Release me.....

Photo credit: Nancy Claire Cantine 

Two music videos premiered this week that were fully shot in Washington, DC.  Both videos feature Georgetown and H Street  -  Crash Boom Bang: VIP and Dirty Vegas: Little White Doves

"I won't stand for.....

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

As February wound down Tuesday, the crowds on K Street were asked to be a part of the end of "Characters Unite" month, a program set forth by the USA Network in the month of February to fight against discrimination and hate. 

Bottoms Up!

by contributor Courtney Cohen
Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan
 
Capitol File magazine helped Smith & Wollensky kick off their upcoming Wine Week (March 5-9) with a chic cocktail hour soiree featuring wine tasting stations, an oyster bar, and chefs carving sumptuous prime rib. Rum was also represented with some of Gosling’s best dark rum, providing some deliciously sweet dark and stormy cocktails for the non-wine drinking guests. 

OUR TOWN IS SHOW TOWN!

Bill McSweeney, Rise Cole, Lionell Thomas of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

by contributor Donna Shor

Photo credit:  Shannon Finney Photography

Two hundred ardent theater-goers and passionate theater professionals gathered at the National Theater to hear announced theatre Washington’s nominations for the 28th Helen Hayes Awards to be presented April 23rd. 

“The First Lady of the American Theatre”

Tyne Daly shown here with brother Tim

The 2012 Nominations for the 28th Helen Hayes Awards were announced at The National Theatre in the Helen Hayes Gallery. 

Seriously, nobody poses like that, unless....

Oscar-winning actor Jean Dujardin chooses Jaeger-LeCoultre

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Photo credit:  Pascal Le Segretain/WireImage

Unless, of course, the watch is courtesy of Jaeger-LeCoultre.  Hey, we want one, would be happy to strike a pose. 

Oscars....take two....

 

D.C. maybe Hollywood for Ugly People, but we have opinions too.  Here they are:

Curb Appeal

Photo credit: Donne Ashlock

"Optimism is my secret ingredient. Fresh air is my fave. Definitely not the A-type personality," Kimberly Lacy told us over lunch.  

And the winner is....

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at The Berlin Peace Awards

Photo credit: Pascal Le Segretain 2012 Getty Images

Although director-producer Angelina Jolie's debut via "In the Land of Blood and Honey" may not have been nominated for an Oscar, partner Brad Pitt is up for two nominations:  Best Actor in "Moneyball" (also nominated for Best Picture) and in another Best Picture nominee, "The Tree of Life." 

We'll have what he's having....

William Macy

Photo credit:  Courtesy of 2012 Getty Images  

That would be Jameson we're guessing. 

How big is your Roladex?

Former Chief of Protocol "Lucky" Roosevelt with Rima and Salem Al-Sabbah

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan 

If you happen to be the Ambassador of Kuwait, the Rolodex is monumental. 

Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah and wife Rima took over the ballroom of The Four Seasons, as they usually do, for the Anniversary of the National Day of the State of Kuwait, this year is the 51st Anniversary.

Say what?

Photo credit: Venturelli/Getty Images for Anteprima

The fashion industry is playing tricks on our internal time clocks again.  While we're still waiting for Winter 2011, they're enticing us with fall-winter fashions for 2012-2013.  Just sayin'.

Mrs. Laura Bush attends Afghan Benefit

Ray Mahmood and former First Lady Laura Bush

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

The Benefit for Afghan Street Children honored General (Ret.) & Mrs. Richard B. Myers - who were both instrumental in securing medical care and the building of a medical clinic for Afghan street children - at the Residence of The Ambassador of the Netherlands and hosted by Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Renee Jones-Bos and Dr. Richard Huw Jones.

The Envelope please..........

Do you know how many hands actually touch the coveted envelope?  We didn't, so we asked.

There he goes again.......

Video credit: Christina Davidson

National Journals' resident comedian Matt Cooper did it again................winning the Commedia dell Media contest held at the Riot Act Comedy Theatre where journalists bared their comedic skills - or not, as the case may be. 

Gone fishin............

Vertu's Casey Gorman and Wolfgang Puck

Photo credit: John Sciulli/WireImage

If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck dishing it up at at "The Source" this weekend, well..... you can just fergettabout it....he won't be there.

The Austrian born Chef - who maintains his thick accent - will be dishing it out for the Oscars, not that his thick accent has anything to do with it.

The fish may be raw, but........

