and now for something totally different

I will not be mentioning the d-word on today's blog. I've already mentioned it far too many times this week (for instance, here, here and here). In fact, I'm starting to bore even myself. So, on a completely different note, let's take a look at something awesome currently going down in in the DC-area. Well, OK, it's not in DC (of course). It's in Baltimore. If you haven't guessed already, I'm talking about Artscape, touted as "America's largest free public arts festival."

In short, this sh*t looks tight.

There's art (duh), fashion, crafts, food, music, theater, dance, DJs and so much more, according to the agenda. In fact, the schedule is so jam-packed that I honestly don't know if one afternoon will suffice, but, well, that's all I got. I'll be there Saturday and hope to see it all, but I think I'll be lucky to see a tenth of it.

Right now, I'm excited to check out DIPLO on the turntables, a fashion show or two at Gordan Plaza, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and, of course, Dru Hill and Sisqo (thong-thong-thong-thong-thong!).

But actually, I'm most excited to just get the hell out of Dodge hell, even if it is just for a day. I have reached the outer limits of my douchebag quot-- OH SH*T! I said I wasn't going to say it! Ahh, hell's bells! My d-bag quotient has been met for the week forever, so I need a break. And while I promise to take photos for a little e-show'n'tell, I strongly urge you to check it out for yourself. It's just a 45-minute train ride or drive away. And the seafood there is delicious. It's a different kind of crabs than you're likely to get in DC (ba-dum-ching!).

In the meantime, check this sh*t out. It's pretty effing unbelievable.


That's not a photograph; that's a drawing! She did that with her hands!! That's freakin' amazing!!! Wow. Anyway, the artist's name is Molly Springfield and, apparently, she currently lives and works in the District. Who knew?! She's a finalist in the Janet & Walter Sondheim Prize, a $25,000 award that will be given out at the festival on Sunday night. If there's any justice in the world, she'll win. To see the other finalists, click here.

And to see something ridiculous, click here (that will be a choice you do not regret).