yesterday i was over at otr (that's the office of tax and revenue) picking up some copies for work. in order to get in the building you must walk through a metal detector, show an id and sign in at the front desk. i was there with a coworker and the metal detector beeped like crazy when he walked through, yet the security guard said nothing. and then we both showed our ids and the guard barely even looked at them. and then we bypassed the sign in desk and went straight to the elevator. it just makes me laugh that they attempt to have all of this "security" while upstairs some women are stealing millions of dollars from the dc government.
it's exactly why i work in dc but live in virginia. who wants their tax dollars going to a corrupt city?!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
breaking news!
cheney has an irregular heartbeat. wow, i never saw that one coming.
ps. did you know that the hot tub at the vp residence was filled in w/ concrete because of cheney's chronic heart ailments? seems a little extreme to me. you'd think he'd have enough self constraint to just not go in.
ps. did you know that the hot tub at the vp residence was filled in w/ concrete because of cheney's chronic heart ailments? seems a little extreme to me. you'd think he'd have enough self constraint to just not go in.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
happy thanksgiving!
it's been a great day (so far) :)
as in true brown family tradition i went over to my parent's house this morning to watch the parade. and this year we had a little visitor! well, make that two visitors. first riley came over to play! and then jack came over too. it was the battle of the two cutest kids. i'm not sure who won. they both had some great one-liners.
and then i went home to bake a pie. the taste is still to be determined (tbd. ha!), but from the looks and smells of it i think it might be my best creation yet. and in case you were wondering it's an apple pie with a cranberry/walnut crumb topping. and i'd take a picture but i can't seem to locate my digital camera.
and while the pie was baking i went out for a run in shorts and a tank top! it's the end of november and it was nearly 75 degrees out today! amazing. obviously al gore is onto something.
with my pie out of the oven (and torturing me on the counter) i flipped on some football. what a boring game. i can't wait to go to my cousin's and stuff my face with the best meal of the year.
hope everyone else has a great thanksgiving!
as in true brown family tradition i went over to my parent's house this morning to watch the parade. and this year we had a little visitor! well, make that two visitors. first riley came over to play! and then jack came over too. it was the battle of the two cutest kids. i'm not sure who won. they both had some great one-liners.
and then i went home to bake a pie. the taste is still to be determined (tbd. ha!), but from the looks and smells of it i think it might be my best creation yet. and in case you were wondering it's an apple pie with a cranberry/walnut crumb topping. and i'd take a picture but i can't seem to locate my digital camera.
and while the pie was baking i went out for a run in shorts and a tank top! it's the end of november and it was nearly 75 degrees out today! amazing. obviously al gore is onto something.
with my pie out of the oven (and torturing me on the counter) i flipped on some football. what a boring game. i can't wait to go to my cousin's and stuff my face with the best meal of the year.
hope everyone else has a great thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
yay short week!
after we all get through the two (and a half) day work week it'll be time for lots of eating, football (go hoos!) and shopping.
Friday, November 16, 2007
need a gift idea?
then look no farther than starbucks. honestly, who doesn't enjoy getting a starbucks card as a gift? and this year they've introduced customizable cards. just to starbucks.com. from there you pick out one of the four card themes and then go through and customize the graphics and type up a short message.
and the cost? you can pay either $15, $25, $50, $100 - with $5 going towards the actual card cost (kind of like how smartrip works). and they also give you the option of including a holiday greeting card for an additional $4. but obviously, i would skip that if i were you.
and for those of you who are too lazy to design a card you can always just buy one of the cheesy holiday designs starbucks has in their stores. and to add to the cheese they generally stuff them in some heinous christmas stocking holder. but, if you're not into that you can always just ask for a regular card holder. i know they have them in the back since i ask for them every year.
and the cost? you can pay either $15, $25, $50, $100 - with $5 going towards the actual card cost (kind of like how smartrip works). and they also give you the option of including a holiday greeting card for an additional $4. but obviously, i would skip that if i were you.
and for those of you who are too lazy to design a card you can always just buy one of the cheesy holiday designs starbucks has in their stores. and to add to the cheese they generally stuff them in some heinous christmas stocking holder. but, if you're not into that you can always just ask for a regular card holder. i know they have them in the back since i ask for them every year.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
cupcakes!
yesterday i was reminded of the deliciousness that is a baked and wired cupcake when my coworker brought me back one of their strawberry cupcakes. seriously, they are the best cupcakes you will ever taste. and man do i miss working in georgetown right about now. although i just heard that they've expanded a bit and have extended their hours to the weekend! i think a little weekend excursion to georgetown is in order!
it's a bake-off!
someone at work had a genius idea to have a pie baking contest the week after thanksgiving. i began my "research" by getting some slices at pie gourmet last friday night. and now i have two weeks to practice my pie baking skills (which are severely lacking, by the way). the practice begins tonight with an attempt at toll house pie. think warm, gooey nestle toll house cookie in pie form - and with vanilla ice cream from the penn state creamery! and after that i have a stack of other recipes to try - apple, apple-cranberry, apple butter pumpkin, maple apple...
