Oh heavens...

...it has been a while since my last post.  My apologies for such delinquency.  So to kick off new blogging I will start with my two current shenanigan jams.



musicromping: King Charles

We saw King Charles opening for Mumford & Sons and I fell in love.  He is pretty wonderful.  His music, his outfit, his dreadlocks.

Silly Bandaids.

via girlzlyfe.com

Bed Intruder acapella?

NYU N'Harmonics Bed Intruders Acapella from NYU Local on Vimeo.



Top 40, sweet cheeks.

I know all of my recent posts have included music but I can't resist posting these clips from this week's Glee episode.  I can't stop watching/listening to them. I usually find Gwyneth Paltrow to be a bit dull but she really changed that with her performance in this episode.



musicromping: Girl Talk

Girl Talk just released a new album, available at http://illegal-art.net/allday/.  He will also be in DC on February 1st...just bought my tickets last week and cannot wait.  Check out the CD below.

Girl Talk by user5910786

Hello again.

Once again, I've been a bit bad about posting.  I've been a little distracted and emo about the lack of direction my life is taking (I mean, sort of emo. I really lack a desire to have real life direction).  A chat with my mom last weekend included her asking me when I'm going to get a career.  "Jobs are over-rated. I'm going to marry rich."  To which she responded with something along the lines of "Well, I don't really see you working towards that." While we both knew I was joking, touche, Phyllis.  Way to kick me when I'm down.  

So I made the spur of the moment decision to jet off to NYC for less than 24 hours to see Mumford & Sons play at Terminal 5 with Elise.  

How was the concert, you ask? Amazing.  I might venture to say the best concert I've seen. The openers, the energy, the order they played everything, their new songs....all amazing.  I love their entire album and they were really great live. This performance was one of my favorites, performed with their tour-mates King Charles (love him) and Cadillac Sky. Sadly the video does not even come close to capturing the energy in the venue when this was going on.

OK Go does it again.



I really love a good mash-up.

So true.

I've often thought about all of the exercise I get following imbibing due to all the dancing and frolicking I do.

Study: Americans Get Majority Of Exercise While Drunk

Welcome home, Wheezy.

Big news.  Lil Wayne was released from jail yesterday morning after serving eight months of his one year sentence for a gun possession charge.  What did homeboy do upon his release from the slammer? First, he hugged his mama.  Then he alerted his tweeterverse ""aaaaaaahhhhhhmmmmm baaaaakk-kkkkkkkk."  And now its time to make up for those lost months.  First he is hitting up Vegas where it is rumored that he is going to take the stage with Drake. Then its off to Miami to celebrate with class by throwing a party at an undisclosed strip club.  I'm so glad he's back.

Lil Wayne - Mr Carter Ft. Jay-Z by Joe Madigan

I hope that is Purple Drank in that glass (via people.com)

Welcome to DC, sir.



Weekend hooray.

This Saturday is daylight savings. That means we get an extra hour for shenanigans. Glorious.

Zenyatta: Best Race Horse Ever?

60 Minutes' Bob Simon did the below report on Zenyatta. 

"If Zenyatta wins the Breeder's Cup Classic to cap an undefeated career of 20 straight victories, some say the 6-yr.-old mare might just be the greatest thoroughbred racehorse in history."

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7009219n

She's also gotten her face in W Magazine. What a classy lady. Who appreciates her Guinness.

Hello there.

It has been brought to my attention that I haven't blogged in over a week.  My apologies. I don't really have a good excuse, to be honest.  So to make up for lost time I shall write a list of succinct updates/thoughts from the last week:

1. Someone stole the pumpkins from our front porch decoration. Or our neighbors threw them away because they fear rodents. Either is plausible. Neither is acceptable.

2. I love Halloween. Spending Halloween weekend in Charlottesville was a brilliant idea.  Being back in DC in time for trick-or treaters was also a good idea. We saw a lot of monkeys. One girl sang me the "trick-or-treat, smell my feet" song.  And two kids came by in Scream costumes which was horrifying considering we were watching Scream while waiting for them.

