. And “The Colbert Report” just reminds me that there is some humor...

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Reality gets real as new home gets built

A reality show filmed this weekend in Washington that followed "real" people in their "real" homes, and we are not talking about "The Real World." "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" surprised one lucky family this weekend with news that would change their lives – a new home. Host Ty Pennington, along with his design team and a slew of cameras, arrived to the Hyattsville home of Nikema and Tamara Tripp on Saturday with the news that they are getting a new home. Hundreds of volunteers – including special guest volunteer, actor and producer Tyler Perry – will work 24 hours a day to finish the home in one week. In addition, The Fishing...

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Beckham draws more excitement on street than on field

For female soccer fans, Washington has been the place of late to spot their favorite footballers. First it was Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. But this weekend the District moved up a notch with a visit from the game’s most famous sex symbol and, arguably, its most famous player — David Beckham. Beckham was at the center of a frenzy of fans and paparazzi from the moment he touched down at Washington Dulles International Airport on Friday for his Los Angeles Galaxy’s weekend game against our own D.C. United. But since for most women it’s mostly his looks, his wife, Victoria (or “Posh”), and his sexy underwear ads that come to mind more so than...

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Hemingway a would-be Soviet spy?

During the 1940s, when Ernest Hemingway was writing as a war correspondent and working on the book that would become “The Old Man and the Sea,” he also was being recruited as a Russian spy by the KGB. So say authors John Earl Haynes and Harvey Klehr, whose recent book, “Spies: The Rise and Fall of the KGB in America,” relies on never-before-seen Soviet records transcribed by KGB agent Alexander Vassiliev. “Hemingway met several times with KGB agents,” Klehr said, speaking with Haynes at the International Spy Museum on Thursday. “He agreed to be helpful, but never provided any information, despite several attempts by the KGB.” In the book,...

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Tweens' favorite singers take on Washington

With two young girl’s now living in the White House, it seems as if Washington is being overrun with tween stars. This time, the newest guest to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Wednesday was Disney darling Demi Lovato. The singer spent the afternoon taking a tour of the White House, twittering online that she was “just chillen’ [sic] in the white house,” joking, “ndb [no big deal].” She uploaded a picture from the steps of the Obama family and remarked it was very “surreal.” Lovato was in town to join another teen favorite from a different successful television music factory — “American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta. The two of...

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Speakeasy: Barbra Streisand

“It’s interesting that a Paul Newman or Robert Redford wouldn’t get attacked for being interested in politics, the environment. It’s a double standard, but women are changing.” — Barbra Streisand, arguing in the upcoming edition of Parade that women celebrities who speak out on politics are subject to a double...

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Obama turns the White House over to Republicans

There's a car on the White House lawn. What will the neighbors think? Wednesday was NASCAR day at the White House, as President Barack Obama welcomed Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson and several of his competitors to the South Lawn. And Johnson brought along his favorite toy, the No. 48 car. "You know, it is not every day that we have a championship stock car parked out on the South Lawn," said the president. "Fortunately, we got Jimmie to agree not to do any burnouts or tear up my backyard. I also suggested to Jimmie that, in exchange for free parking, he should let me take the 48 out for a few laps. He said that was fine -- but Secret Service didn't think it was...

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Vineyarders playing it cool as Obama visit nears

Although President Barack Obama will be staying in the remote town of Chilmark when he visits Martha’s Vineyard next week, it is the residents of Oak Bluffs — long a summer haven for wealthy African-Americans on the opposite corner of the island — who seem to be most excited. “Oak Bluffs in particular, and the people that summer here, are incredibly excited,” said Gina Patti, a teacher and former assistant principal at Oak Bluffs School. “Every single storefront has an Obama T-shirt or some sign welcoming the first family to Oak Bluffs.” Even her school is prepping for the prez. The school will serve as the filing center for the media next...

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No time for swine, says PETA

People for the Ethical Treament of Animals wheeled out some fake pigs to protest factory farming of pork Wednesday as a conference on swine flu got underway at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. Photos: Andrew Harnik/The...

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Gore hosting gory ‘Basterds’

He’s going from “An Inconvenient Truth” to “Inglourious Basterds.” Yes, Al Gore is supporting Quentin Tarantino’s newest blood-drenched film about a group of Nazi-killers by hosting a premiere of the movie Thursday night in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. But it’s not totally random: The gory film is produced by Lawrence Bender, the man with whom Gore won an Academy Award with for their work together on the environmental documentary. Bender is the main person responsible for all of Tarantino’s films and is close friend of the director, so clearly he was skilled at going from humans killing humans to humans killing the Earth. In...

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Jarrett: Reading turns to solo singing

Oh, say can you … sing? When Senior White House Adviser Valerie Jarrett agreed to participate in the Department of Education’s Read to the Top program, she definitely wasn’t planning on having to sing a solo. But that’s exactly what ended up happening while she read “America Is” to local elementary school students outside the DOE building Tuesday. Jarrett — who was joined by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in reading to the children — kept the simple book exciting but engaging the kids while she read. When Jarrett arrived to one point in the children’s book that has “The Pledge of Allegiance” printed in its...

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Speakeasy: Jenny Sanford

“Everybody would like to escape sometimes. I’d like somebody 5,000 miles away I could e-mail. It’s not exclusive to men, but I know that isn’t realistic.” - Jenny Sanford, wife of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, talking about her husband’s infidelities in the September issue of Vogue magazine....

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Top Dems already arriving on Vineyard

President Barack Obama doesn’t arrive for his much-anticipated trip to Martha’s Vineyard until Sunday, but the Democratic glitterati already are arriving to the tony island. President Bill Clinton himself arrived Monday. The Martha’s Vineyard Times reports he took a stroll around the town of Vineyard Haven before playing a round of golf in Oak Bluffs with his Washington pal Vernon Jordan. Yeas & Nays sources on the island said Clinton has left, but they expect him to return later in the week, fueling speculation that his daughter, Chelsea, is planning an ultrasecret wedding there later this month. But so far, the buzz around Vineyard residents in the know has...

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By the Numbers: Tom DeLay on 'DWTS'

64 Percentage increase in Twitter followers, as of Tuesday afternoon, of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, since ABC announced he’d be competing on “Dancing with the Stars” next month 3,000 Percentage increase of Web traffic that included “Tom DeLay” from Monday to Tuesday 4,000 Approximate number of hits on DeLay’s new Web site, tomdelay.com, between midnight and noon...

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Identity of Obama-Joker artist revealed

When trying to guess the artist responsible for the controversial poster portraying President Barack Obama as the Joker – which began appearing all over the streets of Los Angeles a few weeks back – it’s safe to say that few people would have imagined a liberal Chicago college student. But that is exactly who it turned out to be. As the Los Angeles Times reported Monday, 20-year-old Firas Alkhateeb created the now infamous image while playing around in January with Adobe Photoshop software. Taking an image from an old Time Magazine cover of Obama, Alkhateeb found a program online that allowed an image to be “Jokerized.” After painting the picture of Obama...

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Egyptian President Mubarak: First comes steak, then comes Obama

Bush kept him away, but our red meat has brought him back. Days after telling Charlie Rose that his displeasure with Bush administration is “why I did not visit the United States since the year 2004,” Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was back in America Sunday. But despite his animosity toward Bush, it seems Mubarak’s first meal on American soil was decidedly Texan — a steak dinner. Mubarak and five men were spotted Sunday night at Morton’s Steakhouse in Georgetown shortly after arriving in town for his meeting today President Barack Obama today. The men all enjoyed a juicy steak, but they had to wait to take their first bite until after sunset for...

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Hot singer, ‘cool’ appearance

Singer Rob Thomas’ event at the Gibson Guitar Lounge started out on a hot note — a throng of girls waited in a small room without air conditioning before going upstairs to see him. Meanwhile, the Matchbox 20 singer tried to cool off from the 90-degree weather with a Corona on the outside patio. A huge billboard of fire advertising “G.I. Joe” loomed appropriately in the background. But once things got started, Thomas quickly cooled things down. After making all the young fans wait a bit longer for a trip to the bathroom, Thomas’ acoustic set was cool and mellow, singing and playing three of his biggest hits. Tommy McFly of Mix 107.3, which sponsored the...

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McMahon to put smackdown on Sen. Dodd?

The chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment is gearing up to challenge Connecticut’s Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd in a battle outside the ring — on the campaign trail. Linda McMahon released a statement on her company’s corporate Web site that confirms “she is considering a run for the United States Senate.” If she does decide to run, “she would step down as CEO and [husband and WWE chairman] Vince McMahon would assume the duties of CEO,” reads the statement. McMahon is no stranger to the political world. In the past two election seasons, she was an important part in her company’s Smackdown Your Vote campaign. Earlier this year,...

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Dancing DeLay: Don't bet against him

By now, everyone with a political pulse knows that former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, will be a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars," when the popular ABC reality show comes back for its new season on Sept. 21. But how should we handicap "The Hammer"? And can he top the showing of another conservative boldfaced name, Tucker Carlson, who famously bombed in his "DWTS" debut? Yes, say members of his longtime inner circle, who say his advantages are three-fold: -Dancing ability: "He's a really good dancer," says Jonathan Grella, a political consultant and former DeLay spokesman. "The first time I saw him my jaw dropped."...

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Walsh: Too 'Private' for politics?

Add the name Kate Walsh to the roster of celebs who may run for office one day. "I think there’s a little part of me that fantasizes about serving in public office," says the "Private Practice" star in the current issue of Capitol File magazine, which hits newsstands today. When pressed on whether she'd ever run for Senate, Walsh replied, "Ha! Maybe Senator Addison Montgomery!" referring to her character on the show. Walsh, who campaigned for President Barack Obama last year, also confessed that she thinks Washington is now sexy: "I think Washington is a very exciting, sexy place... can I say sexy? Yeah, I just decided: sexy. So many of the most...

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By the Numbers: Poe, Reid are the top talkers

93 Number of times Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, spoke on the House floor this year before Congress adjourned, the most of any member 67 Number of times Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas, spoke, the most of any Democrat 117 Number of times Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., spoke from the Senate floor, more than any of his colleagues 96 Number of times Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., spoke, the most of any Republican Data courtesy of...

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The first family and the great outdoors

Town hall meetings and outdoor adventures — we’re betting the Obama family trip to Martha’s Vineyard next week will be a bit more relaxing. Upon arrival to Belgrade, Mont., on Friday, the first family got right to taking advantage of all things in the great outdoors. While President Barack Obama dealt with a raucous crowd at his town hall meeting, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha took to the raucous Gallatin River for a whitewater rafting trip (interestingly enough, after picking peaches) which seemed to be more rough than usual, as the weather was rain and hail. The president was also able to enjoy the river later that day, finally getting the...

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Speakeasy: Mike Ross and Aaron Schock

"I will never vote for a bill to kill old people, period." -Rep. Mike Ross, a Blue Dog Democrat from Arkansas, on CNN's "State of the Union with John King" Sunday “[A]t the White House picnic that I was invited to, Michelle was there, first lady Michelle Obama, with a sleeveless shirt on, and she was looking pretty buff…I actually complimented her on her arms. She's got it together.” -Rep. Aaron Shock, R-Ohio, who's known for his own six-pack abs, recalling to NPR's Peter Sagal Saturday about an exchange with first lady Michelle Obama....

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LeBron: I'd hire Vick

LeBron James is the forgiving type. Or maybe he's just not a dog lover. In an appearance in D.C. on Friday, the NBA star said he's happy that embattled NFL quarterback Michael Vick is getting another chance to play, and that if he could, he'd even be the one to give him that chance. "I was excited to see Michael Vick get resigned," said James, who added that he loved watching Vick play. "If we owned a franchise, I would have signed him right away," he said. King James' comments came during an afternoon-long festival at Kastles Stadium, sponsored by Nike and Lionsgate films, to promote "More than a Game," the documentary about his high school team. The...

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McCotter invokes Beatles in slamming Obama

With the congressional band the Second Amendments now broken up, their guitar player, Republican Policy Committee Chairman Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., apparently needed another way to scratch his rock and roll itch. Hence, a column he penned for the Big Hollywood blog, in which he likens President Barack Obama’s health care plan to ... the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper” album. Performed by “President Obama’s Lefty Health Club Band,” the track listing for McCotter’s tribute album is as follows: With a Little Help from the Feds, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Marx, Lyndon in the Sky on Steroids, Digging a Hole and the closing medley Good Moaning, Good...

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Town hall-like scene at Dean health care discussion

These days when you say the words, “health care,” you may as well throw in “town hall”, because it seems that no matter where or how you talk about the issue, passionate people will turn out. That was the scene Thursday afternoon at Howard Dean’s discussion on his newest book, “Howard Dean’s Prescription on Real Health Care.” Upon entering Politics and Prose, you were lucky to get a view of the former Democratic presidential nominee as people were packed between the book aisles and an overflow room had a televised Dean. People clapped, booed and even yelled at each other, just like every good town hall we’ve seen of late. When one...

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Special treatment in the air for Rosie?

“It is 8:22, my plane landed 17 minutes ago,” said Rosie O’Donnell from the 9:30 Club stage Wednesday night, explaining why she was 20 minutes late for her scheduled 8 p.m. “I got out of the car and walked right on stage.” According to O’Donnell, she might not have even made it to her double-billed appearance with Cyndi Lauper, were it not for an accommodating pilot on her Delta Shuttle flight from New York’s LaGuardia Airport. She told the several hundred fans assembled that she said to the pilot she’d only get on if he promised the flight would land somewhere around 8. “The pilot says, ‘I’ve seen the [True Colors] show...

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The Medal of Freedom ceremony in photos

President Obama presents the Medal of Freedom to British physicist Stephen Hawking. Kara Kenendy with Obama. Kennedy accepted the medal on behalf of her father, Sen. Edward Kennedy. Billie Jean King receives the medal. The president struggles a bit to get around the headdress of Joseph Medicine Crow. Sandra Day O'Connor Sidney Poitier Photos (c) Carrie...

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Speakeasy: Bill Clinton

“[President Bill] Clinton would sing along, cry when things onstage were sad — he would react so dramatically. And he was keenly aware when the camera was on him.” – Hollywood producer Don Mischer, who produced President Barack Obama’s inaugural celebration at the Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center Honors, quoted in Jason Killian Meath’s new photographic anthology, “Hollywood on the...

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Ann Hand to close Georgetown shop

Ann Hand, whose patriotic- and campaign-themed pins have made her the jeweler to official Washington for 20-plus years, is shutting down her Georgetown location. “We’re losing our lease at the end of the year,” Hand told Yeas & Nays. “I couldn’t face moving over Christmas and New Year’s, so we’re doing it now. We decided to relocate everything back to our flagship store on MacArthur Boulevard in the Palisades. Plus, we have parking here. That was always a problem in Georgetown.” Hand began making and selling jewelry out of her home in 1988. She opened the Palisades shop in 2001, followed by the Georgetown store in 2005. Hand, the...

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Glover and Weiss: no strangers to lawsuits

GOP lobbyists Juleanna Glover and Jeffrey Weiss have spent more than a year together in court battling during their divorce and current custody battle. But now they can be sure to spend a lot more time together there thanks to not just one, but two cases the one-time social power couple have pending against each other. As Bloomberg reported last week, Global Policy Partners — a firm where Weiss serves as chief operating officer — filed suit Aug. 5 against Glover for “unlawful surveillance” of the company’s computer to “obtain a competitive advantage for [Glover] and her company.” Court documents obtained by Yeas & Nays show Glover filed her...

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Poitier preps for the prez

Actor Sidney Poitier arrives at Dulles on Tuesday in advance of him receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom today. The Oscar winner received the award along with Sen. Edward Kennedy, physicist Stephen Hawking, tennis icon Billie Jean King, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and ten others. Photos: Mark...

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Media Mix: Rob Dibble

Rob Dibble, a 1990 World Series champion with the Cincinnati Reds, served as co-host of “The Best Damn Sports Show Period” and a baseball analyst with ESPN and Fox Sports before becoming the ever-so-colorful color commentator for MASN’s Washington Nationals broadcasts. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “I Love You Man.” Q: What book are you reading? “Munson: The Life and Death of a Yankee Captain” by Marty Appel. Q: What’s your favorite TV show? “The First 48” on A&E. Q: What Web sites do you check first thing in the morning? Dibblebaseball.com to see how my wife’s new clothing line is doing, and then MASNsports....

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Al Qaeda: Think Hannibal Lecter

“Matthew Alexander” (not his real name), a former Air Force interrogator in Iraq, was responsible for the intelligence that led to al Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Speaking at a Spy Museum event Monday night, he explained that Abu Khader, the man who gave him Zarqawi, might be familiar to American moviegoers. Khader was “the Hannibal Lecter of al Qaeda,” explained Alexander, who co-wrote the book “How to Break a Terrorist.” “If you can picture Anthony Hopkins, you can picture this guy. He was very smart, he was very manipulative, very intellectual.” And as for himself, Alexander said he “played the male version of Jodie...

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From angel to Joker, Fairey’s art back in headlines

Artist Shepard Fairey, who created the iconic HOPE and CHANGE poster of President Barack Obama’s campaign, is back in the spotlight this week with a new image of the president — and the popping-up of its antithesis. His newest depiction of Obama, appearing on the cover of the Aug. 20 Rolling Stone, shows Obama from more of a profile, his face wrought with determination in Fairey’s signature blue and red style found in the poster that now hangs in the National Portrait Gallery. The presidential seal has been added, creating what appears to be a halolike ring of stars around his head. The headline — “Will he take bold action or compromise too...

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Speakeasy: Meghan McCain

“[Michelle] Malkin has the No. 1 book on the New York Times best-seller hardcover nonfiction list, but I have nearly twice as many Twitter followers as she does.” — Meghan McCain, using her Daily Beast column to fire back at columnist Michelle Malkin, who suggested (Meghan) McCain should leave the GOP....

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By the Numbers: Obama's Album

352,414 Amazon.com sales rank, as of Monday afternoon, of the CD “Barack Obama: Days of Hope,” a collection of the president’s recorded speeches 0 Number of customer reviews submitted since the disc came out more than a month...

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Cousteau screens Oscar hopeful in D.C.

Environmental activist Philippe Cousteau lent his famous last name to promote a film Friday night that is sure to make his grandfather proud. The grandson of the late Jacques Cousteau held a screening and Q & A discussion Friday night for the documentary “The Cove” — a sad, and at times disturbing, film that follows a high-tech dive team on a mission to discover the truth about the dolphin capture trade practiced in Taiji, Japan. But it wasn’t just only Cousteau’s name that led to the sold-out crowd at Landmark’s E Street Theater. “The Cove” has won dozens of film festival awards, is said to be a front-runner for being nominated in...

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Air and Space ‘Sparks’ his interest

That was comic Hal Sparks, taking in the National Air and Space Museum Saturday. The “Queer as Folk” and “Talk Soup” alum was in town to play the Arlington Cinema n’ Drafthouse. Meanwhile, Mos Def knows where to hang his hip-hop hat. The rapper/actor was spotted checking into the new W Hotel over the weekend, in prep for his 9:30 Club show. And Ruben Studdard, in town to play DAR Constitution Hall, was seen strolling around Georgetown Sunday. Photos: Mark...

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Emanuel reads children's book like only he can (curse words excluded)

We can guarantee the children's book “Duck for President” has never been read before in the style Rahm Emanuel showcased for a group of kids Monday as part of the Department of Education's “Read to the Top” program. Seated under some trees outside the department's building, Emanuel kicked off the book about a duck who tries to get off the farm in the hopes of becoming president by asking the kids, “Have you seen the other one? 'Duck Runs for Congress.' It's a good book….I think they have the movie rights for that one.” With every page, Emanuel threw in some jokes about elections and the White House. After reading about how animals lined with...

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Speakeasy: Ann Coulter

"He cemented his reputation as the first hip president by going on TV and making a cutting-edge joke about the Special Olympics. You think he'd be more sensitive to that with Joe Biden as his vice president." -Conservative bomb thrower Ann Coulter Friday night at the Young America's Foundation dinner banquet....

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Darrell Green: 'Hooked on' Julia Child

Smithsonian exhibits, feature films: Julia Child is all the rage these days. Even among the unlikeliest of people. Take Redskins Hall of Famer Darrell Green, for instance. While cooling his heels at his hotel in Canton, Ohio, this weekend during the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, Green found time to check out some reruns of Child on TV. "Sitting in the hotel room watching Julia Child beat up a chicken," he Twittered. And later: "I'm hooked on Julia. Never done anything on the rotisserie but next week you'll be smelling Julia-inspired chicken from my backyard." Other highlights from Green's weekend with football royalty: "Standing out in 85 degree...

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Soccer teams share camaraderie before Sunday match

In keeping with their "friendly" meeting Sunday, D.C. United and Real Madrid kept it friendly Saturday night. Both teams gathered on the rooftop of the W Hotel to let off some steam before playing in the steam Sunday. "I'd say the players' wives were probably more interested in photo taking with the Real Madrid players than the DCU players were," one observer joked. Meanwhile, Larry Stefanki, who coaches tennis star Andy Roddick , had a unique D.C. experience earlier this week. As he told ESPN's Darren Cahill, he went to the National Archives to check out the Declaration of Independence. But just before he arrived, someone pulled this fire alarm and the...

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Woodstock producer: Roy Rogers, not Hendrix, could have closed

Jimi Hendrix famously closed the Woodstock Music & Art Fair at 8:30 a.m., the morning of Monday, August 18, long after most attendees had left. But to hear Michael Lang, the festival's executive producer, tell it, things could have been far different if he had his way. Speaking at the Newseum Sunday afternoon to promote his new book, "The Road to Woodstock," Lang said Hendrix wasn't his first choice to close the festival. Roy Rogers, "The Singing Cowboy," was. "Roy Rogers had turned me down," he said. "I wanted 'Happy Trails' to close the festival. We all grew up with Roy Rogers." Insisting on closing all along, Hendrix did the honors in...

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Obama aides watch themselvs star on big screen

Movie tickets: $12.50. Train ticket from DC to NYC: $220. Seeing yourself on the big screen: priceless. Apparently that was how several Obama aides valued traveling to New York City for the weekend to watch themselves play themselves in the documentary "By The People: The Election of Barack Obama." Although it is set to premiere on HBO this November, speechwriter Jon Favreau and assistant White House press secretary Tommy Vietor were a couple of the aides to make a trip up to the big apple - one city in addition to Los Angeles showing the film for a one-week preview- to see how they looked 10 feet tall. Filmmakers Amy Rice and Alicia Sams' feature the young staffers while...

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Local director tracks down legendary drummer

What is it with Washingtonians and rock docs all of a sudden? First we have Davis Guggenheim, blowing it up this month with “It Might Get Loud,” the guitar-focused film about Jimmy Page, Jack White and The Edge. Now comes word that local boy Jay Bulger is working on a film that focuses on the drums. Bulger, a 2000 graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, has been an Armani model, boxer, actor, director and writer. But for his latest project, he ventured to Africa to seek out Ginger Baker, the legendary British drummer who played with Eric Clapton in Cream and Blind Faith. “I always thought he was the best drummer in contemporary music,” said Bulger, who now...

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Barry: Vista Hotel will be atop my obit

When asked if where his arrest for drug possession at the Vista Hotel in 1990 might appear in his obituary, D.C. Councilman and former Mayor Marion Barry conceded it could be at the top. “It will probably be at the top if it’s written by other people who don’t know me,” he said. “It’s not the way I should be remembered.” Barry spoke to DC50’s Chris Core for an interview that airs at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. “These other things people read about is just a sliver,” said Barry, referring to the controversy that has dogged him throughout much of his public life. “Out of 50-something years, that’s three days probably. Five...

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Joan Rivers roast boosts D.C.-bred comic

Whitney Cummings is a regular in the comedy clubs of Los Angeles. She’s a fixture on “Chelsea Lately” and has appeared on MTV’s “Punk’d.” She’s been in indie films like “7-10 Split,” “Grizzly Park,” and “Made of Honor” and is one of the brains behind Showtime’s “Live! Nude! Comedy!” But it’s the roast of Joan Rivers on Comedy Central, airing Sunday night, that might launch the local girl into the stratosphere. While she had written for Comedy Central roasts before, this is the first time she was invited to be on camera — with the likes of Don Rickles, Tom Arnold, Robin...

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From children’s health to burgers for her children

Everything is OK in moderation. That seems to be the mentality of first lady Michelle Obama. Although is a strong advocate for the well-being of kids, she lets her daughters pig-out from time to time. Last week, Obama — who has graced the covers of Vogue and O Magazine — went less mainstream, proving her dedication to children’s health issues by posing for the cover of the premiere issue of Children’s Health. Obama posed along alongside 10 children from Washington’s Bancroft school for the magazine that encourages healthy living and increased activity for young kids. (And Yeas & Nays heard those in attendance may have witness a bit of a diva behavior...

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Holtz says he doesn't want to run

Former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz told an Indiana television station on Wednesday that he doesn't plan to run for Congress. "I'm working for ESPN [as an analyst]. I don't want to run for Congress," Holtz said at a golf outing in Michigan. The comments were reported by WNDU-TV in South Bend, Ind., and later picked up by ESPN.com. "All I'm going to do is fulfill the commitment to ESPN," he said. "I'm prepared for it and then we'll go from there." While not exactly a Sherman-esque statement, Holtz's comments should serve to turn down the volume of the chatter that's resulted this week after a Florida Republican strategist said the former coach might...

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Speakeasy: Chuck Grassley

“Sur Taxalot is no dragon slayer.” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, using “King Arthur” metaphors while debating the health care reform bill on the Senate floor last week, calling the “rising costs of health care a massive fire-breathing debt and deficit...

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Decker staying away, but Foster here to see Haas

There have been no signs yet of Andy Roddick’s new wife (model Brooklyn Decker) around town to watch him play the Legg Mason (we’re still holding out hope). But tennis fans got a little star power Tuesday night, as “90210” actress Sara Foster was on hand to watch her fiance, Tommy Haas. A source told us Foster was “very casual” in spandex running pants, Converse sneakers and a black tank top. Speaking of Roddick, he’s been spotted at the Four Seasons this week. Other stars have hung their hats at the Donovan House on Thomas Circle, including the stars of “American Idol” Season 8, who played at the Verizon Center on Tuesday, and Sheila...

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Prayer group preps ‘Citrus Juice Summit’

The Pray at the Pump Movement, which gained notoriety for their pray-ins at area gas stations, has announced its own take on President Barack Obama’s “Beer Summit.” Claiming the president’s discussion over a beer sends the wrong message, organizers of the “Citrus Juice Summit” will have a “juice toast” in front of the White House today at noon. Rocky Twyman, founder of PAPM, who confirmed he and many people in his movement voted for Obama, said in a release, “we do not want our youth and nation to believe that serious problems such as racial profiling can be solved over a glass of beer.” They also plan to offer prayers that...

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Campaign like a champion today: Handicapping Holtz

Campaign like a champion today: Handicapping Holtz "If what you did yesterday seems big, you haven't done anything today." Thus reads one of college football coaching legend and ESPN analyst Lou Holtz's many famous motivational sayings — and a phrasing that's taken on new meaning of late as Holtz mulls a run for the Florida congressional seat currently held by Democrat Suzanne Kosmas. After all, if former Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne could do it, then why not Notre Dame's own Holtz? Well, for starters, being associated with the Irish may be a mixed blessing, especially in a football-crazy state like Florida. "Mr. Holtz clearly has incredible name ID, a fat...

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Hilton helps A-listers get to the loo

Sometimes it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference. Out of the $140 million renovations taking place at the Hilton Washington — including a new, 30,000-square-foot meeting room, a remodeled and raised outdoor patio area overlooking the city and a new pool deck — the thing that may most excite women at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner is ... the bathrooms. At a media tour Wednesday morning, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Steve Passanante said in past years, women had to exit the presidential clearance area to go to the facilities, causing them to wait to pass through security to get back in. But thanks to two additional...

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Sheila E., Gaynor speak out for Plant, Krauss

Grammy-winning disco diva Gloria Gaynor and 1980s pop princess Sheila E. were the latest artists to appear on Capitol Hill on behalf of the Performance Rights Act, which would require radio stations to compensate the artists and musicians whose songs they play. “We believe that being paid for one’s work is a basic American right,” said Sheila E., who’s been nominated for multiple Grammys. Marian Leighton Levy, co-founder of Rounder Records, discussed this year’s multiple-Grammy winners Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. The duo’s album, “Raising Sand,” she said, “won a Grammy for Album of the Year while receiving almost NO commercial...

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‘Idol’ finalists paint the town on eve of Verizon show

Six of the “American Idol” Season 8 finalists who were in town for Tuesday night’s show at Verizon Center blew off some steam Monday night at The Source, Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant in the Newseum. Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy and Lil Rounds led an entourage of almost 40 people for dinner. A restaurant spokeswoman says the group feasted on tuna cones, short ribs and “many mojitos.” Desai actually left the formal dining room upstairs to dine on pizzas in the lounge with two female friends. Iraheta, we hear, attracted the most attention, thanks to her little black dress and “sky-high, patent leather Christian...

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Obama's birthday, more fun for everyone else

About 48 years after witnessing Marilyn Monroe famously serenade President John F. Kennedy for his birthday during her first White House assignment, Helen Thomas was on the receiving end Tuesday, serenaded by the president who shares her birthday. President Obama surprised Thomas prior to a press conference Tuesday, bringing the longtime White House journalist a plate of cupcakes from Baked and Wired while leading the press corps in singing “Happy Birthday” for her 89th birthday. And reportedly Obama opted for a Pecan Pie from the same Georgetown bakery for himself to enjoy later. As for the president, he seemed to have done most of his own birthday celebrating this past...

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Obama joins wife on fashion list

We know almost every little detail about first lady Michelle Obama’s style, but now thanks to the addition of President Barack Obama to this year’s Vanity Fair International Best-Dressed list, we get a better look into what is about the man that got him on the same list as his fashionable wife. His “notable purchase” of 2009 that seemingly got him on the magzine's list (sure wasn’t his jean selection) WAS his $1,500 Hart Schaffner Marx suit. He opted for the Chicago tailor’s Gold Trumpeter collection – a two-button, single-vent jacket (complete with a pocket inside that reads “Made Exclusively for Barack Obama”) and cuffed trousers....

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Roddick meets Bo

At a press conference on Monday, American tennis stud Andy Roddick said that although he has the day off from the Legg Mason Classic today, he didn't expect to be bored. After all, he said, "there’s a lot worse places to worry about filling a day" than D.C. Because you can, oh, tour the White House? Early this afternoon, Roddick got a grand tour, which included the East Wing and the executive residence, according to a White House spokeswoman. She said that Roddick's people reached out to the Visitors Office, who set up the visit. Roddick exulted via Twitter that "this is so cool." And finally, "Just met the president's dog! So cute." No word on...

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Turner in town, prepping to play Ivins

That was Kathleen Turner spotted at the Bar at Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons on Sunday night. The raspy-voiced leading lady (“Body Heat,” “War of the Roses”) has been in town for a private, one-night development reading at Arena Stage of a new play entitled “Red Hot Patriot.” An Arena Stage spokeswoman tells us the one-woman play is about the late Texas journalist Molly Ivins....

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Gates still bleeds maroon

Robert Gates is going on three years as Secretary of Defense, but he still keeps plenty of ties to his last job as president of Texas A&M University. A recent poster to the Texags.com Web site linked to an AP item about Gates visiting Talil, Iraq, and other posters began to wonder if he still clicks on the site, as he did regularly as president. He soon responded, still using the handle “Ranger 65”: “I do drop in from time to time to keep grounded with the ‘real’ world — as much as Texags is the real world! Not. But I very much did notice the Texas A&M flag flying at Talil in southern Iraq yesterday morning as I drove by. Made me feel very...

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Media Mix: Justin Jones

A native of Rawley Springs, Va., and a D.C. resident, roots rocker Justin Jones fronts Justin Jones & the Driving Rain. He and the band are readying to releae their third disc together. They will appear as part of the bill on the Route 29 Revue Aug. 16 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Q: What’s your favorite TV show? “True Blood” Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “Revolutionary Road” Q: What book are you reading? “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac Q: What Web sites do you visit in the morning? E-mail is about it for me. Q: What’s new on your iPod? Levon Helm, “Electric Dirt” Conrado Bokoles, Justin Jones, Hunter...

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Roddick: Media tried to make me into Zac Efron

Ah, the phases of celebrity. After 10 years in the spotlight, Andy Roddick feels like he’s endured them all. “I feel like I’m on the defensive quite a bit,” said Roddick at a news conference Monday, when asked about his treatment by the media. “Coming up, I was the young, eager one. Then they tried to turn me into Zac Efron. Then you’re the punk. Then you’re the has-been. All the while, the meat and potatoes of who I am hasn’t changed.” Then Roddick, who plays his first match at the Legg Mason Classic Wednesday, showed a bit of his media savvy as he answered (or deflected) some other questions. Asked how his recent marriage to model...

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By the Numbers: Sarah and Todd

2:1 Odds, offered by Bookmaker.com, that former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, will divorce in 2009....

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Despite tabloid headlines, Diamond packs ‘em in at Arlington club

Where was “Saved by the Bell” alumnus Dustin Diamond this weekend, while all sorts of bad news was breaking about him? Why, in our fair city, of course. Diamond, who played the lovable nerd Screech before going on to make an adult film in recent years, played two sets each on Friday and Saturday night at the All Stars Comedy Club in Arlington. “He sold a lot of tickets,” said Dave Tullis, the owner of the club and a comic himself. “The crowd was 25-35ish.” And as for his material? “He references the show and how people perceive him,” said Tullis, who added that though Diamond was a “little bitter” about the show,...

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Scurry leads soccer stars at opening ceremonies

The Washington Freedom's Briana Scurry, the former U.S. National Team goalkeeper who became the hero of the 1999 Women's World Cup, was one of the guests of honor as D.C. opened the 2009 Street Soccer USA Cup Tournament at Kastles Stadium. Also in the house: Jamaican Ambassador Anthony Johnson, DC United players Clyde Simms and Boyzee Khumalo, Maria Cuomo Cole (wife of designer Kenneth Cole), Kastles owner Mark Ein and Mayor Adrian Fenty, who rolled out the first ball. The top players from the tournament will go on to represent the United States in the Homeless World Cup in Italy next month. And on Saturday, Hudson Bar & Lounge hosted the first annual Sport for Social Change...

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Romer: Summers, Geithner 'do like to talk'

"I do sometimes have to interrupt them because they do both like to talk." -Dr. Christina Romer, chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, speaking about her colleagues Larry Summers and Timothy Geithner on CNN's "State of the Union with John King"...

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G.I. Joes: Where's our beer, Barack?

The president has created a monster. After Thursday's "beer summit" with Sgt. James Crowley and Professor Henry Louis Gates, everyone's going to want to sip some suds on the White House lawn. Especially the celebrities who come to town. "I want a beer on the White House lawn!" actor Marlon Wayans told us at a screening of his new film, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," Friday night at Andrews Air Force Base. "Whassup Barack?" he pleaded. "I can have a vodka and tonic; it doesn't have to be a beer." His co-star, Channing Tatum, agreed. He said he told Wayans, who attended Howard University and supported the president’s campaign,...

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Chicago celebrated again, this time for sports

Score another one for President hometown. A large group of Olympians, politicians and kids gathered behind the Rayburn House Office Building on Wednesday to show their support for Chicago being chosen as the Olympic site in 2016 and to inspire kids to find their favorite sport and get fit. Three-time Olympian speedskater Nathaniel Mills yelled, “You ready to roll?” and skated around the park with a large group of kids in tow, practicing the all-important art of passing the baton. Tim Morehouse — silver medal winner in fencing at last summer’s Olympics in Beijing — taught a group of kids swordsmanship with foam sabers. He even took some time to challenge a...

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Happy Hour at the White House

“Mug it out,” “Audacity of Hops” — whatever you liked to call it has come and gone without any of the controversy that kicked it off in the first place. President Barack Obama finally sat down for the much-publicized drink Thursday night with Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr., Cambridge police Sgt. James Crowley and surprise guest Vice President Joe Biden. The men sat at a round, white table and drank from clear glass mugs while snacking on standard bar fare of peanuts and pretzels. Obama and Crowley stuck with their planned beers, a Bud Light for the president and a Blue Moon for the police officer. Gates, however, ended up with a Sam Adams Light...

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Kerry: Springsteen was there for me after '04 race

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., said after he lost the 2004 presidential race, one of his first visitors was none other than Bruce Springsteen, who supported him on the Vote for Change Tour leading up to the election. As part of a Springsteen profile in the current AARP magazine, Kerry says, "What you might not know is that in the aftermath of that bruising race, when I was pretty bruised myself, long after the crowds had gone away, Bruce was one of the first to visit me, and he brought that guitar I'd listened to on the campaign trail. And you know that guitar he gave me remains my proudest possession of the whole campaign. In good times and bad, he had my back, and that's all the honor...

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Speakeasy: Barbra Streisand

"I have a confession to make. I'm completely hooked on supporting the Clinton Foundation." -Barbra Streisand, perhaps sounding more suggestive than she needs to in a fundraising pitch for the former president's...

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McCain birthday an occasion to raise cash

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., turns 73 on Aug. 29, and his wife, Cindy, is already using the occasion to make a pitch for cash. In an e-mail to supporters she sent Tuesday, Mrs. McCain writes: “I hope you’ll join me in celebrating John’s birthday by signing the online birthday card we’ve put together for him. ... After you’ve signed the card, I hope you’ll make a generous contribution to John’s re-election campaign, so he can continue his service to our country. A contribution of $25, $50, $73 (one dollar for each year) or more will be a big help.” She goes on to say, “I know I’m a bit biased, but I believe we need my husband as...

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Water: The Vineyard an upgrade from Lake Michigan?

It’s a good thing President Barack Obama got away from Lake Michigan when he did. The Natural Resources Defense Council released its 2008 study on beach cleanliness Tuesday, naming Lake Michigan — which provides Chicago with its only beaches — as one of the country’s most polluted bodies of water. The group tested water quality (mainly its content of human and animal waste) as well as the beaches’ testing frequency and advisory system. It turns out the rich and powerful really do know where to play, as the beaches in their favorite East Coast vacation spots (Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, the Outer Banks and the Hamptons) all received high ratings on the...

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‘Real World’ cast takes in show at 9:30 Club

And here you thought all they did on “The Real World” was drink and argue. T he cast of “The Real World D.C.” stepped out Tuesday night at the 9:30 Club to take in the show by The Cab and support band My Favorite Highway. Three MTV camera crews followed them around the club as they bopped to the music and scarfed down 9:30’s signature cupcakes. The Cab, out of Las Vegas, even invited one cast member — whom we hear is named “Erica” — up onstage to assist with vocal duties for one song....

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‘Beautiful’ Clinton has a fan in China

Not all members of Asian diplomatic corps have harsh words for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Hot off the heels of a member of the North Korean Foreign Ministry saying “sometimes [Clinton] looks like a primary schoolgirl and sometimes a pensioner going shopping” comes Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo to make things all right. Clinton, Bingguo and Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner joined together Tuesday night for a annual dinner that joins together the senior economic and foreign policy leaders of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. But things got off-track when the remarks by her counterpart would cause a woman of any age blush. A...

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Capitol Hill: Animal Planet

Bo Derek was back on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to speak out on behalf of animals — something at which she’s becoming quite adept. The model and actress has been an active lobbyist against horse slaughter, but this week her topic was illegal trafficking in wildlife. Testifying before a House Resources subcommittee, she made it clear she was speaking as a board member of WildAid, not as a special envoy to the secretary of state for wildlife trafficking, a position she's held since the last administration. Derek, a well-known Republican, also emphasized “conservation knows no political borders; it is absolutely a bipartisan issue with passionate advocates from both...

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‘Loud’ and proud for Washington

And here director Davis Guggenheim thought he was venturing into an area totally unconnected to Washington. The man responsible for “An Inconvenient Truth” takes a different direction with his newest documentary, “It Might Get Loud,” focusing on the lives of Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White, as opposed to dying trees and melting icecaps. As he explained at a screening Monday, Guggenheim hoped to answer the question: “What would happen if one generation smashes up against the next one?” But thanks to a guest at Cleveland Park’s Avalon Theater, the native Washingtonian learned that while filming Page in London, he was in fact connected back to...

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A beer menu for Gates and Crowley

On Thursday, President Barack Obama, Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates and Cambridge Sgt. James Crowley will attempt to talk things out over a beer. According to reports, Gates prefers Beck's or Red Stripe, Crowley seems to be a Blue Moon man, and the president likes a Budweiser. But what brand should they drink? We scoured the lists of American beers to find a brew with that perfect message. How about a Democracy Pale Ale by Jefferson State Brewery in California? Or a Populist Porter by Free State Brewing Co. in Kansas? But what about the emotion of the moment? Love Stout by Yards Brewing Co. in Pennsylvania could be just the pour, as could White Buffalo Peace Ale by Crested Butte...

