News & Politics

Jeff Malet • October 31, 2011

The annual gathering of more than 3,000 Christian conservatives and elected officials was a joint production of the Family Research Council and other social conservative groups. Gay marriage, abortion, religion and the upcoming presidential election dominated the discussion at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington DC on October 7-8, 2011. Featured speakers included most of the Republican Presidential Candidates. (All photos by Jeff Malet)

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Georgetowner •

International education must adapt or face destruction, global educators said at the U.S.-India Higher Education Summit this morning.

“A democracy depends upon educated citizenry,” said Hillary Clinton, who gave an opening address at the summit, held at Georgetown University.

Also on hand to give an opening address was Kapil Sibal, Indian Minster of Human Resource Development, who stressed the high stakes of global collaboration.

“Business as usual is a recipe for global disaster,” Sibal said.

The opening address was followed by a roundtable discussion featuring Sibal; Richard Levin, president of Yale University; and Sam Pitroda, advisor to the prime minister on public information. The panel discussed the challenges facing higher education throughout both nations, stressing collaboration as a key to success.

“Nations are defined by boundaries,” Sibal said, “but in the 21st century, nations will have to transcend them.”

These boundaries include the fact that, while 30,000 Indian students come to the U.S. annually to study, only 2,500 American students travel to India to do the same. According to Sibal, American students need India just as much as India needs them.

“Lots of young Americans have skills which are outdated,” Sibal said. “People in India have the resources to help with that.”

The panelists had different ideas as to what some other boundaries are. According to Levin, the study of India in the U.S. is “under-resourced,” and American higher education needs to put as much emphasis on the study of the history and culture of India as it does on Europe.

Pitroda sees the integration of technology and education as the key to productive citizens in the future—and denial of that is a potential obstacle to progress.

“We must realize,” Pitroda said, “that technology plays a very important role—that everything we do is essentially obsolete.”

The panelists agreed that the number one way to maintain U.S.-Indian relations is to simply be there. If you want to understand another place better, your best bet is to simply get on a plane and go, they concurred.

The entire summit is being broadcast live at webcast.georgetown.edu, and will continue until 5:45 p.m.

Gary Tischler • October 27, 2011

They roped off the street in front of the Verizon Center as thousands of Washington Capitals fans streaked into the building to see Ovie, Semin and other Russians at a hockey game. But for some people—hundreds in fact—that wasn’t the big deal on the street.

Captain Jean Luc Picard was in the house. Like, “make it so.”

That would be Patrick Hewes Stewart, Shakespearean actor of considerable renown, movie star, and knight of the realm. Sir Patrick Hewes Stewart to you.

Stewart was at Harman Hall across the street for the first installment of this year’s Classic Conversation series with Shakespeare Theatre Artistic Director Michael Kahn. To the folks here for the dialogue, which surely must have included more than a few Trekkies, this was the main event. Think about it—a full, lively, laughing, into-it crowd at Harman Hall to hear a couple of middle-aged bald guys exchanging theater stories.

“I know they have lots of people across the street,” Kahn said, “but as far as I’m concerned, this is the best bunch of people to be with.”

Stewart was one of a large number of theater and movie stars in town for a gala honoring Kahn’s 25th anniversary with the Shakespeare Theatre the previous night.

As first, as Kahn and Stewart walk on stage, you thought: they could be brothers. Both were instantly recognizable by their hairless domes, with a cut of grey and white on the side. Both were blessed with story-telling abilities. Both were now legends in the world they shared. Finally, both had been doing this long enough to have accumulated more than enough stories to dine out on.

When Kahn asked Stewart what, if any, difference his knighthood had made in his life, Stewart allowed that it was “very easy to get a table in a good restaurant in London. And the people at British Airways treat me very well.”

Stewart has straddled both a life-long theater career and the kind of iconic fame among fans of science fiction and comic books—he is also the mind-bending Charles Xavier in the X-Men movie series. He turned out to be a charming, low-key, quite modest and serious man, who’s accepted his fame—money, lots of it, knighthood and that Star Trek thing—with grace.

“There is nothing to complain about,” he said. “I mean, my goodness, its remarkable when you think about it. The Star Trek and Enterprise thing has been long done, but it’s still going on all over the world. I can go thru customs in Taiwan, and they look at me, and somebody whispers: ‘Picard’ or ‘Enterprise’ or some such thing. It’s rewarding but unnerving.”

After a difficult upbringing in a small town near Yorkshire, Stewart’s career began when an English teacher named Cecil Dormand gave him a copy of Shakespeare’s plays. “He told me to read it, so I opened the book and started reading, and he said ‘no, no, OUT LOUD, read it out loud. Perform it.”