3. There is now a Pie Truck in DC.  This wouldn't mean much to me except that my sister has a strange obsession with pie so it immediately caught my attention.

4. Here is a quick story.  Last week, a small boy knocked on our door selling cookies to raise money for kids in need of something (I don't remember exactly what).  He gave me the run-down of what they were selling and told me that all I needed to do was give him my name, address and money and baked goods would arrive in the mail shortly. While I didn't really care about the yummies (these were no Thin Mints) I was happy to help him out so I asked if he had a pen.  No dice.  So I left him on the front steps while I went inside, grabbed a pen and my checkbook and announced to Elise that I was fairly certain I was being scammed by a small child selling cookies.  Back outside, I asked if he would take a check. After consulting with his larger teenage friends, he said no. At which point I knew I was being scammed and said no thank you, I am fresh out of cash, but good luck with your quest.  

5. I failed one of my first research attempts. And I have never ever put so much effort into one before.  Alas, it was not meant to be, I suppose.

6. I finally changed the light bulb in my room. After about three weeks I now have light.

7. Blair and Chuck last night? Yes. Thank goodness. Their union is the best thing about that show.

8. Washington International Horse Show was in DC last week. Maybe that is why I wasn't blogging...because I was spending my lunch hours there before jetting off to Charlottesville. But anyway, McLain Ward did the Gambler's Choice dressed as a chicken.  Pretty awesome.

Halloween awesomeness.

This one is good, too. 

Two things I love.

Disney and Pauly D.  Yeah, yeah, this is awesome, yeah. Silly macaroni rascal.

yahoo.

Your morning giggle.

via the daily wh.at



Sometimes I see a bowl of Chex Mix and I think whoa...this is getting weird.

Remember Marcel the Shell? Well he has a friend.



blogromping: Hyperbole and a Half

This is absolutely true. I make myself checklists, staring at the things that need to get done. I feel guilty as I procrastinate and push them off, only to one morning dominate my to-do list in a mad flurry, feeling amazing about myself and my accomplishments. And the drawings included with the posts are always incredible.

Glee Preview: the Time Warp!

Glee's full performance of Time Warp! from next week's Rocky Horror Picture Show episode!

Jesse Eisenberg for WARL



Happy Birthday, Matt Hemerlein!

Today is not only Matt Hemerlein's birthday but also the release of his first album, Hot Nickels. Check out this article at BYT to learn more about Matt and to hear a few tracks from the new album. 

matthewhemerlein.com

Georgetown Public Library



Georgetown Library North Facade, Circa 1935, via dclibrary.org

The Georgetown Public Library re-opened earlier this week and will have its Grand Opening Party this Saturday, October 23.  Located at 3260 R Street NW, the library has been restored following the 2007 fire and includes several upgrades, such as a new third floor with a larger space for the Peabody Collection and an outdoor reading terrace overlooking Book Hill Park. I cannot wait to check it out - I have a feeling I will be spending many winter hours here, seeing as I'm obsessed with books and libraries and live right down the street!

 

Seaton Smith, I kind of heart you.

You are funny.

musicromping: The Pretty Reckless

Generally I lean more towards the popish dancey tunes (like Miley Cyrus) than those all filled with teenage angst. But I've enjoyed all the songs I've heard from The Pretty Reckless' album. Here is their latest, Just Tonight.



oh dear!



Good morning :)

You deserve a compliment.

I would like you to meet Chopsticks.

I realize that some people have not actually met Chopsticks and, as he is frequently referenced, I need to introduce him. This is a tough introduction to make, as I am not even sure where to start so as to do his awesomeness justice. I received Chopsticks, a stuffed panda bear, during the summer of '07. He has sentimental value, but that isn't really entertaining to hear about. Since his obtainment, it has become enjoyable to make him do funny things and take hilariously posed pictures. I know what you are thinking....what a clever name - Chopsticks - since pandas are from China. Unfortunately, I cannot take credit as that is the name imprinted on his bum tag.