Monday, November 12, 2007
it's the most annoying time of the year!
last week it was the return of the red cup at starbucks. and then last night there were already cops directing traffic at tysons. let me remind you it is only november 12th and more than a week and half away from thanksgiving. you know what i'm thankful for this year? that i'll be out of the country (in mexico!) the week before christmas.
Friday, November 9, 2007
what is everyone talking about this morning?
the red cup is back. it's the beginning of november and the holiday season has already begun. somebody gag me.
two woman at otr managed to scam the district out of at least twenty million dollars over the course of at least seven years. and at least $1.4 million of it was spent at neiman marcus. and the best part of it all? yesterday mayor fenty had a prior speaking engagement at mazza gallerie for "neiman marcus mazza gallerie day." but in all seriousness, some of our competitors have been linked to this scandal - so maybe this will be a big boost in business for us!
i know everyone must have tried the frrrozen hot chocolate at serendipity3 up in new york. in fact i even have a packet of the stuff to make at home. but now they have just introduced the frrrozen haute chocolate - a $25,000 dessert worthy of the guinness book of world records. i'm guessing if someone orders one of these (there's a two week lead time to fly in all of the ingredients from europe) they'll be able to bypass the hour long wait in the street.
#26 is back in full force! at yesterday's weekly press conference out at redskins park, clinton portis came dressed as choo-choo - the dance instructor?! and just in case you want to take a stroll down memory lane with his past characters - look no further than his personal webpage.
two woman at otr managed to scam the district out of at least twenty million dollars over the course of at least seven years. and at least $1.4 million of it was spent at neiman marcus. and the best part of it all? yesterday mayor fenty had a prior speaking engagement at mazza gallerie for "neiman marcus mazza gallerie day." but in all seriousness, some of our competitors have been linked to this scandal - so maybe this will be a big boost in business for us!
i know everyone must have tried the frrrozen hot chocolate at serendipity3 up in new york. in fact i even have a packet of the stuff to make at home. but now they have just introduced the frrrozen haute chocolate - a $25,000 dessert worthy of the guinness book of world records. i'm guessing if someone orders one of these (there's a two week lead time to fly in all of the ingredients from europe) they'll be able to bypass the hour long wait in the street.
#26 is back in full force! at yesterday's weekly press conference out at redskins park, clinton portis came dressed as choo-choo - the dance instructor?! and just in case you want to take a stroll down memory lane with his past characters - look no further than his personal webpage.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
the superman sack
Sunday, November 4, 2007
wow, what a difference from last weekend
first the hoos eked out another victory against wake. then penn state pulled away with a win over purdue. and then the skins survived overtime against the jets.
and that on top of all of the amazing football from yesterday and today. seriously, could there have been anymore great games?! although i somehow missed the amazing superman tackle from the notre dame/navy game last night - so if anyone sees the video floating around let me know.
and that on top of all of the amazing football from yesterday and today. seriously, could there have been anymore great games?! although i somehow missed the amazing superman tackle from the notre dame/navy game last night - so if anyone sees the video floating around let me know.
Friday, November 2, 2007
i bet you didn't know...
that the capitol building in washington, dc has 365 steps to represent every day of the year. that's real fact #183 from a snapple bottle top. who would have ever known?!
new music!
it's about that time again...
1. keyshia cole.
someone at work gave me a copy of her new cd. it's good. and you can listen to some of it on her website and her myspace.
2. will.i.am.
i just sat and listened to his whole new cd. we already know he's a great producer - but his new solo cd makes for a good listen.
3. josh rouse.
i just got a hold of his newest cd. and i can see how he's been around for almost ten years now. he's a folky singer/songwriter - just what i love! and he has a song featured on the new house soundtrack.
4. sharon jones and the dap kings.
the dap kings are the session band at daptone records - and you think they sound familiar? that's because they were hired to play for amy winehouse's last (first?) album. but, now they're back with sharon jones. and it's so good!
5. ben kweller.
too bad i didn't get a hand on his latest cd earlier - he played the millennium stage back in september. oh well, i'll have to catch him next time he's in town.
1. keyshia cole.
someone at work gave me a copy of her new cd. it's good. and you can listen to some of it on her website and her myspace.
2. will.i.am.
i just sat and listened to his whole new cd. we already know he's a great producer - but his new solo cd makes for a good listen.
3. josh rouse.
i just got a hold of his newest cd. and i can see how he's been around for almost ten years now. he's a folky singer/songwriter - just what i love! and he has a song featured on the new house soundtrack.
4. sharon jones and the dap kings.
the dap kings are the session band at daptone records - and you think they sound familiar? that's because they were hired to play for amy winehouse's last (first?) album. but, now they're back with sharon jones. and it's so good!
5. ben kweller.
too bad i didn't get a hand on his latest cd earlier - he played the millennium stage back in september. oh well, i'll have to catch him next time he's in town.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
i read the wapo chats so you don't have to
here are some of my favorite posts from this week...