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Rahm does dessert

Sweets before bedtime are OK in the Emanuel household. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and his three kids were spotted Sunday night at Something Sweet, the new dessert shop on upper Wisconsin Avenue owned by Bo and Meghan Blair, the brains behind Smith Point, Rookery and Surfside. And on Monday, a source spotted D.C.’s own Dave Chappelle at the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown. We hear he’s been back in town for a few days....

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Millionaire Pitt wants money from the gov

We doubt when President Barack Obama released more than $787 billion in stimulus funds he expected a star who makes about $20 million a movie to tap into its funds. But that’s what Brad Pitt’s The Make It Right Foundation just did. As first reported by Variety, the foundation is applying as “part of a consortium” for federal stimulus funds to build new “green” homes in areas of New Orleans that were decimated by Hurricane Katrina. “The stimulus money would be seed funding for an expansion of Make It Right,” said Trevor Neilson, Pitt’s philanthropic and political adviser, referring to new building projects in Newark, N.J. Some...

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Speakeasy: Bill Burton

“I have an account that I follow on my personal BlackBerry, but I don’t actually Twitter myself. It’s more to keep track of what Diddy and Perez Hilton are up to all day.” — White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton responding to reports Monday that Twitter was blocked on White House...

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Frank: What's wrong with partisanship?

"I do not understand why 'partisan' has always been a bad word," declared Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the iconoclastic chairman of the House Financial Services Committee on Monday. Speaking at a National Press Club Luncheon, Frank opened by making his case that "political parties are necessary for democracy." The parties "are not sides picked randomly for color war at camp. They are not 1s and 2s," but rather groups of people who believe fundamentally different things. Frank then dated himself by using a Lone Ranger reference in making a point about opponents of financial regulations. "They want to return to the thrilling days of yesteryear when the...

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Speakeasy: Rush Limbaugh

"I have shown you get ratings on radio [by] being positive, respecting the audience, being inspiring and motivational at times, when it’s necessary." -Rush Limbaugh explaining the key to his 21-year longevity on the air with Fox New's Greta Van Susteren Friday night....

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Actress Goodwin shows support for 'little hairy family members'

Ginnifer Goodwin's "Just Not That Into" animal cruelty. That point was clear Saturday night, as Goodwin served as keynote speaker at the Humane Society of the United States' biggest summer soiree, "Taking Action for Animals" held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. "I am absolutely a happier person," PETA's "hottest vegetarian" began her remarks, a comparison to a life that wasn't so animal friendly until she "tragically lost" her dog. "It took me thirty years to have that moment of enlightenment," Goodwin told the organization's President and CEO Wayne Pacelle following her speech. "It was something...

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Michael Kors comes between first lady and her Calvins

Although not her most-donned fashion designer, nothing was going to come between first lady Michelle Obama and her Calvins – except maybe Michael Kors. Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa was awarded the National Design Award for fashion – the industry equivalent of the Academy Awards – by Mrs. Obama in a White House ceremony on Friday, marking a decade since innovators in architecture, fashion, interior design, landscaping, communications and product design were first celebrated annually by the President and first lady. To the surprise of many in attendance, Obama – who has worn Kors on numerous public occasions, ranging from his black sheath in her first...

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Asst Treasury Secretary is king of the court

Journalists, pols and other VIPs met in a celebrity tennis showdown Sunday in advance of the Washington Kastles' league championship match -- but it was a lesser-known Washingtonian who dominated. Alan Krueger, assistant secretary for economic policy at Treasury, was the topic of the postgame chatter, thanks to his reliable forehand and fearsome serve. "Sen. [Evan] Bayh played well, but man, Alan Krueger and that serve," exclaimed Fox News' Bret Baier, who partnered with Bayh. "Can we get a drug test on the Treasury guy?" asked Bayh. Only escalating their inter-network rivalry, CNN's Ed Henry, who was also part of the losing side, blamed Baier. "The...

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By the Numbers: Obamas in the Vineyard

By the Numbers 28.5 Size, in acreage, of Blue Heron Farm on Martha’s Vineyard, where President Barack Obama and his family will spend their summer vacation, according to the Vineyard Gazette 3 Number of separate leases being negotiated for the property — one for the family, one for Secret Service and a third for the Obamas’ “entourage” $35-50,000 Average lease rates, per week, of properties similar to Blue Heron...

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Michelle Obama's shortened hair style:Leave it to the pros

Earlier this week there was much buzz around first lady Michelle Obama’s hair – did she or didn’t she chop off her locks? Her hair stylist Johnny Wright solved the mystery saying that, no he hadn’t, but his amusing and confusing explanation of how the 'do is done ensures that no one will be able to create the shortened style at home. He tells urbanbeautycollective.com: "No, I didn’t cut her hair. There are two things I do. The UP-TUCK, like you are tucking something in. Then I do a TUCK-UP. The UP-TUCK is when I position a small ponytail somewhere on the head, and then I tuck the rest of the hair up under that ponytail. Then a TUCK-UP is when I take...

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Pitt's foundation applies for stimulus cash

The Make It Right Foundation, founded by Brad Pitt to build new, green homes in areas of New Orleans that were decimated by Hurricane Katrina, is "part of a consortium applying for federal stimulus funds," the Wilshire and Washington blog reports. "The stimulus money would be seed funding for an expansion of Make It Right," said Trevor Neilson, Pitt's philanthropic and political adviser. The money would allow for an expansion of the foundation's efforts in New Orleans, and also begin a new program in Newark, N.J. Pitt came to Washington in March to tout the program, meeting with President Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Energy Secretary Steven Chu....

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Tom Joyner treats committee room like radio booth

Tom Joyner can’t seem to stop being a disk jockey. The syndicated radio host came to the Capitol on Wednesday for a hearing on engaging the electorate and just couldn’t seem to shed his radio hosting habits. Although Joyner was the first to speak on the issue of voters’ problems in the last election, he kept his mic on for quite some time after he finished. After some instruction from House Committee on House Administration Chairman Robert Brady, he said sheepishly, “Oh,” as the crowd burst into laughter. He kept saying, “I’m just a DJ,” while explaining his positions, and when he “signed off,” he seemed to forget he was in...

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Wasserman Schultz’s troubled times traversing the Hill

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., learned the hard way that success in the Capitol might not be learning how to skillfully maneuver through the political process, but just being able to get into the building in the first place. After breaking her leg last week during the congressional softball game, which left her hobbling around Capitol Hill on crutches and a scooter, Wasserman Schultz voiced her concern about visitors dealing with similar challenges. “It’s really an issue. … It didn’t even occur to me,” Wasserman Schultz said at a House Committee on Appropriations hearing on the new visitor’s center describing her experiences getting around...

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Speakeasy: Chris Matthews

“It’s great if you go around midnight.” - Chris Matthews, listing the Lincoln Memorial as one of his favorite date spots from when he used to date “100 years ago,” in an address to Destination D.C. on Thursday. He said he also took dates to “The Exorcist” steps in Georgetown because they were a real...

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Washington Ballet’s Webre prepping for a return to stage

It’s been 16 years since Septime Webre, the artistic director of the Washington Ballet, has taken to the stage as a dancer. “I retired at age 30 with pleasure,” he told Yeas & Nays last week. “And while I love the physicality of dancing, it’s really tough to be a dancer and do anything else.” For Webre, that “anything else” involved becoming a nationally renowned choreographer, director and artistic leader in American dance. But in February, he’s planning on bringing his career full circle as he returns to the stage. “I’m trying to get in shape for the first time in 16 years,” he said. Not that he’s...

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Wounded vet busts out the poker pros

Sgt. Bret Chevalier’s not only a hero. He’s also a heckuva poker player. Chevalier bested 150 other players Tuesday night at a Poker Players Alliance tournament to benefit USO Metro and injured soldiers at Walter Reed. Along the way, he busted Greg “Fossilman” Raymer, the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event champion. As he does every time someone busts him out, Raymer gave Chevalier a signed fossil, as well as a pair of his signature lizard eye sunglasses. Chevalier also outlasted pros Annie Duke, Howard Lederer, Andy Bloch and Dennis Phillips, TV host Montel Williams and musician Ivan Neville, who sang the national anthem. Chevalier won two round-trip tickets...

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‘Philanthropist’ creator: I’m bad with titles

Who knew philanthropy could be controversial? Only when it’s on TV, apparently. The Hudson Institute sponsored a panel Tuesday to discuss whether NBC’s new show “The Philanthropist” is really all that philanthropic. Co-creator Tom Fontana called it “a show about a crazy man running around the world trying to do good.” That crazy man is the Richard Branson-esque Teddy Risk, played by James Purefoy. The main complaint? The show’s title. Steve Gunderson, of the Council on Foundations, said there is a fine line between philanthropy and charity, and the show’s title could confuse people. He said he wished it were named “The Good Samaritan....

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Rudy are you running?

It’s never too early to start campaigning for 2012. That seemed to be the mind-set of Rudy Giuliani Wednesday, traveling down to Washington to speak at what event host American Enterprise Institute called a discussion on capitalism. Giuliani, though, seemed to seize it as a chance to practice a future primary speech filled with one-liners aimed at the current president. The former mayor of New York City started out taking shots at President Barack Obama’s economic plans, calling the stimulus a “disaster” and claimed he “defined the problem we had incorrectly.” “I’m afraid we’re embracing social democracy. … Oh, because,...

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Sightings: Gehry: Buildings on the Mall are ‘OK’

Architect and cultural icon Frank Gehry was on Capitol Hill Tuesday night for a meeting of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission, which selected him to design the memorial. Staff handed out buttons that read “I Still Like Ike” to the crowd that included Ike’s grandchildren, David and Susan Eisenhower, Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Rep. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. When he took the microphone, Gehry even got off a one-liner about the buildings on the National Mall, where the commission hopes to site its project. “The buildings around it are, in my humble opinion ... OK,” he said. Also spotted: House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., celebrating his 69th birthday...

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Speakeasy: Jack Morris

“The best hot dogs are not at ballparks.” – Legendary baseball pitcher Jack Morris, at the American Meat Institute’s annual Hot Dog Lunch on Capitol Hill on...

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First grandma feeling 'left out' in new home

The first grandma of the United States is having a hard time letting go of granddaughters Sasha and Malia Obama. “They are at the age where they read and play with each other so Grandma is beginning to feel left out,” Marian Robinson admitted to an audience of young children Wednesday who participated in the Department of Education 's “Read to the Top” program. No doubt the “very big and very beautiful” White House and the girls’ around-the-world trip with their parents doesn’t help getting in that extra bonding time. She shared that the time they do spend together is hardly in front of a television — she allows her granddaughters...

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White House goes a little bit country

Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss grace the White House for its "Evening of Country Music" event on Tuesday night. Photos: Carrie...

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Speakeasy: Jack Morris

"The best hot dogs are not at ball parks." - Legendary pitcher Jack Morris at the American Meat Industry's annual hot dog lunch on Capitol Hill Wednesday. As for his preferred dog, Morris said, "Mustard and onions. I'm not a relish guy. I like sauerkraut too, but that's a different kind of...

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House to honor Heisman, oil

What do oil wells and college football legend John Heisman have in common? Titusville, Pa., it turns out. Let us explain. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., has introduced a bill, expected to be approved this week, that would recognize the historical and national significance of the many contributions of John William Heisman to the sport of football. Wait, didn’t Heisman, in whose honor the Heisman Trophy is named, die in 1936? Well, yes. But Thompson’s Western Pennsylvania district is celebrating “Oil 150,” the 150th anniversary of the region producing the world’s first commercial oil well. This occurred in — wait for it — Heisman’s hometown of...

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John Warner: Elder statesman

Former Sen. John Warner, R-Va., testified before his ex-colleagues John Kerry, D-Mass., and Dick Lugar, R-Ind., Tuesday at the Foreign Relations Committee hearing on climate change, and there was nothing but love for the silvery Virginian. Kerry even told the story of the day they met, when Warner presented him with a Silver Star for his time in Vietnam and that he gave Navy men a binnacle. “None of us could ask for a better guide than Sen. Warner’s own words and his life of service,” Kerry said with a smile. In his remarks, Warner said he felt that after hearing their opening statements he could ease back in his chair and not say as much as he initially...

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‘The Bachelor’ Baldwin gets a promotion

He’ll be an admiral before we know it. Yeas & Nays has learned that local resident Andy Baldwin, who starred in “The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman,” has been promoted from lieutenant to lieutenant commander. We caught up with Baldwin before Tuesday night’s Washington Kastles match, where he was bringing a cadre of service members for Military Family Appreciation Night. (The team gave a portion of ticket sales to the Got Your Back Network, which serves military families.) The promotion “happened earlier than expected,” said Baldwin, who just returned from a two-month medical humanitarian aid mission to Central and South America. Yes, he said,...

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Barton: Committees better than condoms

Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, the ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, doesn’t just oppose the Democrats’ health care bill. He thinks it’s a turnoff. Monday night, as the committee was debating the measure, Barton said, with a nod to Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif.: “I think I have the perect antidote, Mr. Chairman, to teenage pregnancy. Require every teenager to sit through one of these markups. If that doesn’t put you in a nonsexual, noninteractive mood, nothing will.” “I didn’t think it was that funny,” Barton added, after the room exploded into laughter. Teenage abstinence was a theme during the markup, as...

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Aldrin: I peed my pants on the moon

Photo: Carrie Devorah Neil Armstrong may be the first man to walk on the moon but second man Buzz Aldrin also placed first in a different category: first man to pee on the moon. “It’s lonely as hell out there. I peed in my pants,” Aldrin told an audience at the Newseum Monday, the 40th anniversary of the first lunar landing. Aldrin also joined other former astronauts from the Apollo missions at NASA’s Headquarters, where they came to a consensus that sending a crew to Mars should be the next big space adventure. “America to Mars is what it ought to be, not America back to the moon,” Aldrin said. Others at the event included Eugene Cernan of...

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Bar-hopping Cooper could get a 'Hangover'

Bradley Cooper sure knows where to hang out when he comes to town. The star of “The Hangover” concluded a USO tour overseas with Hall-of-Fame football coach Don Shula and running back Warrick Dunn, among others, and he was primed to hit the town. After landing at Andrews Air Force Base, Cooper headed to (where else?) Cafe Milano. Then it was off to the rooftop at the W hotel, the new hard-to-get-into hot spot. Finally, he concluded his night at L2 in Georgetown. No word on what his hangover remedy is....

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Gingrich: Book smart

Newt Gingrich sure knows his literature — including his own. The former House speaker took the podium at the Heritage Foundation Monday morning to discuss the need for a more robust national security. Throughout his address, Gingrich, who’s submitted scores of book reviews on Amazon.com, couldn’t resist name-dropping a few titles of his favorite books and movies, two books of which were his. He named Tom Clancy’s novel “Debt of Honor” and the Kurt Russell movie “Executive Decision” to show Sept. 11 wasn’t too difficult to imagine and said there “wasn’t a failure to imagine the possibility, just a failure to adopt public...

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Local chef to be knighted in his native Belgium

We’ll have yet another knight in our midst after Sept. 6 when Bart Vandaele, the chef at Belga Cafe on Capitol Hill, returns from his native Belgium. That weekend, Vandaele will be knighted by La Chevalerie du Fourquet des Brasseurs, or the Knighthood of the Brewers’ Mashstaffs, descendants of Belgium’s ancient brewers’ guild. “I’m very excited,” Vandaele told us last week. “It came as a little bit of a surprise.” “It’s kind of a reward,” he added, noting he’s been to Belgium to visit the breweries multiple times and has been an unabashed promoter of their products here in Washington. Vandaele’s Labor...

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By the Numbers

30 Number of times Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele used the word “experiment,” or a variation of the word, during his address about the Democrats’ health care plan Monday morning at the National Press Club. He even unveiled a new Web site, BarackObamaExperiment.com. 62 Number of signers, as of Monday afternoon, of the “Pledge to Read,” a promise by House Republicans to read the health care bill before voting on it....

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Would-be nominee Estrada ‘excited’ about a Court with Sotomayor

No hard feelings for Miguel Estrada, as he sees another Hispanic about to become the first confirmed to the Supreme Court. George W. Bush nominated Estrada nominated Estrada to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2001 — widely viewed as a precursor to a Supreme Court nomination — but Senate Democrats filibustered his confirmation in 2003. Estrada joined a panel at the Heritage Foundation on Friday to discuss the Court’s recently concluded term. Estrada didn’t show any sour grapes, saying that despite the past, he looks forward to the 2009-2010 Supreme Court year, which most likely will include the first Latina justice, Sonia Sotomayor. “I’m...

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Speakeasy: Buzz Aldrin

“[What] I want to remember most is the glance between Neil [Armstrong] and myself, with the engine shut off, just those seconds after we touched down, because we had just completed the most critical door opening for exploration in — in all of humanity.” -Apollo 11 astronaut Col. Buzz Aldrin, on "Fox News...

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Gregory Brothers: Which pol is best 'unintentional singer'?

You know the Gregory Brothers have made it big when they're not just using C-SPAN for raw material, but rather appearing on the political junkies' favorite network. The brothers for the uninitiated, have created a web sensation with their remixed, mashed-up videos of politicians and talking heads, called "Auto Tune in the News." "We had a feeling that if Paris Hilton had a recording contract, then why couldn't our nation's leaders, Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner, have their own recording contracts and pop careers?" asked Evan Gregory, as he appeared on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" on Friday. He explained how he, his wife and his two brothers mine C-SPAN...

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Axelrod: Obama's a real fan, Rahm's not

President Barack Obama isn't just going through the motions when it comes to backing his home-town Chicago White Sox, says top aide David Axelrod. "I think he regularly checks [the Sox scores] on 'SportsCenter' at night," Axelrod told the Chicago Tribune. "He keeps up on [the Sox], in between health care reform and arms control and all the other stuff he has to do. He keeps up on, not just baseball, but obviously on basketball, football. ... He's a big college football fan. So he's a good sports fan." That fandom even caused the president to clash with Major League Baseball offiicals when he threw out the first pitch in last week's All-Star Game. "There was a...

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Newly Christian Dylan lost a fan in President Carter

President Jimmy Carter preferred the music of a drug-loving, bed-hopping Bob Dylan, for once the rock icon gave up that life and became a Christian, Carter turned him off. That’s the claim in “What the Heck Are You Up To, Mr. President,” a new book on the former president out this week from Bloomsbury. While the book covers Carter’s famous “malaise speech” — the book’s title is taken from a July 4, 1978, New York Post headline after the speech — author Kevin Mattson discusses Carter’s changing love for singer Bob Dylan. Mattson writes that the president was a big fan of Dylan as the 1960s activist folk singer, but when he...

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GOP: The message, or the marketing?

Before getting elected, Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., was a marketing professional. So his critique of the Republican Party at an American Spectator lunch on Thursday wasn’t all that surprising. “What was on the package was not inside,” said DeMint, in explaining how the GOP didn’t live up to its promises when it controlled Congress. “The quickest way to kill a bad product is to advertise it.” And as for that product, he conceded that the GOP’s philosophy made for a tougher sell than that of the Democrats. “Democrats are giving away free Twinkies, and the Republicans are trying to sell health food,” he said....

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McCain blames bad grades on ‘immaturity’

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., got grilled by high schoolers Thursday, and he liked it. McCain spoke to the Junior Statesmen, an organization of politically aware high school students, about human rights Thursday morning. However, all he got in return was strict, harsh questions and a mug as a gift. After a long speech about the intentions of the Founding Fathers, our “national character” and a little bit on Iran, McCain opened the stage to questions from his young audience. And boy did he get them. The students questioned him on everything from the state of the Republican Party to Guantanamo Bay and torture to human rights violations in West China. One even asked the senator...

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Nixon: Why do they need to look at the moon again?

Apollo 11 took off 40 years ago Thursday, and official Washington was in full celebration mode. NASA commemorated the event at its headquarters with a discussion called “Apollo: History and Legacy.” The takeaway: 6 percent of Americans still believe the moon landing was staged. Craig Nelson, author of “Rocket Men: The Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon,” had something to say about that. “My favorite Armstrong quote is: ‘It’s so much easier to go there than to fake it,’" he said. The National Archives did its part as well, screening the grainy 1970 film “Moonwalk One.” They opened the event with a lecture about...

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Keep your congressman out of the cockpit

This should go without saying, but don’t let a congressman fly your plane. That was the lesson from a Capitol Hill event Wednesday, as Reps. Randy Forbes, R-Va., and Bobby Scott, D-Va., partnered to fly a simulated jumbo jet airplane as part of the third annual Capitol Hill Modeling and Simulation Expo. The pair didn’t last more than a few minutes before they crashed and burned — literally. “Never let him fly a plane … we crashed,” Forbes said. The high-tech simulations included demonstrations from medical, defense and engineering fields for industry training purposes to eliminate casual common mistakes. Scott dubbed Forbes the “congressional...

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Chef summit with Jean-Georges

Talk about a tough reservation. Celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, whose JG Steakhouse anchors the dining options at the new W Hotel, hosted some of D.C.’s top toques Monday night for a 10-course feast. Joining Vongerichten were Robert Wiedmaier of Marcel’s and Beck, Brian McBride of Blue Duck Tavern, Todd and Ellen Gray of Equinox, Ris Lacoste, R.J. Cooper of Vidalia, Scott Drewno of the Source and Patrick O’Connell of the Inn at Little Washington. Jose Andres joined the group later after celebrating his 40th birthday at Jaleo, even throwing on an apron to cook up a late-night snack alongside Jean-Georges while the chefs drank on the rooftop late into the...

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Speakeasy: Barbara Boxer

“This debate is about global warming. It’s going to get heated. It’s going to get hot.” — Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., chairing a hearing of the Environment and Public Works Committee Tuesday...

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Showing a little skin, all for the animals

Vegetarianism never seemed so sexy. Playboy Playmate of the Year Jayde Nicole and Cyber Playmate of the Year Jo Garcia joined People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to host National Veggie Dog Day on Capitol Hill today. The girls stood in fake lettuce bikinis (real lettuce wilts, of course) and handed out free veggie dogs to Hill staffers as a way to counteract the American Meat Institute’s annual Hot Dog Month and their annual National Hot Dog Day, which will take place later this month. There was a line down the street to see the ladies, and the girls took their time handing out dogs, smiling and posing for photos while dishing out compliments (“You could totally be...

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Grisham: ‘I’m not good at being accurate’

Since releasing “Innocent Man” in 2006, best-selling author John Grisham has turned his focus on exposing the perils inherent in the criminal justice system, even penning some nonfiction. But that’s not always easy. Grisham said he can “knock off a novel in six months,” but with nonfiction, “you have to be accurate. And I’m not good at being accurate.” Grisham appeared at the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project luncheon at the Grand Hyatt Wednesday, where the author and the subjects of “Innocent Man” told their tales of being wrongfully convicted of the crimes of murder, rape and robbery. A group of seven men and women of all ages...

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Congressional softball team goes down to defeat in its first game

Not content to let their male colleagues have all the fun in the annual Congressional Baseball Game, the congressional gals on Tuesday night played their first ever softball game. They didn't have enough players to do the whole Republicans vs. Democrats thing like the men, however, so their bipartisan squad took on a team of staff from the National Republican Congressional Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee, all to raise money for the Young Survival Coalition. Despite the fact that organizers Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo., had the members out at 7 a.m. to...

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Forget North Korea: Animal rights stirs concern for South

Lately we’ve all been worried about North Korea and its dictator with nuclear power. But now one animal defense group is trying to give us a reason to be concerned about South Korea: its people’s alleged eating habits. Protesters from In Defense of Animals planted themselves outside the Korean Embassy on Tuesday to demonstrate against the torture and butchering of cats and dogs for food in South Korea. They waived posters that asked “Companions or Cuisine?,” flashed peace signs at anyone they saw in the windows of the embassy and pushed pamphlets at anyone who walked by or came out. The group could use some more supporters, however — it was made up of only...

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Obama steals another Fenty staffer

Look no farther than your own (new) backyard. That could be the advice President Barack Obama remembers when nominating people to his administration. In a nod to Mayor Adrian Fenty, Obama successfully got a second person from the D.C. mayor’s office to pack up and move across Pershing Park to the White House as a top official. The Senate Committee on Finance held a hearing Tuesday on the nomination of former City Administrator and Deputy Mayor Daniel Tangherlini to be assistant secretary for financial management and chief financial officer under Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. With family present at the hearing, Tangherlini spoke about his long tradition of public...

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Brad Paisley includes fans at Lincoln Memorial video shoot

Tourists lucky enough to visit the Lincoln Memorial Monday night got quite a surprise, as they found themselves backing Brad Paisley in a new video. The guitar-pickin’ country star, on a short break in his current tour, stopped by the Lincoln Memorial with a film crew in tow late Monday afternoon to film a scene for a new music video. After signing plenty of autographs and posing for numerous pictures, he invited the fans who had hastily assembled around him to be a part of the production, and they gathered behind him as he sang (or at least lip synched). Paisley comes back to the D.C. area next week to play Nissan Pavilion....

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Speakeasy: Chuck Grassley

"People always say I have the ability to turn people on." -Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, after a protester interrupted his questioning of Judge Sonia Sotomayor on...

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Jonas Brothers: baseball pros by day, musicians by night

They’re clearly are passionate about their music — selling out concerts, topping the charts and bringing in bank at the box office. But after catching the Jonas Brothers Monday at a softball game in Virginia, it’s clear they have another intense passion — baseball. To let loose while on the road, the brothers formed the team “Road Dogs,” which takes on locals at various stops along the nationwide tour. Monday marked a stop in Dulles where the boys took on the AOL Allstars — the event host and partners with Marquis Jets that fly the boys — to benefit their charity, Change for the Children. It soon became clear to the hundreds in...

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Miss D.C.: Washington, without the scandal

Beauty pageant news coverage during the last year has been like never before, thanks largely to the political controversies surrounding former pageant contestants such as soon-to-be former Alaska Gov. Alaska Sarah Palin or former Miss California Carrie Prejean. But Sunday night’s Miss D.C. pageant lacked that sort of drama. Recent American University graduate Jennifer Corey was crowned Miss D.C. 2009, and her win probably wasn’t a shock to anyone in attendance at the Lincoln Theatre. Before the announcement of the new title-holder, Corey won the top award for outstanding talent, bathing suit competition and evening gown. The tall, thin blonde will compete for the title of...

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Nike gives Serena D.C. duds

Wimbledon champ Serena Williams plays her first (and only) home match for the Washington Kastles tonight. And, as she is wont to do, she’ll be making a fashion statement when she takes the court. Kastles owner Mark Ein asked Nike to create a special uniform for Williams. Nike came back with an adaptation of the outfit she wore when she won the Wimbledon doubles title with her sister, Venus. Rather than white, this one will be a mix of blue and red, with shorter sleeves than the three-quarter top she wore in England. “We always want to make sure Serena looks fabulous,” said Nike’s Suzanne Pond, who added that Serena will wear the outfit until the U.S. Open...

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Three area chefs vie for ‘Top Chef’

Bravo is firing up the competition again with its latest season of “Top Chef,” which premieres next month. The D.C. area finds itself dominating the show with three “cheftestants” competing, proof the local culinary scene is on the rise. The sixth season of the hit show will feature a little sibling rivalry with two brothers from Frederick, Md., Michael and Bryan Voltaggio. Though Michael headed for work in Los Angeles, Bryan remains in the area as the chef/owner of VOLT Restaurant, a three-star fine dining restaurant in his hometown. Bryan received his training at the Culinary Institute of America and was an apprentice to famous chef Charlie Palmer. The third...

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Speakeasy: Lindsey Graham

“Unless you have a complete meltdown, you are going to get confirmed.” — Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Monday in his opening statement at the first day of Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation hearings....

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Nationals Stadium keeps it national at concert

A new music venue in Washington means one more great spot for Congressman to take advantage of holding great fundraising opportunities. Case in point: Saturday night at Nationals Stadium, which was hosting its first concert since opening in 2008. Reps. Jean Schmidt, R-Ohio, and John Shimkus, R-Ill., both thought Elton John and Billy Joel were big-ticket items – so they offered access for $2,000 and $1,500, respectively. And the political action committee Leadership for America's Future - with Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz. -offered tickets to a night with the representative, the piano man, and the Sir for a couple thousand dollars. After John ran off stage in a fit when his piano...

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Speakeasy: Obama in Africa

"I like this....I think Congress needs one of these horns. That sounds pretty good. Sounds like Louis Armstrong back there." President Barack Obama referring to the trumpet that played before he gave his remarks to the Ghananian president in Accra, Ghana on Saturday....

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Speakeasy: John Boehner

“It’s nice having many of you further away from me.” — House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, at his daily briefing that took place for the first time Thursday in the much larger briefing room at the Capitol Visitors Center....

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After helping Obama to White House, Wilco gets a tour

If anyone wondered why alt-country band Wilco was at the White House on Thursday, let us count the ways. Hailing from the same hometown as President Barack Obama, the Chicagoans who make up Wilco are longtime supporters. The bandmates met the then-senator in 2005 when he introduced them onstage at the 20th anniversary Farm Aid concert. They again appeared together the next year on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” when O’Brien broadcast live from the Windy City. In 2007, they were the headlining act for the “Change Rocks” fundraiser that benefited the Obama campaign. White House spokesman Josh Earnest confirmed to us the bandmates and some of their...

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A new kind of 'W'

A cross section of Washington stopped by 15th and E streets on Wednesday night, as the W Hotel officially opened its doors. Spotted hanging out at the P.O.V. Bar on the rooftop: Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau; Air America host Ana Marie Cox; Yosi Sargent of the National Endowment for the Arts; White House staffers Jon Favreau, David Washington and James Greenspun; local R&B singer Mya; former House Majority Leader Dick Armey; Channel 4 sports reporter Lindsay Czarniak; and Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who's overseeing the hotel's cuisine. One White House staffer was overheard saying that the best part about the W is that they can come over without ever really stepping outdoors —...

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Anna's rock on display, even if her forehand isn't

Anna Kournikova wasn't shielding the massive rock on her finger Wednesday night as her St. Louis Aces played the Washington Kastles. The ring has been the subject of rumors that she's engaged to her longtime boyfriend, singer Enrique Iglesias. She refused to comment on the matter. (Photo: Carrie...

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Oliver gives pols humor envy

Everyone wants to be John Oliver, but all John Oliver wants is to stay in the U.S. with Jon Stewart. Oliver, joined by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Bill Clinton, spoke at the Campus Progress National Convention Wednesday night, and all the “big ticket” names were jealous of his humor. Oliver opened the show by saying that he hopes to stay on “The Daily Show” as long as they — and immigration services — will allow. He said he thought his time was up in three days and that he’s applying for a green card so he doesn’t get carted away. He also touched on the topic of his boss, Stewart, when asked if there were any quirks...

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Numbers: Martin's Tavern

15, 35 and 80 The price, in cents, of french fries, clam chowder and meat loaf, respectively, at Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown on Tuesday night, where the famous restaurant celebrated its 75th anniversary by offering the menu from the year it opened, 1934....

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Reciprocal love between Franken, the working class

Only one day in office and already Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., is getting special treatment — special treatment from special interests groups. Labor union AFL-CIO was the first group to cozy up to the new senator, hosting a party in his honor Tuesday evening at the union’s headquarters, only steps from the White House. And it soon became clear Franken is ready to give the love right back. He told the crowd of AFL-CIO and Working America supporters — who were joined by his new colleagues, fellow Minnesotan Amy Klobuchar and Jon Tester of Montana — that his long-debated election win was because of them. “It’s completely accurate to say that I...

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Waxman: Back in health, back on the Hill

Before he can tackle health care reform, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., has to convince everyone that he himself is healthy. Waxman fainted in his Los Angeles district office a week ago, and was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for tests. But back from the Independence Day recess this week, Waxman assured a breakfast crowd he was OK. “I’m healthy and ready to go into health care reform,” Waxman said at a breakfast hosted Wednesday by the National Journal Group. He also got some plugs in for his new book, “The Waxman Report,” which is based on his 35 years in the House. “There are a lot of things that Congress does that nobody pays attention...

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Joel Madden: ‘I’m a very poor speller’

Apparently Joel Madden has caught the Twitter bug, though he’s using it for a different reason than most. Madden, of Good Charlotte (and Nicole Richie) fame, joined John Prendergast of the Enough Project Wednesday and urged people to be active … digitally. As Madden took the stage at the Campus Progress national conference (after Twittering himself backstage, according to Prendergast), the first thing he asked was “You guys Twittering right now?” He and Prendergast went on to explain the goals of their project: to break down barriers and stop violence in central Africa. They talked about conflict minerals in the Congo, which are used for electronics, and the...

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Summers drops the ball

White House National Economic Council Director Larry Summers knows a thing or two about tennis. Back in 2003, he told the Harvard Crimson he was on a "low-carb, high-tennis" diet, and he's been known to throw down on court with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. Let's hope his racket is better than his hands. During Monday's World TeamTennis matches, a ball went up into the stands and right at Summers — who promptly fumbled it. Also spotted in the crowd: Mayor Adrian Fenty and his wife, Michelle, Redskin legend Darrell Green, the Wizards' Caron Butler and Javaris Crittenton and the recently traded Oleksiy Pecherov, DC Deputy Mayor Valerie Santos, former Senator (and...

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Phife Dawg begins ‘Quest’ for health care

That was Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor of A Tribe Called Quest appearing Wednesday at a health care forum at the Service Employees International Union headquarters. Taylor spoke about J Dilla, a rising hip-hop producer whose life was cut short by lupus. “Normally, I found it kind of odd being apart of things like this.” Taylor said at the "Health Care Remix" discussion. He also spoke about his own struggle with diabetes and kidney trouble. In 1999, Taylor found out that his kidneys were severely damaged and eventually had to go on dialysis. “It was rough,” Taylor said as he explained how his conditions worsened in 2006. Fortunately,...

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Allen goes deep with a new tome about ... football

When he was governor and then senator from Virginia, George Allen grew notorious for employing one rhetorical device over and over: the sports analogy. It seemed like a rare speech from the former University of Virginia quarterback and son of Redskins coach George Herbert Allen that didn’t refer to “pushing the ball over the goal line” or some similar construction. He even threw a ceremonial final football during his concession speech after losing to Sen. Jim Webb in 2006. Well, Regnery Publishing announced Tuesday that Allen has signed a contract for a book, due out in 2010. And why not write what you know, right, Senator? The book’s title says it all: “The...

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Hatch takes on college football

Nearly six months into the 111th Congress, senators finally are addressing the real issues — like the postseason system in college football. Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, held a hearing Tuesday on that very matter, continuing a long congressional tradition of members making like sports commissioners. Why is Hatch so exercised about the Bowl Championship Series system? Because his beloved Utah Utes, despite being the country’s only undefeated team in 2008, were denied a chance to play for the championship. In his opening statement at the hearing, which explored the antitrust implications of the BCS system, Hatch said, “Clearly, the BCS bowl games exist in a category all...

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EPA agrees with Inhofe’s global warming claim

The senator who once called global warming the “greatest hoax perpetrated on the American people” just got a bit of a boost, and by a member of President Barack Obama’s administration, no less. Ranking member Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., got just the ammunition he’ll need to fight the Markey-Waxman bill at Tuesday’s Senate hearing — the first one following the House’s successful passage of the energy bill — when Lisa Jackson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, agreed with the Republican’s claim that the United States alone could not affect the levels of carbon dioxide, even if the bill passed in the...

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Venus: Wimbledon is my warmup

Appearing at a press conference before her WorldTeam Tennis match against the Washington Kastles here on Monday night, Venus Williams was asked how she prepares for the team season every year. "My prep for team tennis every year is Wimbledon," she deadpanned. Indeed, after losing her her sister, Serena, in the finals on Saturday, Venus flew directly from London to D.C. on Sunday. Her matches for the Philadelphia Freedoms were her first since that tough loss. "I love World TeamTennis, so it's a no brainer to be here," she said, citing the fact that she can "get a couple of laughs in" and "enjoy the atmosphere," which is hard to do on the pro...

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Manilow takes in 'Color Purple'

Fresh off his performance at the Capitol Fourth concert on Saturday, legendary songster Barry Manilow became a fan on Sunday night, as he took in "The Color Purple" at the Kennedy Center. Manilow had good seats in the orchestra section, and after the show, he went backstage to meet the star, "American Idol" winner Fantasia....

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PETA seeks rights to Jakco's tune about rat

Somehow PETA is able to take any sort of event and spin it into a plea for kindness to animals. Michael Jackson’s death is no exception. PETA is currently seeking the rights not to Jackson’s “Beat It” (an ode to kicking your meat habit?) or “Bad” (to educate about the horrors of animal torture?), but to “Ben,” one of Jackson’s lesser-known songs from 1972, about a boy and his pet rat. In a release sent out last week, the organization states that the song by the recently deceased King of Pop, whose memorial is taking place today in Los Angeles, is a “moving testament to the power of empathy for animals” and believes...

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Legendary G'Town watering hole to close Sunday

Last week, Carol Joynt, the proprietor of Nathans restaurant, sent out an invitation asking her friends to join her at the Georgetown institution to celebrate her birthday this coming Sunday. But now, that occasion will be more bitter than sweet, as she's announced that Sunday will be Nathans' last day in business. "After 40 years of serving millions of happy and loyal customers, and opening its doors 365 days of every year, Nathans will close at last call on Sunday, July 12," Joynt wrote in an email to friends and supporters on Monday. "We hope over the next week you will find the time to come in and enjoy a last drink and meal with us. We wish we could give it away, but...

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Speakeasy: Cool Obama

"You are very, very famous as a very cool man." -A Russian television journalist, interviewing President Barack Obama before he left for Russia this weekend...

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Media Mix: Steven Ward

Media Mix: Steven Ward Master matchmaker and host of Vh1’s “Tough Love” Steven Ward is coming to Washington this week to host a crash course seminar on today’s dating world at the Ritz-Carlton July 8th and 9th. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? "He’s Just Not That Into You." Q: What’s your favorite TV show? "Tough Love" on VH1, "SportsCenter." Q: What book are you reading? "Journey of Souls" by Dr. Michael Newton, "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" by Steve Harvey, "The Complete Kama Sutra." Q: What Web sites do you visit every morning? Mastermatchmakers.com,...

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Sightings: Braves and Real World

Fans turn out at Braves' hotel The Atlanta Braves stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City for their Fourth of July weekend series against the Nationals and their fans knew it. Sources tell us a couple dozen Braves fans had staked out some ground in front of the hotel. Police were called, after which the Friends of Chipper, et al, were allowed to stay on the sidewalk, but had to remain off of hotel property. And speaking of attracting attention, the cast of "Real World D.C." has been here only a few days and is already receiving plenty of it. They were spotted with camera crews in tow drinking at Chi Cha lounge Thursday night on U Street and Lucky Bar near Dupont Circle on...

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White House celebrates nation, Malia’s birthday

Her sister may have been spoiled a bit for her 8th birthday, spending the day in London with the cast of the “Harry Potter” movies, but Malia Obama got to spend her 11th under the sky of a hundred fireworks. Malia Obama was fetted Saturday night in addition to the county’s independence, born 11 years ago the same day as the nation did 233 years back. President Barack Obama told the crowd at the Independence Day party on the South Lawn how the day holds a special significance to their family and recalled that when Malia was little her use to tell her the fireworks each year were for her. “I’m not sure she buys that [any more],” he joked about his...

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Obama goes to Disney World, will stay forever

While Sarah Palin quit Alaska, President Barack Obama escaped to Walt Disney World. Or at least his futuristic animatronic, and somewhat creepy, twin did. The Florida amusement park unveiled on July 4th the newest addition to the “Hall of Presidents” exhibit– an Obama robot. The robot appears onstage with 42 other presidents and, naturally, is featured standing next to his highly publicized hero, President Abraham Lincoln. The “imagineers” at Disney stated they studied hours of campaign film and his speeches at the convention and inauguration to master all his subtle mannerisms and facial expressions. Obama even got involved first-hand, recording a...

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Saylor hosts a July Fourth spring break

For most people, the Fourth of July marks a day of simple pleasure — backyard barbecues, family picnics and fireworks on the Mall. For others, well, it can be a debaucherous afternoon spent at a million-dollar penthouse on the Potomac getting hosed down with dozens of other twentysomethings. That’s what MicroStrategy Chief Executive Officer and billionaire Michael Saylor has in mind, hosting a “Red, White and Blue Beach Bash” Saturday at two top-floor apartments on Washington Harbor. But the party seems to owe more to college spring break than to the founding of our country, or so depicts an e-mail sent Wednesday in response to the “dozens of questions...

