12 Best New Sandwiches to Try in DC

Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley

Awesome.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley

Perfect way to start a new week - wishing all of you a Happy Monday! 

americasgreatoutdoors:

This pic will make your day: Cute baby burrowing owls at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in northern Utah. Find out the background on these funny owlets: http://on.doi.gov/1BAtwN8. Photo by Katie McVey, USFWS. 

mypubliclands:

Field Trip!

Niki Cutler, Hydrologist for BLM-Nevada’s Sierra Front Field Office, took local 8th grader Mattie on a field trip as a “youth exposure to Natural Resource/ Hydrology opportunity”. Their field trip took place near the Honey Lake Hydrographic Basin, Flannigan Allotment and East Cottonwood Creek Canyon.

As we drove through the diverse landscape, we talked about the geology and desert terminal river systems. We discussed the relationship sage grouse have with the sage brush ecosystem and why/how they are a key indicator to landscape health. Mattie even saw her first deer in Nevada while we were horseback.  The experience changed her perception of a desolate desert landscape to one full of life and diversity up in the canyon (where you can’t see from the road). 

After our day in the field Mattie said, “I valued the time I got to spend with the horses and figuring out how the plant growth and water supply affected the environment around us. Now I feel like a natural resource career is definitely more of an option for me because I understand the basics of what I would be doing. Thank you very much for taking me!”

-Niki Cutler

Happy #WomeninSTEM Wednesday! We are remembering when BLM-Nevada’s Niki Cutler shared Natural Resources & Hydrology with youth in the field!

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Rudy, a labradoodle transplant from Portland who ditched the “hipster lifestyle” to move to, according to one metric, the seventh-most hipster city in America.

Here’s what owner Noah had to say:

This here is Rudy. He’s a labradoodle from outside of Portland who decided that the west-coast “hipster lifestyle” wasn’t exactly for him (although he has been know to curl up in a flannel to read Hemingway every so often).

Named in part for the classic 1993 motivational football movie, Rudy is a natural athlete. He can be found at the Clarendon Dog Park running laps, or swimming in Four Mile Run, or just chasing bunnies in the yard. After a long day, however, Rudy is always down for a cuddle (so long as he gets three-quarters of the bed).

In the case that any eligible bachelorette pups are reading this, Rudy can be easily wooed with empty water bottles and salmon jerky. And while he is a mama’s boy, he definitely knows how to let loose and have fun.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email office@arlnow.com with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Arlington and Northern Virginia.

• Gum
• Plastic bags
• So many cigarettes

• Matchbooks
• Lost gloves
• A stream of brown water that is actually just dissolved cigarettes

• Gravel
• Potholes
• Four month’s worth of recyclables

• The promise of De Blasio’s New York
• Bike lanes
• Indoor/outdoor cats

• A wad of feathers mashed into the pavement, how o—oh my God, this used to be a bird!
• The next Brooklyn
• A recording of you complaining about how hot it was last summer

• Hipster jokes (they’re not dead yet)
• Used condoms
• Used plastic dog booties (ewwww)

• My latest mixtape, check it out
• A VICE reporter
• A child who didn’t get into the “good” pre-school

• Rocks
• Your super
• Thirty feet of receipt from Duane Reade

• A middle-aged white woman in a pashmina, complaining
• A screenshot from Instagram of that day it was one degree out
• Perfectly preserved dog poop from last Christmas

• A new luxury condo building
• The souls of forty bicycle messengers you murdered when you ordered pad thai during that third blizzard
• One last thinkpiece on why New York sucks now

• James Gandolfini’s final performance
• The secret to finding an affordable apartment in the city
• Falafel

• Vitamin D
• The middle class
• A community garden

• Your taxes, am I right?
• A parking space, except on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Kimchi

• More snow

With all the buzz about whether the H Street streetcar will happen or not, we thought it would be a great idea to share some images of what streetcar living was like back in the middle of the 20th century. It’s been over 50 years since D.C. has had operating streetcars, but it’s within the realm of possibility that we might see them again soon. Maybe.

Below is an image of a woman learning how to become a streetcar operator in June of 1943.

