The Original Dr. Granville Moore

Answering call for volunteer nurses aides. Working always under supervision of a graduate nurse or physician, volunteer nurses aides help out in emergency cases. Photo shows Dr. Granville N. Moore and Miss Florence Grant, volunteer nurses aide, attending a patient in the emergency operating room of Freedmen's Hospital, Washington, D.C.. [Photo and caption info from the Library of Congress]
A resident recently located and sent this photo out on the TrinidadDC listserv. I thought it might be of interest. You can get more info on the 1943 photo here. The former office of Dr. Moore is now a Belgian restaurant that still bears his name. It is located at 1238 H Street.

Holiday Sing-A-Long @Atlas

Atlas announcement [by the way, I've been to this with friends who have small children and it's pretty fun]-

Just a reminder to reserve your seats now for the Annual
Holiday Sing Along at the Atlas!.

The Capital City Symphony presents this event along with the
Congressional Chorus and the Atlas itself.

There are two performances, a 3:30 that caters more to families (think
Santa, Jingle Bells) and a 7pm (Handel's Messiah)

The event is FREE and this year the Atlas is a drop-off location for Toys for
Tots so if you are able to, please bring a new, unwrapped toy.

There is NO online ticketing for this event so please call the box office to
reserve your seats 202.399.7993. The box office is open 10am-6pm M-Sat
and 12-5 on Sunday (unless there is a performance)

The Atlas Performing Arts Center is located at 1333 H Street NE.
www.atlasarts.org

DCmud: Arboretum Place

DCmud gets a slight update on Arboretum Place. Too bad the author's an ignorant ass.

Open on Thanksgiving

The Argonaut [1433 H Street]-
The Argo will open at 1pm on Thanksgiving. The food is going to be pretty bare bones [wings, grilled cheese, fries, cubanos, ect.]

The Pug [1234 H Street]-
They are opening at 9pm

Palace of Wonders [1210 H Street]-
Opens at 8 for a "Grindhouse" double feature. Pumpkin pie and popcorn served all night. No cover.

So far these are the only Thanksgiving openings of which I've been made aware.

Expanded Spa Option @Spoiled & Rotten

Spoiled & Rotten kindly provided these photos to give us a peak inside the newly renovated kids spa portion of the business. The area is now set up so that both parent and child can receive manicures and pedicures. Plus, the renovation means they can handle larger numbers of children for birthday parties and spa days. Spoiled & Rotten offers multiple pricing packages, including Mother Daughter, and Daddy's Little Girl. You can take a look at all of the packages on the website. There is also a childrens clothing boutique at Spoiled & Rotten.

Taylor Update- We Deliver

I'm told the newly opened Italian grocery and deli has resolved the timing issues that frustrated some diners early on. Tayor also garnered a favorable write up in the Post. The obvious next step is delivery service. You can call in your order at 684-7001.

Snow?

Nothing on this level, but we may see a few flurries.

From the Pug

Sticky Rice & R&R Hotel Karaoke Showdown

Back When Bad Was Good

The City Paper has a piece looking at a now decrepit strip mall that was supposed to spur development in the neighborhood. There are lots of things I could say at this point [about selling oneself short, becoming disillusioned, about interim uses, changing demographics, maybe just about poor strategy, ect.] and plenty of buildings on H to which I could point. Instead, I'm only going to say six words- H Street Connection and Auto Zone.

Goodbye R. L. Christian

R. L. Christian Library, after hours.
H Street's R. L. Christian library will close its doors by the end of this year. This was largely a funding issue, and the decision is based on the hopes that a library will open inside the Rosedale Recreation Center [I was hoping they'd place one in the field house type building they are constructing as part of the new Wheatley Elementary]. Via the Post.

Murray's Meats

CP: More on Those Car Lots

A used car lot on H Street. Doesn't the looped razor wire just scream Come buy a car from us today?

The Washington City Paper looks at the crack down on used car lots that aren't really used car dealerships. The City Paper also directs us to an interesting, and related, piece in its Baltimore counterpart.

