From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome, email him at scott@borderstan.com.

Not so red. (Luis Gomez Photos)

Every few years or so a discussion about the name “Washington Redskins” makes it into the public sphere, and every time the issue goes away with little or no progress toward changing. The issue is pretty clear and yet, it never moves forward.

The team name and logo is all based on the history of the area and the original intention was to honor the proud native american heritage. However, today (and even back then), the term “redskin” is generally considered offensive. Now it is only a stark reminder of the diminished Native American presence thanks to our European ancestors, aka founders. The controversy has lasted so long it even has its own Wikipedia page. Here is a pretty good wrap up of the issue.

Recently a DC Council member tried to get a resolution passed that would change the name to “Redtails” to honor the Tuskegee Airmen from World War II. The logic being it sounds like “Redskins” and could be easily replaced in the Redskins fight song and color scheme. The issue has a lot of opinions from a lot of sides. The public tends not to care, and with the current owner Dan Snyder change is most likely not going to come from the team.

I understand there is a lot of history with locals with this name, but frankly there is a longer history of it being uglier and, thus, worth the change. The NCAA banned offensive teams mascots from postseason play and it didn’t shake the foundation of college sports. Maybe one day the team will make the right decision, but I have serious doubts.

Some Good News

Finally, Good News: DC cabs are gonna take credit cards. BOOM!

Links! Links! Ice Cold Links!

David Bowie’s Space Oddity, sung in space. This Canadian astronaut is making space cool again.

New Spock meets Old Spock in this awesome Audi commercial. Yes I am that nerd.

“Whose Line Is It Anyway” is back. Finally, a good show gets revived.

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LivingSocial Beerfest. (Lauren Levine)

From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome, email him at scott@borderstan.com.

Whether you think the city made a good or bad decision giving Living Social massive tax incentives to put their headquarters in our fair city is irrelevant. What is important is that this company keeps giving back to the city by bringing wonderful weekend beer tastings to the Bullpen next to Nationals Park.

Fellow writer, Lauren, and I had the pleasure of covering this event last year, and I can say hands down Living Social has figured this thing out and this year’s execution was spot on.

Thanks to gorgeous weather all weekend, the city’s underpaid 20 to 35-year-old’s enjoyed a wide range of ales, brews, and ciders from all over the world in the form of a small plastic cup. I myself was able to enjoy Smuttynose IPA, Lost Rhino pilsner, Duvel, Ommegang Hennepin, Angry Orchard, and Shocktop Summer. From that list, my top choices would have to be the Ommegang and the Lost Rhino as both had a great taste and weren’t too heavy.

Another great feature of this unlimited beer tasting is that some of the city’s finest food trucks are there (I wonder if heavy drinking leads to hunger?). Those steak tacos I had from Surfside hit the spot while listening to the fantastic cover band Kristen and the Noise sing classics like “What’s my age again” and “Forget You.”

Overall, this is just a great event. Only thing I’d say for next year is, if you want to go, go the second day as most of the crowd goes Saturday. It’s just easier to move around and drink on Sunday. Most Living Social emails are probably worth deleting, but next time you get that one that says beerfest, forward to your friends and get a game plan going. You won’t regret it.

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From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome, email him at scott@borderstan.com.

Going up! (Alejandra Owens)

At the start of this year I changed jobs/offices from a small building in Silver Spring to a very new building downtown on L Street NW. As my old building was only three flights, my elevator experience was minimal including with my undergrad days of high-rise dorms and apartment buildings where anything went.

As with any transition to a new job, I’ve had to learn some new tricks and behaviors in how to “be normal” in a company with around 1,000 employees and five elevators.

Elevators Have Rules, Too

One of the best things I have noticed is the standard elevator behavior people exhibit. While I thought that it might be unique, after some chats with fellow yuppies, we narrowed it down to few golden rules on how to make the most of your elevator rides. Hopefully these make the 30-second rides just a bit more enjoyable

1. Available Seats/Spots to Stand: The immediate thought everyone has: Where do I stand? Empty is optimal, but usually you are sharing and have to play into that face forward and stare at the doors/oncoming passengers. I never understood that and generally go right to the walls for something to lean on. It works for me. Otherwise in packed “lifts,” I’d say file in as best you can without physical contact
2. Friendly or Quiet: In a building where it’s just your neighbors/coworkers, being friendly can go a long way down the line when you need that favor. Otherwise, in multiple-tenant buildings I’d stay quiet because you have zero clue how much worse their day is than yours. I’d say most people see the elevator as a cone of silence. Unless its obvious (like someone holding an awesome-smelling lunch), it’s best to keep your comments for Twitter.
3. Hold the Door: I’m talking to you, dude, who saw me coming around the hall and didn’t hold the elevator for me. It’s just the nice thing to do. It’s the least you can do after eating that last munchkin at the morning meeting.