Source: Library of Congress

Here is another great shot of a young woman taking fares on a streetcar in 1943.

Source: Library of Congress

Here is another image from 1943.

Source: Library of Congress

Here is an image of some serious track repair happening downtown at 14th and G St in July of 1941.

Source: Library of Congress

Below are a few images of people riding the streetcars in the late 1930s and 1940s.

Source: Library of Congress

Source: Library of Congress

Source: Library of Congress

Source: Library of Congress

3301 11th Street, NW at Lamont

@gavinholland tweeted us the terrible news over the weekend:

“Nooooooooo!!!! Arthur’s Grocery at 11th & Lamont is closing tomorrow. They’re having one last party. @PoPville”

“he said that they’ve been there 40-50 years, but they’ve never owned the building. Landlord raised the rent beyond their capacity”

11th Street DC has written:

“Arthur’s Grocery is not just a convenience store, but a part of 11th Street’s community charm. This corner store sees many regulars and after school crowds for late afternoon snacks and has been owned and run by the same welcoming family for four decades.”

Indeed Arthur’s was an institution. From community BBQs to fundraisers for local boxers to just incredibly nice people. That’s the thing that will be hard for some to understand – it’s not about the store at all – it’s about the people who ran it and worked there. Every time I went in to buy a soda or a powerball ticket I always left with a smile. And they were nice to everyone. Young, old, white, black, it didn’t matter. That is what made them so special. They were welcoming to all. Maybe inevitable, like the loss of Columbia Heights Coffee up the block, but a dagger nonetheless.

Red Rock Hosts 98 Newly Naturalized Citizens 

As they basked in the glory of the scenic Calico Hills, 98 individuals from 37 countries realized the American Dream when they became citizens at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area on March 14.  

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association, Friends of Red Rock Canyon and BLM teamed up for the third naturalization ceremony at Red Rock.

The Honorable Andrew P. Gordon, U.S. District Judge, administered the Oath of Allegiance during a special session of the United States District Court, and Al Gallmann, USCIS District Director, Phoenix delivered the keynote address.

The new citizens hailed from the following 37 countries: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Somalia, South Korea, Spain, Tonga, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and Yugoslavia.

In addition to the spectacular scenery, new citizens were treated to opportunities to meet one of Red Rock’s resident tortoises - May - who recently came out of brumation as well as wild horse and burro mascots Jackson, the burro and Carson Blue, the horse.  

Story by Kirsten Cannon, Public Affairs Specialist in the Southern Nevada District Office

2915 Georgia Ave, NW

What’s the word on the highly anticipated (by me anyway) wine bar coming to Georgia Ave? Well a reader hears they’re no longer coming. I’ve sent an email for confirmation but haven’t heard back yet. The fact that their Facebook page hasn’t been updated since March of last year is not a good sign either. Hoping I’m wrong.

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood. Your photos will go into the queue (usually 6-8 weeks wait) and will be posted in the order I receive them. If you’ve already entered your pet and would like to do so again – that’s no problem – just space the entries out a bit. Please try to send horizontal photos 640×480 (medium size on your iphone) if possible. If you’re not using an iphone any size is fine.

“benson (@bensonthebeabull) from Shaw”

“PETA rescue Tiki lets her animal instincts shine in River Terrace”

“Shoko in Brookland”

From an email:

“HISTORY DISCUSSION and DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
Upshur Street Books…………827 Upshur St., NW

Linda Crichlow White and Lois Cooper, both long-time residents of Petworth and graduates of good old Roosevelt will speak at the new Upshur Street Book Store on Sunday, March 22 at 4:30pm. Lois is the creator of “The Pride of Petworth” documentary. Linda, with her mother, is the author of Back, There, Then, a historical, genealogical memoir that includes memories of Petworth. Linda’s parents purchased their Petworth home in 1950.
Come and connect with us and with Petworth!

Bibliophile and Upshur Street Bookstore Manager, Anna Thorn will moderate the discussion.”

Anyone recognize this dog some kids found tonight? If so please email princeofpetworth@gmail.com and I’ll connect you with OP. Thanks.

