Rachel Scola • September 9, 2013

UPDATE: The Titan Arum has bloomed! The U.S. Botanic Gardens are keeping their extended hours, 10 AM to 8 PM, today Monday, July 22, so visitors can enjoy the sights and smell of the plant.

The flower has been named Mortimer and is continually updating his twitter: @DCTitanArum.

It opened fully between 5:30 and 7:30 PM on Sunday, July 21. On average, the plant has a 24-48 blooming time period. The Botanic Garden staff was worried Mortimer would close early, but so far he remains open.

As the tweets continue to come in, it seems the verdict is that this titan arum is not as stinky as expected, but still quite a sight and celebration!

Summer is in full swing, and noses are rejoicing in the sweet smells of chlorine, coconut and corpses.

Yes, corpses. The cause of this stench is the titan arum, a plant native to Indonesia. The U.S. Botanic Garden, however, has its own individual titan arum, and the garden is gearing up for the plant to bloom.

Titan arum does not have a routine blooming schedule. The last time a blooming one was on display was 2007, according the garden’s website. While it takes a while to open fully, the plant will stay open for between 24 and 48 hours and then quickly collapse into itself.

The plant’s stench is comparable to rotting flesh and strongest during the peak bloom from night to day, advises the Botanic Garden. Due to the heat, its odor travels farther than normal. In the wild, this stench attracts insects like the dung beetle from miles away.

Why does it take so long to bloom? The titan arum stores energy in its underground stem — the corm — and, when it reaches the energy threshold, begins to unfurl and bloom.

The Botanic Garden is extending its hours on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to allow visitors to witness the slow-moving bloom. If any visitor is unable to make it to the garden, there is a live streaming video on the USBG website.

Streaming Live by Ustream [gallery ids="101389,153971" nav="thumbs"]

Rachel Scola • August 15, 2013

If William Shakespeare were around today, and after someone had explained to him what movies are, there is no doubt he would be very pleased with Joss Whedon’s interpretation of his comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.”

We have all probably read “Much Ado About Nothing” once, probably in high school. Allow me to refresh your memory. War heroes Claudio and Benedick have just returned home, where Claudio is reminded of his strong love for Hero, the daughter of the governor, and Benedick engages once more in a war of wit with Hero’s cousin Beatrice. Like any Shakespeare comedy, there is confusion and irony and a wedding, but I won’t spoil it all for you.

Whedon’s adaptation puts lovers Claudio, Hero, Beatrice and Benedick in a modern setting, a favored choice for most of today’s Shakespeare adaptations, but that’s where the similarities to most other adaptations ends.

The entire film is in black and white, which in this case only helps the viewer. Without the distraction of color, the audience can focus solely on the story, how the characters are interacting with each other and what the characters discover about themselves. We are able to pay more attention to the actor’s actions, which pays off marvelously in a critical scene of both Benedick and Beatrice (played by Alexis Denisof and Amy Acker, respectively) eavesdropping on separate conversations about their love lives. The easy-on-the-eyes gray scale also lets the dialogue shine through, as Whedon chose not to use modern-day English and instead stuck with the bard’s own words. This isn’t, of course, the first film to keep the same language. But the use of the original language and lack of color, both harkening back to older days of film, somehow give this film a very contemporary air.

There was a slight murmur through the audience when it became apparent the dialogue had not been updated, but it soon died down as everyone adjusted and settled in to enjoy the film.

