When Fantasy Football and the Iraq War Collide
August 31, 2010
will be drafting fantasy FB while Tweeting Obama Iraq speech. if I draft David Petraeus, please excuse me in advance.
The Only Thing Good To Happen to the Washington Nationals Has a Torn Ligament #Strasburg
August 27, 2010
It was fun while it lasted. [102 mph, huh?]
Rookie right-hander Stephen Strasburg has a significant tear on the ulnar collateral ligament that probably will require reconstructive Tommy John elbow surgery, the Washington Nationals announced Friday.
For those of you playing at home, that means he’ll be about for 12-18 months.
h/t KMadden
Oh…Canada: Winnipeg’s Mayor Kicks Kid In the Face
August 25, 2010
In America, when a mayor kicks a kid in the face, either his opponent instantly has the perfect campaign ad, or HE instantly has the
perfect campaign ad. [sort of depends on where you're mayor].
Fitness Friday by @SarahStanley
August 20, 2010
Happy Birthday! Did you know that its my birthday Sunday? My secret is no age. I ran a 100miler on my 30th birthday. And what a way to celebrate it! With that being said, here are 6 ways NOT to celebrate a birthday. You know I have to stick to the healthy perspective, right?!
#1) Only drink beverages labeled “over 21″. Contrary to popular belief, getting drunk is not the way to celebrate a birthday. If you must consume something, head to a vineyard for a wine tasting. Or if you are cool like me, add some lemon to your water. If you really want to live life on the edge, add some fresh mint to it.
#2) Eat ALL the cupcakes from THE cupcake shop. As tempting as it sounds, try to limit yourself to one (okay, maybe two if they tiny). You don’t want to be sick for the rest of the year by being a on a sugar high!
#3) Stay indoors & only communicate via Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace (if you know what that is, I don’t). Get outside, go for a hike, kayak, get a group of friends and go play real or mini golf. Yes, it can be fun. You can even take photos and Twitpic them. On the day after your birthday of course.
#4) Check in at EVERY restaurant, store and minor road intersections. And by check in, I don’t mean Foursquare, Gowalla or any other stalking, oops I mean tracking app. Plan ahead to eat at healthy place (yes, in this day and age of 2.0, healthy options are out there). Don’t forget to check in at the gym too!
#5) Run a race in 95 degree heat. My 100 miler ultra marathon had temps of over 95 degrees. It was in South Dakota. How the hell I finished, I’ll never know (thank god for cold washcloths!). While you may not take on a beast of this nature, why not try a 5k or a 10k? Racing on your birthday can be fun. Just make sure you wear a shirt or a hat declaring it your special day!
#6) Celebrate quietly. I believe birthday’s are a time to celebrate the friends you have, the health you have been given and a chance to help others. While most of us fear turning a year older, look at this way, you have been given another year to make someone laugh, tell a sarcastic joke or become the next “Social Media Expert” (kidding). I will be 31 on August 22. Age is just a number. I still get asked what school I go to. And you can’t beat that!
Cheers to a happy & healthy birthday!!
This year Sarah Stanley will be cycling from DC to NYC to celebrate her birthday. The trek begins September 14. You can follow the #celebrationRide journey on Twitter @sarahstanley & @RunRideInspire. Check out the other reason why she is using her legs to get her to New York City here.
Lame Kiffen Inspired by President Obama
August 17, 2010
We bet this ruined the day for Clay Travis.
Glenn Davis: Lane Kiffin: “My Model Was Obama” In Dealing With Crisis
Nationals Protestors #Nats
August 16, 2010
VandeHarris vs. Justin Smith
August 16, 2010
Have the Rex Ryan pep talks on Hard Knocks fired up the Politico folks?
Playbook put on its big boy pants and spent the weekend jacking people up.
