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Weekly Top 10 (1/23/12 – 2/1/12)

February 1st, 2012 by Otessa · 20something, DC, Events, Otessa, otessa ghadar, Uncategorized, washingtonian, washingtonians

by Otessa

I have this project, which I’ve started. It’s really rather fun. I have to take at least one photo every day.  The end result is an often charming, sometimes weird & wacky photo-journal. All the images are from my cellphone & un-retouched.  I really rather love it.

So, in lieu of the typical “Top 10″, I presenting this week’s top 10 — in photojournal form.

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  •            2/1/12

1. Fun Bright Bedding...it's cold, so snuggle up.

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  •           1/31/12

#2 Chicken & rice...Peruvian style

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  •            1/30/12

#3 Vinho verde and pretty labels

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  •            1/29/12

#4 Enter the Dragon ... lunar new year

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  •            1/28/12

#5 Loving reflections & light through glass

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  •            1/27/12

#6 Food truck renaissance... Red Hook Lobster Pound

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  •            1/26/12

#7 Spartacus: blood and sand. (on Netflix)

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  •            1/25/12

#8 Old school Pepsi sign in Baltimore

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  •           1/24/12

#9 Beautiful cookies & cakes from Berger's in B'more

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  •           1/23/12

#10 The night sky... in the form of an ya dystopia ("A Million Suns")

#10 Strawberry ice cream

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OJBG’s Weekend Walk-In’s

January 27th, 2012 by The OJBG Team · 20something, DC, Events, Going-out-guide, teen, teen things, washingtonian, washingtonians

By: Samantha

Super Tacos

Don’t let this discreet “Mom and Pop” small Mexican restaurant fool you. It’s delicious. It may seem ordinary  from the outside, but Super Tacos is home to traditional Mexican food that will melt in your mouth without melting your wallet. The food is cheap and the owner is friendly and, as an added bonus, totally cute. The restaurant also has a full bakery offering up traditional cakes and pastries all week long.

*Tip: Super Tacos sells Orange Crush. In the original bottle. Can’t get more old school than that.

http://www.supertacosdc.com/

 

Founding Farmers

I can’t remember if I’ve ever included Founding Farmers in a Weekend Walk-In’s edition. Regardless, it MUST be mentioned. The restaurant is far from a best-kept secret in D.C. Pretty much everyone knows and loves this restaurant, but for the unique few that are reading this and have no idea what I’m talking about, allow me to enlighten you. Founding Farmers is the Mecca of restaurants in D.C. It’s chic, sophisticated, has a fully stocked bar, and is packed every night of the week. The food is amongst the most delicious I have ever eaten. Mind you, I’ve eaten food from over fifteen different countries- Founding Farmers is just that good. It’s a little pricey, but absolutely worth it. Make a reservation and take the person you like the most out to eat. Or just bring your mom. Just kidding. Love you, Mom.

*Tip: My personal favorite is the Skirt Steak Enchilada. It’s so incredibly epic.

http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/

Beyond Therapy

Do you think your love life has a gone a tad bit awry? Well, join in the company of some eccentric characters as they navigate the complexities of their attractions in this weekend’s performance of Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy produced by Generic Theater Company in Foggy Bottom. Pick a night and be sure to catch one of the four performances this remarkable cast will be putting on tonight and tomorrow night in the Lisner Downstage.

*Tip: Special shout outs to my wonderfully talented friend and fellow actor, Matt Rist! Break a leg, Barfee!

http://www.facebook.com/events/234592563283258/

 

Pinterest.com

I always like to include an alternative to going out on these blog posts, just in case you’ve had a particularly tiring week and want to lay on the couch for an eternity…or just for a couple of hours or so. If that’s the case for you this week, I have brought you a special new treat: Pinterest.com. I discovered Pinterest back in October and have wasted countless hours on it ever since. The website acts as a virtual pin board where you can collect, organize, comment, and label images for yourself or on other people’s accounts. It’s like Google images meets Facebook meets . Whether you’re planning your wedding, redecorating your home, painting your nails, organizing your office, looking for date outfit ideas, cutting your hair, need a new dessert recipe etc. you can find it on Pinterest. Check it out. You will have a blast.

