Shot this Saturday night while walking home to Georgetown after dinner with friends who live near Logan Circle. It is the Harvest Moon. Fittingly, it's hanging over the Carnegie Institution for Science on 16th Street. Did the moon know? Enjoy. It will be full again on Monday, October 29. I know, isn't that sweet? A full moon for Halloween.
I can't wait to get back out to Markoff's Haunted Forest. Do read my story about this great place in the current print issue of The Washingtonian. You'll want to go, too. (The website is nicely spooky, too).
WASHINGTON: HOME TO THE FUTURE OF VIBRANT URBAN LIVING
The theme of my week seems to have been the NEW DC. It started on Monday with a commentary for New York Social Diary about Washington becoming a sports town, among other grown up accomplishments (and some not), and ended the week with a story for The Washingtonian that focused on a Bethesda-based company that wants to shape DC's future everything. That company is Streetsense. I interviewed its CEO, Marc Ratner. My NYSD commentary and his vision are on the same bandwidth. Do take a moment to meet Marc and his company.
Free live streaming by UstreamFor Washington's animal lovers (and many more) the week started sadly with the death of the baby giant Panda at the National Zoo. Here's an antidote for that: kittens, live streaming, courtesy of the Washington Animal Rescue League and Animal Planet. It's to promote the new season of Too Cute, but it also calms general, random human angst on a Friday afternoon.
NOTE: If they are sleeping when you tune in, just wait 15 minutes and revisit.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE INSIDE GEORGETOWN PARK MALL AS IT UNDERGOES A REBOOT
Today the Washington Business Journal reported that Vornado has done a deal for T.J. Maxx to be the "anchor" store for Georgetown Park Mall. Earlier, Topher Mathews had reported this might happen, but who wanted to believe it? We'd heard they went after Target, and thought maybe it was a joke, but no; their concept for Georgetown apparently is downmarket. We, as a neighborhood, may just have to roll along with it.
Anyone who has lived here for 20-30 years has watched the mall go through many changes. It opened up with bright possibility. There was a good department store plus a lot of smaller shops that were useful and benefited the neighborhood. But then serial bad management entered the picture and, over time, the stores became less and less relevant -- to Georgetowners as well as suburban shoppers, foot traffic and tourists.
T.J. Maxx may be a fine enterprise. I don't know. One friend said their business is designer clothing. Are we talking designers as in Prada and Carolina Herrera on Madison Avenue or H&M knock-offs? The important question is: Is it a good fit for Georgetown? Will it do the kind of business here that will keep it operating, or will it be just another place holder that opens, struggles, fizzles and closes? Through all the vissictudes of the past decade commercially, what has endured are small stores, not monster stores; Georgetown serves boutiques, not big box; the message is unique, small, special, innovative, sole proprietor. Most of those big M Street stores won't be here a decade hence. They have no staying power.
I'm told Vornado is struggling to find tenants. I hear this from people who are connected but don't want to go on the record. So far, Vornado won't speak to reporters. At least not to WBJ, Topher or me. When this happens it usually means there are no answers to the questions, or turmoil on the inside. I've heard both. Simply put, where's the transparency when it comes to issues related to this mall? Hopefully CAG and the ANC, and other village leaders, will push for some answers.
It's a cycle. This will pass. Vornado will come and it will go, but like all the other non-Georgetown developers, when it goes it will take a piece of Georgetown's heart.
Yesterday's losses aside, Washington is at the threshold of something wonderful: becoming a legit sports town. It's all happening and will likely get better and better. It's the subject of a commentary I wrote for today's edition of New York Social Diary
Yesterday at 4 pm my buddy Al Long, also known as Georgetown's "mac man," snapped this pic of the fellow who is definitely first in line at the Georgetown Apple store (and maybe for the whole city) to buy the new iPhone 5. It goes on sale this morning. Would you sit outside all afternoon and overnight, a chilly night, to be the first to buy a phone, or anything for that matter? They cost from $199 and up, mostly up.
I don't think I'm in the mix for the 5. I'm happy with my 4S, though if I hear that the camera is insanely better, I may be tempted ... down the road. Sometimes I still miss my Blackberry, for the tactile keyboard, but I'm not going back.