On Sunday Playbook ran an advertisement (with no sponsor attribution to parent company Albritton) to pop Comcast and NBC:
** ADVERTISEMENT: A vast army of lobbyists is pushing hard to rush through the largest media merger in American history. The Comcast/NBC monopoly would present serious problems for local news in communities across our country. Washington’s decision makers must take the necessary time to carefully review this controversial merger to protect the public interest. **
And on Saturday, Playbook took a sly shot at Justin Smith’s huge hires at The Atlantic by calling the 153-year-old magazine “Atlantico”
Saturday’s Playbook:
LATEST FROM ATLANTICO – Ron Fournier: “I’m pleased to announce two more additions to our soon-to-be unified newsroom: Sue Davis of the Wall Street Journal and Fawn Johnson of the Dow Jones Newswires/Wall Street Journal. Sue will be one of two Congressional Correspondents for the National Journal Group, writing for the website and our print publications. She comes to National Journal Group from The Wall Street Journal, where she is the lead writer for the popular political blog, ‘Washington Wire.’ … Fawn Johnson will be General Assignment Correspondent, covering a range of issues including transportation and education. Johnson comes to National Journal from Dow Jones Newswires and the Wall Street Journal, where she covered financial regulation and telecommunications. This is a homecoming for both of our new colleagues. Earlier in her career, Fawn reported on health care, labor and immigration for CongressDaily. Sue previously worked for CongressDaily, covering the House, Senate, and campaign finance beats. Her first stint at National Journal Group began in the research department of the Almanac of American Politics. Please join me in welcoming them back.”
Chris Cooley Traded to Syracuse
August 16, 2010
No Editor Will Edit This Washington Post Contributor’s Copy
August 2, 2010
From the release:
The Washington Post Announces LaVar Arrington as New Sports Contributor
The Washington Post will add former Washington Redskins All-Pro linebacker LaVar Arrington to the ranks of its sports commentators later this month. Arrington will write a blog on sports topics that will be featured on washingtonpost.com. He also will be a regular contributor to sports video commentary on the site and be a panelist on the Post’s weekly Redskins webcast.
“I love the people of Washington, D.C., and now, teaming up with the Washington Post, I will have the largest platform I have ever had in staying connected with the true sports fans in the Washington area,” Arrington said. “Being part of the Washington Post is almost as exciting as it was when I joined the Washington Redskins. I’m poised to give new and interesting perspectives on D.C. sports.”
Arrington, who played college football at Penn State, was the second player selected overall in the 2000 NFL draft when he was picked by the Redskins. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times in his six-year career in Washington. He played one season for the New York Giants before his retirement. Arrington hosts a radio show on 106.7 FM The Fan weekdays from 2 to 7 p.m., and a weekly sports show on WDCW (Channel 50).
“I think Washington Post readers will find LaVar to be a refreshing, lively commentator on the region’s sports scene,” said Matthew Vita, the Post sports editor. “He gives us a new perspective, that of someone who has actually competed in sports at the highest level.”
ESPN’s Vegas Night w/ LeBron #DouchebagMoments
July 30, 2010
ESPN had a reporter tag along with The King to Vegas. He took notes, snapped a few photos, and then uploaded his story to ESPN — which then took it down about an hour later.
Deadspin took a screen grab and uploaded it (worth the read).
LeBron’s shenanigans didn’t sit well with one of our readers and he wrote his own list of Lebron James Las Vegas Douchebag Moments
1) Drinking green tea at a Vegas nightclub (extra DB points for adding honey).
2) Wearing sunglasses in the nightclub (note: unless he was doing drugs and his eyes were messed up and he was trying to hide it).
3) Allowing someone, much less your manager, to dance around like you’re Biggie and they’re Puff Daddy. Somehow I don’t see Scott Boris doing this.
4) Allowing a waiter who is dressed like f**king Indiana Jones to bring your champagne via a zip line.
5) Actually walking through the casino dribbling, passing, and shooting an imaginary basketball (huge DB rating here).
6) Engaging in a dance off. This is definite no-no.
7) Not heavily gambling at any point during the article
LeBron is quickly rising to be my most hated athlete.
There you go sports fans. A classic example of how media overexposure can quickly turn you into a D-bag and make Kobe Bryant look cool.
Kevin Durant to Likely Suffer Season-Ending Injury Tomorrow on Capitol Hill
July 28, 2010
Kevin Durant is stopping by Capitol Hill tomorrow and we’re wishing him all the best.
