GOLDEN EARRINGS IN THE SHAPE of eagles beckon from a display case. A framed replica of the Declaration of Independence (with accompanying quill) hangs from a wall. A woven scene of U.S. Capitol on a blanket, dubbed the "Capitol Comforter," lies neatly folded in a corner. It's American patriot heaven. And that's just what's in one of the Capitol Visitor Center's two gift shops.
The 580,000 square-foot facility, which opened to the public yesterday, is dazzling. As visitors descend two escalators to the central Emancipation Hall, the underground level's sparkling marble grandeur is offset by a bright glass ceiling showcasing views of the Capitol dome. An indoor replica of the dome's Statue of Freedom — an exhibit focal point — is a commanding presence in itself, but it's not the only statue that will catch your eye. There are 24 state statues speckled throughout the center, and while all pay tribute to significant Americans, don't expect them all to be made of the same ole white marble.
Colorado's John L. "Jack" Swigert Jr. replica has the Apollo 13 astronaut rocking a replica NASA suit and holding a space helmet, while Wyoming's bronze depiction of Chief Washakie features the Shoshone tribe spokesman in feathered headdress, a spear in his right hand and peace pipe in his left.
The Emancipation Hall is just a taste of what the center has to offer. The real gems are just beyond the Statue of Freedom in the center's Exhibition Hall.
Continue Reading "A Capitol Improvement: Capitol Visitor Center Opens" »
WANT TO SEE the Statue of Freedom up close and personal? Unless you tried scaling the Capitol dome — and we're thinking Capitol Police wouldn't be keen on this — you usually were out of luck. Until today.
It's a lot easier to stroll up to the statue's plaster model in the Emancipation Hall — a part of the Capitol Visitor Center, which opens to the public at 1 p.m. at First and East Capitol streets. The model is one of 24 statues speckled throughout the three-level, 580,000 square-foot underground facility. The visitor center also boasts historical artifacts, although the pine slab where the bodies of presidents Gerald Ford and Abraham Lincoln once rested creeps us out a little bit.
Continue Reading "Go Underground: Capitol Visitor Center Opening" »
LOVE HIM or hate him, you can't deny Frank Zappa was one fascinating person. Over the course of his career, the Mothers of Invention frontman not only penned tunes ranging from rock and electronic to jazz and blues, but also became a bit of a film auteur as well.
Having wrote and directed a number of music videos and feature length movies, Zappa led the Library of Congress to host a Mini-Film Festival of his work during its Rock 'n' Rolls in the Fall series. Come Monday, the library's Mary Pickford Theater will screen a double bill of Zappa, playing both his 1987 claymation venture, The Amazing Mr. Bickford, and his band's 1985 live concert feature, Does Humor Belong in Music?
» Library of Congress Mary Pickford Theatre, 101 Independence Avenue, SE; Mon., 7 p.m., free; 202-707-5677. (Capitol South)
Written by Express' Thomas Floyd
Photo by TWP
THE FOLGER SHAKESPEARE LIBRARY'S EXHIBIT about early newspapers never addresses the current struggles of the industry. But curator Chris Kyle says the precipitous decline of many newspapers' revenues is an impetus for "Breaking News: Renaissance Journalism and the Birth of the Newspaper."
"We thought," said the history professor, "that with the attack on print media at the moment, as it's finding its place in a new online world, now was a good time to revisit the newspaper: where it came from, how it came about and how quickly it developed into something modern and recognizable."
"By 1640," Kyle continued, "20 years after the first newspaper comes into England, we've got classified advertising, the rise of the professional journalist, editorials, letters to the editor, illustrated news, subscription services and home delivery."
Continue Reading "Olde News Is Still News: Renaissance Journalism" »
IT'S NOT often that a film is released 18 years after its soundtrack. But then again, The Mothers of Invention were never too hot on conventional wisdom.
"Uncle Meat," the silver-screen counterpart to the band's 1969 soundtrack of the same title, went straight to video in 1987 after a lack of funds delayed the project for the better part of two decades. The movie features a slew of unique tracks by writer, director and band frontman Frank Zappa, including songs titled "The Voice of Cheese" and "Dog Breath, in the Year of the Plague."
Curious? Well, you're in luck — the film is screening Monday at the Library of Congress as part of the Frank Zappa Mini Film Festival.
» Library of Congress Mary Pickford Theatre, 101 Independence Avenue, SE; Mon., 7 p.m., free; 202-707-5677. (Capitol South)
Written by Express' Thomas Floyd
Photo courtesy Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
FOR A PLAY focused on war, power and death, there's no shortage of comedy in Folger Theatre's production of Shakespeare's "Henry IV."
The edgy comedic jabs delivered by Prince Hal (Tom Story) carefully cover any feelings of impending disaster, and together with "The Wire" actor Delaney Williams as Falstaff, the two become the comedic powerhouse of the production.
King Henry IV (Rick Foucheux) has usurped England's throne from his cousin, Richard II. He tries to keep his country in one piece while his rebellious son, Prince Hal, shirks the looming responsibilities of the crown. Story's portrayal gives truth to Hal's struggle to find a balance between the life of a respectable prince and a libertine.
EXPRESS NIGHT OUT is hosting two happy hours tonight at 6 p.m. to help you wind down from whatever exciting election shenanigans you got up to yesterday.
There's free beer (while it lasts) and cheap food. Democrats can throw back Blue Moon, and for Republicans we'll be providing Killian's Red.
Victorious Barack Obama supporters should head to Top of the Hill. If you backed John McCain, 18th Amendment's your bar.
RSVP here to let us know you're coming.
» Top of the Hill, 319 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; 202-546-1001. (Capitol South)
» 18th Amendment, 613 Pennsylvania Ave. SE; 202-543-3622. (Capitol South)
CHOOSING WHERE to watch election returns is serious business.
Home-grown election parties can be great, but some occasions are meant to be celebrated in big, unruly groups. What better time is there to experience the unfettered joy of hugging a complete stranger than when the candidate you believe in gets a chance to run the country?
If getting out of the house gets your vote, here are some spots that will happily host you, no matter your political affiliation.
Continue Reading "Happy Returns: Where to Spend Your Election Night" »
EVERYTHING IN THIS town is political. So many people work for (or writes about, or contract for) the government, everyone talks about politics after work and everyone will be out in force for the giant election party that will take over the city on Tuesday night. But before that happens, you can chow down on political-themed food at local eateries that are using election fever as a chance to get creative with their menus.
CAROUSING OR THE CROWN? It's the eternal question facing Prince Hal in Shakespeare's "Henry IV," on repeat at Folger Elizabethan Theatre until Nov. 16. The responsibility of leadership is weighed against the desire of the individual in this classic discussion on the nature of honor and obligation.
Folger Elizabethan Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE; $32-$43; 202-544-7077. (Capitol South)
Written by Express' Nathan Martin
Photo by Carol Pratt
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