THE AFF NETWORK

What is RSS? | All Feeds

AFFletics Softball Season Starts this Wed 5/7!

by David Kirby | May 6, 2008

AFFletics coach Robby Schrum says:

"Hi AFFers, our first AFF softball game of the year will be this Wednesday, May 7, at West Potomac Park (Independence Ave. and Ohio Dr.) We're on Field No. 7. We play NDI.

"Let's plan to meet at 6 p.m. It's easiest to drive there. Nearest Metro stops are likely Foggy Bottom or Smithsonian (south exit), but both would involve a hike. If you need a ride, I can pick you up at Foggy Bottom before 6 p.m. Shoot me an e-mail if this is of interest. RSVP to me at robby@americasfuture.org if you can make it, and I'll also give you my phone number for more exact directions.

WHAT: AFF Softball vs. NDI
WHERE: West Potomac Park (Independence Ave. and Ohio Dr.), Field #7
WHEN: Wednesday, May 7, 6 p.m.

"Be there or be a collectivist."

-Coach Robby
robby@americasfuture.org

AFF Awards $10,000 Cash Prize in College Blogger Award

by David Kirby | Apr 14, 2008

Today, AFF judges awarded $10,000 to Dartmouth College senior Joe Malchow as the winner of AFF's College Blogger Contest. Malchow founded Dartblog. Judges awarded a second-place prize of $1,000 to the staff blog of the Oregon Commentator and third-place to Surveillance State.

Judges included Jonah Goldberg of National Review; Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit; Radley Balko of The Agitator and Reason; Jonathan Adler of The Volokh Conspiracy; Robert Bluey of the Heritage Foundation and RobertBluey.com; Mary Katharine Ham of TownHall.com; and Megan McArdle of Asymmetrical Information at TheAtlantic.com.

Congratulations to the winners!

Can liberty prevail in Chicago?

by David Kirby | Dec 17, 2007

AFF member, and now Chicago resident, Blake Dvorak's take on last week's Chicago happy hour:

"Locked in this metropolis of freezing rain and collectivist politics, any gathering of conservative and libertarians is cause for celebration. But attending the inaugural happy hour of the Chicago
Chapter of AFF was an extraordinary moment for those who had cut their political teeth at AFF Roundtables in Washington years ago.

"Although even more Democratic than Chicago, Washington nevertheless attracts the future leaders of the conservative-libertarian movement because it is, as they say, where the action is. But in Chicago, would there be a demand for a group where the politically passionate could gather to debate the ideas that shape this nation? Or as John Tillman, Chairman and CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute, asked, 'How many of you believe that liberty can prevail here in Chicago?' As we found out that night, quite a few.

"'Together our goal must be nothing short of making "liberty" policies the politically expedient choice for political decision-makers,' Tillman said in his brief address. 'With your leadership we can do that, and America's future will be better than ever.'

"But the time for debating will come later, at the Chicago Chapter's first Roundtable on Jan. 16. This was just the beginning, where new friends gathered to laugh and drink and know that liberty is still alive and well this side of the Potomac."

AFF Straw Poll Results: Ron Paul First, Giuliani Second

by David Kirby | Dec 14, 2007

And now, the results from our reliable, scientific, and highly representative straw poll from AFF's Candidate Forum:

Paul: 41% (22)
Giuliani: 22% (12)
Huckabee: 15% (8)
Romney: 13% (7)
Thompson: 9% (5)

Note: Attendees were asked which candidate they'd vote for, NOT which debater did the best job that night. There were 54 individuals who participated in the straw poll.

Also check out Mark Hemingway's report in NRO.


We’re taking AFF on the Road!

by David Kirby | Nov 19, 2007

I am very pleased to announce an exciting new initiative for America’s Future Foundation. We’re taking AFF on the Road! Starting in January, and throughout the presidential election cycle, AFF will convene roundtable debates in major cities nationwide, including Chicago, Denver, Portland, Oregon, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and others. As we’ve done for over a decade here in D.C., we will engage young libertarians and conservatives on the future of America—what happened these last few years and what’s our plan for getting back on track?

Our first stop will be in Chicago. We have a great team of AFF alumni to spearhead the effort. Click here to see our city schedule. And, please help spread the word!

Halloween Happy Hour on Thursday 10/31

by Jerry Brito | Oct 30, 2007

In our most recent edition of our email newsletter, Room 101, we mistakenly listed the date for the AFF Halloween Happy Hour as Tuesday, Oct. 30th. In fact it will take place on Halloween day, Thursday, Oct. 31. Please make a note of this and please tell yur friends. For more info on the event, see our online calendar.

