Luke_Wilbur

Great job Joe. Welcome to our community.

What your view of the federal government taking away state and local government rights, duties, and responsibilities? Is it Constitutionally legal?

The Political forums have been reorganized. Let me know your thoughts.

I would imagine with the Nationals stadium deal finally settled. You will see a revitalization like MCI did for China Town. My worry is all the good auto and industrial shops will be pushed out of DC.

On Saturday, February 12, 2005 from 10:00am to 6:00pm, the Next Generation Awareness Foundation continues its tour of the Annual National Black History Month Film & Discussion Series at AFI-Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, Maryland. This past Saturday, February 5th, the Film & Discussion Series, also termed the Urban Film Series, was a big hit for Baltimore's thriving film and acting community. Numerous personalities, filmmakers and press were present and many on hand witnessed a program of positive and meaningful nature, not often brought so many communities. "Now this is what true remembrance and celebration of African-American history is supposed to be about and how we are supposed to be able to network together," said members of the cast of HBO's The Wire. The Washington, DC version of the tour, entitled This Is How, focuses on bringing the dynamic impact African-Americans have had on film and American culture, face to face with participants. This is why Actress Yvette Freeman, best know for her role as the no-nonsense nurse on ER and several popular filmmakers and playwrights were chosen. All organizations are invited to support the tour and spread the word to their members to ensure this year's success. The purpose this year is two-fold: to provide exposure to the rich cultural and artistic legacy of African-Americans, and serve as a tribute to the 44th Anniversary of the famous sit-in on February 1, 1960, at the F.W. Woolworth Company store in Greensboro, North Carolina. Filmmakers and celebrities are available for interview with members of the press and other media. Please email us at press@urbanfilmseries.com or call us at 202-409-7240 to schedule or get additional details. Authors will be on hand for book-signings. Vendors, including artists will also be on hand. Gary Clark to Host After-Affair featuring Celebrity Guest DJ Maceo (De La Soul). Saturday, February 12th, from 9:30pm until, meet and greet all participants in the series and witness a special treat as guest dj Maceo of De La Soul rips it up for the crowd at Ariel, DC's newest glass oasis located at the corner of 13th and U Streets, NW, Washington, DC. Press needing special admittance, email us at Evite@UrbanFilmSeries.com. Redskins Legend Gary Clark will be on hand for autographs and CD give-aways will be available for attendees.

The sad thing is DCemail was smeared because of this!!!. I know for a fact that DCemail had nothing to do with it. Instead the culprit put DCemail as return address. DCemail allows no mass broadcasting of its email. At the request of our community in 1997 DCemail was created to to give District of Columbia residents a way communicate to other online users. In 1998 DCemail was open to all global users who have need of an Email account. Here is a segment of the guidelines. User agrees not to upload, post, email, or otherwise transmit through the Services: (a) any unlawful, harassing, libelous, privacy invading, abusive, threatening, harmful, vulgar, obscene, indecent, tortuous, or otherwise objectionable material of any kind; ( any material that violates the rights of another, including, but not limited to, the intellectual property rights of another; © any material that violates any applicable local, state, national, or international law or regulation; or (d) unsolicited or unauthorized advertisements, promotional materials, "junk mail," "spam," "chain letters," or other forms of solicitation. User agrees not to attempt to gain unauthorized access to other computer systems or networks connected to the Services. User acknowledges and agrees that Company may ban User from future use of the Services if User does not comply with Company's standards of conduct, even if User attempts to use the Services through another Client or under a different name. Furthermore, User acknowledges and agrees that Company may recover damages from User if User violates these terms. DCemail has been in contact with the F.B.I. on security measures related to all individuals that break U.S. Communication Laws

Let our staff know how we are doing with organizing and monitoring the forums.

Let's lay it on the line; Valentine's day is around the corner. Do you have a date? Well, we have the perfect place for you to take someone special if it's your first date, or even if it's your 100th. Panache is one of the best places in Washington to eat. It has some of the most amazingly prepared food you will see. This is our most romantic and beautiful 4 course dinner so far, so do not miss out on it. There are plenty of tables for 2 but there are also a few booths available that seat 4-8 people so get your friends and their significant others and make a night of it, booths are the best seats in the house.

