2008 Social Capital

Harmony at Harmony Cafe

musicfairie — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:00:17 EDT

Hi friends!

I thought the blog was over last week while I was in Mexico, but that was not the case. So you get a few more entries from me, please savor them for the rest of your lives.

Good thing, because I have another restaurant review that I had all but forgotten to include. It's for a sweet little place on M Street in Georgetown that seems miles away from the hubbub - Harmony Cafe.

I've been there countless times, and despite years going by, the place never changes. The mostly empty dining room, the same solitary smiling hostess/waitress, the cheery starway down to the basement.

Harmony is not any ordinary Chinese place. They're one of those crazy ones who have the power to make everything out of non-meat gluten products. While your General Tso's might taste like french toast (that's always the flavor I get with the gluten), at least you aren't ingesting questionable chicken parts. If you want the chicken parts, though, there is no judgment. Meat eaters and veg's alike come together at Harmony.

The must order speciality, however, is the Shiitake Mushroom appetizer. i'm drawn to mushrooms in general, but I must say this is a superb piece of work. Some upperclassmen introduced me to it the first week of freshman year, and I remain a loyal follower 5 years later. Now that's saying something.

So hit up Harmony - bring your veggie friends, escape from the oppressive smell of subway's eternally baking bread. You'll thank me!

Alex Cornell du Houx, Iraq War Vet in Newsweek Magazine

Tanya Paperny — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:25:30 EDT

Alex Cornell du Houx, a friend of Campus Progress, an Iraq War veteran, a graduate of Bowdoin College in Maine, and an outspoken leader for progressive causes, has just been featured in Newsweek Magazine.

He has spoken at the last two Iraq Action Camps sponsored by Campus Progress, and the students in attendance loved his passion and frankness when speaking about his experiences serving as a Marine in Iraq.

Read his story and watch a video here. We're thrilled that he's continuing his activism and getting recognized for it.

Get involved in our Iraq Campaign to bring a safe end to this war by clicking here.

150 Washington Progressives Couldn't Get Enough!

Paula O. — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:10:09 EDT

On August 13, 2008, Washington progressives were mesmerized by the Campus Progress, Reel Progress and HBO premiere screening of The Black List, Vol.I in Washington, DC. The overflowing theater cheered as director/producer Timothy Greenfield Sanders and interviewer/producer Elvis Mitchell introduced the project, and continued to cheer, laugh, and nod in agreement throughout the screening. The film features compelling interviews with actor Chris Rock, former Secretary of State General Colin Powell, media mogul Sean Combs, and other prominent African Americans.

In the Q&A after the film, attendees challenged Sanders and Mitchell on everything from their choice of talent, to the effectiveness of an all African-American cast. There was unanimous praise for the film's exceptional visual quality. The scheduled 30-minute Q&A did not satisfy the eager audience--they demanded the director and producer's attention for an additional 45 minutes. Mitchell and Sanders finally escaped after the building’s security insisted that the building had to be vacated.

See for yourself what all the fuss is about when HBO airs The Black List, Vol.I on August 25 at 9:00 pm (EST).

Don’t have HBO? No fear. Request a screening of this amazing documentary on your campus by emailing Campus Progress events at speakers@campusprogress.org.

That's All Folks!

Arielle — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:21:52 EDT

Like all great things (the Olympics, the free-food-a-thon, college) Social Capital is coming to end. The correspondents, Thomas and I have all enjoyed sharing with your our intimate knowledge of DC. We've shared with you everything: the best happy hours, coolest museums, and my personal favorite, good food and free food deals. It is with a heavy heart that I write this blog post, as the end of Social Capital means the end of summer and the start of school. Alas, we will be back next summer to help you fill your social calendar and we can be with you during the school year too through our programs in events, journalism, and activism. For any additional questions or comments, don't hesitate to email us at tips@campusprogress.org. Thanks again to everyone for reading Social Capital!

Autumn in New York ...( I mean DC )

Nia I'man Smith — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:18:58 EDT

As discussed in a previous blog, the carefree days of summer are indeed over, leaving many to wonder between school and work if they will have time to go out and enjoy autumn in DC. Well, wonder no more, as autumn in DC proves to be my favorite time of year for a few reasons, the main one being that the weather is no longer unbearably hot. So enjoy the cool (but not quite California cool) weather and explore some of these options:

And So it Goes

Sasha — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:57:38 EDT

Well this summer has truly been exciting. I hope that I've been able to give y'all some good restaurant and club reviews, as well as point out somethings off the beaten path. Good luck with your studies for those in school, and with jobs for those finishing school up.

I Got the Hook Up!

Nia I'man Smith — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:51:11 EDT

Prior to this week, I too would hopefully scroll the many housing ads on craigslist everyday in search of a decent pace to stay for a decent price, using my sparse daytime minutes to make frantic calls in response to those ads, only to be disappointed and sans abode. However, all of this changed on Sunday as the housing Gods and my grandmothers, Ms. Coleen Ransom and Minnie Nealy (R.I.P) looked down from heavens, saw my good friend Danyelle and I in need and delivered us the gift of “the hook up”. See definition below:

In the Music

Nia I'man Smith — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:42:57 EDT

As you have probably noticed, a good 96% of my blog titles have been taken from some of the greatest songs ever... In the spirit of sharing (and my love of making playlists, as well as the fact that I watched High Fidelity for the first time last night), here are the top songs in the, “The Black Connection Title Playlist” …please enjoy!

