I have two major obsessions this week: Kate Nash and the Sock Bun. Let’s begin with Kate Nash. This Duffy meets Ingrid Michelson British goddess came into my life through my roommate’s computer speakers. She was blasting “Navy Taxi,” a track from Nash’s EP. I fell madly in love. It was about 1 a.m. and I needed something calming, but with a kick to get through a Modern American Studies chapter that left me nearly comatose. Needless to say, this song was able to resurrect me from the dorm room dead and I have listened to it 136 times since. It was two nights ago. This gorgeous, red-headed Brit has released two albums since 2007 and is currently working on a third scheduled to drop this year. Fun fact: Her biggest single, Do-Wah-Doo, was featured on the Bridesmaids soundtrack. Another one of my personal favorites from her is ‘Nicest Thing’ from her Made of Bricks album. It’s an infectiously stunning song that makes you want to bawl your eyes out. If you are a victim of unrequited love, put down the Ben and Jerry’s and put this song on-it has no calories.
SOCK BUNS. They’re excellent. I am currently wearing one and Otessa (Creator of OJBG) walked into the office and said that my bun looked PERFECT. Otessa, there’s a sock in my hair. Response: What?! No way! Yes, there is currently a sock on my head which keeps a nearly perfect circular nest on top of my head all day long. Pair your bun with a pair of statement earrings and some winged liner and you can have a SPICY look in five minutes. They are incredibly easy, quick, the perfect mask to a bad hair day, and the style works on any kind of hair type, as long as your hair is long enough to put into a pony tail. Here is a link to a great YouTube how-to video on sock buns: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfMlMhSACCE
A couple of tips for Sock Buns:
1. Make sure your pony tail is TIGHT (so that is doesn’t fall down during the day) and at a height that you want.
2. The bigger/thicker the sock you’re using is, the bigger/thicker your bun will be.
3. Don’t be afraid to use bobby pins or hairspray to tame fly-aways, baby hairs etc.
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:
There is a new television show in town and you need to be watching it. It’s called Smash and I can’t help but think after watching the pilot episode, this show is going to be quite a…well…SMASH. The show stars Katharine McPhee, American Idol old-timer and actress, and Megan Hilty, Broadway star, as two aspiring singers as they compete against each other to win the coveted role of Marilyn Monroe in a new Broadway production based on the screen siren’s life.
It’s no surprise to me that I loved the pilot episode of this show because it encompasses everything in life that I love: theater, belting, sequins, lipstick, and Marilyn Monroe. However, no matter your personal interests, I think most people can truly enjoy the drama and unintentional suspense that seems to organically develop within the plotline of this new venture. Simply speaking, how could the tale of two women competing for the big break that will get them out of the ruts of their lives not be suspenseful? I watched the pilot episode with my male friend who is obsessed with politics and has not a clue about anything involving performance, music, Broadway, or Marilyn, and yet, he was completely mesmerized by the TV screen. It was almost uncanny.
Fresh-faced Katharine McPhee is completely charming and wonderfully likeable as she attempts to defy the odds and resist the dirty pitfalls of show business in an attempt to make her dreams come true. The show also stars actresses Anjelica Houston and Debra Messing and Broadway star Christian Borle.
So, basically what I am trying to say is jump on the Smash train and be sure to download the pilot episode off of iTunes for FREE! The next episode will be aired right after the Super Bowl. How fitting: two major performances back to back.
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.
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
Another rare bit — an old casting notice for “Kids”
"seeking ravers and club kids"
I actually remember that club, Tunnel. I went there a couple times in the very late 90s and very early 00′s. It was also nick-named “Bridge & Tunnel” b/c it had a sort of different (Lon Geiland & Noo Joisey) vibe, and was considered B-list to Twilo’s global-underground cache, Limelight’s notorious club-kid history, & Life’s extreme-beautiful-people. Ugh, those days were weird.
I’ve embedded some pics that I took (along with a couple hipstamatics by Jorge Franzini too) that I think are pretty neat. They are for you to peruse…and I hope you like them (:
So I just went out of town with my beloved long-time friend, Lauren. And we went apple picking, at the Carter Mountain Apple Orchard and Vineyard. It was the end of the season, so apple-varietal options were somewhat limited (either Fuji or Pink Ladies). Although, Pink Ladies are one of my favorite types– they are such wonderful almost-dessert-like eating-apples. They have hints of (I swear) honeysuckle and rose. And they are both crisp to crunch on, but soft on the palate. Pretty perfect.