Rebuilding Place: Louis the Rogue Bar

Rebuilding Place has a brief post on changes at Louis the Rogue Bar. Richard mentions the neon lights, and I must confess that I've always sort of liked them as used at this bar. I'm not planning to venture in anytime soon considering that this is a strip club, but I must confess that this place, along with some Florida Market buildings, has featured prominently in some actual dreams I've had about future development in the area [these dreams did not involve strippers]. I'm dying to know what it looks like on the inside. Apparently they offer lunch, pool tables, and all nude dancing with private booths available. So though I'd like to see the space, I think that I might not want to touch anything while there.
And yes, there have been some issues with the club.
City Paper- Siptease [2005]

Harvesting Friendships Community Gathering

Please RSVP to the above email address so they can get a headcount.

Stripmall Ballads/Banjo Insanity Returns to Sova

DC BANJO INSANITY COLLECTIVE
Saturday, NOV 22
SOVA doors - 8pm
The Tough Cats (a killer bluegrass/roots band from northern Maine)
Stripmall Ballads (local)
Greasy String (local)
Gabrial Popkin and the Kentucky Transplants (local)

Looking Back 8 Years

I stumbled across this old City Paper piece published in late September 2000 [slightly less than one year before I arrived in the neighborhood]. I love looking at old articles relating to the area because they give insight into the feelings and hopes of people at the time. A few points about this one-

1. I don't know the precise time-line, but my understanding is that ANC6A once [many years ago] had some financial irregularities and was actually defunded as a result. I don't know if that was true during the time that this article was written, but I don't think it was after this piece ran.


2. Brother Bey, the owner of Da Place may have offered New Black Panther politics [as the story says], but he was a friendly man to people of all races, and quick to offer a free bottle of water on a hot day. A diagnosis of cancer forced him to close his doors around 2005.


3. Ah the now defunct Ohio! It is currently under development as the Radius at the Ohio [a project of part of the team behind Tonic]. The Ohio shut down after one of the owners was murdered in the Del Ray section of Alexandria.


4. The story focuses a great deal on attempts to redevelop the now redeveloped Atlas Performing Arts Center [shown here during construction].

5. The 1984 Catherine Fuller murder loomed large in the District psyche as a symbol of inner city youth gone wrong. The convicted perpetrators were alleged to have used a lead pipe to anally penetrate Ms. Fuller and cause massive internal bleeding as a large group of youths looked on.

6. The BP Amoco deal in the 300 block was successfully opposed.



7. Many local characters make appearances, so I'm not going to bother naming names, but it is fun to look back.


8. The selection at Murry's is infinitely better than what the store offered when this article was written.

Oh, and by the way...if you've ever noticed the Cool Disco Dan graffiti...

1941 Photo of Union Station/Uline Area

A reader sent in this aerial photo from Life Magazine that shows Union Station and its tracks as they appeared in 1941. Also shown is the Uline Arena, which was built in 1941. The links on the Uline are dated, but I wanted to use the photos and give a little background. Here's a You Tube video about the arena's history. And here's a You Tube video of the Beatles playing their first US concert at the Uline Arena, which had been renamed the Washington Coliseum by that time.

WP: District Crackdown on Illegal Used Car Lots

The Post reports that the District will close 23 used car lots in the city for illegal operations. Mayor Fenty says that inspections have found the lots are not actually operating as used car dealerships, but are instead merely storing cars that are being sold outside the District. In effect, they are simply parking lots and eyesores. He spoke outside Citi Motors which is located on Bladensburg Road which is home to numerous used car lots.

Change @the Argonaut

Even if you've visited the Argonaut recently you make not have noticed a recent change. They have added some additional tables upstairs. So while you can still enjoy your beers during pub quiz, it is now much easier to grab a burger, or enjoy the seared tuna while comfortably seated with friends. It has a more restauranty feel up there now, but the upstairs remains strictly 21 and over [a nice feature if you need a little adult time].

WP: Where the Art Is

The Post reports on galleries that are differentiating themselves from the pack. The article includes Conner Contemporary, a gallery that recently opened in the 1300 block of Florida Avenue.

