America’s history…stuffed into small rooms…

This is in front of the National Museum of American History...is that a...penis?!

Well, what a gorgeous weekend it was! Perfect for adventuring out to DC and also for the grand reopening of the National Museum of American History. Deciding it was well worth fighting the crowds to see, we (MarMar, Zach, and I) set off to see what all the newly renovated museum had to offer. I had high expectations considering the renovations too two years and it’s the one museum I’ve been wanting to see since I moved here. I mean, come on! How could a museum dedicated to our own country not be spectacular?

Well, it seems I quickly found out…

Upon entering from the Mall (very close to the Smithsonian Metro I might add) you are greeted by a spectacular artist’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. It’s gorgeous and definitely a gorgeous piece of work. Under it you’ll find a line…to see the real one. Granted, it was opening weekend, and thus I didn’t mind not getting to see it due to the long wait. I’m planning to return to see it later after the gloss has wore off the museum a bit. For those who did brave the line, there was a bit of entertainment in the form of reenactors. These were spread throughout the museum and some gave talks, performances, etc. It was a great touch to see them walking around and interacting (though we did spot an anachronism here and there, such as two Minutemen taking an escalator).

Made in Ame....wait...Nurnberg?

The collections are fairly eclectic, covering many aspects of American history. A good deal of space is allotted to achievements in electricity (lighting, generators, motors, power generation in general) and some select eras in American history, however the museum seemed to fail at getting the exhibits to flow from one to the other. You’d find small rooms here and there with exhibits on musical instruments, publishing, and pop culture.

In all seriousness, these smaller exhibits were either inadequate or confusing. They were mostly stuffed into small cramped rooms where the crowd couldn’t flow whatsoever, lacked direction, and even left out things that just completely threw me. For instance, the musical instrument room left me baffled. There is a machine that allows you to play selections of classical music (from many non-American composers no less) and it doesn’t even have Dvorak’s “Symphony for the New World”. Wth? IT’S THE SONG ABOUT OUR FREAKING COUNTRY! WHERE IS IT? *headdesk* Then in the neighboring pop culture exhibit there are random goodies, but only one baseball jersey? What? No mention of basketball, American football, or and ungodly amount of other baseball? Olympic dominance? Nothing?

One of the coolest exhibits: Julia Child's Kitchen...like...THE ACTUAL THING! Awesome.

Of course, the museum isn’t finished yet, as is obvious by the areas still under construction and exhibits yet to open. Which begs the questions, why are there exhibits that are unfinished after TWO YEARS of construction? How is Lincoln’s exhibit and the First Ladies’ exhibit not complete? Wasn’t the latter under construction before the entire museum closed? Ludicrous.

Overall I’m fairly disappointed with how this museum turned out. I desperately wanted to love it, but like a red-headed step-child I just wanted to beat it until I felt better about myself. I’ll be visiting again in the future and hopefully it grows on me some, but I’m unconvinced that I will ever love the museum enough to visit regularly.

Upcoming weekend = New posts!

Well, Marmar & Zach arrived at 3:30AM today and my sleep schedule is so messed up that I’m not even venturing any rest tonight. Nonetheless, plans this weekend will provide good fodder for upcoming posts! We’ll be hitting up the newly (yesterday) reopened National Museum of American History, Ray’s Hell Burger (YUM!), several wineries, and Eastern Market. Excited yet? Mouth watering? Mine is!

Turkey Day is coming together as well. I’ve got preliminary plans for a brine, possible injection and/or insertion, fry method, sides (mmm….sides…), etc. You’ll definitely get photos of the results pending my remembering to take said photos.

As for anything else, it may be a quiet weekend for me. With friends in town I’ll probably be too busy/tired/distracted to post. More next week!

