Making things "hipster" is so funny.

Like these hipster dinosaurs.

So many giggle-worthy lines in this.

Fun find: Blik wall graphics

Blik, based in Venice, CA, is a removeable wall graphic company.  They are continuously working on the designs of new graphics, which currently include video game scenes, mirrors, picture frames, bed frames, polka dots, etc. You can even customize them. 

Fun find: Shirt Woot.

Some friends introduced me to the tshirt website Shirt Woot this weekend.  One was wearing a shirt that said "Pandemonium" across it with the below picture. Obviously I loved it.  I might have to buy one for Chopsticks.  The site has a new tshirt every day for $10.  Old tshirts can be purchased for $15.  Enjoy.

musicromping: She Drives Me Crazy

Here is a blast from the past to get your day started.

Happy Monday :)

Get your week started by rewatching the opening skit from last night's Emmys. 

I want a puppy.

I really want a puppy. This week, however, I have sadly come to the conclusion that there is just no way this can happen right now. Each and every morning of this week I have noted on my way to work that I have neglected to water the plants my mom gave me for outside our front door. I try to rationalize it by thinking that it might rain. Maybe the neighbor will water them.  I'll do it tomorrow. I am starting to feel guilty...the plants look thirsty. They will get water tonight or tomorrow...I can't make a sure guarantee on exactly when.  See? A dog would really not be so pleased.  But probably not quite as patient and quiet as the plants. Regardless, I puppy would not be safe in my hands.  In the meantime, I will just enjoy cute dog videos.

He is really into Family Guy.

This dog and dolphin over in Ireland have become best friends following the dolphin's mate passing away.  I love when animals are friends.  This is really cute. 

And this little guy belongs to my friend's parents.  He is incredibly adorable.

Gossip Girl: Season Three gag reel

In anticipation of Gossip Girl's September 13th return, here is the Season Three gag reel.  I am always surprised when I hear Chuck Bass' real life accent. 

musicromping: Katy Perry

I was all prepared to hate California Gurls. I don't really have a great reason, I just didn't think I wanted to like it.  It is ok, I'm still not one hundred percent hooked.  But the follow-ups?  Either Katy Perry's new CD really is catchy/"good" or she just happened to capture me at a time of weakness, when peppy poppy songs are getting me through the days at work that stand between me and aggressive, awkwardness-inducing moves on the weekend dance floor. Either way, I am enjoying Teenage Dream and Last Friday Night right now.

Katy Perry - Teenage Dream by Give It 2 Me

Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) by nicovaras

Good morning :)

I am a bit all over the place this morning. I am still recovering from my night of kickball last night - I play on a Nakid Kickball league team and was finally able to make a game last night, which is followed by a few (ie. endless) rounds of flip-cup. I spent the earlier hours of this morning aggressively reading, finishing the last ninety pages of Mockingjay. I'm excited for my friends to finish it and hear what they think. The book was a bit graphic, definitely not for children, but very good and thought provoking. Last night at the bar a guy on my team saw it in my satchel and asked what I was reading. Upon my explaining it he clearly judged me.  Or just mentally made fun of me for reading teen literature.  Whatevs.  I can't help that I'm a raging nerd.  Speaking of which, I am now online book shopping.  Any suggestions?

Madame Cupcake

i heart ninjas. and cookies.

Check out these Ninja Bread Men cookie cutters from Perpetual Kid.  I'm not often a cookie cutter person, as they take a bit of effort and never look quite right - limbs tend to become misshapen and heads fall off. And also, which part do you eat first (yes, my cookie just might have feelings)? And then you should really decorate them according to their shapes which is even more effort.  But these ninjas are kind of awesome, even without icing.

Bed Intruder/Panda dance video clarification.

I realize some clarification should be added as to why I find this panda post so giggle-worthy. a) we all know i love pandas. Especially when they are doing funny things.  b) I loved the video of the bed intruder interview, which I posted a few weeks ago.  I failed to post this song created from the original video, which was then mashed with the panda video. Giggles all around.

bookromping: The Hunger Games trilogy

When I heard about Twilight being turned into a movie and realized what a phenomenon it was becoming, I figured I should read at least the first book and see what all the hype was about. I quickly got hooked (though unable to explain quite why, as the writing is pretty terrible) and passed the addiction along to my roommates and friends. Upon finishing, Becky did some research on Stephanie Meyer, finding her list of favorite books. On that list? The Hunger Games. Though surprised that the book was located in the teen fiction section (wouldn't you assume Steph Meyer's fave books might be written for adults?) Becky highly recommended the book, the first in a trilogy, and once again it spread an obsession through our friends. Last month our book club read the first two books in honor of the third and final book, Mockingjay, being released today. Despite how odd they sound when describing the plot (post-apocolyptic US and children fighting to the death? I know...it sounds a bit much) everyone who had not previously read them loved them and could hardly put them down. Mockingjay is currently number one on the Barnes & Noble bestseller list.  And Lionsgate Entertainment has already acquired movie rights.  This is a new teen fiction phenomenon that is spreading quickly. And the concept is extremely better and more interesting that Twilight (though unfortunately the men of the love triangle aren't quite as amazing as Edward Cullen and Jacob Black). I strongly recommend you get into them. I have already gotten my copy of Mockingjay today and read chapter one. 