I think this story sums up Chops and my relationship the best. I got my sparkling new Mini Cooper around the same time as I received Chopsticks. Soon after, I took my car on its first long drive to a horse show in Culpeper, VA. I strapped Chopsticks into the passenger seat, texted a picture to my friends that I was "on my way!" and off I drove. Once in Culpeper, however, I got a little speed happy with my new car and was pulled over (for my first time ever). After lecturing me and assessing my situation, the cop let me go. What situation was he assessing, you ask? Well here I am, driving my Mini with (I quite clearly remember) "All the Way Around" by Ali Lohan blasting from my speakers. I had my Vera Bradley bag with bees on it in the back, and I can only imagine what I was wearing, though I'm sure it resembled the outfit of a twelve year old (who doesn't change into comfy driving clothes?). And, oh yeah, there was a stuffed panda buckled into my passenger seat. How nice of the officer to let the special girl off with just a warning and a lecture.

Since then, Chopsticks has become a bit of a staple in my life and has developed quite the personality. He has come to almost every horse show unless it requires me to fly (he is chubby and takes up too much space). I usually leave him tucked in at the hotel during the day and look forward to seeing what the cleaning crew does with him once they make the bed. One time we came back to find that the little creeper had snuck over into Elise's bed. The other day on the way back from a show he leaned out the window and waved to pedestrians. No one returned the wave but a taxi driver did pull up next to us to tell us that he looked real. And after he waived his fanny at Elise one too many times, we joked that we are going to put him in denim diapers (how funny would that be?).

A little disclaimer. Since I've been little, I've had an odd tendency to believe that my stuffed animals have feelings. Its not that I really think they have feelings...its more that I feel bad if I do things that might offend them in case they do. Like, if they fall on the floor during the night, I feel guilty. And I always have more than one on my bed so that they can keep each other company. If I wake up snuggling Chops and he is upside down with his bum in my face...I feel all weird and quickly flip him over. Or if he's trapped under the covers...he could suffer from imaginary suffication! I have the imagination of a five year old despite entering what most would refer to as adulthood. That probably explains why Chops and I so quickly became bffs.

 Some fun facts about Chopsticks:

• When the little guy waves you cannot help but laugh.  
• Chopsticks is not to be referred to as a "doll" (Jennifer, that is directed at you).
• Chopsticks has a little stuffed animal horse named Otis.
• Lion hates him. But to be fair, Lion hates his stuffed squirrel, too.
• His right arm is limp from waving so much.
• His bum is filled with beans. It makes a silly sound when he shakes it.
• He is the perfect size for snuggling/being the little spoon. He is also the perfect size for being the big spoon to a smaller stuffed animal and, thus, forming a "snuggle chain" or a more reckless "snuggle pile".
• One time Elise's dog Zeus stole Chopsticks and took him for a ride in his mouth.
• He frequently has to take dryer rides to freshen up after spending a lot of time in my car and suitcase.
• Once Elise and I had to be at two horse shows in one day. During this time, we were both sick and it would not stop raining. Chops helped us drive from Devon to Upperville and managed to be the only item of mine that did not get muddy (picture from that day below).
• Chopsticks came to Vegas. He made it rain (he didn't actually, but I wish he had). He was also thrown upon the floor when the nightcrew came in to turn down our beds. That was the worst treatment he has ever received at a sleeping establishment.
• He has a crush on Pearl (pictured below and belonging to Becky).
• Chopsticks was sad when Becky and Pearl moved to London (they are back now, YAY!)

check out Google today.

Oh look at you, Google.  How fancy (make sure you click the play button).

Who owns Miley's heart?

The new Miley video for her song "Who Owns My Heart".  I don't hate it.  I find it a little strange to see her dancing all up on people in clubs, as she is only seventeen, but whatevs. The girl can't be tamed. Its catchy and I support dance floor shenanigans and cute dancing shoes.

