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When My Hands Met Trump's Doughy Middle

DONALD TRUMP ON HIS NBC SHOW, "THE APPRENTICE" (photo: CityofAtlantic.com)

No, this is not about Donald Trump's politics, but his middle, which I once upon a time had the opportunity to clamp onto with my bare hands. This was back during his last would be run for president, when I was a producer for "Hardball" on MSNBC, and we convened at the University of Pennsylvania to do a show with him. It was in Penn's big auditorium/theater, with Chris Matthews and Trump on stage before a packed house of students. You may not remember this, but he was wildly popular then and many people took seriously his testing of the political waters. 

My assignment was to be with Trump, keep an eye on him, and Melania (not yet his wife), check up on them in their holding room, get him to make-up, make sure he was mic'd, and to get him on stage at the moment of his cue. The plan was to hold him in the back of the auditorium and then at the moment of Chris' introduction, to let him go, to walk through the room to dramatic shouts and applause. This meant I had to stand in the back of the room and hold on to him so he wouldn't walk before the cue. And that's what I did. He was affable about it. I placed my hands on his middle, through his jacket, one on his back and one sort of near his belly. Doughy. That's all I thought: this supposedly hot dude is basically lumpy and doughy. (Remember: "best sex ever!") The goofy hair I was prepared for, the softness of him was the surprise.

When Chris introduced him, I gave him a mild shove and the students went wild. My job was done.

Anyway. That's all. I never said this anecdote was about his politics, only his middle. 

Hoyas Heart Their First Farmers Market

If today's heavy turnout is a sign, the Georgetown University Farmers' Market will be a hit. Today was the first. There were so many students lined up to buy fruit, flowers, nuts, bakery products, and even asparagus! I liked it a lot. It's scheduled to run till 6 p.m. today and return next Wednesday.

MOVE OVER COSMOPOLITAN, STAND BACK SKINNYGIRL MARGARITA; MAKE WAY FOR THE INNOCENT SPOUSE

 A FIRST VERSION OF THE "IS." I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE STRAIGHT UP, THOUGH.

Please save the date of Thursday, May 5th. You'll want to be at M Bar on Dupont Circle for the unveiling of the next cocktail sensation: the Innocent Spouse. I can't tell you the ingredients because they are secret! However, starting at 5 on the 5th you'll have a chance to give the drink a try. It's all for a good cause, too, the Children's Miracle Network. Location: M Bar, Renaissance Dupont Circle Hotel.

A Rare Portrait of Power

You'll read more about the book party for Garrett Graff on New York Social Diary next week, but I couldn't resist an early posting of his this photo. It is of Bob Barnett and Brendan Sullivan. Technically they are lawyers at the firm of Williams & Connolly, but the truth is I'm offering up a rare photo of real Washington power. This is no way dismisses the primacy of presidents and senators and cabinet officials, but nothing quite compares to the enduring "go to" clout of these two individuals. 

Also, it was a super duper cool party. The kind this coming weekend dreams about.

Hey Georgetown, Don't Miss This Great Fresh Food Opportunity

 FARMERS MARKET TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY

This is such good news for the village: the Georgetown University Farmers' Market launches tomorrow with a pilot program they hope to make a fixture in the fall. Don't miss it. Obviously, the more support it has the more a future is guaranteed. As the sign says, it will take place in Healy Circle from 2-6 pm. This will be a third (that I know of) Wednesday Farmers Market in the area, joining Rose Park and Foggy Bottom.  

The GU market has a website here. According to the site, these are some of the vendors:

From the Farm (Flowers, Plants, and Produce)

Beechwood Orchards – Honey Crisp Applesauce, Canned Peaches, Apple Butter, Peach Butter, Asparagus, Apples

Wollam Gardens – Freshly Cut Flowers

Baked Goodness

Les Caprices de Joelle - Belgian Waffles, Crepes

Panorama Bakery – Baguettes, Croissants, Scones, Muffins, Danishes, Loaves of Bread

Drink Organic

TeaCo LLC – Organic Loose-Leaf Teas, Honey

Odds n’ Ends

Salsa Las Glorias – Salsa made from locally grown vegetables

Sweet Nut House – Praline Glazed Pecans, Cinnamon Almond Crunch, Sweet & Spicy Almonds — All made from scratch!

ENCOURAGE MORE FARMERS TO JOIN! They are looking for "Farm-fresh, USDA-approved, sustainably-grown fruits, vegetables, and milk/ dairy products, as well as flowers, coffee, honey, and other value-added products such as pies, kettle corn, and jams/jellies." Fresh eggs would be nice, too. The only way to go. 

NYSD Today: Has The Circus Lost Its Buzz

 ONE OF THE POPULAR AFTER PARTIES HAPPENS HERE, AT THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR'S

On New York Social Diary today I look at whether the White House Correspondents Association annual dinner has lost its buzz. The event is this weekend and, regardless, it will be as packed as ever with a record number of before and after parties, plus all the imported tinseltown shimmer. Read it all here. 