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By the Numbers: Fourth of July

$193 million The value of fireworks imported in 2008 from China, our leading fireworks importer $3 million The dollar value of American flags imported in 2008 from China, our leading flag importer 24 million The number of cases of beer sold at supermarkets across the country during the July 4 holiday period in 2008. Very little of that was from...

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Independence Day arcana

Independence Day arcana Members of Congress don’t just get a long weekend this year. They get a whole long week, thanks to the congressional recess. So we canvassed the Hill and asked how they’ll be spending their time Saturday as America celebrates its 233rd birthday. The most common Independence Day activity of the enterprising elected official? Parades. Nearly every House member we spoke with will be marching in some parade or other. Our favorite? The annual Ancients and Horribles Parade in Chepachet, R.I., where Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse will march. (The name stems from Rhode Islanders making fun of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts,...

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Sightings: Bedingfield has some Art with her Soul

Natasha Bedingfield, one of the singers performing at Saturday's "A Capitol Fourth" concert on the Mall, landed in town on Thursday. The British chanteuse had lunch at Art and Soul with her sister. She was wearing a low-cut, V-neck black dress with a gold fringe necklace and sunglasses on her head, she asked to be seated by the window and dined on a crabcake appetizer and rockfish with Chesapeake jumbalaya. And the cast members of "Real World D.C." officially moved in today. Their first stop in their new city: the liquor store....

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Washington Post sells access, White House denies involvement

The Washington Post has long prided itself on its access to the capital's elite. Now, it appears, the paper is willing to sell that access. In a flier circulated to Beltway lobbyists, the Post touted a "salon" program which gives "exclusive access" to "Obama administration officials, Congress members, business leaders, advocacy leaders and other select minds" for between $25,000 and $250,000. (View an image of the flier.) White House officials said privately Thursday that the administration had no idea that the Post was peddling access to its officials. The first event, entitled "Health-Care Reform: Better or Worse for Americans" is scheduled for...

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Bar fight won’t affect Kournikova’s tennis

Anna Kournikova always seems to make things interesting before she arrives in D.C. As reported by the New York Post, the tennis star got into a fracas Saturday night in Las Vegas after a woman threw a drink at her. After attending a table tennis tournament, Kournikova & Co. were partying at the Lavo nightclub, when the offending drink was tossed. Kournikova began shoving the woman, according to the Post, resulting in a “big fight,” and leaving some scratch marks on the blond bombshell. Kournikova is set to play for the St. Louis Aces against the Washington Kastles here July 8. A spokeswoman for the Kastles says the World Team Tennis League says she’s fine and...

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God to ‘Joe the Plumber’: Stick to your day job

Maybe there is a God. That’s sure to be in the minds of some people after hearing from Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher — aka “Joe the Plumber” — that he does not intend to run for public office. “You know, I talked to God about that and He was like, ‘No,’ ” Wurzelbacher said in a new interview with WorldNetDaily this week about his intentions to become a politician. Last year at the height of his fame following his starring role in the presidential debates, the former plumber said “[he]’d be up for [running].” There was even a “Draft Joe the Plumber” Web site started by some fans. But alas, Wurzelbacher...

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With Tiger, Boehner tries to keep bogeys at bay

How well can you prepare for a round of golf with Tiger Woods if you're the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives? Not that well, to hear Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, tell it. Boehner played in Wednesday's AT&T National Pro-Am with Woods and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. Normally one of Congress's top talents on the links, Boehner struggled a bit, even from an easier set of tees than Woods and Romo played. "I played yesterday in L.A.," Boehner told us from the 6th tee — his only round this week in preparation. "Too much to do." He said after "two years of back problems and sciatic nerve problems," he's back down to a 9...

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New book tells stories of the higher-ups getting high

Ah, the 70s. Stagflation, disco and presidential aides getting high with Hunter S. Thompson. That and many other drug-induced escapades fill the pages of “This Is Your Country on Drugs," the new history by journalist’s Ryan Grim. Case in point: President Jimmy Carter and the drug advisors he surrounded himself with during the late 70s. Grim, reading a chapter at Busboys and Poets on Monday night, told the story of how Keith Stroup, a pro-pot lobbyist and founder of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws devised Carter's on marijuana policy over a joint. Turns out, according to Grim, Carter's speechwriter Griffin Smith was a friend of the green herb and...

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Jodie Foster: Not a vegetarian

Proving that celebs will, in fact, come to town while Congress is out of session, Jodie Foster was spotted having lunch at The Source on Tuesday. No vegetarian, the Academy Award winner dined on the Kobe beef burger. Following lunch with a female friend and two children, the group didn't travel far - they spent their afternoon at the Newseum. Sources say they spent at least two hours checking out the museum, spending a lot of time at the Berlin Wall exhibit. Also in town is singer/actress Jessica Simpson. Simpson is here to watch her beau, Dallas Cowboy quarterback Tony Romo, play today with Tiger Wood in the Pro-Am group of Woods' AT&T National Tournament at Congressional Country...

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Jim Moran: Paper or plastic?

Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., took an hourlong stint bagging groceries at a Safeway in Alexandria Tuesday afternoon. No, he isn't trying to earn a few extra quid; his efforts were part of Safeway’s annual prostate cancer fundraising and awareness campaign. Moran was on hand to raise awareness and encourage giving. Courtesy...

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Overheard at the Aspen Ideas Festival Tuesday

"I'm Sandy O'Connor. I'm just an unemployed cowgirl." -former Justice Sandra Day O'Connor "Speaking of things going on in Congress, if the vote had gone the other way on Friday, I would be here in sack cloth and ashes." -White House Science Advisor John Holdren “Remember the 1990s, when the mere mention of Dan Quayle brought mirth and joy to the conversation? … Like a fine wine, Dan Quayle has no shelf life.” -- Atlantic Media President David Bradley “In 1999, I thought, ‘I’m going to be dead soon, why not tell the truth? ... Of course the joke is: I’m not dead.’” -The Atlantic's Andrew Sullivan “There...

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Palin: Are there any friends left?

Writing in this month’s Vanity Fair, Todd Purdum catalogs just how rapidly Sarah Palin has burned through friends and confidantes. Walter Hickel, the former Alaska governor who chaired Palin’s gubernatorial campaign in 2006, told Purdum, “I don’t give a damn what she does.” And John Bitney, a junior-high school friend and former legislative liaison for Palin, said, “I find it’s frustrating dealing with Sarah, because it seems we’re always dealing with emotional crap, and we never seem to be able to focus on the business at hand. Check my feet for horseshoes if I have to sit there and listen to another talk show.” Purdum also...

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By the Numbers: Chinese food

4 Number of area Chinese restaurants to make it into the “Top 100 Chinese Restaurants” in the USA Dining Guide 2009. 0 Number of those restaurants located in D.C.’s Chinatown. (All, in fact, are in the Virginia...

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Media Mix: Stacy Keach

Stacy Keach has taken a break from his stage portrayal of Richard Nixon in “Frost/Nixon” to return to the Shakespeare Theatre. Keach plays the title role in “King Lear” through July 19, and he gave us his Media Mix via e-mail last week. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “Transformers” (the new one). Q: What book are you reading? Michael J. Fox’s “Always Looking Up” Q: What’s new on your iPod? I don’t use an iPod. Q: What’s your favorite TV show? “American Greed” [Keach narrates the show.] Q: What Web sites do you visit in the morning? I visited Greenbrier’s Web site this...

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Owen Wilson does Gene Kelly

In one of their final scenes in Washingto for "How Do You Know?", Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon shield themselves from some fake rain during filming Friday in Georgetown. Photo: Brandon...

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Hodgman bests Obama online

John Hodgman’s routine at the Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association dinner last weekend got mixed reviews from the Washington elite — but not by YouTube viewers. As of Sunday afternoon, Hodgman’s standup bit from the weekend prior had garnered 380,884 hits on the video-sharing site. Contrast that to President Barack Obama’s remarks, which had earned less than half of that, at 153,115. In fact, Hodgman’s performance topped Obama’s remarks at May’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner (302,349 hits) and Wanda Sykes’ standup routine there as well (190,674). Perhaps those “nerds” that he professed...

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Archives lecture focuses on ‘gender-bending’ soldiers

Chopping off their hair, changing their names and dressing like men — that’s how some 250 women managed to fight in the Civil War. The National Archives’ Christine Blackerby spoke about one of these courageous women Friday at a lecture on the stories behind the documents of Congress. An application for a Discharged Soldier for Arrears of Pay from March 24, 1882, marked one of the “gender-bending soldiers,” Pvt. Franklin Thompson, aka Sarah Emma Edmonds. Disguised as a man, Edmonds joined the Union Army at 19 years old because it allowed her more economic, legal and social opportunities. In April of 1865, Edmonds came down with malaria and fled the army to...

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By the Numbers:Luau

84, 650, 600 — Pounds of macadamia nuts, pork and red snapper, respectively, prepared for Thursday night’s luau-themed picnic for Congress at the White House....

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Rooney: He better get used to rubgy

Which is better: Winning the Super Bowl or having President Obama nominate you to be ambassador to Ireland? This question stumped Pittsburgh Steelers Owner Daniel Rooney as he responded, “I don’t think I could answer that.” Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, Rooney said he would respectfully sever ties with the football team if the Senate confirmed his nomination. Same goes with Sen. Edward Kaufman, D-Del., who as chair opened saying he was grew up in Philadelphia making him a “lifelong Eagles fan,” but admitted that wouldn’t hold him back from acknowledging the accolades of Rooney’s team. “I will not...

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Even as a 'dirtbag,' he's Pure and easy

James Purefoy, the English actor whom American audiences got to know as Marc Antony in HBO's "Rome," was at the Landmark E Street Cinema Wednesday with a gaggle of NBC execs for the world premiere of his new prime time series "The Philanthropist." His billionaire character spends the show running around, all Richard Branson-like, doing good deeds in third world countries. But at the after-party at CoCo Sala, one fan focused on his character's other tendencies. "You're all about the ladies," she told him. "You're kind of a dirtbag." Afterward, Purefoy and company ate at the Old Ebbitt Grille, while they watched the premiere on NBC, thanks to the...

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Celeb activism beats frivolity, selfishness

Actresses Kristen Bell and AnnaLynne McCord showed their humanitarian colors when they came to Washington on Tuesday for the How It Ends lobby day, which partnered with Invisible Children, Resolve Uganda and the Enough Project. The mission of the day: Persuade Congress to take action and work to end a 23-year-old war in Uganda that results in children being forced into the roles of sex slaves and soldiers. Bell (“Forgetting Sarah Marshall”) said working with Invisible Children makes her feel less jaded. “Sometimes I feel very frivolous about my career in general, and I don’t often feel like I have a purpose,” she said. She got involved after her...

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Nick Jonas: Pop star today, president in 2040

Don’t be surprised if you see Nick Jonas’ name on the ballot in 2040 — that’s the year he’s planning to run for president. Yes, the youngest member of the Jonas Brothers is still too young to vote, but he already has his sights set on the highest office in the nation. “It feels good, it feels right,” Jonas told Yeas & Nays about his time in Washington, specially referencing his trip Tuesday to the White House where he met with President Barack Obama. Jonas’ official merchandise Web site sells bumper stickers that read “Jonas 2040,” and he told us that he spends a lot of time reading up on the presidents....

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Red Sox movie gains some Nationals fans

The timing of Monday night’s premiere of “The Lost Son of Havana” could not have been more perfect. The day before Nationals fans filled the stadium Tuesday night for a historic game against the Boston Red Sox — the first time they’ve played a regular-season game since 1971 — viewers got to watch a film about the star pitcher of those ’71 Sox, Luis Tiant. Tiant is the focus of the newest documentary from Bobby Farrelly, one half of the Farrelly brothers. Best known for “Dumb & Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary,” Farrelly took a new route in his newest film, following the heartwrenching story of the...

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Stacy Keach: From Nixon to Lear

Stacy Keach sure loves playing those controversial heads of state. Monday marked opening night for his run as King Lear at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Artistic Director Michael Kahn noted the legendary actor had to take a hiatus from playing Richard Nixon in the highly successful touring production of “Frost/Nixon” so he could come to Washington and play Lear. It’s not the first favor he’s ever done for the theater, Kahn added. Back in 1990, Kahn asked Keach to play Richard III when its plays were still staged at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Keach agreed, and “it really put the Shakespeare Theatre on the map,” Kahn said. Kahn remembers...

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Andres draws more inspiration from National Gallery

“What does a chef have to do with an art exhibition?” asked D.C.’s own celebrity chef Jose Andres at the National Gallery of Art’s preview of its newest exhibit, The Art of Power: Royal Armor and Portraits from Imperial Spain. Well, this TV chef has a lot to do with the National Gallery of Art. With the gallery’s opening of two Spanish exhibits this summer, Andres created a menu for its Garden Cafe España, exclusive to the National Gallery of Art. But his connection runs even deeper. While visiting the gallery years ago, a painting by John Singer Sargent, “El Jaleo,” depicting southern Spain, inspired Andres to name his first restaurant...

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Nick Jonas: typical teen in Georgetown

Spotted in Georgetown: Nick Jonas of The Jonas Brothers, doing some shopping Tuesday afternoon. After stopping into Barneys CO-OP and Rugby — and being mobbed on one corner by young fans — the youngest brother got some pizza at Pizzeria Uno on M Street. This would be his last free time while here in town. Jonas took a White House tour and met with President Barack Obama for a few minutes, before heading up to Capitol Hill. There, he took a Capitol tour along with Mary Tyler Moore, and met with Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., to discuss juvenile diabetes (he suffers from the disease). Jonas, Moore and boxer Sugar Ray Leonard are set to testify on diabetes at a Capitol Hill...

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Day off from filming, but not from sightings

Even more “How Do You Know?” sightings early this week, occurring on what seems to be a break from filming the James L. Brooks rom-com. Physical activity was the apparent choice of two of the cast members. While Reese Witherspoon and beau Jake Gyllenhaal opted for a jog around Georgetown on Monday, Owen Wilson was spotted biking down N Street toward the Georgetown University Campus. Later that evening, Witherspoon and Gyllenhaal — along with co-star Paul Rudd — took a private tour of Ford’s Theatre. Following their visit to the site of Lincoln’s assassination, they all walked around the corner for a dinner at Oyamel. Jack Nicholson and other crew...

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FBI’s X-rated investigation of “Deep Throat”

We all know the FBI was on to “Deep Throat,” though it turns out that was true in more ways than one. Papers recently released to The Associated Press show that while "Deep Throat" the informant was helping to bring down Richard Nixon, the bureau was leading a full-fledged investigation into the notorious 1972 porn film of the same name. According to the 498 pages from director Gerard Damiano’s file – released after his death in October of last year — agents of the highest level in the FBI were on the case. Agents were sent out all across the U.S. to seize copies of the X-rated film in an attempt to have the movie banned. They analyzed negatives...

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Rumsfeld: Tears for his father

Well it’s true; Donald Rumsfeld does have a soft side. Bradley Graham’s biography “By His Own Rules,” released this week, contrasts Rumsfeld’s infamous habit of being one to “interrupt, berate and nitpick” his employees with a more sensitive side. Graham tells the story of Rumsfeld’s aborted interview by CNN correspondent Barbara Starr in the aftermath of Ronald Reagan’s death. Rumsfeld confessed to Starr his father had died of Alzheimer’s, the same disease Reagan had suffered from. Rumsfeld agreed to discuss it on camera, but he broke down only a few sentences into the interview and, tears in his eyes, asked for cameras to be...

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Tiki Barber picks books over football for today’s kids

One way to get kids to read? Have an NFL player to tell them to. An even better way? Have them read a book written by one. But by far the best? Get two-in-one with Tiki Barber. That was the idea behind Monday’s National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Conference at the Washington Convention Center. Former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber addressed teachers, administrators and students on the importance of getting kids to read. Barber, who is the author of five children’s books, focused his talk on the success of Harlem Village Academy. As the top public school in New York, the academy should act as a model for President Barack Obama’s vision on public...

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National Archives: bigger and better on screen

From the Miss National Archives contest in the 1960s to the filming of Nicolas Cage’s “National Treasure,” the National Archives’ Rick Blondo attempted to unpack some of the building’s history in a lecture Friday. But top of mind for the audience was the movies. Turns out, Blondo said, when Nicolas Cage came to D.C. to film “National Treasure,” the Archives would not permit filming inside the building. So Cage took to walking its halls in order to familiarize himself with the layout. Not sure how much good that did. Blondo joked that, in portraying extra statues and rooms, “National Treasure” depicted the building to be much bigger...

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Reese and Jake: Lovebirds in Georgetown

What's better than one celebrity in Georgetown? Two celebrities in Georgetown, holding hands to boot. Witness Hollywood lovebirds Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal, taking a stroll on Monday morning. Jake arrived this weekend to be with his love interest, currently shooting "How Do You Know?" around town. Also spotted in Georgetown on Monday: her co-star, Owen Wilson, riding his bike. Photos: Gene...

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Reese and Rudd, back on set

Paul Rudd and Reese Witherspoon, filming Saturday outside the Bowen building on 15th Street. Photos: Gene...

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Barry: Bigger than LeBron?

The Silverdocs Film Festival opened in Silver Spring last Monday to overflow crowds, thanks to the presence of LeBron James. On Saturday night, the festival closed to even bigger throngs, thanks to ... Marion Barry. Saturday was the premiere of "The Nine Lives of Marion Barry," and you just knew the Ward 8 Councilman and "Mayor for Life" would be in attendance. By our approximation, the ticket-holders' line stretched began forming more than an hour before the movie, and grew to some 270 feet. The standby line, for those without tickets, itself stretrched about 150 feet. Hundreds were turned away, more than came to see LeBron. Also, added a Silverdocs spokeswoman,...

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Rogers: Crashers now welcome at White House

The Obama White House is such a popular destination, said Social Secretary Desirée Rogers, that keeping the crashers out of parties is a losing battle. At events, said Rogers, "We've decided to put in [an extra row or table] in the back for people who we've said no to, but they show up anyway." "We give up," she added jokingly. Rogers was the guest of honor at the Creative Coalition's annual meeting in New York on Thursday night, and in an interview with actress Dana Delany, she opened up about her job and life at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. She said she and her staff have organized more than 150 events so far, although she admitted that the emphasis has not...

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Jack Nicholson joins the cast in Washington

Add Jack Nicholson to the Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson and Paul Rudd sightings we can expect over the next few weeks – he has officially joined the cast of James L. Brooks' newest film. Nicholson was spotted Friday afternoon filming outside La Tomate restaurant on Connecticut Ave. just off Dupont Circle. He will play the father to Rudd's character. The actor and the director were golden (in the version of a little man named Oscar) with their teaming on "As Good as It Gets" and "Terms of Endearment," so sounds to us like this movie is shaping up to be a hit! (Photo: Mark Wilkins) Jack Nicholson showing "No Fear" Friday night as he leaves...

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Members start a spirited new caucus

The days of tipsy congressmen staggering around the House floor during late-night votes may be over, but members still love their whiskey. Reps. John Yarmuth and Brett Guthrie, both of Kentucky, announced Wednesday they would be chairmen of the newly formed Congressional Bourbon Caucus. The mission of the caucus is to maintain and strengthen the bourbon industry in the United States and educate other members on the issues affecting the industry. According to a news release, the industry is extremely important to the state of its two founding members, as more than 95 percent of the world’s bourbon is distilled and aged in Kentucky and liquor provides for more than $3 billion of the...

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Speakeasy: Sen. John Ensign

"Marriage is the cornerstone on which our society was founded. For those who say that the Constitution is so sacred that we cannot or should not adopt the Federal Marriage Amendment, I would simply point out that marriage, and the sanctity of that institution, predates the American Constitution and the founding of our nation.” -Self-admitted adulterer Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., debating the Federal Marriage Amendment on July 13, 2004. How soon he forgets! Shame,...

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Getting Hitched: Something borrowed

Recessionistas spend less green on white As most brides will say, the wedding dress is the most important part of their day — aside from getting married, of course. But with the recession, what are local Washington women doing to adjust to the tough economic times? We chatted with a few area brides and the stores they shop in to find out the recent trends and how, any if, the economy is making for unique changes in planning a girl’s dream day. Apparently, ladies these days are not only light with their pocketbooks, but also with the material they select for their dresses — opting for chiffon, crepe, tulle and georgette as opposed to the usual thicker, heavier satin,...

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Angelina Jolie isn’t just a pretty face for an ugly reality

A broken elbow kept Secretary of State Hillary Clinton from attending, a “bad hair day” was the joke about why emcee Anderson Cooper was replaced last minute by NBC’s Ann Curry, but we bet it didn’t matter to most in attendance at the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) event Thursday – the clear star of the panel was actress and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie. Jolie, who has been working on helping displaced refugees since 2001, moved the crowd with her emotional speech at the National Geographic Museum in honor of World Refugee Day, serving as a model for other celeb-activists “I am here today to talk about millions of...

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Even in Mudville, there's no joy for the GOP

It definitely is the year of the Democrats. The 48th Annual Roll Call Congressional baseball game had a something of a surprise ending at Nationals Park last night, with the Democrats beating the Republicans for the first time in eight years, 15-10. Youth was served by the Dems, who were also the beneficiaries of a larger talent pool than in recent years, thanks to two consecutive romps at the ballot box. For evidence, look no further than Rep. John Boccieri, D-Ohio, who just wouldn’t stop stealing bases and sliding on his stomach. Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a stop in to watch the game behind home plate, posed for pictures and signed autographs. The game is a standing bipartisan...

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Reese's Wednesday stroll

Reese Witherspoon by the National Archives on Wednesday, shooting another scene for her new movie, which is now officially being referred to as "How Do You...

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Dawes lobbies for women, but won't comment on her man

Olympic Gold Medalist and area resident Dominique Dawes was on the Hill Tuesday to push for a cause near and dear to her: equal athletic opportunities for high school girls. Dawes appeared alongside Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., who introduced the High School Athletics Accountability Act of 2009. That legislation would require high schools to report basic data, including the numbers of females and males participating in student athletic. One topic that was off-limits, however: the status of her relationship with another local celeb, Andy Baldwin, the star of "The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman." As you my remember, we spotted the two of them getting close to one another at...

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Plain White Ts love our subs, Fahey gets 'Lost'

President Barack Obama may crave Ben's Chilli Bowl, but for his fellow Chicagoans, The Plain White T's, it's all about Potbelly sandwiches. Playing at what could be Washington's most intimate music venue, the Gibson Guitar loft in Chinatown, the T's (they of "Hey There Delilah" fame) munched on pork belly sliders from Commonwealth restaurant before an acoustic show hosted by MIX 107.3 personality Tommy McFly. But they admitted to Yeas & Nays that beyond the politics and the monuments this city's top offering has to be the Potbelly sandwich. "We love the 9:30 Club and we love Potbellys," Tom Higgenson told us of their stops in town. Oh and of course President...

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Julianne asks for ‘Moore’ preparedness with kids

Julianne Moore wants to save your children from the next natural or manmade disaster. No, she has not been tapped as a superhero for her next role, but has joined on as the U.S. Artist Ambassador for Save the Children. Moore came to Washington to speak about the organization’s latest report that exposes the fact that “only seven states are prepared to protect children” were a disaster to occur, and as a mother of two children, she was able to discuss firsthand her experience as a New York parent during the Sept. 11 attacks. Speaking with Mark Shriver at the Mazique Parent Child Center on 13th Street Wednesday morning, Moore suggested that kids wear laminated emergency...

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Slash is a (guitar) hero for bay's swans

Don't let his name fool you — legendary guitar player Slash wants none of that happening to the mute swans of the Chesapeake Bay. The hard-rocking animal lover sent Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley a letter on Monday urging him to halt the killing of the animals. Earlier this decade, the state Department of Natural Resources began to blame the swans for pollution in the bay, and recently began exterminating them. Only about 500 survive, according to the Humane Society of the United States. "A number of my fans are very concerned about this," Slash writes. "You have the authority to call off the brutal killings and I really hope you will. ... I hope you will consider...

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Reese's run

On the National Mall Tuesday, Reese Witherspoon breaks a sweat as she films a scene from her new movie, the as-yet-untitled romantic comedy with Owen Wilson. (Photo: Gene...

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Michelle Obama awarded by fashion elites

The first lady of fashion didn’t get that name for nothing, but now she can boast an award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America to any doubters. Michelle Obama was given the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute on Monday night at the annual who’s-who in the fashion world gala at Lincoln Center in New York. For those unfamiliar with the event — marking it as a true honor for the fashion-forward first lady — celebs such as Blake Lively, Ashley Olsen, Claire Danes and Heidi Klum all took a backseat to honor top designers like Marc Jacobs and Rodante. And although Obama was unable to attend the event, her presence was felt. Not only did a taped...

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Justice Alito’s Supremely cute marriage

With all the talk of the single status of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, it was nice to be reminded that you can be happily married while on the bench of the top court in the nation. Justice Samuel Alito and his wife, Martha, were the antithesis of the typically dour Supreme Court, spending a lively Monday across town from the court at a closing-night event for the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center. The conservative justice was more than happy to chat (under the watchful eye of several bodyguards), telling us that yes, he loves jazz, “but I’m really here for my wife, she’s a big fan.” Martha cited Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday as some of her...

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A red carpet for King James

"A festival, like a basketball team, is never the work of one person," said Sky Sitney, artistic director of the Silverdocs Film Festival, as she opened the weeklong event on Monday night. True, but one person can make both of those things a whole lot bigger. That's why flashbulbs popped, red carpets rolled out, a band marched and police closed off streets in downtown Silver Spring, largely due to the presence of one man: LeBron James, whose high school team was the subject of the festival's opening film, "More Than a Game" (he also ended up executive producing it). And afterwards, he and his former teammates took to the stage for a Q&A with NPR's Michele...

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Sen. Gillibrand asks Dartmouth alums for funds

Be true to your school. That’s the motto Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., hopes will work on her Dartmouth classmates this upcoming weekend at the 20th anniversary for the class of 1989. She’s hosting a fundraiser. The appointed senator is sending out e-mails to her classmates in the weeks leading up to the reunion asking them to join her at a party in Hanover for $125 per head. Despite that she’s running for office in New York while campaigning in New Hampshire, we’re sure there are some alumni who love to brag about being classmates with a U.S. senator....

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Jarrett adviser to ‘cool’ Obama

Take it from his adviser: President Barack Obama is officially a “cool guy.” And as senior adviser to the president, Valerie Jarrett should know. Jarrett welcomed “many great women and a few great men” to the National Partnership for Women and Families luncheon at the Hilton Washington Monday, where she was honored for her work with improving the lives of women. However, most of her short speech was dedicated to one man — the president. She claimed after growing up with a single mother, marrying a strong woman and having two daughters, Obama knows what he is doing around women. She then told of an encounter Obama had with a woman in Green Bay, Wis. and how...

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It's a surprise for Hoyer's 70th

Local congressman and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., turned 70 on Sunday, so his staff threw him an early birthday party in his Capitol office on Friday. We hear that a group of reporters followed Hoyer up to the back door of his office after the final series of floor votes. And once the door was closed, they heard Hoyer's staff erupt with a "surprise!" The only legislator who outranks Hoyer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, follows Hoyer into her eighth decade in March of next year....

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McCain’s new ride

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., has chosen a new set of wheels. “Time to get a new car — decided on the Ford Fusion Hybrid,” the 2008 Republican presidential nominee Twittered Monday. A source close to the senator said he “believes Ford Motor Co. is doing some remarkable things in the ever-changing energy environment. ... McCain took the Fusion for a test drive and was sold from the start — especially when he found out it gets 700 miles per tank.” By our count, McCain’s choice allows him to check off three boxes: - Green? Check. - Domestic? Check. - Frugal in a time of economic peril? Check. (The car, which retails for about $27,000 base,...

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Oh, to be a diva

Who belongs to that mane of blonde hair? Why it's RuPaul, the country's most famous drag queen, proving that even a cross-dressing diva can be camera shy. Here she is returning to the Madison Hotel after her performance on the National Mall on Sunday. Below, RuPaul performs on the Mall as part of the Capital Pride Festival. Photos: Mark...

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Speakeasy: Orrin Hatch and Mike Pence

"Don't you believe that B.S." -Normally mild-mannered Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, at the Utah Republican Convention on Saturday, "after some delegates applauded as a way of blaming national Republicans, himself included, for the deficit and other problems of the Bush years." (Source: Deseret News) "The government competes in the private sector the way an alligator competes with a duck." -Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., going all zoological on us Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union with John...

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Sen. Olympia Snowe thinks gluten-free is top dog

For anyone concerned their dog just isn’t eating enough gluten-free food, Sen. Olympia Snow has the answer. Snowe took her time in Senate Wednesday to commend Barkwheats Dog Biscuits – a business run in her home state that focuses on selling all-natural dog biscuits. She explained that the biscuits are made in two varieties, with sea vegetables and chamomile or ginger and parsley (to get rid of that nasty doggy breath.) She was also happy to announce that they provide a gluten-free option for dog-owners. Good thing she mentioned that these biscuits were “one of a kind.”...

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Speakeasy: This week in Congress

"These dinky cars are too small for people like me. The government is going to force us to drive small, battery-powered unsfae vehicles but they will be cute. -Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, speaking last week on fuel-efficient cars. "Too often we should be careful about being cute here on the House floor. So cute means the reference with regard to lettuce...Do you realize if you were to take that lettuce, dry it, and roll it and smoke it...Do you realize that you are going to end up with the same problems than if you were smoking tobacco. It's not the nicotine that kills. It's the smoke that kills." -Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Illl., on the floor Friday morning debating...

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Rep. Pascrell should get to know the CIA

Talk about intelligence! Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., didn't seem to have gotten the full briefing before he introduced none other than Central Intelligence Agency director Leon Panetta ... or was it John? Rep. Pascrell called the new director of the Central Intelligence Agency "John," not once, not twice, but three times during his introduction at a National Italian American Federation luncheon Thursday on Capitol Hill. And it didn't stop there. Following Panetta's remarks that focused on the need for more CIA agents educated in Islamic studies, Pascrell once again called him "John" while praising his works. This time Panetta politely corrected him....

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Moore's (or YouTube's) latest film stunts

Michael Moore is up to his latest stunts, surprising unsuspecting movie go-ers (and some pre-alerted media) in Washington Friday night with an unusual sneak peak to his latest film on the financial bailout. But Yeas & Nays wonders if the renegade documentarian is losing his revolutionary edge, getting beaten out by the creative minds posting to YouTube. Friday night, movie-goers in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and here at Loews Georgetown were surprised to see the lights in the theater come on right before the start of their feature film. They had Moore to thank, who came on the screen asking them to “join [him] in helping our fellow Americans” and donate to “save...

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Wilson stops by weed party, natch

He looks the part of the quintessential California surfer, he’s got the saying “dude” down to an art form in every film and he’s best buds with hemp-loving Woody Harrelson. So who more appropriate than actor Owen Wilson to stumble into a book party for “Weed Man: The Remarkable Journey of Jimmy Divine”? Wilson wandered past Tackle Box in Georgetown on Wednesday night, where friends were feting columnist-turned-radio-host John McCaslin for his new book on a legendary dope dealer. Wilson noticed the books displayed in the window (the dust covers of which just happen to be made from rolling paper) and strolled right in, clearly intrigued. Inside, he...

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Speakeasy: Gen. James Conway

"I would look a mother in the eye and say, 'Don't worry. The safest place in the world is inside a battalion of Marines.'" -Gen. James Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, when asked at the National Press Club on Thursday what he would tell the mother of an 18-year-old who wanted to...

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No ‘Jive Talkin’ ’ by Gibb on copyright

We half expected that Robin Gibb would deliver his speech Wednesday to the World Copyright Summit in a high falsetto. But the Bee Gee instead stammered his way through it, looking nervous as he read his remarks on the importance of copyright off of a wrinkled sheet of paper. “To every cow its calf, so to every book his copy,” Gibb said, quoting a sixth-century Irish high king in what is the first copyright case ever reported. Despite his concern with royalties and copyright, Gibb seemed to use other authors’ words quite often, later quoting a song by Tom Lehrer. Gibb recited a good portion of the song, yelling, “So don’t shade your eyes, But plagiarize,...

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Turiaf: Doctors more nerve-racking than playoffs

“I feel more comfortable chasing the basketball than talking to hundreds of physicians,” said Golden State Warriors forward Ronny Turiaf, after addressing the American Society of Echocardiography on Tuesday. “I was a little nervous,” he told us by phone afterward. “I was able to shake off my nervousness and open up to them.” Turiaf, who’s also a member of the French national basketball team, was on hand to discuss the open-heart surgery he endured after being drafted out of Gonzaga University by the Los Angeles Lakers. “I was in the best shape of my life,” he said. Nevertheless, a physical revealed an enlarged aortic root. After six...

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Bachmann: Taking on water

In discussing the growing national debt in a late-night special order speech on Tuesday, the always entertaining Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., declared that the president's plan is the "kind of plan we could have watched last weekend on TNT." How's that? Well, explained Bachmann, she was watching the movie "Titanic" last weekend with her family. And boy, she thought, was it ever an apt analogy for the president's economic policy. "As the ice ripped that hole in the Titanic, water started being taken on, and the engineer came out and brought the blueprint blueprint of the Titanic," Bachmann said. "Water came into the first chamber, spilled onto the...

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Redford joins Jolie, Wilson in town

Spotted: Owen Wilson at the bar at Bourbon Steak in the Four Seasons on Monday night. He didn’t last long there, however: After being approached by one too many fans, he got management to move him into the dining room. Wilson is spending time in town to film his as-yet-untitled baseball-themed romantic comedy with Reese Witherspoon. Meanwhile, Angelina Jolie (with hubby Brad Pitt in tow) and Liev Schreiber are back in town for more filming of the spy thriller “Salt.” Cast and crew have been spending time at DAR Constitution Hall this week. Not too far away, Angie’s father, Jon Voight, was spotted at the Willard Hotel on Tuesday morning, after calling President...

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Union draws on life experience with testimony

It is common for celebrities to visit the Hill to testify on issues they care about, but rarer to hear ones speak on experiences they personally suffered. That was the case with actress Gabrielle Union, who, as a rape victim, testified Wednesday in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee about the importance of the Violence Against Women Act. “When I was 19, I had a summer job,” she said, and “one night during the course of a robbery a man raped me.” Sounding like a fictional character from one of her many films, Union explained how she picked up his gun and attempted her “best ‘Starsky and Hutch,’ fell on [her] back popped the clip in and...

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O'Rourke: We owe our existence to the back seat

“Most people owe their very existence to the car, or at least to its back seat,” satirical writer P.J. O’Rourke began his discussion at Cato on Tuesday, where he argued that lawmakers are destroying the American car — and the fantasy it creates — as we know it. “There was no premarital sex in America before the invention of the internal combustion engine,” O’Rourke continued. “You couldn’t sneak a girl into the rec room of your house because your mom and dad were unable to commute so they were home all day working on the farm.” Although he spoke with his characteristically amusing style, one that lands him in the top...

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Media Mix: DeAnna Pappas

“Bachelorette” DeAnna Pappas was in town June, and as the new co-host of “Get Married" she hosted a “Pre-Wedding” wedding party event at Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “17 Again.” It was really cute! Q: What book are you reading? “Breaking Dawn” by Stephenie Meyer. I am in love with Edward. Q: What Web sites do you visit every morning? Mine, deanna-pappas.com; Perez Hilton; and Twitter. Q: What’s your favorite TV show? “Friends” and “Sex and the City.” Q: What’s new on your iPod? Gavin DeGraw’s new album. (Courtesy...

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By the Numbers: Beyoncé

3 Number of publicized political fundraisers, so far, scheduled to take place at the Beyoncé concert at Verizon Center June 24 $2,500 The top price per ticket, as charged by Reps. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., and G.K. Butterfield, D-N.C. Source: Sunlight...

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'Real World D.C.': MTV makes it official

After weeks of speculation, MTV made it official this afternoon: "The Real World" is filming its 23rd season in Washington this summer. The show will premiere in 2010, after the current season of "Real World: Cancun" fades into memory. Eight young adults will move into a house at 20th and S streets near Dupont Circle, which is currently under construction, as it is transformed into a 24-hour TV set. In recent days, photos of the construction have been posted on several local blogs and Web sites. "The charged atmosphere of Washington D.C., the center of our country's social and political change, will provide an electric setting for this next season of ‘The...

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Willard Scott relives his crazy times at Martin’s 75th

He’s got a few years to go before announcing his own hundredth birthday on a jar of Smucker’s jam, but Washington media staple and NBC weatherman Willard Scott still has plenty of stories about his times at Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown. Scott showed up on a rare night out Tuesday to celebrate the local pub’s 75th anniversary, and being that the spot is as old as he is, we were sure to get some juicy tidbits on the place. Instead, we learned more about his own salacious times at the spot he dubbed the place where people “got engaged and got lucky.” So did he know from experience? “I got lucky here with a bartender once,” Scott confessed,...

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McAuliffe follows Obama into Hell (Burger)

Call it the Obama effect: Where the president dines, other Democrats will follow. Last month, you may remember, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden paid a surprise visit to Ray’s Hell Burger in Arlington to curb their burger craving. On Virginia’s election day Tuesday, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe followed suit, hoping that some of the Obama-Biden luck would rub off. Arriving around noon with his family and staff, McAuliffe found a line of diners going out the door. While his wife and campaign manager stood in line and ordered burgers, McAuliffe made the rounds, talking to each diner in the restaurant and urging them to come out and vote...

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White House no, State Dept. yes

Is the red carpet for celebs being rolled up at the White House? This week, another slew of bold-facers — Russell Simmons, Terrence Howard, David Archuleta, Gabrielle Union — has arrived in D.C., this time to support an organization called Children Uniting Nations. But, they said, there was no White House tour on the agenda. We caught up with them at a private dinner at Teatro Goldoni on Monday night, on the eve of Tuesday’s news conferences, panel discussions and a State Department dinner for the organization’s luminaries. The common belief was now that President Barack Obama was where they wanted him, it was back to the issues. “I saw Barack more as a...

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Bush 41 to skydive with news anchor

How does President George H. W. Bush plan to spend his 85th birthday? By jumping out of a plane with not only a parachute strapped to his back, but also CNN HLN anchor Robin Meade. On Friday, the former president will jump with Meade above Kennebunkport, Maine, as part of his weekend birthday celebrations. Joining him in the sky will be the Army’s Golden Knights. Bush 41 is no stranger to parachute jumps, with Friday marking his seventh attempt. His first jump was as a Navy Pilot in 1944 when his plane was shot down in World War II. He similarly marked his 75th and 80th birthdays with the same...

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Donovan mingles with locals in movie shoot

With film crews buzzing around downtown D.C. on a regular basis these days, Alexandria got in on the action this weekend, hosting two days’ worth of filming for a new political satire. Starting at 6 a.m., cast and crew filmed all day Saturday at the offices of Shirley & Banister Public Affairs, partner Craig Shirley tells us. On the scene were the film’s star, Tate Donovan from “Damages,” and director Dave Fraunces, who portrayed RFK in “Bobby.” Then Sunday, Restaurant Eve in Old Town Alexandria took center stage for a “power lunch” scene featuring Kip Purdue ("Remember the Titans"). Shirley and his wife, Zorine, acted as...

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Dupont home fixing up for ‘Real World’?

The reality show that started it all is allegedly going to become the umpteenth reality show to film in D.C. Last week, reports came out that MTV’s “The Real World” has tapped Washington as its next neighborhood to house seven strangers, while the network documents their every move. No confirmation yet from MTV, and Bunim & Murray producer Jim Johnston told us he knew no information on it and was only working on their next season in Cancun, but the busy activity around 2000 S St. NW near Dupont Circle makes it seem very likely. Seen parked outside the large three-story brick home are several white work vans and a police squad car — the only cars allowed to...

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Simon tries to keep his ‘pottymouth’ in check

David Simon, the Baltimore Sun reporter-turned-writer of “Homicide” and “The Wire,” has found a home on cable in the HBO network. Which is fine with him, because as he conceded at an appearance at the National Press Club on Monday, he has trouble keeping the four-letter words out of his speech or his scripts. Discussing the future of journalism, Simon nearly let a colorful word or two slip early on, before catching himself. “I’m on C-SPAN,” he reasoned. “It’s cable, but it’s not my cable.” But his restraint didn’t last long. Only a few minutes later, he let the word “a*****e” slip out while he discussed...

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Don’t judge judge by cast: There’s no stopping her

A fractured ankle, a plane flight, a hospital visit and meetings with six senators all before the day’s over? That was Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s Monday, which started with her tripping and fracturing her ankle at New York’s La Guardia Airport en route to Washington to make her scheduled appointments on the Hill. And apparently she didn’t let the pain stop her from boarding the plane — she didn’t seek medical attention until landing in the District. After spending “less than two hours” at George Washington University hospital, the Supreme Court nominee was released with a “small fracture in her right ankle,” per a White House...

