A super-sneak peak from later in the season with Sarah's 'yet to be-named' band!

By: Emily

So far in Season 5 we’ve got: Sarah and Gwen in a LDR, Davis ‘switching teams’ at camp, a budding romance between Robin and Tamsin…and Sarah holding auditions for the teenage essential: a garage band. There’ll be more on Sarah’s yet-to-be-named band later in this season but until then, here are my all-time Top 5 Made-For-TV Bands:

Jason Segal on drums, James Franco on guitar, and Seth Rogan on vocals = a total supergroup. Freaks and Geeks is another one of those cancelled-too-soon, intense cult-following TV shows and is pure 80′s teenage magic. The tentatively named ‘Creation’ also had another teenage band essential: Groupies.

3) Fraggle Rock -Fraggle Rock

Ok, I don’t know if this counts as a band– but Fraggle Rock was awesome. It’s a live-action puppet musical television show.  And they had albums, so it totally counts. The theme song give clear instructions to dance your cares away, and let the music play.

2) Gilmore Girls – Hep Alien

Lane Kim’s band Hep Alien was the bomb (especially back when Adam Brody was on Gilmore Girls before ditching for The O.C.) Sebastian Bach of Skid Row actually replaces him in the band as guitarist later in the series. Also, the soundtrack for that show was always very alt. and they had great guest appearances from The Sonic Youth, The Shins and The Bangles.

Many Americans tuned in Sunday evening to watch one of the many great sporting events that grace television. Flat screens were being sold left and right, pizza shops were bustling and eyes were glued to the television screen as the Patriots and Giants tackled one another for the NFL Super Bowl XLVI Championship title. Although many die hard football fans sat on the edges of their seats, arguing with the ref or yelling at their favorite players through the screen, many spectators were watching solely for the entertainment of the commercials and the infamous half time show.

The halftime show has always been a spectacle and highlight of the Super Bowl with legendary performances by Michael Jackson, The Black Eyed Peas, Prince and many others.  This year Madonna took the stage singing her hit songs accompanied by LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A, Cee Lo Green and many others. She managed to mix her old tunes with today’s popular recording artist and gave a great show. One of the highlights of her performance was when she danced to the “Party Rock Anthem” with LMFAO, proving that despite her age she has still got some moves. She ended her performance with the song “Like a Prayer” and had a message promoting World Peace.

Of course, there is always a controversy with Super Bowl halftime shows. We all remember the 2004 wardrobe malfunction performance with Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake.  According to many, M.I.A (one of Madonna’s guest performers) was caught flicking off the camera and cursing on screen. Apparently the show wasn’t as smooth sailing as the Material Girl would have liked.

All in all I found Madonna’s performance entertaining and definitely recommend that you check it out. There were times when her lip syncing was noticeable but for the most part she stayed on track with the music. I was definitely surprised by her dancing, she really kept it together. The graphics were awesome and I think that the addition of other artist was a plus, and definitely was key to holding my attention. I also lover her costume; it was classy yet edgy and was appropriate for all of her dance numbers. Props Madonna!

See below for the link to Madonna’s “Party Rock Dance” with LMFAO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGYnQRlHnvw

What do the cards hold for poor Sarah?

It’s summertime, but Gwen is oh-so-very cold. Sarah keeps calling, but Gwen has been totally dodging her calls for WEEKS. Her super shady, or as we like to call it, “up to no good behavior”, is getting worrisome. How dare she pass off her phone-tagging duties to her no-so-enthused NYC roomie! Going camping?! What is that all about? What is she trying to hide? What’s in the cards for Gwen + Sarah…?

This episode displays a prime example of life: ups and downs. We go through the joys of love at first sight and we go through the woes of loveless fights. We’ve been through the beginning and nearly the end of Gwen and Sarah’s relationship. The sun must set eventually, no matter how beautiful the sunrise is.

It’s a new day and I’m sure we’re all looking forward to seeing what’s in store for one of our favorite couples.