*Tip: When you’re starting out on the website, you have to be put on a “waiting list” before you can get a Pinterest account. Don’t be discouraged. It only takes a couple of days and then you’ll gain access. Patience is a virtue.

http://pinterest.com/

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Twin Sister at the Rock and Roll Hotel

January 25th, 2012 by The OJBG Team · Blog, DC, Events, fashion, grunge, music

By: Emily White

An over-sized white sweater has never looked so good. On Monday night at the Rock and Roll Hotel, Twin Sister took the stage and entranced the audience with their shimmering art-pop. The band drifted to and dabbled in disco, dream-pop, funk, freak-folk, and synth-rock– never settling on a distinguishable sound. But lead singer, Andrea Estella was the literal  ’star’

From the minute she took the stage, Estella was mesmerizingly odd. She swayed and eyed the audience coyly, thanking them for bringing her out of a daze as she simultaneously placed them into one. She reminded me of an anime character, both sweet and slightly deranged with comically dazed facial expressions and girlish movements. Her black eyes were in striking contrast to her long, fried, bleach-blond hair and all-white outfit.

Something about Estella made me feel both uneasy and at peace– like falling into a psychedelic day-dream. Twirling in  her long pleated skirt and playing with her sweater, she cooed through the show. She continually crouched down in her ankle boots in-between sets to take a sip from her Guinness. She is undoubtedly on her way to becoming the next indie darling.

Estella’s odd stage presence paired with the shimmering disco beats, sexy vocals, and a twinkling soundscape left me feeling woozy and enchanted. Definitely check out the bands first full-length album, Heaven. And listen to some of their addictive songs here:

Bad Street

All Around and Away We Go

Lady Daydream

 

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OJBG’s Weekend Walk-In’s

January 20th, 2012 by The OJBG Team · 20something, DC, Events, Going-out-guide

By: Samantha

Manouch

Manouch is a legend and it’s likely that if you are not an 18 to 21 year old GW student or graduate of the university, you probably don’t know of him or his hot dog stand. Allow me to shed some light on this infamous late night vendor. Manouch’s Hot Dog Stand is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from about 11 to the wee hours of the morning. He serves the most delicious hot dogs I have ever tasted (even in comparison to infamous NYC dirty water dogs). The food is dirt cheap, you are sure to make friends waiting on the usual line, and if you are dealing with a problem, talk to Manouch about it while he prepares your dog. He’ll definitely have some words of wisdom for you.

*Tip: As far as toppings go, just ask him for “the works.” That usually includes ketchup, mustard, onions, cheese, chilli, and his famous “GW sauce.” Just eat it. It’s heavenly.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/manouch-hot-dog-stand-washington-2

Theater Look-In at the Kennedy Center

If you’re like me and don’t have the $50+ to go see a musical performance at the Kennedy Center, the Kennedy Center is now hosting a series of “Theater Look-In’s” where you can sit in on discussions with the casts of the musicals going up at the Kennedy Center. You have the chance to ask the actors questions and get an “inside look” at the entire process of putting on the show. The best part is that it’s only $12!

*Tip: This season, there are Theater Look-Ins for The Addam’s Family and La Cage aux Folles. Tickets can be purchased on the Kennedy Center website.

http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=EMETB

 

Etete

I’ll be honest. I don’t know much about Ethiopian food and I have never been to Etete, but every time I research new restaurants in DC, Etete always manages to show up in my searches. It’s gotten rave reviews from pretty much everyone except the Queen of England. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like pretty good odds to me.

*Tip: Parking seems to be an issue at Etete on Friday and Saturday nights since U Street is a bumping locale on the weekends. Take the metro or hop in a cab.

http://www.eteterestaurant.com/index.html

Bobby’s Burger Palace

Oh, Bobby Flay. Why do you tease me so? Anyone looking for their newest burger addiction look no further than K Street in Foggy Bottom. There you will find Foggy’s newest establishment, Bobby’s Burger Palace, whipped up by none other than celebrity Chef extraordinaire, Bobby Flay. The burgers are super tasty and come in all kinds of combinations, including but not limited to potato chips, blue cheese crumbles, and goat cheese. The shakes come flat or spiked and the fries come sweet or crisped. Plus, the inside looks like you stepped right into Toy Story’s Pizza Planet. I’d say it’s an excellent choice when you need a new spin on your usual after-work drinks with friends routine, or if you just want delicious food.

