Daughters of Politics: Kara Kennedy and Eleanor Mondale
• September 26, 2011

The children of American politicians — especially those politicians who loom large in the public imagination and history books — are always bathed in a kind of reflective light that lasts longer than perhaps it should and is more intense than it might be for the children of less famous parents.

When those children pass away unexpectedly and too soon, memories are recalled. When we lose two in the space of a weekend, the memories are larger and thicker. The deaths of Kara Kennedy, oldest child of Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Eleanor Mondale, daughter of former vice president and presidential aspirant Walter Mondale, both at the age of 51, come as a shock and invoke memories of their families, historical and political times, and most of all each of the women’s singular spirits.

Kara Kennedy, who had apparently beaten back the threat of lung cancer with tough, draining treatments, reportedly died after working out at a health club. Her brother, Patrick, acting as the family’s spokesman, was quoted as saying “her heart gave out.” She was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003.

Kara Kennedy was a filmmaker, a video and television producer, a board member of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, and a director and national trustee of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

She is survived by her brothers Patrick and Edward Kennedy, Jr., her mother Joan Kennedy, her husband Michael Allen and two teenage children, Grace and Max, and the rest of the extended Kennedy family.

There is no escaping that part of her story — she was born in 1960 when her father was campaigning for his brother John F. Kennedy in his heated race against Richard Nixon for the U.S. Presidency, and not too long thereafter her father won a tough Senate race. She was born to a life where politics and history were only a breath away. She and her brother Edward helped run her father’s senate campaign in 1988.

Her battle with illness and her deep interest in Very Special Arts, which was founded by her aunt Jean Kennedy Smith, speak to the Kennedy name and its triumphs, tragedies and compassionate efforts.

Ted Kennedy, who had a failed presidential run but was deemed the “Lion of the Senate,” was the last of the four great brothers – Joe, John, and Robert. Joe was killed in World War II, and John and Robert were assassinated while Ted died of a brain tumor. Kara Kennedy accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her father in 2009, shortly before he passed away.

Those facts don’t begin to tell the Kennedy saga: They’re like its sharpened, jagged outline. It seems every time we lose a Kennedy, we mourn them all again and reflect on their achievements and lives as individuals and as part of the family.

Eleanor Mondale was in her twenties, vivid and as sparkling as a glass of champagne when her father, a huge political figure in Minnesota and former vice president under Jimmy Carter, decided to challenge Republican President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Mondale won the nomination and made Geraldine Ferraro his running mate, the first time a woman had been so picked. The choice was a ground breaking event, and enlivened what sometimes seemed like a doomed result, which was a crushing defeat for Mondale.

Eleanor Mondale, blonde, smart, charming and lively, gamely campaigned for her father and in the aftermath carved out her own career in the media as a radio show host and entertainment writer. She also did some acting including small parts in “Dynasty” and “Three’s Company” as well as being a constant focus for paparazzi. She was one of those people who seemed to attract the light without trying too hard — she was witty and photogenic, and more than one media type had dubbed her a “wild child.”

That may have had something to do with her personal life. She was married three times and tended to be attracted to athletes and rock stars, marrying Chicago Bears lineman Keith Van Horne, DJ Greg Thunder and Chan Poling of the rock group The Suburbs. She and Poling, whom she married in 2005, lived on a farm in Prior Lake, Minn.

Eleanor Mondale was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2005.

Protestors Rally Against Death Penalty
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Approximately 45 minutes after the convicted cop killer, Troy Davis, was executed, protestors outside the Supreme Court were already speaking out about what’s next to come in their battle against the Death Penalty.

At 11:08 p.m. Wednesday night, Troy Davis was executed for the murder of a Savannah off-duty police officer, Mark MacPhail, in 1989.

Protestors stood at the bottom of the steps of the Supreme Court even into the early minutes of Thursday morning, Sept. 22. They had been out front nearly all Wednesday giving their support to Davis’ case, according to Jack Payden-Travers, one of the protestors wearing a blue shirt that read “I am Troy Davis.”