{photo: Otessa Ghadar :}
The other great thing about Carter Mountain is that it is not only an orchard, but also a vineyard. So, after hiking through the apple orchard hills, we were able to do some wine tasting (which they called “Wine Flights”… as in flights of fancy…?) The sweet wines had the great distinction of “tasting like shower gel,” according to the ever-quotable Lauren. Super-vintage the wine may not have been… but still, some were quite drinkable and a good time was had by all.
(PS Lauren is an acclaimed food-writer extraordinaire –{I’m so proud of her!!}– She writes a column for NYC’s the Village Voice, and her work has also appeared in the NY Times, Gourmet, Elle, etc… And her 1st book, “Four Kitchens”, was just published… you can check it out HERE and HERE.) Can you tell by my descriptions in this paragraph that I was spending the weekend with a food writer? I think she inspired me…
#3 Old-school Vanilla Egg Creams at the Soda Fountain Counter (photo: Otessa)
3. Having a vanilla egg cream, at a bona fide 5 & dime drugstore soda-fountain-counter
Doesn’t this just remind you of Jimmy Stewart and make you think: “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Ahh!! So amazing. Also, let’s talk about “New York Egg Creams”. A) They are my favorite. B). They have *neither* eggs, nor cream. The delightful and magical beverage refreshment hails from Brooklyn and was allegedly created in the early 1900s by Jewish candy store owner and emigree, Louis Auster, who came to America and opened a candy store in Brooklyn. Reportedly, 3,000 Egg Creams were sold each day, until the day the store closed.
Approximately 1/2 cup cold whole milk*
1 cup bottled seltzer
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup**
* Skim or 1% milk won’t foam as well
** Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup is used in New York. (NB many purists allege it’s not a “true” egg cream, w/out Fox’s choc. syrup. But, I personally wear the “white robes of the apostle” for VANILLA egg creams. I swear by them. Or try them both and do a taste test.)
Preparation:
Pour 1/2 inch of cold milk into a tall soda glass. Add seltzer or club soda to within 1 inch of the top of the glass; stir vigorously with a long spoon (this will cause it to become white and bubbly with a good head of foam).
Very gently pour 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup slowly down the inside of the glass; briskly stir with a long spoon only at the bottom of the glass where the chocolate sits. The resulting drink should have a dark brown bottom and a 1-inch high pure white foam top (if you mix it too much, the foam disappears).
NOTE: Do not let Egg Cream sit for a long period of time-5 minutes or more; it will go flat.
Kind of a funny story: I got really hungry while at Monticello. (*you see I am one of those people who absolutely adores and must feast at breakfast…and if I don’t get enough food in the AM, I am a grumpy-borz. So, I was trying to avoid becoming a crabby toddler, and to alleviate my snackiness…I started feasting on Thomas Jefferson’s garden.
Monticello has an amazing “Heritage Garden” so it was ideal for snacking. I definitely ate a shockingly spicy pepper tho’ — and spent the next 15minutes by the nasturtiums and lemon balm, trying to soothe my poor face/tongue/self.
They have a new baby octopus! RIP to Octavius our former octopus, who was a wonderful octopod…and who, while female, had the deceivingly masculine name of “Octavius”.
Octavius in her prime. So fierce and clever. (photo courtesy of the DC zoo)
(In case you didn’t know, I spend most Thursdays as an “Exhibit Interpreter” at the zoo’s Invertebrate House. So, yeah, I have oodles of admiration for this place. Best in the zoo. True words.
#9 Stevie's Wondrous Bird of Beauty on Fulfillingness' First Finale
9. Stevie Wonder — Bird of Beauty, on “Fulfillingness’ First Finale”
(This one’s from Ashley!)
Listen here:
Fulfillingness’ First Finale is a landmark album by Stevie Wonder, released on July 22, 1974. And ASHLEY says it’s been her weekly obsession-in-song-form.