Dear Luke , Photos from the January Happy Hour are now online on the ICDC Web site. http://www.InternationalClubDC.com On Thursday February 10 we invite you to DISCOVER SWITZERLAND at our reception at the Embassy of Switzerland featuring food, wine, chocolate, and cheese from Switzerland while meeting ICDC members who enjoy Swiss culture. This is a great opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Switzerland as well as hear welcome remarks by the Swiss Embassy Commercial Attaché. Tickets for the all-inclusive evening are only $50. Please reserve your tickets online at: http://www.InternationalClubDC.com ICE SKATING LESSONS: Only 4 spaces left for the ice skating lesson and party at the Pershing Park Ice Rink next week. The rink is 2 blocks from Metro Center and located in the heart of DC. Visit us online for photos from the previous ice skating lesson and reserve your tickets online. RECEPTION and screening of BRAZILIAN MOVIE "Black Orpheus" at the Brazilian Cultural Institute is TONIGHT. Socialize with ICDC members and enjoy light refreshments before the movie. The Oscar winning movie is a great insight into Brazilian life, sights & music. Tickets just $12! ====================================================================== EVENT CALENDAR - Details: http://www.InternationalClubDC.com 1. Brazilian Movie "Black Orpheus" at Brazilian Cultural Institute [2/8] - Socialize with ICDC members before the movie. Light refreshments served. - Experience Brazilian life, sights and music. Oscar for best foreign film 2. Evening of Ice Skating - Ice Skating Party with Lessons [2/9] - Includes lesson, ice skating, rentals, hot chocolate and a snack! - Learn how to ice skate just 2 blocks from Metro Center on the Red Line. 3. Swiss Embassy celebration of Swiss food, wine, and chocolate [2/10] - Diplomatic remarks. Enjoy Swiss and American wine at the open bar. - Sample Swiss hors d'oeuvres prepared by the Swiss Bakery 4. National Art Gallery Tour: 19th Century French Paintings [2/12] - Discover one of the most influential revolutions in the art world - Private tour led by a lecturer. Meet us for lunch before the tour. 5. Fencing Lessons Including Equipment Rentals [2/13] SOLD OUT! 6. Brazilian Piano and Saxophone Concert with Reception at BACI [2/15] - Brazilian music concert featuring music for piano and saxophone - Reception with Brazilian food and open bar serving South American wine 7. Mardi Gras Celebration and Dance at the Melrose Hotel [2/19] - Admission includes complimentary drink and Hors d’oeuvres - Dance to the best of Carnival, Latin, Arabic, hip hop, & 80s hits 8. National Art Gallery Tour: Discover the Italian Renaissance [2/20] - Discover one of the most influential revolutions in the art world - Private tour led by a lecturer. Meet us for lunch before the tour. 9. Spanish, French, Portuguese and German Language Discussion [2/22] - Practice a foreign language in a friendly setting. - Part of "Languages of the World Series" - an ICDC signature event. 10. Viennese Waltz Lessons for Viennese Ball [2/23] - Learn how to dance the Viennese Waltz as it is danced in Vienna - Expert instruction. No partner needed to sign up. Meet gala attendees. 11. ICDC February Happy Hour at Ortanique [2/24] - Make friends from around the world in a friendly and relaxed setting - Complimentary light fare at the beginning. Happy Hour drink specials 12. Viennese Ball: An Evening in Vienna [2/26] - A grand celebration of Viennese Music, Food, Wine, and Dancing - Experience the splendor and spirit of Vienna and elegance of the waltz 13. Games of the World - Play international board games with friends [2/27] - Enjoy a fun evening playing International Board Games with Friends - Great way to end your weekend while enjoying good company 14. Carnaval celebration and dance at the Brazilian Cultural Institute [3/4] - Celebrate Carnaval. Dance to a LIVE Brazilian band! - Sample Brazilian food. Sample Latin American wine at the open bar. ====================================================================== 1. Brazilian Movie "Black Orpheus" at Brazilian Cultural Institute [2/8] - Socialize with ICDC members. Light refreshments served. - Experience Brazilian life, sights & music. Oscar for best foreign film We are pleased to partner with the Brazilian American Cultural Institute to bring you a memorable Carnaval celebration. Our carnaval celebration starts with a movie on Tuesday February 8 celebrating the life, sights, and music of Brazil and concludes with a Carnaval Celebration of Brazilian life Friday March 4 complete with Brazilian food, Latin American wine, and dancing to a live Brazilian band! We start our festivities with a special screening of the movie memorable Brazilian movie "Black Orpheus" at the Brazilian American Cultural Institute. We invite you to come early for light refreshments and socialize with other ICDC members attending the movie screening. Carnval music will be played in the background during the reception. Space is limited. Please reserve your tickets early. Starring Breno Melo, Marpessa Dawn, Lourdes de Oliveira, Lea Garcia and Ademar Ferreira da Silva. Based on the play by Vinicius de Moraes. Music by Luiz Bonfá and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Oscar for the best foreign film, 1959; Gold Palm in Cannes for best film, 1959. A Sacha Gordini production. With the collaboration of Globo Video. A Franco-Brazilian response to the classical Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. In Portuguese. English subtitles. 100 min. Color. 1959. ## When Tuesday, February 08, 2005 at 6:00 PM ## Tickets & Registration $12 Discounted tickets are available for a limited time $16 General admission tickets ## Agenda 6:00 PM Check in Enjoy a reception with light snacks Listen to lively Carnaval music played in the background Meet other ICDC members We encourage you to arrive early. Seats assigned on a first-come basis. 7:00 PM Enjoy the movie "Black Orpheus" with your ICDC friends. ## Requested Attire Business or cocktail attire requested. ## Address 4719 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016-4609 Please visit the ICDC Web site for additional directions. ====================================================================== 2. Evening of Ice Skating - Ice Skating Party with Lessons [2/9] - Includes lesson, ice skating, rentals, hot chocolate and a snack! - Learn how to ice skate just 2 blocks from Metro Center on the Red Line. Join us after work for one of our most popular winter-time activities! We will start the evening with an ice skating lesson followed by ice skating in a beautiful rink in the heart of Washington DC surrounded by monuments. Let us show you the basics of ice skating even if you have never skated before! Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a memorable session of nighttime skating in this intimate, lighted rink, convenient to so many attractions in the downtown area. The rink is conveniently located 3 blocks from Metro Center (12th & F Street exit), right across the street from the Willard Hotel and the Department of Commerce at 14th & Pennsylvania Avenues, NW. The White House is just 2 blocks away, as is the Ellipse, where the National Christmas Tree and Pageant of Peace are located. Our all-inclusive ice skating party includes: + Ice skating lesson. Learn the basics even if you've never skated before. + Ice skating following the lesson + Skate rental + Includes Hot chocolate or soda + Includes Pizza or a hot dog + Listen to top 40 music as you skate + Metro Accessible: Just 2 blocks from Metro Center on the red line + Ride the Metro or park near the rink ## When Wednesday, February 09, 2005 at 7:00 PM ## Tickets & Registration $20: Ice skating lesson with skate rental followed by ice skating session $25: Ice skating lesson with skate rental followed by ice skating session along with hot chocolate or another beverage and a snack. Please reserve your tickets early, as space is limited. ## Agenda 7:00 PM Check in starts, pick up rentals, and prepare for ice skating 7:10 PM Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and get in the rink 7:30 PM Ice skating lesson 8:30 PM Practice ice skating in the company of your ICDC friends ## Rain Date Policy Since the event is held in an outdoor ice rink it is subject to cancellation due to adverse weather. To check on the cancellation policy due to adverse weather on the day of the event please check the ICDC Web site at 4PM on the day of the event or call Sanjaya at (301) 580 7380. In the event of adverse weather, we will reschedule. ## Requested Attire Please dress according to weather in attire that allows fluid movement. ## Address Pershing Park Ice Rink 14th & Pennsylvania Avenues, NW Washington, DC Please note: We will be skating at the Pershing Park Ice Rink -- NOT the sculpture garden ice rink. Please make sure you arrive at the correct ice rink! Please visit the ICDC Web site for additional directions. ====================================================================== 3. Swiss Embassy celebration of Swiss food, wine, and chocolate [2/10] - Diplomatic remarks. Enjoy Swiss and American wine at the open bar. - Sample Swiss hors d'oeuvres prepared by the Swiss Bakery You are cordially invited to experience Swiss hospitality at a very special evening at the Embassy of Switzerland. Please join us for a celebration of Swiss food, wine, and chocolate. The reception includes an open bar serving Swiss and American wine along with hors d’oeuvres prepared by The Swiss Bakery. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other internationally-minded professionals in DC as well as members of the diplomatic community while enjoying an elegant embassy reception. ## When Thursday, February 10, 2005 at 7:00 PM ## Tickets & Registration Discounted early-bird tickets are only $50 for a limited time. Ticket availability is limited and all prior embassy events have sold out well in advance. Please reserve your tickets early. ## Agenda 7:00 PM Check-in & Reception Enjoy Swiss food along with Swiss and American wine at the open bar. 8:00 PM Welcome Welcome remarks by the Swiss Embassy Commercial Attache Mr. Rolf Frei 8:10 PM Reception continues Sample Swiss food and chocolate along with Swiss wine at the open bar 10:00 PM Event concludes ## Requested Attire Cocktail attire requested. ## Address Embassy of Switzerland 2900 Cathedral Avenue N.W Washington, D.C. 20008 Please visit the ICDC Web site for additional directions. ====================================================================== 4. National Art Gallery Tour: 19th Century French Paintings [2/12] - Discover one of the most influential revolutions in the art world - Private tour led by a lecturer. Meet us for lunch before the tour. It is cold outside but what a perfect time to join your ICDC friends for a private tour to discover the National Gallery of Art. Our tour this month will focus on 19th Century French paintings. As the century began, the academic style favored by the official Salon still dictated the success of artists and public taste. But soon that began to change. Realists turned convention on its head to give heroic character to everyday subjects. Manet scandalized the public with his images of modern life. Impressionists tried to capture fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. This is also a great opportunity to meet other ICDC members who appreciate art while enjoying a meal in the Cascade Cafe. Our tours of the National Gallery of Art are one of our most popular events and always sell out well in advance. Please reserve your tickets early. ## When Saturday, February 12, 2005 at 12:30 PM ## Tickets & Registration Tickets* are $12 for the private tour. Capacity is strictly limited. * Cost of lunch not included in $12 ticket price for the tour. ## Agenda Limited capacity. You must purchase a ticket online to attend. No Exceptions please. 12:30PM: Meet us at the Cascade Cafe in the East Building on the concourse level for a relaxing lunch* to meet and socialize with other ICDC members. The tour starts promptly after lunch. If you need to reach us on the day of the event please call (301) 580 7380. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARRIVE PROMPTLY AT THE DESIGNATED MEETING LOCATION. When you arrive look for the tables with ICDC signs. If you are not able to find us, wait by the "Cascade Fountain" and we will come and find you. ## Address The National Gallery of Art is at the intersection of Constitution & 4th Street. Please visit the ICDC Web site for directions. ====================================================================== 5. Fencing Lessons Including Equipment Rentals [2/13] - Step back in time and learn the timeless art of swordsmanship - Teaches focus, coordination and discipline. Safe and fun to learn! SOLD OUT! ====================================================================== 6. Brazilian Piano and Saxophone Concert with Reception at BACI [2/15] - Brazilian music concert featuring music for piano and saxophone - Reception with Brazilian food and open bar serving South American wine We invite you to join us at the Brazilian American Cultural Institute for a delightful Brazilian music performance as well as a reception serving Brazilian appetizers along with wine from South America served at the open bar. This is also a great opportunity to meet and socialize with other ICDC members who enjoy Brazilian music, food, and wine in a beautiful setting surrounded by Brazilian arts, crafts, and culture. PAULA VAN GOES, SAXOPHONE ALICE MIKOLAJEWSKI, PIANO Featuring works by Villa-Lobos, Darius Milhaud and Ronaldo Miranda. Ms. Van Goes, a native of northwest Iowa, is a Doctorate of Musical Arts candidate in Saxophone Performance at the University of Maryland where she is a student of Dale Underwood. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Music from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Ms. Mikolajewski, Staff Accompanist at George Washington University, has been active with Washington Opera's Artists-in-the-Schools programs, and has participated in Washington Opera's Summer Opera Camp as the Accompanist and Music Counselor. ## When Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at 7:00 PM ## Tickets & Registration $30 Discounted tickets are available for a limited time $40 General admission tickets ## Agenda 7:00 PM Check in Enjoy a reception serving Brazilian appitizers and South American wine at the open bar Listen to lively Brazilian music played in the background Meet and socialize with other ICDC members View the Brazilian American Cultural Institute's permanent art collection. We encourage you to arrive early. Seats assigned on a first-come basis. 8:00 PM Enjoy the Brazilian music concert with your ICDC friends. ## Requested Attire Business or cocktail attire requested. ## Address 4719 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016-4609 ## Directions If you are taking the Metro (Red Line), the Brazilian American Cultural Institute is two blocks north from Tenleytown Metro Station. For additional Metro directions, please call (202) 637 7000. ====================================================================== 7. Mardi Gras Celebration and Dance at the Melrose Hotel [2/19] - Admission includes complimentary drink and Hors d’oeuvres - Dance to the best of Carnival, Latin, Arabic, hip hop, & 80s hits In town for Mardi Gras? We invite you to a very special international mardi gras celebration at the Melrose Hotel for a night of dancing and good times with your ICDC friends. As you make new friends from around the world, celebrate Mari Gras in one of Washington‘s premier hotels with an exotic bar, delicious Hors d’oeuvres and dance the night away to the sounds of Dj Moh. State of the art sound, lighting, and decor will complement our upscale Mardi Gras celebration with DJ moh spinning the best of Carnival, Latin, Brazilian, Trible Arabic, hip hop fusion & your favorite 80s hits. In the heart of one of the DC's most notable neighborhoods is its newest luxury, upscale hotel, The Melrose Hotel, Washington, D.C. Just one block from Georgetown and the Foggy Bottom Metro station, The Melrose Hotel Washington, D.C. offers discerning guests a luxurious oasis in the heart of one of the world's fastest-paced cities. ## When Saturday, February 19, 2005 at 8:30 PM ## Tickets & Registration $20 Limited-time discounted ticket for Mardi Gras around the world $25 General Admission ticket for Mardi Gras around the world Please purchase your tickets online by visiting: http://www.internationalclubdc.com ## Requested Attire Cocktail attire requested. Beads, masks, and other mardi gras accessories welcome! ## Address The Melrose Hotel 2430 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20037 Please visit the ICDC Web site for directions. ====================================================================== 8. National Art Gallery Tour: Discover the Italian Renaissance [2/20] - Discover one of the most influential revolutions in the art world - Private tour led by a lecturer. Meet us for lunch before the tour. It is cold outside but what a perfect time to join your ICDC friends for a private tour to discover the National Gallery of Art. Our tour this month will focus on Italian Renaissance paintings from the 16th century. In the early sixteenth century, the center of patronage in the arts shifted to Rome. Pope Julius II recruited the finest artists of the day for his ambitious building program; Raphael and Michelangelo continued and expanded Leonardo's High Renaissance style, characterized by classical balance, controlled movement, and an elevated conception. Raphael learned from Leonardo that a fully resolved composition was attained only after intensive study of the human figure. This is also a great opportunity to meet other ICDC members who appreciate art while enjoying a meal in the Cascade Cafe. Our tours of the National Gallery of Art are one of our most popular events and always sell out well in advance. Please reserve your tickets early. ## When Sunday, February 20, 2005 at 12:30 PM ## Tickets & Registration Tickets* are $12 for the private tour. Capacity is strictly limited. * Cost of lunch not included in $12 ticket price for the tour. ## Agenda Limited capacity. You must purchase a ticket online to attend. No Exceptions please. 12:30PM: Meet us at the Cascade Cafe in the East Building on the concourse level for a relaxing lunch* to meet and socialize with other ICDC members. The tour starts promptly after lunch. If you need to reach us on the day of the event please call (301) 580 7380. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU ARRIVE PROMPTLY AT THE DESIGNATED MEETING LOCATION. When you arrive look for the tables with ICDC signs. If you are not able to find us, wait by the "Cascade Fountain" and we will come and find you. ## Address The National Gallery of Art is at the intersection of Constitution & 4th Street. Please visit the ICDC Web site for directions. ====================================================================== 9. Spanish, French, Portuguese and German Language Discussion [2/15] - Practice a foreign language in a friendly setting. - Part of "Languages of the World Series" - an ICDC signature event. Our Languages of the World series is so popular that we sold out the previous 4 months. In February we invite you to practice Spanish, French, Portuguese or German by taking part in an evening of instructor-facilitated language discussion. We recommend that you sign up early to secure your space. Don’t miss an evening of instructor-facilitated language discussion in a foreign language. We will keep the groups small and assign you to a group that reflects best your speaking ability. At least one native speaker, with experience teaching will take part in the discussion and will be available to facilitate conversations, answer questions, explain the subtleties of grammar, and make you progress! We'll do our best to make you feel comfortable and have fun while meeting other ICDC members who share the same interest in foreign languages. ## When Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at 7:00 PM ## Tickets & Registration $10 - French Language Discussion* $10 - Spanish Language Discussion* $10 - German Language Discussion* $10 - Portuguese Language Discussion* * You are still welcome to take part in other language discussions. ## Agenda 7:00 PM Arrive at Teaism and check in (Please be prompt) 8:30 PM Event Concludes We will take a 15-minute break from 7:45 PM – 8:00 PM to give you a chance to get a drink or something to eat while socializing with ICDC members practicing another language. Teaism offers affordable and top-quality food (all "big dishes" cost less than $10), fun Asian cocktails (especially the ginger and mango margaritas), and more than 25 varieties of tea! ## Address Teaism, 400 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC Please visit the ICDC Web site for directions. ====================================================================== 10. Viennese Waltz Lessons for Viennese Ball [2/23] - Learn how to dance the Viennese Waltz as it is danced in Vienna - Expert instruction. No partner needed to sign up. Meet gala attendees. Whether you plan to attend our Viennese Ball at the National Museum of Women in the Arts or would simply like to learn how to dance the Viennese Waltz, as it is danced in Vienna, don't miss this rare opportunity to learn how to dance one of the most timeless and romantic dances of all time. The lessons will be taught on the exquisite marble dance floor of the the grand ballroom of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The Viennese waltz lessons will be taught by Herb and Carol Traxler. Natives of Austria, Herbert and Carol Traxler have taught the Viennese waltz to hundreds of enthusiastic dancers in the Washington, DC, area -- at the Meridian House, the Smithsonian, and the Austrian Embassy. Their Viennese waltz lessons include the Viennese waltz (Linkswalzer, Rechtswalzer, hesitation step), posture, dance etiquette, and the Handkuss (hand kiss), as well as an introduction to the Viennese balls and to the Viennese waltz music of the Strauss dynasty. The Traxlers will be glad to answer your questions about the the Viennese waltz as well as the upcoming Viennese Ball. ## When Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at 8:00 PM ## Tickets & Registration $15 Viennese waltz lesson - with online reservation $20 Viennese waltz lesson - without online reservation Please make your reservation online on the ICDC Web site for discounted admission: http://www.InternationalClubDC.com ## Agenda 7:30 PM Arrive at the museum - Check-in, meet other attendees and enjoy the museum's art collection 8:00 PM Viennese waltz lesson starts* - We will rotate partners during the lesson. 9:30 PM Practice dancing the Viennese Waltz 10:00 PM Evening concludes * Please arrive on time. The Viennese waltz lesson starts on time. ## Requested Attire Business attire requested. ## Address Grand Ballroom of the National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Avenue NW Washington DC 20005-3920 ====================================================================== 11. ICDC February Happy Hour at Ortanique [2/24] - Make friends from around the world in a friendly and relaxed setting - Complimentary light fare at the beginning. Happy Hour drink specials Meet us for one of our popular monthly Happy Hours to relax, network, meet other internationally minded professionals, and make new friends after work. Chef Cindy Hutson offers guests her award-winning "Cuisine of the Sun" - a fusion of different nations & the freshest of nature's bounty, combined with exciting & exotic tropical flavors. Happy Hour drink specials until 8:00 PM include: Half-price draft beer and half-price wine by the glass. ~ About Ortanique ~ Yellow curtains plunge from a ceiling two stories high, and technicolored fish cavort in a 350-gallon aquarium that provides almost as much fuel for conversation as the minty mojitos half the drinkers at the bar appear to be nursing. The soundtrack brings to mind an island getaway, and so does much of the menu. ## When Thursday, February 24, 2005 at 6:30 PM ## Tickets & Registration $5 with reservation. $7 without reservation. Registration information is posted on the calendar of events at http://www.InternationalClubDC.com If you are not a member please select "Become a Member" to create an account and access the Web site. Membership is free! ## Agenda 6:30 PM: Check in 9:30 PM: Event concludes ## Address 730 11th Street NW Washington, DC 20004 Directions Only: (202) 393-0975 ====================================================================== 12. Viennese Ball: An Evening in Vienna [2/26] - A grand celebration of Viennese Music, Food, Wine, and Dancing - Experience the splendor and spirit of Vienna and elegance of the waltz You are cordially invited to experience a magical evening at the National Museum of Women in the Arts -- one of the most exquisite venues in Washington DC for an unforgettable Viennese celebration of music, food, wine and dancing. The museum's grand Renaissance Revival building and the elegant grand ballroom and Mezzanine provide the perfect setting to bring to life the timeless elegance of a Viennese Ball, as experienced in Vienna. As you enter the museum, you will be greeted by a luxurious marble reception area, and a ballroom adorned by three beautiful crystal chandeliers and art from the museum’s permanent collection. White marble staircases sweep upward to the spacious Mezzanine where you will feast on champagne, world-renowned Austrian wine, dinner, and a lavish dessert buffet in the finest Viennese tradition. Watch the twirling silhouettes on the marble dance floor below move to the sounds of the world’s most beloved waltzes, and other dance music from around the world. Stroll down the sweeping marble stair cases of the museum and dance on an exquisite marble floor to the sounds of Con Brio Strings, one of Washington’s finest orchestras, as