I think these few guidelines will be a big help to those of you who look like a deer in headlights upon entering. Also, and maybe most importantly, don’t fart in an enclosed space. It’s just the right thing to do.

Whats Grinding My Gears

Washington Capitals playoffs are here! First round against my New York Rangers. Playoff hockey is awesome, if you can afford it, go!

Links! Links! Ice Cold Links!

• Remember 1999. It was pretty sweet.
• Best hockey save of the year. Watch it!
• We almost had a New Jersey-themed restaurant. Damn.

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From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome, email him at scott@borderstan.com.

When the temperature is right, the cicadas will come. (Screen Shot)

In the very near future, DC is going to meet some visitors who only come around about every 17 years. I remember the last time I saw them. I was in in elementary school and my science teacher, Mrs. Semel, made it seem like the second coming of Albert Einstein.

They were loud, all over the place, and made it seem like I was in a poorly made 1950s science fiction film. I am, of course, talking about the emergence of the cicada, an insect that emerges from hibernation about every 17 years.

For readers who didn’t grow up on the Acela corridor (i.e., Northeast), you are in for some funny weeks. Once the ground turns a certain temperature, cicadas will begin to emerge from below. They will start making their presence known by their incredibly loud noise (think crickets on crack) and the shells they leave behind.

There will be no way to avoid this bother, so here are some helpful hints on how to make the cicada period a bit more enjoyable

• Ignore their noise, create your own. When I say these guys are gonna be loud, I mean you light sleepers are going to have some restless nights. I feel the best way to fight this fire is with more fire. Throw a cicada theme party and just roll with it. Hopefully a few beverages will help with the sleeping.
• Crunch crunch, avoid. Cicadas, after some time, shed their outer shell (or something like it, I’m not a scientist) and the ground gets littered with them. My best piece of advice is to avoid them. Yes, that crunch will be fun/weird the first time, but it will get old when your new kicks are covered in cicada goop.
• Don’t be a hater. They are only here less than every two decades. If only other loud and annoying things came to DC this infrequently (cough Rolling Thunder cough).

If the sight of giant bugs creeps you out like this, then HEAD FOR THE HILLS! Otherwise, get ready and enjoy.

On Boston

My thoughts and prayers are with the city of Boston this week. Unimaginable, but if any city will remain strong and set an example, it is Boston.

Links! Links! Ice Cold Links!

• Trailer for every romantic comedy, ever!
• New Daft Punk. SOON
• How animals eat their food.

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From Kent Barnes. Follow him on Twitter @KentBarnes, email him at kent[AT]borderstan.com.

Got Bracket Blues? (Luis Gomez Photos)

Last week in the Lebodome (a.k.a. Scott Leibowitz) you learned all about how to fill out your 2013 NCAA March Madness tournament bracket. In his admirable quest to finish ahead of President Obama, he provided you with five things to remember when making your predictions for the NCAA Tournament. Well I took those five things into account, and with all due respect to Scott, it didn’t get me anywhere!

What Scott Told Me

First he told me not to over think my picks by choosing the big upset. My first rational thought was to pick Georgetown (more on this later), and in doing so I missed out on the joy ride that is Florida Gulf Coast! Not only did they become the first number 15 seed ever to advance to the Sweet 16, but they’ve also become the darlings of the tournament with their awe-inspiring alley oops and their frequent dance parties.

Scott also mentioned the importance of seeding. The higher seeds have done relatively well to this point, except in the West region of the bracket where the 9th-seeded Wichita State Shockers knocked out top ranked Gonzaga and will face off against the 12th seeded Explorers of La Salle. Nothing but red lines through my incorrect picks on that side of the bracket.

Moving on, I agreed with the idea that history isn’t important, and picked Georgetown (DC pride!) to win the championship this year. Doing so meant ignoring the fact that Georgetown was knocked out of the tournament by a double-digit seed four out of the last five years. Make it five out of six. That’s right, my bracket was eliminated from contention before the first round was over. Thanks, again, Florida Gulf Coast University.