“I think what’s happened tonight and today, in the whole Troy Davis affair, has been years in the making,” Payden-Travers said as he reflected on his time spent there in front of the Supreme Court building. “I think that tonight’s execution may be the end of the death penalty.”

Many protestors have argued that there was simply not enough evidence to be sure Davis was guilty and many of them bring up the fact that seven of the nine witnesses against him had recanted their stories, according to sources in a CNN report.

However, the MacPhail family feels quite opposite about the innocence of Davis.

The Associated Press talked with MacPhail’s mother, Anneliese MacPhail, after the execution was complete. She dismissed Davis’ claims of innocence and said that the family feels that justice had finally been served.

Demonstrators outside the prison where Davis was to be executed began hugging, crying, praying and gathering around Davis’ family after the Supreme Court commented on their decision to not free him of the execution, the Associated Press wrote.

Davis claimed that he was innocent during the moments leading up to his execution and also made a statement, according to the Washington Post, that “the incident that happened that night is not my fault.” He left his supporters with the words “continue to fight the fight,” referring to the fight against the Death Penalty the Washington Post also wrote.

For protestors such as Jack Payden-Travers, “The Death Penalty will end,” he said, “it’s just a matter of when.” Payden-Travers hopes that for the people that turned out for Troy, the Death Penalty ended tonight.”

Late on Wednesday evening in front of the Supreme Court, Payden-Travers led the crowd of people in what he described as a custom that is used in Latin America when someone dies. The crowd shouted in the silence, “Troy Davis! Presente! Troy Davis! Presente! Troy Davis! Presente!”
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Leave Your Car at Home Today
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Every Sept. 22 on World Car-Free Day, the world is supposed to be a little bit cleaner. “We don’t have to accept our car-dominated society,” according to WorldCarFree.net, the organizers behind this annual event.

The local organizer, Car Free Day Metro D.C., gives you tips on how to be car free or car-light in the Washington Metropolitan Area, listing several optional recourses like Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority on their website CarFreeMetroDC.com.

Organizers in the Washington area say that more than 9,000 people have pledged to participate in World Car-Free Day on Thursday, according to Associated Press, published in The Washington Post. On CarFreeMetroDC.com, everyone, including those who never use a car, can pledge to be car free by submitting a form. By pledging, you get a chance to win prizes like an Apple iPad. Pledging deadline is 5 p.m.

This annual event, which started in 2000, builds on the tradition of ad hoc car free days organized around the world since the 1970s. The World Carfree Network is now a global organization, encouraging and helping local organizations organize car free activities.

Between Rain Drops, Fashion’s Night Out Parties On
• September 22, 2011

The show went on Sept. 8 despite the seemingly endless rain. Fashion’s Night Out in Georgetown involved businesses up and down Wisconsin Avenue and east and west along M Street. From Urban Chic down to M29, from a book signing at Appalachian Spring to fashion shows at Betsey Johnson and at the Latham Hotel, and over to the PNC parking lot for a photo booth and the Georgetowner office for a model shoot by Patrick Ryan, fashion fun-seekers checked out the scene. Dean & Deluca offered food and wine along with a deejay, and L2 Lounge was the place for the pre-party to kick off the night.

Started two years ago in New York, Fashion’s Night Out came to Georgetown last year with the help of the Georgetown Business Improvement District and other businesses. The Georgetown BID took the lead again this year. The co-hosts involved some favorite, fashionable usual suspects: Mary Amons, Annie Lou Bayly, Katherine Boyle, Kelly Collis, Marie Coleman, Rachel Cothran, Jeff Dufour, Lynda Erkiletian, Angie Goff, Walter Grio, Philippa Hughes, Samy K, Svetlana Legetic, Kate Michael, Sarah Schaffer, Janice Wallace, Andre Wells and Paul Wharton.