Halloween Happy Hour on Thursday 10/31

by Jerry Brito | Oct 30, 2007

In our most recent edition of our email newsletter, Room 101, we mistakenly listed the date for the AFF Halloween Happy Hour as Tuesday, Oct. 30th. In fact it will take place on Halloween day, Wednesday, Oct. 31. Please make a note of this and please tell your friends. For more info on the event, see our online calendar.

AFF $10,000 College Blogger Contest

by Jerry Brito | Sep 17, 2007

America's Future Foundation today announced a contest for college bloggers with a grand prize of $10,000.

The purpose of the contest is to encourage original liberty-minded blogger journalism on college campuses and to identify young conservative and libertarian talent who wish to pursue careers as journalists and writers. The contest is open to all graduate and undergraduate bloggers age 25 and younger.

The winning blog will be awarded a cash prize of $10,000, and be invited to be a panelist at an AFF Roundtable on higher education in Washington, D.C. The award will be announced on April 7, 2008.

A panel of renowned bloggers will judge the contest. Judges include:

- Jonathan Adler of The Volokh Consipracy
- Radley Balko of The Agitator
- Robert Bluey of The Heritage Foundation and RobertBluey.com
- Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online
- Mary Katharine Ham of TownHall.com
- Megan McArdle of JaneGalt.net

To enter, and for the complete set of rules, college bloggers can visit www.americasfuture.org/collegeblogger. There bloggers can enter their site for consideration. The deadline for entries is December 31, 2007. From the entries, AFF will choose ten finalists. The panel of seven judges will then track the blogs between January and April and will then choose a winner.

"The best college bloggers can influence their campuses in two ways," said America's Future Foundation executive director David Kirby. "First, college bloggers can communicate the philosophy of liberty and the economics of free markets to fellow students--ideas rarely taught by their professors. And, second, bloggers can give an inside scoop to trustees and alumni on campus controversies."

Crabfest Announcements

by Kathleen O'Hearn | Sep 11, 2007

A couple of Crabfest Announcements:


1. Please RSVP even if you intend to pay at the door (cash and check only). Send your RSVP to Kathleen@americasfuture.org.


2. There will be carpool available at the King Street metro exit in Alexandria. Look for an AFF sign in the dashboard and please email kathleen@americasfuture.org if you need to use the carpool.

Welcome Cheryl Miller, Doublethink's new Editor-in-Chief!

by David Kirby | Aug 7, 2007

We're very pleased to announce that Cheryl Miller is the new Doublethink editor-in-chief. Doublethink readers may be familiar with Cheryl's work, here and here. Cheryl currently works for David Brooks at the New York Times. Previously, she served at the White House as deputy director of research in the office of presidential speechwriting. She also worked with William Kristol and Lawrence Kaplan on their book, The War Over Iraq. She is a winner of the 2007 Phillips Foundation Journalism Fellowship. Her first issue of Doublethink will be out in the fall.

Writers, looking to build your clips? Have an idea for a piece for Doublethink? Pitch Cheryl at cheryl@americasfuture.org.

AFF Survey Time! Win an iPod nano!

by David Kirby | Aug 1, 2007

This week is AFF's Annual Survey week! All you Room 101 recipients will receive an e-mail from me with a link to the survey. Should take you 10-12 minutes. And, if you fill it out, we'll enter you in a drawing for a free iPod nano! But do it now, because the survey closes in a week, Tuesday, Aug 7, 5:00 p.m. Your responses really help us improve AFF, so thanks in advance for filling it out.

Gala Lost and Found

by David Kirby | Jun 29, 2007

Couple items we found at the Gala:

1) A Michael Kors black sweater, size M;

2) A small flip-up memo pad with black leather cover.

Yours? Holler at me, kirby@americasfuture.org.

Last call for gala tickets

by Jerry Brito | Jun 25, 2007

The AFF 2007 Gala is this week so get your tickets today for AFF's biggest party of the year! Join over 250 young professional conservatives and libertarians for an evening you won't soon forget. Tickets will be on sale until 5:00pm on Tuesday, June 26th and there will be no tickets sold at the door. If you have any questions regarding the gala please contact Kathleen O'Hearn at kathleen@americasfuture.org.

AFFlethics vs. Eagle Publishing... today, 5/21!

by David Kirby | May 21, 2007 | post a comment

This week's softball game is today, Monday, May 21, against Eagle Publishing at 6:00p.m.

The game is on the same field as last time, Field #7 at 23rd and Independence. Very easy to get to from Foggy Bottom metro: come out of the metro and turn right, at which point you'll be headed south. Walk that way until you reach softball fields. Field #7 is in West Potomac park, on the far side of the Lincoln Memorial--it's very close to the river.

Lost? Confused? Give me (Brooke) a holler at 202.251.5462.

