HOLIDAYISH

Some holiday images, courtesy of Flickr.com, celebrating the season...

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, New York City

College Walk, Columbia University

Northside, American University

National Menorah, District of Columbia

...Oh, what a wonderful world. Happy Holidays everyone!

CHRISTMASTIME FOR THE TWOS

With Christmas just a few hours away, I figured that I can take a break from my non-work work and update about this special time of year.

...and I guess I'll discuss the merits of both cities during the holiday season.

Let's start with the District. No other place--at least to me--can compare with the Holiday parties that happen in Washington. I do not know of any other city in the United States where, if enough effort is applied, a person can eat and drink for free, starting Black Friday. With all the different companies and societies throwing holiday parties, it's a smorgasbord for free libation and mastication. If you're in the know, you can walk into almost any holiday party at a hotel or bar, say you're with a general constituency and you will be welcomed with open glitter-and-chiffon laden arms. Everyone is so deeply imbibed that they cannot see pass a Texan saying they're from a district in California. Not to mention, so many downtown hotels are hosting company functions that they can not keep track after the initial check-in. Not to mention, my favorite girls throw the best, most legendary holiday parties in DC.

Manhattan, while it's holiday party scene lives in the shadow of DC, can flex their holiday muscle to some attention. First off, it is the city of lights. And everyone knows, the holidays are about lights. ALL ABOUT LIGHTS. I've even dragged myself to Herald and Times Square--places that I usually swear against. Everyone comes to shop, to see the sights, to be part of what 30% of holiday songs are about. And as emotionally disconnected as a city New York tries to be, this lovely place can' t help but warm up to holiday feelings. And everyone gets involved. The MTA runs a vintage car, neighborhoods throw block parties, stores have sales, bars are adorned with garland. New York City...Tifanny's...Macy*s...New York Public Library...LES shopping. SO HOLIDAY!

To keep this short and sweet, New York City (not just Manhattan) has the lead. The tree at Rockefeller trumps the tree at the White House. Even the tree lighting ceremony whoops its ass. Even the tree at Bryant Park whoops its ass. And even the most hipster bars in Brooklyn decorate for the holidays. And, I'm no worker of Santa's workshop but any place that breaks through their tough exterior in honor of the holidays gets my vote. I mean, even my most anti-social coworker baked carrot cake and helped me wrap gifts. HELLO.

But, while I say NYC has the lead, this is the time for a truce. In the words of Wyclef, "No fighting, no fighting." There is no battle here, just celebration. And while I love me some Mr. Jean, John Lennon put it best into song & rhyme:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8jw-ifqwkM

Happy Christmas. No War.

***Even though Manhattan trumps.

****Trumps HARD.

MR. EASTLACK GOES TO MANHATTAN

New York wins today.

One of my best pals in the world will be in town for a brief meeting at an undisclosed location. He is en route via train and will be leaving 6PM. So, I won't see this Maryland man at all. But, I just wanted to share.

And here he is spreading holiday cheer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ec2hiDZ_A

WHERE'S YOUR HOOD AT?

Long time no blog, I know. But listen, life's been busy. With work and school--and of course, the holidays--I've had absolutely no time to facilitate a fight-off. Now I'm back and this week, we are gonna talk territory.

Best collection of neighborhoods: DC or Manhattan.

First, a caveat. I am not going to write about every single neighborhood in both cities. Instead, here's a quickie of the best that each contender has to offer. Think of it as the best combination of kids chosen to represent their school at the County Trivia Bowl.

On DC's team of three is Friendship Heights, Penn Quarter, and Adams Morgan.

Friendship Heights, often referred to as the District's own Fifth Avenue is as much of a shopping destination as Paris for the stylista or Tokyo for the harajuku in you. Sure, DC is not known for its style, but the row of stores in Friendship Heights would make any patron think they can be on the pages of Vogue or Esquire. With stores like Brooks Brothers, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany's, Friendship Heights can help you burn plastic.

The Penn Quarter is a mix of old and new Washington. The attractions of the Verizon Center, Newseum, and International Spy Museum are paired with Ford's Theater, Portrait Gallery, and the Smithsonian. Sandwiched between the White House and Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter is a great reflection of what Washington means to everyone--a national city that works hard and plays hard.