In 1966, he made it to the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in many plays, including Peter Brooks’ famous “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” “I wanted to be in films, too, of course,” he said. “And when I came to Hollywood, I decided I wanted to marry Doris Day and failing that, Debbie Reynolds. I’m sure that says something.”

In the 1980s, he auditioned for Picard “wearing a toupee and speaking in a French accent.” He claims it’s in the vaults somewhere at Paramount Studios. Nevertheless, he got the job in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” Seven years and a number of films later, he was forever famous.

“Gene Roddenbery had made it clear he didn’t want me for the part,” he said. “But there you are.”

He continued to work in theater, including a part in a Mamet play, in which “every other word was a curse word and my aunt saw it, and I swear, I could hear her in the audience, saying ‘that’s not our Patrick, he wouldn’t say things like that.'”

In somewhat muted terms, he talked about his childhood, living in a house with a quiet mother and a violent Sergeant Major father. “He never physically abused us kids, but always my mother took the brunt on weekends when he would drink.”

Today, Stewart is a patron of Refuge, a British charity for abused women.

Stewart came to the Shakespeare Theatre several years ago to play the title role in a “photo negative” version of “Othello.” “We were very proud of that production, and it was so stirring especially here in Washington,” Kahn said. All the characters except Othello were played by black actors. “It was very tense at times,” he said. “I remember Othello talking about his race, and you could hear people hiss in the audience.” And when it came time to take our bows, Ron Canada, a very fine actor who played Iago, came out and some people shouted ‘you the man, you the man.’ I hesitated but I came out and the actors said ‘YOU the man.’ And here I am, and I have to say, Michael, that, well, YOU the man.”

It went like that—talking about touring in “Waiting for Godot” with Sir Ian McKellen, starring in “Virginia Woolf”, his days in Hollywood, and performing as Shylock recently in a “Merchant of Venice,” set in Las Vegas.

Listening to Stewart and Kahn, you realized once again that all theater lives in stories (and the retelling of stories) like Stewart meeting Eva Marie Saint, whom he had admired since seeing “On The Waterfront.”

He sounded then like a star-struck young man remembering his own icons.

The Caps won, 3-0. And Stewart and Kahn swept all before them.

Zachariah Weaver •

When a LOFT store opens a new location they host a party called the “LOFT Warming Event,” according to Georgetown’s LOFT manager, Khalilah Branch.

“It’s much like you would have a house warming. We’re all moved in and we got our beautiful product on the floor to showcase,” said Branch.

This is exactly what’s happening on Saturday, Oct. 22 in Georgetown. The store opened its doors on Sept. 30 but is designating this weekend to showcasing their product to the community and their friends.

LOFT is a women’s clothing retail store that features casual dresses, blouses, sweaters, pants and more. The Georgetown store’s current location on Wisconsin Ave. NW, is the newest spot its had since its last location closed down a couple years ago off M Street. It has had some great success since last month’s opening, according to Branch.

“The feedback on the store from the community has been awesome so far,” she said. ” We’re seeing a lot of our Georgetown clients returning to this location.”

Meghan Gallery, a returning customer since the new location opened, explained that she is a regular LOFT client.

“I’ve been here three or four times since it opened,” she said. “The location is very convenient and the sizing of their product is consistent so I can buy what I want without too much trouble.”

The event on Saturday will have a DJ, some style specialists, sponsored treats from Georgetown Cupcake, and the serving of prosecco (sparkling wine) from Better Events Catering. There will also be a photographer from Lucky Magazine taking pictures of guests in their LOFT looks during the event’s 1 to 4 p.m. window.

Lacey Maffettone, the blog host of a D.C. fashion blog called A Lacey Perspective, has partnered with Lucky Magazine to host the LOFT “welcoming event.”

“One of our goals is to get all of my readers and Lucky Magazine’s readers to come on site at LOFT on Saturday,” Maffettone said. “We want to show that the city of Washington, D.C. has a fashion side to it just as much as it has a political and business side.”

Maffettone explained that Lucky Magazine reached out to her and asked her to co-host with them for the LOFT event. She also explained that the store is expressing a new winter collection to its customers. They are encouraging a new color-block, or matching scheme, with brighter colors and fabrics for their products.

“Lucky and myself are hoping to continue to bring this style into focus for D.C. by partnering with LOFT,” Meffettone said.

According to the Facebook event invite page created by A Lacey Perspective, there are 76 expected attendees so far for Saturday. Khalilah Branch, the store’s manager, said that the event isn’t just for the Facebook invites but that it’s open to the rest of Georgetown and the public.

Lauren Hodges •

For its 6th year, the DC Jazz Festival Trustees Dinner was held in the Benjamin Franklin room at the U.S. Department of State on October 5th. Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, was the evening’s host, and she was joined on stage by ABC7/WJLA-TV Anchor Leon Harris, along with DC Jazz Fest chairman Michael R. Sonnenreich, executive producer Charles Fishman and executive director Summy Sumter. After an introduction by Fishman, the Freddy Cole Quartet performed for the crowd with their special guests Paquito D’Rivera and Hilary Kole.