Good luck today, shoppers.
(Note, if you need any kind of Mac help, do contact Al. He makes home calls.)
I'm so happy I was at the park for this special night. It felt like it was going our way from the beginning of the game. The fans are so with the team. And the team itself seemed calm, ready. It wasn't a fully packed house, but close enough. Very vocal. Everyone stood for the last two outs. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m., only by phone or online.
KATHLEEN TURNER, WITH THE FOLKS FROM S&G PICTURES, MAKING A FILM FOR HBO
My house, at least my living room, got transformed into a documentary film set today for the making of the HBO series, "Masterclass." The folks from S&G Pictures, who were down from New York, started setting up early to be ready for the arrival of their star - Kathleen Turner. Turner is currently appearing in the Arena Stage production of "Red Hot Patriot," a homage to the late Texas journalist Molly Ivins. Most of the furniture got re-arranged, but I expected that. Windows were covered with gels or cloths. Intricate lighting was set up. Oscar-winning Director Karen Goodman did the interview with Turner, which will be combined with additional shooting at Arena and with young artists.
KATHLEEN TURNER, SITTING IN MY LIVING ROOM, BEING INTERVIEWED FOR HBO
Turner was gracious and friendly. We talked for a time before the taping began. She said she's having fun in Washington, loves doing the play, and is taking advantage of her off hours to focus on women's issues before the election. She's committed to that mission. With the little time she has left in her busy day she enjoys walking around the 7th Street in Penn Quarter and the restaurants in that neighborhood. She was very curious about how I lived. She wanted to see other parts of the house, my garden, my kitchen. She studied the kitchen for a minute or so. (I, of course, was embarassed it wasn't sparkling).
She looked good. And the voice. Yes, the voice. It's just as stunning show-stopping in person.
THE CINEMATOGRAPHER AND HIS CREW UNLOAD AND HAUL IN THEIR GEAR
Turner has a reputation as a diva, but I think in her case that means a diva of the stage. She was the definition of low-maintenace during this two-hour shoot. She asked for some water. She was good-natured and in a good mood. She did mention it would be a long day because she has two performances tonight.
When she left today she said, "bye, I'm on my way to Whole Foods." See! Stars, they are just like us.
CHECKING OUT THE FRAMING AND THE LIGHTING
KAREN GOODMAN CONTEMPLATES BETWEEN THE CINEMATOGRAPHER, AND CO-DIRECTOR KIRK SIMON. GOODMAN AND SIMON WON THEIR OSCARS FOR "STRANGERS NO MORE."
The moment I first saw this beautiful cover it gave me an overwhelming feeling of happiness, followed soon after by a craving for pancakes. THOSE pancakes. I'm told the photo was shot at Black Market Bistro. The photo is excellent but what takes the cover to the top is the overall composition, the use of white and blue, the quaint and chaming take-you-back-to-simpler-times details of font and graphic design. I look at it and I think it's a breakfast cook book, and it could be. Inside are dozens of breakfast stories that are well-timed for coming winter, when thoughts turn to a hearty morning meal.
ANOTHER ROUGH DAY AT THE OFFICE, TASTING WEDDING CAKE
There are many things to like about working at The Washingtonian, but one of the best perks is when we get to taste stuff, as today when our bridal editor, Kate Bennett, let us eat cake. All kinds of cake. Specifically wedding cake. An assortment of Washington area bakers sent samples, only the top tier, but that was more than enough. This is just the first wave. There will be more. Today's group included a rather glamorous red and white tier that was topped with an edible red shoe.
MARY YARRISON, A SERIOUS JOURNALIST, TRIES OUT AN EDIBLE SHOE
We tasters don't know where the cakes are from. We are asked to rate them on a scale of 1-5. Our scorecards are anonymous, too. Last week we rated floral arrangements, and when the judging was done we got to distribute them to our desks. Not bad. I'm waiting for Kate to ask us to rate diamonds and honeymoons.