*Tip: The French fry dipping sauce is the best. Don’t neglect it.

http://www.bobbysburgerpalace.com/index.php

PS: Rest in Peace, Etta James. You were a diamond. 

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OJBG’s Weekend Walk-In’s

January 13th, 2012 by The OJBG Team · 20something, Events, fashion, film, Going-out-guide, teen, teen things, Uncategorized, washingtonian, washingtonians, Women In Film

By: Samantha


      Bodega

My roommate and I would constantly notice the ornate exterior of this Georgetown restaurant every time we went for a walk around town. Finally, we decided it was time to make a reservation and find out what the interior looked like. We got all dolled up for a girl’s night out and to little surprise, we discovered that Bodega was precisely the right location for a classy night in D.C. The restaurant is richly decorated in dark tones and decadent wallpapers and the tapas compliment the décor with their bold flavors and interesting combinations. The New Year deserves some adventurous new cuisine, and I suggest you start off with Bodega.

            *Tip: The Arroz Meloso al Azafrán con Gambas, or the creamy saffron rice with grilled shrimp tapas plate was our favorite. Perhaps it will be yours too.

http://www.bodegadc.com/home.asp

 

Award Season

            It is my personal favorite time of the year because it is AWARD SEASON. With the Golden Globes this Sunday, and the Oscars soon to follow, it’s time to catch up on this year’s best films, television shows, and performances before they announce the winners of those coveted golden statues. My personal favorites for this year include The Help and Midnight in Paris. What were yours?

            *Tip: For those teens reading this that will be going to prom in the spring, the best inspiration comes from award shows. Pay attention to the star’s dresses, jewelry, shoes, bags, makeup, and hairstyles. It is way easier to develop your own look with a little inspiration and the award shows can give you HOURS of it.

The New Year

            We are already a full two weeks into the New Year. Perhaps it’s the optimist in me, but I think the New Year is the perfect opportunity to reevaluate your life’s course and change some things that may not be beneficial to you and your well being. Whether it’s a change in jobs, a new hobby, revamped eating habits, more exercise, a new haircut, or any other form of change, the time is now for a terrific new year.


PR at Partners Salon and Spa

            If your New Year’s resolution is to revamp your look, you should head over to the PR at Partners Salon in Foggy Bottom. I recently visited the salon to correct a botched hair-dye job and I could not have had a more pleasant experience. The hair stylists take the time to discuss with you your concerns, desired look, hair type, and management time before they touch anything. Aside from haircuts and coloring, the salon also does hair removal, facials, and other spa services. There are 14 other locations throughout D.C. and Virginia. This salon and spa also specializes in rejuvenating clients’ entire looks, from their hairstyle to their makeup and clothing through makeup and stylist consultations, perfect for New Year makeovers. For more information, check out their website.

            *Tip: Jonathan was my hairstylist at the K Street Salon. He was fabulous, extremely receptive, and most welcoming. He walked me through every step of the process, answered all of my questions, and was full of conversation. Plus, my hair looked excellent when he was finished. I highly recommend him.

http://www.pratpartners.com/

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The 90′s

January 10th, 2012 by The OJBG Team · 20something, 90's, behind the scenes, DC, grunge, teen, teen things, Uncategorized, washingtonian, washingtonians

(Editor’s Note: Siara is a new addition to the OJBG team. Read her first blog post here.)

by Siara:

(via heyarnold.wikia.com, nickelodeon, & wiretotheear.com)

As a frequent Metro customer, I am always overhearing conversation. One reoccurring topic among the older generation tends to be about how things were different when they were growing up. Their stories tend to start with the phrase “Back in my day” and then they go on to recollect about life in the 40′s, 50′s, 60′s etc. But, I cannot venture that far into the past, so I will reminisce on what i remember growing up in the 90′s.