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Pro athletes take over the town

Professional athletes showcased their skills on the basketball court Saturday night at Trinity University for local disc jockey Big Tigger’s 8th Annual Celebrity Classic. The all-star charity game was the highlight of a three-day event to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. The teams were evenly matched, with coaches Caron Butler of the Washington Wizards and Roger Mason, a Maryland native who left the Wizards for the San Antonio Spurs in 2008, facing off. Another Wizard, Andre Blatche, joined the game. Washington, D.C.,’s own Shawne Merriman, a linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, proved his athletic abilities extend beyond football. Other DJs from WPGC went...

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Post colleagues share underwear

What was everyone sure to be talking about Sunday morning following a long night at Washington Post editorial cartoonist Tom Toles’ summer bash? Had to be the Post wiseguy Dana Milbank running around with a pair of tighty-whities over his jeans while waving a pair overhead on the dance floor. But even better is where said briefs came from — Toles’ own bedroom! Milbank apparently ran upstairs and raided the Pulitzer Prize-winning drawer’s drawers drawer. Toles said this was a common practice of his colleague, telling us that last year Milbank stole every single pair of his underwear and “draped them all over [his] office” a week later. Let’s...

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Reality can wait: ‘Blonde’ roots starting to show?

The D.C.-based reality show “Blonde Charity Mafia” has been pushed back from its originally scheduled debut. The show, which follows three young Georgetown socialites, was set to air July 7, but the CW network announced Friday it would instead debut on an unknown date in the fall. Some media outlets cite the move as a “promotion,” but the long history of the yet-to-air show seems to cast doubt on that idea. One network source told us in May that the show was “terrible.” Other industry insiders told us they were puzzled why they would need to cook up a marketing campaign if the pilot was so good. “If it’s so good, why do they need a...

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Four parties for Folkman as show debuts

Local chef Teddy Folkman shared the love on Sunday night, holding four simultaneous viewing parties for the debut of "The Next Food Network Star," on which he is a contestant. Folkman's peeps partied at Capitol Lounge, where he just took over as executive chef, the Argonaut in Northeast, Enology in Northwest and his own favorite watering hole, the Reynolds Street Bar & Grill in Alexandria. "The experience was amazing," Folkman told us last week. "A lot of kids dream of Disney World; I dream of going to the Food Network studios." His favorite moment? Meeting "Iron Chef" star Morimoto. "Any guy who wears pajamas 24/7 has got to be a fun...

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Cap. Hill experts handicap Belmont Stakes

When members of Congress and Hill staffers need advice on horse racing, there are two people they turn to: Amy Steinmann, a Republican staffer for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Christian Fjeld, a Democrat who’s in the process of moving from the House Commerce Committee to the Senate Commerce Committee. Experts on a sport that’s no longer top of mind for many Americans — save for three weekends each spring — Steinmann and Fjeld are known for sending out detailed handicapping sheets for each of the Triple Crown races, giving their less-obsessed colleagues a chance to make a winning bet. Steinmann and Fjeld approach the ponies from two...

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Joe Wilson becomes Heather Wilson

The House television feed not only called Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., a female representative, but to add insult to injury, it was one who’s no longer even in the House. While speaking from the House floor Wednesday on the nomination of Rep. John McHugh, R-N.Y., to be secretary of the Army, Wilson was identified by the House’s internal television network as former Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M. Yes they are both Republicans with the last name Wilson, but isn’t anyone watching to see that Wilson doesn’t look like a “Heather?” The current Wilson’s office laughed it off. “Rep. Wilson takes it with a grain of salt and has a lot of respect for...

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Sonia Sotomayor: By the Numbers

9 Days it took Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor to complete the Senate Judiciary Committee’s questionnaire — the “swiftest questionnaire completion in recent history,” according to the White House 13, 15, 30 Days it took Justices John Roberts, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Samuel Alito, respectively, to complete their...

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Conservatives: All about the empathy

"I assume I'm getting this award for a long career of empathy." That's how Weekly Standard Editor Bill Kristol accepted his award at the Bradley Prizes on Wednesday night, needling the administration in the process. Another of the awards, bestowed annually by the Milwaukee-based Bradley Foundation, went to the leaders and founders of the conservative Federalist Society. And emcee George Will was properly attired. Will chose his Federalist Society tie, emblazoned with the bust of James Madison, for the occasion. "When I wear this tie on TV it is a signal to sleeper cells ... to rise in defense of the Constitution," he said. Also receiving the prizes: Historian Sir...

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Free Botox an upside to job loss?

One company is going to the extreme to fix the frowns of the newly unemployed — free Botox injections. In exchange for your pink slip, D.C.-based medical group Reveal will fill in your worry lines, crow’s feet or furrows for free to the first 50 people at its Pentagon City location Friday. Along with proof of termination, Reveal is also asking you to bring a resume to give to recruiters they’ll have on site. Though we’re not sure how great an interview you’d give immediately following a Botox procedure (think watery eyes, zero facial expression). So why, exactly, is Reveal doing this? The company says that looking good and a job interview go hand in...

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Media Mix: Korto Momolu

“Project Runway’s” season five finalist Korto Momolu was in town last weekend as a judge at the African Designer and Models Competition. She is a frequent visitor to the area and sees D.C. as the newest fashion capital. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “Miracle at St. Anna.” It’s a Spike Lee joint. Pretty good but so sad. Q: What book are you reading? “The Other Side of Midnight” by Sidney Sheldon for the umpteenth time. Q: What Web sites do you visit every morning? AOL, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, kortomomolu.com, then I Google myself to see what people are saying. Q: What’s your favorite TV show? I love “Law and Order:...

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Funniest Fed coming back for more laughs

They crack wise, they spend the taxpayers’ money and this September they’ll compete again for the title of Funniest Fed. The five-week contest among federal employees who fancy themselves funny will return to the Arlington Cinema n’ Drafthouse this fall, after a successful debut in 2007. Founder Naomi Johnson says 34 applicants already have signed on, and she said she hoped this year’s contest would be even more popular than the first. In 2007, comedy veteran and Federal Aviation Administration engineer Freddi Vernell took first prize. Her success led to numerous local media appearances, a holiday segment for BET and a finals appearance in the Black Bay Area...

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Speakeasy: Salvador Dali

“Artiste, Painter. ... Business indefinite.” — Legendary “artiste” Salvador Dali, describing his business in government immigration records that are being released to the National Archives this year. When asked on another document in 1951 if he was a member of any political group, Dali replied: “I belong to the artistic union for theatrical decorations. This is a professional union, not a political one.” Dali’s files, which were on display at an Archives ceremony Wednesday, are among hundreds of thousands that will be transferred later this year....

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Glover’s talk turns to Tenenbaums

Actor Danny Glover came to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Tuesday to discuss epilepsy, but his remarks soon turned to one of his most beloved roles — that of “Henry Sherman” in “The Royal Tenenbaums.” In his comments, Glover said he was initially reluctant to play the Tenenbaum family accountant, but director Wes Anderson kept harping on him to do it. Glover said he still wasn’t sold until he went to the United Nations to introduce former Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Afterward, Anderson told him that his persona on the dais was exactly what he was looking for in the film, and Glover finally agreed. Afterward, Glover told us...

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Playboy gives Georgetown props for hookups

As if the people that went to Smith Point weren’t already high enough on themselves, Playboy has only added fuel to their “turbo” attitudes — its online city guide lists the uber-preppy Georgetown bar as the best “D.C. Hookup Spot.” A place to find "girls in J. Crew dresses dancing on the tables" is how the magazine describes the post-college favorite on Wisconsin Avenue (or, as its loyalists might claim, O Street, thanks to its side entrance). Once frequented by the Bush twins, the "list only" establishment has become so in name only, letting all in for a mere $5. Nevertheless, it may be a good spot for all you men out there to...

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Putting together ‘reality’: new show in the works

“It’s like ‘Friends’ meets ‘Entourage.’” That was how one of our sources explained the concept behind yet another D.C-based reality show in development by the Bravo network. This comes only a week after the cable network officially announced it is going forward with production on “The Real Housewives of D.C.” Under the working title “Inside Washington,” producers have filmed try-out reels twice with a group of twentysomethings, including Washington Life editor Christina Wilkie; Fishbowl D.C.’s Matt Dornic and Christine Delargy; Project Beltway blogger Rachel Cothran; Politico’s Patrick Gavin; Mix...

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Speakeasy: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Nancy Reagan

"People are writing California off. They are talking about the end of the California dream." -California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, not California dreamin' as he addressed the state legislature on Tuesday "Oh, you're a lefty!" -former first lady Nancy Reagan to President Barack Obama Tuesday. She wasn't referring to his politics, but rather the hand he wrote with as he signed into law the bill providing for an official commemoration of President Reagan's 100th birthday in 2011....

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Exclusive: Nancy Reagan to dine with Michelle Obama Wednesday

9:57 am: UPDATE - It has been confirmed to Yeas & Nays this morning that the two have worked out their scheduling and will meet during Reagan's visit. Per the White House Press Office, Michelle Obama will welcome the former first lady for lunch Wednesday at the White House. This will be the Michelle's first official White House lunch with any prior first lady. (Earlier story below) Former first lady Nancy Reagan is due to arrive in Washington for the unveiling of a statue of her husband, President Ronald Reagan, on Wednesday night in the Capitol, but this will not be her only stop here this month — meeting Michelle Obama is on her agenda. The White House Press Office...

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Will Naughty by Nature make for a ‘naughty’ family fair?

With the start of summer comes the start of county fair season, but this year’s Fairfax Country fair is spicing things up, and we’re not talking about the food. Old-school rap group Naughty by Nature will be one of the acts at this summer’s Celebrate Fairfax!, performing Saturday night with Tone Loc and Sugar Hill Gang. And even though it was told it has to self-censor, we wonder just how Ferris-wheel-riding-balloon-holding-kid-friendly the rap group can make its songs that talk about sex, drugs and violence. Take its most famous song “O.P.P.,” for instance. How will the group sing about “getting down” with “Other People’s...

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Boozy bus gives interns another reason to imbibe

Summer interns already have arrived on Capitol Hill, and one bar is giving them just the thing they need: Another excuse to drink. Gin & Tonic, the preppy hangout in Glover Park, has announced “Intern Initiation Tuesdays.” Beginning tonight, the bar will run a complementary bus from the Hill to its front door for anyone with an intern badge. Of course, as most interns are in college, many haven’t reached legal drinking age yet. Not to worry, says G&T spokeswoman Jessica Gibson — they’ll be carded before the bus ride and again at the door. And once they get in, they’re on their own. As the slogan for the promotion reads: “We’ll get...

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Sightings: Duvall, G n’ R

Actor Robert Duvall, who makes his home in The Plains, Va., was spotted at Morton’s in the Reston Town Center during lunch Friday. He orderd a bone-in ribeye steak and took some pictures with staff and guests. On Monday, Guns & Roses guitar player Gilby Clarke came to Merriweather Post Pavilion as the venue unveiled its improvements. Clarke signed the GNR pinball game in the new Music Pinball Hall of Fame, which contains machines themed with the Rolling Stones, Kiss, Dolly Parton and other entertainers. Proceeds will go to the National Pinball Museum. Gilby Clarke at Merriweather Post Pavilion (Courtesy...

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Nats Park holds movie tryouts

Nationals Park got its first look at the movie business Monday afternoon as the stadium hosted a casting call for extras in the upcoming Reese Witherspoon/Owen Wilson flick, “How Do You Know?” In the film, Wilson plays a Nats reliever who competes with Paul Rudd for Witherspoon's affections. Season ticket holders had first crack at Monday’s open call, and they may get a shot at screen time later this month. NBC 4 reports that filming at the park will take place in two weeks. Meanwhile back in Los Angeles, Witherspoon has been playing softball with a trainer to prep for her upcoming role. And it sounds like she will be putting those new skills to use. A casting call for...

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Speakeasy: Dick Cheney

"I would not ordinarily be leading the charge to declassify classified information. ... Otherwise, they would not be calling me Darth Vader for nothing.' -Former Vice President Dick Cheney, answering a question on his desire for President Barack Obama to declassify CIA memos that show the results of waterboarding. Cheney was at the National Press Club Monday to present the Gerald R. Ford Foundation's annual journalism...

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No 'Housewives' in sight to celebrate NYC socialite's newest novel

With all the talk of the impending "Real Housewives of D.C.," it was only fitting that some of Washington's notable women came to Nanette Lepore in Chevy Chase on Thursday to fete a new novel about a lady who no longer lunches. The book party for New York socialite Jill Kargman’s newest novel, "The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund," brought out some women the Bravo network would drool over getting on their show, such as party hostess Amy Baier (wife of FOX News 's Bret Baier), and co-hosts Sharon Bradley and Ashley Taylor. Those who weren't packed into the dressing rooms were making a beeline toward the white tufted leather couch where Kargman was holding court and signing...

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'Au Revoir', Obama, Bonjour Pee-wee?

Sorry Obama, but indie pop band and children of the eighties – Au Revoir Simone– pick Pee-wee Herman over the president. The electronic threesome of lovely femmes from Brooklyn were in town for a Saturday night show at Washington's own hipster enclave, The Rock and Roll Hotel on H Street NE. But where'd they spend their day? The White House, where dreams of meeting Obama were only matched by the star of the film to which their band's name plays homage, Tim Burton's "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." "While we were there we thought, 'The only thing better than a picture with Obama would be a picture with Pee-wee," member Erika Forster jokingly recounted to Yeas...

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Local barbershop on basic cable

Pirooz Sarshar, D.C.'s own men's grooming guru, is joining the likes of Suzanne Somers, Serena Williams, Tori Spelling and Paula Abdul, as he appears on the Home Shopping Network this morning. Sarshar, the co-owner of the Grooming Lounge downtown and in Tysons Corner, is hawking the store's Greatest Shave Ever “Try Me” Kit, Sarshar will be demonstrating Grooming Lounge's signature shave and explaining how they developed their product line, in part by testing it on some of the nation's most powerful men (although we wouldn't hold out for any specific names -- the shop is notoriously protective of its clients' identities....

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Sparks as Cinderella

Jordin Sparks, the 2007 "American Idol" winner, entertained the crowd Saturday night at the 4th Annual Cinderella Ball, a prom night for teens with with disabilities. Sparks flew into Dulles from Germany with her brother. And former Sen. Pete Domenici is still around and about. The New Mexico Republican, clad in a cowboy hat, was spotted at the Hains Point driving range this weekend, watching intently as his young companion (his grandson, says our source) banged a bucket of balls....

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Irish Biden receives Italian foundation’s highest award

It was a night of all things Italian – prosciutto and parmesan offerings from D.C.’s top Italian restaurants, a silent auction featuring trips to Rome, the Italian pledge of alliance, generations of Italian families and – Joe Biden? Yes, the vice president was the odd-man out Thursday night as the recipient of this year’s Sons of Italy Foundation award. And it didn’t go unnoticed by anyone in attendance at the annual gala that the pasty white-haired Irish-American was a bit out of place amongst the sea of dark Italians. The emcee of the evening – Emmy-award winning actor Joe Montegna – started the night of jokes about Biden’s...

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Speakeasy

“I generally feel that show business people, unless they really make themselves learned in an aspect of government, ought to be cautious about using their visibility to sway people.” - actor/director Ron Howard, in AARP The Magazine, discussing why he’s wary about mixing show business and...

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Fox personalities clash during panel

A squabble broke out among Fox News Channel personalities Greta van Susteren and Juan Williams on Thursday at the Newseum at the close of a panel discussion on how the media has covered the Obama administration. As the conversation turned to whether news shows were investing in graphics and other technological tricks instead of investigative reporting, Williams leveled his fire at his Fox colleague. “People watch Greta and they think they’re watching a news show,” he said. “They’re not.” “At least people watch,” retorted Van Susteren, which won her some audible gasps and “ooohs” from the audience. For the record, “On...

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Norwegian Embassy makes it metal

You can’t say the Norwegian Embassy doesn’t take seriously its commitment to supporting the country’s art. Even when that art happens to be death metal. On Wednesday night, the Norwegian death metal band Enslaved played the 9:30 Club, its first show in D.C. (Sample lyrics, for the uninitiated: “As we emerged/From darker dungeons/Splendor of yellow hells/Expanded swollen eyes.”) And, to the crowd’s surprise and delight, there were a group of embassy staffers in the VIP section, getting a shout-out from front man Grutle Kjellson. Anne Myklebust, a cultural adviser at the embassy, said she and four of her colleagues went to see the show. But that...

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Polo impresario under fire for 'allegedly charitable' charity

The Commonwealth of Virginia has formally warned the public that a charity affiliated with two high-society polo events may not be a charity at all. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced that the Journey for the Cure Foundation, based in Hume, Va., "has solicited contributions ... for allegedly charitable purposes," but because it has not properly registered with the state, "contributors are cautioned that their contributions to such organization may be used for non-charitable purposes." As first reported by the Fauquier Times-Democrat, Tareq Salahi is on the foundation's board of directors. He and his wife, Michaele, run the annual...

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Speakeasy

“It is good to be back in Vegas. I was telling people, I am back in Caesars. That was the hotel where we stayed at when we were campaigning here in Nevada. I thought I had a pretty nice room. But now that I’m president, they upgraded me. I got the upgrade. And it’s a really nice room now. Man.” — President Barack Obama explaining one of the perks of being president at a fundraiser Tuesday for Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev....

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Media Mix: Kate Marie Grinold

Kate Marie Grinold is the reigning Miss D.C. She placed in the top 10 at this year’s Miss America pageant. As she prepares to give up her crown at the 2009 Miss D.C. pageant July 12, we caught up with her for a Media Mix. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “Slumdog Millionaire” Q: What book are you reading? “The Anatomy of Peace,” “The Five Love Languages” and “Promises I Made My Mother” Q: What Web sites do you visit every morning? Reuters, Huffington Post, CNN and Perez Hilton Q: What’s your favorite TV show? “The Office” Q: What’s new on your iPod? “Poker Face” by Lady...

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9:30 Club lets Cake fans eat their cake

We bet you can’t guess the latest place joining the cupcake trend, as the treat seems much more pop princess than rock star. But the 9:30 Club has found a way to combine rocking out and pigging out. The club will debut the sugary confections at this weekend’s two-night stand by ... wait for it ... Cake! All Cake ticket holders will receive a complimentary Devil’s Food chocolate cupcake filled with vanilla butter cream with a 9:30 Club logo this weekend. A club spokeswoman says they’ve been working with Alexandria’s Buzz Bakery for one year on the getting the taste just right. No doubt cupcakes — now a permanent menu item even when Cake’s not...

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Building no longer ‘marked’ with beast’s number

In this tough economy, could one company want to take any chances with an old superstition? Seems that way. The office building located at 666 11th St. NW is switching its address to 1100 G St. NW after months of having several of its suites go unsold. So are they hoping that a new address will attract more tenants that may have been turned off by having to design their company’s stationary and sign their work e-mails with the “number of the beast”? Not true, says the downtown building’s owners. “There’s nothing that traumatic with the name change,” said Karen Widmeyer, director of communications for J Street Co. “There’s no...

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Is ‘The Bachelor’ off the market?

Many saw them Monday atop the Lions Club Float in the National Memorial Day Parade, but it seems like Navy Lt. and “Bachelor” star Andy Baldwin and Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes may be getting down. Spotted Thursday night in a back corner booth at Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, the two were clearly enjoying each other’s company — Baldwin squeezed next to Dawes on the same side of the booth, arm flung around her neck. Calling it a night around 11:30 p.m., the two then left together in Dawes’ black Lexus sport utility vehicle. Appearing on behalf of the Lions Club wasn’t their first joint celebrity appearance. On May 18, the two led kids in...

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Youngest GOPer dismissive of Steele’s strategy

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has made reaching out to young voters and minorities a cornerstone of his strategy for the GOP. But Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., the youngest member of Congress and the Republicans’ most recognizable rookie, isn’t so sure. In a profile in Details, the too-cool-for-school men’s magazine, Schock is asked about Steele’s “hip-hop” strategy. “So does that mean we’re going to, like rap our message?” he responds derisively. Schock also comes across as dismayed by his party’s inability to reach out to voters his age. “I’ve had Republicans come up to me and say,...

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‘Housewives’: It’s a reality

After weeks of speculation, the Bravo network made it official on Tuesday: Washington will be home to the next iteration of its “Real Housewives” franchise. As we reported in late March, camera crews had been trolling the city’s fashionable social events hunting for the kind of “talent” that could compete with the “Real Housewives” of Orange County, New York, Atlanta and New Jersey. “We’re tapping personalities who are among Washington, D.C.’s, influential players, cultural connoisseurs, fashion sophisticates and philanthropic leaders — the people who rub elbows with the most prominent people in the country and easily...

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Speakeasy: Reed Hundt

“This from a guy who spent four years telling every doctor what he could charge.” — former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Reed Hundt, responding to former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson’s suggestion that he is a “free enterpriser” while Hundt is a “regulator.” The two men spoke on a panel at the Mid-Atlantic Venture Association’s Capital Connection ’09 conference Tuesday....

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Gunn: Michelle Obama not sole fashionista in D.C.

Michelle Obama, her style and what it's doing to Washington have been the talk of the town since January, and although we won't argue that her fashion sense is a rarity in the White House, how true is it that Washingtonians' style has picked up thanks to the new first lady? We caught up with "Project Runway's" Tim Gunn who gave us the low down on everyone else in Washington and — good news — we may really have Obama to thank for making us a much more put together place. "I saw the most profound difference in how people were dressed," Gunn said of his most recent visit to Capitol Hill, lobbying for intellectual property rights for fashion designers. The...

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TomKat's Washington weekend

With Katie Holmes in town to perform at the National Memorial Day Concert this weekend, she and hubby Tom Cruise made an entire weekend out of it. Cruise and his son Connor (from his previous marriage to Nicole Kidman) toured the Holocaust Museum Saturday with Redskins owner Dan Snyder and his wife, Tanya. (You had to think Cruise would be treated pretty well after playing a would-be assassin of Hitler in "Valkyrie.") Then the family had dinner at Snyder's Potomac home. The Redskins owner is an investor in Cruise's production company. TomKat and kids stayed at the Willard over the weekend, and were spotted using the garage entrance to ward off the cameras and autograph...

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GOP spokesman can party with all parties

One way to forget past rivalries — over some drinks, of course. Both political parties came out to party in Georgetown Friday night, wishing their "good-byes" to Tucker Bounds, the former spokesman to 2008 presidential nominee John McCain. Bounds is leaving for California this week to start work on another Republican campaign — Meg Whitman's run for the state's Republican gubernatorial bid. Joining Bounds at his home were long-time McCain advisor Mark Salter, national communications director Jill Hazelbaker and spokesman Brian Rogers, all of whom were spotted mingling with Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau and spokesman Tommy Vietor. But how could you not put the...

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Speakeasy: Robert Gibbs

"At 6:30 tomorrow morning the president will announce his Supreme Court nominee. Gotcha! I'm done. That's obviously a joke, but I did love to see that — if somebody can quickly text me the name of a chiropractor because at least four dozen necks snapped in one direction." -White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, having some fun with the press corps on...

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Tucker: Plenty of jokes to be had at Obama's expense

Chris Tucker thinks making fun of President Barack Obama should be left “to us” — and, yes, he means black comedians like him and Wanda Sykes. The comedic actor turned out Wednesday night to the 30th anniversary gala for the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, alongside multiple members from the Congressional Black Caucus, African model Chanel Iman, TV personality Paul Wharton and soap opera star Victoria Rowell. Tucker has yet to do a standup routine since the White House got its new occupants, but told us he’s got new material in the works. When we asked for a sneak peak, he told us the one aspect of Obama that is sure to make it in his routine —...

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Silverdocs has fingers crossed for LeBron, Barry

LeBron James will not only grace the screen at this year's Silverdocs film festival in Silver Spring, but if the basketball gods are kind to us locals, he'll grace the theater as well. James and his high school teammates are the subject of "More Than a Game," the festival's featured film on opening night, June 15. "LeBron is planning to attend, should he not be in a basketball game," said Sky Sitney, the festival's artistic director. Another film subject she hopes will make an appearance is someone with a little bit more local caché — Councilman and "Mayor for Life" Marion Barry. "The Nine Lives of Marion Barry," directed by...

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Porn star forms exploratory committee for Senate

Adult film star Stormy Daniels has taken another step toward running for Senate in Louisiana. Two weeks after embarking on a Hillary Clinton-esque "listening tour" around the state, Daniels on Thursday announced the formation of an official exploratory committee. A Baton Rouge native, Daniels has been buoyed by a "Draft Stormy" movement in recent months, encouraging her to run against incumbent Republican David Vitter. "I do not take this step lightly," said Daniels in a release. "While I have been humbled by the overwhelmingly positive response my potential candidacy has generated thus far, my decision to run for United States Senate will only be...

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Obama welcomes Steelers, Pennsylvania VIPs

"Now, I already told these guys, no matter how big they are, I am a Bears fan," said President Barack Obama as he welcomed the Pittsburgh Steelers to the White House on Thursday for the typical post-championship back slapping. But he also knows how to cover his bases in a swing state like Pennsylvania. "It's no secret that I was pulling for the Steelers during the Super Bowl last year, and that's part of the reason why this is so much fun for me," he added. "This isn't me trying to have it both ways — everybody knows I'm pretty serious about my sports teams — but growing up in Hawaii when I was a kid, we didn't have a local football team." On...

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Douglas sits in with arms control experts

Bill Cohen, Michael Douglas and the Ploughshares Fund's Joe Cirincione (Photo: Chajana Harder) Which of these things is not like the other: ex-Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, former Democratic Sen. Sam Nunn, Georgetown School of Foreign Service Dean Bob Gallucci and ... Michael Douglas? Yes, the actor was the odd man out Wednesday night at the Italian Embassy, on a panel of foreign policy stalwarts brought together by the Ploughshares Fund to discuss nonproliferation. After initiating the discussion, he left most of the wonkishness to the experts. But he showed he is getting wise to the ways of Washington, as he and the other luminaries spent plenty of time thanking each other for...

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Even Trebek takes a shot at the Nats

You know it’s bad when Alex Trebek, a guy with a reputation for being resolutely positive, is taking unprompted shots at your baseball team. The “Jeopardy!” host was in town Wednesday to emcee the finals of the National Geographic Bee at National Geographic headquarters, and no sooner was he introduced than he cut down our hometown nine. “It’s springtime in Washington, and that can mean only one thing,” he said. “The Washington Nationals are trying to dig themselves out of the cellar, and are trying to do it before the All-Star break.” Alex also flirted with some political incorrectness. After surveying the names of the other contestants,...

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Amy Grant: Issues not policy

When there’s a Christian rock singer in Washington, some people may have images of an extreme conservative on a mission to blame the government for all the problems in America. But not Amy Grant, the best-selling Christian artist of all time — she’s working as hard to start a new organization as much as she is trying to keep it nonpolitical. “The biggest mouths don’t necessarily have the biggest impact,” Grant said while talking to Yeas & Nays about her upcoming event at the Kennedy Center in honor of “Challenge America,” an organization that benefits wounded troops through recreational activities and job placement. The June 8 concert...

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Media Mix: Valerie Harper

Valerie Harper — best remembered for playing sassy Rhoda Morgenstern on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” — is coming to Washington to play glamorous bad-girl Tallulah Bankhead in “Looped,” a play premiering June 4 at the Arena Stage at the Lincoln Theater. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “Duplicity” Q: What book are you reading? Just finished a pictorial of Tallulah and I’m reading Brendan Gill’s “Tallulah.” I also just finished “The Yiddish Policemen’s Union” by Michael Chabon. I want to go back now and read “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.” Q: What Web sites do you...

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Speakeasy: Pierce Brosnan

“Why don’t you ask Daniel Craig?” — Pierce Brosnan, at an International Fund for Animal Welfare reception on Capitol Hill Tuesday night, when asked how James Bond would save the whales. Photo: Carrie...

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House honors coaches Dungy, Daly

Tony Dungy, the first black coach to win the Super Bowl, was honored by the House of Representatives Tuesday, just weeks after he retired from football. Introduced by Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., the measure attracted 54 co-sponsors before passing by voice vote. Meanwhile, Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Penn., rose to honor Chuck Daly, the champion coach of the Detroit Pistons, who died earlier this month. “Today I honor a man who held his first position as a head coach at Punxsutawney High School in my district, coaching the Chucks,” said Thompson. “In short, today we honor a hometown...

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Arnold: These boots were made for governing

Who says California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's bad boy days are behind him? Look at the bad-boy boots he wore to the White House on Tuesday. You may also ask yourself, which is brighter, his tie or his hair? Photos: Carrie...

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Brosnan drops in on WH, Douglas hangs in G’Town

Pierce Brosnan is quite the environmental man about town. After testifying on climate change at an Environmental Protection Agency hearing Monday, he popped into the White House on Tuesday to talk about saving the whales. Which, not coincidentally, was the topic du jour at a Capitol Hill reception Tuesday night. Also spotted: - Michael Douglas, lunching at Leopold’s in Georgetown on Tuesday, in advance of an event he hosts for the Ploughshares Fund at the Italian Embassy tonight. - Garry Tallent, the bass player for the E Street Band, touring the Newseum on Tuesday....

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Staffers reminisce on Clinton campaign, scandals

Former Clinton White House staffers Dee Dee Myers, George Stephanopoulos and Paul Begala came together at the Newseum on Monday night for a screening of the celebrated Clinton-era campaign doc “The War Room.” But the conversation, moderated by American University’s Nick Clooney, kept coming back to their old boss, Bill Clinton himself. Of the scandals that began to plague the Clinton camp during the campaign and early administration, such as Troopergate, Gennifer Flowers and his alleged draft dodging, Stephanopoulos remarked that “the most difficult thing was Clinton trying to fix it himself” rather than let his team do their jobs. “You just knew you...

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First lady’s fashion designers: this century's Valentino?

Before Jackie Kennedy donned designer Valentino, he helmed an unheard-of fashion house in Italy. Will designers Isabel Toledo and Jason Wu have as bright a future thanks to Michelle Obama, the most fashionable first lady since Jackie Kennedy? Matt Tyrnauer, a man familiar with all things Valentino, would know. He's a special correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, but more recently the filmmaker behind the new docu-film “Valentino: The Last Emperor.” We chatted with him last week while he was in town to premiere his film at The Row fashion event in Bethesda, where he compared the similarities between the Italian designer’s debut in America and that of the foreign-born...

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Mia Farrow gets Congress to starve for Darfur

Everyone knows about the atrocious genocide in Darfur, but did you know this? A group in Congress is working to fix the problem not with legislation or a blue-ribbon commission, but by taking a page from the playbook of actress Mia Farrow. Yes, Farrow’s fast for Darfur was first picked up by “Rebel Billionaire” Richard Branson last week, and now it’s the Congressional Black Caucus’ turn. In an announcement Tuesday morning on Capitol Hill, CBC members vowed to stop eating for a day to keep Farrow’s fast going — a fast that a doctor ordered her to cease after 12 days. Reps. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., Donald Payne, D-N.J., Maxine Waters, D-Calif.,...

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Specter gets his squash on

"Those are items which I have always been concerned about, being a squash player almost on a daily basis, and more recently taking up weight training as a result of an experience I have had with Hodgkin's." -newly minted Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter, revealing his exercise regimen on the Senate floor Monday as he discussed health care...

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Last man on moon: NASA needs another ‘Snoopy’

Does NASA need to name its space shuttles after cartoon characters to get some attention these days? So thinks the last man who walked on the moon, Gene Cernan. And he may be on to something — it has been an astonishing 40 years since anyone has made the 240,000-mile trip. “No one remembers it was Apollo 10 that went, but everyone still calls it ‘Snoopy’ and ‘Charlie Brown,’ ” Cernan recounted to Nick Clooney at the Newseum on Monday. (He and his Apollo crew renamed their command and lunar modules after the beloved Charles Schulz characters.) “It gave it an identity and a loyalty,” he explained. He recounted that from the simple...

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Food celebs: get over organic, already!

“The biggest political decisions we make are in the foods we choose to eat.” That was bestselling cookbook author Mark Bittman summing up the purpose of why he met with top D.C. chef Jose Andres Monday at The Center for American Progress and not one of Andres five Washington restaurants — to get back to basics regarding food policy. The men argued that issues like greenhouse gases, fair trade, obesity and family relationships go hand in hand with the food choices we make. But both criticized the undue amount of attention on the organic and local food movements. “Our first choice shouldn’t be between an organic, local cheeseburger or a McDonald’s...

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For Dems, The Boss means bucks

Thanks to some shenanigans by Ticketmaster, tickets to Monday night’s Bruce Springsteen show at Verizon Center were notoriously hard to come by. But not if you were a Democratic donor with some money in your checking account. According to the fundraiser database compiled by the Sunlight Foundation, four Democratic House members raised cash at the sold-out show. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., charged $1,000 for an individual or $2,500 for a PAC; Reps. Patrick Murphy, D-Pa., and Dutch Ruppersburger, D-Md., asked donors to pony up $1,500 for individuals or $2,500 for PACs. The American College of Radiology, throwing the event for Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., charged the most: $2,500 per...

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It’s an enviro. week for Brosnan, wife

Pierce Brosnan and his wife, Keely Shaye Smith, are killing two birds with one stone on their trip to Washington this week. (Not that the committed environmentalists would ever kill a bird, mind you.) On Monday, the Brosnans testified at a public hearing of the Environmental Protection Agency on climate change. The Brosnans were introduced as testifying on behalf of the Sierra Club, but club spokesman David Willett said the actor was there to give “his own testimony, and we helped him out with that.” “Congress, please pass the Waxman-Markey bill this year,” he pleaded, referring to the climate change legislation currently making its way through the...

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Speakeasy: Joe Biden

“I had planned on driving my ’67 Corvette up the middle of this area here. But the Secret Service said they wouldn’t let me do it.” - Vice President Joe Biden, giving the commencement address at Wake Forest University on...

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D.C. jail bans denim, lawyer cries foul

No jeans? No justice! That's the cry coming from attorney Stephen Mercer, after he showed up at the D.C. jail on the morning of Sunday, May 2, in a pair of jeans. "They warned me (and every other attorney showing up that morning – nearly all of whom were wearing jeans) of the 'new' policy banning attorneys wearing jeans that would be effective as of the next Sunday," Mercer tells us. So, like any denim-loving American, Mercer filed a FOIA request three days later. He requested "all documents, memoranda, letters, e-mails, that purport to establish the legal authority and justification for any regulation, rule or policy that bars attorneys from wearing blue jeans...

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Seymour sells her art all weekend

Actress Jane Seymour spent the weekend in the area, promoting her paintings at the Wentworth Gallery's three area locations — Pentagon City Mall on Friday, Tysons Galleria on Saturday and West Fields Montgomery Mall on Sunday. "We've been inundated" with fans and art collectors "from the opening until now," said Wentworth Vice President Michael O'Mahoney Jr., when we caught up with him during Sunday's show. "It's one of the best shows we've done with her." The three galleries stocked about 120 limited edition prints and originals from the former Bond girl and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" star. And just how much does a Seymour work go for...

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Presidential basketballs available, impossible to get

What is sure to be the newest must-have for any basketball fan? The just-released official White House basketball – but good luck finding one. Just over a week old, basketballs feature white panels stamped with the official presidential seal. Problem is, they are only available in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s Navy Mess gift shop, a gift shop you can only gain access to if you work for the administration or have an appointment in the building with one who does. Some of those lucky enough to pick up the souvenir were the University of North Carolina’s championship men's basketball team. Each of the players purchased the $55 balls on-site before their...

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Sightings: Caps hang at Maté, Brashear does Gin & Tonic

Just two nights after their heartbreaking loss in Game 7, the Caps hit the down on Friday night. A group of 18 players were spotted at Maté in Georgetown. Then on Saturday night, it was Donald Brashear's turn. The Caps' enforcer, who was suspended for most of the playoffs, was at Gin & Tonic in Glover Park on Saturday night. Wearing a black shirt and jeans, he drank shots and vodka drinks, and spent about two hours dancing on the stage. Also spotted: Rahm Emanuel and his wife, brunching at Tabard Inn Sunday after his commencement speech to George Washington students. And jet-setting financier Sir R. Allen Stanford dining with a party of four Thursday night at the Capital...

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Wynton gets a Wii

"What do you get the man who has everything?" asked Reggie Van Lee at the Washington Performing Arts Society Gala on Saturday night, as he prepared to honor Wynton Marsalis. The jazz legend and his Jazz at Lincoln Center orchestra played gratis at the gala, so Van Lee, who sits on the organization's Board of Directors, wanted to show his appreciation. And did so. With a Nintendo Wii for Marsalis and his band. Now perhaps they can bone up on those Aerosmith tunes on "Rock Band." Later, Van Lee would offer up something else. As the event's live auction concluded, he put up for bid a surprise item: a dinner party on the balcony of his Manhattan apartment, overlooking...

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Speakeasy: Rahm Emanuel

"This is actually the second honorary degree I've received this year. Just last week I was awarded an honorary degree for my contribution in the field of linguistics, particularly my work in four-letter words." -Rahm Emanuel in his commencement speech to students of The George Washington University at their ceremony Sunday morning on the National Mall....

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Rummy: I've seen enough

That was former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld taking in the Caps’ heartbreaking Game 7 loss at Verizon Center on Wednesday night. He and his wife, Joyce (who was decked out in red Caps garb), had good seats in the lower level, right on the blue line. But they didn’t stick around until the bitter end. With the Caps hopelessly behind, the couple left after the second period. Also spotted: Ben Stiller, in town for Thursday night’s premiere of “Night at the Museum 2,” having dinner with his wife, Christine Taylor, at Geranio in Old Town Alexandria on Wednesday night. On Thursday morning, Stiller and Taylor, like seemingly every other celeb...

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Speakeasy

“I’d just like to clear the air about that little controversy everybody was talking about a few weeks back. ... I really thought this was much ado about nothing, but I do think we all learned an important lesson. I learned never again to pick another team over the Sun Devils in my NCAA bracket.” — President Barack Obama in his commencement speech Wednesday to graduates at Arizona State University...

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From the stage, an invite to the prom

As far as creative ways to ask a girl to the prom, you can’t do much better than Spencer Joynt did Wednesday night. Joynt and his girlfriend, Courtney Prillaman — both students at Georgetown Day School — were seated in the 10th row at the Warner Theatre for Spinal Tap’s “Unwigged and Unplugged” show of music and comedy when Joynt sprung his surprise. Early in the show, famous funnyman Harry Shearer said there was a little bit of “personal business” to take care of. “Courtney, will you go to the prom with Spencer?” he asked. And an hour later, he reiterated: “In case the message didn’t get through earlier, Courtney,...

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A-listers swoop in for 'Museum' premiere

That didn't take long. Just five days after the White House Correspondents Association Dinner, a whole new complement of Hollywood royalty came to town. Only this time, it was all about them. The place? The Air and Space Museum. The occasion? The premiere of "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian." Who came? Robin Williams, Ricky Gervais, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson Amy Adams and Hank Azaria, to name a few. "We had so much fun in the first one, we wanted to see if we could improve it and do it bigger and better for the second one," said Stiller. But, as Adams told us, they didn't do much actual filming inside the Smithsonian museums, sticking mostly to...

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Segway inventor wants nerds over athletes

“It’s not about Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Britney Spears or Paris Hilton, it’s about the scientists and engineers.” That was Segway inventor Dean Kamen’s attempt to persuade those in attendance at Third Way’s innovation lecture that kids today need to have different heroes than athletes and pop singers. But he has a way to go. Throughout his discussion Wednesday, nothing he said would convince any kid from putting down the basketball or turning off his iPod. Things such as “not the Super Bowl, but the superconductor,” “put down your rocks and sticks” (his analogy for baseball) and “bouncing a ball is not an...

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RuPaul to strut his stuff in Washington

“You better work” at being in Washington on June 14 if you hope to see the world’s most famous drag queen. That’s right, RuPaul is coming to the capital this summer to headline this year’s D.C. Gay Pride Festival. The “Supermodel” singer already seems to have sampled a bit of Washington in his own life, so seems only appropriate he finally make a trip out here. His holiday card this year showed him dressed up as both President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, and he has a reality show called “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the same name as Washington’s annual Halloween race through Dupont Circle....

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Gingrich: I was almost a zookeeper

Picture it: Newt Gingrich, zookeeper. It almost happened, writes the former speaker of the House in “5 Principles for a Successful Life,” his new book that he co-authored with daughter Jackie Gingrich Cushman. “As a young man, I planned on becoming a zoo director or a vertebrate paleontologist,” writes Gingrich. But a trip to the battlefields of World War I in France as a teenager inspired him to get into public service. Not that politics and zoology are mutually exclusive. Later, he writes, “While representing my Georgia district in Congress, I again had the opportunity to use my passion for zoos by contributing to my hometown Zoo Atlanta’s...