Scott hit the nail on the head when he said “It really doesn’t matter.”  He’s right. Just because my bracket would have been better if I had simply flipped a coin for each pick doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the rest of the tournament. Scott concluded his advice by saying, “Worst case you finish last and no one remembers it in a week.”

Wash Down Your Sorrows

Well I did finish last, and to help ensure I don’t remember it I’m going to spend the Sweet 16 enjoying food and drink specials at some of these Borderstan bars.

• Public Bar: 1214-B 18th Street NW, $3 Miller Lites and Yuenglings, $5 Stoli/Redbull.
• Lucky Bar: 1221 Connecticut Avenue NW, $3.50 Bud Light pints, $14 Bud Light pitchers, $4 Yuengling pints, $15 Yuengling pitchers.
• Buffalo Billiards: 1330 19th Street NW, $3.50 Miller Lites, $3.50 Coors Lites, $15 Buckets, $4 Redd’s Apple Ale
• The Gryphon: 1337 Connecticut Avenue NW, $5 Captain Morgan Cocktails & The Black and Stormy, among other specials.
• The Front Page: 1333 New Hampshire Avenue NW, $3 Miller Drafts, $5 Rails, $8 RBVs.

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From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome. email him at scott@borderstan.com.

Playing some hoops. (Luis Gomez Photos)

It’s that time of the year again. March tends to be a pretty wild month when you think about it and everyone seems just impatient waiting for the winter to end. From the killing of Julius Caesar to the day everyone becomes Irish, this month is all over the place.

However my favorite maddening tradition this month is, of course, basketball — my NCAA Final Four bracket (aka March Madness).

Every year I go into thinking this is the year I nail all my predictions, and every year I finish very middle of the pack. The odds on a perfect bracket are rough but, frankly, I am just looking to finish better than Obama this year. So to help ya out, Borderstan, here are five easy and simple thoughts to keep in mind when filling out your bracket this week.

Bracketology: Five Things to Remember

1. DON’T OVERTHINK: So many errors happen because we all want to predict the big upset. That’s what makes them the big upset, the fact that you didn’t see it coming. Your bracket will do better if you stick with your first rational thought.
2. Seeds are there for a reason: The seeding system isn’t just random. Yes some teams get more love than others but when thinking about who will win, read the seed before making a rash decision.
3. Where is the game played?:  Regions can make a big difference in the middle rounds. I love picking against smaller schools who have to travel long distances or a contender having to play in their nemesis backyard.
4. History Isn’t Important: Yes we all know teams like Duke, Kansas, and Indiana. But that doesn’t mean a less-on-the-radar team, like Florida, Louisville, or Gonzaga, can’t make a deep run to the finals.
5. It really doesn’t matter: No matter how hard you try, you can’t control anything. Finish your bracket on time and hope for the best.  Best case scenario you win of your office/family/friends pool. Worst case you finish last and no one remembers it in a week.

The first game is this Thursday so fill out your brackets soon! Enjoy the Madness, Borderstan!

What Really Grinds My Gears

Did we even just have a real winter? Maybe we need a word for a cold fall that has no snow

Links! Links! Ice Cold Links!

• 50 common misconceptions. Worth watching whole video.
• Carlesberg friend test. I hope mine would pass.
• March Madness, explained through Star Wars.

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From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome. Email him at scott@borderstan.com.

Hockey on your mind? (Luis Gomez Photos)

As some of you may know, I am adamant enthusiast when it comes to goofy non-serious DC sports leagues — whether its indoor bocce, shuffleboard, or this city’s favorite, kickball. Of course, I am signed up for April; more to come.

You may not realize it, but there is actually a pretty strong undercurrent of serious competitive sports too, ranging from the College Alumni Network leagues to the less well known ice hockey leagues. I am currently playing co-ed basketball and we have been having a good season so far.

Hockey in DC

Now, as DC is a city of out-of-towners, all the transients from cold places (Upper Midwest, New England, states that border Canada) are the backbone of the many competitive ice hockey leagues. Yes, the only rink in the city is where the Washington Capitals play, but outside the district there are a slew of leagues that you can play in.

I warn, though, this is not for the average fan or ice skater, this is a real league with some serious competition. A good friend of mine, Kevin, plays in one such league and I asked him about his experiences over the last few years of playing. Some thoughts….