they perform the world’s favorite Strauss waltzes, ballroom music from around the world and the famous Radetsky Grand March. This is a great opportunity for a private viewing of the museum’s permanent art collection, experience the elegant atmosphere of a European Ball, as well as meet international professionals and members of the diplomatic community. You do not need a date to attend. You are welcome to attend the ball without a date. We expect as many singles as couples. Viennese Waltz Lessons will be offered on Wednesday February 23. Please visit www.InternationalClubDC.com for details. ## When Saturday, February 26, 2005 at 7:00 PM ## Tickets & Registration Early Bird General Admission Tickets: $79 for a limited time. Includes: Admission at 8:00 PM, dancing to music by the Con Brio Orchestra, open bar with Austrian wine and a very lavish dessert buffet in the finest Viennese tradition. Early Bird Gala Patron Tickets: $109 for a limited time. In addition to General Admission benefits, Gala Patron benefits include admission at 7:00 PM, an intimate CANDLE-LIT RECEPTION before the ball starts with music by a CHAMBER TRIO, open bar during the reception with free-flowing CHAMPAGNE, DINNER BUFFET, and expedited check-in at the door. Early Bird Gala Benefactor Tickets: $139 for a limited time. In addition to the General Admission and Gala Patron benefits, Gala Benefactor ticketholders are entitled to RESERVED-SEATING for the evening along with ACKNOWLEDGEMENT in the program. Gala Benefactors are also entitled to PERSONAL WAIT SERVICE at the reserved table where you may REQUEST DRINKS from the bar to be brought to your table by our attentive staff. A limited number of tickets are available and we encourage you to reserve your tickets early. All prior black-tie events have sold out well in advance of the event date. Absolutely no door sales. Please purchase tickets online at http://www.InternationalClubDC.com/ If you have questions please contact info@InternationalClubDC.com ## Agenda 7:00 PM Admission commences for Gala Patrons and Gala Benefactors - Classical trio performs during the VIP reception. - Free-flowing champagne will be served at the open bar - Enjoy an elegant dinner buffet until 8:00 PM 8:00 PM General admission commences - The Con Brio Orchestra performs until midnight. - Dance to a variety of Viennese waltzes, ballroom music, and dance music - Enjoy a very extravagant dessert reception in the finest Viennese tradition 9:00 PM Welcome Remarks 10:00 PM Grand March 11:00 PM Quadrille 12:00 Midnight Event concludes ## Requested Attire White Tie or Black Tie Optional Vintage formal attire from the renaissance era or the 1900s welcome! ## Address Grand Ballroom of the National Museum of Women in the Arts 1250 New York Avenue NW Washington DC 20005-3920 ====================================================================== 13. Games of the World - Play international board games with friends [2/27] - Enjoy a fun evening playing International Board Games with Friends - Great way to end your weekend while enjoying good company We had so much fun at our previous Games of the World event, we are doing it again in February! We invite you to experience a great way to wrap up your weekend while meeting other ICDC members in a relaxed and fun setting. Join us at our 'Games of the World' event for a fun evening of board games and socializing. Bring your favorite board game or pick one of our award-winning games. Next to board game strategy classics such as 'Monopoly' we will also play fun games like 'Cranium' or 'Jenga'. We will organize the game groups according to the number of players necessary for the different games. At half-time we'll take a break so you can get a snack to eat. Teaism offers affordable and high-quality appetizers and entrees. If you have any questions about this event or would like to bring a board game, please contact Chris@InternationalClubDC.com ## When Sunday, February 27, 2005 at 3:30 PM ## Tickets & Registration $10 if purchased online ($12 at the door if space is available) Tickets are available from the Events Calendar of the ICDC Web site. http://www.InternationalClubDC.com ## Agenda 3:30 PM Please arrive at Teaism and check in 4:30 PM Take a short break to socialize and enjoy food and drinks* 6:30 PM Event concludes * Cost of food and drinks not included in ticket price. ## Address Teaism, 400 8th Street, NW, Washington, DC Please visit the ICDC Web site for directions. ====================================================================== 14. Carnaval celebration at the Brazilian Cultural Institute [3/4] - Celebrate Carnaval. Dance to a LIVE Brazilian band! - Sample Brazilian food. Sample Latin American wine at the open bar. We are pleased to invite you to the Brazilian American Cultural Institute for a memorable Carnaval celebration. Please join us for our Carnaval Celebration of Brazilian life complete with Brazilian food, wine from South America, and dancing to a live Brazilian band. Tickets for the evening are only $39 for a limited time! We invite you to come early to taste a variety of Brazilian food during the reception along with wine from South America at the open bar while you socializing with other ICDC members attending the celebration. We will play Carnaval music in the background. As the night progresses we invite you to dance to a live Brazilian band playing a variety of Brazilian samba, salsa, merengue and other Latin American music. This is a great opportunity to experience a carnaval celebration while making new friends from around the world. You are encouraged to wear a mask to our Carnaval celebration but it is optional! ## When Friday, March 04, 2005 at 7:00 PM ## Tickets & Registration Ticket includes reception serving Brazilian food, open bar serving Latin American wine, as well as dancing to a LIVE Brazilian band. $39 Discounted tickets are available for a limited time $49 General admission tickets ## Agenda 7:00 PM Check in Enjoy a reception serving Brazilian food Sample Latin American wine at the open bar Listen to lively Carnaval music played in the background Meet other ICDC members 7:30 PM We invite you to dance to the music of a LIVE Brazilian band playing a variety of Brazilian samba, salsa, merengue, and other Latin music. 10:00 PM Event concludes. ## Requested Attire Black-Tie optional or cocktail attire requested. Mask optional! ## Address 4719 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016-4609 Please visit the ICDC Web site for additional directions.