Happy Easter, Bunnies

I love sunrise on Easter. It stirs childhood memories of singing in the church choir, freezing outdoors at dawn services, which I did not enjoy, but then getting fresh donuts, which I liked a lot. Here's what it looked like today, April 24, on the Chesapeake Bay as viewed from the Western Shore, beginning at 5:30 am ... I craved donuts but couldn't find any. 

David Rubenstein: Q&A Cafe Interview now Online

DAVID RUBENSTEIN ON STAGE AT THE Q&A CAFE 

Carlye Group co-founder David Rubenstein's Q&A Cafe appearance is now available online at DC TV on demand. Watch it here. The running time is under an hour. 

"Innocent Spouse" In Washingtonian Magazine

Please be on the look-out for the May issue of Washingtonian magazine, in your mail box or at the news stand (or every doctor's office in the area). It has a 2500 word excerpt from "Innocent Spouse," the chapter my editor and I call "the morning of the lawyers." Thank you to Garrett Graff, Washingtonian's editor, who arranged to buy exclusive second rights after Vogue. Washingtonian is my hometown magazine and it means a lot to be in its pages.

The photo of Howard and me was shot in March 1989 on his 50th birthday. There's a photo of me (wearing at least 3 layers of make-up) that was taken at Nathans by David Hume Kennerly in March 2006. Also, there are a couple of photos of the exterior of the Nathans building, one from several years ago and one from now. When there is an online link available I will post it.

Please Excuse My Absence

Forgive me, please. I have been off the grid the past few days, writing an essay for a major American newspaper. Seriously. Deadline is Monday. It is a 900 word essay, and while that may sound like a small number of words, a completely do-able assignment, it has consumed all my focus. I will be back soon with all my usual blah blah blah. For now, a good Good Friday and a happy Easter weekend to you and yours. 

My First Book!!!!!

FRESH OFF THE PRESSES, FIRST EDITION NO. 1

My first copy of "Innocent Spouse" arrived today, fresh off the presses from somewhere up in New England. What does one say? All I could do was stare at it, thumb the pages and take its picture to share with all of you. Yes, an amazing moment. It takes so long to get to this point that it's tough to feel the way I thought I'd feel  (carthwheels and all that), but I feel something special just the same. With it was a beautiful letter from my editor, Suzanne O'Neill, which will be framed. 

It will be in bookstores May 10, or you can order right now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Indie Bound, or your local bookstore. Please pre-order! Thank you. 

 TAKING THE BOOK ROUND THE 'HOOD, INTRODUCING IT TO FRIENDS (with Henry)

 ...WITH HENRY'S "MOM," MYRA MOFFETT

LATER: Took the book out to dinner with my son. We sat in a booth at The Tombs, with the book on the table. I bought it a drink, gave it a toast. Then walked it around the 'hood, introduced it to some friends. Now I'm taking it to bed. zzzzzzzzzz

Hey Georgetown: Charlie Sheen? Potomac River Floods? A Snake?

 CAUTION! FLOODING BEYOND THIS POINT AND THE POLICE WON'T LET YOU GO THERE

Jiminy Glick Cricket what's happening here? Shortly after 9 o'clock Monday night the Potomac was expected to gush over its banks in Georgetown, splashing up and onto K Street. Not an unheard of event but reliably spectacular. Earlier in the day, approximately 5 pm, teams of workers surrounded the Washington Harbor complex, pumping water from the deluged garage and basement restaurants. Piles of sandbags could be seen in front of other office buildings. Lots and lots and lots of yellow "caution" tape. Also lots of local TV satellite trucks. 

WATER GETTING PUMPED FROM WASH HARBOR'S BASEMENT RESTAURANTS

Based on the numbers of Pepco trucks, private security guards and guys in rubber boots I would surmise Washington Harbor had a mess on hand. (Later reported the whole inner restaurant area fully flooded because the building owner did not get the flood gates up in time). While access was denied in certain areas it was easy to get to the riverfront at the Waterfront Park and near the Swedish Embassy and the boat house. 

 WILL ONE BOOT DO THE JOB?

You know what they say about snakes and floods? That the floods fill the streets with slithering reptiles. Well, it may be true, even in Georgetown. As I walked along the almost flooded canal path behind the Swedish Embassy I came upon an actual snake! eek! Given its size -- not much bigger than a pencil -- I was actually afraid for its safety. A woman came along and helped urge it across the concrete before some snake hater smushed it. She said this particular type of snake was harmless and lived on bugs and cockroaches. That is a useful snake and worth saving.

 NOT QUITE SNAKES ON A PLANE. HOW ABOUT SNAKE ON A GEORGETOWN SIDEWALK?

Everywhere I walked there were people taking pictures of the rushing water. It moved seriously fast. At one point a whole tree raced by. Not a trunk, not a few limbs, and not a baby tree, but a great big full grown tree, rollin' on the river. 