We'll have more of our awesome AFFletics shirts for sale; if you took a shirt last week and didn't pay (I have a mental list, and I know who you are), please be sure to bring $10 to pay for it. We'll also have hats available for sale at the end of May.

--Coach Bob

AFFletics vs. Cato... tonight, 5/15!

by David Kirby | May 15, 2007 | post a comment

This week's game is today, May 15, against Cato at 6:00p.m. It's very important that we win this game as both I, Coach Bob, and David Kirby, our fearless leader, are former coaches of the Cato Running Dogs. AFFletics dominance is imperative.

The game is on Field #7 at 23rd and Independence. Very easy to get to from Foggy Bottom metro: come out of the metro and turn right, at which point you'll be headed south. Walk that way until you reach softball fields. Field #7 is in West Potomac park, on the far side of the Lincoln Memorial--it's very close to the river.

Lost? Confused? Give a holler at 202.251.5462.

We'll have more of our awesome AFFletics shirts for sale; if you took a shirt last week and didn't pay (I have a mental list, and I know who you are), please be sure to bring $10 to pay for it. We'll also have hats available for sale at the end of May.

Coach Bob

Softball Field Coordinates for Tonight

by David Kirby | May 10, 2007 | post a comment

Okay, tonight, the AFFletics kick off the softball season against... Heritage! Game time is 6:30p.m. Get there a bit early, please.

We're playing on Capitol Hill. The entrance to the ballfield is on D St, NE between 13th and 14th, Google map.

Public transportation: take red line to Union Station, hop on the 96, 97 bus, take to Lincoln Park, get off and walk two blocks north. If you need a ride, post in the comments section, both if you need a lift, and if have extra room in your car. Hopefully that will help pair people up.

Also, we'll have limited edition AFFletics softball jerseys available, cost $10. Bring gloves if you got them.

Questions? Contact coach Bob, Brooke@americasfuture.org or 202.251.5462.

AFF Profile in Wash Times

by David Kirby | May 9, 2007 | post a comment

Check out this profile on AFF in the Washington Times. I think it captures AFF quiet nicely. And, includes a nice shout out for tonight's Roundtable on organ donation.

It's All About the Benjamins, Baby: The Great Inflation Debate

by J.P. Freire | Apr 11, 2007 | post a comment

So. Will I see you sometime tonight? You, me, and an entire platoon of right-wingers? Of course I will. And the information is below...

On Wednesday, April 11, AFF will host the roundtable "It's All About the Benjamins, Baby: The Great Inflation Debate." Last November one of few positives Republican candidates could point to was a strong economy. But how strong is it? Is the U.S. economy booming or ridden with hidden inflation? America's Future Foundation is set to tackle the great macroeconomic debate within the supply-side movement: monetary policy. What is the best indicator of inflation? How can the Fed bet fight off inflation? How does the spot price of gold fit into the equation? Find out on April 11th at an America's Future Foundation roundtable discussion on the future of monetary policy in the United States. Joining us to discuss these issues is John Tamny, editor of RealClearMarkets and Stephen Moore of The Wall Street Journal. Stay tuned for more panelists.

The event will take place at the Fund for American Studies, 1706 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, near Dupont Circle. Drinks at 6:30; Roundtable begins at 7:00. Roundtables are free for members, $5 for non-members. So join today! Please RSVP to Kathleen O'Hearn at kathleen@americasfuture.org.

Hey there, what's your avatar?

by J.P. Freire | Apr 4, 2007 | post a comment

Our tech columnist Joanne McNeil brings up a few interesting points about the freedoms afforded to the sexually active users of Second Life. And you can hear a few Brainwash contributors sound off with David Robinson of The American on Inside Washington Weekly.

The Heaping Spoonful

by J.P. Freire | Mar 28, 2007 | post a comment

While K-Sol is missing in action (i.e. not in the beltway enough for her to give us our social calendar), we’ll have to spend the night in reading. And look! Reading material! Meghan Keane reviews Black Snake Moan as a musical S&M laced morality tale. Inside Washington Weekly, hosted by David White, takes a look at the US Attorney scandal and the Hillary YouTube video that was all the rage last week. And James Kirchick calls out Ann Coulter as a drama queen.

If you don't mind the potential for electrocution, read it in a relaxing bath. Or don't. Whatever.

Hillary can't catch a break...

by J.P. Freire | Mar 23, 2007 | post a comment

According to John Tabin, who chronicles her most recent follies in today's Brainwash.