People rented VHS’s not DVD’s.
Rugrats, Hey Arnold and Doug were among the most popular cartoons.
Gas cost approximately $1.16 in 1995.
Kickball was the game of choice.
You used a walkman to listen to music.
$4.23 was the average price of a movie ticket.
It was cool to have shoes that lit up.
Road Rules was a big hit on MTV.
Bill Clinton was President.
You did not have a cellphone, but a pager.
Children had a digital Tamagotchi pet.

…These are just a few of the things I recall whilst thinking about my childhood.

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Weekly Top 10 (1/8/12 – 1/13/12)

January 9th, 2012 by Otessa · behind the scenes, DC, Events, film, music, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, OJBG mixtape, Otessa, otessa ghadar, teen, teen things, teen web series, Uncategorized, washingtonian, washingtonians, webseries

by Otessa

#1 Happy Birthday, David Bowie

  • #1  Happy Birthday to you, David Bowie.

Bowie’s b’day was yesterday, fyi.  And the thin white duke has the distinct honor of being 1 of 300 people, to decline HRH, the Queen’s offer of knighthood. In Ashley’s words: “How rock & roll of him”.

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this leads me to #2 this week, which is…

#2 a helluva album cover

  • #2 DIAMOND DOGS

The awesomeness speaks for itself.

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#3 Manba, cover image via Japanese magazine "Egg"

  • #3 MANBA… all hail the Japanese street look of the 90s

How cool are they?  The whole taking of Western surf culture…peppered w/ Ken & Barbie… and then, taking it to the EXTREME. Turning it into a pastiche. It’s just brilliant.

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and speaking of pastiches… have you seen this?

#4 Muppets mock Twilight. win.

  • #4  MUPPETS POSTER — aka Muppets mock Twilight

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#5 teen dreams and beauty queens. the ep

  • #5 TEEN DREAMS & BEAUTY QUEENS — the Beach Week EP is here

and it is great. You can have a listen and grab it for yourself at either CD-baby or iTunes. (yes ma’am/sir, those are hotlinked).

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#6 Thunder & Lightning. live.

  •  #6 THUNDER. LIGHTNING. the way you love me is frightening.

OJBG favorite composer and person, Mr. Brent Katz, has a show coming up. So to those of you located in NYC, I highly recommend that you check out his upcoming show at the Glasslands.

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  •  #7 OJBG’s upcoming EP

Yes, this is TRUE!   I was actually in the recording studio — of the very kind and talented music-guru, Ben Ozeki — just last week.  I was there with the lovely Ms. Ellen Winter (aka Sarah Roberts).  I am extremely excited. There will be 3 songs on the EP — all tracks written & inspired by tracks composed by Brent Katz, and then performed by members of the cast. There is even a song called “Me, I’m Afraid of Nothing” and it sounds like a Hawaiian/Western. It is my favorite.

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#8 Geek Chic, via etsy BongaChopShop

  • #8 The FACT THAT THIS DRESS EXITS

It is made by “Bonga Chop Shop” (found on etsy). And all hail the New Orleans based designer who makes these charming and adorable finds. I wish I had known about her sooner. The wallets she makes would have made great stocking-stuffers.

Check out the etsy shop HERE.

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#9, Looking for Alibrandi

  • #9 MOVIES FROM OZ

I’ve been on a kick lately — watching coming of age movies from Down Under. The above still is from the wonderful movie “Looking for Alibrandi”, which is based on the eponymous book, “Looking for Alibrandi”, written by Melina Marchetta. Marchetta is absolutely amazing. Her book “On the Jellicoe Road” was  one of the favorites that I read last year.

(*And PS if you haven’t seen Peter Weir’s “Picnic at Hanging Rock” from ’75 –then I suggest you go see it… run, NOW. It’s a staple of Aussie cinema. And it’s that good.)

And now for some “Honorable Mentions from OZ” :

#9 tomorrow when the war began

The above still is from the movie  ‘Tomorrow When the War Began” (which is based off John Marsden’s best-selling book/series of the same name).  Some reasons why it is great:  Post-Apocalyptic survival story. Bad-Ass female lead. Coming-of-Age element.  Lush Scenery. Strong Action Sequences with compelling cinematography.