DC is changing so fast.... Have you tried Belga Cafe on 8th Street? The mussels are the best in town. I am new to Belgian cuisine, but I know when something tastes good.

Event: Book signing by William B. Gould IV author of Diary of a Contraband: The Civil War Diary of a Black Sailor When: Thursday, February 10, 2005 @ 6:30pm Where: African American Civil War Museum, First Floor True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 For more info contact: Frank Smith or Hari Jones (202) 667-2667 In September of 1862, William Benjamin Gould escaped from slavery by rowing to the U.S.S. Cambridge, a Union gunboat patrolling of the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina. He served in the United States navy for the remainder of the Civil War and left a diary of his experiences – one of the only three know diaries of African American sailors from the period. It is distinguished not only by its details and eloquent tone, but also by its author’s reflections on the conduct of the war, on his own military engagements, on race, on race relations in the Navy, and on what African Americans might expect after the war during Reconstruction. William B. Gould IV, a professor of law at Stanford University, has provided introductory chapters establishing the context of the diary narrative, an annotated version of the diary, a brief account of Gould’s life in Massachusetts after the war, and his thoughts about the legacy of his great-grandfather and his own journey of discovery in learning about this remarkable man.

Has anyone seen this advertisement pop up from your computer? Do you support Open Trade? http://www.freetradeusa.org