Well hello there.

Don't forget that it is DC Beer Week!

Get a free cupcake today from Hello Cupcake in Dupont Circle to celebrate its second birthday!

Weezer is talking about doing a Blue Album/Pinkerton Tour.  Each city will have two shows - the first night spotlighting the Blue Album and the second Pinkerton. I am so there.

Pitchfork staff created a compilation of the top 50 music videos of the 90s.

How do you define hipster?

Check out this spoon train.

via daily wh.at

musicromping: acapella Teenage Dream.

Listen to this acapella version of Katy Perry's Teenage Dream with some Bruno Mars Just The Way You Are mixed in.  I enjoy a good acapella.

Britney on Glee.

I cannot wait for this episode of Glee - Britney Spears plus Heather Morris' character Brittany?! This is going to be amazingness. Britney posted these pics to her Twitter page while filming the episode.  Some Me Against the Music, perhaps? Sweeet.

Happy Monday.

I find Mondays to be quite rough.  It takes me a bit to adjust from my weekend of being outside playing with ponies to sitting in an office with flourescent lighting.  Fortunately, this video is cheering me up a bit.

Cupcakes are so delicious.

the daily wh.at

have a lovely weekend!

Marcel the Shell. With Shoes On.

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

DC Beer Week: August 20-28

Next week is DC Beer Week, starting Friday, August 20th and running through the following Saturday, August 28th.  Events include kick-off parties (an evening event at the Rock and Roll Hotel presented by Washington City Paper & Nerd Nite DC and a kick-off brunch at Pizzeria Paradisio), a Craft Beer Cruise and tastings.  Find an almost complete list of events at the official website (almost complete because some things are still being added). 

Events Around DC

Last night I attended the Capitol File cover party for John Legend with some friends. The event, sponsored by Grey Goose and held at Café Dupont at The Dupont Hotel, was really fun.  Summery cocktails and Allen Brothers steaks were served while attendees could wander around the bar area or the patio outside. We met some really fun and interesting people and had a great time :)

A few more events that I am adding to my calendar:

August 20-28: DC Beer Week

August 26: the Family Hemerlein Variety Show

September 23: Grapes with Apes at the National Zoo

I don't think I'd like this place.

via the daily wh.at

Gossip Girl: Season Four trailer

I can't help but love this show.  I am completely team Blair & Chuck. Season Four trailer below.

Seen in DC: Murdered out Mini.

musicromping: Lissie pt. 2

Lissie covering Lady Gaga's Bad Romance.

photoromping: sparkles.

via Madame Cupcake and pink wallpaper

Rain, rain, go away.

Why all of the recent rain? I do not like it.  Unless I am at home, snuggly in my bed.  Which I am not.

via Madame Cupcake

Big Weeks in DC: Restaurant Week and Spa Week

Restaurant Week started yesterday with participating restaurants offering three-course meals at $20.10 for lunch and $35.10 for dinner.  See a full list of participating restaurants here.  Some restaurants have extended their specials through next week, as well. I went with some friends to The Bombay Club last night for dinner which was really delicious. Though I wish the pianist providing the background tunes would have been wearing shoes. Or at least socks.

Also coming soon is National Spa Week. During the week of October 11-17 numerous spas in the D.C. area will be offering their services for only $50 each. Spas will be offering exclusive services that range from $80 to $450 at the discounted price. Participants and services are listed on the National Spa Week website.

photo from dcist.com

musicromping: Matthew Hemerlein pt. 2

Check out Matt's cover of Miike Snow's Animal. Love it.

"Animal"(Miike Snow) by Matthew Hemerlein by Matthew Hemerlein

Otters are actually really cute.

My friend Becca loves otters and I never quite understood. Until this video.

stylish tools upgrade - Designer chainsaws

Um, how about an upgrade from my previously posted stylin' hammer? Take a look at these designer chainsaws I just found posted on BYT. I have absolutely no need for a chainsaw but whatevs.

I iz one sexay kitteh.

Please look at these pictures from the Fashion Feline Extravaganza held by the North Shore Animal League to celebrate the birthday of the Algonquin Hotel's cat, Matilda.  My faves - the cats dressed as Edward Cullen and the Mad Hatter.

Stylish tools.

Throughout our recent move, Elise and I have joked about how handy we are.  Especially Elise.  She installed an incredible shower head. There was a ton of painting and picture hanging. And unrelated to the move, there was a snake murder. These pretty Cynthia Rowley tools would have come in handy.

