The Iron Lady

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

"Margaret Thatcher's political career has been one of the most remarkable of modern times.  She rose to become the first (and for two decades the only) woman to lead a major Western democracy. She won three successive General Elections and served as British Prime Minister for more than eleven years (1979-90), a record unmatched in the twentieth century.

iDEA Expo - cutting edge - future trends

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

David Adler, CEO and Founder of BizBash and former Washingtonian, was an integral part of the ISES DC iDEA Expo held at the Marriott Wardman Park.

Starlight Gala ..... a whimisical evening to benefit children.

The 12^th Annual Taste of the Stars Gala benefited Starlight Children’s Foundation MidAtlantic  at The Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC.

Put your money where your mouth is...

by contributor Yoonjeon Oh

Hosted by Guy Lambert, Korto Momolu (Celebrity Fashion Designer), Renee Nash, Anji Corley and April Watts, the Colours of Sickle Cell event was held at the Riot Act Comedy Theatre.  The founder of the benefit fashion show is local actress and model Jamarias A. Malone who was born with sickle cell. 

Let’s be real, folks, Washington loves to dress up and parade the finery.

by contributor Wendy Gordon

It happens right before Thanksgiving each and every year for the last five years, making it the 5th annual Capital City Ball at The Washington Club in Dupont Circle.

Back Stage with Cirque Du Soleil

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

Cirque Du Soleil had a phenomenal run in D.C.  Here's a look behinds the scenes.

Finest form of free entertainment ever invented .......

 

"Good thing we've still got politics -- finest form of free entertainment ever invented."  Molly Ivins

The Wounded Warrior Project

Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

The purpose of The Wounded Warrior Project is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in this nation's history.  C. Scott Design presented a fashion show at Teatro Goldoni to benefit the organization.

Reception in honor of The Ambassador of Hungary

Hostess Aniko Gael Schott  H.E. The Ambassador of Hungary  Didi Cutler
Photo credit: Kyle Samperton

by Janet Donovan

Hungary has a colorful past and a bright future according to György Szapáry, Ambassador of The Republic of Hungary, who was the guest of  honor at the art filled home of Aniko and Nash Schott.

Aniko and Nash have been an eclectic social and artistic presence in Washington for years.

Beaujolais Nouveau: It’s a great excuse.

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Thursday saw the debut of the 2012 vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau.  What??? You may ask.
Beaujolais.  Nouveau.  You know, the Gamay only wine released the third Thursday every November.  The annual event that invites us to sample the ‘still in diapers’ vintage each and every year.  It’s a great excuse.

Hedy Lamarr did what?

Hedy Lamarr

By Janet Donovan

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

She's been nominated for The Academy Award 16 times and has taken the Oscar home twice, but who's counting?  Meryl Streep, national spokeswoman for The National Women's History Museum, hosted their First de Pizan Honors Gala at the Museum. 

Cirque du Soleil, Quidam: We suggest you run, vault, fly in a rope to get tickets.

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Photos credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Video by Janet Donovan

Wednesday evening brought the premiere of Cirque du Soliel’s Quidam to the Verizon center.  Quidam is Latin for 'anonymous passer-by' and is an intense and imaginative journey that transforms an alienated world into a place of hope and connection.

Authors are alive and well.......

Katherine Kallinis and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne

Video by contributor Peng Ye

Photo credit: Yoonjeong Oh

It was a sweet night for authors Katherine Kallinis and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, owners of Georgetown Cupcake and stars of the TLC show “DC Cupcakes”, who were promoting their new book, The Cupcake Diaries, at The Press Club's 34th annual Book Fair & Authors' Night.

Capital City Ball

Adrienne Szabo

by contributor Wendy Gordon
Photo credit: Rick Gambhir--OpenEyesStudio, LLC

The Capital City Ball takes place Saturday, November 19th at The Washington Club in Dupont Circle.

Will the real Jack Abramoff please stand up.....

Jack Abramoff and Tucker Carlson

by Janet Donovan

"I don't trust anyone who hasn't been humiliated in public," said Carlson when introducing former super lobbyist Jack Abramoff. 

"I'm trying to show that I don't have a tail and horns," said the author of "Capitol Punishment" in return.

Blondes vs. Brunettes....vs. Alzheimer's

The winners: Brunettes

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

The brunettes dominated the field Saturday during the seventh annual Blondes vs. Brunettes powderpuff football game to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. The action packed match up raised more than $120,000 for research, treatment and awareness programs for those affected by Alzheimer's disease. 