And enjoy is definitely what you will do when you watch this film. Whedon offers a refreshing retelling of the story, something we have come to expect from this director. For those unfamiliar, Whedon brought us 2012’s Cabin in the Woods and the superhero blockbuster The Avengers, but is also known for television’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Many of his projects reach cult status due to his talent of creating relatable and beloved characters whose storylines raptly involve the viewers.
It is also a common fact that Whedon likes to reuse actors, so to say, and he chose an excellent cast once again for Much Ado. Aside from Denisof and Acker, the film has Clark Gregg (The Avengers) portraying a humble and doting father to Hero, Sean Maher (Firefly) as antagonist Don John, Fran Kranz (Cabin in the Woods) as lovesick Claudio and Jillian Morgese (The Avengers) as the quiet Hero. Perhaps the best boast Much Ado has though, is Nathan Fillion (Serenity) as Dogberry, the bumbling and asinine watch-guard for the family, who brought a round of applause when he first appeared on the screen and continued to bring the laughs every time the camera panned to him.

Each of the actor’s talent and Whedon’s directorial choices combine to tell an entertaining romance that engages its audience, never making them bored or annoyed, but instead anticipating and intrigued. There is no doubt that even the most stubborn moviegoer will find one thing he likes in this film, and can convince anyone that Shakespeare can be fresh and loved in any year.

“Much Ado” could make a great family outing, provided everyone in the family is mature enough to understand the language and sit through the few risqué scenes that grant a PG-13 rating. Overall, it is a must-see, while it is in theaters. Its limited release began June 21, and the film is yet another masterpiece from Joss Whedon.

Rachel Scola •

The Oaks
8600 John Mosby Highway
Upperville, Va. 20184
www.upperville.com

TWILIGHT POLO SATURDAYS:

Twilight Polo is back and here to stay until Sept. 7. Every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. in The Plains enjoy a polo match, hosted by Aspen Dale Winery. The polo matches are perfect for a family night out, with events like tug-of-war for the children, but can also be a fun date night for all couples. After each match, dance awaywith a DJ set in the pavilion. Tickets are $30 a carload.

Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road
The Plains, Va. 20198
www.greatmeadow.org/events/twilight-polo/

7TH ANNUAL VAN METRE POLO CUP:

If you need another filling of polo besides twilight Saturdays, the Van Metre Polo Cup will take place on June 15 at Great Meadow. The celebrity polo players this year include Ignacio Figueras from Ralph Lauren and John Walsh from America’s Most Wanted. The Cup benefits Capital Caring and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Come to watch the celebrity match, dressed in your best pastels and sun hats, of course, knowing that you’re helping a good cause. General Admission tickets are $30.

Great Meadow
5089 Old Tavern Road
The Plains, Va. 20198
www.vanmetrepolocup.com

WEEKLY SAILBOAT RACES:

Wednesday Night Sailboat Races at Annapolis Harbor will run until August 28. Sit dockside to view the some 150 boats race to the finish line at the Annapolis Yacht Club. Continue to kick off your weekend early with their post-race party. Races start at 6 p.m. and last until around 8 p.m.

Annapolis Harbor
2 Compromise Street
Annapolis, Md. 21401
www.annapolisyc.com [gallery ids="101321,151345" nav="thumbs"]

Rachel Scola • July 23, 2013

If you’re planning on traveling through the Key Bridge and M Street, NW intersection at night in the next few days, maybe think again.

Excluding Friday and Saturday nights, there will be overnight lane closures at that intersection on Wednesday, July 24, Thursday, July 25, Monday, July 29, and Tuesday, July 30. It is not scheduled for Sunday, July 28, but that night is an alternate date. The lanes will be closed between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The District Department of Transportation is closing the lanes in order to install vehicle detecting equipment. DDOT says that bridge access will be open at all times.

Temporary signs will remind drivers and guide travelers in the area, and traffic barrels and cones will establish the closed lanes.

Remember that dates can change depending on weather, but right now this is the plan for closures.

Rachel Scola •

We’ve all seen the water bottles that count milligrams to help you consume the recommended daily 2-3 liters of water. The bottles are disguised in trendy colors with words like “quench” graphically displayed and sometimes can be found in your local drugstore, right next to bottles of the vitamins and nutrients we are also recommended to take. It’s hard to consume these routinely, and thus the nutrient-enhanced beverages were born.

