News & Politics

Gary Tischler • March 15, 2012

“Game Change,” the HBO movie about the selection of then virtually unknown Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to be Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s vice-presidential running mate, has come if not gone, leaving behind a certain amount of controversy and some unsettling thoughts.

The movie, based on a much larger account of the 2008 presidential campaign by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin in which the McCain-Palin story was a smallish part. “Game Change” premiered in New York and at Washington’s Newseum, with red-carpet stars like Julianne Moore in attendance (actually, the carpet was blue at the Newseum’s March 8 reception), amid local rehashing of old Palin and McCain campaign tales.

Palin dismissed and trashed the movie without having seen it. That’s too bad, because in reality — if there is such a thing in politics — she comes off as much more of a whole person than one might expect from such efforts. McCain also attacked the filmmakers for their treatment of Palin, being ever the gentleman about his expressions of feeling toward Palin and his choice of Palin as running mate. This way, he also doesn’t have to take responsibility for unleashing Palin’s particular gift for creating disharmony in the body politic.

When all is said and done, however, you’re left with a film that has its own sort of power and manages to be a work that feels like a more-or-less truthful, if slightly fictional account of the Palin’s selection and her subsequent impact on the 2008 election campaign.

Movies about politics and government often don’t fare well. There are few that resonate through the years, although Robert Redford’s “The Candidate” Otto Preminger’s “Advice and Consent,” about a nominee for secretary of state, and Gore Vidal’s “The Best Man,” which is getting a Broadway revival, are terrific examples of the genre.

“Game Change” reminds us more than anything of Mike Nichols’s film version of “Primary Colors,” the thinly disguised, hugely entertaining tale of what it was like on Bill Clinton’s campaign trail in 1992, with John Travolta playing an exuberantly hungry Clintonian-like character with Emma Thompson in the Hillary role.

“Game Change” is about real folks — as real as politicians can be — and it sinks or swims with Moore’s portrait of Palin which is so eerily dead on the mark that she pushes Palin right through the clichés and ticks of her own caricature — some of it self created, some by a both fawning and aggressive press.

Woody Harrelson plays Steve Schmidt, a senior political strategist and adviser to McCain, who had been brought on board after the campaign appeared to be in absolute shambles. With McCain surviving early setbacks, he rolled to front-runner status and eventual winner. The selection of Palin, as indicated in the film and in other accounts, was something of an illusory, smoke-and-mirror process with hopes of finding “a game changer” to electrify McCain’s campaign. McCain himself appears to have wanted Joe Lieberman, the Democrat who supported his candidacy.

What’s scary in this film is how little Palin, a popular, dramatic, charismatic, conservative and political novice — not to mention policy-know-nothing — was vetted by McCain’s staff. Harrelson’s Schmidt, confronted about not asking her policy questions or testing her knowledge of foreign affairs, frustratingly says he didn’t ask her and instead wanted to make sure that she knew all that was about to drop on her media-wise.

Palin dove in with relish, and with very few doubt, despite of the fact she had a teenaged daughter that was about to become an unwed mother, that there was a scandal brewing that became her own state trooper problem and that she knew next to nothing about foreign affairs—including who was the political leader of Great Britain.

Moore manages to make you her feel for her, by showing the determination as well as the anguish and frustration she was going through as the campaign exposed her ignorance. The movie would have it that she came close to a breakdown, surrounded by McCain’s mostly male and not very friendly operatives. Watching her watch herself being ridiculed by Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live is a gem of acting.

What we see here are things we already knew in some ways — to dwell on Katie Couric’s interview on CBS News is to resurrect a nightmare. An even bigger nightmare is what happens when Palin came into her own and displayed her natural political gifts. Such were Palin’s ability to connect to the folks which would later become the core members of the Tea Party, her ability to rabble rouse, her considerable charm and charisma and her very naked ambition.

If “Game Change” isn’t entirely objective — the overall portrait of Palin is hardly flattering but also seems accurate — it provides a solid, fascinating portrait of the campaign mentality and political process in action. What we’re watching now with the Republican primary is an echo of that campaign, its by-products coming home like chickens roosting.