Seriously.
If he slips on some Congressional testimony and misses the season, don’t blame us.
We love injury-prone Texas Longhorn basketball superstars.
Here’s the Dear Colleague circulating Capitol Hill:
Join NBA Star Kevin Durant and the Gatorade Company for a Briefing on Sports Nutrition!
Dear Colleagues,
The Congressional Fitness Caucus is pleased to invite you and your staff to a discussion and briefing on sports nutrition with Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, The Gatorade Company, and scientists from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. Durant, the NBA’s 2010 regular season leading scorer, will discuss the importance of good nutrition and the NBA’s FIT program. Kevin Durant will also share some tips for being physically active.
The event will also feature a session with the scientists who will perform exercise testing, similar to the testing conducted with athletes like Dwight Howard and Tim Tebow, in a mobile lab on a high school athlete highlighting the energy requirements teen athletes need while training and competing.
You will have a photo and autograph opportunity with Kevin Durant at the conclusion of the event.
Location: Ways and Means Committee Room
Longworth House Office Building
Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20515
Date: Thursday, July 29
Time: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Just in time for The Hill’s 50 Most Beautiful
July 26, 2010
Erin Andrews is heading to Capitol Hill
Did MSNBC Brush Back Russert for Rangel?
July 26, 2010
Or is this just a typical Morning Joe roasting?
FishbowlDC’s Betsy Rothstein: Where’s Luke Russert? ‘Maybe he’s, um, Busy!’
RELATED: Chuck Rangel Thinks Asking Relevant Questions About His Shady Behavior is Dumb
Fitness Friday by @sarahstanley
July 23, 2010
This is one of the hottest Summers in a decade. Maybe Summer heard that we had one of the worst Winters in history and wanted to make headline news as well. We are in DC after all! Here are 3 tips to staying cool while you workout.
#1) Early Bird Stays Cool. If you run, walk or ride (that would be on a bike powered by your legs) roll out of bed & get in your workout early. You’ll stay cooler (and keep the birds company). You’ll be a better person for it too.
#2) Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. This means, drink water. Limit your Happy Hour visits.
#3) Get Your Tech On. Wear technical clothing, this means saying no to that cotton t-shirt & opting for moisture wicking gear. You want to stay cool while you sweat (if there is such a thing). There are tons of awesome “technical” clothing out there. Go buy some. That’s one way to get our economy back!
Instead of hitting happy hour, burn some stress & calories at the same time. Here are some places to get your sweat on.
Stroga in Adams Morgan offers a community class at 10:15am on Saturday morning. For 1.5 hours you can not only explore your inner Down Dog but also help a local charity. A donation is your entry fee. Because as you know, everything always comes back to charity. Remember where you live?
Feel like running? Join Georgetown Running Company on M Street by the Key Bridge on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm for a fun, no-person-left-behind run. Afterward you can join the gang for a beer (or a glass of water) at a local hangout.
Feeling adventurous? Go introduce your legs to the famous Exorcist Stairs on M Street. Bring water, a towel and determination. You will need it. Don’t forget to tell your loved ones where you went. Just in case.
Itching to run a race? In the dark? Head over to Arlington, VA for the Crystal City Twilighter 5k. Its a cool (okay hot) race. It starts at 8:00pm, (but get there early to ensure you don’t miss the pre-race action). Yep, a dark road race- its not called Twilighter for nothing! After you run, you might just want to opt for a cold shower. But normal showers are of course an option too. After you cooled off, enjoy the fabulous post party. Beer anyone?
Eiffel Tower anyone? Well here’s your chance. Head over to CycleLifeUSA on K Street in Georgetown Sunday at 12noon where you can watch the final sprint of the Tour de France into Paris (okay, you won’t be face to face with Lance, but the big screen will make you feel like it). This is your chance to take a break, enjoy free food & drink (who doesn’t like that?!) and embrace your inner cyclist. Come on, you know you want to!
Don’t sit at home this weekend (or the week ahead), get out & get active!