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Fall Arts Preview at The Ralls Collection
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The Georgetowner would like to thank everyone who came to our Fall Arts Preview event last Monday at The Ralls Collection. Our beautiful venue was made even better by a night filled with wonderful company. A special thanks to Marsha Ralls for hosting the event and to all the companies and organizations who donated prizes for our raffle drawing. [gallery ids="100289,107432,107453,107437,107449,107442,107446" nav="thumbs"]

Weekend Roundup August 25, 2011
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War of 1812 Commemoration: Self-Guided Themed Tours

August 27, 2011 | 11-3PM |

Washington in flames could be seen as far away as Baltimore on August 24, 1814. Honor the anniversary of Dolley Madison’s flight, first to “Belle Vue” (today known as Dumbarton House), as the British advanced on Washington. Learn about the capital city during the War of 1812. After touring the museum, enjoy a sampling of “Dolley Cake,” Mrs. Madison’s favorite, a delicious caramel confection – while supplies last! Regular admission fee applies.

Address

The Dumbarton House

2715 Q St NW

Telephone: 202-337-2288

Sunday Community Yoga Class

August 28, 2011

Leanne Davis, our quarterly instructor and local yoga guru, leads a Vinyasa flow class, this and every Sunday in our in-store studio. Everyone is welcome; class is suitable for beginners and those more experienced in their practice. Bring a mat. Bring some water. And join us!

Address

Lululemon Athletica

3265 M St NW

Heidi Martin Sings George Gershwin!

September 1, 2011

Join us for a seated concert in the contemporary Belle Vue Room ballroom at Dumbarton House for our first-ever Gershwin concert. Chanteuse Heidi Martin will delight with classic Gershwin standards such as “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” and many more! Two sets of different music, and you are welcome to attend one or stay for both! Fee,concessions cash sales only.

Address

The Dumbarton House

2715 Q St NW

Telephone: 202-337-2288

Wine in the Water Park

September 2nd, 2011 at 07:00 PM | Free Admission |

Wine in the Water Park brings the mood-setting, ambient music of DJ Adrian Loving, wine and beer carefully selected by the Washington Wine Academy, and free snacks from Jaleo to the Crystal City Water Park (across from 1750 Crystal Drive). Taking place every Friday in September (September 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th) from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the event gives residents, office workers, and visitors a great place to unwind after the work week.

Address

Crystal City Water Park (across from 1750 Crystal Drive)

International Salute Gala Dinner
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On August 24, 2011 at the National Building Museum, the National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. has created the International Salute Gala Dinner to honor global leaders for peace. This formal dinner will initiated five days of Dedication events and commemorates the men and women who continue to pursue the dream of global peace and social equality, a goal championed by Dr. King in his universal message. [gallery ids="100277,107099,107115,107111,107107,107104" nav="thumbs"]

Obama’s Georgetown Visit Upsets Some Residents
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Yesterday evening, President Obama attended a fundraiser for the Democratic Party in Georgetown. The fundraiser was in the home of Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, former ambassador to Portugal, in northeastern Georgetown. Visits by Obama are usually welcomed in the area, but yesterday surrounding streets were closed for a long period of time, preventing people from getting home. One of the residents in the area, Ronda Bernstein, expressed her discontent in a Georgetown forum saying, as quoted in the Georgetown Patch, that “…it is UNACCEPTABLE for them to close off the sidewalks to those of us who live here and need to get home because the President is being entertained.”

Make Room on the Streets of Georgetown
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Yet another high-end men’s retailer is moving into Georgetown this September, according to the Washington Post. HMX Group’s store Streets of Georgetown will join the ranks of Jack Spade and Brooks Brothers, other newcomers to the M Street and Wisconsin Avenue menswear scene.

The new location will sell all six of HMX Group’s labels: Hickey Freeman, Hart Schaffner Marx, Bobby Jones, Exclusively Misook, Coppley and Christopher Blue. The brands range in style and price from very high to more moderately priced suits and casual-dress attire.