Five Guys Opened Today

Five Guys is now open and operating in the ATF building next to the NY Ave metro.

King of My Kingdom: Racism and Cultural Stereotypes of African American Men

Press release-

African Continuum Theatre Company presents

King of My Kingdom: Racism and Cultural Stereotypes of African American Men

A symposium that examines key issues related to "pre-dominant" stereotypes" which are of great detriment to African American males and are central themes in Blue Door,

African Continuum Theatre's spring production

WHO: Tanya Barfield, playwright
Walter Dallas, director
Dennis Davenport, Ph.D., Howard University
Shirley Dickey, The Yoruba Temple
LaWanda Johnson, Justice Policy Institute
Peggy Seats, Banneker Institute
Chris Hart-Wright, STRIVE DC
Jacqueline E. Lawton, moderator

WHAT: In addition, actors James Foster, Jr. and Derrick Lamont Sanders will read an excerpt from Blue Door followed by an in-depth discussion on African American men in academia and in prison, the Yoruba religion and the history of oral storytelling and folklore.

WHERE: The Loft, Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H Street, NE
Washington, DC 20007

WHEN: Monday, November 17, 2008 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

LaughBox @the Atlas

Announcement-

When: Thursday, November 13 - doors at 7:00 pm show at 8:00 pm

Where: INDIGO at the Atlas Performing Arts Center - 1333 H Street NE

Tickets: $15 + $10 Food/Bev Minimum

Please purchase in advance at atlasarts.org or by calling 202.399.7993

Who: Hosted by Andrea Fuller and featuring the amazing:

Erin Jackson, armed with a megawatt smile, an engaging presence, and a very unique perspective, is poised to take the world of comedy by storm! Since making a name for herself in the comedy clubs of Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD, Erin has garnered national attention with appearances on The Bob and Tom Radio Show, Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, NBC's Last Comic Standing, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Although Erin's universal appeal is certain to take her far, she's in no rush to achieve celebrity status. She is, however, looking forward to the day when she becomes famous enough to move to Hollywood, buy a mansion and marry a White woman - the ultimate symbol of success for Black celebrities.

Erik Myers has already made a name for himself at 24 years of age. He is a fast pace high energy comic that doesn't allow the audience to breathe with his razor sharp delivery. Erik has made several television appearances and can be seen presently on "Comedy Central" and "Loco Comedy Showcase".

Aparna Nancherla has an intimidating name, but don't be scared! In fact, she's quite approachable onstage, from a heckler's perspective. She delights in exploring life's ho-hum situations - as seen through awkward-colored glasses. Regularly receiving half-smiles and whimpers from audiences both inside and outside the DC metro area, Aparna performs stand up comedy as well as longform improv. Credits include NBC's Stand Up for Diversity, Last Comic Standing, the DC Comedy Fest, and the Hysterical Festival.

Tickets: $15 + $10 Food/Bev Minimum

Please purchase in advance by clicking here or by calling 202.399.7993

Fundraiser For Kids Tonight

Local tavern Jimmy Valentine's is hosting a benefit for Webb Elementary School's after school program. The following is lifted from the evite-

Where: Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club
1103 Bladensburg Rd, NE, Washington, DC 20002 US

When: Thursday, November 13, 6:00-9:00PM
Phone: 202-438-0394
Why: Please join Ward 5 Residents, Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., and the Metropolitan Police Department as we raise funds in support of the Webb Elementary After School Program!

Enjoy free food and cocktails
Music provided by Trinidad resident DJ T Y.

$20 donation per person and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the After School Program to provide a brighter future for our local children. If you haven't been to Jimmy V's, now is a great time to check it out and help out our youth at the same time. Last year the bar donated [sans fundraiser] 500 bucks to the program. As it turned out this was key because the after school program never got the DC funds assigned to it. This year the tavern wants to raise one thousand dollars. Come help make it a possibility.

All are welcome!

*donations are 100% tax-deductible

Rita's Water Ice Coming to 1012 H Street

I have confirmed that a Rita's Water Ice is slated to open in the space previously used as Kwame Brown's campaign headquarters. The menu at Rita's is basically exclusively frozen desserts, which sets it apart from H Street's other businesses strongly identified with the sale of ice cream and water ice.

