While the Nationals are in the midst of their spring training throes, the front office is beginning to shape things up for opening day. In yesterday’s announcer search, 22 hopefuls squared off at the Bowie baseball diamond in what was rumored to be a steel-cage deathmatch, but turned out to be an annouce-off. Apologies to Sherry Davis, who was not notified of the change in time and came in her best wrestling tights.

Meanwhile, Major League Baseball is hard at work trying to convince Peter Angelos that in fact, he does not own the rights to the entire eastern seaboard’s television market. It’s a shame to see an owner so desperate to cling to what wasn’t but barely his to begin with behave in such an undignified manner. But we’ve come to expect nothing less from Pete.

Someone’s been Photoshopping the Bush Twins, and it looks like there’s a good chance the editor of Maxim will be experiencing some of that famous Cuban Hospitality down at Camp X-Ray. Take some sunscreen, my pasty New York friend.

Dear Leader, I mean, Mayor Williams also unleashed his massive budgetary figures on the unsuspecting populace yesterday. The budget weighs in at a hefty $4.9 Billion, with over $1 Billion in reserves. The Mayor is promising significant progressive tax relief for poor and disabled homeowners with hefty tax bills thanks to rising property values. If only this man ran Arlington County!

A couple of years ago, I participated in a very fun scavenger hunts run by the rocking girls over at Road Chix. The first concerned little (or at least lesser) known tourist spots in Washington, DC. The second was all about finding art in public spaces. We got an iZone camera in order to take pictures of team members at each site (no splitting up allowed), and tried to collect as many as possible within a specified time frame (feet and metro only – no cars, cabs, bikes, roller skates, skateboards, etc. allowed).

And now that spring is soon to be sprung, I was waxing nostaligic for those scavenger hunts, and wondered if that’s something anyone would be interested in doing again? I’d be happy to pull together a theme and targets, but only if there would be participants…

The report states DuBose informed Clark he had “a couple” drinks at the Cafe Gardens and Daquiri Deck in Sarasota. When instructed to recite the alphabet, DuBose allegedly said, “I’m from Alabama, and they have a different alphabet.”

DuBose’s alcohol level registered at .113 more than an hour after being stopped. The legal limit in Florida is .08.

First it’s Sir Sidney Ponson assaulting a judge in Aruba. Now, it’s DuBose drinking and driving. What’s next? Are the Orioles spiraling out of control, like their owner, with the threat of a new team in their backyard? Who knows.

For those that read just the DC Metroblog, we’re part of a larger network of 30 blogs in 30 cities around the world. Today we’re launching a brand new feature: Best Of Metroblogging. Aimed at exposing folks to a larger market than just their own town, Best Of Metroblogging will feature entries from all our cities across the globe. Take some time, check it out, read some of the best that Metroblogging has to offer.

If you think I’m crazy to suggest a visit to the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin with everyone else in the world, but like the idea of walking around with plants and trees in bloom, then consider the National Arboretum. While not directly metro accessible, you can take the X6 Metrobus from Union Station or you can drive (there are two entrances). It’s free and there’s plenty of free parking.

Here’s what’s typically in bloom in April:

lst week: Daffodils, crocuses, early magnolias, Korean azalea, Japanese-andromeda, forsythias, cornelian-cherries, woodland wildflowers, epimediums

2nd week: Daffodils, crocuses, early magnolias, Korean azalea, Japanese-andromeda, forsythias, early azaleas, Oconee-bells, epimediums

3rd week: Daffodils, magnolias, Japanese-andromeda, forsythias, Japanese-quince, early crabapples, flowering cherries, azaleas, woodland wildflowers, spring-blooming camellias

4th week: Magnolias, crabapples, azaleas, early rhododendrons, daffodils, Japanese-quince, woodland wildflowers, spring-blooming camellias

There are two particularly cool sights at the arboretum: the National Capitol Columns and the National Grove of State Trees. There are also picnic tables in the grove, but no cooking is allowed.

Z104 and Jump for the Kids are holding a skydive-a-thon at Skydive Orange in Orange, VA on April 16th and 17th to help raise money to send less privileged kids to college. Registration is $175, which covers the cost of the dive, but you can also donate to sponsor a jumper. There’s more info here.

With poker all the rage in the DC Area, it’s no surprise to see bars and other spots opening their own free Hold’Em Tourneys in the area. This weekend, catch the $35 buy-in charity event over at Dr. Dremo, or join me tonight over at Clarendon Grill for their free tournament.

Also, be sure to check out DCHoldEm.com for local tournaments, home games and local poker information.

Picture from the Washington Post.

There’s a story in the Washington Post today about Tickets-4-Kids; a local organization that matches donated comp tickets to underprivileged children in the D.C. Metropolitan area. This is a wonderful idea. And, frankly, I can’t figure out why these kids aren’t offered the tickets directly from the venues. I suppose to them it makes more sense to give the tickets to people who can afford them. Quite honestly, if someone were really interested in attending a play, sports event, or show, I think they would probably have found a way to get their hands on a ticket.

I admit that I have used comp tickets in the past. But they were always passed on to me from the friend or co-worker of the individual who originally got them. And any tickets I have received directly from the event I’ve had little interest in.

This is an organization that makes so much sense it’s painful. It makes sense that the local community would be able to participate in some of the great things DC has to offer. And by local, I mean the people who have spent the majority of their lives and time in the DC area and who are, in fact, the foundation of the community that the majority of us take advantage of during our time here.

Even if it makes little sense on the outset to donate your block of baseball tickets to kids, being able to attend a sporting event allows them a chance to exercise their social skills, while being exposed to different aspects of society. The ability to move freely across the class grid is something many take for granted. And yet those are experiences that have propelled many of us to excel. So instead of passing those tickets on to your secretary’s brother’s boss, take a moment to find out if there is someone out there that would actually benefit from them.

I’m pretty sure every cool kid in the District knows who is playing at the 9:30 Club this fine Tuesday night. But for the few of you who are still shaking off that Black Cat bender I just thought I’d put up a reminder.

The SLINT reunion tour makes its DC stop tonight. That’s right SLINT!

Fathers of Post-Rock? I think it’s safe to call them that, even though they were only like 17 years old back when they conceived it.

It’s just going to be the mumbly/whispered vocal-iest, quiet/loud guitar-iest, awesome-iest, kick-ass-iest reunion show to blow through here since what?

New Model Army (all of two weeks ago). And oh what’s that? Wedding Present in a month or Gang of Four in two?

Damn DC, 2005 has been quite the fortunate year for amazing reunions thus far. I try to keep y’all up to speed.

Take my word for it, you don’t want to miss this one!

SLINT @ 9:30 Club
cover $25