If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’ in the title and say the name of your pet and your neighborhood. Your photos will go into the queue (usually 6-8 weeks wait) and will be posted in the order I receive them. If you’ve already entered your pet and would like to do so again – that’s no problem – just space the entries out a bit. Please try to send horizontal photos 640×480 (medium size on your iphone) if possible. If you’re not using an iphone any size is fine.

“Here’s Palin not afraid of this cold day and ready for his walk in Petworth”

“Zelda from Bloomingdale”

“our new Great Dane pup, Lucca. We are former residents of Mt. Pleasant and we now reside in Del Ray, Alexandria.”

Remember when (urban legend?) folks used to fear shoes hanging like this meant drug dealing or crew territory marking? I suspect this display now has something to do with brunch:

1800 block of 14th Street, NW

Hey, Bookworms! Here Are D.C.'s 10 Best Spots for Reading

CRISPUS ATTUCKS PARK

2000 1ST ST NW, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20002

This Bloomingdale alleyway park offers lush flora, benches, and — most importantly — silence.

  

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Mr. Waffles, who his owners say would sound and look “just like Matthew McConaughey” if he were human.

Here’s what owner Grace wrote on behalf of her deliciously named pup:

Howdy! My name is Waffles, and I’m a Southern gentleman from rural South Carolina. After being rescued by Homeward Trails, I was immediately adopted by two lovely ladies (what can I say — with these doe eyes and sparkling smile, I can easily melt even the coldest of hearts). I’m a 4-year-old miniature lab mix, and I enjoy the simple things in life — good company and good eats! I also am just a tad fancy — I have a penchant for wearing bow ties, and I’m usually sporting some trendy ensemble from Barks Brothers.

When I’m extremely happy or content, I like to snort like a pig! My joyful attitude always brightens others’ days. I am a favorite in my apartment building, and I can usually be found carrying one of my many felt squeaky toys in the building’s dog park. My hobbies are: sleeping on the couch, ignoring my cat brother Pancake, dancing to Nat King Cole (a fellow soulful crooner), and receiving Wylie Wagg treats! My owners always say that if I was human, I would probably sound/look just like Matthew McConaughey.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email office@arlnow.com with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Arlington and Northern Virginia.

This is a guest post by Angela Harrison Eng

I was a Girl Scout when I was a kid. Unlike a lot of girls I knew, I stayed a Girl Scout until my late teen years. Some of my favorite memories are from that time: camping trips, white water rafting, parade marches, volunteering at nursing homes, crafting projects, and selling cookies. Boxes and boxes of cookies. I didn’t really “get” why I was Girl Scout back then, even though words like “service,” “stewardship,” “volunteering,” and “leader” were often thrown around. Looking back on it, I did some pretty cool things. In my search for all things interesting about the area, I discovered DC has some pretty strong ties to Girl Scout history.

Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Guides in 1912, which became known as The Girl Scouts of the United States (GSUSA) in 1915. The first troop consisted of 18 members. Over the years, it has grown into an American institution, with nearly 2.8 million active scouts and volunteers today. In the 1920s and 1930s, the mission of Girl Scouting had strong emphasis on community service, camping, and leadership, much like the current mission. They also stressed domestic values such as cooking and childcare. While it can be argued that one faction was more prominent than the other, evidence suggests there was emphasis on both.

Julia Blackwelder’s book How Hiring mentions a history of scouting published in the late 40s that notes, “publications of the 1920s and 1930s had included photos of girls involved with domestic chores, but camping and other outdoor activities predominated.” Washington, DC’s National Women’s Museum website recalls how Girl Scouts collected food and clothing for families during the Great Depression. Timothy Walch notes that the President of GSUSA during this early time period, Lou Henry Hoover, believed that scouting included “one’s civic duty to promote the health and well-being of one’s community and nation.” Ultimately, she declined to acknowledge one duty was emphasized more than the other.

The juxtaposition between civic and domestic service was illustrated clearly in the institution of the Girl Scout “Little House.” The first Girl Scout Little House was built behind the White House around 1923. One blogger mentioned that it was originally built for a Better Homes and Gardens exhibition, and then donated to the Scouts by Better Homes in America and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. Lou Henry Hoover paid to have the house relocated to 1750 New York Avenue and become a meeting place for the Girl Scouts of DC.