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Media Mix

Christian Siriano, the man who made “fierce” a household word, won Season 4 of “Project Runway” and has become the show’s most successful designer. He’s an Annapolis native and is back in the area to make an appearance at the three-day fashion event, The Front Row, happening from Thursday through Sunday at Bethesda Row. Q: What book are you reading? I actually have been reading my own book in the last few weeks making sure the manuscript is all up to par. Q: What Web sites do you check every morning? I’m actually not one to check up on the blogs! I look at Bradwalsh.com, Perez Hilton every now and then and actually Wireimage because I can be a...

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25 years later, still not ‘Tapped’ out

This is Spinal Tap, and this is lunch! The original members of the legendary mock metal band — Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer — appeared Wednesday at Nathans of Georgetown for an episode of “The Q&A Cafe with Carol Joynt.” They played the Warner Theatre on Wednesday night as part of their “Unwigged and Unplugged” tour. “There’s no pressure at all” in making a comeback, Shearer told us. “We’re going out there as ourselves, not as Spinal Tap, so the challenge is to figure out how to play these songs as ourselves.” “We are unwigged and unplugged, except that we are plugged,”...

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Obama stumpers can’t get enough of Washington

Photo: Mark Wilkins will.i.am concluded his daylong tour of Virginia with gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe on Monday at the Clarendon Ballroom. He even regaled the crowd with a rendition of his song for the Black Eyed Peas, “My Humps.” But that might not have been the evening’s top musical moment. Biz Markie, who was still in town after DJ-ing Capitol File’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner after-party Saturday, joined in as well. He sang his hit “Just a Friend,” substituting the line “They say he’s just a friend” with “Terry is a friend.” Wonder if Bill Clinton will keep up the musical theme...

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Chocolate couture

Photo: Sam Hurd Miss D.C. 2006 Kate Michael dons a dress adorned with confections (and a 15-lb cake for a hat) on the runway Monday night as part of the annual Sweet Charity fundraiser. The event supports the Heart of America Foundation, which is focused on reading and literacy among children....

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Schilling makes his pitch for ALS research

“I didn’t have anything else to do,” said Curt Schilling as the reason he first got into helping out The ALS Association 19 years ago when he was a young pitcher. Since then, he’s become so passionate about the cause, he and his wife have donated or raised $10 million to the cause of Lou Gehrig’s disease, he named his first son Gehrig and he famously wrote “KO ALS” on his shoe during the 2004 postseason when he knew a lot of cameras would be focused there. Tuesday morning, the association presented the two-time world champion hurler and Hall of Fame hopeful with its first Hall of Fame Award. After walking in about an hour into the breakfast,...

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Speakeasy: Michael Brown

“OMG I’m at 666 followers. Am I doomed? Going to hell? Please, somebody, get me over 666 fast!!! LOL” - former Federal Emergency Management Association Director Michael “Brownie” Brown, on Twitter last week. We’re happy to report he now has 679 followers....

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Brooks: Give Zim some credit!

Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, currently riding a 28-game hitting streak, deserves more credit than he’s gotten, says an authority on the subject, Orioles Hall of Fame third baseman Brooks Robinson. “If he played in New York, he’d be on the front page every day,” said Robinson, appearing at the National Press Club Monday. “But here in Washington, you got a lot of other stuff going on,” like the Capitals in the playoffs. “Right, Stan?” he asked Nationals President Stan Kasten, who was sitting on the dais. “Yup,” replied Kasten. He said it excites him when announcers refer to a play at third as reminding them of Brooks...

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Obama bracket pick honored at White House

The ceremony was for the University of North Carolina’s NCAA basketball championship team, but it also could have served as a thank-you from President Barack Obama for rescuing his bracket. The president — wearing, appropriately, a Tar Heel-blue tie — met with the 2009 champs Monday at the White House for an awards ceremony and immediately told them, “Thanks for salvaging my bracket — and vindicating me before the entire nation. That first round was rough on me.” This wasn’t his first meeting with the team. He went to recall the time he played ball with them before the election, and perhaps in a nod to the once reliably red state of North...

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Ted Turner: Not a nation-state

What’s the difference between a million dollars and a billion dollars? Not as much as you’d think, at least if your name is Ted Turner. But the CNN founder almost didn’t get a chance to donate the cool billion because, well, he isn’t a country. The CNN founder was on hand late last week to accept the McCall-Pierpaoli Humanitarian Award at Refugees International’s 30th anniversary gala at the Italian Embassy, and he told the audience what led him to donate $1 billion to the United Nations. “They were honoring me for past donations and I wanted to say something that would make an impact,” he said. “So I thought, ‘I’ll give a...

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The O.G. in D.C.

Rapper/actor Ice-T, his wife Coco and Ken Johnson of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Monday afternoon at the PhRMA offices downtown. Ice was in town to tape an episode of the organization's "Sharing Miracles" show. He spoke about heart disease, as both of his parents died of cardiac failure. Photos: Max...

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Speakeasy: Joe Biden

“I’ve got a dog that lives with me. The smartest, coolest dog in the world. My dog is smarter than Bo, his dog.” — Vice President Joe Biden telling elementary school kids how his dog, Champ, is better than President Barack Obama’s dog, Bo, after the commencement speech the vice president gave at Syracuse University last weekend....

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Yeas & Ney

Who was that having dinner with the small group at the Oceanaire Seafood Room Friday night but former Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio? The former House Administration Committee Chairman served 17 months in prison for his role in the Jack Abramoff corruption scandal. These days, he has his own radio show in Wheeling, W.Va., as part of the Talk Radio News Service. We hear he comes to DC regularly to conduct interviews....

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Affleck's illness keeps he and Garner away

Surely the prize for most prominent A-listers not to show up to the dinner were Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner. Garner even had a head start: she had been in earlier last week to lobby for early childhood education, but flew to Boston for the remainder of the week. The couple were invited by CBS News, and according to one CBS insider, didn't tell the network they couldn't make it until the last minute, when a car service had already been dispatched to pick them up in Boston for their trip to the airport. "They were 100 percent confirmed," said our source, who added CBS had paid for all their travel and accommodations. But an Affleck spokesman said the actor got sick and had...

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Celebs on the watch for swine flu

One of President Barack Obama's biggest laugh lines on Saturday night was when he said that he and Secretary Hillary Clinton are so close now that she gave him a big hug after she returned from Mexico and encouraged him to visit himself. Yes, even the president couldn't resist a swine flu reference. Neither could we, so we asked some of the celebs assembled if they were nervous about the virus, being around so many people. "I forgot my hand sanitizer," confessed Kal Penn, the former "House" actor who now draws a paychek from the White House Office of Public Liaison. "I'm going to have to go to the bathroom a lot. I know a lot about hand washing — I played...

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Celeb kid has playdate with first daughters

Have Malia and Sasha gone Hollywood as well? The two Obama girls spent Saturday playing at the White House with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s daughter while their mother Michelle gave a tour to Johnson and his wife. And that wasn’t just a highlight for his daughter. The Rock told us how he had already met the person he was most excited to see, Michelle. “She was just so wonderful, it was so great to meet her,” he told Yeas & Nays....

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Speakeasy: Saturday night

“You can’t listen to the haters.” -Meghan McCain, at the Capitol File after-party, telling Yeas & Nays how sick she is of people giving her grief. "Steven Spielberg. What do you say to Steven Spielberg? I said, 'You make really good movies.' He said, 'Thank you.'" -Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans, when we asked him who the coolest person he met on Saturday was "I go to Alaska every year. There's planes, bears, everything. I'm going in June. So I walk into the bathroom, and I'm like, 'Dude!!!'" -Murphy Jensen, 1993 French Open doubles champion and coach of the Washington Kastles, on running into Todd Palin in the...

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After-party-palooza

The after-party that billed itself as the most exclusive on Saturday night was the Vanity Fair/Bloomberg soiree at the French Ambassador's residence, which had cut its guest list by more than half, compared to years past. "No riff raff, please," Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter told the keepers of the guest list as he arrived. "And that includes Vanity Fair staff." Ouch. So who else showed up? Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Luke Russert, Richard Belzer of "Law & Order: SVU," Kerry Washington, Jon Bon Jovi, Carole King, Amy Poehler of "Saturday Night Live," OMB Director Peter Orzsag, Glenn Close, Jonathan Rhys...

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Correspondents dinner photos

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore (Photo: Gene Young) George Lucas and Samuel L. Jackson (Photo: Gene Young) Trudy Styler and Sting (Photo: Gene Young) Alicia Keys gets in tight with Stevie Wonder (Photo: Jeff Dufour) Tom Cruise works the crowd (Photo: Susan Ferrechio) Natalie Portman (Photo: Gene Young) Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee (Photo: Gene Young) Entertainer Wanda Sykes (Photo: Gene Young) Denis Leary and wife Ann Lembeck (Photo: Gene Young) Todd Palin (Photo: Gene Young) Eva Longoria at the Capitol File party (Photo courtesy of MBKphoto.com/Capitol File magazine) White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers...

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Writers face the pols they parody

After spending the day in meetings on Capitol Hill and in the White House discussing last year’s strike, Writers Guild of America East scribes from various television shows brought their brand of unapologetic political humor right to the nation’s doorstep Friday night. “Well, this is a real ‘who’s who of ‘whose assistants,’” jabbed "The Colbert Report" writer Opus Moreschi at the audience of Washingtonians at the Newseum. No topic was off limits as four of the writers began the first half of the evening with stand-up-routines. Matt Goldich of "Best Week Ever" blasted Air Force One’s recent New York City flyby,...

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Parties before the party

While Saturday night’s White House Correspondent’s Dinner is the main event, Friday night saw its fair share of hot, happening parties all over town. First up was The Creative Coalition/Capitol File screening party of Barry Levinson’s “PoliWood” at the Naval Heritage Museum. The Coalition’s Tim Daly, Matthew Modine, Dana Delany, Matthew Settle and Rachel Leigh Cook were all on hand to take questions from the audience following the film about the importance of the arts. Not sure how much of the film Modine saw, though. We spotted the “Full Metal Jacket” star channeling his wartime character, playing SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs on the Play...

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Matthew Modine, the scientist?

Everyone may simply call the awards ceremony "the Oscars," but Matthew Modine was quick to point out the full technical title. “It’s the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” Modine reminded Yeas & Nays Friday night at the premiere of Barry Levinson's documentary “PoliWood” – the latest bit of evidence showcasing just how much Washington is the new Hollywood. And apparently he’s thought a lot about the “science” part of that name for he couldn’t stop citing examples of how performers are, in actuality, scientists. “Albert Einstein may not have discovered the theory of relativity had he not played...

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Speakeasy: Friday

" I hope to plant the seed of love in Bill O'Reilly. If he is a good person, it will grow. But Ann Coulter, she has no heart so that's not possible." -Actor Matthew Modine, telling Yeas & Nays Friday night about his plans while sitting with Fox News at Saturday's White House Correspondant's Dinner. “No, I mean I think only 10% of the audience has seen anything I’ve done.” -Rachel Leigh Cook, in response to our question on how effective her celebrity has been in working with The Creative Coalition. The star of teen film favorite “She’s All That” was at the Naval Heritage Museaum Friday night for the premiere of Barry Levinston’s...

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Palmer’s still got it for Jockey, ‘of course’

Chicago had Michael Jordan in his Hanes, but most around here prefer Baltimore’s Jim Palmer in his Jockeys. The Hall of Fame pitcher for the Orioles met up with fans for a luncheon at Morton’s on Thursday — and while on air with ESPN during the steak course he mainly talked baseball, we got him to talk with us beforehand about his famous half-naked ad. “Of course I would do it,” Palmer, aka “Cakes,” responded to our challenge if he would still pose today. But the real question is could he? “Nowadays they can make you look any way they want you to,” he joked about being airbrushed for an underwear ad today, cause back in the...

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Alba in Washington, all about the baby

It was a family affair for Jessica Alba this week in Washington, using her time in town to support the issues most important to husband Cash Warren and baby daughter Honor Marie. The family arrived into Union Station Thursday morning after taking the train down from New York, where she wowed in a mini dress on the red carpet Monday night at the Met Costume Gala. But on Wednesday her fashion was much more Washingtonian - gray knee-length skirt, pink cardigan cinched with a thin black belt and pearls, natch - when she appeared on the Hill to accompany Warren to a screening of the documentary he produced, “Crips v. Bloods.” Warren sounded like the new dad he is, telling Yeas...

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Ein: King of the Kastle

"Oh boy, Mark's been out too late last night." That's what Councilman Jack Evans (Ward 2) remembers thinking when local entrepreneur Mark Ein told him he wanted to bring a pro tennis team to the District and build a stadium on the old Convention Center site. In fact, Evans added, being out late is "probably where he came up with the idea." But now, Evans admits, the laugh is on him, as Ein's Washington Kastles sold out nearly every match last summer and are back again, this time with an even bigger stadium in the works. Ein announced on Thursday that D.C. will even host the league championship match. In noting that Serena Williams will be back with the team, Ein...

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Hawn on the Hill

Actress Goldie Hawn chats with Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., on the Hill Thursday as part of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Photo: Carrie...

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Yoko Ono brings Lennon’s art, peace to Washington

Known for being a very private person, Yoko Ono rarely speaks publicly about her husband John Lennon. But she is willing to tell the story of their life together through his art. Ono is bringing dozens of Lennon’s works to Georgetown this weekend, the first time they’ve appeared locally in the 17-year history of the exhibit. So why here and why now? “I really like the past atmosphere there,” Ono told us about her decision to pick Georgetown. “It feels very liberal and free. Not sure if that’s true but it has that feeling.” (Perhaps she hasn’t been here since the ’60s?) We also think President Barack Obama, or perhaps more...

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Beautiful on the outside, beautiful on the inside

Women don’t stop loving jewels just because there’s a recession, but getting to dress yourself in Bulgari and give to charity can definitely loosen any feelings of guilt. Perhaps that’s why so many women — and the men who wanted to spoil them — turned out Tuesday evening to Bulgari in Chevy Chase for a charity event supporting Save the Children’s new campaign. Iced-out herself was hostess Ali Wentworth, who along with her husband (and no, don’t worry, George Stephanopoulos wasn’t sporting any bling) has been a big supporter of the non-profit organization. And although she may have been wearing a 10-carat blue topaz ring on loan to her...

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Sino-U.S. relations always 'interesting'

“Five years ago [when I arrived] people said, ‘You are coming at an interesting time,’” said Chinese Ambassador Zhou Wenzhong Tuesday night at China’s new, I.M Pei-designed embassy, two days before its public unveiling today. “Now they still say that I’m here in an interesting time. The word ‘interesting’ can mean other things.” The Institute for Education honored Zhou with its annual Civility Award, and presented him with a portrait by the pop artist Peter Max, who grew up in Shanghai. But stealing the show was former Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, who presented Zhou with the gift. The 79-year-old, who’s still...

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Rosie: I didn’t do anything!

“My first big press conference in Washington!” exulted Rosie O’Donnell, as she took the lectern in the Russell Senate Office Building Wednesday and looked out on the dozen-plus photographers who came to snap her picture. “I feel really nervous, like there should be a scandal attached.” But fear not, as she added, “I swear I didn’t do anything.” O’Donnell’s cause? A foster care reform bill introduced by Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y. As a child, O’Donnell explained, she “made a deal with God that if he let me become rich and famous” then she’d spend her life working for...

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Speakeasy: Michelle Obama

“I never thought I’d be on ‘Sesame Street’ with Elmo and Big Bird, and I was thrilled. I’m still thrilled. I’m on a high.” — Michelle Obama recalling her Tuesday appearance on “Sesame Street” to members at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York. We wonder if that beats the honor she celebrated later that evening in New York as one of Time Magzine’s “100 Most Influential...

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Who's your daddy?

Maury Povich teamed with "One Life to Live" actress Kristen Alderson at the National Press Club Tuesday on behalf of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen And Unplanned Pregnancy. Ironic, because the talk-show host often features a segment on his show called "Who's the Daddy?" in which he reveals the results of paternity tests....

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Wilson and Palin, proud to be rednecks

She asked for her autograph on air, had her perform at her nomination acceptance speech and sang along to her songs at rallies, so we’re guessing Sarah Palin will be happy to know her love for country singer Gretchen Wilson is mutual. “I love her. It was so heartbreaking [to see them lose],” Wilson told Yeas & Nays after testifying on the Hill – proving that although Palin’s not in office, Gretchen Wilson still has a passion for politics. Wilson stumped for Palin several times during her campaign, but on Tuesday she was in Washington on behalf of adult literacy and the importance of a high school degree. Wilson received her GED in 2008. After signing...

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Kennedys threw ‘party’ in senator’s hospital room

When the Kennedy clan gathered at Massachusetts General Hospital to be with Sen. Edward Kennedy following his diagnosis of a brain tumor last year, they “disrupted the entire floor” with their “merrymaking.” So says Edward Klein’s new book, “Ted Kennedy: The Dream that Never Died,” which is excerpted in the new issue of Vanity Fair. Klein quotes an unnamed family friend who says that Kennedy’s nephew, Joseph P. Kennedy, ordered a “larger flat-screen TV” and a feast of seafood into the room. “Mass. General is used to the Kennedys’ bluster, but this got over the top. ... One of the head nurses stepped in and spoke with...

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Speakeasy: Jim Graham

“For obvious reasons, it didn’t work out.” - Openly gay D.C. Councilman Jim Graham, D-Ward 1, discussing on Tuesday his (since ended) marriage to a woman. The council was debating legislation that would recognize gay marriages performed in other jurisdictions....

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Members channel the Bard in annual 'Will on the Hill' benefit

Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Jim McDermott act out a scene at Will on the Hill. Photo: Kevin Allen. "This is the opening night and closing night," said Michael Kahn, creative director of the Shakespeare Theatre Co., Monday night, as he introduced the company's 16th annual "Will on the Hill" fundraiser featuring members of Congress and other VIP performers. "For those of you who are here, thank you for not being across the street," he added, acknowledging the Capitals game, which took place at the same time. Herewith, a sample of the lines penned for the occasion by playwright Peter Byrne: -Rep. Brian Baird, portraying a "classical...

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POTUS and VPOTUS go to Hell (Burger)

With all these presidential outings to restaurants such as Equinox and Citronelle, we had to wonder when Barack Obama would hit up a more, er, casual eatery. The wait is over. Despite a published schedule that had Obama and Vice President Joe Biden lunching privately in the Oval Office, the two men hit the road Tuesday afternoon for Ray's Hell Burger in Arlington. According to White House pool reporter Linda Feldmann, the two men waited their turn in line, and paid their tabs, lest the media call them out as "freeloaders." In fact, Obama not only left a $5 tip, he also called back to the media assembled and asked what they wanted — his treat. "Some declined,"...

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Jennifer Garner: Not a llama

Photo: Gene Young Jennifer Garner, who along with husband Ben Affleck is one of this weekend's premier guests at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner, arrived to town a few days early so she could stump for her favorite cause: early childhood development. Garner appeared with her parents, Bill and Pat Garner, and Save the Children Managing Director Mark Shriver at Rosemount Headstart Center in Mount Pleasant Tuesday morning to release the organization's "State of the World’s Mothers" report. "The more time I spend with Save the Children, the more time I see America as a whole," said Garner. Discussing the importance of reading, she said,...

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It’s Robert Duvall vs. Wal-Mart

Reminiscent of Tom Hagen, his legendary character in “The Godfather,” actor Robert Duvall is making Wal-Mart an offer it can’t refuse. Duvall was the star attraction at a rainy rally Monday morning at the Wilderness Battlefield in Orange County, Va.. Participants called on the retailing behemoth to relocate its proposed Supercenter, which would stand within the footprint of the key Civil War site. “First we had Disney, then we had the power lines. Now we have Wal-Mart,” said Duvall, in a nod to the other threats to the area’s Civil War heritage that preservationists have had to beat back over the years. Duvall was born in Virginia, and currently...

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PETA uses virus to promote vegetarianism

We’ve all heard of “pork” on Capitol Hill, but a real-life pig farm? That’s the goal of PETA, which is attempting to exploit the swine flu outbreak in its latest stunt to spread the message of treating animals humanely. The organization submitted an application to the Capitol Police last week to set up a pig farm exhibit on the steps of the Capitol. They had hoped to bring 3,500 one-gallon buckets of pig manure and urine as part of their display, representative of the waste a farm produces annually. They also sought to bring large fans to blow the odors of the manure and urine throughout the plaza. And as Yeas & Nays learned Monday, apparently a lack of...

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Diddy: Saving the economy, one person at a time

In this rough economy, most people are willing to take any job they can get. But would you run around town grabbing coffee, peddle perfume at a department store, go through a military training camp in the middle of nowhere and be yelled at constantly — all on national television? If so, then you’re in luck. Hip-hop media mogul Sean “P. Diddy” Combs — perhaps one of the few people hiring these days — is sending VH1 to Washington to cast contestants for the second season of “I Want to Work for Diddy.” On May 16, people with “big personalities” and a “whatever it takes” attitude are asked to come to Lavar...

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Will-ing McAuliffe to victory

Not content with stumping for President Barack Obama last fall, hip-hop star will.i.am is hitting the hustings again, this time for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe. The on-again, off-again Black Eyed Pea will appear with McAuliffe next Monday in Portsmouth, Hampton, Richmond and Arlington. “Terry is my good friend and my closest political mentor,” said will.i.am in a release. “He will be a great governor because of his passion to help people and his understanding of the grassroots community. I look forward to joining him on the campaign...

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To beautify is divine

“$500,000 ... is transferred to the Department of Parks and Recreation ... for the sole and exclusive use of beatification of passive parks within the boundaries of Ward 4.” — A line from the D.C. Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs draft FY 2010 Budget Report (emphasis added). After all, as the saying goes, cleanliness is next to...

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Paris Hilton drops in on KenCen Spring Gala

When you think "Women in the Arts," don't you automatically think "Paris Hilton"? Well, that was the theme of Sunday night's annual Kennedy Center Spring Gala, and there was Ms. Hilton, making a surprise appearance. Also on hand: Stockard Channing, Patti LaBelle, k.d. lang, Annie Leibovitz, Dianne Reeves, LeAnn Rimes, Chita Rivera, Lily Tomlin and Vera Wang. (Photo: Mark...

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Now even congressional spouses subject to scrutiny

Are congressional spouses dangerous? Anyone who was at Thursday's Congressional Club luncheon with first lady Michelle Obama might be forgiven for thinking as much. The 100-plus-year-old organization of congressional spouses regularly hosts the incumbent first lady at their annual lunch. But, as a source with knowledge of the event tells us, Thursday was the first time in the history of the luncheon that club members and their guests were made to walk through magnetometers. "We had always been considered a 'safe' group as spouses of members of the House and Senate who would know their invited guests," said the source. Yeas & Nays also learned that last week, the club was...

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Local promoters serve Nile Rodgers with lawsuit

In an inauguration-related dispute that's turning uglier by the day, local promoter and event planner Freddie Wyatt served legendary disco artist and pop producer Nile Rodgers with a lawsuit late last week. "We served him on his doorstep in Connecticut," said Wyatt, a principal with Georgetown-based Jamestown Entertainment, which helped to organized the Citizens Helping Heroes inaugural gala in January. Wyatt says he helped to build the idea for the gala, centered around wounded veterans, and then Rodgers & Co. "took over the executive producer position and they took over the talent. Then they didn't produce the talent." Specifically, he said Rodgers took...

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First couple’s first date

It took one hundred days, but President Barack Obama finally got a chance to take his wife Michelle out for a night alone. The first couple dined Saturday night at the highly-rated Citronelle in Georgetown, home to one of Washington’s most renowned chefs, Michel Richard. Arriving at 6 p.m. for an early dinner, the couple dined for two hours on a menu designed especially for them, and by the time they exited at 8, they had some company, as a crowd of several hundred had gathered behind the police tape. One woman was heard shouting into a bullhorn, "Create fear and terror." No one did. But the date night didn’t stop when they left at 8:00 p.m. Upon arrival back to...

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Nats trade uniforms for tuxes at annual gala

After a big win on Saturday, the Nationals players gave up their uniforms for penguin suits, as they made their way to National Harbor for the 4th annual Nationals Dream Gala. And, wouldn't you know it, most of the team — even the young guys — already own their own tuxes. "Most of the guys have their own," said new Nats pitcher Joe Beimel, "except me. I had to rent." A dashing looking Ryan Zimmerman admitted, "The tux is mine, but I had to borrow the bow tie. I forgot mine." And most of the new players for 2009, such as Beimel and Julian Tavarez, said they loved being in D.C. Even star slugger Adam Dunn. When we asked him how he liked his new...

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U.S. Chamber takes to silver screen

Along with your popcorn and Raisinettes, you can now enjoy a large helping of lobbying for lawsuit reform. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for Legal Reform last week released four short films highlighting victims of what they call frivolous lawsuits, to be aired before movies in theaters nationwide. “Lawsuits are turning the American dream into a litigation horror film,” said ILR President Lisa Rickard. “That’s why the silver screen is the perfect venue for the Faces of Lawsuit Abuse trailers. The only difference between the feature presentation and these short films is that the damage, the costs, the winners and losers that are featured aren’t...

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The Donald has landed

Donald Trump swooped into Loudoun County on Thursday to close on his purchase of Lowes Island Golf Club ... er, make that "Trump National Golf Club, Washington, D.C." Showing up in a black stretch limo (of course), The Donald took a cart around his newest acquisition before sitting down to a lunchtime press conference at which he immediately threw down the gauntlet at the area's most storied country club. "Congressional [Country Club, where Tiger Woods hosts his annual event] doesn't compare to this as a golf course," said Trump. "If you come back here in a year, there won't be anything that will be able to compete with it" in the area. He's hired famous...

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Fairey’s not done boosting candidates

Looks like President Barack Obama’s not the only political type to get the Shepard Fairey treatment. You’ll recall the Los Angles-based artist created the iconic “HOPE” poster that become a signature of Obama’s presidential run in 2008. Well, some other political types are now going under Fairey’s paintbrush: Tiffany Tupper, Raul De Jesus, Ytit Chauhan and George Monger. Who are they? They are candidates for office featured in Jason Pollock’s new documentary, “The Youngest Candidate.” The film highlights 18-year-olds running for various offices around the country. Pollock got Fairey to do portraits of the four youths and the...

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Washingtonians share some political wisdom with Hollywood

Ever since inauguration, when Hollywood and D.C. have come together, they seem to have done so on our turf. Not on Wednesday night, when the Artists & Athletes Alliance brought five top political minds from D.C. out to the Four Seasons in Los Angeles for a briefing on President Barack Obama's first hundred days. Honorary co-chairs Jason Alexander and Kelsey Grammer welcomed Mark Halperin from TIME magazine, CQ Weekly editor David Hawkings, CNN Political Editor Mark Preston, Democratic strategist Marla Cardona and Republican strategist Alex Castellanos, along with more than 130 actors, writers, directors, studio execs and agents. Steven Ross, executive director of the nonprofit...

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Baca loves Palmer — the man and the drink

Rep. Joe Baca, D.-Calif., made it clear Tuesday on the House floor that he has one serious man crush on golf legend Arnold Palmer. “It was like a dream come true,” Baca recalled about a golf game he had with Palmer a few years back. “I had to pinch myself to make sure that this wasn't just a dream.” “Walking these 18 holes with him will forever be one of my greatest moments in life, besides, of course, marrying my wife and having my four children,” he added adorningly in his speech before the successful passage of his resolution to give a Congressional Gold Medal to Palmer. He even couldn't stop gushing over his idol's namesake drink. “The...

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Specter Democrat, Web site Republican

Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter may want to update his Senate Web site soon so he doesn’t confuse more people about his party affiliation. More than a day after Specter made his announcement on switching parties, his official senate Web page — specter.senate.gov — still identified him as a Republican. And as a sign the average person moves faster than any of his staffers, his Wikipedia page was changed to identify him as a Democrat fewer than 12 hours after his switch. “Democrat in his youth, Specter joined the Republicans in 1966 and was a member until April 28, 2009, when he announced his switch to the Democratic Party,” the page states. Who...

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Dr. Ruth sexes up lunch, leaves women blushin’

Much of what Dr. Ruth Westheimer said during a Tuesday luncheon we can’t print, but that was her whole point — Americans need to be more comfortable talking about sex. Dr. Ruth was the special guest at National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association’s Griswold v. Connecticut gala luncheon, dishing out her honest, to-the-point — not to mention hilarious — bits of sex ed. She wouldn’t talk her political viewpoints with us or dish out any advice on President Barack Obama and Michelle’s love life, but the diminutive doctor had plenty to say about sex in general. “A sexual encounter should be like a glass of wine,” Dr. Ruth...

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New exhibit, new vantage point of inauguration

A group of presidential inauguration photographers are showing off pictures from a viewpoint only they were lucky enough to have, bringing together their best shots from Jan. 20 for a new exhibit, “I Do Solemnly Swear,” at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Among their best: »A photo taken from behind Barack Obama as he emerges from the Capitol to take the oath includes his daughter Malia snapping pictures of her own. »An aerial shot of the first family during the swearing-in ceremony, which shows Malia’s sister, Sasha, standing on a box. »The first couple in a freight elevator, forehead to forehead, as they leave the Washington...

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'Outrage' filmmaker: It's about the hypocrisy, not the closet

“What’s interesting is how gay D.C. is,” says Kirby Dick, the director of “Outrage,” the controversial new documentary that concerns closeted gay politicians, the lives they lead and what he calls their hypocrisies. Indeed, in the film, Kirk Fordham, the former chief of staff to scandal-plagued ex-Rep. Mark Foley, says if you removed all the gay politicians and staffers from Washington, government would grind to a halt. But Dick says his film — just screened last weekend at the Tribeca Film Festival — isn’t concerned with outing politicians, only with the “hypocrisy” of those who remain in the closet while taking anti-gay...

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Traffic not 'Swift' when Taylor leaves Alexandria

Photo: Mark Wilkins Country songstress Taylor Swift, in Alexandria Tuesday to play a private concert for students at Bishop Ireton High School, got some special treatment on the way out. Sources tell us that after she concluded her hour-long set, police blocked off Duke Street around the corner from the school for about ten minutes, as Swift got a four-car police escort out of town — just as the afternoon rush was picking up. Bishop Ireton students earned the show — part of a promotion by Verizon Wireless — by sending text messages to a certain cell number. A school spokeswoman said the auditorium was filled to capacity, as nearly all of the school's 800 students...

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Specter's flip-flop, 44 years later

"And I decided to try to bring back a second major party in Philadelphia, which I think is very badly needed. So I changed my registration. I haven't succeeded, Brian, but I'm still working on it." -Sen. Arlen Specter, explaining his first party switch — from Democrat to Republican in 1965 — to C-SPAN's Brian Lamb in a 2001 episode of...

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The president vs. the ‘tall girls’

Photo: Carrie Devorah What does an undefeated basketball season get you these days? Some pickup hoops with the commander-in-chief. In fact, President Barack Obama admitted early on in greeting the UConn women’s basketball team, congratulating sports teams is already “one of my favorite things about the job.” Greeting a women’s team also was personal for the president. “Thanks to players like each of these women and those who came before them, our young women today look at themselves differently, especially tall young women, like my daughters. My girls look at the TV when I’m watching SportsCenter and they see women staring back.” The women...

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Denise Austin makes ’em sweat

Denise Austin proves that exercise produces endorphins — “America’s favorite fitness expert” was so pumped up and happy on Monday you couldn’t help but want what she’s having. Speaking on a panel to celebrate the 10th anniversary of womenshealth.gov and the release of the handbook “The Healthy Woman,” the Northern Virginia resident got everyone at the Capitol Hill luncheon up and on their feet to follow her do what she does best — exercise. “Come on, if you don’t squeeze it, no one else will,” Austin cheered to the female crowd while they did her butt clenching exercise. Austin got the group up from their lunches...

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Lawmakers love handcuffs, attention

Mia Farrow was perhaps too weak from her 21-day hunger strike to make it to Monday morning’s Darfur protest as scheduled, so lawmakers found another way to get media attention — by getting arrested. Reps. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., John Lewis, D-Ga., Donna Edwards, D-Md., Keith Ellison, D-Minn., and Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., were arrested for crossing the police line Monday morning outside the Embassy of Sudan. The Democratic lawmakers were there to express outrage at Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir’s removal of nongovernmental organization aid groups from Darfur and were met by almost as many police officers as there were protestors. While being led off in handcuffs,...

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Obama: No more Bakers, please

Among the many phone calls President Barack Obama made after winning the election in November was one to GOP elder statesman Jim Baker. Baker, the former White House chief of staff, cabinet secretary and recount consigliere to George W. Bush, said Obama called him only about five days after winning the election. “I was semi-shocked,” Baker told an American Hospital Association convention Monday. “I said, ‘Mr. President-elect, you ran an extraordinary campaign. And I ought to know, because I’ve run them.’” He said Obama admitted he had once told his staff, “Let’s win this one big because I don’t want those Republicans to hire...

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By the Numbers

5 Number of fundraisers (so far) that Democratic members of Congress are throwing at the Bruce Springsteen concert at Verizon Center May 18th $1,000 Minimum donation to get in the door at one of the skybox soirees (wait until U2 comes this fall) Source: Sunlight...

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Bill Clinton: An eye-popping appearance

If there was any doubt that Bill Clinton still holds sway over some people, this photo ought to put it to rest. Appearing with Terry McAuliffe in Richmond today, Number 42 makes this supporter's eyes nearly come out his head. Photo: Mark...

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Rocker Wentz can teach Kilmer thing or two about schmoozing

Actor Val Kilmer — rumored to be looking at a run for governor of New Mexico — has been spotted recently all over town meeting with politicians and adding his name to dozens of political causes. But at an event on Saturday, Kilmer showed he still has a lot to learn about schmoozing. Arriving an hour late Saturday to the Invisible Children rally in front of the Capitol, Kilmer avoided his fans and refused to take any pictures. When a father and his young son asked to take a picture with him, he begrudgingly agreed, but turned his head to the right as the picture was snapped. Earlier in the day at the same event, a less obvious celeb who lent his name to the cause shocked us...

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Riddick Bowe: The once and future champ?

Former heavyweight boxing champ and Prince George’s County resident Riddick Bowe still has designs on another belt around his waist. Yeas & Nays caught up with the 41-year-old Bowe at the U.S. Capitol Reflecting Pool on Sunday, and asked him who he thought the next champ to come out of the D.C. area would be. “You’re looking at him,” responded the 1988 Olympic silver medalist and short-lived Marine trainee. He said he was shopping for a fight; he’s “just got to get my swagger back and drop a couple pounds.” Bowe was out to show his support at an event put on by the Soles for Souls charity and students from Briar Woods High School in...

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‘Hyper-miler,’ NASCAR driver team up for a first

Wayne Gerdes and Carl Edwards usually have different goals when they get behind the wheel. Gerdes holds miles-per-gallon records for several common cars, while Edwards is currently eighth in the NASCAR standings. But this weekend in Alexandria, they teamed up to help drive an American sedan more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas for the first time. Starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Gerdes and a team of Ford engineers took shifts behind the wheel of a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, traveling up and down the George Washington Parkway around the clock. As of Sunday afternoon, they had collectively traveled 628 miles at an average fuel economy of 80.4 miles per gallon (the car is rated at...

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Mayor relays cross-country

Mayor Adrian Fenty showed off his running skills yet again this past weekend, helping his American Odyssey Run Adventure team to a second-place finish. The team raised money for The Wellness Community of Greater Washington D.C. Fenty was one of 1,300 runners participating in the relay race that left Friday from Gettsyburg, Penn., traveled through Maryland and ended Saturday at the Washington Monument. Fenty had no problem running the final minutes of his team's 24-hour-plus race on the Mall, but conceded, "I got lost on my first leg. I was really glad to do the last leg in daytime." We're sure being mayor of the city you¹re running through probably didn't hurt either....

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Supreme Court: We have the brightest bulbs

Legal scholars can continue to debate whether the Supreme Court is ideologically liberal or conservative. But according to Justices Clarence Thomas and Stephen Breyer, who testified on Capitol Hill yesterday, the court remains institutionally quite conservative. Thomas illustrated the point by telling a story he heard when he arrived on the bench in 1991. Former Chief Justice Warren Burger thought adding florescent light bulbs in the Court would be a good idea. Thomas said another justice, “who had been there some time,” took one look at the new bulbs and commented, in all seriousness, “All these changes.” Recounting another episode from his early days on the...

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Holder: The anti-Edwards

John Edwards paid $400. The newest upscale salon in Washington charges $950. But Attorney General Eric Holder has taken the scissors to expensive political haircuts — at least for himself. His security detail was spotted recently outside Xclusive Salon on Rhode Island Avenue in the Bloomingdale neighborhood. A source tells us that’s where his longtime hairdresser wields the shears that have been cutting Holder’s hair for many years. The price: $18 to $25. Talk about responsible budgeting....

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President Obama's Gator connection

President Obama welcomed the University of Florida football team to the White House on Thursday for the usual champions' meet and greet. But for this go-round, there was one player that the president had a soft spot for: offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert. As Obama explained to the crowd, Gilbert's father, Jeff, "was the first Secret Service agent on my detail, almost two years ago. He was with me for most of the campaign; he is a great friend of mine. ... We always tried to figure out how Marcus got so big because Jeff is not that big and his wife is even smaller." (Marcus goes six-foot-six, 300...

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Speakeasy: Chuck Norris

"Ransoms only enable these hooligans. And negotiations never work with them. We need to cut them off so that no one else goes missing in action." -Chuck Norris, laying down the law regarding the Somali pirates in an op-ed for Human Events "Well, first I'd wake my husband up, say, 'Hey buddy, get down to the Oval office.'" -First lady Michelle Obama, responding to a students' question on what she would do if there were a disaster, "like an earthquake." The first lady hosted kids in the East Room Thursday for a "Bring Your Child to Work" event....

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Hatch gets an 'Usher'

Photo: Carrie Devorah That's Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, making an odd couple along with R&B artist Usher Raymond IV. Usher was in town Wednesday night to help the Points of Light Institute honor Hatch and Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., for their dedication to national service. This week, President Obama signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act....

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Economy wears out Summerzzz

Evidentially having the exhausting job of being Director of the White House's National Economic Council in a recession has caught up with Larry Summers — he fell asleep Thursday during a meeting with the President. As President Barack Obama began his remarks with credit card industry officials in the Roosevelt Room, Summers began to clearly nod off. Pulling out everyone’s favorite trick from their high school days, Summers rested his head on his hand, fell asleep for a bit, then jolted awake when his head fell off his hand. Valerie Jarrett, Timothy Geithner, Rahm Emanuel and Gene Sperling were also in attendance and, according to the White House Pool Report, appeared fully...

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Chris Matthews changes book title Jon Stewart mocked

Could the interview Chris Matthews called “the worst he’s ever had” have something to do with his decision to change the title of his most recent book before its paperback edition is released? In 2007, the “Hardball” host went on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” to promote his book, “Life’s a Campaign: What Politics Has Taught Me About Friendship, Rivalry, Reputation, and Success.” Stewart immediately went on the offensive, calling its thesis a Machiavellian “recipe for sadness” and disagreeing vehemently with what the book’s title implies. “If you treat life like a campaign ... at the end of your life,...

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Sharpton: ‘all a bunch of condescending bigots’

Don’t think for a second the election of a Democratic African American president would silence the Rev. Al Sharpton. He was his usual self Wednesday, ripping into the new administration. “They appear like smiling liberals, but they are all a bunch of condescending bigots,” Sharpton said while speaking on an education panel regarding the release of McKinsey & Co.'s report, “The Economic Impact of the Achievement Gap in America’s Schools.” Good thing U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan left the event immediately after giving his remarks preceding the panel. He compared those in charge to then-Alabama Gov. George Wallace and the “door...

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Speakeasy

“And Ben Nelson is here, someone I don’t have any respect for.” — Vice President Joe Biden, ribbing his ex-Senate colleague Tuesday night at the MPAA’s Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award...

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Yes, you can sing on C-SPAN

On Tuesday at the National Press Club, Toby Keith was asked to conclude his remarks with a few bars of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” “No, I don’t want to sing today,” he said. “We’re on C-Span [and] you can’t sing on C-SPAN.” In fact, singing on C-SPAN would have put Keith in good company. Among those who have carried a tune on the cable network: * former Republican Leader Bob Michel, in a musical segment entitled “A Day in the Life of Bob Michel.” * The Singing Senators, made up of ex-Sens. Larry Craig, Trent Lott, Jim Jeffords and John Ashcroft. * The members of Congress singing “God Bless...