To see more images from the premiere of “Game Change” click here [gallery ids="100532,119974,119947,119967,119956,119964" nav="thumbs"]

Michelle Kingston •

With 47 million people suffering from sleep deprivation and 43 percent of American’s claiming they rarely get a good night’s sleep, according to a University of Minnesota study, it is no wonder there is now a National Sleep Awareness Week. The events, which ran March 5 through 11, focused on screenings and educating the public on how to get some proper shut eye. What may come as a shocker to most of us, however, is what follows NSAW: Daylight Saving Time (DST).

Why do we lose an hour of sleep after being told how beneficial it is to sleep well?

Daylight Saving Time began in World War I to conserve energy. Five years ago, the date in which we change the clocks moved to the second Sunday in March. Regardless of when we have to do it, we have to do it. And, boy, is it tough.

This year, from March 11 until November 4 (unless you’re in Arizona, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands), our clocks spring forward an hour and force us to lose an hour of sleep. Not only do we suffer a groggy Monday, but we are also putting ourselves at risk.

Charles Cziesler, M.D., Ph.D., who is the chief of the division of sleep medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and professor and director of the division of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School, says that cutting just one hour of sleep might not sound like a big deal but that springing forward increases the risk of car crashes and heart attacks significantly.

While driving statistics show only 1 percent of drivers crash because of drowsiness each year, this still totals 1.9 million drivers. A 1996 study found that the number of car accidents on the Monday after the beginning of Daylight Saving Time increase, the Huffington Post reported.

Heart attacks are more common because of the effects of sleep deprivation. Less sleep equals more buildup in arteries that leads to heart attacks. Also, people who get less sleep are often overweight and are at risk for heart problems even before the time change.

The good news: Sam J. Sugar, M.D., director of sleep services at the Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa, said that, although it can take up to a week to adjust to the hour lost, for most people it will only take a few days to be back on track. “Our brains are incredibly good at adjusting to anything we throw at them,” she said. “For almost everybody, it isn’t a problem.”

Also try to get some sun if you are feeling the time change. Robert Oexman, M.D., director of the Sleep to Live Institute said, “Sunlight helps us ‘retrain’ our circadian clocks and allows us to get back on the right time.”

If that isn’t enough, we can always catch up on our sleep in November, which is just a short eight months away.

Jeff Malet • March 12, 2012

Over 13,000 gathered for the annual AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington D.C. on March 4-6, 2012. AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is a pro-Israel lobby group. Speakers included Presdent Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Shimon Peres and many of the GOP Presidential Candidates. View our pictures by clicking on the photo icons below. [gallery ids="100525,119337,119330,119354,119321,119361,119313,119367,119305,119374,119346" nav="thumbs"]

Jody Kurash •

On Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, the world lost a bit of its sparkle, and the sun shone a little less brilliantly. Glenn Sorvisto lost his battle of more than two years with cancer. He passed peacefully in my arms, his suffering put to an end.

As someone who has written hundreds of stories — most recently, for the Georgetowner — I still cannot begin to piece together the words to describe the beautiful, gentle psyche and the magical person that made up Glenn.

Truly a national treasure, Glenn was a special being who loved all, a drummer and performer whose true genius reached beyond music. He had the passion of a madman, and the unbridled and uncompromising spirit to always do things his own way with a sense of style and flair unlike any other. His heart was a precious jewel.

I cherish every moment we had together, our adventures, explorations, the fun times, the good stories, the laughs, the smiles and tears of joy. Glenn’s time on this earth was short, but he touched so many.

Some say he marched to the beat of a different drummer, but Glenn did more than that. He was his own drummer, who wrote his own song, always staying true to himself, always an individual, unfettered by others.

Glenn will always be a part of all of us. I remember my solo travels, when Glenn would hide notes and gifts in my bag. I would venture with a basket, collecting experiences, photos and stories we could share together when I came home. I would eagerly anticipate Glenn waiting for me at the airport, wearing a goofy outfit, holding a funny sign or bearing a silly gift. I hope Glenn received an equally marvelous greeting when he arrived at his new destination: an existence free of pain, in a Willy Wonka-like place filled with drums, flowers, plaid pants and birds. I hope he found the paradise that we both dreamed about — a beachside cantina with perfect bodysurfing waves, ice-cold beers, ten-cent tacos and Glenn headlining the entertainment every night.