Speaking of playing hard, Adams Morgan is the hardest playing among its counterparts. Not only is Adams Morgan a place I like to call home, but it's a bustling few blocks during the day and night. And that's a claim not very many neighborhoods can live up to. Influenced by acceptance and diversity, this neighborhood is jovial and festive. With buildings covered in the brightest paints and businesses of all sorts, Adams Morgan welcomes everybody, and has something for everyone.

Manhattan has a strong hand to counter: Harlem, Hell's Kitchen, and Loisida.

Harlem is the mecca of African-American culture. Everything from music to style to food has deep roots in Harlem. In this area, the people rule and who they are is on proudly on display. The best sweet potatoes. The best Nike air force ones. The best jazz. Anything in Harlem is going to be the best you'll find in Manhattan. While its obviously not the best area in the City, they satisfy damn well in what they do.

Hell's Kitchen, the former go-to for porn and gang fights, is another deeply rooted neighborhood in Manhattan. Movie after movie have been based on this area--my two favorites being Sleepers and West Side Story. Known for fire escapes and legendary (but usually illegal) hydrant parties, Hell's Kitchen is now the residential neighborhood for a range of talented folk, from Alicia Keys to Jerry Seinfeld. It is a neighborhood of entertainers and entertainment--Alvin Ailley and Jon Stewart put on shows in, what many people consider, the backbone of Manhattan.

Loisida is a play on the high Spanish-speaking population and their vernacular pronunciation of the "Lower East Side." This is a most unique neighborhood since it has embraced its rough and rowdy look, diverse population, and resistance to giving into the gentrification machine. Fueled by modern bohemians and the truest of true New Yorkers, Loisida is not only a place to live, but a living place--one that will not go without a fight. The people fighting? Dedicated citizens of leather punk rockers, too-cool for school NYUsies, and families who have been there for decades. All happily coexisting and hating the Manhattan.

So straight to the point, New York wins. While I only compared three versus three, there is one reason why New York wins. The people living in New York neighborhoods are so loyal to their little patch of green (re: concrete), that if I didn't give them the trophy, they'd probably send their children to kick my shins. Take into account the numbers of neighborhoods, the variety and the history, it's obvious that DC would get served in this round. But other DC districts within the district to consider--Columbia Heights, Eastern Market, U Street--do put up a worthy effort.

Congratulations NewYork, please don't beat me up.

FROM LEFT FIELD

This week's entry has a predetermined winner. But, if you stop reading now, you won't know why. So District of Columbians and Gothamists alike, take a step out of the limelight and give someone their fifteen minutes of fame. This underrated and often ignored city has stolen the crown.

Buffalo, step up to the stand.

Yes, yes, this entry has been Karl Roved. But, I am proud to say that I spent some time in the Queen City and had an amazing time. My co-workers snipped at me when I shared my weekend plans, debachaurous evenings in the Lower East Side still fresh in their memory. My DC pals thought it "bush league" that I had not spent the weekend with them, especially with traditional fall events in which I assumed the role of mayor in years past.

Here are some reasons why Buffalo was the wild card of the week.

FOOD: Everyone knows that the way to my heart is through my stomach. Buffalo was successful in winning my heart over because of their local dishes. While the food I consumed this weekend were neither delicacies nor healthy, it was the most satiated my stomach has been in a long time. Jim's on Elmwood Avenue was a late night stop that hit the spot. Not really knowing what I was being ordered, I was pleasantly surprised at both their chicken finger sub and steak sandwich. That's right...BOTH. A local bruncherie, Pano's, had a morning after solution of scramble and feta in a pita that did the job so well, it's officially called "The Fix." The one destination I had my heart set on was Bar Bill in East Aurora, where my best friend from college claims the best wings are made. Before the wing, we had a glorious appetizer of beef on weck--roast beef on kummelweck. As we had our first batch, he explained to me the art of preparing the dish that made Buffalo famous. The saucing, the deep frying and baking of each jumbo wing does not compare to the love I put into eating it. At the end of the night, my friend's statement transitioned from gospel to truth.

image from: www.theunknowshirt.com

PEOPLE: While the people in Buffalo were not the richest or most attractive, here's where they win. They've got good attitudes. Other than the two guys who had tried to fight my friend, one minute after we exchanged plesantries in the 24-hour convenience mart over our adult bevarage purchases, everyone was real friendly and positive. And who can hate that. There was the super-hyper, but adorable girl. The down to earth brother of a high school friend. And of course, the heir to a juice manufacturing empire. Totally great people.