Miley Cyrus: Who Owns My Heart - Video Oficial

from zaDk Villalba on Vimeo.

oh hey there, little fox...

...i'm glad you are enjoying yourself out there :)

silly ponies.

Yes, I will absolutely marry you.

I appreciate surprises and creativity. So obviously I appreciate this video. Kudos, sir. This proposal is awesome.

Curbside Cookoff: October 7-8

Do you know what starts today? The first annual Curbside Cookoff at the Old Washington Convention Center (H & 11th). The event starts today at 11:30am and ends tomorrow night at 8pm.  Enjoy food from more than 20 food vendors and great music. Check out their facebook page for more information including participating vendors and a schedule of events - they have included a few after-work happy hours and dance parties in the festivities.  Who can resist delicious food that comes out of the back of a vehicle?

Taste of Georgetown: Saturday, October 9th

This Saturday is the annual Taste of Georgetown event at Wisconsin and M. During the hours of 11am - 4pm, attendees will be able to sample dishes from nearly thirty of DC's restaurants, sip wine pairings and enjoy jazz talents of Blues Alley. Check out their website to for ticket information and to see a full list of participating restaurants.

Your daily puppy cuteness.

Troy is precious.  He would make a good friend for Chopsticks.

 

musicromping: I love a good cover.

Check out this cover of Ace of Base's "All That She Wants" by The Kooks.

The Kooks - All That She Wants by Mood-for.fr

Happy Rescue Day, Lion!

Today is Lion Ledsinger's Rescue Day! One year ago he was rescued from a puppy mill in Arkansas, chained up and drinking from puddles. Now the little puffball is one of the best roommates I could ask for :) He is so lucky to have found WARL, Elise and her family. Click here to read his story.

  

hipster love.



blogromping: Fire your agent.

A friend just sent me the blog The Internet Never Forgets. Amazing. To quote another friend on the email chain, "the only problem with this website is that there isn't enough of it." Rob & Zac, you have never looked so fabulous.



Animals being friends is adorbs.



Today's Shirt Woot.

I think I should get this for Chopsticks.

"Pillows are Creeps"

Put some fun in your living room.

Think how fun your living room would be if it included a swing, hammock or trapeze.  Or a zipline.  Who needs stairs.

  

images via Citified and Cup of Jo

Beards. Giggle.

This is why you should grow a beard.

Does he have a drinkholder?

This is amazing.  Udo would totally do this with me.  And their accents just make it that much better.

fall and October are here :)

it's mary ruffle



Jersey Shore - the New Jersey Life of Macaroni Rascals

I am really late joining the Jersey Shore fan club. Shocking, I know. The show is totally up my alley. Elise has gotten me watching it on demand in the last few weeks and now I'm totally hooked. While I love the Situation and Snooki, I think my fave is Pauly D. Some exciting news for the guidos and guidettes - Jersey Shore will start broadcasting on MTV Japan on March 21st. The translation of the title?  "MTV Jersey Shore - the New Jersey life of macaroni rascals." Ha, "rascals". That's what they are.

 images via MTV

Some love for Lil Wayne. And Eminem.

Eminem just released the video for his single "No Love" featuring Lil Wayne.  I enjoy Eminem's new album, Recovery, a lot.  I also enjoy Lil Wayne a lot. He is just such a ridiculous bamf.  Did you know that he was an honor student and in drama club before dropping out of high school? And that he accidentally shot himself when he was 13? And he told Katie Couric on her All Access Grammy Special in 2009 that he enjoys smoking marijuana recreationally and discusses his use of "purple drank" which he clarifies, while he hasn't stopped drinking it, he is not addicted to it. "I'm a rapper. That’s who I am, Miss Katie, and I am a gangster and I do what I want." He has been more successful during his time in the slammer than many rappers are in their whole career. And his tunez are just so darn catchy.