See the Pillowman with AFF Underground at a DISCOUNT!

by J.P. Freire | Mar 21, 2007 | post a comment

On Thursday, March 22, AFF Underground will be at the Studio Theater (Logan Circle) for the performance of The Pillowman, a play that "explores family secrets, censorship and the irrepressible power of storytelling." AFF has 15 tickets, $25 for anyone who would like to come. There are still a few slots left. The play starts at 8:00pm. We'll meet at the theater at 7:30pm. RSVP to joanna@americasfuture.org.

Notice Something New?

by J.P. Freire | Mar 21, 2007 | post a comment

That's probably the more frequent updates. We are boosting the amount of content we have available to readers for the same low, low price of the time it takes you to read it. Well, whatever, your distraction for the day is our journalistic effort, so we're doing our best to keep things interesting around here.

So today, enjoy columnist David White's appetizing indictment of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, as well as Kent Sholar's bewilderment that a vice president has more influence as a moviemaker.

An expansion like the one we're doing invites the opportunity for more submissions, so if you have anything you'd like to send along, feel free to pitch to me here!

Want to coach AFF softball?

by Jerry Brito | Feb 28, 2007 | post a comment

AFF is looking for somebody to head up our softball team that will be a part of the "Think Tank Softball League" this spring/summer. Coaching responsibilities include coordinating games within the league, organizing line-ups/rosters and communicating with the rest of the team. If you're interested in helping out, e-mail kirby@americasfuture.org.

New Brainwash is up!

by J.P. Freire | Feb 25, 2007 | post a comment

Hey folks,

New articles for this week have been posted! David Freddoso isn't scared when he's in the shadow of Congress, but if the lights are on, that's a different story. Andrew Guess, a new contributor and former editor of the Cornell Daily Sun, gives us some insight as to why we shouldn't be too surprised with Harvard's next choice for their president. And we're subjecting you to yet more Haiku treatment, this time focusing on presidential candidates and troop surges. Want to pitch? Have some feedback? Want to write a haiku? Write jp@americasfuture.org.

Haiku Brew

by J.P. Freire | Feb 13, 2007 | post a comment

So you don't have enough time to contribute to Brainwash? Not confident in your expository writing ability? Then clearly, you're a poet. At least, pretend you are and send in a haiku. Each week, we'll provide two possible topics. This week's subjects: the Libby trial and Astronaut murder. Every week, we'll publish them (attribution not necessary, but let us know your preferences). Send them to jp@americasfuture.org.

AFF Board Member Tim Carney Nominated for Lysander Award

by David Kirby | Feb 1, 2007 | post a comment

Laissez Faire Books nominated AFF Board Member Tim Carney's book The Big Ripoff for their annual Lysander Spooner Award for Advancing the Literature of Liberty. Congrats!

Of the nominees, the top four vote-getters will become finalists, and judges will pick the winner from among the finalists. So those inclined to vote for him, click here, or send an e-mail to webmaster@lfb.com with the subject line: Vote_for_BigRipoff.

Fusionism debate write-up in Am Spec

by David Kirby | Jan 29, 2007 | post a comment

Check out Jeremy Lott's summary of AFF's special debate, "The Future of Fusionism," online at American Spectator.

Resume tips for job seekers

by Joanna Robinson | Dec 7, 2006 | post a comment

Looking for a job? There's a lot of moving around these days with the shift from the election compounding normal D.C. turnover. If you're looking to refresh your resume, here are some great tips from Janet Albert, CEO of Bridgestar, Boston Consulting Group's nonprofit consulting branch.

Here's a highlight - one of the most oft-asked questions - how long should a resume be??

Her answer: two pages, not longer than three. I agree. Read the whole thing below - sorry it's long. I got it in PDF form.

CORRECTION: Janet Albert is the Regional Director, Talent and Recruiting of Bridgestar, which has no relationship with BCG and is an initiative of the Bridgespan Group, Inc. My apologies.

Continue reading "Resume tips for job seekers"

Halloween happy hour photos now online

by Jerry Brito | Oct 31, 2006 | post a comment

Last Thursday AFF had its annual Halloween Happy Hour and our members didn't disappoint. Among our special costumed guests were the Joker and Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. Check out photos from the event here.

Crabfest photos now online

by Jerry Brito | Oct 13, 2006 | post a comment

Photos from this year's Crabfest at the historic Collingswood Mansion are now online. If you came, take a peek and see if our candid camera got you. And if you didn't come, check out what you missed so you don't make the same mistake next year.

Want a free Crabfest ticket? Volunteer!

by Kathleen O'Hearn | Sep 21, 2006 | post a comment

We need ten volunteers for the annual Crabfest on Saturday, Sept. 30th. We need 5 volunteers for set-up at 11:30 a.m., and 5 volunteers for tear-down at 6:15 p.m. Of course, volunteers will have complimentary attendance to Crabfest. Volunteers must arrange their own transportation to the Collingswood Mansion. If you are interested please contact me at kathleen@americasfuture.org.