SPORTS: Buffalo has some fanatics. I mean, where else can you find a grown man in his late 20's knitting Bills beenies the sunday before a huge Monday Night Football game, with temperatures expected to go below freezing. Or where kids would forego a Thanksgiving Feast to support their high school soccer team's attempt at a state championship. Ok, well maybe you can find that in a lot of towns across the nation. But, boy do these people love their sports.

VIBE: So life gets a bit hectic in urban areas. And being in urban areas for such a long time, you forget that life can be simple and it is an enjoyable journey. Don't get me wrong--Buffalo is not Smalltown, USA. But at the end of the day, Buffalonians know that some things are more important. Enjoying pizza and wings with a loving family. Sipping maté on a chilly sunday afternoon with friends. Walking to the local wal-mart, that's better than Walmart. Seeing a natural wonder of the world. Getting drunk and dancing on the streets of Chippewa. Connecting with your non-sister who you tell people is. That's what it's about in Buffalo. And their joie de vivre was exactly what this city boy needed after some rough weeks.

All the things Buffalo had to offer trumped the city that they've always come second to in the State and the first city of the Nation, even for just the weekend. So, kudos Buffalo. You did good kid.

But to be honest, this reign won't be long. And 80% of the reason why I really liked Buffalo was because I was with my best friend who I hadn't seen in months.

So stay tuned, and see the real cities come back to compete.

HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

The Disney franchise is mistaken in claiming their parks to be the happiest place on earth. Have their surveillance camera not seen the crying babies? Are their costume masks pulled so low they do not see the angry teenager embarrassed to be with her family or the cheating husband who dragged his family to compensate for his extramarital affairs? Okay, that may be a bit extreme, but you get the point--Disney is not the happiest place on earth.

Ask me after I win a Super Bowl championship what I am going to do next? It's not Disney. I'm going to brunch--the happiest place on earth.

Sunday morning after Sunday morning, you will see happy people at brunch. Everyone from families to couples to friends to those proudly going stag gather around kitchen tables or arrive in restaurants between the hours of 9 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon with smiles on their faces. Again I exaggerate, since by smile I mean hangover and dark sunglasses. But regardless, what can bring more joy into someone's life than mid-day breakfast food at the table, coupled with good conversation.

So this entry will not debate Disney, but brunch: a New York establishment or DC tradition.

New York City is a land where home cooking is quickly reaching extinction. Every two steps is a new restaurant that someone has claimed as their brunch spot thirty seconds after its opening. But there are also the old-world establishments known for their brunches, like the Carlyle or Waldorf=Astoria's Peacock Alley. While I'd love to brunch there, I have had my share of good times at more homey places like Petit Abielle (where I was introduced to the magic of croque monsieurs) and Kitchenette (which reminds me of my mother's kitchen, right after coming home from church). My all time favorite brunch spot in Manhattan is Caliente Cab, where my addiction to day drinking on the Sabbath began. A few years ago, this fine establishment served unlimited mimosas, margaritas and bloody marys with any $8 to $10 dish. And not that the unlimited deal was not enough, but my favorite brunch dish--huevos rancheros--was magnificent a la Caliente. Runner up, by a far margin, is a certain restaurant by Columbia that has put a time limit on their unlimited mimosas special due to a certain blogger who has an affinity for the adult beverage.

