Washington, DC

Wrap Up of results from September 29-October 5, 2008

D.C. United (MLS)

9/24 @ CD Marathon Lost 0-2
9/28 @ FC Dallas Lost 0-3

Washington Capitals

9/24 @ Hurricanes Won 4-1
9/25 vs. Hurricanes Won 5-2
9/27 @ Bruins Won 4-3

Washington Nationals (MLB)
9/23 vs. Florida Marlins Won 9-4 *Game Wrap Up Post*
9/24 vs. Florida Marlins Lost 4-9
9/25 vs. Florida Marlins *Rained Out Post*
9/26 @ Philadelphia Phillies Lost 4-8
9/27 @ Philadelphia Phillies Lost 3-4
9/28 @ Philadelphia Phillies

Washington Redskins

9/28 @ Cowboys Won 26-24

Upcoming

D.C. United (MLS)

10/1 vs. Cruz Azul
10/4 vs. Chivas USA

Washington Capitals

9/29 @ Devils
10/1 @ Flyers
10/3 vs. Flyers
10/5 vs. Bruins

Washington Redskins

10/5 @ Eagles

I really enjoyed going to the Book Festival last year (read the post here). I was excited about going again this year. First off, I thought it would be cool to hear Laura Bush talk about her book, but that turned out not worthwhile. I got there about 9:30am and after waiting in the non moving football field length line for security I gave up because I would not have made it to the Children’s tent before 10am. Instead I went to the Fiction and Mystery tent and heard Alexander McCall Smith talk mostly about his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books.

He was a really good and humorous speaker and I am glad I ditched the line to see the First Lady and am sure this was the better of the two talks. However, overall the whole damn festival was very crowded to the point I could not even navigate through the Pavillion of States and gave up after a few state tables. That and I could not even get into the PBS tent because it was full of people. I really wanted to hear the author of Martha Speaks do a reading and talk about her books, which recently inspired a PBS series called Martha Speaks, but I could not even get into the tent much less even try to navigate through it.

I did hear the talk by Arthur Frommer and his daughter, Pauline Frommer. It was a good talk and I easily got into this tent. After it, though, I escaped the crowd of the Book Festival and went to see the Ocean Hall that opened at the Natural History Museum today (will post about it later this week). I knew to expect big crowds there and actually was surprised to see the crowds were about normal for peak times here. The Book Festival, however, was not as enjoyable this year and while it is good I suppose that it got a lot of attendance I do not think it was ready for the major increase of attendance probably entirely attributed to Laura Bush being there.

Since I went to Opening Day this year it only seemed fitting to go to the final home game of the 2008 season. The weather was not as cold as opening day, but it was kind of cold. Of course, it was also raining. It was raining that much, though, and it is kind of annoying to yet again be reminded how whimpy baseball is with rain delays being called for sprinkles.

It was not all bad, though, because I sat up in my favorite section (224) under the overhang and did not get wet at all. Plus, they put the Cubs @ Mets game on the big scoreboard screen. It was pretty cool to be able to watch that and certainly better than them continuously replaying the top 10 plays and stopping at 7, which they kept doing as part of the pre-game stuff.

They did eventually get through the top ten plays between innings of the Cubs game. As I predicted the number 1 moment was the walk off home run hit by Zimmerman on Opening Day. That certainly is a major moment in Nats history beyond just being the highlight of this season. Too bad the season turned out pretty crummy overall, but there is always next year. Besides this is the year for the Cubs!

I stuck around until they called the game around 9:10pm. It was pretty bum end to the season. Not only because there was no game, but because of the crappy Fan Appreciation stuff. They only gave stuff to those in the concourse. What about us true fans waiting around in the stands for the game!

Grand Opening of Sant Ocean Hall - The grand opening festivities begin at 11am on Saturday, September 27, with music and dance. The Ocean Hall is then officially opened at noon. Grand Opening festivities include book signings and lectures.

National Book Festival - This year’s book festival is on Saturday, September 27. It is held on the National Mall from 10am to 5pm. Check the site for list of authors and the times they are giving presentations and signing books.

Check out weekend sports playing in D.C. on the Sports Events Coming Up This Week post.

Tonight I went to the Nats game with my mom since she could not be in town on Thursday for the last game of the season as originally planned. Today turned out to be a worthwhile game instead, especially since it was T-Shirt Tuesday and I now have two cool Final Homestand of the 2008 Inaugural Season t-shirts. Oh, and I finally got a helmet sundae in a Nationals mini helmet.

The game itself was much better than Sunday’s, although I did not much care for ending up in the left field upper area, as I am quite biased to loving the Upper and Lower Terrace seats on the right field side, but they supposedly had no $10 tickets. I guess people bought them up earlier in the season with high hopes (heck, I did that with the final game!) and then did not show up today, as attendance was not all that great.