Most of us are not strangers to nutrient-enhanced waters. I’m sure each of us has, or has a friend who has, grabbed a VitaminWater instead of a sugary soda during a lunch break. Just in case you are a bit unfamiliar with the world of enhanced drinks, or you are looking to expand your palate, here is a quick list of some choice beverages to taste test for yourself and potentially add to your routine.

Kevita Sparkling Probiotic Drinks: With over eight to choose from, there is bound to be one flavor of these bottled drinks that suits your taste buds. Many options contain coconut water, which has been popular for the past couple years and shows no signs of slowing down. It’s an acquired taste that isn’t necessarily for everyone, but the benefits include high potassium and low calories. Kevita’s drinks are all vegan, certified organic and contains four strains of live probiotics that help your immune and digestive systems. Probiotics are most common in dairy products, but Kevita is fully dairy-, lactose- and even glutenfree.

Recently, it added a daily cleanse option to their collection- a lemon cayenne simplified detox that has less sugar and a lower price tag than other cleanses. A fair warning: the sparkling factor of Kevita, while giving it a unique taste,
can be a bit powerful. Each bottle is under $3. Try the pomegranate black tea as your first step into the Kevita world.

Bluedelta: You know a water company is serious when they have a monthly membership club in the works. The 20-20 club with bluedelta will have cases delivered each month, along with perks like a free case after ever 10 bought and
training and exercise tips. Bluedelta water has an 8.6 pH level, meaning it has higher alkaline levels than your average spring water. These alkaline levels help flush out toxins, strengthen cell membranes and even help promote better circulation. Bluedelta water goes through an electrolysis filtration process to change the pH level and the molecule
structure, making the molecules smaller and easier for your body to absorb. A case of 20 bottles can be bought for $24.99 online.

Blk. Water: Black is the new clear in the world of water if you choose to enjoy this beverage. With marketing and packaging that
is just as unique as this water itself, blk. boasts zero calories, sugars, and carbs and also a pH level of above 8 to help
cleanse your body from toxins. The color comes from the organic fulvic trace minerals that are added to the pure water base. Don’t worry: blk. doesn’t have a thicker consistency and tastes like normal water. It’s not a miracle drink, but with all the celebrity endorsements, drinking it can make you feel a bit more special, and you’ll be happy that you’re helping your body a little bit more by drinking blk. instead of plain tap water. Find it at your grocery store for about $2.

Neuro: You’ve probably seen these in your local drug or grocery store and if you haven’t already tried it, you need to. Neuro has a cultlike fanbase full of celebrities and peers alike, but with great tasting drinks that clock in at 35 calories a serving, its no surprise. Products range from sleep to alert to bliss, but downing the yellow daily drink is a good place to start. Neuro
Daily has a tangerine-citrus flavor and packs vitamins D and C and is designed to enhance your immune system and support your health against daily stresses, sleep deprivation and eating habits. As it grows even more popular, it can
be found in even more stores, but just check your local CVS or social Safeway for a $2.50 bottle.

These are only four options in a growing world of choices (Fresh Market sells coconut water with chia seeds in it. Who would have thought?) Remember to be smart in all your diet choices. None of the above should be substituted instead of a meal. They are only meant to help and enhance your diet and lifestyle. Keep in mind they will not affect everyone the same, but
it’s summertime which is the best time to try new ways of healthy hydration. Bottoms up! [gallery ids="101397,154103" nav="thumbs"]

Rachel Scola • July 22, 2013

Pull out a map and find your detours. A part of K Street, NW, will close this weekend for maintenance activities.

The District Department of Transportation announced that K Street, between 21st and 27th Streets will be closed starting at 10:30 p.m., Friday, July 19 until 5 a.m., Monday, July 22.

The eastbound lanes will close first (westbound will remain open) and on Saturday, July 20, they will reopen and westbound lanes will close. Service lanes and cross streets in the designated section will remain open. Signs will be in place to guide travelers in the area.