Tuesday February 8, 2005 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library 901 G Street NW Room A-5 - Auditorium on A-Level Washington, DC 20001 The Audiovisual Division of the DC Public Library presents its annual film festival that features documentaries on famous African Americans. February 2 at noon: Richard Wright: Black Boy. February 2 at 6 pm: Elijah Muhammad and Marcus Garvey. February 8 at noon: Lumumba: Death of a Prophet. February 16 at 6 pm: Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask. February 23 at 6 pm: W.E.B. DuBois: A Biography in Four Voices. Young adults – adults.

Hi Ritchel, How are you associated with this product?

Well the Patriots won. Bummer.

Buy tickets in advance at: http://www.gfilmfest.com/ Pick up at WILL CALL at Goethe-Institut anytime after 6PM on Sat. 2/12. ************************ LOCATION Goethe-Institut Washington 812 Seventh Street, NW (7th and I St, NW) Washington, DC 20001-3718 (in Chinatown, a few doors up from Fado Irish Pub) MAP: http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/was/knt/anf/enindex.htm PARKING: Parking is available either off-street or in the basement garage of the Renaissance Hotel, accessible from 7th and 9th Streets between I (Eye) & NY Ave. METRO: Gallery Place/Chinatown stop (7th & H St Exit)(Red Line) Buy tickets in advance at: http://www.gfilmfest.com/ Pick up at WILL CALL at Goethe-Institut anytime after 6PM on Sat. 2/12. ************************ TICKETS: $10 for one PROGRAM $15 for both PROGRAMS (Shorts + Feature) Cash sales (no checks or credit cards) at the door anytime after 6PM on Sat. 2/12. Buy tickets in advance at: http://www.gfilmfest.com/ Pick up at WILL CALL at Goethe-Institut anytime after 6PM on Sat. 2/12. Please note: WE WILL CLOSE ONLINE TICKET SALES AT MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH. ************************ HAPPY HOUR NEXT DOOR AT RFD BAR -- ALL NITE! Are you still looking for a Valentine or that Special Someone (Ack!!) or that Special Belgian Beer? Then this is your chance! Mix and mingle with the coolest people and beers in Washington! R.F.D. Washington, 810 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001, tel 202-289-2030 HAPPY HOUR PRICES ALL NITE!: $3 Yuengling, $3 Miller Lite drafts, $3.50 Beer du Jour Buy tickets in advance at: http://www.gfilmfest.com/ Pick up at WILL CALL at Goethe-Institut anytime after 6PM on Sat. 2/12. ************************ PROGRAMS details at: http://www.gfilmfest.com/ Shorts Program: 7PM 1) TAKE IT BACK/Dir: Viko Nikci/Ireland/2004/10 min The story of an ordinary man whose entire world changes in the blink of an eye. --Audience Award, Brooklyn International Film Festival 2004 2) CLIMACTIC DEATH OF DARK NINJA/Dir: Peter Craig/USA/ 2004/12 min A frazzled auteur struggles to keep his lead actor, avoid heat stroke, and weather creative differences all while attempting to shoot his movie's climactic final scene. --Grand Jury Prize - Best Short, Indianapolis International Film Festival 2004 3) THE CRUSADER/Dirs: Florian & Sebastian Henckel/Germany/ 2002/15 min A crusader returns to the homeland, wounded and shaken in his faith. When he meets a mysterious woman, he realizes again what is worth fighting for. --Official Selection, Cannes Film Festival 2003 4) APPLE JACK/Dir: Mark Whiting/USA/2003/16 min On the eve of Halloween, 1938, CBS radio reported UFO's in the skies over the United States. That same night, two notorious criminals escaped the maximum security prison at Macatawa...They were never seen again. --Best Film, Los Angeles International Short Film Festival 2003 5) NATURAL SELECTION/Dir: Scott Leberecht/USA/2003/17m In the future city of Los Angeles 2097, outlaw genetic engineering has transformed the streets into a battleground between those who protect nature & those who exploit it. --Best Short Film, The Dragon*Con Independent Film Festival 2004 6) MY PARENTS/Dir: Neele Leana Vollmar/Germany/2003/18m Marie has a problem. She has met the man of her dreams. But he desperately wants to get to know her parents, which wouldn't be so bad had Marie not told him her parents were still madly in love. --Best Student Film, Aspen Film Festival 2004 Feature Film: 9PM BEAT THE DRUM/Dir: David Hickson/South Africa/2003/114m When his mother and father become victims of "the curse" which is destroying his remote African village, nine-year-old Musa, a Zulu boy, is determined to find his long-lost uncle and earn enough money to help his grandmother to buy a new cow. The boy embarks into a journey to the heart of AIDS-torn Africa. His only possessions are his wit, determination, and a small drum, a gift from his dying father. --Best Feature, Best Director, Best Newcomer, Best Supporting Actor, Monaco International Film Festival 2004 --"Spectacular. Handsome, well-crafted family drama...naturalistic performance...affecting human drama...first-rate." -- Dennis Harvey, Variety Buy tickets in advance at: http://www.gfilmfest.com/ Pick up at WILL CALL at Goethe-Institut anytime after 6PM on Sat. 2/12.

Hopefully Chilean wines will not go up in price

Here is an Aerial Map of the Study area

The Maryland Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have extended the period for public comment on the Intercounty Connector Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) from February 15 to February 25, 2005. All comments must now be received by 5:00 p.m. on February 25th through the project website or by mail to the Study Group offices located at the State Highway Administration’s Baltimore headquarters. This is the second time the ICC Study Team has expanded the comment period from the 45 days required by law. “By extending the comment period once again to a full 95 days, the ICC Study Team has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to obtaining public input on the DEIS,” said Transportation Secretary Robert L. Flanagan. “This is more than double the amount of time required by law. To date, well over a thousand comments have been received from interested citizens and organizations. I urge those who still want to participate in this process to take advantage of this extension and use any of the variety of avenues available to provide their input.” Secretary Flanagan added, “Granting this extension required us to balance our desire to maximize public input on the one hand and the cost of delay on the other hand. Considering the $12.5 million cost of one months delay in the project, further delay beyond February 25th would not be in the public interest.”

According to CNET News.com, Thriftway introduced biometric systems in its Seattle stores as far back as 2002. The customer would have to be identified first and submit his own fingerprints, as well as register credit cards with the grocery store. But then a Pay By Touch system became quite popular among the store regulars. According to CNET, "one man even drove 400 miles to use the technology". The store also reports 0% of such transactions being fraudulent

Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) has become an ICANN-accredited domain name registrar, but insists that it has no immediate plans to start registering domains. The Web search giant was awarded a registrar number last week and can now act as a registrar for top-level domains such as .biz, .com, .info, .name, .net, .org and .pro. The move has prompted speculation about the company's plans in this area. One theory is that the move could allow Google to offer cheaper domains to the cost-conscious blogger community. But Google insists that becoming a registrar will help with its search business . "Google [has] become a domain name registrar to gain better visibility into the infrastructure of the Internet," a representative told vnunet.com. "While we have no plans to register domains at this time, we believe this information can help us increase the quality of our search results. "We are not registering domains today and have no immediate plans to do so. We continue with our mission to organize the world's information and make it accessible and useful, and we believe this information can help us increase the quality of our search results."

I would imagine now that the elections are over that you must be a little more optimistic about your country's future.

This ship you a "plug-and-play" box that routes your calls over your broadband service - simply plug it into your cable or DSL modem. The problem is that my DSL and telephone is a package deal for $49.00. This may be good for people using cable.

Dan Snyder's latest marketing ploy did not sit well with MasterCard. At the request of the company, the Redskins have dropped a requirement that fans use a special Redskins Extra Points MasterCard when using a credit card to purchase season tickets. The Redskins now say they'll accept any type of MasterCard, though they won't accept other brands.

- President George W. Bush - State of the Union