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.
With New Year’s Eve quickly approaching, I have turned to scouring the Internet in search of inspiration for an incredibly wonderful and original outfit to kick off 2012. My manic search has resulted in hundreds of photographs of Hollywood’s leading ladies at the height of their careers, dressed to the nines and looking absolutely stunning. So, I know those of you who may be reading this will ultimately have varying ideas of what you would like to wear as you welcome in the new year, so consider the following just some more inspiration that I have also discovered for myself, not just for your look on New Year’s Eve, but for every day and night of this new year. Goodbye to 2011 and cheers from OJBG with all of you to 2012- a year to look simply smashing!
1. Don’t be afraid to change your hair color.
Rita Hayworth began her career as a dark-haired beauty and eventually dawned every hair color possible, from platinum blonde to fire engine red. If you are debating whether or not to go for that lighter or darker hue, be like Nike and just do it. Hair is about having fun and playing with your personal style and appearance. Just be sure to consult with your hair stylist beforehand to see which shade of that particular color is best for your skin tone and eye color. Worse comes to worse, you can always dye your hair back to its original color. It’s worth the risk.
2. Find that “it” outfit.
Marilyn Monroe was pictured wearing one of the most iconic dresses of our lifetime, and through this, she taught us that a great dress, or a great outfit overall, is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Keep a look out for that stellar dress that highlights all of your curves, that sleek tuxedo that hugs your body like a glove, or that head wrap that makes you shine in a packed room. Once you find that outfit or item that you absolutely adore, buy it immediately and never let it go. Oh, and of course find an equally killer pair of shoes to finish it off.
PS: Today, I fell in love with biker cut-off gloves encrusted in fake jewels and bought them on the spot. My mother thought I was ridiculous. I don’t really care- it’s love.
3. Groomed eyebrows are essential.
Vivien Leigh starred in over 15 feature films throughout her extensive career. Regardless of her role, one factor remained constant: her full, arched, and groomed eyebrows. Eyebrows do not only frame your eyes, but your entire face, so it is imperative that they are nicely shaped. Unlike the pencil-thin trends of the 70s and 90s, 2012 prefers a much fuller eyebrow, so don’t be afraid to rock some Brooke Shields brows. Experts have said that fuller eyebrows keep women looking youthful well into their 80s. If you have fallen victim to the pencil-thin trends of the earlier decades and your brows are looking a little skinny, grab a brown eyeliner pencil or some brown eye shadow and gently work it into your brows for a fuller look. If you’re having trouble, there are hundreds of tutorials and articles on how to do this on YouTube and Google.
4. Embrace your curves.
When Sophia Loren stepped onto the Hollywood scene with her full bust and hips, she was not turned away. Instead, she was admired and well received for her fierce beauty and feminine mystique. Loren wore pieces that hugged her curves rather than hide them away or box them in. If you have a fuller bust, some excellent hips, or a fine behind, show it off. Other women will respect you, and some may even envy you.
5. Quirky is cool.
Our favorite funny lady, Lucille Ball, taught us one major lesson: it’s never okay to be a bore. Don’t put yourself in a dull box. Feel free to be funny and quirky whenever you want. I have noticed that some women, especially younger women, feel the need to suppress their personalities if they are in new social situations, like a job interview or dinner with some girls they met in their class at college. In fact, those are the exact situations in which you should let your personality take the stage. Everyone loves a girl that is confident enough to crack a joke.
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?
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.
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.
#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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
#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.
I know. I know. “Internet Sensation” deserves the scare quotes… yes?? or no?? Check out her tumblr: here and decide for yourself. I think her whole “dear mom, sorry for going to art school” vibe is so cute.
kinda adorable.
And here is the thing — her style reminds me of my teenaged-self
…well, minus the putting naked pictures online.
(I’ll show you some of my old high old school pictures in another blog post!)
Actually my teen self vacillated between 1/2 Molly Soda and 1/2 …
2. Taissa Farmiga (aka Violet on “American Horror Story”) (aka my other 1/2)
Taissa Farmiga, as Violet. aka My Teen Self
This is the other, flip-side to the coin of my teen-aged self. aka style rep #2 of former teen self.