Turkey Day in the DC

So, it’s only a week away now. I’ll be having my first Thanksgiving in DC. Sure I moved here last year, but I spent T-giving in Auburn with friends. Now T-giving was never a big thing in my family. We didn’t really ever get together and do the whole turkey and side thing, usually half of us were hunting or whatnot. But, now I’m faced with what to do. I have a few options open of course:

1.) Go to housemate’s parent’s place.
2.) Go out to dinner somewhere.
3.) Do nothing, be lazy.
4.) Cook something up for myself!

Now, those of you who know me know which option I’m going with, but for the hilarity of it, I’ll dissect the options.

1.) Hell no. She’s crazy and her parents are crazier. They don’t get along and there is no way I want to be around that. I’ve also heard the cooking wasn’t excellent. Hrmm… I don’t trust her mom knows how to make my mom’s cornbread dressing.

2.) Hrmm… Spend money on lackluster food? I don’t even know a reputable diner around here so how could I risk such? Not to mention you know they’re all going to try to throw a twist on the classic dishes and I DON’T want a twist.

3.) Tempting, and while I would love to do a good bit of reading I already have Friday off to do that as well. I wonder if ‘bucks is open…

4.) Hrmm… coking T-giving dishes for the first time ever? Leftover cornbread dressing? Sweet potato casserole? Oh HELL yes! I definitely think I’m going to whip up my own mini-T-giving. I’m probably even going to fry a turkey breast. Mmmm… Deep fried heaven…

I’ve gotten a good bit of pity over my doing T-giving on my own, but do you REALLY feel bad for me? I’m going to be cooking so you KNOW the food will be good, will yours be nearly as good? I’m going to have exactly the dishes I want and ALL OF THE LEFTOVERS ARE ALL MINE!!!!!! If anything, I pity you! hahahaha!

I’m a soooouullll man!

One of the things the DC area has a serious lack of is good down home southern cooking. I don’t quite understand why there’s such a lack of southern cuisine around here, as this was once the South (long ago, now it’s yankeetown). The thing that really kills me is that some of the stuff I grew up with basically skips the area! Here’s some things that basically leapfrog DC: Waffle House, Cracker Barrel, Krystals, etc. Thank God they at least have Chick-fil-a!

Well, thankfully I have found at least one place where yo can go back home via amazing cooking. Flavors at Bailey’s Crossroads is bar none the best chicken you can get in the region. They have southern deep-fried chicken fried to order that will make you want to slap your mom! The sides are delicious too, and I have to say the collard greens are a MUST! Throw on a little of their pepper sauce and you’ll be in heaven!

This place is a MUST for ex-pats and I dare say anyone around should drop in and give this place their business. You won’t regret it!

The Process

Many people in this area have no clue what being a football fan means. Sure, plenty of people are “fans” of their college team and even more are “fans” of some pro team, and usually not even the local one. Wth? How can you be from DC and be a Dallas fan? Or a Steelers fan? It makes no sense to me. I’m admittedly not a pro sports fan, and find it VERY difficult to cheer for the ‘Skins since their QB is a Barner. Only because Shaun signed for a year can I be ok with cheering for them.

So, what does it mean to be a fan for me? Well, most of you know I’m a die-heard to the blood (and arm) fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. I live it, breathe it, and am always thinking about it. I even have a crimson colored arm thanks to my massive Port-Wine Stain birthmark (as I tell people, God made me a Bama fan). I was born and raised an Alabama fan. I listened to stories from my Papaw about Coach Bryant, remember hearing my father scream at the television while playing outside, and even the first play I remember watching on television myself. When I got my first car it was red, and had a Bama sticker, and a custom collegiate tag.

When I went to college, I started at UA. Knowing that there was a bastion of hellions and football atheists in our own state I made it my mission to go into the backwards depths of tarnation itself and bring as many people to the light as I could. Preach the Word that is Alabama Football. I transferred to Auburn. And as they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and I left a bigger Bama fan than when I arrived.