Sarah Stanley is a sarcastic ultra marathoner who enjoys running, yoga and dreaming of visiting Australia. Follow her on Twitter @sarahstanley or visit www.sarahstanleyinspired.com
Happy Thursday
July 15, 2010
Waking up to John Daly leading the British Open = a good day.
USA Today Page Editor Fail…Or Secretly Sending a Message
July 14, 2010
Japanese Dolphins Reenact Michael Steele’s RNC Chairmanship
July 13, 2010
In what’s likely the best dolphin show since Ron Bonjean’s days on the mic at the Milwaukee Aquarium, a group of dolphins in Japan have choreographed and performed a true-to-life reenactment of Michael Steele’s Chairmanship of the RNC.
Personages:
Dolphin # 1 (AKA, the Jumper): Michael Steele
Dolphin #2: Haley Barbour
Dolphin #3: John Boehner
Dolphin #4: Mitch McConnell
Dolphin #5: Eric Cantor
Trainer #1: The News Media
Other Trainers: RNC Staff
The Crowd: All of us.
As the curtain rises, Dolphin Michael Steele has just been elected Chairman. The crowd is excited, and anticipates a good show with the potential to end the supermajority of the Sea Lion Show next door. Other Dolphin Republican leaders are doing their thing–fundraising, entertaining crowds, turning tricks for mackerel, etc. 18 seconds in, Dolphin Michael Steele makes his first gaffe, calling Whale Rush Limbaugh “incendiary” and “ugly.” It looks like he might lose his chairmanship, but he recovers, and relative calm is restored.
40 seconds in, Dolphin Michael Steele makes his next gaffe, claiming the war in Tank 5 is one of Dolphin President Obama’s choosing. Unable to recover, he falls out of the pool. The crowd’s first reaction is surprise, then laughter. RNC staff scramble to save Dolphin Michael Steele, while other Dolphin Party leaders observe and do nothing to help (but to be fair, they don’t do anything to hurt, either…they just kind of stay there, resigned to the fact that this charade will repeat itself until the next show, after which they’ll get a new Dolphin Chairman). During the chaos, Dolphin Eric Cantor announces a book tour, and leaves. The crowd begins to show moderate concern, which eventually turns to horror.
What happens next? Not sure, but we heard Beluga Karl Rove is set to make an appearance.
And now for the dumbest thing you will read all week
July 12, 2010
Rev. Jesse Jackson: Cavaliers owner sees LeBron James as a ‘runaway slave’
RELATED: Every owner needs a good editor. Take Dan Gilbert, majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Famous Friday [Round Up]
July 9, 2010
John Kerry launched a fashion movement, the @Twitter #DC gov’t liaison job is still available, 50 Cent still hasn’t been invited to the White House, despicable, Alvin Greene action figures are this year’s Tickle Me Elmo, Chad Pergram business time, a year older and none the wiser, awkward, accidentally check into Cap Lounge on Foursquare, the Fourth of July as seen through the lens of John Shinkle, the Senate Radio – TV Gallery as seen through the lens of Christopher Gindlesperger, Who needs a bottle of Thunderbird?, Ron Artest wouldn’t tell anyone where King James was going, Apple Bottom Robes, Gavels with the Fur, Paul Kane turns one year hansome-r, Clevelanders were so angry they set the river on fire again … not really … but they were pretty pissed, #Heatmaggedon hit DC, and stop by L2 tonight to wish Tara “Page Six Palmeri” good luck as she heads to NYC.
Famously Quoteworthy: Biden is 0 for 1 on His Ohio Predictions
July 9, 2010
You can’t get ‘em all right, especially if you’re Joe. [swami]
“LeBron James is coming back and Lee [Democrat Lee Fisher] is going to Washington,” Biden said.
Note: Biden was saying this at the same time Obama was begging Lebron to go to Chicago.
h/t NRSC
Blue Light Special: Obama Tickets on Sale Now; Prices Slashed
July 8, 2010
This is what happens when Lebron James decides to do a prime time teevee special. [King's Court]
It looks like some of the tickets for the Robin Carnahan-Barack Obama fundraiser are on sale.
