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Humor abounds at Birchmere

During her show last Saturday, comedian Paula Poundstone chatted with a man who apparently worked for the Department of Health and had his own bar of soap with him. That bit soon somehow escalated into Poundstone ranting about llamas and how you can’t just buy one anymore.

Radio-to-stage switch changes album meaning

If you were in California right now, you could drive over to Berkeley tonight and watch a staged version of Green Day’s cash cow, Grammy-winning album “American Idiot.” Say what?

Keep health costs low, know plan beforehand

Our country is caught in quite the health care crisis. In 2007, The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality estimated that 27 percent of Americans under the age of 65 are uninsured — a total of nearly 54 million people. They estimate the number has gone up since then, following the rise of the unemployment rate.

Senegalese singer N’dour inspires ‘Love’

In 2004, African singer Youssou N’dour released “Egypt,” an album shunned by N’dour’s native country of Senegal. Countless disk jockeys and radio stations banned the record, and stores in the country returned copies of the cassettes, refusing to sell them.

No 'love' for capitalism in latest Moore movie

In his new movie, “Capitalism: A Love Story,” we see much less of Moore and a good deal more of the rising issues in the economy. With clever editing and dry, humorous narration, Moore shows us what he sees as underhanded happenings and injustices in the United States. The film focuses on the highly emotional and thought-provoking stories of many individuals but also had some of the antics typical of Michael Moore. The movie is stuffed with stories and examples of things that many don’t know are happening in their own country or that are happening at a greater rate than expected.

Director talks money with D.C. students

In a recent town hall-style meeting at George Washington University, Michael Moore spoke strongly about how much he loves America and he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. However, he said, Moore does believe that there are things that other countries do better — not only with health care, which he thinks the United States should model after the systems that have effectively been in place in other countries for the past 50 years. “I’m tired of dancing around this problem,” Moore said. Though Moore was at times extremely blunt and firm in his standing, it was obvious that he cared deeply about the American people and that he wanted to fix this injustice and save the millions of people who were victimized. Moore said he handles the issues he covers in a specific way.

Gaga brings ‘LoveGame’ to D.C.

A Guinness World Record for the amount of sparkly leggings per square foot could have been set Tuesday evening at the DAR Constitution Hall in downtown D.C. None other than the queen of all things outrageous herself, Lady Gaga, provided perhaps one of the greatest dance parties the District has experienced in a while.

‘Boys’ become men in new Hicks film

Director Scott Hicks, best known for “Shine,” now brings us “The Boys Are Back,” a study of the bittersweet time that follows the passing of a beloved spouse. “The Boys Are Back” manages to incorporate beauty with death and finally results in hope of new growth. The film is based on the memoir of the same name by Simon Carr.

‘One’ shine before Spektor

The pairing of Jupiter One and Regina Spektor on tour is so genius that only Spektor herself could have come up with it. Their raucous yet refined sound was the perfect set-up for Spektor’s melodic and quirky performance.

RT: Tweets hint at personality

“What are you doing?” Twitter doesn’t ask it in an accusatory or invasive manner like when you get caught trying to sneak a backpack full of apples or a tray of hot dogs out of TDR. Twitter is simply curious. We registered with it, asking it to ask us what we’re doing and Twitter obliged.

Find art gem hidden in D.C. at NatGeo

A lot comes to mind when the name “National Geographic” is said. For starters, how about the magazine? Or perhaps the channel, full of interesting shows such as “Locked Up Abroad” or “The Dog Whisperer.” Many, however, wouldn’t even think of the National Geographic Museum, located right here in D.C.

Talent, emotion define ‘Pearl’

“Black Pearl Sings!,” currently playing at Ford’s Theatre, holds true to its title. The musical is centered loosely on the story of freedom and racial tension, but is more a showcase of the beautifully soulful and captivating voice of Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins, who plays the title role.

‘Antlers’ prove musical chops

It seems that, as of late, the indie rock scene has been jaded by the presence of charming, outgoing frontmen. Baring all in interviews and reaching hands out to sold-out crowds screaming along to their words, the indie scene seems almost dominated by rock stars. Where have the quiet, elusive frontmen dedicated to nothing but a solid performance gone?

Christmas comes early to Union Station

Anyone looking for a bit of early Christmas cheer were sure to find some while visiting Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” train tour. The train, which has been traveling across the United States since May, made its appearance in Union Station last week for two days. Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman and Colin Firth will star in this latest animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic novel.

Feature Pic: Matt and Kim visit AU

Director ‘whips’ cast into shape

“Whip It!” is not necessarily a revolutionary film, but it does not have any trouble standing out in a crowd. It is rare in today’s cinema to find a film that focuses on women without shouting so from a rooftop. While “Whip It!” has “girl power” undertones highlighting Bliss’ struggle to find her place among a bevy of unique women, it never makes the audience feel like they are being preached at; girls are just proud to be girls and happen to kick ass while doing so.

Answer to question of ‘right time’ up to you

Before I venture into any body cavities, my first priority is to get to know the person I am with. I like the whole “take them out to dinner, go for long walks around the monuments late at night” romance thing. The idea is that this will allow two people to talk and bond over more than the physical.