Sweets and Treats, which is located at 1360 H Street, is an ice cream shop that also deals in baked goods and custom cakes. It is open year round.

Philadelphia Water Ice, which is located at 1204 H Street, sells not only water ice, but a variety of other items. Among the offerings are: cheesesteaks, nachos, pizza, halfsmokes, hot dogs, shakes, funnel cakes, and that isn't even the whole menu. Philadelphia Water Ice is now also open year round, but only Fri, Sat, Sun 12pm-10pm in winter.

Capitol City Symphony Family Concert

Announcement-

CAPITAL CITY SYMPHONY 2008-09 Season
Family Concert ~ Sunday, November 16
Two Performances this year!

Annual Family Concert
"Water, Water, EVERYWHERE!"
Sunday, November 16
2:30 AND 4:30PM

Join the Capital City Symphony in a family-friendly interactive concert as we make a splash exploring musical depictions of water!

Preceded by the popular Instrument Petting Zoo, 1/2 hour before each performance time.

Our younger audience members will receive their own special program book, full of fun facts, cool quizzes, and more!

GUEST ARTIST: Scott Kenison

Smetena ~ The Moldau
Grofe ~ "Thunder of the Waters" from Niagara Falls Suite
Hovhaness ~ And God Created Great Whales
Mendelssohn ~ The Hebrides
Sullivan ~ "Sighing Softly to the River" from Pirates of Penzance
Handel ~ "Alla Hornpipe" from "Water Music"

This energetic, interactive concert is always a big hit -- so much so that it sold out last year! We have added a second performance this year, but it's still recommended that you get your tickets in advance.

At the ATLAS Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street, NE, Washington, D.C.

Tickets: $12-20. Discounts for students and seniors.
Children 16 and under admitted FREE (ticket required).

Tickets are available online at capitalcitysymphony.tix.com,
or by calling the Atlas Box Office at 202-399-7993.

Liquid Meet and Great @Sova

A message from the Chef at Liquid-

Hello, and thanks to everyone for your interest, concerns and or your support. I would first like to say I do understand the miss-conception that some may have with the lounge/restaurant concept. Most ultra lounges across the nation are done very tastefully and we will be no exception. Because we have not met and talked with many of you, and some other establishments may not have represented the lounge /restaurant concept for what its worth I feel it will be in the best interest to all, to give all who would like an opportunity to discuss our concept and our future plans. Unfortunately I will be out of town until the 2^nd or 3^rd of November. Upon my return I will set up a meet and greet at Sova. Please feel free to email me with any questions at cheffoots@aol.com

Sincerely, Shawn Lightfoot

Weekend Hours for Philadelphia Water Ice

These are the new winter hours [originally they were going to close for the winter, but popular demand prompted the change].
Fri, Sat, Sun 12pm-10pm. These are hours are effective starting 11/14/08.
Normal hours are in effect this weekend.

Also, the same woman owns the Spoiled and Rotten Kids Boutique & Spa upstairs. She writes that the boutique and spa will be open 7 days a week 11:00-7:00pm.

Philadelphia Water Ice is located at 1204 H Street NE. They have terrific cheesesteaks, so give them a try if you haven't yet.

H Street NE- Where Dreams Come True

I'm finally posting this recently released promotional material from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. You may have already seen it because someone left a link in the comments, but if you haven't taken a look you should. I'm very impressed. I think this think has a lot more style and greater kick than some of the other stuff I've seen the District spit out promoting H.

Brightest Young Things: First Thursdays

Brightest Young Things recommends First Thursdays on H Street.

Brightest Young Things: Taylor Opening

According to Brightest Young Things [and what I've heard] Taylor should be open today at 5pm. Taylor is an Italian grocery/deli/sandwich shop located at 1116 H Street. Check out the menu here.

WP: Fight Prostitution Near Parker

The Post reports on the efforts of Parker Street residents to fight prostitution in their area.

