Ben's Chili Bowl 50th Anniversary

So 50 years ago Ben & Virginia Ali opened Ben’s Chili Bowl at 1213 U St., N.W. in Washington. Specifically, August 22, 1958 was the day Washingtonians first tasted Ben’s Famous Chili Dog and Ben’s Chili Half-Smoke.

Yum. Definitely one of my favorite places in DC. They just announced the event on the Ben's Chili Bowl Website. Grant it we will have to wait till August but I'll be sure to remind you when the weekend comes up :)


"In celebration, we hope that you will join us for the following events:


Ben’s 50th Anniversary Gala
“Paying Tribute to Ben & Virginia Ali”

When: Thursday, evening August 21, 2008 at the Historic Lincoln Theatre
Time: Program begins at 7:30pm
Program: Many special guests, entertainment and tributes. Including, of course, one particular very special guest…


50th Anniversary Street Festival & Press Conference

When: Friday, morning August 22, 2008 on U St. in front of Ben’s
Time: Press Conference at 10:15am | Partying in the Street from 10am to 3pm
Program: Words from Ben & Virginia, Tribute from City Officials, Special Guests, Celebrities, Music, Entertainment, Activities for the Kids, and more! "

I have a feeling one of those special guest will be Bill Cosby!

Every Dog has its day

When I use to work at my College Radio station [WMUC, 88.1FM] I got a lot of press releases and such. Every now and again I still get them. Here's one from Washington Very Special Arts [WAVA]:

"On June 12th join WVSA for the 3rd Annual Exhibition Every Dog Has its Day: Celebrating Our Canine Companions. Pet lovers, and pet businesses from all over MD, VA and DC area will be coming together for this heart-warming event.

WVSA ARTiculate Employment Training Program helps special needs artists to perfect their creative talents while also learning vital career and life skills. The Artist Apprentices also receive hands-on training in curatorial studies. This innovative method of education, through the arts, provide the tools for success in school, adulthood, and in life. At the opening you will have a chance to see first hand the difference this organization makes in each one of their lives.

WVSA ARTiculate Gallery, located the corner of 16th and L Street, NW, is open Monday
through Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm. The opening reception on June 12, 2008 is a happy hour event from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. At the opening guests will be able to learn the best places to care for their pet in the area. There will be a range of pet venues that are each involved in the silent auction, or sponsoring. The opening will be a fantastic time for any animal enthusiast wanting to brush up on their pet resources.

WVSA’s mission is to develop, implement, and support arts-integrated education and employment programs for children and youth with special skills, special talents and special needs. This project is sponsored by CVS Caremark All Kids Can & VSA arts.

For more information please contact Mary Sellers, Gallery and Outreach Coordinator at 202-261-0204 or gallery@wvsarts.org www.wvsarts.org"

Apparently the first one of these was a big success. Maybe I should get a picture of Arty done :)