Now in DC, brunch is not so much a way of life, the way it is in New York, but rather, a wonderful, spontaneous tradition. Every Sunday was brunch driven, rather it was when necessary. By necessary, I mean an excuse to meet up with the people I parted ways with merely 4 hours ago so we can talk about what happened 6 hours ago. Upon my arrival at American University, my aunt from Fairfax brought my family to the much acclaimed Cafe Deluxe. Little did I know that this restaurant would become a Sunday brunch destination for me and the lifelong friends I had yet to meet. Yes, me and my BFFs were the loud ones in the back who asked for more water and more crayons. While we certainly had no stock in the business, we acted like we owned the place. One time, we even had the audacity to ask for a server change because, as we justified to the hostess, we know the kind of service Cafe Deluxe offers. Nearby Bethesda lay claim to another Sunday favorite, Mama Lucia. Fondly called Mama Lu's, this was more of the -unch part of brunch. Hitting the spot with amazing pizzas, chicken parm sandwiches, and unlimited fountain soda, this fed the necessity for greasy goodness after a night of debauchary. Other classics that I frequented, were Bethesda Bagels and Georgetown Bagelery--good grab and go spots which usually meant most of the fun took place in the car ride. But the most ultimate brunch place that keeps a special place in my heart, is good old Steak and Egg. Steak and Egg, or formally Osman and Joe's (? What, WTF? I've never heard of that til this second), is an AU establishment. The transition from late-night eatery to brunch spot is little, if not non-existent, but I love this place on a sunday due to its close proximity to my fraternity's rowdiest house and their menu of extremely unhealthy dishes, like the Paul Bunyan. Good memories with my brothers take place here, right before clean-ups and intramural football matches. My favorite memory of brunch at good ol' Steak and Egg invovled my pledge brother, Luis, our other pledge brother Brian's van, and a little party called "Around the World."

Now to the point: winner of brunches...

DC.

What can I say, I'm a sentimental fool who hates the pretention that comes with brunch in the Big Apple.

THE CHANGE WE NEED

This cover says it all:

Image from www.mwza.com

Though this is the winning cover:

Image from zimbio.com

A man who knows how to inspire, how to believe, how to hope.

Thirty minutes after he made his first appearance as President-Elect, his words still resonate in my mind. Less the actual verbage, more the eloquence and energy it was delivered with (I'm a sucker for good oratory skills). After eight years of lies, ignorance, and disappointment from the White House, Barry has revived the American spirit.

Mr. O, thank you for all you have done and all you will do. And readers, thank him because I am not going to flee for the Swiss Alps as planned had he not won.

And now, the great battle resumes...the City versus the Capital.

ONE FOR THE BOOKS

Today, there's a bigger match up.

Image from: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/the-candidates-comically-drawn

We've heard the argument for both so many times. Today, you decide. VOTE.

I GET AROUND

Bad Ankles. Bad Knees. BAD NEWS.

The trunk of my body has been unfortunately overworked since I was a little kid. Not only was I a hyperactive, run-till-I-drop kind of sprout, but sports and dancing have taken its toll. And as a result of living in a metropolitan area the last five years of my life, I developed a close relationship with public transportation.

This round: Washington Metro v. New York City Subway.

While both rail systems were officially birthed in the 60's, the subway has 100 years on the metro. A consolidation of multiple borough lines, the subway's age shows clearly, and at times superiority. However, the metro looks and sounds better than the subway. But, since I'm not a shallow judge-a-book-by-its-cover type of person, this argument can't be won that easily.

The subway is like an old lady. No, I am not referring to the hot flashes that so many stations suffer from year round. Or its inexplicably funny smell. More like a proud woman with years of secrets and stories, the subway has character. Its history is remarkable.; the tiles tell a story. All sorts of shoes have graced the New York City platforms--wing-tips, grunge boots, Manolos, Doc Martins, top-siders, leather sandals. The subway is like the life line of the City That Never Sleeps, since it is one of very few 24-hour rail systems in the world. Running through all the boroughs, the subway makes traveling New York City's urban sprawl managable. Like almost all of the elderly, the subway can be testy and annoying. Not only can it get crowded, but it becomes crowded with the some very miserable people--both in spirit and in, um, body spirit (yeah, BO is what I mean, especially in the summer). But some of the most fascinating people can be found underground. One of my favorite artists of all time, the Saw Lady, can be heard through the tunnels. Inspiring dance groups, solo singers, and inspirational orators provide entertainment down under. But the subway population also includes the homeless and beggars who never fail at dampening my mood.

If the subway is an old woman, then the DC Metrorail--fondly known as the metro--is a strong, dependable alpha male. With its high, brightly lit ceilings, deep escalators, organized tunnels, the metro leaves no room for mistakes and wants the world to know it. Each station's countdown timer allows you to decide whether you will run or walk to the platform. There are multiple transfer points, just in case you miss the one you planned to have. It is a financially conscious system with varying fare, letting you know exactly what your distance traveled cost. Rarely does the metro smell. But rarely does anyone take the metro late at night, preventing situations when riders can make it smell. On that note, it does not allow any solicitors or musicians which makes it boring. Sure it's safer, but it does not have characters to watch or, for some people, avoid. Yes, the metro is reliable, but its also square. Reaching into Maryland and Virginia, the capital's transit system is a reflection of its location.