I figure if you read my blog with any regularlity you also follow twitter. I'm on twitter. I post things there that I don't post here, sometimes both here and there, and sometimes only Facebook. It depends. I tend to follow more people on twitter than I follow on Facebook. If that's possible, twitter has a little more intellect. Debateable, I know, but an opinion. Of the people I follow often, Norm Macdonald ranks high. I'll probably never meet this guy -- wish I could, we have friends in common -- but there's so much pleasure in reading his sports tweets. He follows golf with a passion that speaks to me. His observations about football are the same. Not really sentimental at all, but caring and sharp. Gosh, he's good.
So, I have to ask. Why aren't the networks wooing this guy? Did Dennis Miller ruin network sports for all comedians? Norm is cut from a different cloth. He's cool. He's smooth. He's, I think, Canadian. Not an ass. Damn. I've had a brain crush on him since SNL. But that was for his comedy. The crush grew deeper when I realized he understood sports. Then it became appreciation. Opened my eyes. Changed my mind. He's more than just a funny guy. Kinda like Jay Mohr, who with his witty podcast proves hes more than an eager actor. I love all these guys.
If I had a network deal I would produce a sports show with Norm as host and Jay as sidekick, plus some legit retired players, and I would have Norm do principally football and golf and whatever else he wanted. It would be priceless. But he'd have to continue to tweet also. And do a podcast. I'd have my pal Harry Shearer do basketball.
Will someone please write me a big check so I can do this for Norm, assuming it is exactly what he wants. I know. I know. Everyone wants Norm. A time will come.
Hay, he can come do my show and we'll talk golf and football the whole hour. I'll be embarassed but honored. Norm. Open invitation.
“We all want more sex, and no one is getting enough,” Ms.(Joanna) Coles was saying, noting that the problem is perhaps more exaggerated here than elsewhere. And the reason, she said, may be that in New York people are so busy they forget to bookmark sex time in their day planners. Whereas in England, where she is from, people routinely head out in the evening with the expectation of drinking a great deal, going home and making love, although the term she used for the sex act was vintage Austin Powers.
...which is why, I hope, there will always be an England.
THE GRILLED SHRIMP CAESAR AT FORLANO'S IN THE PLAINS, VA
One of my favorite autumn pastimes is to drive out Route 66 to The Plains, Va., for lunch at the counter at Forlano's Market. Nick Forlano, the owner and chef, does such a good job. He's shy, so don't take his quiet demeanor as reticence. Talk to him about the food and he lights up. That's part of the fun of sitting at the counter.
The chalkboard menu has so many temptations, as you see below:
When I'm feeling thin and as if I can eat anything under the sun I order the BLT, the Steak 'n Cheese, or the Barbecue Sandwich. I try always to have one of his soups, particularly the Kennett Square Mushroom. While he's from Queens, Nick went to restaurant school in Philadelphia and worked in southeastern Philly and knows his mushrooms. He also wears a Phillies hat, but we will try not to hold that against him. He's also a vet, having served in the Air Force.
While lunch is a chalk board menu, in the evening's Forlano's gets dressed up for more formal dining. The menu varies but can include pasta made fresh in-house, short ribs, Osso Bucco, and local beef poached in red wine. All the pertinent info is on the website: Forlano's Market. Read it and go. After lunch, go off road, enjoy the scenery and (soon) autumn leaves.
Who better to talk to about the state of political affairs in Washington, DC, than the city's most enduring, "been there, done that," politician, Council Member and former mayor Marion Barry Jr? He'll be the guest at The Q&A Cafe at noon TODAY. This will be a little more than a week after the council reconvenes for its fall legislative session. If you remember, when the Council met in the spring and chose Phil Mendelson to replace disgraced council chairman Kwame Brown, the meeting was contentious. Barry called DC "the laughingstock of the nation." At The Q&A Cafe, we'll discuss that and more, including what Barry sees as his "legacy."
The Q&A Cafe tapes at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown Hotel. For reservations please call 202.912.4110 or email Esmaralda Prifold Seating begins at noon, lunch is served and the all inclusive fee is $35.
Note: the program is broadcast on the District Cable Network (Channel 16) every Friday at 8 o'clock in the evening and at other times during the week. It is also on YouTube.