The company, which is based in New York City, is opening a similar store in Beverly Hills. Streets of Georgetown will replace Reiss at 1254 Wisconsin Ave., NW.
“There’s a new paradigm for the specialty store,” said Joseph Abboud, president and chief creative officer of HMX, to the Washington Post Aug. 21. “We want to show the full breadth of these brands in a laboratory, where we can try new things, test new things and see what the market will bear.”

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‘Tosca’ at the Washington National Opera
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There are at least three good reasons to see the Washington National Opera Company’s production of “Tosca” at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House.

They are Patricia Racette, Alan Held and Frank Paretta, the principals in this hugely popular and classically melodramatic opera. The fourth is Giacamo Puccini once again displaying all the reasons why he’s up there with Wagner, Verdi and even Mozart as composers of enduring operas.

“Tosca”— one of Pucinni’s three great operas that includes “La Boeheme” and “Madame Butterfly”—is probably the least familiar among his works, maybe because of its less comfortable setting (Rome in the time of the Naoleonic forays into Italy in the early 19th century) and because it isn’t stuffed with long arias or overly crowded with secondary characters. It’s Tosca, her boyfriend and her nemesis, and the rest are window dressings with lesser functions.
But Tosca, an almost feverishly passionate and direct woman, volatile as a volcano, is the main show.

She is an artist, a renowned singer (from whence we get the word diva, apparently), who’s in love with another artist, the appealing painter Cavaradossi, who sings like an angel on top of everything else. But then there’s Count Scarpia (a villain by any other name, but especially this one), the chief of the secret police, relentless, cruel, completely amoral, who’ll torture and kill anyone who gets in the way of what he wants. In this case, he wants Tosca and he’s got Cavaradossi, who’s hiding a rebel in his estate.

Scarpia puts Tosca in an impossible situation—he promises to let Cavaradossi go—staging a “fake” execution” if she succumbs to his advances, although he’s already come closing to raping her. But Scarpia has underestimated his prey even as she’s appearing to agree to the devil’s bargain.

And so it goes—love, murder, passion, betrayal and it all ends very badly, about as badly for all concerned as you get. “Tosca” puts the T into operatic tragedy to say the least. But this is what we want in tragedy—the fun and the kind of feeling and music can you get out of a happily-ever-after. Imagine if Romeo and Juliet had lived and gotten married. Not so much.

Puccini is every the innovator here: the arias—including the famous duet in the last act—are nothing less that focused, concise and powerful, not leaving room for anything less than powerful emotions. “Tosca,” like the upcoming “Lucia di Lammermoor,” is of course in the grand tradition of high dudgeon melodrama, full of improbabilities not the least of which was someone charging on stage announcing that “we’ve lost the battle.” “What battle?” you might ask, but never mind. A little thing like that never stopped lust, lost love and mayhem.

And Racette—who’s known far and wide for her “Tosca”—justifies the acclaim with her beautiful soprano voice, singing strongly and clearly, with very little, if any, showboating and a consistent acting performance that makes Tosca a full-bodied, full-blooded character.

Held, a bass—baritone who’s building a solid resume with Wagnerian performances, makes an imposing Scarpia, a man with giant appetites and a fierce, dangerous quality. He’s bigger than life and casts a huge presence. He’s answerable to no one, and you get a good idea of that when he sings of his plans and desires for Tosca wile a “Te Deum” can be heard in the background.

Tenor Frank Paretta, mainly through his gorgeous singing and his chin-out stances of bravery makes Cavaradocci a heroic, romantic figure.

You can also get a glimpse of opera legend Placido Domingo, no longer the man in charge at the WNO, but conducting for this production.

“Tosca” is the first WNO production in its new affiliation with the Kennedy Center and it’s a popular choice and a focused execution that delivers the considerable virtues of the work, it roars with melodrama, and affecting singing and performances.