The fundraiser is slated for tonight.
“Premium orchestra” seats were $250; they’re now available for $99. “Silver” seats have been slashed from $35 to $17.
We’re terrible at math, but this new price reduction seems unfair for the people who originally shelled out $250.
Note: The fundraiser, scheduled for Bartle Hall, has been moved to the Marriott. For those of you playing at home, we’re told the Marriott venue is much smaller.
h/t Lazy Hazy
Lebron James vs. Sarah Palin
July 8, 2010
The world is watching …
ESPN will host a one-hour special tonight to reveal where King James will land.
Sarah Palin releases her new presidential campaign video on the same day.
Coincidence?
We just bought www.PalinLebron2012.com
Famous Friday [Round Up]
July 2, 2010
Hey, love turned 1, Anthony Weiner = ESPN, Senator Byrd left us, we want to hire this writer, we owe Drew Curtis lots of beer, TIME for lobbying, chipwiches, high volume of interns led to an increase of check on check crimes in DC, Andrew Breitbart is throwing money around, Emily Heil is about to be Famous, absinthe on H Street, put on your Derek Jeter costume, one day at a time, keep your shirt on and your bacon to yourself.
Closing Bell: Weiner
July 1, 2010
Pizza Diet Comes to DC
June 29, 2010
As if anyone needed another reason to eat pizza. [Tour de Pizza]
A Florida man is traveling up the East Coast by bike, promoting a new diet that involves eating pizza — and only pizza.
Keyword: bike.
He’s now on his own tour of sorts, traveling to 22 cities hoping to change the public perception of America’s favorite food. On Monday, he brought his tour to Washington at Pete’s New Haven Style Pizzeria.
If you’ve never been to Pete’s, you’re missing out.
Last year, McClellan said he ate pizza for every meal for 30 days and lost 25 pounds. He said he also lowered his cholesterol, shed 10 percent of his body fat and dropped 5 inches around his waist.
What the article fails to mention is that he also worked out five hours a day.
Read the rest, then eat your face off.
You Know What’s Helpful If You’re a Professional Baseball Team? Runs
June 29, 2010
No help for Strasburg. NBC Washington summed it up best: [ice cold bats]
Unfortunately for the 21-year-old starter, the Nationals are supporting Strasburg like a pair of loose boxers.
The loss was the Nats’ fifth straight and 13th in their last 16 games. Who’s impressed?
JoMa Knows College Football #Texas
June 28, 2010
FamousDC lives for the intersection of sports and politics.
And Jonathan Martin lands those stories on the front page of POLITICO.
JoMa: The politics of college football
Oil is still gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, the economy is wheezing along at 10 percent unemployment and the longest war in American history continues with no end in sight.
But people in and around Waco, Texas, have had something just as pressing on their minds during the past month: What will become of the Baylor University football program if the Big 12 Conference dissolves?
JoMa even lands a Texas-sized kicker:
Coleman makes no apologies for getting involved now. “It makes Texas better, and isn’t the ultimate objective of public policy to make Texas better?” he asked.
What a Ride! #WorldCup
June 28, 2010
We didn’t have enough to get past Ghana, but the USA had a great showing this World Cup.
Posted yesterday by Landon Donovan on his Facebook page:
I’m really proud of our team, really proud of our fans, and really proud of our country. Thank you all for the support we’ve felt over the last 3 weeks, what an incredible ride. Thanks especially to all those that traveled so far to watch us play. Goodnight and thank you.
We’ll see you in 2014.
BONUS: If you’re looking for a job, FIFA is hiring referees.
FamousDC Welcomes John Wall
June 25, 2010
We, for one, welcome our new Wildcat point guard overlord.
WaPo’s Michael Lee: Washington Wizards select John Wall in NBA draft
In a dramatic, franchise-altering shift, the Washington Wizards have gone from “Pick 1″ to the No. 1 pick, moving away from the misery of a horrific campaign into the hope of new one, which arrived at The Theater at Madison Square Garden wearing a chocolate-colored pinstriped suit and powder blue shirt, tie and handkerchief.