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.

_________________________

•            2/1/12

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

_______________________

•           1/31/12

#2 Chicken & rice...Peruvian style

_____________________

•            1/30/12

#3 Vinho verde and pretty labels

_____________________

•            1/29/12

#4 Enter the Dragon ... lunar new year

_________________________

•            1/28/12

#5 Loving reflections & light through glass

______________________________

•            1/27/12

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

____________________________

•            1/26/12

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

________________________

•            1/25/12

#8 Old school Pepsi sign in Baltimore

_________________________

•           1/24/12

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

________________________________

•           1/23/12

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

#10 Strawberry ice cream

1. Release of Lana Del Rey’s Debut Album

Oh, Lana. She already shook up the world when she impersonated Cher on SNL, but now the biggest day of her career so far has officially arrived. Lana Del Rey’s debut album has been released, readily available for download on iTunes. I’m sure there are already thousands of fan videos on YouTube dedicated to the vixen songbird’s newest tunes. I have only listened to a couple of the tracks, but “National Anthem” and “Without You” make my ears smile.

2. Annie Leibovitz: Pilgrimage Exhibit at the American Art Museum

Annie Leibovitz’s newest photography venture is on display at the American Art Museum. Oddly enough, the new exhibit does not boast photographs of iconic and disgustingly gorgeous celebrities in tandem with Leibovitz’s usual style. Instead, Leibovitz chose to focus on the environments of famous individuals such as Sigmund Freud and Elvis Presley by photographing furniture, rooms, houses, and landmarks she felt were significant in their lives. The exhibit will be available to the public in the American Art Museum until May 20^th.

*Tip: The American Art Museum boasts a lovely courtyard that all museum visitors are free to use to eat a packed lunch or lounge around. Take advantage of this option and pack a PB&J sandwich for that beautiful spring day spent at the museum.

http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/archive/2012/leibovitz/

3. The Superbowl

For those of you who have been living under a rock (like myself), you may have just realized (like myself) that this Sunday is SUPERBOWL SUNDAY. This year it’s the Patriots and the Giants. That’s as much as I know on this subject- I really only like to watch the quirky commercials. Get together with friends and family, eat and drink way too much, scream obnoxiously at the television screen, and have yourself a ball- pun fully intended.

*Tip: Here’s some handy dandy recipes for the salt addicts in all of us: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/super-bowl-food-top-10-best-super-bowl-recipes/story?id=9745102#.Tyl_A5j8rao

4. Fogo De Chao

If you’re going to Fogo, I suggest two things. Don’t eat anything all day and wear elastic pants. Also, if you’re a vegetarian, this probably isn’t your best option, although Fogo does have a terrific salad bar. For those of you who do not know how this restaurant operates, imagine a room full of waiters carrying around sticks covered in various types of meat. You turn over a card on your table, and behold, the waiters flock to you, drowning your plate in slabs of perfectly seasoned and cooked meats. It’s a carnivore’s dream and it can be yours for a price and reservation. But really, make a reservation ASAP because this place books up fast.

*Tip: Nothing beats the lamb chops. Nothing.

http://www.fogodechao.com/

 
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.

Gwen will make a grand re-appearance in this Friday’s episode… & perhaps we’ll find out more about the future of Sarah + Gwen. Until then, watch Gwen fight off the advances of mysterious gentlemen in her alternative life as a telenovella star & read more about her character: http://orangejuiceinbishopsgarden.com/gwen/

      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/

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.

#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”.

______

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

#2 a helluva album cover

• #2 DIAMOND DOGS

The awesomeness speaks for itself.

_______

#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.

____

and speaking of pastiches… have you seen this?

#4 Muppets mock Twilight. win.

• #4  MUPPETS POSTER — aka Muppets mock Twilight

_______

#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).

___

#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.

______

•  #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.

_____

#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.

_________

#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"

_____

• #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