Georgetowner •

NOW at Night

October 21st, 2011 at 08:00 PM

Pre-sale: $100, after September 19: $150

Tel: 202-639-1873

Event Website

Join fellow art lovers and philanthropists at the second annual fundraiser for NOW at the Corcoran—an exciting program of exhibitions presenting new and site-specific work by emerging and mid-career artists. All proceeds support upcoming NOW at the Corcoran programming.

Address

500 Seventeenth St. NW

Washington DC 20006

Palestine Film

October 22nd, 2011 at 06:00 AM

Tel: 202-333-7212

Event Website

Showing of the award-winning film Budrus will be followed by a reception and a conversation about what United Methodists are doing in pursuit of peace with justice for all the people of the Holy Land.
The film is the compelling story of a Palestinian leader, his courageous 15-year-old daughter and the movement that saved a village from destruction.

Address

Dumbarton United Methodist Church

3133 Dumbarton Ave. NW

Walk Now for Autism Speaks

October 22nd, 2011 at 08:30 AM

$20 registration donation | DCWalk@AutismSpeaks.org | Tel: 202-955-3111 | Event Website

Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys. Please join National Walk Now for Autism Speaks and help raise money to fund research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism. This fun-filled day is our single most powerful event to raise funds for critical research and awareness. Register today and help make tomorrow a better day for all who struggle with autism.

Address

The National Mall, 9th Street NW and Madison Drive NW,

Washington, D.C. 20006

Miss Sinergy 2012

October 22nd, 2011 at 07:00 AM

Tel: 703-533-8027

Event Website

Third annual Miss Sinergy competition benefiting the Libby Ross Foundation.
The Libby Ross Foundations mission is to make significant difference in the lives of women afflicted with breast cancer through unique support programs. Through these initiatives the Foundation fosters a community of fighters, survivors and supporters. More information on can be found on their website at www.libbyrossfoundation.com.

Address

La Maison Francaise

4101 Reservoir Rd NW

Washington, DC 20007

Smithsonian Craft2Wear Show

October 22nd, 2011 at 10:00 AM

$5 | austrpr@si.edu | Tel: 888-832-9554

Event Website

A show and sale of wearable art clothes, jewelry and accessories. Representing the finest of American wearable-craft artists, all 40 exhibitors have been juried into previous Smithsonian Craft Shows, and 20 percent of their Craft2Wear sales will support the Smithsonian Institution. The exhibitors will offer items for men and women in all price ranges, from one-of-a-kind jewelry and shearling coats to many under-$100 items.

Address

National Building Museum

401 F Street, NW

Washington, DC 20001

Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival

October 23rd, 2011 at 12:00 PM

Tel: (202) 777-3251

Event Website

The 13th annual Hyman S. & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival celebrates the year’s best in jewish writing. Opening night is Oct. 23 and the festival runs until Nov. 2.
The festival features a variety of themes and authors. The Opening Night Event; “United by Faith; Divided by War: Jews and the Civil War,” includes readings from texts telling the story of jews during the Civil War. Other highlights include authors such as Ursula Hegi and Lucette Lagnado, and a panel discussion lead by Marvin Kalb.

For the full program and ticket information, please visit www.washingtondcjcc.org/litfest.
Festival passes are $94 or $75 for Washington DCJCC members, students with IDs and seniors. Purchase of a Festival Pass will save patrons 30% on the cost of the entire Festival and guarantees admission to all events

Address

1529 16th Street NW

John Blee’s ”Orchard Suite” Opening Reception

October 26, 2011

Event Website

John Blee can be considered a lyric poet. The Washington painter, whose solo exhibition will be seen at the Ralls Collection from Oct. 26 through Des. 31, produces abstracts lit with the sheen of a summer sunset. The opening Reception is from 6 to 8 PM on Oct. 26th. Please visit RallsCollection.com for more information.

Address

The Ralls Collection

1516 31st Street NW

Washington, DC 20007

Bonhams Auction Appraisal Event

October 27, 2011

Event Website

Bonhams offers a full range of appraisal services designed for the Trusts & Estates community. On October 27th, Bonhams specialists will be available to offer complimentary valuations at our new Georgetown office in the office in following categories:

Paintings & Sculpture

Jewelry

Books, Maps, & Manuscripts

Furniture & Decorative Arts

Silver

By appointment only: 202 333 1696

martin.gammon@bonhams.com

Jeff Malet •

Thousands of Americans led by the Rev. Al Sharpton rallied Saturday against the backdrop of the Washington Monument, calling for easier job access and decrying the gulf between rich and poor before marching to the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. (Saturday, October 15, 2011). Click on the icons below for our photo slideshow. (All photos by Jeff Malet)
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Kyle Lundberg •

As part of a broader effort to educate students about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, Washington, D.C. public schools will get a chance to serve some unfamiliar foods as they participate in Nordic Food Day.