Isn’t she just cute as a button?
And Vera Farmiga’s littlest sister is also a talented actor.
My Teenage Doppelganger... reveling in her sadness and listening to the Smiths
Taissa’s character Violet is just so tough, and sad, and put-off by life, and she has no idea just how sweet she actually is. But it’s not a sweetness instead of or despite of the toughness & sadness. It doesn’t belie or disallow. It’s a sweetness that is inextricably linked to, and is BECAUSE of the hardness, and because she has no idea of its existence.
It really is that good. The performances are amazing. And no it is not just some schlocky shock-factor stuff, which you may have been made to believe. Although, I find that it is far more enjoyable/less disturbing to watch during the DAYTIME, rather than when it is dark outside. (**Spoiler alert** –> The violent double-murder of the 60′s nurses, and the ensuing copy-cat murder scene were particularly disturbing to me. But I am also sensitive.) Check out the show’s official page & watch bonus content etc: here. And catch up on the show on hulu: here.
OK. Now let’s take a “Ceiling Tour” of Washington DC. (“What is a Ceiling Tour?” you may ask. Have a look below…)
DC is having a renaissance. (Or, well, I’m not sure if this is a re-birth or just a first-time bloom). Let’s say we are experiencing a local Golden Age of food trucks.
Let’s hit up some bullet points, shall we…
fojol (photo courtesy of http://www.facebook.com/fojolbros)
Fojol Brothers of Merlindia and Benethiopia
I’ve been meaning to try out Fojol Bros. I keep hearing it’s great. And apparently one of its founders (err brothers) is a kid that I used to go to school with and I think it’s really cool that he started this. He has become what seems to be part-food-truck-entrepreneur–part-cult-leader. So here’s a shout out for his endeavor. Kudos.
via www.facebook.com/fojolbros
PS They have a pumpkin & chicken dish, that I’ve been eager to try. (I love pumpkin. and chicken. and together they are mesmerizing).
PPS How amazing is their whole South Asian Merry Prankster vibe?
I’ve also been keen on checking out Solar Crepes. This one is in the Ballston and Arlington areas, for those of you a tiny bit farther afield. Further links for perusal / info on where they are when –> websitetwitter
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photo courtesy of http://redhooklobsterdc.com/
Red Hook Lobster Pound
And the lobster roll truck is pretty damn amaz too. Further links for perusal / info on where they are when –> websitetwitter
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Curbside Cupcakes
word on the street is– try the red velvet.
Further links for perusal / info on where they are when –> websitetwitter
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Dangerously Delicious Pie Truck, via facebook.com/dangerouspiesdc
DCPieTruck
It’s Dangerously Delicious’ food truck. (I’ve already blogged about Dangerously Delicious here) so you know how good they are. But this even better, b/c it comes to you! Further link for perusal / info on where they are when –> twitter
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Sauca
photo via twitter.com/wheresauca
Is also supposed to be amazing global-fusion of epic proportions.
EG from banh mi to Mexicali fish tacos, you can get it here. Hooray to that.
Further links for perusal & for info on where they are when –> websitetwitter
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Takorean
Korean tacos? ooh…so fascinating…want to try. Already a fave in LA, the Korean taco experience has come to DC. Anyone tried it yet? Further links for perusal & for info on where they are when –> websitetwitter
9. THANKSGIVING DINNER! Hooray for Turkey!! and…PIE!! And Leftovers!! (and the 1 turkey that the President will pardon)
Also let’s also tip our hats to this most bizarre and verging-on-perverse Washingtonian tradition of Presidential Pardons for Turkeys?!?! Yes, that is right. Every year, the president “pardons” 1 singular turkey, freeing it from the bonds of being turned into his White House supper. (Of course, they still eat turkey on Thanksgiving at the White House… it is just a different turkey.) I would love to know the history and origin story of this whole thing. It’s just too too curious and weird.
Also… just what becomes of the pardoned turkey? Is he put out to pasture and guaranteed a easy retirement in a community for active seniors? Or is s/he just sent back to the slaughter-pool?