Glenn will live on through his music. He was a talented drummer and singer appearing on dozens of CDs. His first band, the Hates from Houston, were on the cutting edge of the punk movement in the late 1970s. In San Francisco in the early 1980s, his band Arkansas Man was a critical favorite, touring with Johnny Lydon’s post-Sex Pistol project, Public Image Limited. Their band posters are featured in “The Art of Rock” by Paul Griushkin, and their debut album was recently released on CD and iTunes.
Later in New York, he toured nationally and throughout Europe with the groups WOO and Happy New Year. His musical talents are featured on albums from the Molecules, The Three Terrors and Rev.99. His most recent collaboration was with the Baltimore-based Pleasant Livers, which was named by the Baltimore City Paper as “the Best Band to See Live.”

Born in Arizona, Glenn, 51, spent his childhood in Vancouver, Canada, Australia and Colorado. A traveler throughout his life, he ventured throughout Europe, Latin America and the South Pacific. He travels still.

Jody Kurash, a writer for The Georgetowner, is part-owner of a Georgetown business and a retired Associated Press photojournalist.

Georgetowner •

ArtJamz Opens First Retail Location

March 9th, 2012 at 10:00 AM | $65 | Event Website

Come enjoy beer, wine, vitaminwater zero, Fuel Pizza, a canvas to paint and keep, unlimited acrylic paints, brushes, art materials and tips from ArtJamz Creative Enablers

Address

1742 Connecticut Ave NW 20009

Book Signing With Kristi Yamaguchi

March 10th, 2012 at 10:00 AM

Olympic gold medalist, Dancing with the Stars champion and New York Times best selling author of her debut children’s book, Dream Big, Little Pig! will be signing her 2nd book, It’s A Big World, Little Pig!

Address

4:30 pm- Washington DC Public Library
901 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20001

Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro: Are We There Yet?

March 11th, 2012 at 11:00 AM | Tel: (202) 639- 1700 | Event Website

A debut exhibition by Australian duo Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro

Address

Corcoran Gallery of Art

500 17th Street

Washington, D.C. 2000

United States Marine Band

March 12th, 2012 at 07:30 PM | FREE | Event Website

“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band presents a Gala Concert with Guest Conductor, Gerard Schwarz

The Music Center at Strathmore

5301 Tuckerman Lane

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Pink Tie Party

March 20th, 2012 at 07:00 PM | $200 | Event Website

The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s signature Pink Tie Party fundraiser kicks off the blossom season at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel. The party features delicious spring- and cherry-inspired cuisine and cocktails from chef hosts José Andrés and Roy Yamaguchi as well as more than 35 of Washington’s top chefs. A silent auction contributes to the fundraising, with everything from weekend getaways to dining, sporting, theater and concert experiences. 7 to 11 p.m.; $200 per person.

Address

The Mayflower® Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel

1127 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20036

Marit Fosso •

March 8 is officially International Women’s Day and is celebrated with events all around the world. The celebrations range from acknowledging women’s achievements to general appreciation and love for women. It was begun in 1909 by the Socialist Party of America. This was a time when women could not vote and suffered sex discrimination in their jobs and elsewhere. It has since evolved beyond political and economic goals and earned itself a Google doodle this year.

No matter what your reasons for wanting to celebrate women, International Women’s Day presents a great opportunity to spoil a special lady or two with a night out. Whether it’s a mother, sister, daughter, wife or girlfriend who deserves to be celebrated, Georgetown holds a number of lovely eateries to enjoy.

Get organic chocolate-covered strawberries from Godiva, and go for a stroll along the Potomac. Take her to Mie n Yu for Silk Road-inspired regional American cuisine, or enjoy the seasonal and fresh rustic Italian food at Piccolo. Enjoy a bubbly toast for women at one of Georgetown’s many bars or lounges, such as Cafe Bonaparte, Peacock Cafe, Das Ethiopian Restaurant, Clyde’s or 1789 Restaurant.

If you don’t have the time to take your women out tonight, flowers can be a nice compensation as they are a symbol of International Women’s Day. Another nice gesture is to donate money to women’s causes. The United Nations’ theme for the International Women’s Day 2012 is “Empower Women – End Hunger and Poverty.” That could be a good place to start.

Jeff Malet • March 8, 2012

What is billed as the “Largest Parade Celebrating Washington’s Birthday in the USA” kicked off in Old Town Alexandria on President’s Day, February 20, 2012. See our photos of the bands, floats, reenactment units and George Washington himself by clicking on the photo icons below.