“Food is universal,” said Paul Reichel, program coordinator for the Office of Food and Nutrition Services for D.C. Public Schools. “It’s a great way to get the students and the community interested in different kinds of food, food that they might not try otherwise.”

The day, the first of its kind in the District, is co-sponsored by the Embassies of Nordic Countries, which include Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Finland and Denmark. On Oct. 26, cafeterias in all 122 full-service public schools will serve up famous dishes from these countries, including Icelandic yogurt, Swedish meatballs, Norwegian salmon and lingonberry juice boxes.

Nordic Food Day is the first of a series of International Food Program food days, which will continue with Indonesian Food Day in January and Panamanian Food Day in March. The food days are part of a broader Embassy Adoption Program, in which an embassy adopts a school and then spends the school year creating programs that give students the opportunity to learn more about international communities and their adopted culture.

“We think D.C is a wealth of resources, especially international resources with all of the embassies being close by” Reichel said. “We need to use these resources to educate students about other cultures.”

The embassies adopt different schools every year. This year, the Swedish Embassy in Georgetown has adopted Miner Elementary School in ward 6. According to Gabriella Augustsson, head of diplomacy and press at the Swedish Embassy, putting the kids first is the key to collaboration with the schools.

“It’s very important to be in tune with what [the schools] want and need,” Augustsson said, “to not come in saying ‘Hey, this is what we want,’ but ask ‘How do we do this together?’ It’s very much about the kids.”

In addition to serving food, seven “Nordic food experts” from different countries will come through the schools in the days leading up to the event to educate students about Nordic food and culture, Reichel said. Chefs have also come to instruct cafeteria workers on how to properly prepare Nordic dishes.

The Swedish Embassy has some special events planned for their adopted students at Miner Elementary, including a tasting booth, a booth featuring “fun facts” about Nordic countries, and a photo booth where students can don Pippi Longstocking wigs and Viking hats to take home as souvenirs.

Augustsson hopes that students will come to gain an appreciation for Nordic food comparable to the food of other European nations.

“In the last 15 years,” she said, “there’s been an upsurge in famous Nordic chefs, which has brought this awareness of ‘wow, Nordic food,’ not just French and Italian.” Augustsson cited the Danish restaurant Noma, which has been awarded the title of “best restaurant in the world” by Restaurant magazine the last two years, as an example of the expanding global recognition of Nordic food.

The International Food Program is part of a broader campaign to improve health awareness among students in D.C. Public Schools.

The Healthy Schools Act, which went into effect in the District on August 1, 2010, is an attempt to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits along with other provisions such as increased health education and stronger social wellness policies.

According to the Act, “schools must meet enhanced nutrition standards to improve the quality of meals,” and “schools are encouraged to serve fresh, locally grown produce.” The school district may penalize schools that do not comply by “withholding funds or levying fines.”

According to Augustsson, Nordic food provides an avenue for broader education about student health and well-being.

“We want to talk about healthier eating habits,” she said, “and Nordic food is a good way to do that, with its emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. It’s really a continued discussion about health that has already been going on in the public schools.”

Jeff Malet •

Georgetown defeated Colgate in a 40-17 Homecoming Football Victory on Saturday October 22 at Multi-Sport Field. The Hoyas have now won 6 games against only 2 losses and clinched a winning season record. The Colgate Red Raiders went to 4 and 4, but had won its previous 3 games. One of the stars was junior linebacker Robert McCabe of Newtown Square, Pa. who ran back an intercepted pass 50 yards for a touchdown and had a game high 15 tackles. Cornerback Jeremy Moore from New Haven, Conn. had seven tackles and two interceptions and blocked a punt. Senior placekicker Brett Weiss (Phoenix MD) made four field goals. The Hoyas, who came into the game with the nation’s tenth best rush defense, held the nation’s eighth best rushing offense to under half of its season average, while outrushing Colgate 162-121. Senior running back Wilburn Logan (Kingston, RI) led five Hoyas’ runners with 73 yards on 11 carries. Georgetown’s next home game will be against Fordham on Nov. 5 at Multi-Sport Field for Senior Day.

Click on the icons below for our slideshow. (All photos by Jeff Malet)

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Jeff Malet • October 20, 2011

Thousands gathered in West Patomac Park under clear skies on Sunday October 16 to help dedicate the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The event was originally scheduled for August but had to be postponed due to Hurricane Irene. Click on the thumbnails below for our slideshow. (All photos by Jeff Malet).
View additional photos by clicking here.
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