Lebodome: What are average players like? Age? Important or average Joes?

Kevin: The people vary greatly. Some are married with kids, others recent college grads. For jobs, a lot in various business, a handful of criminal attorneys at the pickup games, construction, real estate, finance, government agencies, the works. Although I don’t know if I’ve ever played with any Hill staffers…

Lebodome: How physical is the game? I used to dominate driveway roller hockey, could I play?

Kevin: Not normal-hockey-physical. Body checks will get you a penalty, more than one they may show you the door. Moderate pushing and shoving is common and expected. Only seen one fight in a little over a year. I think they’ll suspend you, not positive.  Some really good players, depending on the league. Top league has former D-1 players, mine has some former college club players who are real solid. There are about five leagues at Kettler organized by general skill level.

Lebodome: A one-line description of your experience?

Kevin: Serious and competitive on the ice, relaxed and slightly buzzed off the ice.

If watching the Capitals (play poorly) has gotten you excited for some real hockey, there is a lot of choice out there. If you got the equipment and means to get to a rink outside the city, then this is the kind of league for you.

What’s Grinding my Gears

Sequester. I liked not knowing what this word meant. Now I hear it and just roll my eyes.

Links! Links! Ice Cold Links!

• Washington Nationals cut a guy mid game during spring training. Ouch
• Bit long, but very cool. Video games themes, middle eastern musicians/instruments
• Best current U.S. diplomat; the best rebounder in the history of the NBA, Dennis Rodman.

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From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome. Email him at scott@borderstan.com.

February: a slow sports month. (Luis Gomez Photos)

Happy post-Super Bowl, no-football-untill-September to everyone! Hope everyone enjoyed the big game, ate lots of food and were with good enough friends to get you through Barack Obama’s planned power outage (I mean, it had to have been his fault, right?).

As the shortest month of the year, I have always seen February as a waste of space on the sports schedule. NBA, NHL, and college hoops are in the meat of their seasons with little urgency or exciting play for the most part.

It’s around this time I like to take stock of the city and see how we are doing. So lets take a look and, using my scale of 1 to 5 (1 being would rather watch new episodes of Wipeout and 5 being I am buying tickets now), let’s see the state of District.

The State of DC Sports

• Nationals. Pitchers and catchers report to Florida for Spring Training in about a week. The Nationals added a 5th president to the famous President’s Race and we all look forward to a very wobbly Taft losing many races. Star pitcher Gio Gonzalez was named in a steroid report, but we’re unsure if this will have repercussions. The first exhibition game is at the end of March against the New York Yankees…Oh Yea.  Excited: 3.5 more presidents the better
• Capitals. Last place; not looking like a team at all. Still major questions in goal. Fans receiving weird magazines. Bottom line here: Ovi needs to step it up, and soon, if there will be playoff hockey in the district this year. Excited: 2 worried this funk will last too long
• Redskins. Rookie of the year honors to RG3. A division title and a win over the Super Bowl Champion Ravens during the season. Lots of players coming back. Excited: 4 as long as RG3 heals well, nothing but upside
• Wizards. … yea, let’s just move on here.
• Georgetown/GWU: Gtown is a top 25 team, big wins over Louisville and UCLA, always gets hot come March. George Washington University is still finding their offense in a much improved Atlantic 10. Excited: 5. MARCH MADNESS IS SOON

Not a bad state of the city. There are a lot of things to feel good about as we glide through this short month. Stay warm everyone!

Links! Links! Ice Cold Links!

• New Yorker’s 101 pizza slices. Yum!
• It has begun. The robots are taking over.
• Paperman. An amazing Pixar short.

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From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome. Email him at scott@borderstan.com.

Capitals are back! (Luis Gomez Photos)

It’s been a big week in DC in the theme of returning. Sure the average person might rank Obama’s 2nd term as the strongest return story of the week, but those who have been avoiding Chinatown in anger and dismay see the bigger picture.

The owners and the players have reached an agreement bringing hockey back to America/Canada, but more importantly the Capitals are back in the Verizon Center. Sure the lockout was long and quite stupid, but some season is better than no season so lets get ready.

I have written about my love for our best pro team in the city (I still stand by this even with the Redskins division title) and could not be more excited to have this back in town. DC has always been a quasi sports town waiting for glory, and no team has taken them closer in the last two decades than the Capitals. Easy to get to stadium, knowledgeable and passionate fans, and plenty of great personalities on the team makes this team easy to root for.