 GIVE THIS RIVER A SPEEDING TICKET

Back before Potomac flooding in Georgetown became a media event I lived half a block up from K Street, at the James Place apartments. A spring or fall flood would happen annually. This was a time before Washington Harbor and flood gates. The water simply jumped the banks and engulfed K Street. We'd walk down to the corner and watch. There at 30th and K was the momentary "new" bank of the Potomac. The adjacent basement parking garages got flooded.  OUTSIDE A PARKING GARAGE AT 30TH AND K STREETS

I know you are asking: what does any of this have to do with Charlie Sheen? Only that during my walkabout I noted two expensive and luxurious tour bosses, the Prevost kind used by many big name acts. I'm familiar with the in's and out's of tour busses due to my friendship with a band called Spinal Tap. I actually once rode on their bus. Forever after I've wanted to run away with the band (almost any band) on one of those seriously pimped out rides. It's possible Charlie is using high end busses for his tour. One for himself and the "goddesses" and another for staff and crew. It's so much easier than flying from city to city to city.

TWO HIGH END LUXURY PREVOST BUSSES PARKED OUTSIDE THE RITZ GEORGETOWN. KNOCK KNOCK, "CHARLIE?"

The two busses I noticed are parked on Wisconsin at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown. One is seriously black and oversized, the other is more conventional. Typically, when on tour, the "act" comes into town the night before a concert -- Charlie is performing here Tuesday night -- and, as the "talent," moves into a luxury hotel; the bus (or busses, and staff,) chill outside. Charlie, er, would be the talent. Ah, I understand that the "goddesses" also qualify as talent, possibly more than Charlie. Note: reports have him down to one goddess; life is rough in the violent torpedo of truth business. 

I have no earthly idea whether these busses do, in fact, belong to Charlie Sheen. I'm surmising based on experience. They could belong to Dave Brubeck, who's at Blues Alley. 

Bottom line: get out of the house, get down to the waterfront, have a flood dinner picnic, enjoy the spectacle, and on your way back up Wisconsin, knock on the bus door and ask for "Charlie." And then let me know.

btw, high tide again tomorrow morning.

NYSD: Brits In a Partying Mood, and The Folger Gala

 ANDERSON HOUSE ON A SPRING EVENING

The party was not for the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, but nonetheless the Brits were in a partying mood last week at Anderson House. The soiree was hosted by the Financial Times, and it was one of the better parties held in Washington. Why? Read here. Also, the Folger Gala, with a photo report from James Brantley. 

Sunday With Family & "Angry Birds"

 ROBERT ROSS AND DAVID ROSS AT BRUNCH, WITH LEO

My brothers came to visit this weekend; David from Jupiter, FL., and Robert from the Virginia outback. David actually arrived yesterday to allow time to review all my health insurance issues and to try to get them sorted out. He works in the health care industry but more than that: he loves details, loves to read fine print, loves to scroll through exclusions and caveats in complicated policies. I've progressed considerably in this regard, but there are limits to my comprehension and patience. David, on the other hand, has unlimited patience.

 CHECKING OUT LEO'S SORE PAW THAT HE'S BEEN WORKING ON ALL WEEKEND

After several hours of intense health insurance and social security immersion we put away the piles of papers and went to dinner with Sam Harrington and Debbie Weil at Cafe Bonaparte. It was fun to sit in the window and watch the driving rain. 

 THE SKY OVER OUR BRUNCH

Today Robert joined us at the house. We had brunch in the garden--Bellinis, Baked & Wired's great quiche, a mixed salad, fresh fruit and Georgetown Cupcakes...

...and then they had to watch some car race on television. Talladega? The cars hook up together like, well, doggy style, and go round and round the track like that, front bumper to rear bumper. The strangest thing I've ever seen on a racetrack.

OZZY AND I PLAY "ANGRY BIRDS"

Before they became glued to the race Dave and Bob insisted I play "angry birds" on an ipad and do it with the Joynt family parrot, Ozzy, on my shoulder. Did Ozzy enjoy "angry birds?" He did pay attention, he did do bird talk back at the screen, and he did chomp on my nose a couple of times, my own angry bird. 

 ONCE STARTED, OZ AND I DID NOT STOP UNTIL GAME 19 OR SO...

My brothers focused on the race, David also did some work, and Ozzy and I got hooked, as I guess most people do, flinging birds at frogs pigs. 

A $75 Ticket for what? UPDATED

 APPROXIMATELY 8:35 AM, MACARTHUR BLVD, IN PALISADES. TICKET ISSUED AT 8:42 AM (Yes, you see a few drops, but car had been parked for 5-8 mins, with no wipers. It was NOT raining.

**UPDATE**

This was resolved amicably with the MPDC. I was graciously and briefly visited by Cmdr. Michael E. Reese of the 2nd District, who took back the ticket. He said it was his call. "This law is on the books but it is meant for nighttime. This was not nighttime." I told him I knew he had much more important business than this, and thanked him sincerely. What he did was right, reinforcing my belief that it's good to live in the Second District and that Chief Lanier runs a good police department and puts good people in the top jobs. Take a moment and read Cmdr. Reese's incredible bio here. 

MY EARLIER POST FROM THIS MORNING:

I'm a friend and supporter of the DC Police Department and in my time as a business owner went out of my way to be helpful to them, but today one officer seriously challenged my affection. 

We all know it is a rainy Saturday, but at 8:30 this morning the rain had not yet begun to fall, at least not in the Georgetown-Palisades area. I got in the car to go to Safeway. A few occasional drops. Set my wiper on automatic, meaning it would respond to wetness. If it started to rain I would, as I always do, turn on my lights. I have an 11-year-old car. The lights do not go on automatically. But I'm good about turning them on at the appropriate times: precipitation, dusk, dark, two-lane roads, high speed highways. About the only time I don't have them on is in city traffic in dry daylight.