A pamphlet believed to be dated around 1932 describes the house:

“a thoroughly modern kitchen, an enchanting breakfast nook, a dining room, and an oblong living room where they may gather around a friendly fireplace, on the first floor; and with three bedrooms and a nursery on the second floor.” The purpose of acquiring the home, the pamphlet continues, was to “be used as a national training center and experiment station in the great work of helping the girls of the United States . . . to become true home-makers and true citizens.”

Walch mentions the house as a site of “training courses in hygiene, childcare, and nutrition.” On a couple of occasions, the Scouts cooked dinners for high profile guests, including President and Mrs. Hoover and Eleanor Roosevelt. Other distinguished guests included First Lady Coolidge, Danish Minister Otto Wedsted, Princess Martha of Norway, President Hoover, Mabel Boardman, Secretary of the Red Cross, and Mrs. William Jardino, wife of the Secretary of Agriculture.

A blog post on the history of the Little House outlines what happened to the house after the initial opening. Aside from serving food and entertaining high profile guests, it was the site of the GSUSA National Headquarters until 1928. The house itself was in use and continued to be a showplace for the Scouts’ endeavors until 1945. Afterwards, it because a branch office for GSUSA. Little is known of what happened to the house afterwards, but it was torn down in the 1970s.

The DC Little House was not the only one in the United States. A number were built throughout the country following the success of the DC one. Some are still standing, such as the one in Hope Fair Park, Arkansas. While the DC Little House does not fully exist anymore, it lives on in another form. In 1930, Lou Hoover had an exact replica dollhouse built of the Little House in DC. Legacy lives on through the model and provides a unique view to the role DC played in Girl Scouting history.

Arlington is the 7th most “hipster city” in America, at least according to one website’s rankings.

FindTheHome.com ranked U.S. cities with populations over 50,000, based on factors like the percentage of the population aged 20-34, the number of yoga studios per 10,000 residents and the number of cafes per 10,000 residents.

According to the website, 35.4 percent of the population in Arlington is aged 20-34 and there are 0.9 yoga studios and 7.9 cafes per 10,000 residents.That was good enough for 7th place in the rankings — ahead of Seattle and San Francisco but behind Cambridge, Mass. and the No. 1 ranked hipster city, Hoboken, N.J.

Glaringly absent from the list (below) was noted hipster haven Portland, Ore.

1. Hoboken, NJ
2. Ames, IA
3. Boulder, CO
4. Cambridge, MA
5. College Station, TX
6. Somerville, MA
7. Arlington, VA
8. Auburn, AL
9. Santa Monica, CA
10. Davis, CA
11. Berkeley, CA
12. Provo, UT
13. Bloomington, IN
14. Seattle, WA
15. Ann Arbor, MI
16. San Francisco, CA
17. Iowa City, IA
18. West Des Moines, IA
19. Corvallis, OR

A previous hipster list, from real estate information firm RealtyTrac, ranked Arlington’s 22203 ZIP code the 7th most “hipster-friendly” area in the U.S. in 2013.

Flickr pool photo by Dennis Dimick

Photo Credit: Connor Mallon, Smithsonian’s National Zoo

From the National Zoo:

“Our 18-week-old male bear cubs need names—and we’re asking for your help! We’ve teamed up with Univision’s ¡Despierta America! to select names that reflect Andean bears’ cultural significance to the Quechua and Aymara—the indigenous communities of the bears’ native region. Vote now.”

“Voting ends March 22 and winning names will be announced March 26. You can vote for your favorite names once a day!

Cub #1 is rambunctious and seems to need Mom’s attention a bit more than his brother.

Larusiri(lah-roo-SEE-ree): means “giggly” (Aymara)
Mayni (MY-nee): means “unique” (Aymara)
Kusisqa (coo-SEES-kah): means “happy” (Aymara)

Cub #2 is playful and likes to wrestle but is more laid back than Cub #1.

Tusuq (too-SOOK): means “dancer” (Quechua)
Muniri (moo-NEE-ree): means “loving” (Quechua)
Wayna (WHY-nah): means “young” (Quechua)”