Round #3: Fight Night & Knock Out Abuse

Photo credit: Neshan H. Nalchayan

Fight Night and Knock Out Abuse claimed the city simultaneously and jointly,   Take a peek inside.

Countdown to Elisir..........week 15

Almost there!

Is it too early to gush?

My Eyes Adored You

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Photo credit: Joan Marcus

The National Theater played host to Jersey Boys for the second time in two years, premiering on Saturday, November 12th.   Is it too early to gush?  Would it be unprofessional?   Let me just note, the day we become complacent about stuff like this?  That would probably mean we’re in a place no one would want to visit.

Fight Night 2011 Round #2: Gals Knock them out.

Welcome to Knock Out Abuse

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

It was an evening of glitz and glamour for the best of causes when women from across the D.C. area gathered for the 18^th annual Knock Out Abuse Gala at the Ritz Carlton.

The gala, paired yearly with the DC Fight Night, was a ravishing success with a packed house of socialites, business leaders, philanthropists and supporters. The signature female event was full of fun while ‘the boys’ were down the street raising money for children and education with the long-time boxing fundraiser.

Fight Night 2011: Round #1

'Buster' Douglas holds court

Fight Night was a bitter sweet reunion for the boxing legends who threw their hats in the ring to raise money for one of Washington's main events: Fight for Children.  The non-profit founded by Joe Robert brings together the heavyweights from all walks of life, most notably the boxing champs themselves.  This year, long time attendee Smokin' Joe Frazier was sorely missed.

Here's to you Sally Smith!

 Founder Sally Smith (Photo via The Lab School)

by Janet Donovan

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Sally L. Smith (1929-2007) designed and founded The Lab School of Washington in 1967 for children with learning disabilities.  She was an amazing lady.  Here's her story:

Cap it!

by contributor Wendy Gordon

The Capital City Ball held its launch party at L2 in Georgetown with music, cocktails and dancing—much like the main event itself.  This year’s event takes place on Saturday, November 18th at The Washington Club in Dupont Circle. 

Civility 101

Civility Tips from from George

We're happy to report that civil political discourse is indeed alive and well in D.C.   If you want to know how that works, take a look at DNC Communications Director Brad Woodhouse and RNC Communications Director Sean Spicer who hosted the bi partisan event:"Flacks for Flacks Who Wear Flak Jackets" at popular political watering hole Bullfeathers.

La Seduction....it's not about sex....get over it!

Longtime  New York Times Paris bureau chief Elaine Sciolino takes us inside the art of seduction, a French national trait.  If you're familiar with The Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, you know how seriously they take every step of that process, be it food or politics. 

The Corner of Modern and Classic

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

Style took top billing on Wednesday night for the HMX Group as they opened the doors to their newest store, Streets of Georgetown, on Wisconsin Avenue.  The gentleman’s clothier welcomed famed designer Joseph Abboud and CEO Doug Williams for the affair to showcase the newest looks the store had to offer.

Senator Mark Warner does what?

Photo credit: Riki Parikh/Sen. Warner's Office

He's a Scribd member; so I guess that means he Scribds. 

Scribd (pronounced “skribbed”) is the largest book club on the planet -- except that anyone can join the conversation on any topic imaginable: vampire fan fiction, European travel, the latest research in neuroscience, even crossword puzzles according to Rob MacDonald, the SVP of content partnerships in town moderating a panel at DCWeek.

The Jersey Crooner

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Carmines celebrated The Jersey Boys who are in town for a concert at the National Theatre by introducing the Jersey Boy cocktail: The Jersey Crooner.   We don't know exactly what the secret ingredients were, but by glancing at the above photo collage we'd have to say - must have been one hell of a cocktail.

“Contemporary, modern, different than anything DC has.”

by contributor Megan Podeszwa

Photo credit: Yoonjeong Oh

Dalton Pratt sounds like the title of a romance novel, but it's actually a new boutique that opened on Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown featuring contemporary home furnishings, elegant jewelry and other fashionable accessories. 

Geek is CHIC....

 by contributor Brendan Kownacki

Microsoft presented it's 2nd annual Geek2chic runway show at Bloomingdales in Washington DC as a part of DC Week to celebrate tech leaders, fashion and raise money for the Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship. 