So I headed over to Palisades. As I drove at the speed limit past the Reservoir a police officer, standing outside his vehicle, lights flashing, urgently gestured for me to pull over, which I did. We were in front of the CVS on MacArthur Blvd. He said, "I pulled you over because you are driving without your lights and wipers on." I said, "but it's not raining." He said, "But it's cloudy and you have a black car." I said, "I always turn my lights and wipers on when it rains but it is not now raining." He took my license and walked over to his car. I looked out the window. No other drivers had their wipers on. The newer model cars, with automatic lights, had their lights on, but there were plenty of other cars that didn't. Not an excuse, just an observation.

When he returned he said he was citing me for a traffic violation. "You may think it is not raining but I think it is and I'm the one in charge here. You can take it up at a hearing if you want to. It is against the law to drive without lights on a cloudy day." He handed me a ticket and walked away. I didn't not argue with him. The violation? "No lights running on vehicle." The fine? Seventy-five dollars! At the bottom he added, "Vehicle hard to be seen/cloudy day." So there's a penalty for buying a dark-colored car. Again, who knew? It was the only car I could afford at the time. For sure I would rather have shiny bright and new rather than dark with 85,000 miles on it. 

I drove on and parked in front of Marvelous Market. There were people sitting outside having coffee. I took their pictures. Would they be sitting outside in the rain? Doubtful. I explained why I was taking the photo and they were shocked. Cloudy day? No lights or wipers? Dark car? Against the law? And who is the "cloudy day" decider? Calling Bob Ryan. 

IN FRONT OF MARVELOUS MARKET, APPROXIMATELY 8:52 AM (note dry sidewalk)

As I drove back to Georgetown on Reservoir Road, adjacent to Georgetown University Hospital, a black Audi came up behind me at a high rate of speed, riding my bumper. The driver pulled to the left into the lane of oncoming traffic, and passed me and two other cars that were in front of me, dodging back into our lane with just yards to spare before having a head-on. The Audi was going at least 45 mph. Where was an MPDC officer when that happened? 

 PICTURE TAKEN AT APPROXIMATELY 8:56 AM - NOTE SENSIBLE HUMANS OUTSIDE

How might it have been better handled? A warning. I've been pulled over before a few times. Once in 1995 for being in the wrong left turn lane at rush hour, once in 1998 for moving too slowly by Union Station, and once in 2004 for stopping a few feet beyond the white line at a stop sign. On each occasion it was a "warning." 

I've already paid the ticket, but I feel taken advantage of and that I've got one more experience that helps me relate to Maryland and Virginia residents who hate to come to DC.

"Reliable Source" Does "Innocent Spouse" & Spawns Nathans Memories

 NATHANS ON A SUMMER NIGHT

I know, I know. This happened yesterday. But sometimes it takes 24 hours for a pop to produce its ripple. The Washington Post's "Reliable Source" column yesterday gave my memoir, "Innocent Spouse," a mention called "Carol Joynt...and... her surprising new memoir." It was nice. Maybe not universally popular, but as I say to anyone who comments after reading a shard of my book, "please, read the whole book." Note to haters: why?

But back to the ripple. I got an email from RS writer Amy Argetsinger today that said, "I'm beginning to get a feeling of what your daily life must be like: Ever since the story came out I've been besieged by people wanting to share their Nathans nostalgia stories with me!"

Isn't that wonderful? The best of Nathans were the patrons. I know full well their memories run the gamut from sweet falling in love stories to happy waffle brunches to Dom Perignon dance parties to raucous coke-infused all nighters. It was a saloon, after all, and its heyday was the heyday of Washington saloons! It was the best. I know that, too. Almost all the good times happened on Howard's watch because he created a great bar. My task was to try to keep that illusion alive even though I was left with basically the Titanic (and I was no Howard, I was not the fun one). 

But Amy's email got me thinking: it's too bad no one is writing the Nathans story. Amy even wondered "if there's a market for a photo-heavy book about the Georgetown nightlife scene of the 70s and 80s." It certainly had it all, quite white hot and diverse, (Nathans, Clyde's, Apple Pie, Cellar Door, Whiskey A Go Go, etc), which is difficult to believe by the crop of bars we have now. Those that make any money are too often pandering to sports nuts and teens with fake ID's. Howard didn't allow blenders or blender drinks or Red Bull. He was the last adapter to TV's and the two he put in were tiny. Yay. I was the one who put in the flat panel monsters that made bar patrons into morons. 

I'd love to collect Nathans memories here on the site. They would be a tasty adjunct to my book. Gotta figure out how to do it. Suggestions welcomed. But I don't how much flexibility Typepad provides. 