Does anyone know?! Can someone tell me??
PS In a moment of excellent synchronicity, Sam also/already blogged about the Turkey-pardoning-tradition (: Read it here.
PPS Apparently Obama pardoned not 1, but 2 turkeys this year, named Hope & Peace.
Believe me, I wish I could say that I never found this funny. I also wish that I could claim that I no longer found it funny. But the new season of Beavis & Butthead is just as hilarious, just as secretly-inciteful, as crude, as occasionally-inane, and as uproarious as ever. Nothing in sacred. And it brings a smile to my face *in much the same was as ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ brings me to the point of late-night-giggle-induced-mental-messiness.
left pic is from the infamous Daria episode_____ right pic is sneak peek at next wk's new ep
Is it just me or is MTV getting …(dare I say it) …kind of cool again? just maybe? I mean Beavis & Butthead is in all it’s glory. The MGMT, Skrillex, & deadmau5 vids are pretty on point or “culturally-relevant”. And Beavis & Butthead’s skewering of the vids is effing hilarious.
Also, you can stream so many of the MTV greats on their website (eg have a late-night nostalgia-special watching Aeon Flux, B&B, etc etc…) by clicking HERE. (See my other blog post about Aeon Flux, Liquid Television, 90s late-night MTV, and online streaming HERE !)
I’ve also embedded the trailer for you — right here — b/c I’m nice.
You sick? We’re all sick over here (well most of us anyways). So today’s “Weekend Forecast” will be heavy on the sicky activities.
“]
#1 Toki Underground. noodles. dumplings. [Photo: R Lopez, PlantainsandKimchi.com
1. You been to the Toki Underground yet? It’s on H street in NE and it brings Ramen Noodles to new heights. (That broth! All about that broth.) This aint your college years cup o’ noodles Maruchan. Also it has nice cold Asian beers in big bottles to complement your soup. With the early onset of the winter chills, and with a sore sore throat, a cup of warm broth really soothes a wounded soldier. PS Check out more of R Lopez’ photostream here.
#2 You can't stop time, but you can turn it back.
2. Enjoy that EXTRA HOUR of sleep this weekend. That’s right, Daylight Savings Time ENDS…which means at 3am on Sunday Nov. 6, you can go ahead and wind that clock back for another go at 2am to 3am. Anyone remember that EPISODE OF PETE & PETE — the Daylight Savings Episode, whereby they discover that since the *clock* winds back, *time* must ALSO wind back… meaning you can go wild and then get a Do-Over. In LIFE. Yes, it is excellent… so I will hail #3 as…
3. Watch Pete & Pete. especially that episode. (It’s season 2, episode 5…”The Time Tunnel”.) Being sick is a great time to take a metaphorical stroll down memory lane. And if you want more nostalgia, here is the Pete & Pete website, for trolling through. I dare say that the website is even more 90′s than the show is! (for that extra dose of nostalgia.)
Hand me my Riboflavin!
and for those of you NOT feeling under the weather… here are some livelier options:
#4 cupcakes & wings. together at last. Eat to beat...
4. This one is straight from Scoutmob… CUPCAKE & WING EATING CONTEST Saturday, November 5, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.
What do you get when you combine theINcrowd and DURKL? Awesome s@#t, that’s what. Especially this weekend when the two will host a wing and cupcake eating competition at DURKL’s warehouse at 443 I St., NW. And while you’re shoving your face full of Wingo’s wings and delicious cupcakes, you’ll ironically be helping to raise funds for the American Diabetes Association. If you’re looking to participate, email shay@itstheINcrowd.com. Or just come to watch and enjoy the ambiance. There’ll be music by DJ Spicoli and Jamie Benson, as well as complimentary ice cream and beer. It’s only $3 at the door, but feel free to donate more. Remember, it’s for a good cause! More Information!
