Photo by flickr user Scott Ableman

From a press release:

The Washington Nationals once again invite fans with presidential aspirations to apply for the chance to become a Racing President. The team is now accepting applications and will hold auditions during the Presidents Day Weekend to fill the shoes of George, Tom, Abe and Teddy for the 2012 baseball season.

To be eligible, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

- Measure between 5’7” and 6’6” in height
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to run from center field to home plate in 40 seconds (approximately 200 yards)
- Be able to wear a costume weighing approximately 45 lbs for several hours
- Be available for at least 35 Nationals home games

Racing hopefuls will have until Friday, February 10 to submit their cover letter, resume and photo to Entertainment@nationals.com. Once these materials are received, applicants will be contacted and required to answer six mascot-related questions.

Select candidates will then be invited to Nationals Park on Saturday, February 18, 2012, where they will be required to perform a freestyle dance, run a 40-yard dash and run two Presidents Races from center field to the home dugout. They will also be interviewed by the Game Operations panel.

This tryout is by invitation only and is not open to the public. Tryouts will take place regardless of weather conditions.

Thanks to a reader for sending an email from the folks at Dirty Martini inviting you to watch the Super Bowl:

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Super Bowl Sunday the Dirty way! Watch the Eagles v. the Patriots on 9 HDTV’s with supreme surround sound! Amazing drink and food specials too! We’ll look forward to seeing you Sunday night!
Wear your team colors for special incentives all throughout the game!
Reservations recommended but not required.

Image via DC Petition for Peyton

They write:

“One of the most prolific passers in the history of the game. Still only 36 years old with plenty left in tank, out to prove a point. Why would you not? #18 in the burgundy and gold… it’s a beautiful thing!”

Would you like to see Peyton become a Redskin?

Photo by PoPville flickr user mosley.brian

From an email:

“The event is called “RFK Appreciation Day Special – FREE Stadium Tours”. The event takes place on October 29, 2011 at RFK Stadium 2400 East Capital Street SE Washington, D.C. 20003. There will be 3 tours that day; the tours will start promptly at 10 AM, Noon, and 2 PM. These are behind-the-scenes tours of the stadium that include visits to team locker rooms and the field. These tours are free to the public. To reserve a spot please e-mail RFKStadiumTour@eventsdc.com, limited space available.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user mosley.brian

I just got word that there will be some sorta celebration of the Stadium’s 50th anniversary. And it made me realize – I really don’t know to much about the stadium’s history. So what do you guys think has been the most memorable moment/event/game in RFK’s history?

Photo by PoPville flickr user J@M3S C@MPB3LL

“Dear PoPville

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a bar where one can bring his dog to watch the NFL — either on a patio area where they have TVs, or otherwise. Am looking forward to the season, but now that we have the puppy, we can’t go watch the games all day and just leave her crated. Used to go to Jay’s when I lived in Arlington, but I think they are closed now. Any ideas?”

I know Lou’s in Columbia Heights has a patio but I’m not sure if you can bring a dog? Anyone know where you can catch a game with your dog?

A reader writes in with a very important summer question – “where to play miniature golf in the DC/VA/MD area”? I can’t believe I haven’t asked this question yet. Besides H Street Country Club where are some other good spots to play mini golf?

And for my own curiosity for those that go to the Delaware/Maryland Beaches – where’s the best one out there as well?

Photo by PoPville flickr user oddlittlebird.

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve always taken the metro to the few Nationals games I’ve been to. Since I work around Nats Park I’ll be going to the game today with a coworker who drives in. We were wondering about the tailgating and rules, especially related to grilling and drinking in the lots, both private lots – like The Yards parking lots, and the Nats Park owned lots. Our aim was to park in the HH lot under 395 for the $1 parking deal to go with our $1 tickets and $1 hot dogs. As gentlemen of the law, we’re not looking to agitate, just tailgate. Any tips?”

The kind folks at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic have been kind enough to give out four VIP tickets to the finals of this year’s tournament on Sun. Aug. 7th. I’ll pick two winner (2 tickets each) on Monday. Just let me know why you want to go in the comments.

Ed. Note: You still have time to enter to win Two Ticket to Jason Mraz and His Super Band w/ Colbie Caillat 9/24 at Merriweather.

Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

“Dear PoPville,

I’m wondering if anyone knows when the tennis courts at UDC were closed to the public. I’ve taken a long break from tennis but went to play at the courts at UDC, which in the past were open to the public, on Sunday. It was a beautiful day and all of the other courts around there were full. The courts at UDC were empty and the sign said they were reserved for UDC faculty, students, employees and a tennis team. But there was no one on them. It seems like kind of a waste for a beautiful Sunday afternoon.”

Anyone know if the UDC courts are permanently closed to the public? I know there are some relatively nearby courts at 32nd St NW & Brandywine St NW that you can check out as well.
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Photo by flickr user love40mp

From a press release:

Tournament officials today announced a first-class player field  featuring several former champions and runners-up, with the release of the entry list for the 2011 Legg Mason Tennis Classic presented by GEICO, an ATP World Tour 500 event, including ten Top 30 players. The field is led by top-ranked American Mardy Fish, currently No.9 in the world, three-time Legg Mason Tennis Classic Champion Andy Roddick (2001, 2005 and 2007), No. 10 in the world,  Austria’s Jürgen  Melzer, No. 11 – making his first DC appearance – and world No. 12 Viktor Troicki, 2008 runner-up. David Nalbandian, who made a spectacular Legg Mason Tennis Classic debut last year, coming in as a Wild Card and leaving with the trophy, will return to defend his title, while Americans John Isner, 2007 Legg Mason Tennis Classic finalist and, James Blake, 2002 Champion and 2005 runner-up, Marcos Baghdatis, 2010 finalist and Lleyton Hewitt, 2004 Champion are also slated to return.

The annual tournament held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center (16th and Kennedy Streets, NW) in Rock Creek Park takes place July 30 through August 7, and marks the 18^th straight year that Baltimore-based global asset management firm Legg Mason has been the title sponsor, the longest running tennis sponsorship in North America.

Photo by Flickr User Keith Allison

After winning 11 of 12 games and bringing the Nats to above .500, Manager Jim Riggleman abruptly resigns after a 24 ultimatum to take his option year passes. Just insane.

From MASN News:

General manager Mike Rizzo said that Riggleman was unhappy with the pace of his contract extension negotiations and told him that unless a deal was reached, he would resign after today’s game. The Nats beat the Mariners 1-0 to sweep their series, but Riggleman held fast to his ultimatum and Rizzo accepted his resignation postgame.

This was so much fun to stumble upon. And, holy cow, the cars got pretty high tech too, it’s not clear how the drivers can even see with these low riders:

Photo by PoPville flickr user JosephLeonardo

Happy Father’s Day to all the great pops in PoPville.

And congrats to the all the athletes who participated in Sunday’s Triathlon.

Photo by PoPville flickr user esessler

Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw

“Dear PoPville,

I’m going to be participating in my first triathlon on June 19th. The swimming leg of the race is in the Potomac and I’ve heard that many participants buy or rent a wetsuit because the water is sort of cold and it also increases your buoyancy. I’m not a terrible swimmer, but I’m not amazing by any means. I’m reluctant to rent one because I don’t know if it’ll fit properly on the day of the race and I’ve already spent so much damn money on this race. So my question for your readers is: Do you think I’ll need a wetsuit for the Potomac in late June? And then beyond the wetsuit question: has anyone ever done the DC Tri before? Any tips to share with a first-timer?”