 

More on Griffin Market: They Said, They Said

 GRIFFIN MARKET (courtesy The Georgetowner)

Several weeks ago when it closed I wrote a post about the demise of Griffin Market, using it as a general lament about the "greed" of some Georgetown landlords. I based that on what owners Laura and Riccardo Bonino said, that the rent had been raised by 40% and they could not meet that kind of hike. Plus, they said the building needed serious repairs. Today I heard from the family who own the building, Garry, Maggie and Ashley Miller. Ashley wrote the email. I publish it below essentially verbatim, leaving out only some personal details not relevant to the issue. Ashley says it is her second email to me, but I have no recollection of an earlier email and checked my mail archives and found none.

I am happy to share both points of view. If I wrote about the Boninos position, it makes sense to share what the Millers have to say, and I'm glad Ashley reached out to me. My chief issue is that I miss Griffin Market. It was an asset to the village.

Here, from Ashley Miller:

"I believe this is the second email that I am sending regarding your article on the closing of the Griffin Market. I am quite disappointed, as I would assume that a reporter/journalist of your stature would take the time to verify her facts prior to publishing something. I believe you know my parents, as you were at our club in Bermuda writing a very nice article on Coral Beach as well, which is why this makes it even worse for me to be sending this to you.

"My family owns the property at P street and the Griffin Market was my grandfathers first business. I am a six generations Washingtonian and I attended the National Cathedral School. I would be happy to send you a copy of the lease for the Griffin Market, as it’s the same lease that has been in place since 1981 and there was no 40% increase proposed to the Boninos and in actuality, the rent they were paying before they broke the lease, after requesting an extension in writing, is significantly below market.

"I have numerous things that I would have been happy to share, but was never asked. Now there have been multiple article written with inaccurate information and I would have expected a bit more from you.

"I am sorry to see that you simply feel the need to write information and play it off as fact when if you had simply taken the time to get the full and accurate story you would not have lost my respect as well as my family’s and the rest of the DC community that I grew up with.

"This is also the second email that I have sent asking for a response or a call, as I would like to truth to be known and not your version of it."  

I replied to the email asking for a little more information about the rent now being sought and other details, such as whether the terms are triple-net. 

Ashley's response, in part:

"...we are working with a broker to lease the space and have had a lot of interest and should someone be interested they may contact Papadopoulos Properties, as they are the listing agent. I have spent the better part of 6-8 months working with the historic preservation society and last month finally got approval to replace all of the windows in the building, so we were and will continue to make improvements to the building.

"We are looking to find a great tenant and are open to any lease term, the idea is to get the best tenant for us as well as for the neighborhood. I am also not looking to say anything negative about the Boninos, as that is not the purpose of my email. I feel that the truth will come out about them eventually and I do not need to be the messenger of that information.  tWe did not, nor were we able to increase the rent by 40%. I will tell you that the Boninos rent never increased the entire time they were there and I would be happy to provide you the back-story off the record should you want to call me, but again, do not feel the need to say negative things about them, even though that is what they have done to us.

"The same lease has been in place since 1981 and simply assigned and assigned and it actually went through 2018."

I asked what rent they are seeking, and Ashley replied $3500 a month. I asked what rent the Boninos paid, and she said she did not want that figure made public.  She also asked that people read this letter in The Georgetowner. 

Regardless of sides--and I'm not taking sides here--let's hope new tenants are found soon and that the new tenants restore Griffin to the useful corner market/food store/carry out/quality wine shop most of us came to like and to rely upon. I can't count how many times since it closed that I've wished I could pick up the phone to order dinner from Griffin. Which reminds me: I hope Laura and Riccardo are proceeding toward opening their planned restaurant. 

Kudos To Mayor Gray

I'm a day late with this, but kudos to Mayor Vincent Gray for stepping up on behalf of the city. It may be more symbolic than anything else, but symbols matter. Again, imagine if all city residents, all those who pay taxes here, actually handed the massas a day of civil disobedience? That would get their attention. We could all get arrested. I know it's a "boomer" tactic, but back in the day it worked. 

Here's the Associated Press story:

By JESSICA GRESKO WASHINGTON - D.C. leaders including the mayor took to the streets to protest congressional control of the nation's capital, blocking traffic and getting arrested over a federal budget deal expected to impose renewed restrictions on the city. Angry that Congress appears ready to take away autonomy granted to the city in the last several years, Mayor Vincent Gray and six Council members, including the chairman, were among 41 people arrested Monday outside the Capitol while protesting the changes. Seven hours later, they were released from jail. D.C. has a city government, but its budget and laws are subject to Congressional review. Congress has had control over the city since it was founded. District officials say Washington was used as a pawn in last week's budget bargaining, with new restrictions part of the price of a deal. The district restrictions that were part of the budget deal reached Friday were "completely unacceptable," Gray said. "We needed to make a statement," Gray said after his release from jail. The city will likely be unable to spend its own tax dollars on abortions for low-income women. It may also be banned from spending city money on needle exchange programs believed vital to curbing the spread of HIV in the district, where the disease is considered an epidemic. Also back: a school voucher program favored by Republicans. Washington had enjoyed more freedom in the past four years when both the House and Senate were controlled by Democrats, the party traditionally more friendly to pleas of autonomy from the heavily Democratic city. When Republicans took control of the House in January, the city readied for changes. Still, city leaders said they are outraged that Washington appears to have been used as a bargaining chip.