View additional photos by clicking here.
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Michelle Kingston •

Instead of sitting at a bar to rewind after a long week, why not try painting?

ArtJamz, a company that has been holding art sessions around Washington, D.C., since 2010, will open its very first retail location March 9.

The first session was held at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. Since then, the group has hosted almost 80 and has provided more than 4,000 customers with creativity, food and drinks.

To celebrate the 800-square-foot new, cozy home, ArtJamz is hosting “Dupont Studio Launch Sessions” throughout March. For $65, eat, drink and paint while receiving tips and tricks from ArtJamz’s “creative enablers.” Along with unlimited use of paints, brushes and art materials, they’ll provide beer, wine, bottled water and pizza while artists work on painting a canvas that you can take home.

Although the group has a place of its own, ArtJamz’s “chief creative enabler,” Michael M. Clements, says, “Pop-up sessions are in our blood. We will be continuing our partnership with the Smithsonian American Art Museum as well as other pop-up sessions at cool and unusual places.”

ArtJamz is family-friendly, too. From noon to 4 p.m. on weekends, the store offers KidsJamz. Two-hour sessions are $40.

Located at 1742 Connecticut Ave., N.W., the studio is taking reservations at www.artjamzdc.com.
[gallery ids="100515,118828" nav="thumbs"]

Patrick G. Ryan •

On February 22,2012, President Obama speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African and American History & Culture on Wednesday morning. Just like the Air and Space Museum challenges us to set our sights higher, or the Natural History Museum encourages us to look closer, or the Holocaust Museum calls us to fight persecution wherever we find it, this museum should inspire us as well. It should stand as proof that the most important things in life rarely come quickly or easily. It should remind us that although we have yet to reach the mountaintop, we cannot stop climbing.

To read more visit snarkinfested.com [gallery ids="102434,121491,121486,121498" nav="thumbs"]

Georgetowner •

Arthur Phillips: The Tragedy of Arthur

February 24th, 2012 at 07:00 PM | FREE | Event Website

Phillips discusses The Tragedy of Arthur, his novel about about a newly discovered — and fictional — play by Shakespeare.

Address

Folger Shakespeare Library

201 East Capitol Street SE

Washington, DC

20003

Free Computer Tune-Up

February 24th, 2012 at 07:00 PM | FREE | Event Website

Bring your computer in for a Free Tune-UP.

Optimize your hard drive

Remove unnecessary start-up programs

Clean up junk files

Provide free upgrade recommendations

Blow the dust out of your computer and clean the screen

Address

2010 P St NW,

Washington, DC

2012 DC Design House Bare Bones Tour

February 25th, 2012 at 10:00 AM | Event Website

From 10-3PM, DC Design House Bare Bones Tour benefits the Children’s National Medical Center. $5 (can be applied to the purchase of a $20 ticket for the DC Design House, April 14-May 13).
Last chance to see the 5th Annual DC Design House spaces BEFORE the 23 designers begin transforming the rooms. In 37 days, the spaces will be stunning, reflective of the top DC design talent in the DC area.

Address

4951 Rockwood Parkway, NW,

Washington DC (in Spring Valley)

FREE Puppy Playtime!

February 25th, 2012 at 10:00 AM | Event Website

FREE puppy socialization class with our Certified Dog Trainer. Please bring proof of vaccination (first round of puppy shots required.)

Address

855 Wisconsin Ave NW,

Washington, DC 20007

Blast at Bibiana

February 27th, 2012 at 06:30 PM | Event Website

Join Washington Women and Wine at Bibiana Osteria- Enoteca with NBC 4 Anchor, Angie Goff for dinner

Address

Bibiana Osteria- Enoteca

1100 New York Avenue NW

Hardy PTA Fundraiser at Town Hall

February 27th, 2012 at 05:00 PM |

Join the Hardy PTA for a fundraiser, Monday, Feb. 27 at Town Hall Restaurant.

Town Hall Restaurant – located at 2340 Wisconsin Avenue, just up the hill from Hardy – will donate 15 percent of the night’s proceeds to the PTA. Bring your friends and neighbors, meet other Hardy parents, enjoy a great meal, and support the Hardy PTA! Come anytime between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Address

2340 Wisconsin Ave NW,

Washington, DC 20007