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Are You Afraid of the Dark? What SOPA Censorship Means For Our Web-Series

January 18th, 2012 by The OJBG Team · Bishop's Garden, New Media, Film, TV, Video, Web, OJBG, teen web series, webseries

By: Emily White

It’s Blackout Wednesday, everybody (don’t run to the liquor store, this is serious.) As you may have heard, there are two pieces of legislation in the works that aim to stop piracy online but could threaten the freedom of the internet in the process. Sites from WordPress to LOL Cats are ‘blacking out” today in protest.

Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden has been a victim of piracy from around the world. However, it is the openness of the internet that allows web-series like us to grow and flourish– even if as a result we lose some of our revenue to piracy. Because we produce content for the web exclusively, we rely on the internet to distribute and promote our show. Much of our success has been from the organic promotion of people talking about and sharing our show with each-other through blogging and social media sites.

While we don’t support piracy or copyright violation, we also do not support the maiming of free speech and creativity, in order to stop it.  Piracy is a problem, but this censorship is not the solution.

Right now, the entertainment industry is pushing the passage of the Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act (I would link to the Wikipedia page for each of those, but ironically it is blacked-out in protest today). The intention of these acts is to stop the piracy of music, movies and television online– but in reality it will have a huge impact on much more then that.

This video helps explain the potential effect of Protect IP and SOPA:

[PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.]

Instead of fighting it to the death, Hollywood should embrace and adapt to the internet as a new medium. The internet is a platform for creators to share content in new and exciting ways and makes it easier then ever to be creative. The television and movie industry will adapt to the internet, the same way the radio industry had to adapt to them. We’ve evolved from listening to The Lone Ranger on old-time radio to watching Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog on our iPads– and that’s OK. Entertainment changes (and grows!) with technology. The internet is also a way to preserve and share our beloved mediums of entertainment, old-time radio shows can be listened to online at Archive.org (which is also blacked-out today.)

Right now, websites are required to remove copyrighted content if presented with a formal DMCA take-down request. With the passage of these bills, the government would be able to block entire web domains for one violation and make websites responsible for what their users post and comment. Start-ups could be shut down easily and links and content shared on social networks would be heavily censored by the sites in order to avoid being blocked by the government. Think of all the spam comments and pirated TV episodes that show up on YouTube– should the entire website be taken down because of it?

With the internet, anyone with a webcam and some talent can become a star. With SOPA, Less piracy = less innovation, less creativity, and less content like OJBG. Is that a fair trade?

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Rare Bit of the Day (1/17/12)

January 17th, 2012 by Otessa · 20something, 90's, Otessa, otessa ghadar

by Otessa

Pauly Shore in his hey-day

Pauly Shore was like Samson: his power was in his hair.  And when he cut it… ):

May we please raise a glass to the man who brought us “Encino Man”, “Biodome”, “Son in Law”,  memorable MTV Spring Breaks,  an actual VJ, and …”Lisa, Lisa the one I adore” ??! — okay maybe not that last one.

Should we even raise  a glass?  In the wise words of Kathleen Hannah (via Le Tigre): “misogynist!? genius!? …alcoholic!”

Poor Pauly, he faked his own death, in an attempt to surreptitiously have a documentary made about himself — in the hopes that death would salvage his reputation. Unfortunately, not even death was able to salvage him, people still hated him. Perhaps time will soothe his wounds. He should have never cut those locks.

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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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Five Beauty Secrets Inspired By Hollywood’s Original Leading Ladies

December 30th, 2011 by The OJBG Team · 20something, Events, fashion, Going-out-guide, teen, teen things, Uncategorized, Women In Film

By: Samantha

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.

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OJBG’s Weekend Walk In’s: HOLIDAY EDITION

December 16th, 2011 by The OJBG Team · Uncategorized

By: Samantha

Since the last two weeks have been filled with Putnam County Spelling Bee rehearsals, finals, and now a stomach virus, it is needless to say that I haven’t had  a whole lot of time to go adventuring throughout D.C. However, as the holidays quickly approach us, I figured it would be a good idea to chat about personal favorite and traditional holiday movies to check out as we all prepare for the upcoming weeks.

1. Home Alone

Home Alone is the classic tale of a boy left behind and home alone by his family right before Christmas. He instantly gets himself into many comical and sometimes dangerous shenanigans involving after-shave, the creepy old next door neighbor, and two crooks looking to tear his house apart. It is McCauley Culkin’s most famous childhood performance.

*Tip: Don’t miss the scene with the pizza boy. It’s the best.

2. The Holiday

For those of you that enjoy painfully and embarrassing wonderful romantic comedies, I suggest The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet. It is the tale of two women who find themselves right before Christmas in a complete mess with their significant others. In a desperate attempt to salvage themselves, they swap houses, countries, and men.

*Tip: For those of you who have suffered from unrequited love, you will definitely enjoy the scene when Kate Winslet’s character gets a visit from her ex in California.

 

3. The Santa Clause

Tim Allen is the new Santa in this 90s classic. Watch as he patches up his relationship with his son, gets himself into some tricky situations, and finally rediscovers the joy of living.

*Tip: I always wanted to know what the Hot Chocolate at the North Pole tasted like.

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In the last week, I fell in love with “The Last Five Years”

December 16th, 2011 by The OJBG Team · Uncategorized

By: Samantha

I was chatting with one of my dear and fellow theater-obsessed friends at the beginning of last week about Jason Robert Brown, a relatively new musical composer (in comparison to the career spans of musical revolutionaries such as Steven Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber). I initially expressed that I was not very familiar with his work other than his show, Songs for a New World, because I had gone through a minor obsession with a couple of the songs in the show. My friend immediately insisted I familiarize myself with another one of his shows entitled, The Last Five Years.

The Last Five Years is the tale of Jamie and Cathy and the events that take place before and during their marriage. The audience spectates as the relationship between the premature lovebirds tragically falls apart within the span of five years. The most interesting aspect of the content in this musical is that the show is written so that Jamie and Cathy are presented to the audience at contrasting points in the relationship. The show begins with Jamie at the beginning of their relationship and with Cathy at the end and, as the show progresses, the two characters meet in the middle and then finish at opposite ends of their past. Additionally, the show is said to be modeled after and inspired by Jason Robert Brown’s own failed marriage to his ex-wife, Theresa O’Neill.


My personal favorites off the soundtrack include Goodbye Until Tomorrow, which is the show’s final song, and The Next Ten Minutes, which is the song sung at the exact middle of the two characters’ opposing timelines. Unfortunately, the show is no longer being performed Off-Broadway after it stopped in 2002. However, there are rumors that Jason Robert Brown may be bringing the show to Broadway in the near future. There are also tales of a film adaptation. I will be crossing my fingers for either option.

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Bake Sale is now beach week!

December 14th, 2011 by Otessa · Uncategorized

By Ashley

Friends to the show, Bake Sale (an indie/surf/pop band from Washington DC)  have changed their name to beach week! And we’re digging their latest songs Beauty Queen and Kurt V.  Take a listen:

ComScore We’re currently editing a very special episode featuring the band.  It’ll actually be the LAST official episode of Season 4. The very special beach week episode of OJBG will be released next Friday, and we can’t wait for you to see it.  Until then, take a look at beach week in action in a previous episode.  Sarah Live! at Comet Ping Pong Tonight – Ep. 4.2:

Here’s beach week’s new Facebook Page:
facebook.com/beachweek

And you can find them on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/beach_week

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