Landon Donovan 2012 [GOAL VIDEO]
June 23, 2010
USA! USA!
June 23, 2010
Could you ask for a more dramatic finish!?
www.LandonDonovan2012.com is still available.
We’re hopping on the bandwagon early.
USA-Algeria: Five Things To Watch For
June 23, 2010
Can the U.S. avoid its Game 3 Curse? [5 things to watch for]
And can the announcers stop saying things like, “the winner of this match will be the team that holds their opponent to the fewest goals.”
Happy Monday Morning: Don’t Tread
June 21, 2010
Yes, U.S. Soccer player Clint Dempsey, the pride of Nacogdoches, is also a rapper.
Have a good week.
Famous Friday [Round Up]
June 18, 2010
Ron Artest and the Lakers are World Champions, Dale Peterson is the new Sarah Palin, the East Coast-West Coast rapper wars in the 90s have finally trickled down into the 2010 AL AG Commish race, Media > Congress, out of work Louis Vuittons protested, USA SOCCER WAS ROBBED, top DC lobbyists, Washington sports are back to normal, Strasburg Illustrated, big wheels keep on turning, and tell David Drucker and Nick Johnston happy birthday today.
Famously Quoteworthy: Open Hand Diplomacy
June 18, 2010
He’s got a good point …
Thaddeus McCotter U.S. Soccer team got robbed out of winning goal by the referee! “Open hand diplomacy” clearly not working in World Cup.
Do we always get scored on first?
June 18, 2010
We don’t know why we’re posting this – everyone is watching US World Cup soccer.
UPDATE: 2- 0!?! Can we invade?
UPDATE 2: Donovan! Sweetest goal of the World Cup!
UPDATE 3: They’re handing out yellow cards like what.
UPDATE 4: Goooooooooooooooooooooooal! USA! USA! USA!
UPDATE 5: We were robbed!
Reporters vs. Congress #Softball
June 17, 2010
It was a humid Wednesday evening in Glover Park as Members of Congress battled the press corps in an ultimate, winner-take-all, softball showdown.
The House Leadership, led by Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer and Minority Whip Cantor, joined Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor to root for the Congressional team.
John King, Paul Kane, Jared Allen and Sue Davis led the cheers for the media.
Similar to most days on Capitol Hill, the DC press corps got the last word and defeated the Members of Congress – despite a late rally led by Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
The final score was 13 – 7. And we’re pretty sure that Kasie Hunt filed a story while she was standing on first base.
Here’s a first-hand account from our softball-loving tipster:
The reporters won 13-7. Lawmakers blanked in the bottom of the 7th. BUT they had bases loaded with 1 out and EVERYONE thought they were going to steal the W through the misapplication of the mercy rule… Just like they won health care.
All proceeds of the event benefited the Young Survival Coalition (YSC).
A few pictures:
Now THAT’S More Like It!
June 16, 2010
Between the coronation of the so-far very deserving Stephen Strasburg [SI jinx!! Nooo!!], the Caps impressive playoff run, and the Skins’ hiring of Mike Shanahan and Jedi-mind-trick pick-up of Donovan McNabb, we were starting to think that this town’s sports franchises might finally be turning a corner.
Enter Albert Haynesworth. Who apparently wants a trade [seriously?]. A year after signing a $100 million contract with our beloved Skins.
And let’s all take a moment to remember that Haynesworth contract is worth a GUARANTEED $41 million. So that’s $41 million coming his way even if he never plays a down at FedEx field again or — worse — holds out for so long that he’s not worth anything in trade. The Pentagon doesn’t give out that much free money.
So thank you, Albert, for smacking us all upside the head with a $41 million 2×4 and reminding us of what it really means to be a Washington sports fan.
SI Jinx? [Strasburg Illustrated]
June 16, 2010
Stephen Strasburg, on the cover of Sports Illustrated – which all but guarantees a three strike out performance his next outing.
Famously Polled: The Vuvuzela
June 15, 2010
Note: The vuvuzela is a stadium blowing horn up to approximately 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in length. It is commonly blown by fans at football matches in South Africa
