MONDAY | 08.17.2014 | EXPRESS | 3
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Fight at the museum(s)
TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
Now this is what ‘nerd prom’ really looks like Between QuidCon, the Quidditch convention; Awesome Con, the comic convention; and plans for a Museum of Science Fiction, has there ever been a better time to be a nerd in D.C.? Adding to the list are two separate events that both took place at the Washington Convention Center this weekend; the Pokemon World Championships, below, and the Video Gamers United Conference. Can you guess the fake fact? R.S.
The Smithsonian Institution wanted a showdown, and a showdown it got. A bracket-style competition to pick the institution’s most iconic item sparked so much trash talk that even The New York Times took note, pointing out the “sassy streak in the normally sober-minded specialists.” Expect more fighting words at noon today when the handlers of the final four items take to Twitter for a town hall debate. Voting at showdown.si.edu ends at midnight. RACHEL SADON (EXPRESS) National Museum of American History
The beloved bear, who turns 1 on Saturday and whose name means “precious” or “treasure,” used her wily cuteness to come out on top of the science category. Smack talk from @NationalZoo: “.@amhistorymuseum Sorry, can’t hear ya over deafening conservation success #BaoBao is rolling around in”
60%
The 200-year-old flag, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the lyrics to the national anthem, topped the history bracket. Smack talk from @amhistorymuseum: ”Rolling, @NationalZoo? We prefer ‘gallantly streaming’ when we celebrate success. #SIshowdown #Warof1812”
“This Land is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie
George Washington (Lansdowne portrait)
Smithsonian Folkways (the institutions’ record label)
National Portrait Gallery
A 1944 recording of the patriotic protest song, which was written in response to Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” won the culture war. Smack talk from @SmithsonianFolk: ”Pandas use a vestigial thumb to grip food, but they can’t play guitar. Vote Woody!”
The Video Gamers United Conference featured a custom-built, two-story-tall Donkey Kong replica.
Gilbert Stuart’s 205-year-old painting of our first president, which measures 8 feet, 5 inches, took the art category.
People from more than 30 countries traveled to D.C. to attended the Pokemon championship. Attendees of the two events held a “Dance Dance Revolution” dance-off.
Smack talk from @NPG: “.@amhistorymuseum That’s the SECOND war of Independence. You know who to thank for the first win #votegeorge”
MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR
The decrease in automobile thefts in the District over the past decade. In fact, things are looking better for car owners across the entire Washington region (aside from the relentless drivers-versus-cyclists debate, that is). Virginia and Maryland both saw the lowest rate of stolen vehicles in more than three decades, according to The Washington Post. New technologies and better police techniques help explain the better odds that your car won’t be stolen, which have also been seen nationwide. R.S.
MANUEL BALCE CENETA (AP)
Star-Spangled Banner
National Zoo
Alas, there was no dance-off.
Bao Bao, giant panda cub
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