First Thursday on H Street

Announcement-

November’s First Thursday in the Atlas District

November’s First Thursday will be a PILGRIMage on H Street. Beginning at 5pm, patrons are invited to make their way along the street and taste traditional and contemporary takes on American fare. Atlas District partners hope that everyone will be ready to move on and celebrate the end of the grueling election cycle.

For that, everyone regardless of party affiliation should be thankful.

Some of the First Thursday events will include:

· Granville Moore's will be serving corn soup and hash.

· Both the Pug and the Red and the Black will offer specials on shots of Wild Turkey.

· The Red and The Black is also offering a Black & Orange beer (Guinness & Pumpkin beer) for $5

· Sova will be serving pumpkin pie in our dessert case, and will have a special on Post Road Pumpkin beer.

· The H Street Martini Lounge will have Complimentary sliced Turkey wraps (during Happy Hour 5-7pm) as well as $5 Cranberry Martinis and $5 Caramel Apple Martinis

· Upstairs in the Indigo Room at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, Scott Burgess will be hosting his bi-monthly Open Mic night, any and all types of performers are welcome. Doors open at 7:30.

· The new Conner Contemporary Gallery will be open from 5 to 7pm for the "Pilgrimage." It will be the last week of their current (and inaugural) exhibition - Leo Villareal: new work and Gallery artists: recent work.

The Pilgrimage festivities will take place the evening of November 6th, 2008. Puritan and/or Native American costumes optional.

Help Webb Elementary's After School Program

Local tavern Jimmy Valentine's is hosting a benefit for Webb Elementary School's after school program. The following is lifted from the evite-

Where: Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club
1103 Bladensburg Rd, NE, Washington, DC 20002 US

When: Thursday, November 13, 6:00-9:00PM
Phone: 202-438-0394
Why: Please join Ward 5 Residents, Councilman Harry Thomas Jr., and the Metropolitan Police Department as we raise funds in support of the Webb Elementary After School Program!

Enjoy free food and cocktails
Music provided by Trinidad resident DJ T Y.

$20 donation per person and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the After School Program to provide a brighter future for our local children.

All are welcome!

*donations are 100% tax-deductible

Opening @Conner Contemporary

Press release-

Opening Exhibitions:

ZOЁ CHARLTON: Family
DAVID LEVINTHAL: War
GABRIEL de la MORA: new video

opening reception:
Friday, November 14th: 6-8pm.
valet parking available.

David Levinthal:
artist talk + champagne reception:
Saturday, November 15th: 11am.
rsvp appreciated.

Zoë Charlton:
artist talk + champagne reception:
Saturday, November 15th: 2pm.
rsvp appreciated.

Conner Contemporary Art
1358-60 Florida Ave, NE
Washington, DC 20002
v: 202-588-8750
info@connercontemporary.com
www.connercontemporary.com


ZOЁ CHARLTON: Family
DAVID LEVINTHAL: War
GABRIEL DE LA MORA: new video

November 14, 2008 – January 3, 2009

Conner Contemporary Art is pleased to announce the opening of three solo exhibitions featuring drawings by Zoë Charlton, photographs by David Levinthal and video by Gabriel de la Mora.




Zoë Charlton presents Family (2008), a new series of large format drawings. Statuesque nude figures drawn from live models portray characteristics of the artist's female cousins, demonstrating diverse personalities within her Florida-based African American family. In these drawings Charlton explores how inherited traits interact with personal choices to define the self. Elaborating naturalistic figural imagery with culturally-laden attributes that reveal individuality, she construes the formation of personal identity as an analog to, or perhaps a model for, artistic creation.

In War David Levinthal juxtaposes Iraq (2008), his latest series of photographs, with selections from his seminal work Hitler Moves East (1977). In grad school at Yale, he and Garry Trudeau recreated the WWII German military invasion of Russia with toy soldiers. This Kodalith film series catalyzed the fabrication movement in photography. Viewers are invited to consider Levinthal's first body of work in relation to his new digital photographs of toy models, which represent the US invasion of Iraq. In conjunction with FOTOWEEK DC, Conner Contemporary will host a gallery talk and champagne reception with the artist on Saturday, November 15, at 11 am.