Update: We have all our spots filled. Thanks for your quick response!

Reserve your spot for AFF roundtables

by Kathleen O'Hearn | Sep 5, 2006 | post a comment

Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder to please RSVP for the monthly AFF Roundtables. We want to make sure to prepare enough food and beverage for all attendees, so it's important that if you're planning to attend a roundtable, that you RSVP to me at kathleen@americasfuture.com by 5:00 PM the day before the event. Thanks!

Survey results are in

by Jerry Brito | Aug 6, 2006 | post a comment

Every year, AFF conducts a survey of its constituency to see how well we're doing. The results of this year's survey are in and we wanted to share some of the numbers with you.

One of the things we found that we need to improve is getting the word out about the organization. While posting small gains in 2006, familiarity of AFF among respondents' friends who are interested in politics and policy remains low. But if you'd like to help, all you have to do is bring your friends to the next roundtable or happy hour, or forward them Room 101 or a copy of Doublethink. Once they know AFF is around for them, they'll tap into the network as well.

Didn't get a chance to respond to the survey or give us your comments? Do it here. We'd love to know what you think we're doing right and we can do better. Post a note in the comments section now.

AFF 10th RT in Washington Times!

by David Kirby | Jul 26, 2006 | post a comment

Check out AFF's 10th Anniversary Roundtable debate in the Washington Times, here. In a classic AFF conservative vs. libertarian grudge match, National Review's Jonah Goldberg faced off against Reason's Nick Gillespie. Download the audio or check pictures, here.

Signing off

by Anna Pope | Jul 23, 2006 | post a comment

Hello everyone! Well, it's been a terrific year serving as your assistant program director with America's Future Foundation. I started with last year's Crabfest, which was a blast (and I'm looking forward to this year's!), then helped out with some roundtables including one in the Senate Judiciary room to discuss the nomination of Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, and of course an endless amount of happy hours. The 10th Anniversary Gala a few weeks ago was my final project, as I now look forward to focusing on the challenge of electing (and re-electing) fiscal conservatives in 2006 in my position at Americans for Tax Reform as the Manager of Federal Campaigns. Fear not, as I leave you in capable hands with Kathleen O'Hearn, a smart and talented young woman I've gotten to know over the past few months. Her email address is Kathleen@americasfuture.org and she is eager to get to know you all. And while I may not be behind-the-scenes at AFF anymore, I am still around and look forward to many more happy hours, roundtables, and other events. Cheers!

AFF Underground: Cartoon Film Series

by Joanna Robinson | Jul 20, 2006 | post a comment

Check out the Cartoon Film Series at the Provisions Library going on until September. You can find the schedule here. I plan to attend the one tomorrow night:

The Political Dr. Suess (Dir: Ron Lamothe, 1999, 70 minutes Friday, July 21, 7 pm A lyrical film that traces the evolution of Theodor Geisel's art and political philosophy, and explores his little known World War II era cartoons and propaganda film work.

Cool, huh? We may aim for this one as a formal Underground event.

Will Eisner, Profession, Cartoonist, Parts I and II (Dir: Marisa Furtado, 2001, 100 minutes) Friday, September 1, 7 pm Only its second screening in North America! Two parts of the a brilliant three-part documentary series on Will Eisner's remarkable and long career -- which sums up the history of the medium itself. Features rare footage of demonstrations from the artist.

I would love to attend this one but have a wedding that night:

Najl-Al-Ali: An Artist with Vision (Dir: Kasim Abid, 1999, 52 minutes) Friday, September 15, 7 pm A documentary of Palestinian political cartoonist Naji Al-Ali who was shot in the face in the London offices of the Al Qabbas newspaper as a result of his uncompromising critique of a regressive Arab political culture and Western intervention in Arab affairs.

So check it out. There are some other great options for all our beloved nerdy libertarian comic book lovers (yeah you). Maybe I'll see you tomorrow.


Provisions Library is a squishy lefty project that sounds cool and oh-so-yuppie Dem:

Provisions is a social change learning resource amplifying compelling voices that challenge and redefine the mainstream. It is a platform for experiencing alternative perspectives and radical visions that inspire the activist in each of us.

Fantastic.

cross posted at FeyAccompli.com.

Gala tickets sold out! Transportation info here

by Joanna Robinson | Jun 28, 2006 | post a comment

Registration for our 10th Anniversary Gala is now closed. For those of you coming - IT'S GOING TO BE A BLAST!

Aside from that, here are logistics on transportation. Check here to see a map of nearby garages. The 2100 Penn Ave one is by a TGI Fridays and is open after hours. The 2000 Penn Ave one is by a Kincaids and is also open late. They're about $10 from what i hear.