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

The house was packed with media types and VIPs on Wednesday evening as the curtain rose to unveil Fujimar. 

Beware the "baby trinket".....

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Le Bon Temps Rouler.  It wasn’t NOLA, but came close as Tuesday, February 21st brought a bevy of Mardi Gras celebrations to DC—and the annual celebration of Fat Tuesday to many of the area’s aptly themed Crescent City dining establishments, and to Central Michel Richard. 

Francophiles are out there....

by columnist Wendy Gordon
 
Photo credit: Daniel Swartz

Thursday evening was among the most busy in the event annals of DC.  But there could be no more alluring potential than the promise of champagne and hors d’oeuvres at one of Adams Morgan’s favorite haunts, Napoleon Bistro and Metropolitan Lounge, to honor its fifth anniversary.  

The President did what?

 Jeff Beck with wife Sandra Cash at Cities

Looks like Mick Jagger finally got some satisfaction when President Obama went for round 2 of his budding musical career during a star studded White House performance for PBS on Tuesday night.

Lost and bounced in DC............

Photo credit: Dave Phillipich

The invitation read:

"Dear Fishbowl Friends, the party is nearly upon us — tonight, in fact, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lost Society, where you’ll be greeted by a big, burly intern manning the invitation only guest list."  We're here to confirm two things: Yes, we were a lost society; and Yes, there was a big, burly intern manning the guest list.

Whoa.....Alan Simpson said what?

Donald Hardy and Alan Simpson

Photo credit: WHC Insider

by Janet Donovan

In the world of "isms", there's Yogi Berra and former Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson....and Simpson may have the edge. 

Waiting to exhale.........

Photo credit: WHC Insider

If you were at this party, you were breathing in the same space as former Vice President Dick Cheney and Lynne Cheney, Bob Woodruff, Alan and Ann Simpson, Mark Shields, Lynda Bird Johnson and former Governor of Virginia Chuck Robb, former Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta, Nina Totenberg, Ann Compton, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and wife Ginni, Sam Donaldson and Jan Smith.  

So what did you do on Valentines Day?

Ms. Amina Gilyard - Miss Black DC USA & Wellness Ambassador

Photo credit: James Brantley

If you were smart, you would have included a free cardiovascular screening to go along with the Champagne & Chocolates.  Not very sexy, but neither is the alternative.

How to learn Russian in three hours.....

Karen Finney        Brianna Keilar 

Photo credit: Alfredo Flores

There was no vareniki with smetana, syrniki, kulicho or cavier bliny - but there was plenty of Vodka to make up for it.

Here's looking at you kids..........

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Seems like the only thing that "occupied" Washington over the weekend were the past and candidates themselves.....oh, and Joe the Plumber - how we've missed you.

Happiness is?

Photo credit: Alfredo Flores

Hugs and Kisses Whoopie Pies - we'll take them.  Hibiscus Syrup - sure, why not.  Blu di Bufala - whatever - we'll take that too.  Marquise Embroidered Lace Mesh Thong - yup.   Snappy Mini Tote - you betcha.  Olive Bubble Ring - absolutely.  Dazzlin Darla - why not?   Did we indulge - Gilty as charged.

Elsewhere......

Photo credit: Tim Whitby - Getty Images

ALL EYES ON THE EMERALD ISLE: IRISH FILM  TELEVISION AWARDS

With St. Patty's Day in the near future we thought we would take you to Ireland's finest screen creative talent that descended this weekend on Dublin for the 9th Annual Irish Film Television Awards celebrations, taking place at the spectacular Convention Centre Dublin (CCD). 

Why do that?  Well - because we can.  Some of us are Irish and who doesn't like a guy in a lime green bow tie?  

The winners and the losers..........

CPAC 2012: Who were the winners and the losers? 

Slice and dice with Mariel Hemingway

Mariel Hemingway

Hill photo credit: Ron Walters (Reflections)

Mariel Hemingway, national spokesperson for Wellness Week (March 19-25), was in town to invite Americans of all ages to take charge of their health by focusing on prevention.

Influenced by the history of her famous family, she has been passionate about wellness for over two decades. 

Who needs plane tickets when crystal stemware will do?

Katherine Kennedy

by contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Alfredo Flores

It was a global tour de force on Wednesday when beverage titan Moët Hennessy gathered a crowd of mid-day revelers for a wine tour of their luxurious brands at the 2012 Moet Hennessy Winemaker Tour at The Occidental. 