The Full Caps Experience

I was out Saturday night and watched their first game of the season (a bad loss) at Boardroom on Connecticut Avenue and could just feel the excitement of hockey returning. As the season rolls along, here as some helpful hints and thoughts to get the most out of your Washington Capitals experience.

• Watch For Deals: Thanks to LivingSocial being located across the street from the stadium, as well as other deal websites, there are a few times during the season when there are good ticket deals. It is a short season so there may be less of these but just keep an eye out.
• Get Pumped: Game experience is not meant for those looking to relax and sit down for a few hours. Game day crowds are loud, vibrant, and electric when it comes to their Capitals. If this doesn’t sound like you, enjoy a happy hour at the slew of fun bars littered around Chinatown.
• His name is Ovechkin: Every team has its stars (minus the Wizards) and the Caps have Alex Ovechkin. His personality is as big as his game and at this point he probably holds the title for most talented player without a Stanley Cup (NHL playoff finals) appearance. I think he is due.
• Put on your winter gear, head to Chinatown, and get ready to ROCK THE RED!

What’s in the Hopper?

Super Bowl. Gonna be a great one. Tons of awesome story lines.

Links! Links! Ice Cold Links!

• March madness style bracket of best Chappelle Show skits. Awesome.
• DC cabs must take credit cards by end of March. About damn time.
• 42. The movie about Jackie Robinson looks great.

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From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome. Email him at scott@borderstan.com.

Bowling alleys, DC? (Scott Leibowitz)

I want to start this off by wishing everyone a belated Happy New Year. Glad we all made into 2013 with no help from the Mayans or our elected officials in Congress.

Over the holiday break, I spent a considerable amount of time in my hometown suburb located in the south of North New Jersey and had a fairly quiet week working from home. When I was in school at George Washington University (GWU) and would do these breaks, I would always come back the district and complain (often and loud) that DC  will never be considered truly great till we get some real, 24-hour, full-blown tri-state diners.

Where Are the Bowling Alleys?

I still stand by this statement and refuse to call “The Diner” in Admo an actual diner (my hometown diner menu is a binder with no limits and everything tastes good). Upon this return, I realized DC is missing another key ingredient; casual bowling alleys.

Now, I am no Roy Munson, but I do like to gather with a few friends, a cold pitcher, and chuck heavy balls at pins. It’s relaxing, very social, and the game doesn’t actually matter so need to care about the score.

DC Bowling Alley Options

Growing up there were plenty of places to go, some reeking more of smoke than others (remember indoor smoking?), and no one turned down a night at the lanes. In the entire city of DC there are TWO, thats right TWO, bowling alleys. One is Lucky Strike in Chinatown which is nothing more than a horrible overpriced club with lanes and a dress code (My older brother was once denied access because he had a baseball cap on).

The second is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW and you need a special invite to use it (obviously). GWU used to have one on campus but, after an awkward phone call with their front desk, I discovered it was gutted due to lack of use and replaced with offices for the Career Center.

Why Not Georgetown?

I later discovered there are plans in the works for an alley in Georgetown, but it hit serious road-bumps from their local ANC with concerns of noise and other annoying Georgetown issues.

With that in mind, I call upon the DC entrepreneurs,  the city shakers and landowners of large facilities to give us some lanes. For inspiration, I have channeled my inner Lebowski and hope this gets everyone thinking.

“Obviously you’re not a golfer.” Bowling is a great indoor sport, good all year round unlike golf and kickball.”

“F*ck it dude, let’s go bowling.”  There is nothing better for forgetting an awful day than taking it out on the lanes. A great way to blow off steam, especially for a city as stressed as ours.

“Smokey, this is not ‘Nam. This is bowling. There are rules.” What rule is there that DC can’t have a bowling alley? Common, elected people, we need these.

Now everyone go home, watch The Big Lebowski a few times, and lets see if we can get the ball rolling on bringing some lanes to DC.

Great Effort Redskins

From 3-6 to a division title, as a rival fan I must admit I was quite impressed with their resolve. Serious concerns about RG3 and what he was doing playing late in that game, but as they say, “You play to win the game!”

Links! Links! Ice Cold Links!

• New Yorker’s 100 lists of lists. Great time-wasting stuff here.
• Hockey is back! Get your Caps gear back of out storage!
• For soccer players, the coolest training tool I’ve ever seen.

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