For Metro-ers like me, the Arts Club is equidistantly 2 or 2 1/2 blocks from both the Foggy Bottom (Orange/Blue) and the Farragut West stops (also Orange/Blue). From Farragut West, take the 18th Street exit.

See you Thursday!

AFF in SPN News

by Jerry Brito | Jun 1, 2006 | post a comment

David Kirby and I penned an article for the State Policy Network about how AFF uses technology to make the most of its limited resources. If you're interested in nonprofit management, or are curious about how AFF works behind the scenes, check it out.

Last Day Push! We need 60 more DT subscriptions to reach our goal!

by Garrett Brown | May 26, 2006 | post a comment

Thank you Doublethink fans for your awesome response and feedback to our spring issue, redesigned cover, and subscription drive! Each day of the drive we've set records for Doublethink web traffic. We've got great momentum. We're at 40 new subscriptions so far. We need 60 more by the end of the day to meet our goal of 100 new subscriptions.

So, if you're on the fence out there, and needed just a little extra prodding, come on, help us reach the goal! If you love Doublethink, and we know you do, the #1 most important thing you can do is subscribe, right now! The #2 most important thing you can do is forward on our e-mail to your friends who might enjoy Doublethink too. At 20% off the subscription price this week--only $17.60 per year--it's a small price to pay for the cutting edge commentary and analysis you've come to expect from Doublethink.

Thank you everyone for your help and support!

Subscription Drive Update -- 1/4 of the way there!

by Garrett Brown | May 25, 2006 | post a comment

Thanks so much for your enthusiasm for Doublethink magazine's spring issue, sporting our very hip new cover design! We've had readers chime in from around the country--and even the globe.

But we're only a quarter of the way to our goal of 100 new subscribers. We need 75 more subscriptions in the next three days to reach our goal. So, all you readers of Doublethink who now live outside DC, please give us a shout out to your friends, and ask them to subscribe here.

Again, thanks for your help!

Doublethink Photography

by Garrett Brown | May 24, 2006 | post a comment

One of the many reasons to subscribe to the print version of Doublethink is the photography. In the past we've featured the work of Katherine Ruddy (of National Review) and Shelley Wollert, both talented DC photographers.

Though not available online, the current issue features the work of New York photographer Alison Grippo. It can be seen online at http://www.inkcapture.com and http://www.flickr.com/photos/binkybink.

Alison, we are pleased to announce, has just been informed that she is a finalist for the Hey Hot Shot competition, described as "the latest effort by jen bekman to discover and support emerging artists." Sounds kinda like Doublethink, no?

Her work will be shown at a gallery with the other finalists. The Hot Shot site notes: "Prevous exhibitions have been critic's picks an ARTFORUM.com and in publications like The New Yorker and The Village Voice. Innovative group exhibitions have placed the work of new artists alongside acclaimed photographers including Stephen Shore, Todd Hido, and Mitch Epstein."

We congratulate Alison on her win! And we encourage you to subscribe to Doublethink! Do you really want to miss quality like this? Time's awasting. The drive is almost over....

Doublethink: Subscription Drive + New Cover Design

by Garrett Brown | May 9, 2006 | post a comment

Next week, Doublethink magazine will release its spring issue with a brand new look! Sporting a new cover design, our feisty young magazine is ready to go nationwide. So from May 22 to May 26, we'll launch the new cover with our first-ever subscription drive for the magazine.

Throughout the week, Doublethink editors will send out daily e-mails highlighting the best of Doublethink's past 10 years. And we'll cap off the drive with a launch party at the Eighteenth Street Lounge on Thursday, May 25, from 6-9 PM, featuring DT writers and friends. Stay tuned for special guests!

Along the way, you can help us reach our goal of 100 new subscribers by recommending the magazine to friends, family, and co-workers and by directing them to our subscription page. All new subscribers will receive 20 percent off the cover price.

Subscribe today! Just click on Doublethink tab and fill out the simple online subscription form.

DC Yoga Week

by Joanna Robinson | Apr 26, 2006 | post a comment

Since there are many great cultural events in DC but not too many that are conducive to an Underground event, I've decided to blog others that I find interesting so y'all can choose to attend if you'd like.

For example, next week is DC Yoga Week. From the Washington Post City Guide:


According to Somafit owner Theo Adamstein, there were only four registered yoga instructors in the District in 1999. Now, there are over a thousand, and yogafinder.com has declared the Washington area the fastest-growing yoga market in the U.S. So when Adamstein and Annie Mahon of Circle Yoga put their heads together to figure out how to bring newbies to this booming community, they decided on Yoga Week. It kicks off Sat., April 29 and ends Fri., May 5. To make sure you get in a particular class, show up early. "There's no catch. It's hopefully seen as a generous offer," Adamstein says.