DDOT wants drivers and pedestrians to remember to be alert, and that, depending on weather and contractor availability, dates are subject to change.

For more information, contact Project Manager Eric Cole: 202-497-7864.

Rachel Scola • July 17, 2013

The first anniversary calls for a traditional paper gift. The 25th means a gift of silver, and the 50th means gold. But what do you get for a federal territory that is celebrating its 223 anniversary and already has it all?

Yes, the District of Columbia has formally been a territory for 223 years. President George Washington signed the Permanent Seat of Government Act on July 16, 1790, making D.C. the federal capital.

Happy birthday, D.C., as if any of us Washingtonians need more reasons to celebrate this great city and region.

In 1788, James Madison wrote about the importance of a central location for the government. In 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act, approving the creation of a capital on the Potomac River. Congress held its first session in D.C. in November 1800.

Land from Virginia and Maryland was donated to form Washington, although Virginia’s land was later returned to the Old Dominion. The city was named after that first president who chose this very location on the Potomac. Today, the metro area has a population of approximately 5.7 million.

No word yet on who gets to blow out all 223 candles.

Rachel Scola • July 8, 2013

Fireworks, celebration and road closings oh my! The District Department of Transportation is advising participants to take notice of advisories that will impact July 4th travel on Thursday. As always, both motorists and pedestrians should be smart, aware and alert while traveling.

A Capitol 4th Celebration on the National Mall:

No Parking Restrictions from 5 AM to 11 PM:

• 3rd Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW

• 4th Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW

• 7th Street, from Independence to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

• 14th Street, from Independence to Constitution Avenue, NW

• 15th Street, from Constitution to E Street NW

• 17th Street, from Constitution to E Street NW

• Constitution Avenue, both sides, from Pennsylvania Avenue, west to 23rd Street, NW

• 10th Street, NW, between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues, NW

• 14th Street, NW, between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues, NW

• C Street, NW, from 17th to 18th Street (Both Sides)

Virginia Avenue, NW from Constitution Avenue to 21st Street, NW.

Streets Closed from 6 AM to 11 PM

• 4th Street from Independence Avenue, SW to Constitution Avenue, NW

• 7th Street from Independence Avenue, SW to Constitution Avenue, NW

• 15th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Maine Avenue, SW

• 17th Street from Independence Avenue, SW to E Street, NW

• 19th Street, NW from C Street to Constitution Avenue

• 20th Street, NW from C Street to Constitution Avenue

• 21st Street, NW from C Street to Constitution Avenue

• 22nd Street, NW from C Street to Constitution Avenue

• 23rd Street, NW from Independence Avenue, SW to C Street, NW

• Virginia Avenue, NW from 18th Street to 20th Street

• Constitution Avenue, NW from 14th Street to 23rd Street

• Independence Avenue, SW from 14th Street to 23rd Street

July 4th Parade:

The total amount of time for the parades will be from about 1:30 AM to 5 PM. However, from 9 AM to 6 PM, Constitution Avenue NE will be closed between 7th and 23rd Streets. Also closed, 7th Street NW from Constitution Avenue NW to Independence Avenue SW.

Palisades & Capitol Hill Parades:

Both of these parades will have rolling closures throughout. They take place in the middle of the day, with the Palisades lasting from 12-2 and Capitol Hill running from 10-12.

After the evening’s fireworks, DDOT will be running Operation Fast-Forward to allow organizations to manage traffic and test evacuation plans. Signals will be retimed to allow those exiting the city more time; the total operation should take about 60 minutes. The routes are as follows:

• Constitution Avenue NW from Pennsylvania to Theodore Roosevelt Bridge

• Eastbound Pennsylvania from 3rd Street NW to Southern Avenue SE

• Southbound 14th Street from Pennsylvania NW to C Street SW

• Westbound K Street NW from 17th Street to Whitehurst Freeway, Canal Road and Chain Bridge

DDOT reminds everyone that parking will be very restricted on the 4th, and laws will be heavily enforced. Public transportation is recommended. For more information visit their website.