This is a clip of TV history I've never before seen, though I was there, and I thank my friend Shane Harris for unearthing and sending my way. It is Walter Cronkite reporting the death of President Lyndon B. Johnson "live" on the air. A writer, I sat off camera to his left. Across from me was the editor, John Merriman. On Cronkite's right were the two other writers, Raybun Matthews and Charles L. West.
We were not many minutes into the show - maybe into the first commercial break - when the executive producer, Paul Greenberg, rushed out of his office, known as the "fishbowl," to tell Walter that Tom Johnson was on the phone and it was urgent, that LBJ had died. We came out of commercial and Walter took the call on the air. This clip underscores his professionalism and calm and journalistic grounding. Off camera, we scrambled, writing little bits of information that we slid to Walter below the shot. Very subtly, you can see him cooly referring to the little notes as we pass them to him -- from both directions.
At the end of the clip, as we go to commercial, you see me, ready to pull copy from the wire machines that lined one wall of the studio. They were the Reuters, Associated Press and United Press International wires. They were our lifeblood back in those days before computers, tweets, email, text messages and so forth. We kept them in these big boxes so that while we were on the air the tick-tick-tick of the machines would be muffled, but you can hear them. You can hear our electric typewriters, too.
This is just one of the most remarkable days in history but also in my professional life. I'd only joined the writing staff of The CBS Evening News in December of the year before. Cronkite hired me away from Time magazine, where I was a fledgling reporter. I was all of 22-years-old but a real hard-news Hannah about the business. This particular event, and the way Walter and the staff handled it, made me proud. We sprinted along until the end of the first 30-minute live 6:30 show, but while Walter talked we totally wrote a whole new show to do live at 7pm. We had all of five minutes to pull it together. The producers prepared clips and obit material. That night we did a network special.
It was an exciting night. This was 1973, and Watergate was in full flower, so our days were routinely exciting. Still, this moment stood out. Not to get all gushy, but I watch and listen to the clip and it reminds me what a great front row seat I've had to so much history. I'm reminded, too, of what journalism was like before it got adorned with silly frills or sidetracked into meaninglessness. I miss the urgency of breaking news and being the broadcast to beat and, especially, the high standards. The standards were remarkable, compared to what passes for standards now - not only in television, but in all so-called news media.
Because Shane mentioned it, here's a piece I wrote after Walter died: Remebering Old Iron Pants. The picture at the top is what we called the "bumper shot," which flashed on screen as went to commercial. I'm at my desk (Coca Cola and ash tray struck from the set).
PS-The clip is in black and white, but we broadcast in color.
LATER: Afer posting, I received this wonderful message from a former colleague, Carolyn Terry Dorsett, who was Walter's executive assistant:
"Carol...thank you so much for sharing that clip! I remember that vividly as I took the call from Tom Johnson, put him on hold and contacted "the fishbowl". I, too, miss all the high standards of those days and count myself as most fortunate to have been at Walter's side from '63 to June, 1973. I still have the lovely note you wrote me the day I left."
A caption seems pointless. What's there to say? Snapped this out of my car window at a stop light on Massachusetts Avenue near 14th Street, Sunday morning, September 9.
(Subsequently, Topher Mathews at The Georgetown Metrpolitan reports the driver - and companion - may live in Georgetown on Q Street.)
MITT ROMNEY AND BARACK OBAMA: WE KNOW THEM BY THEIR GIVEN NAMES, THE SECRET SERVICE USE CODE
It's that time of year again, when all the presidential level candidates, and their spouses, get code names to be used by the Secret Service. Now, in truth, those in office already have these code names, as do their high level staff, but added to the roster are the challengers. We couldn't resist making a pop quiz, which is posted on The Washingtonian. Some of you may already know the answers - so, no spoilers - but take the quiz and have fun. Secret Service Pop Quiz.