Deciding between the two is a tough one, since I've had my share of moments with both. Friends have relieved themselves outside of moving subway cars, others have given me a visual of what they had while we rode the metro. Both have seen me at my worst, as well as what I can do with the poles and overhead catches. I've learned how to surf on the subway and how to properly fold a newspaper when reading on the metro.

So who wins? It comes down to the experience. While the unlimited monthly MetroCard gives me freedom to roam the urban jungle, the SmarTrip gets me to some of the most beautiful areas outside of DC (whereas the MetroCard is only valid in New York City, not the great land of New Jersey or the very warm Connecticut). And while I like striking conversation with strangers, people with strange things to say in an overly humid station are not my cup of tea. At the end of the day, I am going to give this round to the system that can give me a more pleasurable, less stressful experience. Add in convenient stops, air ventilation, and no rodents--the victor is clear. I'm sorry Saw Lady, but DC wins.

In consolation, here's a sample of the most interesting, most intense, most used subway system: Subway Drum & Dance.

P.S. Dear Red Line: Thanks.

P.P.S. Dear A/C/E: You're my favorite.

THE PERFECT ACCESSORY

Twenty-somethings who reside in an urban area (note that I am avoiding a certain acronym), know the perfect accessory to city living. Personalized to reflect who you are, rather than what you're wearing or the season you're dressing for, this accessory says a million things without speaking one word. It might be determined by your mood, but more often it is your individual preferences that determines this unique decision. You know what it is, what I'm talking about. This is a basic and a classic. What is it? The coffeehouse.

Joey and Ross at Central Perk

It's the proverbial site for that final cram session or doing some office work when the office is unbearable. Maybe it's the right setting to dive deep into a new novel or get lost in the Sunday paper. Whether the company in attendance is a steaming cup of Indian tea or shots of Turkish espresso, everyone has that one go-to where time can be spent--alone, with friends, with someone special.

So welcome to this round: New York cafes versus DC coffee houses.


When I started working in SoHo, I knew that it wasn't my timeless leather bag or my slim charcoal plain-toes that gave me legitimacy in this ultra-hip 'hood. It was where my morning cup of Joe came from. And working with people who live, breathe, and chain-smoke New York chic, I had to do my research to make the right decision.

During this journey, I've seen some of the best the city has to offer. At Columbia, the Hungarian Pastry Shop is the standard java joint. It's a pretty reliable place and anyone who has spent time in the Upper West Side have fallen in love with its European charm. Nearby Oren's is my favorite grab-and-go spot. On the parallel side of campus, Amsterdam's Max Caffe reigns supreme. Porto Rico was suggested by my office manager, which I thought was a sure thing coming from an aspiring gallery curator, but its lack of sitting room made me a one-time visitor. My stylish director sent me over to Cafe Cafe which had a great vibe, but was not open early enough for me. Upon my return during lunch, the coffee did not prove to be worth the money or the walk. I consulted my ever trusty iPhone and it brought me to several gems on Thompson, right around the corner from the showroom. City Girl Cafe proved too cool for me and nearby Hiroko's Place was not as trendy as I'd like it to be. But my Goldilocks syndrome soon came to a close when I found Thompson Cafe across the street. And it was just right--great ambiance, great coffee, great value. Find me sitting there before the daily morning meeting.


In DC, the choice of cafe was not one made out of luxury, but out of necessity. As a student, the cafe had to be my shrine--where I could reach a level of academic zen. As well as stay away from the temptations of BravoTV and instant messaging.

