SYMHM: Hump Day June 29 Edition

From Michelle Lancaster. Talk to me on Twitter @MichLancaster.

Open Meetings Now Actually Open

Remember the furor around reporters getting tossed out of D.C. Taxicab Commission meetings? Remember how we thought it was odd the Commission could remove people from open meetings? Well, it turns out there was literally nothing on the law books about whether or not people could record public meetings. DCist reports this may change in the near future, as the D.C. Attorney General is seeking to clarify the law through a strongly worded comment to the Commission.

Bidding Wars Back in Area Real Estate

Apparently, the economy has bounced back enough to inspire some bidding wars or skirmishes in area real estate again. As the Washington Post reports, people are still spending exorbitant sums of money to live in Reston, Bethesda and Georgetown. A quick check of Trulia.com indicates that Borderstan is no exception to condos selling at full price or at least well over the value at which they were appraised.

African-American Civil War Museum Updates for 150th Anniversary

By anniversary, I mean of the Civil War, by the way. The museum, on Vermont Street near the 10th Street exit of U Street Metro, caught the attention of NPR. You can check out the audio or transcript on their site. Of course, since it is in the neighborhood, you could just check it out yourself. They are open on Saturday and it would be a nice bit of Americana for the weekend of the 4th of July. Their grand reopening will be in mid-July and has a great program.

Update: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace & Blackjack from Jeff Black

Jeff Black had to wait a long time to get his hands on the Logan Circle property that will house his new seafood venture – he was interested even before Whole Foods showed up, if you new residents can believe it. Washington Business Journalhas a great story on his interest in the area, the new place and even a hint at opening dates (fall 2011).

Mystery: Mural at 14th Street and Swann Street

We Love DC is wondering if anyone knows the details behind the mural of two figures kissing/sharing an apple near the Hunted House vintage store. The D.C. Commission on the Art and Humanities has no record of it and everyone else seems to only recall that it has been there for a “long time.” I know we have some long-time resident readers — does anyone know the story of the art or artist?

Dupont Food News: Pasta, Patios and Getting Pickled

Casa Nonna has a revamped menu that is appropriately slimmed down in time for bathing suit season, according to DCist. While it makes sense for the location, I have to shed a little tear for smaller portions of yummy pasta. You can show off your svelte self on the One Lounge patio, which has also been updated for the summer season. The Examiner has a quick recap of what to expect on the happy hour menu and last week’s celebration. And finally, some locals are worried about drunk driving and safety in the Circle due to Dirty Martini’s “big dirty”, a 48 ounce martini intended to be shared. ABC 7 has the story.