#9 cont'd: "Puberty Blues"

And of course there is “Puberty Blues”.  I know, I know, the name is kind of cringe-worthy. But, don’t be fooled by the slightly-sacharine name. The movie  explores the extreme darkness and light of being 13, in the ’79 Sydney suburbs.  The movie is (like the others listed in #9) based off a book of the same name. Incidentally, the book created quite a stir when it was published (mainly because the authors were only 18 when it was published, and also because the book was a candid auto-biographical account of their experiences being 13, and dealing with sex, heroin, and surfing).

#9 cont'd more "Puberty Blues"

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  • #10  SEASON 5 of Orange Juice in Bishops Garden HAS BEGUN!

Hip, hip, HOORAY!

Watch the trailer here…

I hope that you  like, comment, & enjoy.  The first episode of Season 5 starts THIS FRIDAY! And new episodes roll-out weekly from then on — always new, always Friday. xoxo

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Voluminous Hair for the Vixen-Impaired

January 6th, 2012 by The OJBG Team · 20something, DC, fashion, Going-out-guide, Uncategorized

By: Samantha

It’s Friday night and you want sexy, big hair á la Kim Kardashian or Beyonce for your night on the town with your best pals or flavor of the month. Your hair is naturally pretty straight, but you are determined to give it a boost. Much to your dismay, you end up spending an hour and half in your cramped bathroom with your curling iron only for your hair to fall flat ten minutes later.  The solution: a flat iron. Yes, you heard me correctly- a flat iron will fix this problem.

I can’t even recall anymore how many nights I have personally spent in my bathroom monotonously curling my hair for hours on end. I used to give up several hours of sleep in middle school and high school so that I could go to school with a beautifully curled mane. Unfortunately, I would visit the bathroom during the third class of the day, look in the mirror, and see locks as flat as pancakes.

If only my thirteen year old self had known that a FLAT IRON will keep your hair from going, well, flat because it does what a scissor does to ribbon: it creates dents in your hair that will cause it to naturally curl rather than rely on heat that will inevitably cool off like a curling iron does. As you go through your day, the curls will remain full and in tact because of the mini dents formed by the flat iron.

I could not understand how this method could possibly produce curls and remained skeptical of it until I tried it myself. I have been using a flat iron for a couple of years now to curl my hair and I have no idea how I ever did my hair before this hair revolution came about. It may take some practice, but I PROMISE you, cross my fingers, hand on my heart, swear to some divine creature, that this works and your hair will look fresh out of the salon without the $50+ price tag.

 Check out YouTube Beauty Guru Kandee Johnson’s video on how to properly use the flat iron to get your hair in high gear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIXqGjEO4Z8

Tips of the Trade:

  • All flat irons can curl. It does not matter what brand the flat iron is or how much it cost. If it heats up, you’re all set.
  • DO NOT hairspray every piece of hair. This is a sure fire way for your hair to flatten in five seconds. Curl your hair by layer and split each layer onto each side of your head. Once each side is done, spray the pieces altogether. Too much hairspray will weigh the curls down and ultimately make them go flat.
  • Once all of your hair is curled, gently brush through the curls to achieve a more natural, bouncy look.
  • The slower you pull the flat iron through the piece of hair, the tighter the curl will be and vice versa.
  • At the end of the night, lightly brush through your hair and twist it into a loose, high bun and secure with a hair tie. When you wake up, your hair will still have most of the bounce from the night before.
So, there you have it ladies (and gentlemen if you’re into this sort of look). I wish you luck and please comment with any questions, concerns, or other tips for all of the other OJBG beauty gurus out there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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OJBG’s Weekend Walk-In’s

December 9th, 2011 by The OJBG Team · 20something, DC, Events, Going-out-guide, washingtonian, washingtonians

By: Samantha

1. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

            Attention: another shameless publicity attempt by me to promote the show I am in this weekend. Opening night was a success and the shows will only get better from here. Really and truly, if you are around Georgetown or Foggy Bottom, jump on a Vern Express and head over to the West Hall Blackbox Theater to see the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee until Saturday night.

