03.19 - 51 for 51
what’s going on in d.c.
In light of a year of increased Anti-Asian violence and racism punctuated by the misogynistic and racist murders of Asian women in spas across Atlanta this week, it’s critical to support Asians across our community, including by patronizing Asian-owned businesses and restaurants. Some of my favorites - Dumplings and Beyond, Great Wall Szechuan House, Beau Thai, and Mandu.
The annual DC Environmental Film Festival is back and featuring over 70 environmentally-centric screenings this weekend into the coming week. Highlighted films include Youth v. Gov, which follows 21 young plaintiffs suing the U.S. government re: a constitutional right for a clean environment; Secrets of the Whales; and The Long Coast, about individuals living and working on Maine’s coast. Tickets are available per screening or a full festival pass is $45.
The cherry blossoms are coming, with peak bloom expected April 2-5. With plenty of ways to enjoy the season, DCist compiled 16 cherry blossom-themed activities in the area.
let’s talk food and drinks
my weekly best bite: Cafe Riggs’ soft scramble with avocado, quinoa, and peppers
Otabe, Japanese chef Masako Morishita’s comfort food pop-up, is collaborating with 14th St’s Compliments Only sub shop on Sunday from 11-5 to offer Japanese fusion sandwiches, including spam rice sammies, strawberry, and Kawaii curry. Trust me that these will be bomb.
Ice Yards in Navy Yard is serving up ice sculptures and more on Saturday - reserve a spot at Due South, Bammy’s, or Agua 301 and enjoy a complementary cocktail, tableside s’mores making, and specialty menus.
what’s on our minds?
In advance of next week’s Congressional hearing on D.C. statehood, the White House is, for the first time, officially backing the effort. President Biden’s Press Secretary Jen Psaki articulated his support yesterday: “He believes they deserve representation, that’s why he supports D.C. statehood.” The statehood bill, which passed the House last cycle, is almost guaranteed to pass that chamber again. While Senate passage represents quite an uphill battle, the bill has a record number (40) of cosponsors, including Majority Leader Schumer. #notaxationwithoutrepresentation
The Newseum’s First Amendment table survived - albeit horizontally. After closing and selling their space to Johns Hopkins in 2019, the 74-foot-tall marble pallet was removed from the front of the building. Saving its public fate, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia will feature the table in its second-floor atrium.
Quick links to other weekly #goodreads:
My Mom Believes In QAnon. I’ve Been Trying To Get Her Out. - per BuzzFeed News, “Because she sees me as a member of ‘the liberal media,’ it’s impossible to persuade her.”
The Covid Queen of South Dakota- per Rolling Stone, “Gov. Kristi Noem’s state has been ravaged by her Trumpian response to the pandemic — but that hasn’t paused her national ambitions”
How the West Lost COVID - per New York, “How did so many rich countries get it so wrong? How did others get it so right?”
Inside Israel’s lucrative — and secretive —cybersurveillance industry - per Rest of World, “The country’s hacking software is recognized the world over. Not everyone thinks it’s a good thing.”
The Price of Nice Nails - per The New York Times, “It is the start of another workday for legions of New York City’s manicurists, who are hurtled to nail salons across three states. They will not return until late at night, after working 10- to 12-hour shifts, hunched over fingers and toes….But largely overlooked is the rampant exploitation of those who toil in the industry. The New York Times interviewed more than 150 nail salon workers and owners, in four languages, and found that a vast majority of workers are paid below minimum wage; sometimes they are not even paid.” (ed. note: this is from 2015 but well worth the read)
what are we watching/reading?
To be fair, I found both of these Netflix documentaries to be good not great, but if you’re looking for an entertaining watch this weekend, The Last Blockbuster (ironically on Netflix) or Operation Varsity Blues could do the trick. The Last Blockbuster walks through the fall of the once untouchable Blockbuster, leaving behind one nostalgically-driven, family-owned outpost in Bend, Oregon. Operation Varsity Blues dives into the college bribery scandal, centering Rick Snyder and his ability to develop a massive scheme that guaranteed admissions for families at highly selective institutions such as Stanford, Yale, and Georgetown. If you’re like me and dove head first into this scandal (celebrities! insane world of admissions! parental entitlement! intrigue!) a few years ago, you’re unlikely to walk away with much new information. If you’re more lightly familiar with the scandal, it’s well-worth the watch.
The NCAA tournament starts this weekend (this is serving as a reminder to ~finish your brackets~ by noon if you haven’t already)