One of my first adventures as a fully independent college student was out to Kramerbooks & Afterwords in Dupont Circle. I had read all about this place in my NFT (Not for Tourist) guide, so I knew it had to be legit. And to this day, it remains one of my favorites. But, all the buzz around American's very politically minded campus was Politic & Prose. Though I enjoyed them, I knew that DC had more to offer--and without a bookstore attachment. I spent a wonderful afternoon with my partner in crime venturing out on U Street and stumbling upon LoveCafe, but we lusted after their sister establishment's build-your-own cupcakes instead. After hearing words of praise for SoHo from someone who's opinion is pretty much gospel, I had to check it out. And while I was not disappointed, it just did not have the dim ambiance I had to have in my coffeehouse. Dos Gringos was another cafe I stumbled upon while doing some field research for a class in Mount Pleasant. And while I was intrigued by its story and the fact that it hosted intercambios, the coffee did not do it for me. In DC, my coffeehouse is hands down, Tryst. While it is airy and spacious not dark and crowded, their closely placed tables and couches give it an intimate feel. Offering great pastries, excellent coffee, and game boards, Tryst is just right. It also helps that I spent one of my favorite Sunday afternoons there playing an intense Scrabble match.

But now, it comes down to deciding the city that owns the title of "Best Coffeehouses." Both put up admirable efforts, providing places that are either hip, homey or in between. My criteria is split in two: ambiance and beverage quality. As far as ambiance, both obviously meet the criteria. But because DC can hold its own and does so sans the overcrowded, rude and demanding, hipper-than-thou crowd, the Capital is the better of the two. However, after tasting many cups of coffee and tea, and being a purist hot beverage consumer (Coffee, black. Tea, double bag. Please and thank you), New York reigns supreme. And because a good cup of coffee can do much more for me than a broken-in couch and instrumental Mayan music, New York takes the cake.

Winner=New York City.

P.S. I only wrote about a handful of coffeehouses. I'd love to hear about any others that I should try out, in either city.

P.P.S. I have to admit that I have undying affection for Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Lattee (non-fat, double shot, extra froth). So sue me, I like one drink at 'bucks.


Image from: www.days-of-wild.nl

CALL TO ACTION

DUEL: \ˈdü-əl also ˈdyü-\ noun Middle English, from Medieval Latin duellum, from Old Latin, war 15th century 1: a combat between two persons ; specifically : a formal combat with weapons fought between two persons in the presence of witnesses2: a conflict between antagonistic persons, ideas, or forces ; also : a hard-fought contest between two opponents

In the same fashion of Menalaus and Paris, Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton, Pierre and Dolokhov, Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff, I present a duel over 200 years in the making: NEW YORK, N.Y (c. 1664) versus WASHINGTON, D.C. (c. 1790).

Fully equipped with white gloves and bludgeoning tools/pistols in hand, I've called a face-off between two worthy contemporaries. While both cities have their own personalities, in very many ways, they are cut from the same cloth. And in this blog, I want the two to jello wrestle.

Why? Simple. Out of love. I love both contenders and want to shout it from a mountaintop. And since I've got weak lungs, I've decided to scream, yell, yodel via internet. Entry after entry will weigh the merits of New York versus D.C. The Capital City versus The Big Apple. There's no hiding in this epic face-off. These two will arm wrestle over music, politics, fashion, history, infrastructure, bars, sports, media, safety, burgers, bridges, anything, everything. All for MY love and affection.

As neither the big spoon nor the little spoon in this ménage à trois, I'm caught between which one I want to face and the one I want to turn my back to.

:::flashback waves:::

This geographical indecision began when I spent the summer in Manhattan as an intern and the school year in DC as a student. Finding both experiences wonderful and enriching, I repeated this double-life pattern until I graduated this past May. While I was in New York for the summer one last time, I had come to a fork in the road where I had to choose one or the other. Since I had completed my undergrad in DC, I took the road most frequently traveled: I started my professional career in good, old Gotham. To further claim my place in the New York City sun (or what you can see of it through the pollution), I began my graduate studies at Columbia. So now I'm here for good. For three years. And boy do I miss DC.

:::flashback complete:::

Hence, this blog to pour out my conflicted heart. I will speak as authoritatively as I can during this debate, but keep in mind, my knowledge of both is comparable to that of Sarah Palin's to international relations--been around it, can see it, acknowledges its presence, but there's still SO much more to learn. This will be a learning experience for me and you.

So tune in, expect a magnanimous match up. And some cool pictures. And audience participation. Because after November 4th, you're going to be in search of a good, bloody battle.

DC versus NYC. NYC versus DC. Dukes are up. THE BATTLE BEGINS NOW.

image from: www.kcl.ac.uk