''This room looks like that one spaceship where I was probed.''

This morning I had to drag myself out into the rain and go to the dentist. And unlike in this week's Glee, I did not close my eyes to find me serenading myself with Britney tunes nor did my dentist resemble the lovely John Stamos.  I am generally quite tolerant of unpleasant things.  But dental drills all up in my grill...my attitude borders on that of an upset eight year old. It all began when she turned the bright light on in my face. From then on it was quite clear that I wanted to be anywhere but there.  I'm surprised she didn't laugh outloud at the absurd and extreme grimaces I made while she was doing her thing. I was clenching my entire body so tensely that when I would actually take a second to breath (when I knew there were no drills for a second) I would realize that I was shaking. This seems a bit silly.  At the end, the nurse looked at me in my disgruntled state and actually congratulated me on my completion, saying that I did a good job. Thanks, lady. I realize I'm too old to handle this so poorly. But I'm taking your praise home with me because, quite honestly, I'm proud of myself that I didn't punch the dentist in the face.  Worst of all, I have to go back in a couple of weeks.  I'm not sure I can handle that.  She suggested I bring an iPod. I wanted to suggest that she put me under.  Perhaps I'll just blast Britney tunes into my ears.



J. Timbs & Jimmy Fallon rap medley. Magical.

A little more Glee...



Brittany S. Pierce, I adore you.

I was expecting amazingness from last night's Glee episode - I heart Britany Spears and Brittany is my favorite Glee character.  But the show was even better than I could have imagined.  Brittany S. Pierce delivered quite a show with her song and dance numbers as well as her one liners ("I don't brush my teeth. I rinse my mouth with soda after I eat. I was pretty sure Dr. Pepper was a dentist."). I also enjoyed the football players performance of Stronger. A few parts were a little much (the nerdy reporter kid? Too much. Keep your clothes on) but overall, I loved it. And I really hope it is true that Brittany will be performing Ke$ha next week.

I have a dentist appointment tomorrow morning and can only hope that I close my eyes to find myself singing and dancing to Britany Spears.

What are those people doing there?

Austrian choreographer Willi Dorner brought his Bodies in Urban Spacies project to New York City September 26 and 27. He uses dancers, climbers and performers wearing brightly colored clothes and fits them into small and public places throughout the city. 

images via the Guardian UK and the Daily What

I want a herd of romping panda babies.

Glee: the Britney episode.

I finally got a chance to watch last week's Glee premiere this weekend and, while it was entertaining, I absolutely cannot wait for this week. Not only is it the Britney Spears episode but my favorite character, Brittany the chearleader, will be getting her well deserved time in the spotlight.  And John Stamos will be making an appearance.

A preview of the Me Against the Music clip:

Like a G6.

Like a G6 - Far East Movement by STYFZZZ

Even my dreams involve strange events.



madame cupcake

Another reason for this morning's grogginess might be my strange dreams.  I have been having an abundance of them recently.  I recall two things from last night's dreams.  First, I remember brushing my teeth with a very advanced and efficient toothbrush. Apparently it was quite effective as I remember feeling quite clean. I kept stumbling upon new features and getting all excited. The second part, which seemed to last longer, involved a hamster. I believe the hamster belonged to a friend; perhaps Elise but I'm not positive. The hamster and I had become good friends and I carried him around and played with him. I remember at the end I was meeting the owner (still not positive who) at the beach outside of our house (what a great dream upgrade). I debated taking the hamster incase he wriggled out of my hands and got lost.  For a brief second I was concerned about him sitting in the hot sun. Like he might bake or get sunburned or something. But in the end I decided he would like to come. Fortunately the dream (or at least my memories of it) ended before he could get away.  Interesting, as I find it quite doubtful I would ever tote around a hamster in real life.  Or get excited over a toothbrush.  Not quite sure how those dreams could possibly be interpreted.  Other than that the hamster is obviously a stand-in for a dog. But a hamster? Come on, brain. You can do better than that.