 

Three Down, Nineteen to Go

About to head out for my fourth radiation treatment. So far, so good, though everyone warns me to expect sudden unusual fatigue. They say it can be thwarted or diminished with exercise, nutrition and rest and so I am dedicated to those pursuits. In fact, I have dedicated this month to wellness and peace. That means doing what makes me feel good. Indulgent, yes, but if ever there was a time to be indulgent this may be it. 

I do my treatments at Georgetown University Hospital, where they make the experience as least troubling as possible--an upbeat environment, smiling faces, a can-do attitude. I find that to be the mode of the entire hospital, so far, which matters as a Georgetowner. It's my neighborhood hospital. My doctor has the wonderful and lyrical name of Chika Madu. I don't see her every day, only once a week. Those on her staff constantly check me out. My actual time getting zapped is fewer than 30 seconds. I walk over and back, which takes more time than my time at the hospital. I get to enjoy Georgetown, as the village wakes up and heads off to work, but especially like the quiet streets, the blossoming flowers, plants, trees.

My fellow patients, we nod at each other. It's a club, I guess, one none of us wanted to join. What humbles me is the patient before me, a little girl who has to be anesthetized for her treatments (because you can't move at all on the table). I feel for her and her parents, but I believe that what's being done for her will make her well. Why else would any of us go through this? 

 

NYSD Today: Countdown to the Non-Shutdown

 TULIPS, CHAMPAGNE, FOOD, FRIENDS AT THE BONDURANT-DUNN HOME

On New York Social Diary today, a look back at the weekend and how Washington went about its business during the countdown to the shutdown that never happened, and beyond.  Read it here. My explorations included a cocktail party at the home of Amy Bondurant and David Dunn, welcoming CNN foreign correspondent Jim Bitterman to town; cocktails and a buffet supper at the home of Juleanna Glover, who welcomed the nominees and supporters of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards.

Where I ended up Saturday evening is not in NYSD, but must be mentioned: a lowkey down-home barbecue dinner with The Moffetts, including Myra's family visiting from North Carolina (with the BBQ) and some friends visiting from Connecticut. After a stressful week, short of a getaway at the beach, this was a welcomed distraction. Sunday there was a 15th  birthday party for George Malloch-Brown, visiting from Merry Olde, which included lots of teens and parents and a mountain of Cactus Cantina.  

 MYRA MOFFETT TRILLS "COME ON IN."

 THE "MAKINS," FRESH FROM LEXINGTON, NC

 MYRA WITH HER STEP MOM AND DAD

 SARAH DELAPP, MYRA AND LESLIE BERAN AT THE TABLE

DON'T TREAD ON DC!!

They are only words but it's good to see the city attempt to unite behind the shoddy way its citizens were treated in the last budget go round. Sheesh, we were kicked to the curb and down the sewer drain. Our non-voting "delegate," Eleanor Holmes Norton, hit the right note when she said Congress can go "straight to hell." The objections will come to nothing, alas, because Congress does own us, the last slave state. I wonder why no one has called for a city-wide strike/sit-in/shutdown. Sure it would create havoc, but that's the point. It's one thing to put up signs, but something else to actually take a stand. 

FROM A READER, TAMERA LUZZATTO:

 

"Hello my friends and more. I have joined a terrific set of others who are working to sustain Washington, DC's Planned Parenthood to continue providing a crucial set of health services to our region's women (and that means their families).    On Friday night, after we all watched with shock and awe at the House GOPs saying shutting down federal funding for Planned Parenthood was a version of more important than how many billions of dollars to cut out of government spending, I took a cab home when it was unclear whether a deal would be struck or not, and then a very important financial question and threat was raised by my cab driver.   When he asked me what I knew, and I will say, I said "we'll hear of a deal tonight because everyone knows they'll lose big if they don't," he said, and I quote, "M'am, why do those Republicans want to stop health care for women with breast cancer?."   MEANING, what most of PP's work got through to this man who said he had no use for politics but had to keep up with the "talks" due to worries about his wages in the event of a government shutdown.

 

"OK, to the point.   Wednesday, May 5, at the very cool and fun home of friends Margaret and Terry Lenzner.  Ticket price is $75 (tax-deductible), and you of course are begged to give more whether or not you can attend, to be horribly honest!    Below is the invite you'll see when on your screen, and I'm providing a very clumsy link that looks like a shopping site but IS the way to send in the money and to RSVP.   Any questions or whatever, email me please so I am sure to help you help Planned Parenthood and our fellow peeps.

 

"As I hope you will agree, this is the time to be sure Planned Parenthood nationwide stays alive and well, and May 4, whether you can join us or not, is your chance to help our neighborhood's very sizable and dedicated chapter to do its absolute essential work to ensure choice and women's health for those who otherwise would not have either or both.

 

"The link to contribute is below, and on your screen or as an attachment is the invite with details.