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Kristol is $250,000 richer

Weekly Standard editor and neo-conservative standard bearer William Kristol is about to get a boost to his bank account, as the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation announced Wednesday he will be one of the recipients of its annual Bradley Prizes. The prizes, awarded to four individuals each year who advance the foundation’s mission of “strengthening American democratic capitalism and the institutions, principles and values that sustain and nurture it,” carry a stipend of $250,000 each....

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Romney on Obama

"He is the leader of the free world, and that has a responsibility which goes beyond just talking about our own mistakes." -Mitt Romney, criticizing President Obama Tuesday night on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf...

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Obama hangs loose, but won't don helmet

President Obama had a little taste of home Tuesday afternoon, as the Navy football team brought a little aloha to the White House. Both Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo and quarterback Kaipo Noa Keahaku Enhada are native Hawaiians. "I hear Kaipo is a pretty easygoing guy," said the president, as he presented Navy with the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. "He doesn't get rattled easily, performs under pressure. That's the Hawaiian spirit. That's how we roll." Just for good measure, the president flashed the "shaka" sign with his thumb and pinky finger. In fact, just like President George W. Bush did when he welcomed sports teams to the White House, Obama was full of...

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Toby Keith: More celebs should visit troops

Country superstar Toby Keith will leave D.C. for Afghanistan on Tuesday night to add to the 100-plus USO shows he’s played throughout the past seven years. But at the National Press Club earlier in the day, Keith lamented that more celebrities don’t make similar trips to back the troops. He said when they’re being paid to make movies, few stars want to leave “Disneyland” and “go to a war zone.” Not that the danger isn’t real. “I’ve raced Marines to a bunker when the sirens go off,” he said. “It took me 100 shows to learn to trust how good our guys really are.” But “you don’t have to go to a war...

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Hatch’s comedy knocks out The Rock

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, was a tough act for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to follow Tuesday, as both men spoke at the Motion Picture Association of America’s “Business of Show Business” symposium. Hatch opened his speech poking fun at himself, saying he “wished [he] had a body like [Johnson’s]” and that he was a “97-pound weakling.” He followed by taking a shot at the moviemakers in attendance for the ridiculous scenarios they love to put in movies. Some of the things he mocked included: * How air ducts are always the best place to hide in a building — they are never dusty and you can easily maneuver through any...

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Wrestler, Disney star and good looking guy

We just love that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was introduced Tuesday as a “true member of the Disney family,” for there’s something sweet about a 6’6”, 275 lb. wrestling-icon-turned-Disney-blockbuster movie star. Though now deemed a more family friendly actor than when he first made his move from the WWE to the big screen eight years ago in “The Mummy,” The Rock still couldn’t hide some of his signature charismatic bad-boy persona. Appearing in a button-down shirt (unbuttoned just enough to see part of his large tribal chest tattoo), the keynote speaker for the Motion Picture Association of America symposium said he knows...

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Carter, Usher share a flight

That was former first lady Rosalynn Carter and R&B artist Usher arriving at Dulles on the same flight from Atlanta on Tuesday afternoon. Carter was in town for the signing of the Edward Kennedy Serve America Act at the SEED School; no word on why Usher was here. Also spotted: Richard Gere dining at Blue Duck Tavern in the Park Hyatt Hotel Tuesday for lunch. Wearing a gray suit, blue button-down shirt and glasses, he appeared to be “having a great time” with the seven others at his table. Then on Monday night, Jordanian Prime Minister Nader al-Dahabi dined at the Bombay Club with Jordanian Ambassador Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein, five companions and a platoon...

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Speakeasy: Mike Huckabee

"You have a champagne appetite and a Coca-Cola paycheck." -Mike Huckabee, speculating on what his late mother would tell President Obama and the "educated people" running the country....

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Before meeting with Obama, Tiger admires a Bush’s game

On a day when Tiger Woods met with President Barack Obama, he was talking up another president’s prowess with the clubs — and his poker face. Tiger paid a visit to the White House at about 5 p.m. Monday and did get an audience with the president. But earlier in the afternoon, he appeared at Congressional Country Club for the pre-tournament media day that precedes the annual AT&T National — the PGA tournament he founded two year ago. In response to a question from Yeas & Nays, Woods recalled when President George H.W. Bush hit the ceremonial first tee shot during the inaugural tournament. “He complained that he just had surgery and couldn’t hit, and...

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White Sox, White House

Tiger Woods wasn’t the only pro athlete to grace the hall of the West Wing on Monday. The Chicago White Sox, President BArack Obama’s hometown team, also got a private tour. The Pale Hose begin a series with the Orioles in Baltimore today, so they made the 30-mile trip south on their day off to meet the commander in chief and check out his office. The Chicago Tribune reports about 35 players, family and team officials got the tour, which was arranged by Obama senior adviser David Axelrod. The team already has shown its thanks to its most important fan: In January, the South Siders announced they developed two prototype designs of a team hat with Obama insignia on the side...

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With Trippi involved, Va. gov. race gets personal

The gloves are off in the Democratic primary for Virginia governor, thanks to some lingering bad blood between candidate Terry McAuliffe, Democratic strategist Joe Trippi, an adviser to McAuliffe’s opponent, Brian Moran. To begin with, McAuliffe is a longtime consigliere of the Clintons, while Trippi worked against Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic presidential primary. Then there’s the matter of McAuliffe referring to Trippi as Moran’s “ass” at February’s Virginia Capitol Correspondents Dinner. McAuliffe later implored Trippi to do what he “did for President Dean and President Edwards,” referring to two of Trippi’s clients who...

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Bono adds another cause to his list

They’ve brought The Donnas, Sheryl Crow and Billy Corgan to the Hill on their behalf, but now the musicFirst coalition is bringing out the big guns to lobby its cause. Bono is the latest musician to support the “pay to play” argument being advanced by the organization, releasing a statement Monday in support of radio stations compensating musicians when they play their songs. “We believe it’s only fair that when radio makes money by playing a recording artist’s music ... [they] should be compensated.” Bono made $30 million last year and admitted in the release that the issue “thankfully, doesn’t really affect [him and U2]...

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By the Numbers

36 Percentage of Americans who feel that Michelle Obama is changing fashion for the better. 21 Percentage of Americans that would like her to emulate Jackie O. Source:...

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Blago goes Broadway in new version of ‘Chicago’

All that jazz (and corruption) You know you’ve gone down in infamy when you’re mentioned in a musical about murder and corruption. Such is the case with the current production of “Chicago,” which references the state’s former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his alleged attempt to sell President Barack Obama’s Senate seat. “Chicago” premiered to the media Wednesday night at the National Theatre and clearly decided to play off the crowd of Washingtonians in a scene between characters Bobby Flynn — played by Seinfeld’s John O’Hurley — and Roxie Hart. In the scene, Flynn asks Hart for his $5,000 attorney fees. She...

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George and Ali’s living room gets its 15 minutes

Home ‘View’ It’s a big week for Ali Wentworth. The Georgetown-based actress, comedian and wife to ABC’s George Stephanopoulos will appear on “The View” today. Plus, “Elle Décor” magazine announced the couple’s living room will grace the cover of its May 2009 issue. San Francisco-based decorator Elizabeth Martin renovated the circa 1907 house in 2006. “George skews more toward clean lines and lack of adornment whereas Ali loves collecting and layers,” says Martin. “Their home is a wonderful mixture of both of their personalities.” “Beth did a great job of balancing all the chic and beautiful...

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Celebrity designer fashioned to style D.C.

Chic boutique Rihanna walks the red carpet in her shoes and Blake Lively “gossips” while holding her handbag, and now thanks to a new boutique in Georgetown, it may be only a matter of time before Devi Kroell styles first lady Michelle Obama. “She’s what the first lady should be,” Kroell told Yeas & Nays on Wednesday night, referring to the first lady’s modern style and penchant to wear young American designers like Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo. Austrian-born Kroell traveled from New York to Georgetown to host the grand opening of Hu’s Wear — a luxury boutique that exclusively carries her line of modern and sleek clothing, shoes and...

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Congressmen, lawyers shoot hoops for homeless

Charity ball(ers) Forget this weekend’s Final Four in Detroit — the real basketball action happened Wednesday night right here in Washington, as Georgetown’s law buffs took on members of Congress at the annual Home Court charity event to benefit the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless. The “Hoya Lawyas” faced off against the “Hill’s Angels” in a basketball battle at Gonzaga High School to determine the lesser of the two evils. The congressional ballers finished on top with a 48-42 win in the final minutes of the game. Their skills would never take them to the Final Four, but seeing a side of Congress missing from their political...

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White House conference call gets ‘nasty’

Porn-y Foreign Policy A few reporters got more than they bargained for Thursday when they called into a phone number provided by the White House to hear Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Adviser Jim Jones discuss the NATO Summit. “Do you have any hidden desires?” asked the breathy voice on the other end of the line. “Well if you feel like getting nasty, you came to the right place.” The recording went on to ask for a credit card number so the call could be billed at the rate of $2.99 to $5.99 per minute. You see, whoever copied the phone number into the press release was off by one digit — and what a difference a digit makes. Instead...

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Reid laughs at ‘Fools’’

April Fool Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid forgot what the first day of April can bring when he fell for a trick played on him by his staff about the men he was appearing with Wednesday at a news conference. “My staff said I had to come in early a little today to talk to me about something,” Reid stated at the start of the conference on the need for a clean-energy smart grid. “They told me [T.] Boone [Pickens] was becoming a Democrat and John [Podesta] was becoming the Republican,” said Reid, referring to the Texas oilman and the president of the Center for American Progress, respectively. Lobbying groups also found a way to make light of things April 1. On...

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Speakeasy: NASA on Colbert

“We’ll be happy to live in the pod, whatever it’s called.” — NASA Flight Engineer Mike Barratt, speaking from orbit at a news conference Wednesday on what he thinks about Stephen Colbert’s successful write-in campaign to have a room at the International Space Station named after him....

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Local law partners to produce Kingsley film

Washington ‘Whispers’ Keith Harper and Erik Huey, two attorneys in the Washington office of Kilpatrick Stockton, have signed on as executive producers of “Whispers Like Thunder.” The film will tell the story of the Conley sisters, three Native American women who battled the federal government for 67 years in an effort to protect their ancestral burial ground in Kansas City. “This is a quintessential Native American story of courage and perseverance, but unfortunately, it is also a story that is largely forgotten,” said Harper. Academy Award-winner Sir Ben Kingsley is producing the film, in addition to portraying Charles Curtis, who served as vice...

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Larry Flynt: 'Hustling' in D.C.

That was Hustler publisher Larry Flynt, hanging out and signing autographs from his gold-plated wheelchair Wednesday afternoon at the Convention Center. Flynt was in town for the "Cable Show" trade show for the cable industry, and made an appearance, naturally, at the Hustler TV booth....

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Justice Thomas: Homebody

Dishwasher duty For someone who's notoriously reticent about speaking, Justice Clarence Thomas opened up about matters great (Constitutional jurisprudence) and small (loading the dishwasher) Tuesday night, as he gave the keynote address at a Bill of Rights Institute gala. "This is a rare sighting for me to be out during the week, especially a sitting week," he told the crowd, who had assembled to honor students who won the Institute's "Being an American" Essay Contest." And while he spent plenty of time on matters like civic responsibility and his role as a judge, his thoughts kept turning back to domestic life. "I'd like to thank my bride for being...

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Groban, Ronstadt duet for arts advocacy

‘You raise (money) up’ Though he wasn’t using his deepest baritone, Josh Groban still was able to capture everyone’s attention Tuesday morning, as he joined Linda Ronstadt and Wynton Marsalis on Capitol Hill for Arts Advocacy Day. We caught up with Gorban on his way to testify at the “Arts=Jobs” hearing. He not only talked about his purpose for coming to Washington — to discuss the “ripple effect cutting jobs in the arts” can have on the economy — but also how this differs from the last time he was in town, as a performer at the “We Are One” inaugural concert. “It’s much warmer,” Groban joked to...

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'West Wing' moves to Capitol, talks West Wing

Life not imitating art Photo: Carrie Devorah The “West Wing” crew still gets the presidential treatment wherever they go, but their on-screen personas might not match so closely with their President Barack Obama administration counterparts. Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff visited the Senate on Tuesday to stump for the union-backed Employee Free Choice Act. The always politically active Sheen is no stranger to playing a president or a White House staffer — along with playing President Josiah Bartlett on the hit show, he has played the role of John F. Kennedy twice and has appeared as chief of staff in “The American President.” But when...

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VA guv candidate bangs the skins

Drumming up support Just about anytime Mike Huckabee shows up at a fundraiser, you can expect a jam session to break out. But those musical interludes don't normally include the candidate for whom Huckabee is stumping. Huckabee turned up in Bristol, Va., Monday night on behalf of Bob McDonnell, the Republican hopeful for governor. As is his wont, Huckabee pulled out his trusty bass guitar to sit in with the house band, Montage. But then, as the band launched into Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Pride and Joy," McDonnell took the stage and set himself up behind the drum kit. "I did not know he could do that," wrote McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin, as he sent out a YouTube...

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House honors radio legend Harvey

The rest of the story "Referred to as the 'largest one-man network in the world,' Paul Harvey ... was a blogger before we knew what that was. He just did his blogging on the radio." Thus did Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla., take to the House floor Monday night to honor radio legend Paul Harvey, who died in February at age 90. Sullivan's bill attracted 60 cosponsors since he introduced it three weeks ago. It passed by unanimous consent. Also speaking was Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., who disclosed that he "was introduced to Paul Harvey 30 years ago as an ironworker, working at the Inland Steel Plant in East Chicago, Ind. Every day, when that lunch whistle would blow, all the...

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McCotter finds a way to scratch his musical itch

Jam on it Republican Policy Committee Chairman Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich., hasn't had much of a chance to rock out lately, now that the congressional rock band the Second Amendments lost three of its members in the mid-term elections. But this weekend, McCotter sat in with his brother's band, Dr. Zaius and the Bright Eyes, at the Assembly Line Concert in Ferndale, Mich. The benefit concert is an effort to show support to auto workers affected by the foundering industry. McCotter's notable gigs with the Amendments include playing at Farm Aid in 2007 and jamming with longtime Rolling Stones keyboard player Chuck Leavell in the House Agriculture Committee room last year. McCotter's...

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Ray Lewis lunches on the Hill

Sightings That was Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis having lunch in the House Members Dining Room on Monday afternoon with Reps. Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md., and Howard Coble, R-N.C. According to Coble's press secretary, Ed McDonald, the lunch came about after Coble's office got inauguration tickets for a constituent that happens to be a family friend of Lewis. While at Coble's office, she noticed McDonald's collection of Orioles paraphernalia, and it came out that he was a Ravens season ticket holder as well. Word got back to Lewis and lunch was on. As for Ruppersberger, his spokeswoman said he's "a huge Ravens fan and has season tickets. He rarely misses a game. He is...

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‘Hip and cool’: The new power spots

Catch a rising star It used to be that in order to spot those who have their hands on the levers of power, one had to hang around at a stodgy downtown hotel like the Hay Adams or a five-star dining room like Citronelle. No more. Another way in which the Obama administration has changed Washington lies in the after-hours social habits of its top aides — and the congressional leaders and lobbyists who love them. From the inauguration to President Barack Obama’s stop at Ben’s Chili Bowl and beyond, U Street has been ground zero for Obama’s fans as well as his aides. But the buzz now also runs north and south along 14th Street, thanks to a bevy of hot new casual...

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Media Mix: Eric Felten

Eric Felten has not one but two enviable careers. As a jazz musician, the D.C. local is a big band leader, singer and trombonist. And as a cocktail expert, he's an acclaimed author. His book "How's Your Drink?: Cocktails, Culture, and the Art of Drinking Well," comes out in paperback in June. Q: What's the last movie you saw? “Le Doulos,” a first-rate French crime noir from the early sixties. Q: What's your favorite TV show? Whatever is on Turner Classic Movies. Q: What Web sites do you visit in the morning? WSJ.com, Joel Achenbach’s “Achenblog” at the Post, Politico, Slate, The Weekly Standard, a jazz blog called Rifftides, and a cocktail...

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Jack Evans: Too sexy

That's Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans, making his way down the runway with PR maven Victoria Michael Saturday night at the Washington Humane Society's Fashion for Paws fundraiser. When asked who he was wearing, Evans admitted that it was, in fact, his own suit. Photo: Joseph...

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Speakeasy: Ben Affleck and Bill O'Reilly

“Only if I can run behind you.” -Ben Affleck, answering "Access Hollywood" host Pat O'Brien's question about whether he'd ever run for office (Daily Beast link). “I’m just not going to give a guy who gives aid and comfort to people like Ahmadinejad, Hugo Chavez, and Saddam Hussein, when he was alive, my 10 bucks.” -Bill O’Reilly in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on why he’ll never watch another movie starting actor and liberal activist Sean Penn....

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Local songstress comments on arrest

Wayna responds After being arrested last week at the Houston airport for trying to carry a collapsible police baton through security, D.C.-based R&B singer Wayna released a statement thanking her fans for their support and calling the 14 hours she spent in jail "exhausting." Ironically, Wayna uses the baton as a stage prop when she sings her song, "Billy Club," a ballad about police abuse. "In a rush to get to the airport, she inadvertently packed the item in a carry-on bag," her statement reads. "Despite explaining to the circumstances, she was nonetheless arrested and charged on a 3rd degree felony weapons charge. ... With no criminal history,...

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Camera crews sizing up D.C.'s next reality gals

'Blonde Charity Mafia' grows up? Preproduction for D.C.’s next would-be reality show has been rolling along the last couple of weeks, as crews have descended on the city’s toniest enclaves to interview prospective stars. Recently, casting crews were spotted at a party thrown by GOP consultant Juleanna Glover at her home Friday evening (and interviewing Glover throughout the night) and at the Washington Humane Society’s Fashion for Paws fundraiser on Saturday. Earlier this month, producers were spotted filming at the District Sample Sale fundraiser/shop-a-thon in Georgetown and at the new Inox restaurant in Tysons Corner. None of the prospective stars would talk to us...

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Kilmer steps in to save the animals

Val's pals Since he began mulling over a run for governor of New Mexico, actor Val Kilmer has been making nice with anyone and everyone in Washington — including its animals. Kilmer stepped in as a last-minute honorary host for Saturday's "Fashion for Paws," the annual runway show that benefits the Washington Humane Society. He couldn't get here to walk the runway himself, however. "He wanted to get involved, although he couldn't be here," said the Humane Society's Tara de Nicolas. "He'll be back in May." She said Kilmer rescues animals on his own at home in New Mexico....

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Earth-lover Gore doesn't love 'Earth Hour'

Do as I say, not as I do? Do as I say, not as I do? Seems like former Vice-President Al Gore may be embracing that motto as evidenced Saturday night by his failure to turn off the lights of his Nashville home for “Earth Hour.” Drew Johnson, president of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research —the same organization that also found Gore's home consumes 20 times more electricity than the average household — told Yeas & Nays that Gore’s Belle Meade-section mansion did not go dark during the global campaign’s designated hour between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Johnson did admit that although it wasn’t as bright as can be, Gore did have on "a...

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Speakeasy

"May I call you Mr. Definitely?" -Writer Christopher Hitchens to rapper Mos Def on Friday's "Real Time with Bill Maher." (Mos Def is short for "Most...

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The audacity of hoop

There was some trash to be talked on Friday, as President Obama officially installed Eric Holder as attorney general. "[S]everal months ago, Eric even had the audacity to comment to a reporter on my basketball skills," the president told the audience at George Washington University. "He said, and I quote, here's what he said, 'I'm not sure he's ready for my New York game.' We will see about that, Mr. Attorney General." But Holder would have none of it (or at least he knows when to back down). When he took the microphone, he said the president is "never going to see my New York game. He's got 10 years on me, he works out ... but had I been 10 years...

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Kitchen celebs judge the District's diverse flavors

Top chefs and a ‘Top Chef’ Michel Richad and Kaz Okochi Chefs from your favorite D.C. restaurants sat together on a judges panel Wednesday night to rate chefs whose food you may never get the chance to sample. Five embassy chefs-in-residence — representing Afghanistan, Haiti, Hungary, Morocco, and Trinidad & Tobago — prepared specialties from their region for guests and A-list chefs as part of Cultural Tourism D.C.'s Embassy Chef Challenge. Michel Richard, Ris Lacoste, Kaz Okochi and Art Smith were the panel's star chefs. Dressed in their chef’s whites, they spent most of the evening together at a corner table, drinking, eating and joking about what...

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Speakeasy: James Carville

"I've always said politics is like the circus: the worst job is cleaning up after the elephants. We're just beginning to find out how true that is." -Democratic operative James Carville, in an email pitch to Democratic donors on Thursday. And no, he's not referring to Britney Spears' "Circus" tour....

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McCain lets it rip on both parties

What McCain nose It’s clear Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is not as image conscious as his former rival, President Barack Obama. McCain, appearing on stage at the Heritage Foundation Thursday with a hanky in hand, let ‘er rip into the microphone before addressing the capacity audience. After clearing his nose, he let the words, um, fly out too. In discussing his presidential campaign, he said with a laugh, “Fifty million people voted for me and Sarah Palin — well mostly for Sarah Palin.” But during his lecture, entitled "Generational Theft: The Fleecing of America's Children," the senator spent most of his time discussing the free market system...

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Zellweger makes new friends

Here's Renee Zellweger at Wednesday night's USO Metropolitan Washington Awards Dinner. Photos: Gene...

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Leading men fan out across town

Actors and drivers "This is no time for theatrics,” as the saying goes. Well, the House Committee on Education and Labor thinks differently, as it took the time Thursday to discuss the importance of music and the arts — even in a recession. Tim Daly, of "Sopranos" and "Private Practice" fame, flexed his celebrity muscles to testify on the great impact the economic crisis is having on the arts. He turned out not only as an actor but as co-president of The Creative Coalition, which frequently stumps for arts issues around town. “In ways large and small, obvious and obscure, art and entertainment are important engines of our economy. We must...

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Media Mix: John O'Hurley

John O’Hurley, best known for his role on “Seinfeld” and his appearance on “Dancing With the Stars,” is taking on the role of Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” which opens at the National Theatre on Wednesday. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? I took my son to the IMAX movie “The Mysteries of the Great Lakes.” I’m a sucker for IMAX movies. Q: What book are you reading? Several: “1776,” “The Shack,” “The Rules of a Constructive Argument” Q: What Web sites do you visit every morning? petermanseye.com; pgatour.com; mlb.com Q: What’s your favorite TV show? My wife and I have enjoyed...

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Pols take cuts with baseball greats

Catch it! With opening day just around the corner, baseball fever is gripping D.C. politicians. First up: Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., who hosted a reception Tuesday night for former stolen-base king (and Washington native) Maury Wills. Thomas and Ward 1 Councilman Jim Graham sponsored a bill last year that named the Banneker Recreation Center’s new ball field “Maury Wills Baseball Field.” Next up: Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-N.Y., who raised some campaign dollars on Capitol Hill on Wednesday night with the assistance of Hall of Fame relief pitcher Rich “Goose” Gossage....

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Royal-ly upset at Sarah Palin

He just can’t let it go After holding a news conference last fall where he claimed vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin was racist, Gregory Charles Royal now is taking her to court for failing to issue an official proclamation back in June 2007. Royal claims that, as governor of Alaska, Palin failed to issue a Juneteenth Proclamation in 2007 as required by the Alaska Legislature. Juneteenth is an observance established by Congress to celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. In the lawsuit filed March 5, Royal not only asks Palin to make the proclamation, but also to “pay restitution and compensatory damages” to him and the other affected individuals in...

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Fogel: I turned down 'Dancing With the Stars’

Cold cut combo At the D.C. Armory on Wednesday to promote a new anti-obesity program, Jared Fogel revealed he was asked to be a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars.” How’d it come up? Well, the Subway sandwich shops spokesman appeared with boxer Laila Ali, who finished third on the show in 2007. It sounds as if Fogel can’t exactly “float like a butterfly,” however. He conceded he turned down the offer because he has “four left feet.” Also on hand: former U.S. soccer star Tab Ramos. But it was Fogel who seemed to command the most attention. After all, even President Barack Obama knows the $5 footlong slinger. “Aren’t you...

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Obama creates a scene behind the scenes

Where is the love? Thought President Barack Obama’s prime-time news conference was a bit boring? Well, what happened behind the scenes might have actually been more compelling than the president’s macroeconomic theories. He called on who? Many in the White House press corps were outraged at being shunned by the president Tuesday night. Obama passed over Washington Post, New York Times and Wall Street Journal reporters, picking on lesser-known reporters from Univision, Stars and Stripes newspaper, and Ebony. Even Ann Compton of ABC Radio conceded to the president that she was shocked to be called on. Some claimed he was trying to appeal to a broader constituency, but one...

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From talks with Prez to talk with grads.

Dr. Rahm President Barack Obama may have to travel to the Midwest to give the commencement speech at The University of Notre Dame, but his White House Chief of Staff need only walk a few blocks. Rahm Emanuel will be this year’s commencement speaker at The George Washington University’s graduation on the National Mall this May. He will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service Degree. More than 5,000 graduates from all GWU departments will hear Obama's WHCOS deliver his speech on May 17. Emanuel is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence University. While in Congress, he gave the commencement speech at National-Louis University in...

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Muhammad Ali in Washington, joined by daughter Laila.

Knock-out family He may be done fighting in the ring, but in no way has Muhammad Ali stop fighting for causes he believes in, coming to Washington this week to raise money and support youth issues. The first stop during his trip to Washington was at a fundraiser he hosted Tuesday night at the Four Seasons Hotel in support of his hometown Congressman, John Yarmuth (D-Kent). Yarmuth represents the city of Louisville where Ali was raised and is home to his Muhammad Ali Center. Ali, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease, spent most of the evening sitting on a couch that overlooked the C&O Canal with friends. His guests — the majority lobbyists who paid an upwards of a $5,000...

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Britney and explosions, but not together

Crazy The Ringling Brothers circus left town Sunday, but a new one rolled in just two days later. Britney Spears performed Tuesday night at the Verizon Center as part of her "Circus" tour. Our spy saw her entourage unloading off three tour buses Tuesday morning at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown. Crews also were in Georgetown to film a new CBS pilot. The show about the FBI titled "Washington Field" stars Cole Hauser from "Good Will Hunting" and Eddie Cibrian, most recently known for his alleged affair with LeAnn Rimes. Hauser was spotted at the 20-something preppy go-to Smith Point in Georgetown Saturday night. We're guessing he was letting loose...

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Shriver film spotslight Alzheimer's

NBC to HBO Maria Shriver is making good use of her time in town to increase awareness of Alzheimer's disease. The niece of President John F. Kennedy not only is an honored guest at tonight's National Alzheimer's Gala, but she's also hosting a screening of her new HBO documentary on the disease. The author, activist and first lady of California hosted a breakfast for the press Tuesday morning at the Hay Adams to discuss her newest project, a documentary on Alzheimer¹s titled "Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?" The 30-minute film is one part of HBO's four-part documentary series "The Alzheimer¹s Project," which debuts May 10. "No matter your age, you're a...

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Will basketballer Obama give love to baseball?

First pitcher? Now that President Barack Obama skipped Saturday night¹s Gridiron Club dinner, we have to wonder: Might he bail on another traditional presidential perk — namely, throwing out the first pitch at the Nationals' home opener? Nationals brass say he has been invited, and they¹re awaiting his acceptance. "The president always has an open invitation," Nats President Stan Kasten told Yeas & Nays. "We don¹t have anything more to say." The White House press office did not respond to a request for comment. President Bush was 2-for-4 on first pitches once baseball returned to Washington. He threw out the first ball in 2005 and 2008,...

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Deadly catch, lively stock

With the bleak economic outlook, the best investments may not be on Wall Street. They may be off the Alaskan coast, says Captain Keith Colburn of Discovery Channel¹s cult hit TV series "Deadliest Catch. "Crab stocks are very prolific and healthy right now," Colburn said Tuesday at a hearing in the Longworth Building, which was quite a different venue from where he spends most his days— aboard a 155-foot Alaskan crab boat named The Wizard. The crabber was in town to testify against offshore drilling on the coast of Alaska on the anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The night before, Colburn dined at Sonoma, where he had steak, carpaccio and oysters. We...

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Barney Frank: Scalia is a 'homophobe'

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and one of the few openly gay members of Congress, called Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia a "homophobe" in an interview with the gay news Web site 365gay.com (video link). Frank was talking about whether the Supreme Court would one day take a case on whether the Constitution allows legislatures to deny recognition to same-sex marriages. "I wouldn't want it to go to the United States Supreme Court now because that homophobe Antonin Scalia has too many votes on this current court," said Frank. Neither Frank nor Scalia would provide comment, when asked by the Associated Press....

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Ali in Washington to meet with Obama

The great Muhammad Ali was in Washington Tuesday night to host a fundraiser in support of his hometown Congressman, John Yarmuth (D-Kent). Held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown, Ali mainly watched the event from a couch overlooking the C&O canel as his guests — mainly lobbyists — snacked on cheese and drank wine. Ali is in town to meet with President Barack Obama today to discuss the president's upcoming bill aimed at helping adolescent boys. Ali has been dedicated to this issue for quite some time. His Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville is both a cultural attraction as well as a global learning center that deals with adolescent issues. But aside from the...

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Media Mix

Sam Grow is an independent artist from Waldorf who has performed with Kanye West and written music for Journey. He invites fans to watch him film a music video Saturday in Purcellville, Va., as part of the Goose Creek Live Performance Series. Q: What¹s the last movie you saw? "He's Just Not that Into You" Q: What book are you reading? I'm not much of a reader, but love Guitar Player magazine Q: What Web sites do you visit first in the morning? MySpace, for my music page Q: What's your favorite TV show? "House" Q: What's new on your iPod? Keaton Simons. He's an independent artist from Los Angeles that I did a show with a couple weeks ago....

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Easter at the White House, version 2.0

President Barack Obama has once again gone digital, this time putting the tickets for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll online. Just as he used the Internet to get more people involved in his campaign, Obama hopes to achieve the same result at his first Roll. By making the tickets to the event available online, parents can avoid the headache of having to stand in line for hours the weekend before. It also makes it easier for out-of-town guests to check out the festivities. Information for the April 13 event, which features sports, storytelling, live music and an egg hunt for children ages 10 and younger, will be available Thursday at, where else,...

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Fenty to lead relay through history

Historic run Runners will tread on a path paved by history in The American Odyssey Relay Race as they sweat their way through our nation’s battlefields and famous memorials during the two-day race. So who better to lead the Washington team than Mayor Marathoner, Adrian Fenty? Fenty is set to captain one of the 150 teams — hailing from 25 states — that will take their marks behind the starting line April 24 in Gettysburg, Pa., to raise money for The Wellness Community D.C. The team’s 12 runners — each of whom will be passed the baton three times to split the race with teammates — will cross the famous Mason-Dixon Line and move into Maryland. By the...

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A 'fly on the wall¹ for Limbaugh or Cheney?

Shrinkage Too bad Alexandra Wentworth can’t grab guests off her husband George Stephanopoulos’ Sunday morning show to appear on her series, “Head Case” — watching her play a psychiatrist to some of Hollywood’s hottest stars makes us wish she could do the same to politicians. “Could you imagine being a fly on the wall for their therapy?” Wentworth asked Yeas & Nays while preparing for a photo shoot at the Ritz-Carlton in Georgetown. “I mean, politicians are just as crazy, if not more [than Hollywood celebrities], but they’re much too guarded and fearful of being misconstrued or misquoted.” Wentworth explained to us...

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T.O. takes a T.O. to talk Alzheimer

Antic-free zone Terrell Owens is in Washington this week, but fear not football fans — he's not here to meet with the Redskins. Owens will meet with the likes of Maria Shriver at the National Alzheimer's Gala, where the infamous football player will be recognized for more than his bad behavior. He will recieve the Alzheimer's Association's Young Champion Award Wednesday night for his work raising money and awareness for Alzheimer¹s Disease. Yeas & Nays spoke with Owens (albeit almost two hours later than scheduled, after his handlers told us they “couldn’t find him” and “he lost his phone”) about what got him involved with the disease....

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Patrons recall their halcyon days at Nathan’s

‘Hook Up Joynt’ “This night is about everyone talking into the mic — but not yet. I’ll wait till you all get juiced up.” Thus did Carol Joynt, owner of Nathan’s of Georgetown, kicking off the restaurant’s 40th anniversary celebration Thursday night. Over cocktails, wine and a three-course dinner, some of her most loyal patrons filled the back dining room to tell their Nathan’s stories. Jim Kimsey, the founder of AOL, visited Nathan’s in its very first year, 1969. “I just got out of the Army and came back from Vietnam,” he said. “I had a crew cut and wore a thin lapel suit I bought in China. One guy said,...

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Caliendo lets Sykes be first to tease Obama

Off limits? Comedian Frank Caliendo is known for his impersonations, however one was noticeably absent from his performance Saturday night at the Leukemia Ball - President Barack Obama. “It's not realistic in my act. I still think people are worried about making fun of him because of his race, ” Caliendo told Yeas & Nays minutes before performing in the round at the Washington Convention Center. “It's the same as Cartman from South Park attempting to do it,” he joked. But there is someone Caliendo believes could pull off some Obama jokes - this year's White House Correspondents’ Dinner entertainer Wanda Sykes. A veteran to performing at the May...

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D.C. adds yet another Lincoln memorial

Lincoln logs It was the past come to life at the Lincoln Cottage Friday, as nonprofit conservation organization American Forests became the latest group to celebrate President Lincoln's bi-centennial - this time planting three trees that represented significant moments from his life. Students from ABC and William E. Doar, Jr. charter schools watched as the first tree, a dogwood, was planted on the grounds. Although our 16th President's home state of Kentucky's official tree is the Tulip Poplar, Executive Director of American Forests' Deborah Gangloff explained that the dogwood is a “very common tree he encountered in his youth” in the southern state's town of Sinking Spring....

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Swiss “Heidi” premieres in nation’s capital

Heidi play, not ‘Heidi game’ The most famous Swiss Miss is coming to town with a message of hope that rivals President Barack Obama. Imagination Stage celebrated their April 4th premiere of “Heidi” Thursday night at the Swiss embassy. Mark Richardson, president-elect of the Bethesda theater was one of many who feel Heidi will appeal to Americans for its “universal message of hope and the way she overcame obstacles.” The Swiss Ambassador to the U.S., who opened his modern residence for the event, had a different opinion. “Americans like emotions, and Heidi is full of them,” said Urs Ziswiler. “Kinda like why you love...

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Daschle: Obama and I are simpatico

What nomination? Tom Daschle was back on Capitol Hill on Friday, appearing surprisingly cool for someone who had to withdraw his nomination for secretary of health and human services only six weeks ago after hearings in the same spot. Upon arriving at the Rayburn building for a conference sponsored by Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute, we at Yeas & Nays were caught off guard to see the former Senate majority leader sitting behind the check-in table. Daschle, who was there to speak on a universal health care panel, greeted us with a friendly “hello” and went back to playing with his BlackBerry. After a double take — it wasn’t just that...

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America's sweetheart waits for her wheels

Sally Field, in town for the Vital Voices event at the Kennedy Center last Thursday, waits for her driver at Dulles. Photo: Mark...

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GOP razzes Obama over Leno, NCAA picks

The House Republican Study Committee is making hay over President Barack Obama’s extracurricular activities of late. Striking a sarcastic tone, an RSC release says Obama “will send a clear and unmistakable message to the American people tonight that he is ready to lead as the country faces a financial crisis, market meltdowns and a host of mounting diplomatic problems: he’s taking a break from filling out his NCAA tournament bracket to appear on ‘The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.’ The L.A. Times reports Garth Brooks will follow Obama. Maybe he’ll play ‘Shameless.’...

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Olivia Wilde: Obamas should have picked Georgetown Day

In the ‘House’ Photo: Robert Ascroft at Monaco Reps for Capitol File You can’t blame “House” star and Georgetown native Olivia Wilde for plugging her alma mater — even if it is her gradeschool alma mater. “I went to Georgetown Day School, which is a fantastic school where I was hoping the little Obamas would go!” she said in the spring issue of Capitol File magazine. She also said though she has been active in nonprofits such as Doctors Without Borders and Power Up Gambia, the 2008 election has her getting involved at home. “After working on this election, I’m like, ‘I care about my own country!’ ” she said....

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Free the shoe-thrower

Throw down Just because Bush and Cheney are out of office doesn’t mean protesters have stopped finding things about them to hate. Take the activist group Codepink, who met outside the Embassy of Iraq on Thursday to protest the sentencing of Muthader al-Zaidi, the man who threw his shoe at President Bush last fall. Al-Zaidi was sentenced to three years in prison for the hurl. The group chose to re-enact the throw seen ’round the world by having one member dress up in a huge papier-mache head of President Bush while the other pink-wearing protesters threw old shoes at her. An added update to the head was a black-and-white stripped prisoner’s hat to symbolize their...

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First lady and celebs mentor local high school students

Bad day to play hooky While her husband’s away, first lady Michelle Obama will play — mentor, that is. She enlisted the help of a long list of celebrities to join her Thursday to visit area high school students to talk to them about their career goals. Mrs. Obama started the daylong event in honor of National Women’s History Month at the White House, welcoming the celebrities who would help her surprise high school students with visits. The high-profile women included singers Alicia Keys and Sheryl Crow; actresses Fran Drescher, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Alfre Woodward, Kerry Washington and Tracee Ellis Ross; athletes Dominique Dawes and Lisa Leslie Woodward; and...

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Local athletes support P.E.

Does a body good Sports stars and kids alike came out to pump up the Capitol today as they hopped, skipped and jumped across the building's west garden. The exercise enthusiasts, who included DeAngelo Hall of the Washington Redskins and Brendan Ayanbadejo of the Baltimore Ravens, came to support the improvement of physical education curriculum in schools. "When kids go to school we work on their minds, but we don't work on their bodies," said Ayenbadejo. "Nowadays, kids aren't playing outside," said Hall. "They're sitting in front of the T.V. playing video games...Even my own kids," said Hall. But it wasn't all talk and no play. Today the fitness...

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By the Numbers: C-SPAN's 30th Anniversary

17 Number of current U.S. senators who were in the Senate when C-SPAN2 began live floor coverage in June 1986 1 Number of current U.S. representatives born after C-SPAN’s March 1979 start 7,439 Number of individual guests who have appeared on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” morning call-in programs since the series began in 1995 3.7 million Number of times C-SPAN’s video of President Obama’s inaugural address has been viewed on...

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Speakeasy: President O'Bama

“Teddy Kennedy wishes he could be here tonight. But I guarantee you this much: The thought of all of you here tonight has his eyes smiling, and he expects you to party. ... Stay as long as you want. Try to avoid putting any lampshades on your head.” — President Barack Obama, exhorting his St. Patrick’s Day party guests to have a good time Tuesday...

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Media Mix: Gholam Reza Afkhami

Gholam Reza Afkhami is a senior scholar at the Foundation for Iranian Studies and author of “The Life and Times of the Shah,” which focuses on the life of Mohammad Reza Shah, the last Iranian monarch. Q: What CD are you listening to? Chopin, Nocturne, Opus 9 Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” Q: What Web sites do you read in the morning? New York Times; Le Monde; ISNA Q: What book are you currently reading? “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin Q: What’s your favorite TV show? “The Daily Show with Jon...

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Funniest Celeb drafting ‘Joe the Comedian’

Down the Hatch Last Friday on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal,” Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist said he’s lobbying Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, to appear at this year’s Funniest Celebrity Contest. But, Norquist tells us, that might not be his biggest “get.” He said he’s also been tasked with inviting Joe “The Plumber” Wurzelbacher to crack wise at the event, which takes place in September at the Improv. Also on the wish list for Norquist and contest founder Richard Siegel: Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H.; House Minority Leader John Boehner, O.H.; Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; Fox’s Brit Hume; Mike Huckabee; George...

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Recession protection for bracketers

Madness at the office Those worried about getting caught sneaking peaks at NCAA tournament hoops while on the job are getting a little cover from the network televising all the games. CBS is streaming all the games online, and they’re promoting what they call a recession-friendly gadget that makes it easier to slack off at work and still watch the action on your computer. Their “Boss Button” instantly generates a fake spreadsheet that pops up on the screen, blocking the game you’re viewing — and likely letting you keep your job. The network said 2.5 million people clicked the button during last year’s tournament and, based on the fact this feature...

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N.Y. pols banking on the upset

Those New York pols sure are proud of their local college basketball programs. Or maybe they're just delusional. First up: Rep. Maurice Hinchey. In a release, the Democrat claims that this year's NCAA Tournament final will feature ... wait for it ... Binghamton and Cornell. To be fair, both are in his district, so he's just playing favorites. "Once Binghamton cruises past Duke in what some will mistakenly characterize as an 'upset,' but what will really be 'an expected trouncing,' and Cornell teaches Missouri how to play basketball, we'll be well on our way to a championship game showdown between the Bearcats and Big Red." Next is Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who is sending...