*Tip: Sign up to be an audience volunteer. If you get chosen to volunteer, you will get to be on stage alongside the cast competing in the spelling bee. It is good fun, I promise.

http://www.facebook.com/events/254617587924971/

http://orangejuiceinbishopsgarden.com/blog/archives/3719

2. American Ballet Theater’s “The Nutcracker” OR GWU Balance’s “The Nutcracker”

            The classic ballet tale of a little girl on Christmas Eve will be in Foggy Bottom at the Kennedy Center and at George Washington University this weekend. Relish in some of your childhood memories; enjoy one of the major traditions of the holiday season, and go on over to one of these venues for a simply festive night with family and friends.

*Tip: To purchase tickets, visit the Kennedy Center’s website. If you are a little low on cash, GWU’s performance of “The Nutcracker” is free. It doesn’t get better than that!

http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=BMBSC

http://www.facebook.com/events/320010774675871/

3. Serendipity III

            I have always waned to visit one of New York City’s restaurant trademarks: Serendipity III. To my shock, I recently discovered that Serendipity III also popped up around the corner in Georgetown. Although I have yet to actually dine at the establishment, I can’t help believe that the food is excellent. The restaurant has been featured in three major films. It can’t be that bad.

*Tip: The Frooozen Hot Chocolate is the famed drink at Serendipity III. Doesn’t sound too bad to me.

http://www.serendipity3.com/main.htm

4. The release of OJBG’s MUSIC VIDEO

            Okay, so I lied, this won’t be happening until the end of the month. But, hey, it’s pretty exciting news. Although I cannot unveil any of the details about what we have in store for the OJBG Music Video, I can assure you all that it will be excellent. Stay tuned!

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Weekly Top 10 (12/5 – 12/9/11)

December 6th, 2011 by Otessa · 20something, DC, fashion, Going-out-guide, Otessa, otessa ghadar, teen, teen things, Uncategorized, washingtonian, washingtonians

by Otessa

1. Best Macaroon in the District.

photo by me (Otessa Ghadar) :)

is at Paul, in Georgetown (1078 Wisconsin Ave, near M st, NW). The macaroons come in 2 sizes: small & x-large. Just look at this beauty — an extra large pistachio macaroon…it was so luscious and delicious, you would’ve sworn it had been freshly made at Laduree in Paris, specially for Marie Antoinette. Yes. It’s that good. See the pic?

Want more: read more coverage, here, at dc-eater.

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2. Big Bear Cafe, in Bloomsbury

photos by capitolspiceblog.com, flickr user "stereogab", Corbo E. (via Yelp), & Jim Malone (via dcist.com)

I haven’t been there yet but I am theoretically obsessed. Really need to make it out there.

PS Check out more of stereogab’s flickr pics: HERE. And check out more of Jim Malone’s photostream: HERE.

photo via bigbearcafe-dc.com

For more pics & reading… you can go: here (capitolspiceblog), here (Yelp), and here (dcist) for some interesting reading about the ANC5c v. BBC liquor license debacle.

To check out Big Bear’s website, click here.

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3. McMillan Reservoir’s Sand Filtration System

photo via Tyler Nelson flickr user "mediaslave"

Beautiful Urban Decay. Sigh…

I am going to be doing a follow-up post about McMillan, later this week, complete with more beautiful pictures.  So please keep a look out for that. The site is just too beautiful to just skim over like this…

In the meantime, see some more beautiful pics from mediaslave’s photostream: here.

Read more about the place and support it: here (@ ourmcmillan.com).  ps Thanks scoutmob for the “where is this” tip.

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 4.Hi-top fades

#1 (L) Kid 'n' Play and (R) Big Daddy Kane with some super-inspiring hi-top fades (photos via theurbanconnection.wordpress.com)

I really wish my hair could do this. This is like a metonymic representation of  a golden era for me (namely the late 80s and early 90s)  and it makes me all wistful for my childhood. Anyone out there rock them back then?

I feel like I’ve been seeing some bellwether trendsetters rocking these around the district… and it makes my day. Damn they look so cool.