 

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ppmw/2011-cocktails-cause-36491.htm

 

Memorial Service for Robin Jacobsen

 CHRIST CHURCH SATURDAY AT THE TIME OF ROBIN JACOBSEN'S MEMORIAL SERVICE

A memorial service was held Saturday in Georgetown for long-time resident Robin Jacobsen, who died late last year after a long illness. It was held at Christ Church on O Street and was attended by many of her close friends. I know husband Hugh Jacobsen and son Simon Jacobsen, but never had the benefit of meeting Robin. A friend who was there said the service was, "lovely. Tastefully done. Very touching." Simon and his brothers eulogized their mother. "The after party was lovely, too," according to a friend who was there. I'm not surprised. The Jacobsens always entertain with intimacy and grace.

SIMON JACOBSEN, RIGHT, GREETS FRIENDS OUTSIDE CHRIST CHURCH

Hey Georgetown, You've Been Notified

 THE RULES: OBEY OR BE FINED

Over the past several months a number of Georgetown residents received bills from the DC Government, charging them with stiff fines for inappropriate trash management. The residents complained, and rightfully so, because there had been no proper notification of the rules (a practice that's all too common in DC).

Today the Citizens Association of Georgetown stepped up to do what the government didn't: inform residents of the trash collection rules. Tags were hung on door knobs, fences and gates throughout the village. All residents should have received one of the green tags. Simply put, they state: "ALWAYS put trash in plastic bags AND then put the bags in garbage cans with tight fitting lids! Put recyclables in recycling bins." Also, trash can't be put out until "AFTER 6:30 pm on Monday and Thursday," and the bins must be off the street by "8pm on pick-up day." When Mondays are a holiday, the schedule slides by a day.

The tag also notes that failure to comply can result in fines of "$75 - $1000." 

It doesn't say anything about citizen recourse when DC doesn't pickup the trash on the days it is supposed to, which happens, especially when it rains or snows.

The purpose of all this effort is to thwart rats, which are epidemic in Georgetown. They are everywhere. A professional exterminator explained that the rats of Georgetown have tunnels under the entire village--under the sidewalks, the streets, the houses--and all they need is a little incentive (accessible garbage) to come up (through dirt, cracks in the pavement, sewers) to have a feast. It doesn't take much to get their attention, and it's not impossible for them to get into homes, especially those that are older and that have basements (most of the buildings in Georgetown). 

You've been notified. 

 

WATCH David Rubenstein on The Q&A Cafe, Tonight at 8

Yesterday's interview with David Rubenstein will air tonight at 8 on Channel 16. It's an hour show, so settle in with a cool drink, some snacks and have a good time. When there is an online link I will post it promptly.

David Rubenstein: Pictures from a Q&A Cafe

 DAVID RUBENSTEIN AND I GET MIC'D BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

I TRY TO ANSWER HIS QUESTION ABOUT WHERE WE'RE GONNA GO (I NEVER KNOW UNITIL I START)

 WE'RE OFF AND RUNNING: WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE HIM?

How did he like interviewing Bill Gates? Just fine. He did a great job, too. I said, "you could replace Charlie Rose but you wouldn't make any money." He said he knows that and is fine with the day job he has. But you should watch the Gates interview on C-Span. It's fascinating. Rubenstein asked him if he carries any cash. So I asked Rubenstein the same question. "A little," he said. 

 HE TALKS ABOUT GROWING UP JEWISH AND NOT RICH IN BALTIMORE

Are his parents still alive? Yes. Are they still in Baltimore? "No, they moved to the Baltimore suburb of West Palm Beach." That means their son is taking care of them, which is good and as it should be. He said of his youth that he did not feel charming, attractive, athletic or wealthy so he decided instead to work very hard at being smart. It worked. He got a scholarship to Duke. 

AFTER SOARING IN THE CARTER WHITE HOUSE, BUT LOSING TO REAGAN, HE'S OUT OF A JOB, HAS TO START OVER, AND CREATES THE CARLYLE GROUP

He said he was totally stunned by Jimmy Carter's defeat. Didn't see it coming. 

 DOES HAVING BILLIONS MAKE FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP? NO, HE SAYS, I'M A GROWN MAN AND HAVE TO GET UP DURING THE NIGHT TO (YOU KNOW WHAT)

"Are you all work and no play?" I asked. He said, "I play. Work is my play." But I wondered if some form of play was at hand in his roles as vice chair of the Lincoln Center board, chair of the Kennedy Center board and a member of the Ford's Theater board. Seems quite likely. 

HE OWNS DUNKIN DONUTS, SO WHY NOT BUY DC'S OWN GEORGETOWN CUPCAKE? HE DIDN'T COMMIT, BUT HE DID ACCEPT A DOZEN ADORNED WITH THE CARLYLE LOGO. 

Where are the jobs? Where is the future? China. Turkey. Brazil. Saudi Arabia. India. What languages does he speak? "Only English," he said. "Anywhere in the world it is the language of business."

 AFTER OUR TAPED INTERVIEW, RUBENSTEIN GRACIOUSLY TAKES SOME Q'S FROM THE AUDIENCE

I Love Georgetown, But...

...with all the this, that and the other kinds of shops which occupy retail space in Georgetown, and with offices in buildings all over the commercial area, why oh why don't we have a business supply store? We used to have a little "ma and pa" on Dumbarton Street, which was put out of business by Staples, which was put out of business by its own self.