I moved to DC and found that there are fans of various schools all around. It’s a mixing bowl that has large concentrations of Vtech, UVA, PSU, and OSU. Of course, there are Bama fans as well and we claim the largest UA Alumni Assoc. in the nation. I have fallen into my new home well and also have my daily habits to keep up with UA news and everything Alabama. Here is a glimpse into my normal week in the fall…and most every day of the year…

Daily:
Check AL.com for Bama news.
Check ESPN, SI, CBS, and FoxSports for Bama news (and general CF analysis).
Read all twitter messages from Ian Rappaport of the Birmingham News about UA news.
Listen to ESPN CF Podcast.
Fly UA flag on truck.
Chat with BamaGrad about team news.
Check my Bama Blogs & CF RSS feeds: EDSBS, Alabama Gameday, Capstone Report, Roll Bama Roll, Tide Druid, Third Saturday in Blogtober, Gump for Heisman, Tower of Bammer, Pollspeak, & Poon of the SEC.
Surf forums: TideFans.com & AuNation Rivals Forum

Weekly:
Thursdayish - Read National Capitol Chapter Emails.
Friday - Listen to “The Ultimate Bama CD” play-list on iPod to and from work.
Friday - Wear Bama shirt.
Saturday - Watch “Tradition” video.
Saturday - Wear Bama shirt.
Saturday - Travel into DC 2.5-3hrs prior to kickoff to obtain priority seating at Old Dominion Brew Pub.
Saturday - Text bro, Dad, and Matt game updates from other games if they are in stadium, official review opinions, and other nonsense.
Saturday - ALWAYS play halftime raffle.
Sunday - Check polls as soon as they are released. Text standings to Dad, bro, Matt, etc.
Sunday - Harass AU friends via Twitter and Facebook status messages.

I think that’s about it. This may seem insane to people outside of Alabama, but I assure you this is why I basically have little or no knowledge of most other sports. What quirks or traditions do you have for sports teams?

Rain…wusses.

Ok, so what the hell? People up here freak out over the smallest bit of rain! Come on! You’d think 6 inches in a day was the end of the world! I hate to break it to y’all, but 6in isn’t jack! Hell, most of the time it “rains” here it’s just sprinkling. Hell, where I lived we had over 24in in 24 hours on a couple of occasions! 6 inches was NORMAL! We had REAL rain storms. Storms where you had to drive 35mph because you couldn’t see 3ft in front of your car! Hell, up here we hardly ever even get a thunderstorm…WEAK!

We are fam-i-ly! Oh wait, no… we’re not. But we do live together!

So the big city brings a few changes in one’s life. While in college I lived alone all but my freshman year. It was a natural fit as I enjoyed the space, freedom, and privacy. Of course, upon graduating, getting a job, and moving of I did what everyone obviously does and got a place on my own to start my new life as a free single professional guy. Yeah…and then this thing kicked in…my realist side. Everyone I met here under 30 had a roommate. After seeing my bank account not grow terribly fast I realized why, it’s damn well expensive to live here!

Let’s see, I paid $355/mo in Auburn to live in a huge single bedroom. I move to 60min from the DC border and it’s $1200 for a 2br of the same size. Wth? Of course, it was $1050 for the 1br. Yeah, such huge savings. I finally came to the realization that I just needed to suck it up and find a roommate/move. It took awhile, several possibles that fell through, and a stroke of good luck for me to land in a nice spot. 73″ HDTV, beer fridge, smoker, & jacuzzi out back…ooohhhh yeaahhhhh… It’s like a dream bachelor pad…except I don’t own it… and it’s very close to DC.

I’ll admit, this all took explaining to the rents mostly due to it not being commonplace outside of college where I’m from. However, pushing the fiscal responsibility angle made it quite easy, as well as it being my life and my decision these days. I’m about 5 months into the adventure and it’s gone well thus far! I can finally see more friends in and around DC, head to Alumni events, and take more photos in the city. So instead of starting my life on my own, I’ve moved in a skewed direction, but it’s pretty nice.

This brings me to my conclusion: If you want to live in the big city then you must get a roomie. Unless you’re rich, or your parents are rich, or you’re just that big of a pain in the ass to other people and no one will live with you. Of course, there is an easy way to find them: Craigslist. Major cities have active craigslists and it works. Surf for the situation you fit into, email, meet for coffee, ask pertinent questions (there are guides available via google), and hope for the best!