We had a long talk about the Muppets today at OJBG HQ (aka 20/20). They are awesome. We love them. Sesame Street too.
this picture brings me to the verge of tears. RIP Jim ____________(photo courtesy of http://theredherringmusic.tumblr.com/)
RIP Jim Henson. We miss you.
I’m really & truly looking forward to the new Muppets movie… it looks amazing. (I was a tad worried about the Disney-fication of the Muppets) … but this trailer had me absolutely enchanted! The silliness, the SHEER JOY, the camaraderie, the pure muppet-ey magic… it’s all here. I can hardly wait (:
Watch the trailer here and see for yourself. What do you think??
Check out the Muppets brand-spanking-new-ish website HERE too
HONORABLE MENTION…. this one is from our wonderful new intern, Cristina Goldchain — “Party Rock” by LMFAO
a song that you dont want to like but you cant help it. Its the 3rd wk of this song being in her head since she saw a Halloween light-show, that was set to pumpkin faces, and this song. (search Youtube for link)
The weekend we have all been talking about is finally here! Reel Fest D.C. is in full swing this entire weekend. At the festival, there will be a screening of Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden Episode 4.02 “Sarah Live! At Comet Ping Pong” as well as works by some of Washington, D.C.’s most inspiring up and coming filmmakers! OJBG is being screened Saturday night at 9 p.m. and Monday afternoon at 12 p.m. at the Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts. The address is 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street NW,
Washington, DC 20007. Visit the Facebook event for more details! To purchase tickets, head to the Reel Fest D.C. website: http://www.reelfestdc.com/
*Tip: Note the location change in the Facebook event. It would be tragic if you showed up to the wrong place and missed this splendid event.
We have raved about the actual event, but the After-Party is just as important! Right after Reel Fest D.C., head on over to the D.C. Jazz Loft this Sunday night, November 13th, for some sweet tunes, a cool atmosphere, and great conversations with inspiring D.C. natives who love the arts just as much as we do!
*Tip: Check out the Facebook event for all the little details regarding the After-Party.
Who doesn’t like getting stuff for free? OJBG certainly does! Z Burger in Tenleytown is offering its customers a single patty burger 100% free of charge. The offer is available from now until November 18th. Why are you still sitting here reading this? Go get that burger.
*Tip: OJBG heard of this deal through ScoutMob. Download the app to your smart device and easily stay informed about all of the hot deals circulating D.C. every day.
It’s okay to give in to the camp tradition of kissing the clock and making a wish at 11:11. Take this once in a lifetime opportunity to make a wish at 11:11 p.m. on 11/11/11.
*Tip: Be careful what you wish for- it may actually come true this time around.
5. The Harry Potter Finale
If you’re like me and enjoy a cozy night in on the couch with Chinese food fresh out of the carton and your best pals next to you every once and awhile, I suggest making a night like this happen this weekend in celebration of the DVD release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Who would give up an opportunity for relaxation, quality time with the pals, and a night to relish in the FINAL CHAPTER OF HARRY POTTER? I certainly would not.
*Tip: Watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone first. Your mind will be blown by how young the trio was, how sucky the special effects were, and how incredibly wonderful the series’ beginning still is.
#6 see kimya live at the black cat. minus the bunny suit
#6 Kimya Dawson is playing tonight (11/11/11) at the Black Cat… doors are at 9pm. Check it out, get tickets & info HERE.
It’s been a while since I saw her live…actually it was several years ago, when she and Adam Green were still Moldy Peaches. There was a bunny suit involved & the drinking of (fake/real?) pee on stage. Quite memorable. I also have one of Adam Green’s sweaters. Long story. It was bought from off of his back.
1. Seeing the Meat Puppets tonight at the RRH (rock and roll hotel). Plus, the Meat Puppets re-tweeted us last week, which just makes me like them ever so much more.
#2 dangerous. delicious. yum.
2. The slice of “Dangerously Delicious” pie that I am going to get either before or after the Meat Puppets. Try the Baltimore Bomb (chock full of B’more’s own Berger’s cookies): it’s supposed to be utterly amazing. But I think I’ll be going with Lemon Meringue (despite the fact that it is utterly un-seasonable) … I just ADORE lemon meringue pie. Also, Scout Mob, has an excellent deal going right now, for a 100% free piece of sweet pie at DD pies. You can get the app and deal here.