And so, here we are, with all kinds of options for buying clothing made in "emerging market" nations, but not one single full on business supply store. This is where the Georgetown development plan is a big fat failure. Oops. My mistake. There is no Georgetown development plan...that I know of. 

Had to drive downtown today to buy printer ink. In rush hour. With no parking. It's trivial until you need something like printer ink at 4 pm on a Wednesday.  I live in Georgetown to be in Georgetown, not to have to drive downtown at rush hour. This would be a whiny complaint except Georgetown is a retail hub and used to have useful businesses among all the other stuff. Please don't tell me Target will answer the problem. The problem was once upon a time answered with the "ma and pa" store on Dumbarton. 

An Hour, A Day, A Week: Onward

 TUESDAY, FROM THE 5TH FLOOR AT GEORGETOWN UNIV HOSPITAL

Let's see, what a week, so far. I was absent here the past 48 hours because my son became ill, was admitted to Georgetown University Hospital, put on antibiotics for 24 hours, and is now better and home. He'll return to the dorm tomorrow. It seems he had an extreme strep. It stopped everything in our worlds. Don't know what I would have done had it happened concurrent with The Q&A Cafe, which is tomorrow, but we would have figured it out and got through it. He didn't need me with him all of the time--obviously, he's 19--but still, he'd never before had to spend a night in the hospital and I wanted to be there for him ... if only to refill his water pitcher, be a second set of ears to listen to the doctors, and so forth. 

I was also supposed to begin radiation yesterday, but the machine was down. They thought it might be back up in the afternoon, but it wasn't and so I will begin tomorrow, and go from there to the Ritz and do the show, which I'm looking forward to in a big way. David Rubenstein, wow. There's just so much there. Also, we have a lot of reservations, which is encouraging.

Once radiation begins, it is every single weekday for 17 days. The "experts"--those who have been through the treatment--recommend naps and walks. 

For so many of us each hour, each day, each week is a balancing act of time management. One surprise and the whole plan comes apart. I don't like it that way. Wish I had more wide open spaces. In fact, I'm striving this month to back it down, make time, give myself space to just do radiation every day and deal with that. To make the month about wellness and peace of mind. It's amazing to me how difficult that can be. If I'm fortunate, May will be a fun month of book promotion.

I hope you're coming to The Q&A Cafe tomorrow. I have to get back to my homework now. Onward.

NYSD: A Resurgent Night for Arts Fundraising in DC

 INDIA WAS THE THEME OF THE WPAS GALA AT THE WARDMAN PARK HOTEL

Raising more than one million dollars at a fundraising gala made the weekend for the arts-loving community in Washington, capped with a performance by Roberta Flack, a one-time DC Schools teacher. Read it on New York Social Diary here. 

Blood, Frogs, Gnats, Hail; Oops, I Mean Wind, Sunshine, Tic Tacs...

 AN "AWARD WORTHY" CLOSE-UP OF HAIL ON THE SIDEWALK OF N STREET

What kind of day is this? At dawn it was clear and bright, then blood ran in the streets and gnats clogged the air. No, I mean, then it got dark, then light, then rain, then sunshine, then dark again, then hail, now a mix of clouds, rain and a muddy sky. I'm kidding about the Plagues of Egypt. At least for today. 

I happened to outside when the hail fell. A rain of Tic Tacs. Not particularly cold at the time. The balls of ice landed, bounced, landed again, and melted into the pavement and earth. They made a wonderful racket as they hit the village's many metal rooftops and the tops of cars. Not big enough to do any damage, fortunately. I've been in a storm with hail the size of eggs. They can leave some awful (and expensive) dents in automobiles. 

Good news: tomorrow's forecast is for sunshine and a high of 60 degrees. Hello blossoms. 

Had Dinner With Harry. Met Spike. I'm Happy.

Harry Shearer was in town yesterday, a pit stop on his way to Winchester, Va., where this evening he'll screen his great documentary, "The Big Uneasy." We met for dinner--Harry, my son, me--at Marcel's and had a very good dinner, indeed. I'd not been to Marcel's in a while and now I can't wait to get back. Oh, my. The gratin of shellfish was memorable, followed by duck and a cheese course. There was a stunning shrimp dish, too. Harry had rabbit and Spencer had so many courses I can't recall what any of them were.

As we were leaving our hide-away table (literally, it was behind a curtain), I spied one of my badass heroes, Spike Mendolsohn, and--bold due to fine pinot noir--broke my rule about not hitting on badasses in restaurants. I mean, he was right there in front of me. How could I resist? I introduced myself, my son and Harry. Spike was gracious. He was with a lovely young woman who wore an outfit more worthy of Paris than Washington, and wearing it well. Suffice it to say a bra with 'tude.

Briefly I heaped some praise on the handsome and talented young chef.  I attempted limited restrained gushing, but if he only knew how deeply I rely on his Toasted Marshmallow Milk Shake as my ultimate pick-me-up, and on special occasions I add the Shroom Burger. Simply the best. A lot of mother-son bonding goes on there, too. (I could have used a TMMS today after getting tatted up for radiation. Oy!)

Spike doesn't need to win Top Chef because he's got the juice, and it's badass juice, and I like that. 

If you're in Winchester tonight, find Harry's screening and GO. The details are here.