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Dreyfuss' 'close encounters' with history

Played one on TV Who knew the man who took on Jaws was such a history buff? “I like to tell my friends I was born in 1812,” actor Richard Dreyfuss said Wednesday at the National Press Club. Dreyfuss, whose latest role is spokesman for the Civil War Preservation Trust, was there to announce the nation’s 10 most endangered Civil War battlefields. A frequent voice against the Bush administration and the war in Iraq (he was happy to portray an evil Cheney in “W.”) has a different opinion when it comes to the war fought on our country’s turf. “I’m for the preservation of this war, the preservation of these battlefields that show us at...

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Luck o’ the Irish won’t protect drunk drivers

Irish you a safe night Fado Irish Pub could have been the safest place in D.C. this St. Patrick’s Day, as area police gathered at the bar Tuesday morning to celebrate the day. But the Beltway’s finest know better than to drink on the job — they were there to breathe a sigh of relief as checks changed hands to pay for the evening’s free cab rides. SoberRide, a program sponsored by Washington Regional Alcohol Program, or WRAP, aims to prevent alcohol-related accidents and deaths in the Washington area by giving drinkers a safe and free option home. The up to $50 fare per rider is funded by donations from local companies, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which donated...

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Steelers owner named ambassador to Ireland

President Obama took the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day to announce that he’s nominating Dan Rooney, the owner of the champion Pittsburgh Steelers, to be ambassador to Ireland. “Dan is a great friend,” said the president at the White House Tuesday. “He and his family are as gracious and thoughtful a group of people as I know, and so I know that he is just going to do an outstanding job.” But perhaps no one is happier about it than Rooney’s nephew, freshman Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Fla., who said, “I know he will do a great job representing the United States.” It was part of a big week for the elder Rooney. On Monday, the American Ireland...

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Illegal green on St. Patrick's Day

Puff puff pass legislation? Green was the talk of the town Tuesday with all things leprechauns and shamrocks, but the Cato Institute was more interested in focusing on a different kind of green altogether. The debate on medical marijuana moved from California to Washington as advocates Rob Kampia of the Marijuana Policy Project and Donald Abrams, director at the Osher Center at the University of California (in San Francisco, natch), argued the case for legalization against Robert DuPont, president of the Institute for Behavior and Health and the debate was “highly” emotional An aggravated Abrams had been bothered by DuPont’s argument throughout the debate, shown when...

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Norton plays 'Glinda'

Is this thing on? Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., took a turn as "Glinda the Good Witch," of Wizard of Oz fame, in the Annual Arena Stage Benefit for Community Engagement on Monday night. Welcoming Dorothy (played by NBC-4 sports reporter Lindsay Czarniak) to the enchanted land of Crystal City, Norton was outfitted in the traditional magic wand and pink headdress. But the latter, it seemed, wasn't the most comfortable of costume attire. After she left the stage, Norton — her microphone still on — could be heard pleading, "Can I take it off now?" Also appearing: Councilmen Jack Evans and Tommy Wells, Arlington Judge William T. Newman and Rep. Howard...

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Lunch without 'limits' for Norton, Mrs. Obama

'Girlfriends' Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., lunched with first lady Michelle Obama Tuesday at B. Smith’s Restaurant at Union Station, the first time the two had gotten together by themselves. In a statement, Norton said the lunch conversation was all over the map “like any girlfriends who put no limits on their...

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White House fountains take after Chicago River

The Green House The White House went green Tuesday, and we’re not talking about being environmentally friendly. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, the fountains on the north and south lawns were dyed green, making it the first time the water in the fountains at the White House has been dyed. First lady Michelle Obama came up with the idea based on her hometown of Chicago’s tradition of dying the city’s river green every year to mark Ireland’s national holiday. “It’s a little piece of home for our new home,” said spokeswoman Katie McCormick Lelyveld. The color green isn't the only Irish import the Obamas welcomed to the White House on...

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Adams on rugby, ‘Riverdance’ and tiddlywinks

We’re all Irish today If only international politics could be settled on the basis of sporting allegiances, then Gerry Adams might be on to something. Speaking Monday morning at the National Press Club, Adams, the leader of Northern Ireland’s Sinn Fein party and the longtime face of the movement for a unified Ireland, pointed out that Irish identity is bigger than political borders. “Ireland is playing Wales in rugby on Saturday,” he said. “Every unionist will be supporting Ireland. No one will be supporting Wales.” Ireland could play England in tiddlywinks, he continued, and all of Northern Ireland would support Ireland. Ditto Irish culture and arts....

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No celebrity guru needed for Obama

Mumbo jumbo Dr. Deepak Chopra may go under the professional title of doctor, physicist and author, but in Hollywood, he is the go-to guru for guidance. So lucky for us in Washington, the spiritual counselor expressed his confidence President Barack Obama is a good leader — or so we think he did. At first it was hard to tell what Hollywood’s favorite alternative medicine man thought of Obama while speaking Monday at a conclave on health and wellness at the National Press Club. After all, stating Obama “transcends all national and racial identity” isn’t the best characteristic for a leader of a nation. Even after he added Obama was the “manifestation...

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By the numbers

36.5 million Number of United States residents who claimed Irish ancestry in 2007, more than eight times the population of Ireland itself 24 Percentage of Massachusetts residents who were of Irish ancestry in 2007, double the rate of 12 percent for the nation as a whole 581 million Cabbage production, in pounds, of California in 2007, more than any other state Source: U.S. Census...

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Obama, Biden both feeling their Irish heritage today

Long lost brothers? “What is it with Irish shoemakers that they spawn politicians?” So asks Megan Smolenyak, chief family historian at Ancestry.com, now that she’s delved deeper into the Irish roots of both President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. ccording to Smolenyak, both Obama’s and Biden’s Irish relatives were shoemakers by trade, and arrived in the United States within six months of one another in the mid-19th century. So we couldn’t help but ask: Might they be distant relatives? "They come from slightly different parts of the country,” Smolenyak said, “and the surnames don’t match up. But never say...

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Freedom players score new look

Kick start Some say it’s not how well you do something, but how good you look doing it. Seems that’s the mentality being embraced by the women of the Washington Freedom, who all got makeovers Monday in preparation of their new season. In order to put their best face forward, the soccer players — lead by U.S. Women’s National Team star Abby Wambach and University of Maryland star Emily Janss — received highlights (some opting for pink!), manicures, pedicures and massages at the Cahra Salon and Spa in Gaithersburg. The day spa’s owner and former professional soccer player, Jhonny Davila, is involved with local youth soccer teams and offered his...

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Estefan family does the Smithsonian

Sightings That was Latina music legend Gloria Estefan touring the Smithsonian museums with her kids in tow on Saturday afternoon. Estefan and her family were in town because her husband, Emilio, received an award on Friday night from the American Task Force for Lebanon (he's part Lebanese). Meanwhile, Bill Cosby was seen at the Ritz Carlton on M Street. Cosby was in town late last week for media appearances on "Hardball" and...

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Blackburn, cookies and fur

Thin Mint-ality Could the Girls Scouts of America fix the economy better than President Barack Obama or Treasury Secretary Timothy Geitner? Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn, thinks so, telling a group of women Friday how the sales of Samoas or Thin Mints provides the best fiancial training. “Any Girl Scout mom would be better at balancing a federal budget,” said Blackburn Friday at the Congressional Women’s Network, where she discussed her new book (or more accurately workbook), "Life Equity: Realize Your True Value and Pursue Your Passions at Any Stage In Life.” But it wasn’t just cookies that got the women talking. In closing her speech, the Heritage...

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McCain gets another shot to beat Barack

McCain madness The NCAA Tournament field is set, which means that once again, Sen. John McCain has tied his picks to a fundraising pitch. For the third year, McCain's PAC, now called "Country First," is asking supporters for their contact information in exchange for the chance to "compare [their] basketball bracket to John McCain's." Of course, while information is good, cash is better. The bracket invitation is also tied to a pitch for a contribution of "$25, $50,$100, $250, $500 or more." McCain's not the only high-profile pol to release his picks. According to the Chicago Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet, President Obama will release his own picks this week....

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Caliendo: It's tough to get laughs out of Obama

Bush still kills It isn't just the staffers, legislators and journalists who are trying to find their legs in a new administration. It's also the comedians. "I'm in my own transition period here," said Frank Caliendo, the gifted impressionist and star of "Frank TV." Caliendo will play the Leukemia Ball at the Convention Center on March 21, then returns to perform at the Patriot Center on May 9. But first, the man who was known for doing a spot-on take on George W. Bush is trying to iron out his Barack Obama impression. The first challenge is getting the voice itself down. "He starts out slow and speaks fast at the end" of his phrases, said Caliendo, much...

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Obama to lead us to victory

Coach in Chief We know President Barack Obama has athletic skills on the court, but what about from the sidelines, as our new Coach-in-Chief? Joe Ehrmann, whom Parade magazine hailed as the “most important Coach in America” in a 2004 cover story, thinks that he “has a difficult task” ahead of him but "feels this time of discontent presents a perfect opportunity” for him to act on his message of change. Baltimore-based Ehrmann was town Thursday night to speak to the Gonzaga High School community and told Yeas & Nays he has high hopes that Obama¹s “tremendous character” and “compassion” will provide America the coach it...

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Wiseguy Curatola: Kidney disease is ‘our thing’

All in the family “The Sopranos” star Vincent Curatola said Wednesday, “I’m here for my family.” But before you run and hide from the man who played a mafia boss, he was talking about his real family and not the Lupertazzi crime family he was part of on television. Curatola, whose father passed away from kidney failure, was on the Hill on Wednesday to support the kickoff of National Kidney Day. “I’m here to raise awareness and let people know that, yes, dialysis may not be fun, but it’s much better than the alternative — death,” he said. This theme of family continued while he spoke to Yeas & Nays, telling us that the...

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Ayers, Weathermen still a hot topic

Which way the wind blows The 2008 election cycle is fading into memory, but Bill Ayers, the former Weather Underground terrorist and Chicago neighbor of President Barack Obama, still draws fire in some quarters. Cliff Kincaid, president of America’s Survival Inc., a conservative group that keeps tabs on the United Nations and international terrorism, called a news conference Thursday at the National Press Club to discuss “Justice for the Victims of Weather Underground Terrorism.” Kincaid said he believes Ayers and his wife, fellow Underground alum and Chicago-area professor Bernadine Dohrn, should still be of concern to the public. “Their victims are college...

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From 'clubhouse cancer' to 'young champion'

T.O. The Redskins didn't want Terrell Owens. But the Alzheimer's Association does. The organization announced Thursday that it will present the troublesome NFL wide receiver with its "Young Champions Award" at the Alzheimer's Gala at the National Building Museum on March 25. Owens was cut by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason and remained in limbo for several days, as other teams contemplated whether his on-field production was worth his reputation as a "clubhouse cancer." But the Buffalo Bills signed him last week. So the Alzheimer's Gala may be your only chance to see T.O. in D.C. this year, because the 'Skins don't play the Bills in '09. A spokeswoman...

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2009 Forbes list: Recession edition

Poor billionaires Two of the biggest bits of news that came with Wednesday night’s release of this year’s Forbes World’s Billionaires List could’ve been predicted months ago: First, Bill Gates once again sits atop the list. Second, he’s got a lot less company. Here’s a rundown of Washington-area billionaires (yes, there are still some left) who still hold spots on the list, despite its decline from 1,125 tycoons to just 793. Proving people still love candy no matter the economic situation, John and Forrest Mars of Mars Inc. are the wealthiest Washingtonians. The pair comes in at No. 43 with a net worth of $9 billion dollars. We can’t help but...

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National Archives is living large

Big timers It was a hodgepodge of history at the National Archives on Wednesday — big time — as the archives unveiled its newest exhibit on all things super-sized. “BIG! Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the National Archives” features a “grab bag of great stuff … from big maps to big egos and big shoes,” said the exhibit’s curator, Adrienne Thomas. Some of the oversized items on display include the 43 pounds of paper President Ronald Reagan dramatically showed at his 1988 State of the Union address and a size-22 shoe that basketball star Shaquille O’Neal presented to President George Bush in 2001. But our favorite has to be...

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Maya Lin, back again

More than memorials Only blocks from where her memorial to the Vietnam War brought her fame as an undergrad at Yale University, Maya Lin is showcasing her newest art exhibit — but this time indoors at the Corcoran Museum. “Systematic Landscapes” addresses Lin’s notions of landscape and geologic phenomena to challenge our perspective of the environment that has been altered because of new technologies — or so said the art professionals who introduced her. We’re not really sure what that means, so we’ll just say we liked it. Most stunning of her works, which are meant to “question and reinterpret our experience of land,” is titled...

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Rimes, Simon put on lobbyist hats

Feelin' groovy Lately, it seems as if every day a musician or two comes to the Hill to drum up support for this issue or that. Wednesday, it was LeAnn Rimes’ turn. The country songstress lobbied House and Senate members on behalf of a new bill that would increase funding for research into psoriasis, which Rimes has battled since age 2. “As I entered the public spotlight, I went to great lengths to hide my psoriasis,” she said of the rash that once covered 80% of her body. “Although the physical pain of living with psoriasis has been difficult at times, it has been much more of an emotional struggle. The physical pain doesn’t even compare to the pain of...

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Steele: I didn't get 'caught up' in Obama's inauguration

Bad blood? Embattled Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said it wasn't emotional for him when Barack Obama was inaugurated, explaining that he doesn't "get caught up in that way." Could it be because there's been tension between them ever since Obama arrived in Washington as a senator? In a wide-ranging interview with Lisa DePaulo on GQ.com, Steele says, "I was two years into my term. At that time I was the only African American lieutenant governor in the country [and] I reached out to him brother to brother." He said his staff reached out to Obama's staff "more than several" times and "his office told my staff they didn’t...

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Media Mix

Jock Friedly is the founder of LegiStorm.com, the online clearinghouse for (sometimes sensitive) information on Congress, such as staff salaries, earmarks and gifts from foreign governments. He’s busy working starting the site’s first paid-subscription product. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “The Dark Knight” Q: What book are you reading? “The Lost City of Z” by David Grann Q: What Web sites do you visit first in the morning? NYTimes.com, LegiStorm.com Q: What’s your favorite TV show? “The Daily Show,” “Big Love” (my wife, my only wife and only love, objects to this choice) Q: What’s new on your...

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‘Lunch cancer’: The worst kind

When press releases go bad Boy, these Virginia legislators aren’t doing restaurants any favors. First, they ban smoking in restaurants. Now, they’re suggesting that lunch will give you cancer. Del. David Englin, D-Alexandria, issued a release on Tuesday to correct a previous release about the smoking ban, which referred to “lunch cancer.” “While I suppose it is not necessarily inaccurate to use ‘lunch cancer’ in reference to cancer caused by exposure to second-hand smoke while eating or serving lunch,” Englin said, “we intended the release to read ‘lung cancer.’ ” And that wasn’t the only press release...

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Fleetwood & Co. take to the town

Lindsey Buckingham made like a Clinton with a free night in Washington on Monday: The famous front man of Fleetwood Mac dined at the Bombay Club, across Lafayette Park from the White House. What about drummer Mick Fleetwood, who used to own a restaurant in Alexandria? Another source spotted him getting into a car in front of the Ritz-Carlton on Tuesday afternoon, in advance of the band’s show at Verizon Center. His attire: “Blingy” sunglasses....

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Corgan is ‘Mellon Collie’ over performance rights

One more time... Billy Corgan shakes hands with Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif. (photo: Carrie Devorah) Hmm, one of these things is not like the other. That was Billy Corgan, founder of alt-rockers the Smashing Pumpkins, appearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday as part of a panel testifying — again — on behalf of the Performance Rights Act. Sporting a snazzy dark suit and his trademark bald head, Corgan added his name to the chorus of artists pleading with Congress to close a loophole that lets radio stations play songs without compensating the artists who created them. “After 20 years as a performer I have particular sensitivity to performance...

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Goodall: We're all a bunch of apes

Monkey business Could guests to her lecture really be too surprised that primatologist Jane Goodall opened her talk Tuesday afternoon on the Hill howling like a chimpanzee? After all, she has arguably spent more time with apes than humans. Goodall told attendees at the Woodrow Wilson’s Center's discussion of the dire need for environmental change if we hope to protect the apes, who in turn come to the aid of humans. "The brain of a chimpanzee is more like a human than any other animal … you can take a blood transfusion from a chimp if you can match the gene pool,” Goodall said. To further highlight similarities between humans and monkeys, Goodall added,...

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The young and the not so restless

Hot listings President Barack Obama may rule the country, but apparently his staffers have already established themselves as ruling the D.C. social scene. Or so says Washington Life magazine, whose annual "The Young and the Guest List" is filled with many new White House staffers. Among those to make the under-40 a-list: President Obama’s ‘body man’ (Reggie Love), his Director of New Media (Macon Phillips) and his speechwriters (Jon Favreau and Adam Frankel). Sarah Feinberg, a senior advisor to Rahm Emmanuel, also makes the list. Add members of Congress such as Aaron Schock, R-Ill., and Patrick Murphy, D-Penn.; Hill Staffers; and diplomatic staff, such as...

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Miss Virginia to lose hair, gain money for cancer

Hair-razing experience She proudly wears the crown of Miss Virginia 2008, but come April 11, Tara Wheeler will be trying to figure out a way to keep the diamond tiara secure atop a bald head. Wheeler has recently announced she will be shaving her head as a participant with the St. Baldrick’s foundation in solidarity of children with cancer. On Wheeler’s fundraising Web site, she states she wants to prove that “beauty is as beauty does.” Ultimately, she is motivated to join the fight against childhood cancer by her firsthand interactions with children at Children’s Miracle Network in Virginia, where she is an ambassador. But perhaps we won’t be...

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Angie’s motorcade

Four wheels not enough? Does being Hollywood’s preeminent celebrity lobbyist mean that Angelina Jolie gets A-list treatment from the D.C. government? Could be, based on the “motorcade” she had while filming “Salt” here last week. Sources tell us that Jolie at times had a two-, three- or even four-car police escort when she traveled from her hotel to the film’s shooting locations. A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police Department did not provide us with a comment, and the film’s production office told us there was “no one taking press calls.” Meanwhile in other celeb news, that was Chazz Palminteri, the writer and star of “A...

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Speakeasy

“[President Barack Obama] and [Michelle Obama] then clapped their hands as they swayed to a number played by the band that your pooler did not recognize. [Sen. John] Kerry clapped his hands while looking slightly stiff. [Vice President Joe Biden] tried to whisper into [Obama’s] ear. [Speaker Nancy] Pelosi clapped with a slight sway. [Senate Majority Leader Harry] Reid stood motionless throughout.” -Demetri Sevastopulo of the Financial Times, cataloging the motion at Sunday night’s tribute to Sen. Ted Kennedy at the Kennedy...

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Former Tory head knows what Republicans are going through

Cross-Atlantic conservatism Iain Duncan Smith, the former leader of Britain's Conservative party, opened his discussion at the Heritage Center on Monday by describing a candidate with “a message of change”, who was “adored by the media” and “hired his rival to a top post.” It wasn't President Barack Obama he was talking about, but rather former Prime Minister Tony Blair and his ascension in 1997. Blair's rise to power was “the death of the Tory party,” Duncan said, but was quick to show that after 15 years of losses, the party is once again the largest opposition party in Parliament. The similarities between the current state of the...

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Media stars beat council in a game of hoops, hope

WTOP's Mark Seagraves gets into it with Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas. (Photo: Andrew Harnik) "Is it over yet?" announcer Frank Herzog asked. "A few more bricks, and they could build a whole new school," another observer noted. So it was, as the D.C. Council took on the media that cover it in a game of hoops Monday at the Verizon Center, in front of a crowd of tens and tens of people. In the end, the media team overcame a 5-point halftime deficit — to say nothing of some ice-cold shooting of its own — to take down the council by a score of 35-25. The star of the show for the media was Fox¹s Wisdom Martin, who netted 20 of his team's...

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Reality show stars converge

Alternate reality Reality show star Brody Jenner teamed up with some future reality show stars at Park on Fourteenth on Saturday night. The star of “The Hills” joined with Katherine Kennedy and Krista Johnson from the upcoming reality show “Blonde Charity Mafia” — which has been called the D.C. version of his show — to host the event. And no, thankfully, there weren’t any cameras...

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Speakeasy

“This is the first room I’ve been in where the people are more my age than my parents’ or grandparents’.” -Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., the youngest member of Congress, speaking to a group of young conservatives at the Heritage Foundation last...

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Jenna and Henry: They brunch!

If you lived in Baltimore, you’d hang out here a lot, too. Just ask Jenna Bush and Henry Hager, the happy newlyweds who made the trip down the Baltimore-Washington Parkway this weekend to revisit their old stomping ground. A source spotted the couple having brunch at Peacock Café in Georgetown on Saturday morning. Just up the street the day before, two of the Jolie-Pitt girls picked up some new toys to play with while mom Angelina continued filming “Salt” around town. Brad Pitt was spotted with daughters Zahara and Shiloh on Friday morning at Tugooh Toys in Georgetown. Crowds gathered outside the shop to snap pictures of the girls, who like their father, were...

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Our local ‘Bachelor’ moves closer to White House fellowship

Officer and a gentleman Lt. Andy Baldwin, star of “The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman,” Navy physician and man-about-Washington, has been named a regional finalist for the prestigious White House Fellowship. White House fellows spend a year working as full-time, paid special assistants to senior White House staff, Cabinet secretaries and other government officials. This month and next, the regional finalists undergo an arduous interview process, after which 30 candidates will be named national finalists. Baldwin starred in “The Bachelor” in 2007. He subsequently was assigned to the Navy Yard in Southwest D.C. to work as a Navy physician and recruiter. If...

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Turlington is more than just a pretty face

Model Citizen Although Christy Turlington is best known for her days on the catwalk, the supermodel is now more superwoman, with a diverse career in helping advance women’s health and rights that far exceeds the time she spent modeling. She was in town Friday at the Mayflower Hotel to support the United Nations at a luncheon in honor of the organization’s International Women’s Day. Turlington, who serves as an Ambassador for CARE with a focus on maternal health, explained to attendees the importance technology, education and treatment facilities play in improving child birth techniques throughout the world. “The day she gives birth could be the day she...

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First Lady talks and poses with Oprah

Double O Next month’s “O Magazine” will feature First Lady Michelle Obama on the cover along side Oprah Winfrey — the first time in nine years the talk show host has posed with someone else on her magazine’s cover. The cover shot was taken February 17th on the White House grounds, the same day Oprah conducted the first interview with Obama done inside the White House. Taken by famed photographer Bruce Weber, Obama wears a blood orange Michael Kors dress, yellow cardigan (yes, her arms are covered), and a clear plastic belt — quite a difference from the simple black dress she wore in her formal White House portrait done by the same designer. Oprah...

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Spitzer and his dad finalize deal for D.C. building

As we told you last month, former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and his father, Bernard, had all but finalized a deal to purchase the office building at 1615 L St., NW — which just happens to overlook the Mayflower Hotel, where the younger Spitzer's dalliance with a prostitute forced his resignation. The Wall Street Journal now reports that the deal is done, as the Spitzers have agreed to pay $180 million for the 13-floor structure, whose clients include PR giant Fleishman-Hillard and the Washington office of Richard Nixon's Presidential Library. Asked about the building's proximity to the Mayflower, Spitzer told the paper it didn't figure into his decision. "We are buying a...

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More Brad and Angie (and Liev)

More photos from Thursday of Brad Pitt on Capitol Hill, and Angelina Jolie and her "Salt" costar, Liev Schreiber, shooting scenes on Pennsylvania Avenue. (Credit: Gene...

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Chappelle finally finds a place to dine

Perhaps if he said he was Rick James... It can be tough to get a table at some of the city’s top restaurants. Just ask Dave Chappelle. The comic and TV star was spotted walking into Rasika at Penn Quarter on Wednesday night. But his visit didn’t last long as there were no tables to spare (one of them, in fact, had been taken by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano). But fear not, Chappelle fans; Dave didn’t starve. A source spotted him at Le Madeleine in Georgetown on Thursday morning. And heads up: Supermodel Christy Turlington Burns will be in town today to speak at the United Nations Foundation’s annual International Women’s Day Luncheon....

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Emeril takes local woman to (cooking) school

BAM! "It was like filming a movie," said local blogger and consultant Pamela Sorensen of her Wednesday at Whole Foods in Fairfax with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse. "There were about 25 people there, with five cameras on us all the time." The two were taping an upcoming episode of "Emeril Green," the chef's reality show on Discovery's Planet Green network in which he assists people with specific culinary challenges. Sorensen's challenge: maintaining a healthy diet even when she's on the go morning, noon and night. Emeril dreamed up an entire day's worth of meals for her, and then they set out to walk the store and select their ingredients before cooking on...

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Local animator lands on Rush DVD

In a Rush Computer animation started out as a hobby for Springfield resident Bobby Standridge. Now it’s landed him on the latest DVD release by classic-rock legends Rush. Back in 2005, Standridge completed an 18-month process of animating Rush drummer Neil Peart’s playing on the song “YYZ.” Peart was so impressed, he posted the video on his own Web site. That inspired Standridge to work on a second Rush video, this one for the band’s 2007 song “Malignant Narcissism.” And lo and behold, the band selected it for inclusion on its latest DVD, which was released Tuesday. “It’s difficult to describe how honored I am to contribute to an...

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From celebrities to kids, Jenkins wants to make you sweat

A strong example If you haven’t heard of Mark Jenkins yet, you will soon. The celebrity fitness trainer has moved into town and plans to shape up the District. Adding to his line of supplements, water and DVDs comes his start of I M Fit Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to teaching youth about obesity and forms of prevention. “You have to change the system … you have to teach kids how their whole health and fitness affect their lives,” Jenkins told Yeas & Nays. And there’s one thing Jenkins admitted to that “has definitely made a difference” in allowing him to connect with kids — he trains many of their icons. Jenkins, who owns...

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Speakeasy

“I have received death threats. On election night, I loaded my gun.” Samuel Wurzelbacher, aka Joe the Plumber, at a news conference he hosted Thursday afternoon at the National Press Club to announce a lawsuit he filed against President Barack Obama supporters who allegedly searched confidential databases for dirt on the plumber....

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He means it, man

By the Numbers 9 Number of times Vice President Joe Biden used the expression "man" during an address to the AFL-CIO Executive Council today in...

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Brad breaks bread with Bing

Silver screen scene When golden boy Brad Pitt comes to town, he's all business. He met with Energy Secretary Steven Chu on Wednesday. On Thursday, he had audiences with everyone from President Obama and energy czar Carol Browner to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Thursday. But he did carve out some time Wednesday night for dinner at Adour in the St. Regis Hotel with a group that included Steve Bing, the movie producer and supporter of liberal causes and candidates. Bing's also funding Pitt's "Make It Right" project in New Orleans. A source tells us that other guests cycled in and out throughout the evening, and that the group enjoyed...

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Stars being stars

The sincerest form of flattery The new issue of Glamour magazine features some of today’s biggest celebrities posing as historical female icons — styling singer Alicia Keys as Michelle Obama, the most current historical female icon to be portrayed. Some other stars to get snapped as someone else include Lindsay Lohan as Madonna (Like-a-virgin-era Madonna, that is), Alexis Bledel as Rosie the Riveter and Hayden Panettiere pulls it off as Amelia Earhart. photo courtesy of...

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Media Mix: Shane Hines

Local band Shane Hines and the Trance will be celebrating the release of its newest album, “The Glory Journal,” at Jammin’ Java in Vienna on Friday night, with an after party hosted by Mix 107.3’s Tommy McFly. We asked Hines for his Media Mix. Q: What CD are you currently listening to? Regina Spektor’s “Begin to Hope” Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “Almost Famous” Q: What Web sites do you check in the morning? Only Facebook (both my personal page and my band’s page). I’ve been writing a lot today, so haven’t had too much time. Q: What book are you currently reading? “Infinite Jest” by David...

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D.C. bluesman honored at Blues Alley

That’s gold! Above: Memphis Gold at the Gibson Entertainment Relations Office/Showroom in Washington, D.C. (photo: Carl Gray) Local blues master Memphis Gold had plenty of reasons to celebrate Tuesday night as he took the stage at Blues Alley: It was the eve of his 54th birthday, it was a release party for his new CD, “Gator Gon’ Bitechu!,” and Gibson Guitar presented him with a Custom ES-335 guitar in recognition of his life and work. A Vietnam War veteran, Memphis Gold has taken part in nine USO tours to entertain the troops. In February 1996, he made local headlines after rescuing nine children from a crashed train in Silver Spring. And more recently, he...

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Napolitano: ‘All issues are women’s issues’

Girl Power It was a night of firsts at the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues annual dinner Tuesday: Janet Napolitano, the first female Secretary of Homeland Security, addressed a room full of female members of the 111th Congress, which boasts a record number of female members. While speaking at the gala in Union Station, Secretary Napolitano discussed some of her other ‘firsts’ — the first woman governor to succeed another female governor (“Go Arizona,” she joked) and being one of the women to make up the first all-female slate of Arizona’s elected offices. Yet getting to these milestones wasn’t easy. While running for attorney...

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Walker, Hamm lead lobbyists for phys ed

Breaking a sweat On Tuesday, we saw dozens of musicians and songwriters blanket Capitol Hill, in a push for better performance rights for their music. Wednesday, it was the jocks’ turn, as more than two dozen athletes — brought to town by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association — lobbied for more funding of physical education in schools and tax breaks for spending on fitness by individuals. The big guns: football great Herschel Walker, who had meetings scheduled with Sens. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Reps. Joe Barton, R-Texas, Jack Kingston, R-Ga., and Phil Gingrey, R-Ga.; and U.S. soccer legend Mia Hamm, who met with Sen. Dick Durbin,...

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Some perspective from Stein

Celebs vs. snipers The American Legion awarded Ben Stein with its National Commander's Public Relations Award on Wednesday, putting the actor and TV personality in the same company as past recipients Dolly Parton and Lou Dobbs. His remarks centered on society's priorities and perspectives. "Hollywood movie directors are said to have 'courage' for making a gfilm about gay rights," he said. "You know what I call courage? Being under German sniper fire while you call for help." Then later, discussing his visits to Walter Reed: "It's a huge deal if Angelina Jolie gains two pounds. These guys loose their legs and no one knows about it. "I don't understand...

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Jolie begins fliming 'Salt' at Mandarin; other locations to follow

'Salt,' starring Angelina Jolie, Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor, began local shooting at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Wednesday morning. Upcoming shoot locations over the six days of filming include L'Enfant Plaza, the Navy Memorial and along Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House. The D.C. government expects the production to bring in close to $1 million dollars to the local economy. Meanwhile, Angelina's other half, also known as Brad Pitt, is already in town. According to the Perez Hilton gossip site, Pitt was spotted leaving an office building on K Street through the back entrance. He'll probably use the back entrance again on Thursday afternoon, as he meets with House...

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Musicians blanket Hill for performance rights

'Preaching to the converted'? Late last month, we told you about the A-list musicians — Sheryl Crow, will.i.am, etc. — who came to town to lobby for the Performance Rights Act, which would force radio stations to pay artists for playing their songs. As the House Judiciary Committee gets closer to a vote on the legislation, more than 100 lesser known artists fanned out across the Hill on Tuesday for a final lobbying push. Among them: all-girl garage rockers The Donnas, singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, Gary "U.S." Bonds and several notable session musicians. "I first heard about this issue from my first manager, who said you could make more money as a songwriter...

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Wentworth to add laughs to big-name comedy

Romantic yuk-yuk Funny gal Ali Wentworth, best known for the small screen— think “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “In Living Color,” husband of “This Week’s” George Stephanopoulos — is moving to the big screen, appearing alongside some other famous comedians in a romantic flick set to premiere on Christmas. Written by Nancy Meyers, the untitled project stars Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as two New York men lusting after the same woman, Meryl Streep. Wentworth plays Streep’s go-to best friend, “so we do a lot of girl talk,” she tells Yeas & Nays. Although Streep is best known for her dramatic roles, Wentworth said her...

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Witherspoon: ‘Avon calling’ to end domestic violence

Avon Lady Despite the steady stream of headlines detailing Chris Brown’s alleged altercation with his girlfriend Rihanna, another famous celebrity in town Tuesday wouldn’t talk about the case, even though she came to discuss domestic violence. Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon participated in a news conference hosted by Avon cosmetics to announce the company’s expansion of programs to fight violence against women, yet they kept the focus on the more unseen cases of violence, refusing to comment on the pop singers. Fair enough, for as Andrea Jung, chairman and chief executive officer of Avon Products Inc., told the crowd at the National Press Club,...

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O'Brien talks Abe, Hannah goes green

Conan does Lincoln Since he’s between gigs, Conan O’Brien has some time on his hands. The soon-to-be host of “The Tonight Show” was in town Monday night to participate in Ford’s Theatre’s “Living Lincoln” series of events. O’Brien and author Joshua Wolf Shenk discussed “Lincoln as Humorist” during the 90-minute program. On hand to hear them were Chris and Kathleen Matthews, “Manhunt” author James Swanson, Rep. John Tanner, D-Tenn., and Rep. John Culberson, R-Texas. Later that night, O’Brien grabbed a bite at the Old Ebbitt Grill. Then on Tuesday, he stopped by the Newseum to check out its newest...

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First black congresswoman honored

Wag of the finger The Congressional Black Caucus honored one of its founding members, Rep. Shirley Chisholm, D-N.Y., the first black woman in Congress. To honor her achievements, Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., unveiled a self-portrait of Chisholm on Tuesday. Pelosi described Chisholm as “a brave pioneer who was unwilling to settle for the status quo. … As the first woman speaker of the House, I want to say thank you to Shirley Chisholm,” she added. The portrait is all too appropriate for a woman whose memoir is titled “Unbought and Unbossed” — it depicts a playful rendition of Chisholm, arms folded across her chest...

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Miss America relates her personal eating disorder

Crowning Achievement There she was, Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, a beauty relating her ugly struggles with anorexia. Haglund shared her ordeal with American University students Thursday evening in a speech to close the university’s eating disorder awareness week. “I was terrified of the word ‘anorexia,’ ” Haglund said. “It made me feel afraid, it made me feel ashamed.” Haglund’s struggle came after she became deeply invested in ballet. “Before I went to serious ballet school, I wasn’t very body-conscious,” she told the students. “I was a chicken tenders and fries kind of girl.” But as her ballet...

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Speakeasy

“Due to weather conditions, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not been able to travel back to Washington this morning so will not speak at the 2009 Annual Power Shift Conference Rally to be held today on the West Front of the Capitol.” - Statement issued by Pelosi’s office Monday morning regarding her involvement in the climate change protest, continuing a bad run of cold and snowy weather for anti-global warming activists of late....

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Media Mix: Trevor Paglen

Journalist Trevor Paglen is the author of the new book “Blank Spots on the Map: The Dark Geography of the Pentagon’s Secret World,” which looks at the classified bases, secret defense projects and covert operations conducted by the U.S. military. He gave us his Media Mix via e-mail. Q: What CD are you currently listening to? CDs are a little out of date, aren’t they? I’ve been listening to a lot of Johnny Cash lately. Q: What’s the last movie you saw? “Decline of Western Civilization Part 2: The Metal Years” Q: What Web sites do you check in the morning? New York Times, Washington Post, Raw Story Q: What book are you currently...

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Bush merch still moving

Serving all your ‘43’ needs Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. Other times, it’s a political statement. (And not just in the Starr Report.) For evidence, look no further than georgewbushstore.com, an online hub of all things Bush, which is proving that though he may be out of power, ol’ No. 43 can still move merchandise. The store began during Bush’s first term, but of late has added a slew of merchandise commemorating his tenure in the Oval Office. Like $12 commemorative cigars with “January 20, 2001 - January 20, 2009” emblazoned on the tube. Or a set of four glass tumblers ($24.95). Other items simply feature a “43” logo, from...

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Inhofe makes tech list — but why?

Getting warmer? We had to do a double take when we saw the current issue of Condé Nast Portfolio magazine. Yes, that's Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., the global warming skeptic, named to the magazine's "Portfolio 25" list of "people who are using technology to transform business as we know it—for better or for worse." Ah, must be that "or for worse" part that got the editors. "From his position as the ranking minority member on the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works," they write, "Inhofe will work as a counterweight to the Obama administration's expected clean-tech initiative." Referring to his "fearless...

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Speakeasy: Robert Gibbs

“I don't know whether that's involved in the Treasury Department's stress test, or if we have to go to Bethesda to do that.” -White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, on whether President Obama will be diagnosing himself with...

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Limbaugh's address to the nation

Leader Limbaugh? Just days after President Barack Obama gave his State of the Nation, Rush Limbaugh gave the Republican party their own version in the closing speech of the Conservative Political Action Conference. “They destroy people’s future,” Limbaugh said Saturday about his favorite topic to hate, the Democrats, adding that they are “deranged” and “socialists” and liberalism is a “psychoses.” Much like the president’s address, Limbaugh received applause and standing ovations throughout the speech from the packed-house at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. In a speech that ran an hour over schedule, Limbaugh clearly enjoyed the...

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Sinise enlisted to aid film about troops

Lt. Dan to the rescue It was more than a year ago that filmmaker Jake Rademacher had finished his documentary, "Brothers at War," and was looking for help in getting it distributed. That's when "CSI" star Gary Sinise came along. Sinise was shown the film by Michael Broderick, an actor and former Marine, and wanted to get involved. "I was very moved by it," he said of the movie, in which Rademacher travels to Iraq to see what his two active-duty brothers are experiencing on the front lines. So Sinise signed on as an executive producer, held a screening at Fox Studios in Los Angeles to drum up support and has been promoting the film ever since. "It's...

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Speakeasy

“I don't know whether that's involved in the Treasury Department's stress test, or if we have to go to Bethesda to do that.” -White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, on whether President Barack Obama will be diagnosing himself with...

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Tea party protests stimulus

Tea Time It was less about civility and more about civil disobedience Friday as dozens of stimulus protesters gathered for a “tea party” in Lafayette Park. Hearkening back to the Boston Tea Party, many stood with teabags hanging from their pockets and pickets. “It’s unconstitutional,” said one protestor who had driven from Pennsylvania to be a part of the protest against President Barack Obama’s massive spending bills. “It’s not about Democrat and Republican, not about party lines. It’s about liberty.” About a dozen such protests took place around the country. The “tea parties” were inspired by an on-air rant of...

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Rahm cashes out

Sightings White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel was spotted Sunday getting money at the SunTrust Bank in the Safeway on the corner 17th St. and Corcoran St. NW. Our spy says he impatiently waited in line at the ATM with a cell-phone glued to his ear, while a USS agent stood guard. Sounds of laughter and gasps we're heard as he left. Also spotted around town: -The first-ever woman to hold the title of Secretary of State sat down with the latest woman to occupy that office Thursday night, as Madeleine Albright and Hillary Clinton broke bread at the Bombay Club. A restaurant spokeswoman tells us the pair sat in the middle of the dining room and stayed for about two hours. Bombay Club...

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The prez checks out the Wiz

First fan At least the president is bullish on something. President Obama ventured out to Verizon Center on Friday night to watch his hometown Chicago Bulls take on the Wizards. According to the White House pool report, he took his courtside seat opposite the Wizards bench "amid general pandemonium." Sporting a black shirt and black jacket, the president was joined by his Chicago pals Marty Nesbitt and Eric Whitaker. Also seated nearby: White House aides David Axelrod, Jon Favreau and Reggie Love. Just before the second quarter ended, Obama made his way to the owner's box, which meant that throughout halftime, the section in front of the suite stood with their backs to the...

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Clinton, Albright catch up at Bombay Club

The first-ever woman to hold the title of Secretary of State sat down with the latest woman to occupy that office Thursday night, as Madeleine Albright and Hillary Clinton broke bread at the Bombay Club. A restaurant spokeswoman tells us the pair sat in the middle of the dining room and stayed for about two hours. Bombay Club was one of the Clintons' favorite restaurants when they were in the White House....

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Favreau's digits printed by Post

Can I get your number? Thanks to a photo printed by the Washington Post, President Barack Obama’s speechwriter may now have to change his cell phone number. Jon Favreau’s phone number can be clearly made out in a picture the Post chose for their Op-Ed page on Friday, which depicts President Obama making his remarks to Congress on Tuesday. Taken by a Reuters photographer from above, you see Obama reading from the first page of the address — and clearly printed is: “Draft 2/24/09 12pm…Favreau/Rhodes….6-1334 | 312-805-xxxx." (Number redacted.) We at Yeas & Nays tried the number and can confirm it is his number (we got his voicemail). This...