#3
3. The fact that when it is cold in DC, you can go to a nice, toasty-warm museum and have a lovely time being warm & seeing wonderful things … for free even. Plus, how pretty is the Smithsonian castle in the fall?
Additionally, the origin story behind the room is full of in-fighting and drama. Even the sparring peacocks (painted on the room’s mural) are meant to represent the artist and the patron. One holds a paintbrush; and the other holds a bag of money. Read more here and here.
#5 doesn't he look fierce? (the largest preserved/stuffed elephant anywhere period)
5. The elephant at the Museum of Natural History. Oh, and the Hope diamond. It’s beautiful. And cursed. I was super enthralled with these themes as a youngster — both the Hope diamond and the Minotaur narratives fascinated me. What can I say: I was weird. And creative. But, yes, weird!
#6 Dorothy's ruby reds photocred to Clinton Mah (aka mahteetagong on flickr)
6. Dorothy’s ruby slippers — (Honorable mention goes to Mr. Rogers’ old-man cardigan) –
Both are at the Museum of American History, which also has an ice cream parlor. However, I miss the old ice cream parlor — the one from back before they gutted and re-did it and now I don’t like it as much.
7. Oysters at the Maine Ave Fish Market. And the way the guys call out in sing-song voices, both announcing the catches, but also competing for your business. Also not only a wonderful place to get seafood, but also a wonderful place to take photos. And since it is NovembeR, we can hail all those legendary R-months for being approved-oyster-eating months.
photocred to Steven Yang
Also, seeing as it is November 1st, it’s a good time to mention that the DC Office of Motion Picture and Television has named the Maine Ave Fish Market the November 2011 “Location of the Month”. More info here.
#8 Farmer's Markets {images from Eastern Market, Dupont Circle & Glover Park markets: photocred to Laura Padgett}
8. Farmer’s Markets.
We have so many –Glover Park, Dupont, NoMa — but the all-time winner is EASTERN MARKET
Plus, this time of year is always so wonderful with its root vegetables/ eggplants/ pumpkins/ mushrooms…
photocred to Laura Padgett
not to mention gladiolas and sunflowers and carnations too…
Eastern Market -- flower mart -- photocred to Laura Padgett
PS –Why do people hate on carnations? — They smell so nice and spicy. And the heady, warm scent belies their innocent exterior, which is cute…not to mention how the leaves & stalks are architecturally beautiful. Plus they are inexpensive and they last eons.
(Can you tell that I just wanted to put lots of pretty pictures of produce. But after flickr-loving “laura padgett” can you blame me for wanting to include her amazing photos? Check out more from her photostream here.)
I have a thing about elderflowers. and elderberries.
You may not have known this.
This may also be another blog post.
#10 live long and prosper {photocred to Jorge Franzini}
10. Dressing up for Halloween
As I was saying last night, the fact that there is a day every year, where you can dress up like demons and knock on strangers’ doors, demanding candy — and they have to give it to you — it makes for one of those days when I really love this country.
Hanging out with the WSSC, Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission
**Please forgive me for the typos in this one. (Carmen, that’s to you in particular!)
Who doesn’t like a good laugh? We certainly do and the DC Improv Comedy Club is just the place to find one. Or several. With a full menu, bar, and a swanky lounge setting, it’s a hot and entertaining alternative to a sweaty club or crowded bar. Just remember, the shows are 18 and over, so leave the kiddies at home.
*Tip: You have to purchase your tickets ahead of time. Check out the website for a calendar of scheduled comics to determine which one you would most like to see.
You are going to eat this weekend. You might as well eat the best food Washington, D.C. has to offer and attend the Taste of DC food showcase this weekend. The event goes from October 8th to October 10th and costs as little as $15 to enjoy 60 of D.C.’s greatest restaurants. You should be convinced by now. Just go.
*Tip: If you’re feeling pretty ballsy, you can compete in the Amateur World Chili Eating Contest. Go ahead and make Mom proud!
I’m serious. If you are pooped from a long week of work, school, (insert other mundane activity here), just call over some pals to a communal area, enter a 90s artist into Pandora.com and you and your friends are guaranteed to have a stomach cramp inducing night of hilarity.
*Tip: Dress up in those embarrassing 90s ensembles you never had the heart to throw out.
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