If you're one of those people that's always wanted to try yoga but didn't want to be the only neophyte in class, this would be a great time to check out our local studios and get your feet wet.

I hope to see you at a class!

Clint Bolick wins a Bradley

by Brendan Conway | Apr 14, 2006 | post a comment

AFF Executive Council member and legendary activist Clint Bolick was anounced as one of four Bradley Prizes winners this week. The Washington Times editorial page broke the story Wednesday (pardon the plug):

http://washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20060411-085023-5155r.htm

Bolick needs no introduction; AFFers know him as co-founder of the Institute for Justice, which last year led the revolt against the Supreme Court's egregious Kelo v. New London eminent-domain decision.

The prize awards a hefty $200,000. The other recipients are Fouad Ajami of Johns Hopkins University; Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto; and Shelby Steele of the Hoover Institution.

Inside story on a Doublethink writer's book debut

by Brendan Conway | Apr 13, 2006 | post a comment

If the murky inner workings of the publishing biz interest you -- How the heck do I get a book deal? What's a galley? You mean a twentysomething can get a cash advance? -- I heartily recommend the below New York Observer story about Doublethink contributor and Weekly Standard writer Matt Continetti.

Matt's new book, "The K Street Gang," is out in two weeks. It tells the often sordid story of the rise of the Republican machine -- including prominently the rise, fall, and descent to the 9th ring of kick-me-around-dom of Jack Abramoff.

NYO's Sheelah Kolhatkar does a bang-up job telling the publishing side to Matt's activities -- I haven't heard anyone challenge the accuracy but will write a follow-up if I do -- so I'll let her tell it. Juicy tidbits: The vast right-wing conspiracy makes appearances, prominently Adam Bellow and Bill Kristol; the advance is in "the mid-five figures"; Matt is 25 years young. Read the whole thing.

http://www.observer.com/printpage.asp?iid=12645&ic=Featurebox

Call for photograhers

by Brendan Conway | Apr 5, 2006 | post a comment

Doublethink's cover is undergoing a redesign to accommodate big central images including but not limited to photos. So we need more photographers! If you know a news photog who does artsy stuff on the side or a bureaucrat with a burning weekend passion to be the next Annie Liebowitz, or, heck, someone's who's an actual young professional photographer whose work might be a match for Doublethink, tell them about us, or us about them. Send referrals to me at brendan@americasfuture.org.

Happy hour lithos

by Anna Pope | Mar 26, 2006 | post a comment

The next happy hour is coming up at Eighteenth Street Lounge on Thursday, March 30th. Last happy hour, at Top of the Hill, they gave us silver litho tabs to identify ourselves as a group, which I think was helpful since we had so many new people come to check us out, and they couldn't figure out who was with us. I've heard people are having the same concerns at Eighteenth Street Lounge in identifying fellow AFFers, so I'm looking into ordering AFF litho tabs (for those of you who don't know what they are, check them out here). I'll be out of town until Tuesday so I'm not sure if I can get them in before the next happy hour, but we'll definitely have them for next month.

Get to know Underground

by Joanna Robinson | Mar 23, 2006 | post a comment

Most of you may know about our AFF Underground program. It's the cultural wing of AFF. I organize an event every 6 or 8 weeks for a small group of about 20 people to see a play, an art show, musical performance, etc.

Our explicit mission is to provide a venue for AFF's members to experience, participate in, and learn about art and culture. It also facilitates meaningful and fun shared cultural experiences. It gets us out doing things we may not otherwise do with people we know and with whom we have shared values and interests. I also love it because it gives us a chance to know people in a different way than we can with the Roundtables or the happy hours.

Our first Underground event of the year is this Friday (my first attempt was unfortunately cancelled due to the snow storm in February. The Flamenco Festival would have been cool!). We're seeing Comic Briefs III at the Warehouse Theater, a Renegade Theater production.

One of our members, Andrea Gaspar, is an actor in this show. We love doing events that coincide with our membership! I know of others within AFF that have arty talent. Let me know what you're doing if you're one of those! If you have a special interest or are involved in some performance, art show, etc., drop me an email! We'll build an event around it. Or just in general if you have tips on events that you think would make for a good Underground, let me know.

The archives of what we've done in the past are here in case you need a better idea of what we've done.

AFF in The Hill

by David Kirby | Mar 22, 2006 | post a comment

There is an extended profile of America's Future Foundation in today's edition of The Hill newspaper. I think it captures the intellectual energy and excitement among AFF members fairly well, though editors couldn't resist a few snarky comments.