Ok, now that you know how, when are you moving to DC (Marmar, Annie, Kelli, Clay, Jason, Chris, David, Alana, etc.)? I’ve been waiting for months and you’re still lolly-gagging around down there. Wth? Move here already! Sheesh! You’re so damn slow.

Monuments with a different shade…

Yeah, you know what I'm talkin' bout.

Sure, everydamnbody sees the monuments during the day, but how about a nice walk in the brisk night with a close lover? What’s more romantic with that? Splitting a little bubbly over imported chocolates while you enjoy the amazing views of some of the greatest architecture in our nation? (Note: MEN! That is a freaking HINT! DO IT! YOU WILL GET LAID! (Ok, maybe not….but it sure as hell won’t hurt.))

Now, there are a few things to remember if you do hit up the sights at night. First, I suggest staying on the beaten path as it’s the safest place, even though I seriously doubt you’ll get mugged on the Mall. Overall it’s a very safe place. I do suggest heading out here around 8 and staying until around 12. Plenty of time to meander and see the sights.

Second? Drive. Come in I-66 right onto Constitution, turn right just after the Washington Monument, and then right just to the other side of the Mall. That’ll put you right around Smithsonian station where there’s plenty of parking at night. It’s also a prime starting spot to go Washington ==> WWII ==> Lincoln ==> Jefferson ==> Car. Easy enough to throw in the White House and Capitol, but that’s your call. I think the Jefferson is a prime spot to end, sit down, and enjoy the view with that special lady.

The Lincoln Memorial from the WWII Memorial

Third: Use the pisser at the Washington. It’s cleanest and the most well lit. I’m not sure how late the Lincoln and Jefferson bathrooms are open, but you want to stay away from the one next to the DC War Memorial. It’s overrun with homeless guys and probably not a place your woman wants to visit…it will MURDER the mood (NTM it smells HORRID).

Finally: Don’t take photos unless it’s close up or you have a tripod (with rubber tips). You’re supposed to be paying attention to your woman anyway! (And if she asks for a photo, damn well take it. It probably won’t come out, but that won’t matter until later.)

The most unique place in DC!

The Palace of Wonders is an awesome place and billed as the only vaudeville stage, museum of oddities, and full bar in the world! As by chance my absolutely bad-ass cousin (anyone in roller derby kicks ass in my book) was in town for the two year anniversary of the PoW and it was one hell of a show!

Nina's camera did much better than my cell phone...

So what kind of show would you like to see? Sword swallowers? Check! Burlesque show? Yup! Trapeze act? Done! Poi dancers? Damn straight! Plus all kinds of other stuff! It’s a vaudeville stage people! Not only that though, the crowd is extremely friendly and all types of people come to enjoy the show. If you’re looking for something unique and new to hit up in DC, this is the damn place. I cannot wait to go back!

Now, there is a downside. While you can walk, it’s more than several blocks from the nearest Metro stop. As such I recommend getting off at the Verizon Center and grabbing a Metro Bus right to the door. I’d also suggest getting there a bit early so you can scope a spot up front or on the balcony up top. The balcony has an excellent view, though I may grab a spot next to the stage next time. Hrmmm… I wonder is Marmar is up for this in a few weeks…  C’mon Marmar! Burlesque is fun!

What the hell? Night posts?

Yeah, this entire thing was started because I have nothing better to do between 2AM and 5AM. Why so late? Because God hates me. No, really it’s because the project I’m working on is in hardware integration and we have to let the manufacturing and software guys have it to themselves. Since I’m young, new, and not in management hey think it’s just find to change my schedule nearly every week for two months. What a pain in the ass. Personally, I’d have been happier had they just left me on midnights for two months instead. This switching back and forth is murder on my body and social life.

Sorry, had to vent. Thank God this is all over the first week of December.