In his two-channel video, 39-G.M.C.-23.sept.2007, Gabriel de la Mora batters a life-size self-portrait, formed as a Mexican piñata. Instead of candy, colored paper arteries, veins, internal organs and red confetti blood pour out of the artist's Doppelgänger as he strikes it with a stick. The performance culminates with him collecting the remains from the floor and depositing them in an acrylic vitrine reminiscent of reliquary. In this work de la Mora destroys one cliché of popular Mexican culture to bring forth references to other cultural traditions, including surrealist art and relic devotion.

There will be an opening reception for the artists Friday, November 14th from 6-8pm.

David Levinthal – artist talk and champagne reception, Saturday November 15th at 11am. rsvp appreciated.

Zoe Charlton – artist talk and champagne reception, Saturday November 15th at 2pm.
rsvp appreciated.

A podcast of each artist talk will be available on the website @: http://www.connercontemporary.com/audio/

Additional information may be found at: http://www.connercontemporary.com
For further information or images, please contact Leigh Conner at 202-588-8750 or info@connercontemporary.com.

Conner Contemporary Art is located at 1358-60 Florida Avenue, NE –Washington, DC 20002 in the H Street Corridor/ Atlas Arts District. Winter hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11-5pm or by prior arrangement.

Election Parties on H Street

The Argonaut
1433 H Street

The Argonaut is tossing its hat into the ring to be your choice for where to watch this year's historic election. Here are a few of their choice offerings-
-10 tvs for your total election media overload pleasure.
-Blue shots for Obama states
-A champagne toast if Obama is declared the winner before closing.


Dr. Granville's
1238 H Street

Granville Moore's will be having an election night party with a Flat Screen TV on each floor tuning to the election starting at 7pm and turning up the volume around 9pm. All are welcome to come out and enjoy this historic event.


H Street Martini Lounge
1236 H Street

H Street Martini Lounge is also hosting a party-
Join us as we watch this historic election and have a good time together.
Wear your "I Voted" sticker & we'll have a gift for you.


The Pug
1234 H Street

Here's what's planned at the Pug-

Not only are we going to televise the election results (and the Stewart/Colbert special), we are going to have our first drink special to help commemorate the most important election the universe has ever seen. The Pug will be selling all domestic cans and bottles for $2.00 for the whole night. Natty Light, Natty Bo, Schlitz, Schaeffer, Bud, Bud Light, PBR and Reading will all be $2.00 a pop while supplies last.


Sticky Rice
1224 H Street

Election party and karaoke.$1.00 PBR's with an I voted sticker
$2.00 Tecate's. Election results will be shown on the big screen with Karaoke on another screen.

Trial Run Brunch @Dr. Granville's

For now this is just a one time thing. If there is a good crowd, and all runs smoothly we might see Dr. Granville's offering brunch once a month.

Granville Moore's
Sunday Brunch
Sunday, November 9th, 2008
11am – 3pm

Brunch
(All items served with choice of Home Fries or Fruit)

Pork Carnita and Egg Wrap - $9
Pineapple Salsa

Frittata Fromage Bleu - $10
Applewood Bacon, Hook's Blue Cheese, Sauteed Shallots, Spinach

Frittata Margherita - $10
Marinated Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Buffalo Mozzarella

Frittata ala Chapman - $10
Applewood Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Chipotle Mayo

Cast Iron Bison Hash - $12
“Corned” Bison, Potatoes, Sauteed Onions, Sunny Side up Egg

Peppered Steak and Eggs - $13
Grilled 6oz All-Natural Flat Iron Steak, 2 Eggs

Brunch Burger - $13
Ground Bison, Applewood Bacon, Fried Egg

Biscuits and Gravy - $8
Buttermilk Biscuits, Bison-Sausage Gravy

Smaller Items

Fruit Cup, Brown Sugar and Lime Crème Fraiche - $5

Applewood Bacon - $4

House-Made Bison Sausage - $4

Shooting @4th and Morse

The victim was shot multiple times, but is in stable condition. This is located in the Florida Market.