John Riley's Blog

The Waning Days of Summer

WhoKnew... — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:46:32 EDT

So this is it. On Saturday at 11:30 AM, I'll be leaving on a jet plane and departing the district for good (at least for now). I've learned a lot this summer and, despite the tone of some of blog entries, this is an incredible and I envy those of you who are lucky enough to call this place home. Here's my take of the best (and worst) of our nation's hot, humid Capitol.

I Was Wrong...

WhoKnew... — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:42:26 EDT

So I'll admit that my blog yesterday was more than a little snarky. Although the overall point I was making (that David Brooks and other dispassionate observers of politics are almost allergic to pragmatic ideas from liberals) was a fair one, my disdain for the arrogance of the Washington intelligensia poisoned my argument. That fact was on full display today during lunch...

David Brooks: The Impossibility of Center-Right Politics

WhoKnew... — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:28:16 EDT

I've always been baffled by those in the political world who claim the mantle of moderation by defining it as pragmatism and then bowing to conservative positions on issues. The life-blood of the "center right" political observer is more a reaction against liberalism than a technocratic aim for solutions... I plan on testing this opinion with New York Times columnist David Brooks tomorrow over lunch.

Clarendon Ballroom

WhoKnew... — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:49:17 EDT

It was my last Saturday night in DC and I wanted to make it a fun one. Somewhat surprisingly, an obscure establishment known for it's dancing exceeded my expectations and made me feel good about feeling silly.

Review: The Last Mistress

WhoKnew... — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:40:41 EDT

On Saturday night, I ventured over to Bethesda to see Une Vieille Maitresse (The Last Mistress) at the Landmark theater. After paying 4 dollars for a bottle of water, I was primed to have a horrible time. Lucky for me, Director Catherine Breillat's portrayal of the conflict between love and passion, mind and body made even the over-priced, environmentally harmful bottle of Dasani worth it.

Missing the 70s

WhoKnew... — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:02:50 EDT

I oftentimes make the statement that "I should've been this age in the 70s" without giving it much thought. I mean, how could it not have been fun living in the wake of the civil rights movement, the fall of the Silent Majority's chosen president and the free love phenomenon? This feeling has become even more acute since coming to DC...

Is the World Ending?

WhoKnew... — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:06:00 EDT

I must say, all of the end of times stuff out there is getting to me. Between high gas prices, climate change, the economic downturn, the global food crises, faltering financial markets, a dying housing market, the weak dollar, and two wars abroad it's for good reason that people are freaking out. I think it's pretty obvious I disagree with Phil Gramm on this one...

Remembering Lost Loves

WhoKnew... — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:38:10 EDT

Last weekend, after perusing Eastern Market and getting an iced chai latte from that coffee shop who's name escapes me, I went to a book store two doors down and ended up finding some of the best metro reading at very affordable prices. Although I can't recall the name of the bookstore (if it even had one), I do know that the shop owner is wonderful in his own special way and makes the trip well worth it even if you're illiterate. That begs the question, however, why/how are you reading this blog?... I digress.

No. Don't Do It.

WhoKnew... — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:03:50 EDT

It's about that time. Summer's winding down and people are beginning to set their sights on the fall. All is not well, however. First of all, all lot of us will be leaving DC, which is depressing in its own right. Secondly, if you'll recall, my very first blog was about how people should give up their summer, long-term relationships and enjoy their summer. This is the issue that requires my immediate attention.

The Perfect Sunday Brunch

WhoKnew... — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:42:03 EDT

Nothing makes me as happy as a delicious Sunday brunch with incredible friends, interesting stories from the night before accented by a cold mimosa. Unfortunately, my favorite brunch, Solu Restaurant in West Palm Beach, is too far to visit every weekend. Not to mention the fact that none of my friends would be there to catch me up on Saturday night's gossip. I figured I should find a place in the area.

To Die For: Dukem

WhoKnew... — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:52:51 EDT

I must admit that one of the main reasons I decided to come to DC for the summer is not the fact that it's the epicenter of one of my passions- politics. It's not the fun scene or the numerous peers that would accompany. It's not even that it's cheaper than New York. Somewhat embarrassingly, I decided on DC because of the Ethiopian cuisine.

X: A Bust

WhoKnew... — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:03:24 EDT

I'm a sucker for anything avant-garde. I don't think that's surprising given the things I write about on this blog. So you can imagine my excitement when a friend invited me to join her and some friends at X, a "21st Century Art Happening" that BeBar hosts once a month. Art, Quirkiness and Gays in once place- How is that not a recipe for an incredible evening?

My Plans for the Week Pt. 5: Ten Canonical Buildings 1950-2000

WhoKnew... — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:33:30 EDT

The Corcoran Gallery of Art is perhaps one of the most amazing, yet under-appreciated sites to visit in the DC area. This is most likely due to the fact that, unlike most exhibits, things (events and exhibits) are not free of charge. Despite this impediment, I have to place a plug for an event I think will be well worth the $18 admission fee.

The Bottom Line

WhoKnew... — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 01:13:47 EDT

So the K-street distrcit of the District is admittedly kind of boring, I work there, and finding a place to go after work can definitely be a struggle. Apart from McCormick and Schmick's and the 4th Estate, no bars provide the appropriate venue for after work debauchery. No venue other than the Bottom Line that is. Follow me after the jump for a review of one of my new favorites in town.

My Plans for the Week Pt. 4: Fringe Festival

WhoKnew... — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:36:11 EDT

Do you ever get the feeling that your art-loving bona fides are slowly but surely eroding? Well I do. And I don't like it. It's been exacerbated by the long days at the offices and the evenings at happy hours. Well this week, I'm making room for culture in a big way: The Capital Fringe Festival.

Pacman Coup: The Saga Continues

WhoKnew... — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:58:27 EDT

You may recall a previous entry I wrote about images of the game pacman appearing in the windows of DC office buildings. Since then, much has occured in this saga. So much, in fact, that I felt the need to give you guys and update.

My New Love

WhoKnew... — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:06:34 EDT

You know the way most progressives feel about universal healthcare. The whole, it's a universal right and everyone should have equal access to quality and affordable healthcare. Well, I not only share that view in regards to healthcare, but also in regards to music. Luckily, a friend of mine has introduced me to a website making universal access to great music a reality.

My Plans for the Week Pt. 3: Bethesda Art Walk

WhoKnew... — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 01:11:34 EDT

Despite the endless hearings, memos, intern functions, dinners, talks, events etc., sometimes I just want to sit back, relax and enjoy something beautfitul. Luckily, Bethesda is way ahead of me with their event , the Bethesda Art Walk. Follow me beyond the jump for a preview.

Tom Tom's

WhoKnew... — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:53:23 EDT

I'm sure you've seen it. It's been sent around to every intern panlist in the city and trumpeted as the guide to how to have fun in DC during the summer. The truth is, however, that it's wrong. I found that out the hard way...

I'm a Terrible Person

WhoKnew... — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:25:51 EDT

No, this isn't a reprise of Rooney's great song from their album Blueside. It's simply true. On the nation's anniversary, instead of relishing the fact that I now live in the nation's capital, I went to New York for the weekend. In typical bad-luck fashion, I received my just desserts.