The Nats fell behind 1-0 allowing a run in the 1st, but they soon took the lead with Ryan Zimmerman hitting a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning. The Marlins tied the game with a home run in the 2nd. The Nats regained the lead in the 3rd with some help from an error by the Marlin’s 3rd baseman, who failed to field a grounder that ended up going right through his legs.

The Nats added another run in the 5th. They allowed a 3rd run in the 6th inning, but came back to score a run in the bottom of the inning. Thus they entered the bottom of the 8th with a 5-3 lead. They secured the game with an awesome 8th inning that increased there lead to 9-3. The Marlins did hit a solo home run in the 9th, but Hanrahan struck out Luis Gonzalez, who came in to pinch hit for the pitcher, to end the game.

Wrap Up of results from September 15-21, 2008

D.C. United (MLS)

9/16 vs. Deportivo Saprissa Lost 0-2
9/20 @ Los Angeles Galaxy Lost 2-5

Washington Nationals (MLB)
9/15 vs New York Mets Won 7-2
9/16 vs. New York Mets Won 1-0
9/17 vs. New York Mets Lost 7-9
9/18 vs. New York Mets Lost 2-7
9/19 vs. San Diego Padres Lost 6-11
9/20 vs. San Diego Padres Lost 1-6
9/21 vs. San Diego Padres Lost 2-6

Washington Redskins

9/21 vs. Cardinals Won 24-17

Upcoming

D.C. United (MLS)

9/24 @ CD Marathon
9/28 @ FC Dallas

Washington Capitals

9/24 @ Hurricanes
9/25 vs. Hurricanes
9/27 @ Bruins

Washington Nationals (MLB)
9/23 vs. Florida Marlins
9/24 vs. Florida Marlins
9/25 vs. Florida Marlins
9/26 @ Philadelphia Phillies
9/27 @ Philadelphia Phillies
9/28 @ Philadelphia Phillies

Washington Redskins

9/28 @ Cowboys

Today I went to the final game included in my partial season tickets, although not the final Nats game I am going to this season as I at least already have tickets for the final home game on Thursday night. I picked up my free leftover promo with my season ticket voucher. I ended up picking out the Panda Webkinz, although that was before I realize they still have Teddy T-shirts. Oh well, at least now I can finally do Webkinz, which several young kids have said I should do.

The game itself was not all that great for a Nats fan, as they again lost, but it was not the worst either. I did not really get into it as much as normal because I did not get a free Inside Pitch magazine to keep score in because they did not have them by the Right Field gate that I ended up entering through because that was where they were giving out the promos. I definitely got to remember to next time go out of my way to locate one if they are not where I enter, as scoring the game really is part of enjoying the game for me.

Instead of scoring, though, I did do some more game action photography than usual, although, that just is not as engaging as scoring and I kept missing stuff because I was zoomed in on the batter or pitcher. I did not miss the main Nats action, though, of Ryan Zimmerman hitting a home run in the sixth. Too bad it was after the Padres scored 2 runs in the first and added another in the sixth. The Padres added another 3 runs in the top of the eighth. Zimmerman also batted in another run in the bottom of the eighth, but that was it for scoring with the game ending with the Padres winning 6-2.

Today I went to the Nationals Season Ticket Holder Event called Picnic in the Park. It was not much of a picnic for me considering they never sent me the food and drink vouchers even though I specifically made sure my address was changed so I would get them. Even if I had gotten them, they would not have been all that useful because I do not eat meat and the main thing the voucher was for was a hot dog.

Anyways it was still kind of interesting to go to. For one, I now have a cool Go Nats license plate holder. Not that I can use it, as it is too big for my scooter license plate, but I may be able to convince my dad to put it on his car, which we are going to use next summer for our All the Ballparks road trip.

The best part in my opinion was the autograph stations. The lines were short at the first two I went to. The other three were longer, but the line moved pretty quickly. Total I got 9 autographs (8 players and the pitching coach). The coolest thing was that if you did not bring something for them to sign, which I had forgotten to do, they signed on a blank opening day ticket.

They also had photo stations, the chance to run the bases, dugout tours, Diamond Club tours, bullpen access, and Presidential Club tours, but most of that stuff did not matter to me, especially since I saw that tour stuff on the ballpark tour I took earlier this year.

2008 Smithsonian Trunk Show - This is a show featuring wearable art made by 30 artists juried into Smithsonian Craft Shows. It is being held at the National Building Museum. It costs $35 to go for the advance chance party from 5:30pm to 8:30pm on Friday. It costs only $5 on Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday and Sunday hours are both 10am to 5pm.

Fiesta Musical at the National Zoo - This fiesta is in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. There will be crafts to do including jewelry, sweaters, bags, finger puppets, and drums.

Check out weekend sports playing in D.C. on the Sports Events Coming Up This Week post.