Also, how great were Kid ‘n’ Play’s “House Party” movies?  Go have a marathon right now!

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 5. Ice Skating + Hot Chocolate at the National Gallery.

Photo © by Rob Shelley, National Gallery of Art (via dc.about.com)

It’s chilly, so go skating.  And then you can warm up by either drinking yummy hot chocolate OR by going inside afterwards to check out all the  lovely (*free!*) exhibits at the neighboring museums.  It’s ideal for dates of both the friendly, or significant-otherly kind. Also if you hate chocolate, they have delicious apple cider too…   Don’t you just love how everyone’s cheeks get all rosy after being out ice-skating?  …and how everyone is so bundled up and snug?  Ice skating is like a sure-fire serotonin booster. (bonus: even if you lack the ability of this high-ability-threshold sport,  it’s still oodles of fun.)

The skate rink is opened ’till 9pm Sunday – Thursday, and ’till 11pm on weekends. $8 gets you 2 hrs of fun, plus $3 for skates. It’s price- equiv. to going to the movies, but has more magic.  For more info go to the Official Site here.

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 6. 100% free Juice Joint … yay juice. yay free

#6 100% free juice, image via scoutmob.com

get the juice and app: here.  Juice Joint is downtown, @ 1025 Vermont Ave., NW.  You can also check out their website here . (How cute the site’s animated pineapple…?)

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And now begins the part of the Top 10, that  I will call the “Nerd Special”… it’s all geek themed, and 100% awesome.

 

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7.  60′s Star Trek fashion

BAMF's , via wikipedia

I mean just look at this — super inspirational.

Still don’t believe me…?

Check out these images from the primary/proposed pilot, “The Cage”… which DIDN’T feature Shatner, DID feature a smiling Spock (!?), and  proudly featured a female XO, aka “Number One”.

I need these .

Bill Theiss (the costume designer for Star Trek TOS) was a god.

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8. Leonard Nimoy

photo via mmwithemma.blogspot.com

He’s my hero.  I hope that one day I find myself sitting next to him on a plane, or at a diner.

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9.  Neverland Redux… or maybe scratch that. (Muppets anyone?)

Ok so Part 1 aired Sunday night, and quite frankly, I wasn’t impressed. (It seemed like they took out all the joy & magic.) Where’s the joy? Hopefully it will appear like a rabbit out of tonight’s hat, when I watch my DVR’ed pt2. You can watch it a 9/8central on Syfy.  Don’t even get me started on the scifi channel’s new name.

Actually come to think of it… maybe you should just watch the new Muppets Movie instead. Can we just re-elect a previous obsession to be this week’s #9.  Yes, I think we can…

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#10 support the DIY (e)book movement. Read the excellent short story "Hello, Moto" by Nnedi Okorafor. Check out TOR.com. (illustration by Goni Montes via tor.com)

10. Nnedi Okorafor. DIY (e)book movement. Nollywood. And the site that brings you this righteous flashpoint= TOR.com

Reading free pdf’s, of excellent short stories & books, on TOR.com  is awesome — also honorable mention to the TOR.com website. It’s excellent.

I do consider myself somewhat of an Analog Girl and I love the physical reality of a book…

But, I realized this summer, that so many DIY authors are putting themselves and their work out there, as free ebooks and pdfs. And I was really robbing myself of some brave new voices in literature by not immersing myself in the e-book world.  so–

Revel in the counter-culture of the new movement.  –As a starter I recommend checking out Peter Watts (try his “Starfish”, which is an excellent +bleak cyberpunk novel)and Cory Doctorow (who while a “serious published author” has also been a forerunner and strong proponent of self-published/creative commons literature.)  Click on the authors’ names in that last sentence to get their free books.  (hey thnx feedbooks.com!)

I’m especially psyched about a Nnedi Okorafor story that TOR has up right now.  (Read it HERE.)   She is a bright new voice in SF, who sets her work in a darkly futuristic Africa.  The story is supposed to be the perfect blend of witchcraft, science, and Nollywood. Oh, and what is Nollywood, you may ask… it’s a term heralding Nigerian film and its attendant  cultural/media boom.

 

 

 

 

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