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Angie’s on her way

A jolt of Jolie D.C. goes A-list again next week, as the cast and crew of "Salt," the upcoming spy thriller starring Angelina Jolie, arrives here to begin filming. A casting call for background performers, obtained by Yeas & Nays, says filming will begin on March 3. Josh Friedman, a spokesman for D.C.’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, said, "We are expecting a large-scale production for several weeks, and again in summer." Jolie is expected to arrive early in the week, and a source tells us producers have been casting a teenage Jolie look-alike as well. Jolie’s role was originally offered to Tom Cruise, but when his deal fell...

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Speakeasy

"After about 30 minutes there's not much to talk about except what you're going to do to the other team." --Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., speaking about the weekly party caucus meetings in the Senate "I was just back in the green room. On one television was the face of Congressman [Aaron] Schock, fresh young new face of the Republican party. And on the other monitor was the face of Rosie O'Donnell. That's an argument we should win everyday." -Conservativebattleline.com's Donald Devine, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference on...

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Ex-Chicago machine pol: Burris is lying

Windy politics Even convicted criminals aren't buying what Sen. Roland Burris, D-Ill., is selling. This week, we caught up with James Laski, a former Chicago alderman and city clerk who served 11 months in federal prison for public corruption, as he promotes his book, "My Fall from Grace." "If anybody should know about truthful testimony, it's [Burris], the former attorney general," said Laski, who first met Burris in the early 1980s. "You can't change your story four or five times and then say, 'I've done nothing wrong.'" Laski called Burris a "political wannabe," who could only achieve office at this point the way he did — by being...

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GQ looks at Washington's super cuts

Locks and loaded This month's GQ takes a look at that most venerable of Washington institutions: the "hair helmet." The magazine's murderer's row of political locks includes: -Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.: "The Fuzzy Brahmin" -Rep. Charlie Rangel, D-N.Y.: "The Deflated Pompadour -Gov. Bobby Jindal, D-La.: "The No. 8 (At Supercuts)" -Ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, D-Ill.: "The Black Swan" -Ex-Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss.: "The Anti-Fro" -Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.: "The...

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Poker is a winning hand for conservatives

Not bluffing Critics might say the last presidential administration gambled with the nation’s future, but 2004 World Series of Poker winner Greg Raymer thinks George W. Bush’s conservative ideals are just what his game needs. “It’s about individual liberties and freedom,” Raymer told Yeas & Nays when asked what brought him out to the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Omni Hotel. The “Fossilman” (a nickname based on his hobby of collecting fossils) said luck has nothing to do with winning at poker, calling it a game of skill much like golf. Although Raymer said poker’s “not political” and is “for...

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Usher: Say ‘Yeah’ to service

Double threat Like Clark Kent to Superman, Usher Raymond IV, the mild-mannered alter ego of R&B superstar Usher, appeared Wednesday on Capitol Hill to discuss “Improving America’s Commitment to Service and Volunteerism.” Appearing with Time magazine managing editor Richard Stengel and former Sen. Harris Wofford, D-Pa., Usher’s testimony focused on two points: the need to engage youth in service and the changing the perspective of service work in the non-served community. “Service is an incredible thing,” said Usher to the committee. “Not only should it be the right thing to do, but the cool thing to do. Don’t you agree?” Usher...

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Speakeasy: Lindsey Graham

"I'd like to make him as successful as he wants to be — within reason." --Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speaking about President Obama at an Atlantic Media breakfast on...

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Kennedy film premieres on Obama's night

An ‘Affair’ to remember While most of official D.C. sat in front of their televisions watching President Barack Obama’s first “state of the nation” address, a couple hundred Washingtonians settled in front of a movie screen to watch a film on another popular president: “An American Affair,” starring Gretchen Mol as a flustered and drunk lover to John F. Kennedy premiered Tuesday night, appropriately, only blocks from the White House at the Landmark E Street Cinemas. “What better place to premier a film on the Camelot years than in Washington,” Mol told Yeas & Nays. The actress, who once portrayed pinup queen Bettie Page, wore a...

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CBS’s Dozier details her brush with death

‘Breathing the Fire’ Television correspondent Kimberly Dozier worries that President Barack Obama’s pledge to withdraw troops from Iraq by late 2010 will lock the United States into an oversimplified approach to dealing with the insurgents there. Speaking at Nathan’s “Q&A Café” in Georgetown Wednesday, the award-winning CBS news reporter outlined her near-fatal experience covering Iraq in 2006, an assignment she was “desperate” to obtain. On Memorial Day in 2006, Dozier became a victim of Iraqi insurgents who detonated a car bomb while she and her crew were trying to cover a story. She “was peppered with...

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Joe the Plumber: If elected, I’d slap my colleagues

Congressman, duck! Joe “The Plumber” Wurzelbacher said Wednesday he might run for Congress one day. But if he won, his colleagues might need to wear headgear to the House floor. “I’d probably be in jail more often than I’d be on the Hill for slapping some member,” said Wurzelbacher at a lunchtime discussion at Americans for Tax Reform. “And that’s not [bull] either.” Wurzelbacher, clad in jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt, didn’t have much good to say about either man who vied for his vote last fall. On President Barack Obama he said, “People are comforted [by Obama’s rhetoric], but he’s a politician and I...

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Rep. Mica: Don’t blame the birds

Friendly Skies? Everyone has praised Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, his crew in the sky and those on the ground for their quick decision making prior to landing a full jetliner in the Hudson River last month. Yet at a House committee hearing Tuesday, Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., attacked the air traffic controller, Patrick Harten, with a barrage of questions that gave the impression Mica believed the birds shouldn’t take all the blame. Mica, with a tone much different from the other, more appreciative members’, asked if Harten had “dumbed down” the equipment on the afternoon of Sept. 15 — suggesting the possibility that the birds alleged to...

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Local promoter takes big boys to task

Sharks and mobsters The otherwise dry topic of national antitrust policy took a sharply local — and colorful — turn on Tuesday, as local concert promoter and club owner Seth Hurwitz took center stage as a key witness against the merger of concert business giants Ticketmaster and Live Nation. “Apparently it took something as simple as not being able to get Bruce Springsteen tickets to finally wake the public up,” Hurwitz told a Senate subcommittee, referring to fans’ recent accusations that Ticketmaster had attempted to gouge them when Springsteen tickets went on sale. “I am deeply sorry it has taken this long for everyone to start figuring out what...

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D.C.’s ‘Apprentice’ doles out business advice

Harvard man Kwame Jackson, a first-season veteran of “The Apprentice,” is proving that he doesn’t need The Donald to find success. Jackson highlighted the keys to his success at a Youth Business Leaders Roundtable held at the Small Business Administration on Tuesday. Jackson, a D.C. native, spoke with a group of teenage business moguls Tuesday, sharing anecdotes from his own youth. “When I was in seventh grade, I wanted the original Nintendo,” he said, “but my mother gave me a look like, ‘People in hell want ice water.’ ” Showing early business savvy, Jackson got out his lawnmower and went to work on his neighbors’ yards in...

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Congress pays tribute to Newman

Cohen’s cool hand Paul Newman passed away in September. So why did it take Congress so long to pass a resolution honoring his life, as is customary when an American icon dies? The short answer has to do with the vagaries of the congressional calendar. Last year, Newman’s home-district representative, Christopher Shays, R-Conn., submitted a resolution. But coming toward the end of the session with elections looming, the calendar only allowed for very specific business to reach the floor. Then Shays was defeated in November. When Congress reconvened, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., who was one of the bill’s original co-sponsors, picked up the mantle. (His spokeswoman tells...

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Big music names want radio to pay to play

Money for Nothing? In our current economic state, do wealthy musicians really believe we’ll be sympathetic to them demanding more money? Apparently, as celebrity musicians from across the country banded together Tuesday on Capitol Hill to discuss “musicFIRST," a coalition that hopes to make corporate radio pay to play their songs. The musical all-stars included Sheryl Crow, Dionne Warwick, Will.i.am, Herbie Hancock, Patti LaBelle and Emmylou Harris, each fighting to receive compensation every time one of their songs is played on the radio. Patti LaBelle chipped in, “We’re being pimped! That’s exactly what we’ve been. I’ve gone for so long...

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Locals get coveted seats at president's address

When President Obama took office, he and first lady Michelle Obama promised to reach out to the city of Washington. From the looks of the guests in the First Lady's box at the president's address to Congress Tuesday night, they're serious. Apart from the guests you'd expect — Dr. Jill Biden, presidential adviser Valerie Jarrett — Michelle Obama's section is chock-a-block with Washingtonians. Among them: -Gen. Alfonso E. Lenhardt, CEO of the non-profit National Crime Prevention Council and the first African-American to serve as Senate Sergeant at Arms. -Roxanna Garcia Marcus, the development manager of Year Up -Alvaro Simmons, chief operating officer of Mary’s...

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Scotland claims Obama as its own

Barack the Lion? Scottish First Prime Minister Alex Salmond arrived in D.C. Monday as part of a sort of marketing tour to showcase the many reasons why Americans should visit the land of the Loch Ness Monster—and linking it to our popular president was one of his tactics. “President Obama’s own ancestry can be traced to the Scottish King William the Lion through his grandmothers side,” Salmond told listeners at Georgetown University. He also added that President Obama, like his idol President Lincoln, admires the works of Scottish poet Robert Burns. And if that didn't convince everyone to embrace Scotland, he hosted a Scotch tasting Monday night. After all,...

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‘Official’ Oscar parties duke it out

And the nominees are... Enterprising socialites had their pick of two Oscar viewing parties Sunday night that both claimed “official” status. Let’s see how they stacked up. Event: Oscar Night DC Place: Hard Rock Café Hook: One of 52 Oscar viewing parties nationwide officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Charitable component: Raised an estimated $100,000 for The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area. Perks: More than 30 flat screens, silent auction featuring a Gibson guitar signed by O.A.R., swag bags for VIPs worth over $500. Food: Went untouched by many of the females dressed to the nines, afraid the chili-cheese...

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Joe, meet George

Photo: Mark Wilkins George Clooney was back in town Monday, this time to meet with Vice President Joe Biden. The two were scheduled to speak about the conflict in Darfur and Clooney's recent travels in the region. America's leading man flew into Dulles Airport on a private jet, and — looking "dressed to impress," say our spies — stopped at the offices of Ernst & Young before his meeting with Biden....

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No answer on price gouging for John-Joel show

Elton and Billy One might think with all the furor over how Ticketmaster handled the sale of Bruce Springsteen tickets earlier this month, its concert-industry brethren would be up to speed. Not so, as Wilson Howard, president of the southeast region for concert promoter Live Nation, joined Washington Nationals owner Mark Lerner and Mayor Adrian Fenty at Nationals Park Monday to announce the first-ever concert at the ballpark: Elton John and Billy Joel on July 11. Howard was asked how he could assure fans that Live Nation's ticketing partner, Tickets.com, wouldn't gouge them by immediately placing tickets in the resale market, as Springsteen fans accused Ticketmaster of doing. "I...

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Bunning: Insult to injury

Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., raised a few eyebrows this weekend when he predicted that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be dead within nine months. Ginsburg is battling pancreatic cancer. Monday afternoon, the senator tried to make amends through a statement sent out by his office. But something tells us he still won't be on Ginsburg's holiday-card list. Bunning misspelled her name twice in the release. “I apologize if my comments offended Justice Ginsberg [sic],” said Bunning. “That certainly was not my intent. It is great to see her back at the Supreme Court today and I hope she recovers quickly. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her...

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The man behind 'Frost/Nixon'

Truth is better than fiction The mastermind behind the Frost-Nixon interviews was in Washington Friday to discuss his new book, “The Conviction of Richard Nixon: The Untold Story of the Frost/Nixon Interviews” -- and share details that screeners of current Oscar-nominated film might have missed. James Reston Jr. headed most of the research conducted for the 1977 interview—serving as the British host’s Watergate advisor—for which Nixon was paid an “outrageous” $1 million. Reston admitted to a Capitol Hill audience that along with the money, Nixon most likely agreed to the interview for “he surely thought David Frost was a soft...

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What would George do?

Mind your Ps and Qs In today's world, you often need a little more than just "please" and "thank you" to solve all your problems. Say you want to tell a coworker she needs to bottom up her blouse a bit more, or perhaps inform a mother that her child is a bit too rambunctious, but don't know how to say it nicely? Then James Henry's debut book, "Mind Your Manners! George Washington's Rules of Civility," is what you need -- a modern take on 111 of George Washington's own rules of etiquette for today's society. "Yeas & Nays" sat down for a civil lunch Saturday with the local author at Founding Farmers restaurant, and got a smile from some of...

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The new president's first menu

Test for the chef The 130 guests in attendance Sunday night for President Obama's first big dinner in the East Room — honoring the nation's governors — enjoyed a menu that would make any local gourmand envious. In fact, a few local gourmands — six top students from Bethesda's L’Academie de Cuisine, plus two of their instructors — helped prepare the feast. The courses included Chesapeake crab agnolotti with roasted sunchokes; Wagyu beef and Nantucket scallops with glazed red carrots, portobello mushroom and creamed spinach; winter citrus salad with pistachios and lemon honey vinaigrette; and huckleberry cobbler with caramel ice cream. Guests were...

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Speakeasy: John Zogby

"Fairly recently Congress's approval rating was at 4 percent. I mean O.J. [Simpson's] approval rating was at 16 percent in 1995." – Pollster John Zogby, speaking Thursday about his new book, "The Way We'll...

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A show in need of 'charity'

Real Fake? How fake can you make reality? The stars of the D.C.-based reality show "Blonde Charity Mafia" (or, to be fair, their producers) tried to take it to the next level last week, returning to the District to shoot additional footage for a program that was originally slated to air last fall. Thursday night marked one of those instances where the "reality" is planned, as the show -- now punted from Lifetime to The CW Network -- engineered a vague "Welcome to Washington" party at the St. Regis. Girls donned their little dresses, hoping to get filmed in the background as they happily signed waivers from the show's producers before entering the party....

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Killer B's

Blues legend B.B. King leans into his famous guitar Lucille at his show with Buddy Guy Friday night show at DAR Constitution Hall. Buddy Guy performs. (Photos: Carrie...

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Speakeasy: Ron Suskind

“We’re not mightily adept at playing backroom poker in Asia. We go to the table with a big fat wallet, but eventually we get picked clean.” --Author Ron Suskind, speaking Wednesday about America’s image around the...

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Arena Stage moves two shows to Big Apple

On Broadway For the first time in its history, D.C.-based Arena Stage has two of its shows moving to Broadway at the same time. "33 Variations," which premiered at Arena in September of 2007, recently opened for previews on Broadway, with Jane Fonda in the lead role. And "Next to Normal," which had its second staging at Arena from November to January, takes its entire cast to the Longacre Theatre in New York. “This moment shows the true promise and range of Arena's new work in addition to our commitment to American writers and artists," said Artistic Director Molly Smith. Aaron Tveit as Gabe, Alice Ripley as Diana and J. Robert Spencer as Dan in Arena...

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Knives, moonshine and presidents mark Martin’s 75 years

Meet me at Martins Any regular to Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown knows that every booth has a history to it (think John F. Kennedy proposing to Jackie). But as the restaurant celebrates its 75th anniversary, we wanted to hear the juicy stories that aren’t as well known. We caught up with the fourth-generation owner, Billy Martin IV, over some Welsh rarebit Wednesday night, as the watering hole held its anniversary celebration for valued regulars and friends. One story involves President Lyndon Johnson and then-House Speaker Sam Rayburn, who often joined Martin’s grandfather in the backroom nicknamed the “dugout” (after Martin the Second’s first...

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Gore supports first-daughter’s school

Former Vice President Al Gore was in Washington Thursday, and shockingly it wasn’t to talk about the environment. Gore served as the guest of honor at a luncheon held at Il Mullino New York, in conjunction with Sidwell Friends School, to raise money for the school’s “Al Gore Scholarship Fund.” Gore had a few personal connections to the event besides his namesake on the scholarship. The same Quaker day school that currently teaches Malia and Sasha Obama also counts Gore’s son, Al Gore III, as an alum. But he we think he didn’t appear just to support the school — we’re sure the hosts, Democratic super-donors Al and Claire Dwoskin, also...

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That's 'Sir John Warner' to you

Good knight Amb. Sheinwald, Lady Sheinwald, Jeanne Warner, Sen. Warner Former Sen. John Warner, R-Va., will be made an honorary knight of the United Kingdom, British Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald announced at a dinner in Warner's honor on Wednesday. "Senator Warner has always extended a hand of friendship to the UK from the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Sheinwald. "We were delighted to cement that friendship in 2007 when Her Majesty the Queen visited the Commonwealth of Virginia, and met Senator Warner again." Warner said, "My wife, Jeanne, who was born in London, and I both share direct ancestral lineage to the United Kingdom, and we quietly reflect on how...

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By the Numbers

22 Total number of guns that five of the six candidates for RNC chairman bragged about owning during their January debate $5,000 Amount an undisclosed buyer offered the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport last year for the “Larry Craig bathroom stall” Source: Harper’s Index, March...

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Chu lays out plans for energy forum

So Hot Right Now Energy Secretary Steve Chu may be working on cooling the planet from global warming, but he was definitely in the hot seat Wednesday as he faced a barrage of questions from the media during a conference call to discuss the agenda for next week’s forum, “The National Clean Energy Project: Building the New Economy.” “I hope the press will pick on someone other than me,” said Chu, directing questions to other attendees, who included Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., T. Boone Pickens, chairman of BP Capital Management and John Podesta, president of the Center for American Progress. Chu, a former U.C....

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A-Rod: Not an issue for the Fed

Dodge ball It’s official: Ben Bernanke is a creature of Washington. During a Q&A session at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the Federal Reserve Chairman skillfully dodged all questions that asked him to criticize the administration or Congress. “That’s a moot point, isn’t it?” he replied, when asked whether there was anything else would he have liked to see in the stimulus bill. But his most artful dodge came at the very end, when he was randomly asked if the recent steroids scandal could hurt Alex Rodriguez’s chances at the Hall of Fame. “I love baseball,” came his...

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Immelt leaves $12m on the table

Help, I’m Immelting With executive compensation such a hot topic around the halls of power these days, General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt sure picked a good place to announce he was forgoing his $12 million bonus: at a Georgetown cocktail party Tuesday night populated by the city’s rich and influential. The occasion was a soiree thrown by the Financial Times, with Immelt as its guest. (Unsurprisingly, the paper was the first to break the news.) On hand to hear of Immelt’s largesse: Chris and Kathleen Matthews, Bob Woodward, Luke Russert, superlawyer Bob Barnett, Canadian Ambassador Michael Wilson, Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan Casamitjana, Egyptian Ambassador Sameh...

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Jim Moran: Lover of animals

Pet detective Call him Jim Moran: Pet Detective. The Arlington Democrat announced Wednesday that he has formed the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, along with Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif. Moran has long been involved in animal-rights issues, from working for a ban on horse slaughter to prohibiting the sale of clothing made with dog fur. CAPC replaces the Friends of Animals Caucus that existed in previous congresses. “Animals are sensate beings that deserve to be treated with respect and dignity,” Moran said. “I look forward to building a consensus among my colleagues in support of sensible animal welfare laws that reflect our common values. Protecting animals...

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Spitzer’s dad looks to buy building behind Mayflower Hotel

Daddy’s Watching Could Bernard Spitzer be looking to keep an eye out on his son? Probably not, but in a funny coincidence, Eliot Spitzer’s father is attempting to purchase the office building at 1615 L Street NW — which happens to overlook the Mayflower Hotel. As most will remember, Eliot Spitzer, then the governor of New York, spent the night before Valentine’s Day last year in the hotel with 22-year-old call girl Ashley Dupre. New-York based real-estate company Broadway Partners currently owns the 13-story building and, like several other “young and flashy companies who got too overloaded,” as one source dubbed them, they’re facing the reality...

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Bob Johnson: I’d work with Oprah

BET on Bob Bob Johnson, the founder of D.C.-based BET and the first black billionaire, says he’d relish the opportunity to work with the country’s only other black billionaire, Oprah Winfrey. Interviewed as part of CNBC’s forthcoming special “NEWBOs: The Rise of America’s New Black Overclass,” Johnson argues that black businesses should more aggressively work together and even merge. “I would love a call from Oprah saying, ‘Bob, I hear you’ve got this idea for this TV channel. I’d love to co-own that with you and develop it.’ ” In the show, which premieres Feb. 26, Johnson discusses what it’s like to have...

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Stimulus? No thanks

Opting out Rep. Ted Poe told Congress Friday that he is “opting out” of the stimulus package. According to the fiery Texas conservative, the idea came from his wrecker-driving pal back home, Sammy Mahan. Poe recalled Mahan telling him, “Unlike you government boys, I can't spend money I don't have. So I want you to opt me out of this deal.’... Give me a form. I want to sign it. You take $10,000 off that $790 billion, and I don't want to pay it because I don't have the money.” It was enough for Poe, who said, “I suspect that if most Americans read this bill and they realized how much it was going to cost them personally, they would want to opt out of...

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Ramsey Clark demands return of Geronimo’s bones

Cowboys and Indians Ramsey Clark has spent decades going after Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. Now he’s even taking on their secret society. The former attorney general under President Lyndon Johnson has been hired to represent the Apache medicine man and military leader Geronimo’s descendants in a federal suit demanding his remains be returned to their final resting place in Arizona. Which raises the question: Where did they go in the first place? The defendants in the case provide some clues. Along with President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, Yale University and the campus’ Order of Skull and...

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Greenberg levels both barrels at his peers

Pollster smackdown Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg has been described as the “Robert DeNiro of political consultants.” Is that because he goes after his enemies and rivals with a mafia-like zeal? Republican consultant Frank Luntz, former Hillary Clinton adviser Mark Penn and bipartisan consultant Dick Morris are Greenberg’s pollster peers who find themselves on the business end of his prose in his new book “Dispatches from the War Room.” No sooner than page 2, Greenberg lets Luntz have it, calling him “perhaps the epitome of the modern spinmeister, now almost a parody of himself.” He later calls Luntz the “master of...

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Media Mix: Art Smith

Art Smith is the former personal chef to Oprah Winfrey and Sen. Bob Graham, D-Fla. Late last year, he opened Art and Soul in the new Liaison Hotel on Capitol Hill. Q: What's the last movie you saw? "Slumdog Millionaire" Q: What book are you reading? "Cross Creek Cookery," by Marjorie Kenning Rawlings Q: What Web sites do you visit in the morning? NewYorkTimes.com Q: What's your favorite TV show? "Damages" on FX Q: What's new on your...

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Lachey makes the rounds in D.C.

Nick the sick? Photo: Mark Wilkins That was Nick Lachey flying into Washington Reagan National on Sunday afternoon and checking in at the Fairmont Hotel. The former boy-band star and ex-husband of Jessica Simpson then strolled to Old Glory in Georgetown for dinner. According to a Yeas & Nays spy, on the way back to his hotel, he stopped by CVS to get NyQuil. Lachey was in town to promote his new album, "Coming Up for Air," at a few local radio stations, including Hot 99.5 and a 730 a.m. meeting at the Hard Rock Cafe with Mix...

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Top Nixon advisors remain buddies

All The President’s Men A group of President Nixon’s closest advisors met Thursday night under the shadow of the Capital, but despite the way it sounds, the goings-on would no longer interest Woodward and Bernstein. The February Group — a secret society of sorts made of top members of the Nixon administration — met for a cocktail reception in a conference room at Hall of the States for the first time in seven years. What started as a small luncheon in February of 1975 of about a dozen men has grown to include members of the Ford administration and now totals over 100 men and their wives, as was the case Thursday evening. Original member Steve Bull, Special...

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McGovern’s new book gets honest about Abe.

Lincoln has been viewed in celebratory ways of late, but former Sen. George McGovern D-South Dakota, gave a new, very “honest” angle on the President Friday when discussing his new work, “Abraham Lincoln.” McGovern focused on the most human aspects of the Civil War president while speaking at the National Press Club, stating, “Lincoln suffered most of his life with what we would now call clinical depression.” Certain to know a little about feeling blue after being defeated by a landslide in his race for president in 1972, McGovern added that Lincoln once told one of his aides “he would no longer carry a knife with him for fear that in a moment of...

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Speakeasy: Magic Johnson

"He’s smart at the game. First thing up he’s passing, nice post pass, nice set up, always looking for the other man." --Magic Johnson, dissecting President Obama's basketball skills Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union with John King." Later in the segment, the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul remarked that "lefties always can shoot," but Hall of Famer Bill Russell accused the president of having a "YMCA...

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Friday the 13th: Another remake

Given that the Senate passed the economic stimulus bill on Friday the 13th, Americans for Tax Reform (which opposed the legislation from the beginning) took it upon themselves to overhaul the original movie poster for "Friday the 13th." “This year, Friday the 13th really was a scary day for taxpayers,” said ATR President Grover Norquist. "We thought this movie poster, with a few edits, lent itself to aptly capturing the nightmare which culminated on Capitol Hill on...

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Card still wants jackets in Oval Office

Never Say Never They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but the one of the first pictures of President Barack Obama in the Oval Office brought about a lot more than that, after former Bush Chief of Staff Andrew Card chided Obama for not wearing a jacket. We caught up with Card Thursday at the National Press Club and couldn’t resist asking him about his appearance on “Inside Edition” where he stated, “There should be a dress code of respect. I wish he would wear a suit coat and tie.” “I never said ‘never’,” Card told “Yeas & Nays” about wearing a jacket in the West Wing. “If you were going to see...

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First couple sets relationship standard

Spread the love Adulterous politicians are all too common in Washington, but according to self-described “infidelity expert” Ruth Houston, the adoration the President Obama and his wife show each other in public could set a new standard in town. “When people see or read all the time stories of infidelity, they start to believe it’s a common occurrence,” said Houston, who’s written several books on the subject. “Well, the inverse is true as well. If we have an affectionate husband and wife in the White House, the public may follow.” Unlike last year’s famous cheaters, John Edwards and Eliot Spitzer, the Obamas “will set a...

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By the Numbers: Valentine's Day Edition

904 The number of dating service establishments nationwide as of 2002 24.5 pounds Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2007 3,563 Number of confectionery and nut store Source: U.S. Census...

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'Modern Gentleman' teaches art of flirting

Seduction 101 "Remember when flying used to be fun?" asks Jason Tesauro. "Remember romance?" As the author of "The Modern Lover" and "The Modern Gentleman," the Richmond-based Tesauro spends much time thinking about such things. Tesauro appears at Ici Urban Bistro downtown on Saturday for a four-course dinner-cum-seminar called "The Art of Flirting." "I'll be telling people how food and wine and spirits can fit into their whole romantic game," he said. But let's cut to the chase: How about some Valentine's Day advice for suitors -- and established lovebirds: -"The first kiss should not be the first...

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Sykes to entertain at Correspondents' Association Dinner

It's Wanda! Wanda Sykes will headline the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner this spring, Yeas & Nays has learned. Sykes, who was born in Virginia and raised in Maryland, did her first-ever stand-up show in D.C. She's known for her roles on Comedy Central's "Crank Yankers," HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine," in addition to her solo work. Sykes follows in the footsteps of Craig Ferguson, Rich Little and Stephen Colbert, who have headlined the star-studded dinner in recent years. Sykes is not only a huge fan of President Obama, but she's also gotten quite politically active of late. She came out...

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Jack's got Barack's back

Don't suggest that Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans doesn't take his constituent service seriously. Evans finally got a chance to meet President Barack Obama on Wednesday night at the reopening gala for Ford's Theatre. "I'm Jack Evans; I'm your council member," he told the new president (the White House sits within Ward 2). "I'm glad I now have a representative," came Obama's response....

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Seen and heard at Ford's Theatre reopening

Wednesday night's celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday and reopening of Ford's Theatre was one of those events that defines the membership in the Washington establishment. Spotted in the crowd: Attorney General Eric Holder; Defense Secretary Robert Gates; former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.; Rep. Ed Markey, D-Mass.; Chris and Kathleen Matthews; Sam Donaldson; former Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss.; Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.; Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.; Democratic fundraisers Ronald and Beth Dozoretz; Mayor Fenty and his wife, Michelle; former McCain fundraiser Fred Malek; NBC's Norah O'Donnell and her husband, Chef Geoff Tracy; White House counsel Greg Craig; and D.C....

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Daily Show's Oliver crashes White House briefing room

comedycentral.com That was "Daily Show" correspondent John Oliver standing modestly at the back of a very crowded White House press room Wednesday afternoon while press secretary Robert Gibbs gave his daily briefing. A source on ths scene tells us that after the briefing concluded, Oliver taped a segment from the briefing room, asking a series of seven mock questions. The last one was "How am I...

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Leahy remembers his screen time with Ledger

The senator, the star Despite the fact that he has a cameo in last year's "The Dark Knight," Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., isn't bitter that the film didn't get an Oscar nod for Best Picture. "I don't get into any of that," Leahy told us Wednesday night at Lucky Strike, where Tracy's Kids was holding a fundraiser for kids with cancer. "I do think it was the best of the Batman movies." Leahy said he was most pleased that the late Heath Ledger -- with whom Leahy appeared with in his lone scene -- got a nomination for Best Supporting Actor. "That's what I was happy about," said the senator. "He was unbelievable. We were in the same hotel and he...

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Media Mix: Melissa Rossi

Melissa Rossi is a former National Geographic Traveler columnist and special correspondent for Newsweek. She's the author of the new book, "What Every American Should Know About The Middle East," a primer which bring readers up-to-date on the region. Q: What CD are you currently listening to? Alas, I can't listen to music when writing, and I'm always writing. Last one I bought was Nirvana's "Nevermind," if that shows how behind the times I am musically. Q: What's the last movie you saw? Can't recall, but the next will be "Milk." Q: What websites do you check in the morning? Nytimes.com, guardian.co.uk, bbc.co.uk, latimes.com, economist.com,...

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Speakeasy

"If there are any Republican members here, we don't want to give you too much hope." --Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., speaking Wednesday at a breakfast for new members of Congress sponsored by The Hill...

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On the Hill, all goes dark for Danson

Name-Dropping Comedic actor Ted Danson isn’t one of those Hollywood-types people associate with darkness. But that’s exactly what he got Wednesday morning. Danson was testifying to the House Committee on Natural Resources on the dangers of offshore drilling when the room suddenly went black. “This is a sign of things to come,” said the environmentally aware actor, before the light finally flickered back on. Danson was joined by Philippe Cousteau (grandson of the late Jacques Cousteau) in calling on Congress to reinstate the moratorium on offshore drilling. Danson argued passionately with Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., who told the “Curb Your...

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Kilmer, Elfman on the Hill

Sightings Only days after he announced he was mulling a run for governor of New Mexico, mercurial actor Val Kilmer was spotted on Capitol Hill. Our spy saw Kilmer making his way through the Capitol Visitors Center among the other tourists. Later, he was seen in the cafeteria of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. A spokeswoman for Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said the senator ran into Kilmer at the National Museum of the American Indian, where they were attending Chairman Joe Garcia's state of the state address to the National Congress of American Indians. "They've been friends for many years so he dropped by the office and they had lunch before the Senator escorted him to the Senate...

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Dispatches from reality world

A star is born Reality stars are proliferating in Washington. The latest? Pamela Sorensen, the local gal about town and blogger at pamelaspunch.com. A camera crew filmed Sorensen at her Arlington home Tuesday to gather footage for an upcoming episode of "Emeril Green" on Discovery's Planet Green network. Later, the crew accompanied her to Kitchen in Glover Park for a Washington Humane Society fundraiser. Sorensen said she'll film with Emeril Lagasse himself at the Whole Foods in Fairfax early next month. Meanwhile, we've learned that crews for "Blonde Charity Mafia," the reality show on Georgetown socialites, will be back in town next week to continue filming its...

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Animal groups take circus to court

Dumb-bo? You have to start somewhere, so perhaps sympathy for its mascot is a sign things are turning around for the Republican Party. Elephants are the focus of a lawsuit being heard in U.S. District Court here this week. The animal activist group ASPCA, along with several other animal rights groups, has filed a case against the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus, citing inhumane treatment of the huge animals. Plaintiff's lawyer Katherine Meyer said her clients "want to see an end to the Ringling elephants living their lives chained on railroad cars and living in fear." And although a circus may seem like fun and games, those representing Vienna,...

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Dingell makes it official

Longevity Good thing for John Dingell that term limits never caught on. The Michigan Democrat today became the longest-serving member in the history of the House of Representatives. The 82-year-old, who was elected in 1955, begins his 19,420th day of service today, surpassing Mississippi's Jamie Whitten, who served from 1941 to 1995. On Tuesday evening, hundreds of his colleagues filed into the Capitol's Statuary Hall to pay tribute to Dingell. Speaker Nancy Pelosi pointed out that he was a congressional page when FDR asked for a for a declaration of war in 1941. Other speakers noted that his first year of service coincided with the birth of McDonald's and Disneyland, as well as Rosa...

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Parton: 'Enough boobs' in the White House

Hello, Dolly For someone so identified with wholesome American values, Dolly Parton sure isn't afraid to be politically incorrect. Speaking at a National Press Club luncheon on Tuesday, the country superstar was asked -- inevitably -- about last year's presidential race. She said while she's excited about the "new energy" President Obama is bringing, she was also intrigued by Hillary Clinton's candidacy and the possibility of having a female president. "I thought it would be great to have a woman in the White House," she said, before raising an eyebrow and adding, "But then I thought, 'Every 28 days...'" She added that she was once asked if she would...

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Speakeasy

"The president will speak to Congress in a joint session -- I believe that's Fat Tuesday, February 24th -- much to my chagrin and what I would normally would have wanted to do that night. But you'll hear the president instead." --White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. Gibbs confessed he used to have a Mardi Gras party. "He was very polite. He was much more polite than the average Plain Dealer or national reporter, to say the least." --Chris Paulitz, spokesman for Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, on Joe "The Plumber" Wurzelbacher making the rounds as a Web television reporter for Pajamas Media. (Hat tip: The...

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Speakeasy: Michelle Obama

"President Obama -- I love to say that." --first lady Michelle Obama, speaking at the Interior Department on...

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Local band goes guerrilla, raises $35k

Making the band Getting an independent record produced is a difficult feat; getting one produced in our current economic state, nearly impossible. Which brings us to local indie rock band Shane Hines and the Trance, who produced their new disc through an Obama-esque fundraising campaign. “The Glory Journal” was released today, due entirely to numerous small donations from their fans. Putting an idea of their manager Michele Samuel to the test, the group formed TeamTrance.com, a Web site devoted to raise money to produce the album. Hines and his bandmate, Brian “Thumbs” Keating, offered such services as guitar lessons, a visit to their studio and even cooking a...

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Craig: Still flying the friendly skies

Sightings That was former Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, flying from Boise to Washington this weekend, with a stopover in -- you guessed it -- Minneapolis! Craig, of course was famously busted in a men's room sting in the Minneapolis airport in 2007. No word on whether he revisited the scene of the crime -- our source would rather not know. Craig flew coach on the first leg; first class into D.C. Also spotted this weekend: -Brooke Shields shopping at Barney's in Georgetown on Monday afternoon. -Irving Berlin's daughter Mary Ellin Barrett at the matinee performance of the Arena Stage's production of "Irving Berlin's I Love a Piano" on Sunday. The play traces 70 years of history...

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Beauty and the geeks: L. Bush, Edwards, Gerson speak for ONE Campaign

Model Citizen Photo: Carrie Devorah Washington couldn't go more than two weeks without a Bush in town, as the ex-president’s niece flew in to prove she’s more than just a pretty face. Model and designer Lauren Bush, daughter of the former president's brother Neil Bush, visited George Washington University this weekend to talk to college kids about how she started FEED Projects, a non-profit organization that gives the sales from their burlap bags to the United Nations World Food Program, for which she also serves as honorary spokeswoman. Bush and her business partner, Ellen Gustafson, gave a long and tedious 100 point run-down of how their organization formed to be,...

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Kevin Bacon: New war movie not a political statement

Six degrees from Iraq? Photo: Paul Morigi Although Kevin Bacon's newest film, HBO's "Taking Chance," concerns the Iraq War, he says it shouldn't be viewed as an anti-war film. Bacon plays Marine Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, who as a voluntary military escort accompanied the body of Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps back to his hometown of Dubois, Wyo. Phelps was killed in Iraq in 2004. "People assume that it's going to be a political statement because up to this point, that's what we've had" with other movies and TV shows about the conflict, Bacon said. "This film is just not that. It didn't have to be the Iraq War. It could have been Vietnam." Bacon and Strobl...

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Speakeasy: Planes, trains and automobiles

"That's a nice plane. I always voted for public housing who knew it would be this good." --Vice President Biden, on his way to Munich aboard Air Force Two “He was a limousine liberal who clearly didn’t pay taxes on that limousine." -- William Galston of the Brookings Institution, speaking about Tom Daschle at a Brookings panel on Thursday. "People love to say I'm cold-hearted. But what it comes down to you is...are your priorities with the adults or with the kids?" -Michelle Rhee, addressing the Asian American LEAD organization on...

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Hall, Fenty come out for Pollin's heart event

Ladies' Day The Women's Heart Health Fair kicked off on Friday at the Verizon Center with a cooking demonstration from "Top Chef" contestant Carla Hall. Her many fans (tons of women said she was "definitely the best" on the show) sampled a healthy salad of arugula and, appropriately, blood oranges. Hall, a D.C. resident that runs Alchemy caterers in Wheaton, definitely had a much easier time performing that morning than she did while appearing on "Top Chef," an experience she called "really hard, but a great personal and professional experience." Donning the color of the day -- red -- many women got heart screenings or massages, joined in an...

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Gladwell: As big as Jane Fonda

'Outliers' Fans of author Malcolm Gladwell piled into the Avalon Theatre in upper Northwest on Thursday night -- they even bought popcorn -- to hear the cultural observer on the final stop of his book tour for "Outliers." In introducing him, Politics & Prose co-owner Barbara Meade said the first time they had Gladwell to speak, "we could fit everyone who wanted to hear him in the store." This time, however, they hawked tickets at $6 apiece, and sold out the theater up the street. The only other author ever to do that, said Meade, was Jane Fonda. Gladwell said his favorite authors right now are Michael Lewis and Janet Malcolm, and he also enjoys thrillers. Asked...

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Starr goes SoCal cool, embraces Earl Warren

California Dreaming Since he went from prosecutor of Bill Clinton to dean of Southern California's Pepperdine Law School, Ken Starr has become all things California. Coming back to Washington on Thursday to accept an award from Georgetown Law School's Federalist Society, Starr sported a Pepperdine-orange tie -- and a tan that rivaled it. But it wasn't just his appearance that belied his status as a conservative hero. In talking about what type of justices we need more of on the Supreme Court, the now surfer-cool Starr cited none other than another California icon -- and liberal lion to boot -- former Chief Justice Earl Warren. "Warren was in the rough and tumble of public life, we...

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Russia houses Washington Ballet benefit

A Bomb Time The Jete Society held its annual dance to benefit the Washington Ballet at the embassy of another country famous for graceful dancers — Russia. Guests arrived to the stark buildings on Wisconsin Avenue, one of the highest points in Washington, only to be transported into huge ballrooms with gold chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Guests, such as Katherine Kennedy, the star of D.C's upcoming reality show "Blonde Charity Mafia," were able to snack on stroganoff and pierogies, play poker and watch two ballet performances. With only 30 minutes to go until the party headed down the street to Georgetown's City Tavern Club, a line of more than 100 people,...

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Conyers: You raise me up

Courtesy photo Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., center, with Josh Groban, left, and Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave) at Friday’s GRAMMY Town Hall Meeting in Los Angeles where members of Congress and recording artists talked about the Performance Rights Act. Also participating were Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., along with Mary Wilson of The Supremes. After the session the stars and congressional representatives attended the Person of the Year dinner honoring Neil Diamond....

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'Nique drops in on PhRMA

Sightings NBA legend Dominique Wilkins stopped by the PhRMA offices on Thursday to tape an episode of the drug-industry association's TV show, "Sharing Miracles," in which celebs discuss their battles with illness. Wilkins talked about his diabetes. Wilkins also dined at the District Chophouse with the organization's Ken Johnson. A source at PhRMA called him "ridiculously charming." Also spotted: -Waldorf, Maryland's own Benji and Joel Madden, of pop-punk band Good Charlotte, at the Capital Hilton on Wednesday. -And National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, jaywalking against a "Don't Walk" signal Thursday afternoon in front of...

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Billionaire declares 'war on productivity'

What the doctor ordered MicroStrategy founder and all-around rich guy Michael Saylor went against the stimulus in Washington with the theme for his 43rd birthday Wednesday night: “The War on Productivity." "By choosing to partake in this midweek merrymaking event, you are agreeing to wage an all-out War on Productivity against Thursday," read the invite for the bash at the Four Seasons. The perks for the 300-plus revelers who