Wrap Up of results from September 8-14, 2008

D.C. United (MLS)

9/13 vs. FC Dallas Tied 2-2

Washington Mystics

9/9 @ Chicago Lost 59-78
9/11 @ Detroit Lost 66-78
9/13 @ Connecticut Lost 81-87

Washington Nationals (MLB)
9/9 @ New York Mets Lost 8-10
9/10 @ New York Mets Lost 10-13
9/12 @ Florida Marlins Lost 1-2
9/13 @ Florida Marlins Lost 2-4
9/14 @ Florida Marlins Lost 7-8

Washington Redskins

9/14 vs. Saints Won 29-24

Upcoming

D.C. United (MLS)

9/16 vs. Deportivo Saprissa
9/20 @ Los Angeles Galaxy

Washington Nationals (MLB)
9/15 vs New York Mets
9/16 vs. New York Mets
9/17 vs. New York Mets
9/18 vs. New York Mets
9/19 vs. San Diego Padres
9/20 vs. San Diego Padres
9/21 vs. San Diego Padres

Washington Redskins

9/21 vs. Cardinals

Mount Vernon 18th Century Craft Fair - This is a craft fair at Mount Vernon that is set in the 18th century with wares you might find back then. It also includes some period entertainment, such as Punch and Judy, juggler, and swordswallower.

Check out weekend sports playing in D.C. on the Sports Events Coming Up This Week post.

These are just few events this weekend. If you have any that you know about in the D.C. area this weekend that you would like to share, then please let us know in a comment to this post.

Wrap Up of results from September 1-7, 2008

D.C. United (MLS)

9/3 vs. Charleston Battery Won 2-1
9/6 @ San Jose Earthquakes Lost 1-2

Washington Mystics

9/2 vs. Indiana Lost 68-79
9/6 vs. Detroit Lost 69-84

Washington Nationals (MLB)
9/1 vs. Philadelphia Phillies Won 7-4
9/2 vs. Philadelphia Phillies Lost 0-4
9/3 vs. Philadelphia Phillies Won 9-7
9/4 @ Atlanta Braves Lost 0-2
9/5 @ Atlanta Braves Lost 5-10
9/6 @ Atlanta Braves Won 8-5
9/7 @ Atlanta Braves Won 7-4 in 14 innings

Washington Redskins

9/4 @ New York Giants Lost 7-16

Upcoming

D.C. United (MLS)

9/13 vs. FC Dallas

Washington Mystics

9/9 @ Chicago
9/11 @ Detroit
9.13 @ Connecticut

Washington Nationals (MLB)
9/9 @ New York Mets
9/10 @ New York Mets
9/12 @ Florida Marlins
9/13 @ Florida Marlins
9/14 @ Florida Marlins

Washington Redskins

9/14 vs. Saints

Tomorrow (September 6, 2008) at 8pm there will be the first showing of a 2 hour program on C-SPAN about the Lincoln Cottage, which opened to the public back in February. The program includes high definition footage and a never before seen panorama view taken from the nearby tower. The program talks about Lincoln’s time spent at the cottage during the Civil War, historically significant moments there, and the trek between the cottage and the White House that he took daily.

2nd Annual Smithsonian Young Benefactors Cup - This Polo event will take place on the West Potomac Park Polo Field on the National Mall on Saturday, September 6. The gates open at noon. The Opening Ceremony is at 12:15pm. There are Exhibition matches between 12:30pm and 2:30pm. The Smithsonian Cup match is at 3pm.

Art la Cart Family Day - This event is at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This family day event includes four different activity carts.

Check out weekend sports playing in D.C. on the Sports Events Coming Up This Week post.

These are just few events this weekend. If you have any that you know about in the D.C. area this weekend that you would like to share, then please let us know in a comment to this post.

Wrap Up of results from August 25 - August 31

D.C. United (MLS)

8/30 vs. New York Red Bulls Tied 0-0

Washington Mystics

8/29 vs. Chicago Lost 75-70
8/30 @ Minnesota Lost 78-92

Washington Nationals (MLB)
8/26 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Won 2-1
8/27 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Won 5-4
8/28 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Won 11-2
8/29 vs. Atlanta Braves Won 7-3
8/30 vs. Atlanta Braves Won 9-8
8/31 vs. Atlanta Braves Won 8-4

Washington Redskins

8/28 vs. Jaguars Lost 3-24

Upcoming

D.C. United (MLS)

9/3 vs. Charleston Battery
9/6 @ San Jose Earthquakes

Washington Mystics

9/2 vs. Indiana
9/6 vs. Detroit

Washington Nationals (MLB)
9/1 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
9/2 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
9/3 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
9/4 @ Atlanta Braves
9/5 @ Atlanta Braves
9/6 @ Atlanta Braves
9/7 @ Atlanta Braves

Washington Redskins

9/4 @ New York Giants