Rachel Scola • June 20, 2013

Nothing blows off steam like laughing so hard your stomach hurts and tears stream down your face. This season, the Warner Theatre has a great variety of comedians who are sure to keep you laughing all night long–maybe all summer long.

Seth Meyers: Most widely known for his head writer status at Saturday Night Live, Seth Meyers will take the stage June 21. Last month, it was announced Meyers will be taking over NBCs “Late Night” show next year. So, make sure to see his stand up, while he still has the time to tour. Tickets are $35.

Daniel Tosh: Daniel Tosh, host of Comedy Central’s Tosh.0, will do four shows at Warner — two a night on June 22 and 23. Tosh’s popularity and status has only been growing the past couple of years. While he is most well-known for poking fun of others on his show, his stand-up is definitely worth seeing. Tickets range from $60 to $75.

Tracy Morgan: After gaining popularity from “Saturday Night Live,” Morgan went on to star in Tina Fey’s NBC sitcom “30 Rock,” which just had its series finale. Morgan has often been in the news for political incorrectness but will no doubt put on a hilarious show. Tickets are $35 for the June 29 show.

Crimson Comedy Jam: Joe Torry will host this fun and memorable night full of Delta comics, as seen on BET and HBO. Keep in mind that no minors are allowed at this show. The July 13 performance has tickets ranging from $45 to $50.

Future: Tickets for both Russell Brand and John Oliver went on sale June 12, and be sure to mark your calendars for both of these English gentlemen. Brand is a comedian and actor, known for his role in the film, “Get Him to the Greek,” and his memoir, “My Booky Wook.” Oliver is best known for being a correspondent on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show.” Oliver will be taking over as the show’s host for a few months, while Stewart works on another project–and also hosts a satirical podcast of his own.

Rachel Scola • June 17, 2013

The official first day of summer will soon be here, but before we start celebrating the new season it’s time to celebrate fathers. Not sure what to get dad this year? Check out the following and find the perfect gift. Maybe even stray away from a tie this year.

Sprinkles Cupcakes: Sprinkles is running a special promotion for Father’s Day, “the Dad box.” It contains a dozen cupcakes in four flavors: peanut butter chip, red velvet, black and white and vanilla milk chocolate. The box has Sprinkles’ signature stars and sugar decorations, making it a delicious and unique gift for this year.

Apple: We all know the Apple store can be a go-to place when a new computer is needed. But the accessories it has piled together for Father’s Day offer selections, such as headphones, speakers, and even a cooking thermometer that’s compatible with an iPhone or iPad, that make perfect gifts for this holiday. Even if dad isn’t the most tech-savvy guy, these Apple accessories are easy to use and will make a memorable and useful gift.

Georgetown Tobacco: Find a unique gift from an assortment of tobaccos, pipes, and cigars. Even if the father you’re buying for doesn’t smoke, Georgetown Tobacco also offers other gift ideas, like mugs and cuff links. It’s the perfect place to find something a little different and out of the ordinary for this year.

Clyde’s & the Tombs: Clyde’s offers both gift cards and gift coins which make a perfect gift for dad to enjoy later in the future. The gift card gives him the option of taking you out to thank you for the gift or it could let him enjoy a night out with old friends. If the Tombs is already a favorite for him, a Tombs shirt, hat or beer mug would make a simple and thoughtful gift.

Vineyard Vines: With its well-recognized whale logo, you can’t go wrong with anything from Vineyard Vines to spruce up a man’s wardrobe. VV started as a tie business though, so if you really can’t resist buying dad a tie this year, any from their collection will last him for a good time and is sure to bring in compliments. This year, with any $300 purchase, you can get a free limited-edition Father’s Day tie. Hurry before they run out!