Arriving at our 10th Anniversary this year, this article is another good sign of AFF's success in its mission to identify and develop the next generation of conservative and libertarian leaders--success that we'll continue for the next decade. Hope you enjoy!

Delivering the Promise of America's Future

by David Kirby | Mar 17, 2006 | post a comment

When I arrived a little over 8 months ago, we made bold promises about the future of AFF. We promised clarity in our mission, professionalism in our operations, innovation in our programs, and commitment to our members.

We promised, and we've delivered.

Our Success

We're delivering the promise of America's future.

This success could not be possible but for the extraordinary talent of your AFF's team -- David Skinner, Jerry Brito, Brendan Conway, Joanna Robinson, Anna Pope, Amy Phillips, Garret Brown -- as well as the many volunteers, committee members, advisors, and supporters.

Now, with this kind of success, it's time to celebrate!

Announcing AFF's 10th Anniversary Celebrations

As many of you know, AFF celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year. (I know, I know, we can't believe it either!)

Hatched literally around a "round table" in the kitchen of our founders in 1996, AFF has grown from a visionary idea into an institution. This is a tremendous milestone for the success of our mission: to identify and develop the next generation of conservative and libertarian leaders.

So, here's the line-up.

Along the way, you'll notice a whole bunch of branding. We'll be putting 10s on everything! On our Room 101 e-mails, on Brainwash, on our website, on everything. (Please excuse the over-enthusiasm, but given the number of Gen X era organizations that have flamed out, this is big, big milestone for us all.)

What's the Future of AFF?

Given AFF's 10 years of success, what's in store for the next decade?

Good question! We've been mulling that one too. Let me say this: our only limit is your potential. As I see it, your potential is unlimited.

Should AFF members launch chapters in cities like NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, or Phoenix? Should we launch new programs here in D.C.? What's your vision for AFF?

We want you part of this decision. As our board, advisors, executive counsel, supports, and staff think it over, we want to hear your thoughts.

To facilitate this, today, we're launching a new AFF Blog. We stole this idea from Google, Inc., whose corporate blog is a leader in corporate transparency and in turn, loyalty. Your AFF team will maintain the blog with postings on AFF strategy, operations, programs, and initiatives. As we roll the AFF Blog out this coming week, you'll be hearing from various members of the AFF team on what they're working on and how you can help.

Check out the AFF Blog often at www.americasfuture.org/blog. Better yet, put it on your RSS feed, here.

What can you do to help? AFF's 10 for 10 Initiative

Now, with all this momentum and success, what can you do to help AFF celebrate its 10th Anniversary?

Simple. Become an AFF member: join, renew, or upgrade. And then, tell friends.

You, our members, are and always will be our best advocates. AFF has and always will grow like a network -- friends telling friends. If you like what we're doing, if our mission has made an impact on your life and career, if AFF has helped connect you to friends in the movement for freedom, then pass it on.

Today, we're announcing AFF's "10 for 10" initiative. During our 10th Anniversary Celebrations, we'd ask you to tell 10 friends about AFF. That's just two a month.

This should be easy. Every time you come to an AFF Roundtable or happy hour, invite two friends. When you receive your copy of Doublethink, consider buying two friends a subscription, perhaps as birthday gifts. (And at 20% off the cover price, just $17.60 a year, that's pretty easy!) When you listen to your AFF Radio podcast, swap the mp3 with two friends, or burn it on two disks. (This is the kind of piracy we like!)

If you help us and we all succeed in our 10 for 10, then AFF will be celebrate its 10th, 10 times as strong for the next 10 years. (I told you there'd be a lot of 10s!)

Delivering the Promise of America's Future

In closing, the promise of freedom is ours to deliver. The future fate of freedom is in our hands. It will be AFF members who will make a difference in the future fight for freedom.

Thank you for being part of AFF. Thank you for your help in our success. I hope you will join us as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary. And, I look forward to continuing to deliver the promise of America's future.

New AFF team blog

by Jerry Brito | Mar 6, 2006 | post a comment

The team at AFF often has tidbits of information that don't merit an e-mail to all of our members and friends, but that we'd still like to share. So, we've come up with this new AFF tam blog. We'll use it to post information on upcoming events, ask your opinion on which direction we should go with different projects, and solicit your help as well. You can find the team blog at www.americasfuture.org/blog, or you can read the most recent entry on the AFF home page.

The contributors to the blog will be AFF's staff, which includes yours truly (Jerry Brito), Executive Director David Kirby, Membership Director Joanna Robinson, Programs Director Anna Pope, Brainwash Associate Editor Amy Phillips, and Doublethink hochos David Skinner, Brendan Conway, and Garrett Brown. Please drop in to see what's new or subscribe to our RSS feed.