The End

Nia I'man Smith — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:43:31 EDT

Dear Social Capital Readers *

It looks like this is the end… gone are the carefree days of summer, as late August brings the return of classes, the beginning of classes (congrats to all my friends starting grad school), entrance into the work field (three jobs, here I come), and sadly no more blogging…

Bakeries

Sasha — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:55:07 EDT

If there is one thing that I'm a huge fan of its bakeries. Every time I walk by a bakery in DC I'm compelled to try at least five or six things. The brownies at the Firehook bakery aren't too bad, and the muffins at Marvelous Market pass my test. However, these places are both chains. If you want to try something exciting head over to Love Cafe on U st. Love Cafe has a cupcake bar where you can pick your frosting and topings. If you're vegan head up to Sticky Fingers in Columbia Hights for some great pastries and coffee.

Those last few things

Sasha — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:02:28 EDT

With only a few weeks left in the summer its essential to make the most out of these last few summer weekends, and if you are so inclined weeknights. With that in mind I thought back to some of the things that made my summer great, as well as some things I haven’t had a chance to do yet.

DC Citizens, THIS IS YOUR LAST DAY!!...

Paula O. — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:56:17 EDT

...to register to vote in the September 9, 2008 Congressional and Council Primary Elections. You can register at www.dcboee.org. Remember, if you do not vote then you also lose the right to complain.

Margaritas

Sasha — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 23:19:15 EDT

If you're in the mood for some great margaritas head over to Lauriol Plaza on 18th St. Lauriol Plaza has a ton of outdoor seating both on the street, and on a rooftop balcony and serves up some great enchiladas, and tacos. The dishes are very large, and filling so you can definitely share a plate between two people, especially as they provide you with free chips and salsa. For a treat get one of the speciality margaritas - the frozen mango rita is a great deal. They also offer pitchers if you're with a group.

Friday Falafel Fight!

KDubz — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:11:11 EDT

Should you find yourself in Adams Morgan this weekend and looking for something that's not jumbo slice (or want something to add to your boozy buffet), you're in luck. Two of the best falafel places in the city is there.

Seeing the Arts for Free

Thomas Coen — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:46:06 EDT

As Washingtonians flee the District in August, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the plethora of free museums and art galleries around town. But don’t just settle for Smithsonian museums, check out The Kennedy Center.

Opened in 1971 to commemorate the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, The Kennedy Center brings some of the best performers from around the world to its state of the art facilities. While some of those events may be pricey, The Kennedy Center also has free nightly performances at 6PM on its Millennium Stage. No tickets are even required, just show up. For example, tonight acclaimed jazz pianist and vocalist Deanna Witkowski leads a trio blending Brazilian and Afro-Cuban jazz music.

If you’re not in the mood for sitting though a performance or can’t get there for the 6PM start time, I would still recommend checking out The Kennedy Center. It’s free to walk throughout the premises and its roof deck has some of the best views of anywhere in D.C. There’s even a café up there.

The easiest way to get to The Kennedy Center is either to walk from the Foggy Bottom Metro or hop on the 80 bus, which goes directly there. The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F St. NW with more info on getting there here.

CommonWealth Gastropub

KDubz — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:16:22 EDT

Yesterday marked the official (albeit soft) opening of Columbia Heights newest eatery: CommonWealth. The premise is upscale English pub far (think English food, but not gross).

Here's what I thought:

DC Votes: Votes, Voices, and Visions

Artair — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:59:29 EDT

Tonight (August 6) at Busboy and Poets DC Votes will host Votes, Voices and Visions, a night of musicians, poets and spoken word artists. The event starts at 5:30 pm and will feature M.C. Sciryl, representatives from the D.C. and Prince George's slam teams and local artists Joe L. Da Vessel. Votes, Voices and Visions will be a free and fun way to enjoy progressive poetry. RSVP to jquinto@dcvote.org

Fair Time

Twizzalicious — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:22:16 EDT

Honestly, I think anyone could go to the fair for the rest of their lives. True, there's some weird stuff at some, and a lot of it is directed toward the younger set, but then there's the Montgomery County Fair. This one has everything: free movies, rides, games, animals, talent shows, and A Demolition Derby. God, I could watch a demolition derby all day long.

Free Talent Show

Twizzalicious — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:00:15 EDT

When I was younger, my worst fear was the talent show because I would freeze every time I got on stage. I've gotten better progressively as I got older, and now karaoke is a breeze to me. But there are some peeps out there with legitimate talents that should be showcased. And now, if you hustle, there's a talent show coming up in about an hour at 12.

Discount at Starbucks?

Arielle — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:54:00 EDT

Starbucks seems to have realized that when people are paying $4 a gallon for gas, their not as likely to indulge in mocha latte- kinda. Starbucks is still after all Starbucks- an overpriced fancy company that has capitalized on Americans need for caffeine. Nonetheless, they have managed to somehow, in their Starbucks way, offer a discount to their customers. According to the Express, if you buy any Starbucks beverage in the morning, you can get any iced grande beverage for $2 after 2pm, as long as you save your receipt from your morning jolt.