Kickin’ It at Kidville

Washington Business Journal's Jennifer Nyzc-Conner with sons

By contributor Courtney Cohen

Photo credit: Danielle Sara

On Saturday some of DC’s chicest tots and their equally stylish parents joined NBC4’s Angie Goff at Kidville in Bethesda for a fun morning of playing, crafting, dancing, singing, and snacking. 

We'll have what he's having.........

Chris Plante

WMAL's Chris Plante must be on something we don't have because getting through the maze that is the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel does not evoke a happy face for most of us.  We're suggesting another take over by "The Donald" who just scooped up The Old Post Office Pavillion.

Electrifying evening at The Kennedy Center

 

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Alvin Ailey has created 79 ballets over his lifetime.  Today, the company continues his mission by presenting important works of the past and commissioning new ones.  In all, more than 200 works by over 80 choreographers are part of the Ailey company's repertoire.  The Kennedy Center celebrated its annual engagement with electrifying new works followed by a lavish gala with dinner and dancing.

You can teach an old dog new tricks....

Wendy Gordon in FAUX FUR, natch

By contributor Wendy Gordon

Video by contributor Brendan Kownacki

Tails and tongues were wagging on Monday evening at The Jefferson as Fashion for Paws launched its 6th Annual fundraising drive leading up to the main event which benefits The Washington Humane Society at the National Building Museum on April 14th. 

Piers Morgan vs. Madonna...the back story....

Piers Morgan and Christine Arundel

"Well, it's safe to say that Piers Morgan won't be first in line for tickets to Madonna's just-announced world tour. 

The pontificating Brit continued his public assault on America's long-reigning Material Girl while chatting with E!'s own Chelsea Handler last night, blasting Madonna's Super Bowl halftime show as a "gruesome" performance." E Online

A venue pressed into off season socializing for a cause.

Fletcher Gill   Lindsay Kin

by contributor Wendy Gordon
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki

It was a dark and stormy night….......so what better time to brighten the evening than with Fashion Takes Flight to benefit Luke’s Wings at Nationals Park?  This may be the biggest ‘win’ that venue sees all year. 

“We think of ourselves as a ‘hidden jewel.”

Compliments of Mokimedia

Photo credit:  Dave Phillipich

Music-themed resto-lounge Melody Tavern officially opened its doors for live music this past Friday with a grand opening celebration and performance by local jazz guru Lena Seikaly. 

La Grande Fete

Photo credit: Alfredo Flores

If you couldn't make the 25th Anniversary of The National Museum of Women in the Arts' Monte-Carlo Night, we hope you had a chance to bid during the online auction where winners gobbled up 50 minute massages at The Boutique Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Vaser Shape Fat and Cellulite Treatments from Vaser Shape, 7 night stays at St. James's Club in Antigua, Four Box Seats to See Memphis at the Kennedy Center and plenty of places to wine and dine.

He's mad as hell!

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Make no bones about it, Dylan Ratigan is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore.

The MSNBC host is "infuriated by government corruption and corporate communism, incensed by banksters shaking down taxpayers............." but don't get him started.

Sugar + Champagne = ????

Photo by Alfredo Flores

by contributor Brendan Kownacki

No dogs that we know of had a diabetic coma at the 11th Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair at the Ronald Reagan Building - we're not sure about the guests.

"Chip" rocked a tasteful full body fur coat....

Tommy McFly  Brendan Kownacki  Stef Woods  Dr. Katy Nelson

By contributor Wendy Gordon

Photo credit: Alfredo Flores

We could start this prose by saying “on Wednesday evening, The Ronald Reagan Building went to the dogs.”  But we won’t, because that’s been used so often, it’s become trite.  Instead, let’s just say “doggies and Champagne?  Sweet!”  

We don't want to scare you, but ......

Todd De Lorenzo Kate Bennett Marc Adelman

Photo credit: Neshan H. Naltchayan

Did you know that bipartisanship is alive and well in Washington, despite all efforts to the contrary?   We know that's kinda scary, you can get used to all the unproductive bickering.

Hamburger....a hangover cure? Really?

by contributor Wendy Gordon

Sure, there’s the iconic question “which came first…the chicken or the egg?”  In DC, however, it’s more like “which came first…the burger or the cupcake?”  Perhaps those are queries for the ages.  One thing is certain…if you build it—whether sweet or savory, they will come.