This is what it looked like from Row B on Thursday night when a brawl broke out between the Washington Nationals and the Chicago Cubs. There was a first brawl that subsided, and then just as it subsided, there was another brawl, which is what I recorded above. According to Davey Johnson it was started when there were some words between the Cubs bench coach and the Nats 3rd base coach, Bo Porter. Note the ump that gets knocked over. If you look to the right you'll see Ryan Zimmerman keeping a hand on Bryce Harper, to hold him back from getting into the fray. It was like an older brother looking out for his younger, more volatile sibling. Two of my faves, Michael Morse and Jayson Werth, were right in the middle, ready to rumble. In it's own way, kinda adorable.
I went to the game with three of my Washingtonian colleagues, above, l-r, Harry Jaffe, Shane Harris and Luke Mullins. We had an absolute blast. Eating, drinking, cheering, jumping up and down, yelling, and repeat. A great night at the ball park. We won 9-2, which prompted some of the Cubs repressed frustration.
This is not one of my colleagues, though we did intersect today in the course of doing my work. It will all be explained later. I definitely had some fun, lost quite a lot of weight in sweat and was slightly mauled by mosquitoes. Make sure to buy the October issue of The Washingtonian.
A PHOTO BY AUTHOR MARK OWEN OF THE SOPHISTICATED NIGHT VISION GOGGLES USED BY NAVY SEALS
This weekend I read "No Easy Day, The Autobiography of a Navy Seal." The best parts of the book focus on the actual mission to raid his Pakistan combound and kill or capture Osama bin Laden, in particular an itemization of what the author, a member of Seal Team 6, wore to go on the assault. That story is on washingtonian.com: What To Wear To Kill Osama bin Laden. Another good bit of reading on the subject of the book is the review by Shane Harris, my colleague at Washingtonian.
ALBRECHT MUTH ON CHANNEL 4, SHORTLY BEFORE HIS ARREST
In two extensive and detailed reports psychiatrict and psychological experts, who interviewed and tested Albrecht Muth, conclude that he is competent to stand trial for the murder of his wife, Viola Drath. Their reports are fascinating. One was prepared by forensic psychiatrist Robert T. M. Phillips of Annapolis, the other by Mitchell H. Hugonnet, a neuropsychologist, of Bethesda. I read both over the weekend. Here's the story atwashingtonian.com.
A question posed often among Georgetowners and to Georgetowners is "what's going on at Georgetowm Park mall?" No one really knows. The owners, Vornado and Angelo Gordon, couldn't be more tight-lipped. I've tried to talk to someone at Vornado for a while, to no avail. Several months ago, I was offered one of the bosses, but that went away. Then I made some of my own pokes at the PR department. Nada. One executive did contact me to say another executive would be in touch. Mas nada. People who are only on the sidelines of the renovation project have given me their two-cents, but they are observing and speculating.
A friend who is in there sometimes said, "you should see it. There's nothing there. The whole insides are torn apart."
So, I took a peek today. The photo above is what I saw. The whole insides aren't entirely torn apart, but the place is definitely stripped of its Victorian trimmings, store fronts and some store spaces.
Until Vornado unzips its lips, that's all we know.
Carol Joynt has "a perfect eye, an infallible ear and the unequaled gift of rearranging the alphabet into words which both entertain and mean f**cking something."
-- "Hollywood Bob"
THE Q&A CAFE
The Q&A Cafe is now in its 21st year. We launched in October 2001 at Nathans in Georgetown as a response to the September 11 terror attacks, and from that initial purpose grew into a weekly community interview lunch, the first "talk show in a bar." When Nathans closed in 2009 we moved to the Ritz Carlton Hotel and since 2015 our home has been The George Town Club. Some 500 notable individuals, from all fields, have appeared for interviews, which are taped and air Fridays on DC Cable. All are welcomed to attend. For reservations: 202-333-9330.
Emmy-winning CBS News producer, talk show guest wrangler, published author, host of The Q&A Cafe, print & digital journalist, filmmaker, photog, and former saloon owner. Read more...
"Innocent Spouse"
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MEDIA: For book-related inquiries, please contact my agent, Laney Becker, at 212-243-8480
Emmy-winning CBS News producer, talk show guest wrangler, published author, host of The Q&A Cafe, print & digital journalist, filmmaker, photog, and former saloon owner. 
Here is information for my popular memoir 