SYTYCD Ellen style.

I love Ellen. And her dancing.  Check out her performance on So You Think You Can Dance last night. She is so great.

How to ruin a child's birthday.

VH1 TV Shows

Music Videos

Celebrity Photos

News & Gossip

Silly kitten.

I just saw this on Cup of Jo and cannot stop giggling.

I feel you, lady...sometimes you just want some nuggs.

My mom and I saw this clip on the news last night and I knew I had to post it.  This Ohio woman got a little unhappy after being told she couldn't have any chicken nuggets because they were not on the breakfast menu.  I strongly suggest watching it all the way to the end.  Sometimes you just really want some chicken nuggets....I get it, lady.

Creative notice.

Check out how this girl quit her job via dry erase board and then emailed the 33 pictures around her office.  Kudos to her.  This is pretty hilarious.

Some DC news clarification.

This morning my bus hit a bit of traffic on K Street due to Franklin Park (13th and New York Ave.) being completely blocked off.  I de-bussed and walked the rest of the way to my office, slightly concerned by all of the police surrounding the empty, caution-taped park.  Turns out it was a suspicious package - but no worries....it was just a package of clothes chained to a tree.  Obviously.  I mean I always keep a chain handy to ditch those extra clothes that I happen to be carrying around in the middle of the night by chaining them to a tree...


Also, at dinner on Sunday my friends and I were discussing the NPR intern that was stabbed in Chinatown last Wednesday.  We obviously had all heard various rumors because none of our stories lined up. So here are some research facts:  The intern was stabbed four times on the corner of 7th and I at 9:30 a.m. last Wednesday. A 24-year-old woman has been charged with assault with intent to kill and aggravated assault while armed for the attack that was apparently "totally unprovoked." The attacker has a history of mental illness and apparently stopped taking her medication about a month ago.  Thankfully the intern is alive (despite what one of my friends heard).  Though I'm sure she isn't to enthusiastic about returning to D.C. in the future. 

musicromping: music videos of the week

Eminem and Rihanna's music video to their song "Love the Way You Lie" debuted last Thursday before Jersey Shore and has been getting some heat for its depiction of domestic violence. Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan portray a couple alternating between an abusive and passionate relationship. The song/video approach an important issue that both Rihanna and Eminem have experienced, though from opposite positions.  

 

Also debuting last Thursday was Kanye West's music video for "The Power Portrait." Kanye describes the 90-second digitalized still image directed by Marco Brambillaas as a "moving painting."  The video leaves a lot of room for interpretation.  Religious imagery and sexual overtones are obvious. Some speculate that it depicts heaven and hell and his fall from grace following the Taylor Swift debacle.  Brambilla explains, "I've always wanted to do something that would visualize power, to do a portrait of what power would look like in a sort of timeless way and being able to have him framed in that portrait. Essentially doing a video portrait of Kanye as a symbol of power was very consistent with my art practice and what I explore in my artwork." (source)  As much as I think Kanye is a bit of a douche I really do appreciate his creativity.  I really wish he hadn't just opened a new Twitter account, though.  That will lead to nothing good.

musicromping: Office Musik

Michael Scott would get down to this.

Happy Monday :)

have a great weekend!

After a whirlawind week I am headed back to Kentucky for a couple of days to play with TR. I'm looking forward to the show followed by a day off on Sunday to see friends and enjoy my new house :)  Have a lovely weekend!

Madame Cupcake

Hermione's new look.

Now that Harry Potter is done filming Emma Watson is sporting a new, shorter hairstyle resembling the looks of Twiggy, Jean Seberg and Mia Farrow. She really is gorgeous. Thoughts?

 via NylonBlog

blogromping: blogs for booklovers

I own far too many books.  I find them scattered all throughout my things, as I just leave them where I finish and immediately pick up the next one.  If you have a similar liking you will enjoy these two blogs - Book Lovers Never Go To Bed Alone and Bookshelf Porn.

musicromping: Matthew Hemerlein

I have posted some of Matthew Hemerlein's music on here in the past.  I was fortunate enough to meet him earlier this year - he is an incredible musician and just really sweet.  Watch Matt discuss the journey to becoming a "complete musician" in this BBC clip.  And check out his recent performance at the Allen Ginsberg "Howl" event at Busboys and Poets.

He just wanted to celebrate Shark Week.

This shark actually came up on shore in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. He was probably just hoping to celebrate Shark Week with Snooki and the Situation.

photoromping.

This is serious. I feel bad laughing. Homeboy.

I've got a case of the Mondays.

Due to some flight troubles I finally got home from Kentucky at two in the morning.  Needless to say, sitting at my desk right now is unpleasant. I would much rather me playing with TR still. Or taking a nap. I fear I may be developing narcolepsy, like Rusty here.

But good news....its Shark Week! Get your DVRs ready.