#5 ... #DCResidence @DCWeek
5. #DCResidence @DCWeek …Saturday, November 5, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
When social media and arts and culture collide, #DCRESIDENCE @DCWEEK is born. And my-oh-my, what a beautiful baby. Led by a group of creative community catalysts #DCRESIDENCE is an activation of four empty storefronts and a loft along the H Street Corridor in DC’s NE Quadrant during DCWEEK 2011. Presented this Saturday during an opening blowout is THE HOME, a two-day showcase of local social innovators in indie fashion, emerging arts, and DIY retail. Come Sunday for a special brunch and stay tuned for the festivities next week. It’s only getting better! Schedule and More Information Visit their tumblr here.
#6 Travel - 3nd Place: Aristide Economopoulos
6. and here is one from the Washington Post… Upstart photography festival FotoWeek DC is kicking off Nov. 4with a giant, two-venue launch party.where: the old Borders bookstore at 18th and L streets NW — a move that will give organizers 50,000 square feet of space to play with, a mere block from the Metro. what: 14 separate exhibitions will be held at the hub, open to the public beginning Nov. 5, including the World Press Photo exhibition, and the FotoWeekDC International Awards Competition winners. The space will also be home to the launch party and to Brightest Young Things’ ‘Young @ Heart’ show. So that brings us to….
#7 BYT Young @ Heart party
7. Brightest Young Things’ “Young @ Heart” show, which features some of the site’s best photos of the year.Another major change this year: You’ll now have to register for a free festival passto visit the three primary FotoWeek spaces, FotoWeek Central, the Corcoran Gallery of Art and FotoSpace in Adams Morgan.No one will be turned away if you don’t pre-register online, but you will still have to register on-site.You’ll also have to get tickets (at anywhere from $10 to $75) for certain festival events, such as Young @ Heart, the popular Night Visions all-night photo shoot and portfolio reviews. But FotoWeek could pick up the tab for a lucky few: Organizers will give away 150 free tickets to fans of the festival’s Facebook page, and 30 of those will be for the Nov. 4 launch party (which saves the lucky winners a whopping $55). “The concept,” says Adamstein, “is for as much as possible to be free.”
Who are they and why are we obsessed? “The blog 90sWoman.comis a conversation between Kara Jesella and Ada Calhoun about a misbegotten era.” (–> true dat)
Their backgrounds (and playgrounds). Remember our post on How Sassy Changed My Life? Kara was the co-author. She’s also written for the New York Times, the American Prospect, Salon, Nylon and Teen Vogue. Ada’s work has graced the pages of The New York Times, New York Magazine and recently wrote a book called Instinctive Paranting.
These girls know how to work it; this includes parenting, 90s garb and a pen (obviously), among other things. Another work to pre-order: Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work. (Yes, Ada wrote it alongside the loveable Tim Gunn.) A favorite Timism – “It looks like a pterodactyl from a gay jurassic park.” Also, Bravo’s Tim Gunn Dictionary compilation. Please, for a giggle. Sturm and Drang wha? And since I’m ranting about this man, check out his closet. He probably wouldn’t approve anything in the OJBG wardrobe dept. but he does love his Converse (Yay, one point for the us), one pair of flip flops (“The world will probably let our a primordial scream.”) and has 6 pairs of jeans (more than I would have guessed) haha.
Okay forget lunching, these girls must be all about crunching. Deadlines, deadlines. Can you tell we have two new girl crushes?
Take their hilarious quiz: You Might Be a 90s Woman If…
Just a few we checked off:
You’ve made a mix tape on an actual tape.
You know lines from Clueless.
You’ve marched for abortion rights, against the first Iraq War, or for Take Back the Night.
You have ever been into Wicca, eco-feminism, or liberation theology.
You think any of the following items of clothing are hot: thigh-highs, plaid shirts, work boots with dresses, cat-eye glasses, chunky heels, baby-doll dresses, overalls, plaid, flannel, bra straps showing, barrettes.
You’ve dyed your hair a color not found in nature, ideally with Manic Panic. (Otessa just gave me the 411 on which shampoos strip a Manic Panic ro any semi-perm oopsy in a few washes.)
You started—or at least read—a zine. Now it’s a blog or tumblr.
Back to OJinBG.com
