The Scene

Checkmates: Dupont Circle chess culture

William the Checkerman faces William Dubree in Level 3 Checkers in Dupont Circle. The Checkerman has been playing in Dupont since 1968.

By Dan Zak

If Dupont Circle is the heart of D.C., then the chess crowd is that mysterious force keeping it pumping. Ten stone tables follow the circle's gentle curve. At them sit retirees and college students, lawyers and doctors, bums and transients, locals and foreigners, disguised grandmasters and brazen amateurs, regulars and curious tourists. Each fights a battle of wit and intellect. (continue reading)

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5.6.7.8's rocks some socks

Japanese trio parlays 'Kill Bill' cameo into fame

By Neal Fersko

Five gong hits by drummer Sachiko Fujiyama signified that the 5.6.7.8's had arrived at the Black Cat Tuesday night. After toiling in relative obscurity for more than 15 years, through breakups and roster changes, the all-girl Japanese trio has seen a sudden rise in popularity during the past year since their appearance in Quentin Tarantino's blood-drenched epic, "Kill Bill Vol. 1." (continue reading)

Caught with your pants down: Making friends with a stripper

By Jessica Bacharach

This stripper almost kissed me. Somewhere between the rainbow flashing lights, the sweat and the distraction of the overwhelming cleavage and shrunken G-string, I lost my footing. She leaned in, tossing her long black hair over my eyes and suddenly gave me a hug, wrapping her arm around my neck, whispering in my ear. Welcome to the strip club. (continue reading)

Diary of an Intern: Tired as hell, not going to take it anymore

Dropping restaurant job frees up more time for interning

By Michael Vallebuona

Waiting tables, like interning, is pretty demeaning - almost as demeaning as prostitution. But street whores get $20 for just seven minutes of work. What do I get after a six-hour lunch shift? Not nearly enough. This is due, in part, to the neighborhood trophy wives who, wary of overspending their weekly allowances, never tip a respectful 20 percent. (continue reading)

Campaign diary details Bush bolstering in Philly

By Lauren Cooper

The day started bright and early as enthusiastic members of the AUCRs climbed onto an already crowded bus Saturday morning. Other college Republicans from George Washington and Georgetown came along, as well as several members from the D.C. Young Republicans club. There were a few groans as we began the eventful journey north, as our conveyance was none other than a bright yellow school bus with few amenities. (continue reading)

Roll over Beethoven, 'cause this band is back

Camper Van Beethoven reunites with 'New Roman Times,' first new album in over a decade

By Emily Zemler

It's been the year of the reunions. Numerous bands that our parents revered during the '70s and '80s have recently rejoined forces for new songs, albums and tours. Jonathan Segal, guitarist for Camper Van Beethoven, a band whose heyday was in the mid-'80s and has recently reunited, notes that many bands are doing so in reaction to the current state of music. (continue reading)

Coheed and Cambria shed light on sci-fi tetralogy

Band to play two 9:30 shows

By Jorge del Pinal

For those stuck in D.C. for fall break that feel like rock music is too much about getting a broken heart, getting over a broken heart or being angry at parents, stop by the 9:30 club Sunday or Monday night with conceptual rock band Coheed and Cambria and openers Underoath and 3. (continue reading)

All-star cast livens 'Huckabees'

By Jordan T. Landry

For those whose favorite movies include "The Royal Tennenbaums," and "Rushmore," "I Heart Huckabees" should be the next on their to-see list. This highly entertaining film certainly stands out as one-of-a-kind. (continue reading)

Russell taps Schwartzman for role

Director, actor prove wacky films spring from wacky minds

By Jordan T. Landry

"I hope you don't mind, but this is how we like to do our interviews," said director David O. Russell as he entered his suite at the Georgetown Ritz. He climbed onto the couch that actor Jason Schwartzman was sitting on and straddled him. As if this were not strange or awkward enough, Russell began to massage Schwartzman's chest while Schwartzman screamed, "Yes!" and "Oh yeah, that feels soooo good." (continue reading)

The Duff drops a bomb

New movie not as good as 'Lizzie McGuire'

By Daniel Longino

Ultimately, "Raise Your Voice" is out to sell a product. Terry's songs and the songs on the Duff's new album are the same. The movie is one big ad for her new record. Even the strategically placed movie posters in Terry's brother's room such as "Final Destination 2," "The Lord of the Rings" and "American Splendor," all fellow New Line films, are just ads. (continue reading)

Out of Context

Where anecdotes go to die

The Scene Staff compiles interesting and bizarre tidbits in this week's catch-all Out of Context. (continue reading)

Nerdspeak

By Carrie Moskal

Carrie Moskal's comic, Nerdspeak, for October 7, 2004. (continue reading)

Not Quite Wrong

By Ross Nover

Ross Nover's comic Not Quite Wrong for this issue, October 7, 2004. (continue reading)

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