25th Annual Lombardi Gala

 

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

The 25th Annual Lombardi Gala black-tie dinner dance featured a cocktail reception and a silent auction; a raffle that included a 2011 model Lexus automobile;  and presentation of awards to remarkable individuals for their fight against cancer.

J. Edgar: Hero or Villain?

by Janet Donovan

"During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. Through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most coveted, if ever elusive, prize."  Warner Bros. production notes.

Legends gather with Smokin' Joe Frazier at Fight Night 2010

by Janet Donovan

Celebrity Chefs Cook Up Fun

Paula Deen with Tommy McFly

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

It was a packed house of fun and flavor at the Washington Convention Center over the weekend for the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show.  

Nerdtastic gathering

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Friday, October 4th marked the kick off of DC Week (and by ‘DC,’ I mean not District of Columbia,’ but ‘Digital Capital’) with a tech and music laden party at The 9:30 Club.  The event featured 8 local bands and DJs, selected by over 45,000 votes by the public at large.  It was a Nerdtastic gathering.  And I mean that in the best possible way.

The Next Generation of News

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

Washington media types and taste makers gathered to toast the one year anniversary of Hypervocal at the offices of the RIAA.  The online news site that brands itself  "internet sherpas bringing you the vital & viral" gathered the group to celebrate, chat about the future of news and be treated to a special musical performance by ELEW. 

Painting the town Red

Cherie Short, Leslie Berry, Andrea Szempruch

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

It was a brightly colored affair at Meridian House when the American Heart Association gathered a dedicated crowd of supporters to 'Paint the Town Red' and raise money and awareness for the group. 

"I'm here to testify......

 Sens. McCain and Lieberman

Photo credit: Courtesy of NCU

"I'm here to testify under oath that.......oh, sorry.........wrong event!" quipped General Odierno.

Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) received the 2011 American Patriot Award presented by the National Defense University Foundation (NDUF) for their patriotic leadership and their outstanding record of contributions to America’s national security, armed forces and veterans throughout their careers in government. 

"The Growthbusters"

by contributor Megan Podeszwa

“GrowthBusters” held its world premiere at The West End Cinema with filmmaker Dave Gardner in tow.  Naturally, as most filmmakers do, he offered some words of wisdom in his opening remarks.   “I’m standing here tonight because I feel like the people of the world need someone to tell them the truth.”   

A Traveling Drug Yoga Circus

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

Guests will be in for a treat on November 5th when musical duo AM and Shawn Lee descend onto the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel for a special performance as a part of the RLife LIVE concert series. The collaborative duo blends a mix of 60s and 70s euro soundtracks with an updated flare that would rock any audience. 

Scandaleon

by contributor Peng Ye

The West End Cinema held a private screening of "The Conquest" ((La Conquête) which opens on November 18th.

 

Although subtitled in English, it didn't take much imagination to "get it".  It is after all, about the rising power of President Nicholas Sarkosy as he raced to become President of France in 20007.  The scenario is often referred to as the Ides of March. 

Walk This Way.

Alex Mehrnaz Naini and Angie Goff

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Nope.  It wasn’t a lyric by Aerosmith or Run DMC.  It was Walk This Way—a fundraiser for Becky’s Fund, against domestic abuse.  

Countdown to Elisir........week 14.

The Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Embassy of Luxembourg

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

The 23rd Annual ARTS FOR THE AGING BENEFIT GALA was hosted Under the Gracious Patronage of The Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

"Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero"

Chris and Kathleen Matthews

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Videos by Janet Donovan

Partisan politics were checked at the door of The Hay Adams where a bi partisan guest list celebrated the publication of Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews.

Aggression In Its Most Elegant Form

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

It was a night of sampling luxury when guests gathered in the main hall of the Newseum to get a peek at the 2012 Acura TL. 

"I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!."

Fabio

By Janet Donovan

Who cares if it's not butter, it's Fabio.

It was lust at first sight for the female contingent that saturated the VIP reception at The National Italian American Foundation Gala at The Washington Hilton.  The romance novelist returned the favor.

Milano-ween

Kevin Chaffee

by Janet Donovan

Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition.

President Obama keynotes the NIAF Gala

President Obama

Photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Video by Janet Donovan

President Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 36th Anniversary Awards Gala at the Washington Hilton, introduced by Democratic Leader of the House Nancy Pelosi to the more than 2,000 guests gathered to celebrate.