---
from the reliable source chat:
...it wouldn't be in springtime: Seriously, here's my experience at the drag races last night. Mosh pit with less room and people who don't get the salmon swimming upstream nature of it. I was waiting for Black Flag to start playing at one point. A woman ahead of me warning another woman about the guy grabbing womens' breasts. Being pushed to the point of falling except for the poor person in front of me who was holding me up by being pressed against the 50 people in front of her. Heard more than one person complain about the crowds of straight people, one saying, "Go back to Georgetown!" As if. I did get to see the very tip tops of the outfits including what appeared to be very well put together board games and a resurrected Princess Diana complete with bodyguards. It was nice that the mayor was there. He was not in Drag, during the race. Went to Stoney's afterward which quickly became more of the same. Crowded, with some folks literally knocking people over to get clear space. It's become enough of an event that it's almost worth the city putting up bleachers and futiely trying to get the Log Cabin Republicans to pony up funding for it. So much more I could write...
from tom's chat:
Fritz: Seconded.
that's my comment! so fritz - when are we going to get together so you can buy me that beer you owe me?
---
from the reliable source chat:
Falls Church, Va.: Any idea where I can get a Tom Sietsema Halloween costume?
Amy Argetsinger: Hmpf.
that's just hilarious!
---...it wouldn't be in springtime: Seriously, here's my experience at the drag races last night. Mosh pit with less room and people who don't get the salmon swimming upstream nature of it. I was waiting for Black Flag to start playing at one point. A woman ahead of me warning another woman about the guy grabbing womens' breasts. Being pushed to the point of falling except for the poor person in front of me who was holding me up by being pressed against the 50 people in front of her. Heard more than one person complain about the crowds of straight people, one saying, "Go back to Georgetown!" As if. I did get to see the very tip tops of the outfits including what appeared to be very well put together board games and a resurrected Princess Diana complete with bodyguards. It was nice that the mayor was there. He was not in Drag, during the race. Went to Stoney's afterward which quickly became more of the same. Crowded, with some folks literally knocking people over to get clear space. It's become enough of an event that it's almost worth the city putting up bleachers and futiely trying to get the Log Cabin Republicans to pony up funding for it. So much more I could write...
...Knowing that in Spring I'm bewitched by you so...
Amy Argetsinger: Thank you for this. I think you should submit this to the Outlook section. Seriously.
so sad i missed it.... NOT!
from tom's chat:
Washington, D.C.: Tom- For the poster who wanted to find a cake. Furin's at 29th and M did an amazing job on my friend's strawberry shortcake birthday cake and I highly recommend them.
Tom Sietsema: My lovely producer suggested as much. Thanks.
i couldn't agree more! when i worked in georgetown we would have furin's cakes in our office all the time - and the strawberry shortcake one is definitely the best!
---
from j.free's chat:
Alexandria, Va.: I've noticed your strong penchant for hipster music. Do they allow you to wear horned-rim glasses and ironic tee-shirts at the Post?
J. Freedom du Lac: No, but today *is* crotchless leather chaps day on the fourth floor.
Arlington, Va.: Please tell me Weingarten doesn't work on the fourth floor.
J. Freedom du Lac: No! There's not enough room on the fourth floor for his talent. His moustache is kinda big, too.
i don't think these two even need a comment.
Columbia Heights, Washington, D.C.: Why isn't anybody excited about the Stevie Wonder concert tonight?
J. Freedom du Lac: I am. You are. That makes two of us.
and we all know how that turned out.
Fixing your ringtone: They tried to make me call Verizon, but I said no, no, no.
J. Freedom du Lac: Thank you.
when has there been a j.free chat without the mention of amy?
---
from the fashion chat:
Greenbelt, Md.: I am a forty-something woman who works in a fairly casual office (not jeans, though). I have been shopping at Casual Corner (now defunct) and Christopher and Banks for separates. Now, I'd like to move my wardrobe up a step. A bit more with it, a bit less polished separates. Where do you recommend shopping?
Janet Bennett Kelly: I might try Club Monaco if I were you. It's in Gtown, so not so geographically desirable, but the story carries conservative and polished basics with a bit of an edge, which could be just what you're looking for.
let me get this straight - the woman used to shop at casual corner and now janet is recommending club monaco? has she ever been to either of these stores?? i'm not saying i'm a fashion expert - but those two stores could not be any more different from each other.
---
from kim o'd's chat:
Washington, D.C.: I've fallen for the new TV show "Pushing Daisies" and Ned the Piemaker's pies sound delicious. Over the last couple of weeks, they've had apple or pear pie with "gruyere baked into the crust." Any idea for how to make a pie crust with gruyere in it?
Kim O'Donnel: You'd incorporate shredded cheese into your dough, I'm thinking. I do this with cheddar sometimes for potpie crust. I need to take a look at my recipe and I'll follow up with details.
every time i watch that show all i want is a piece of pie...
---
from the gog chat:
Washington, D.C.: For the person looking for Pumpkin beer to go - check out Sweetwater Tavern. I went last night and got a Growler to bring home - and they even give you a baggy of the spices to put on the rim! It's also the best Pumpkin Ale (in my opinion).Fritz: Seconded.
that's my comment! so fritz - when are we going to get together so you can buy me that beer you owe me?
West End: What is this new bar in Georgetown called the "Gryphon Room" that everyone on LateNightShots keeps talking about?
Fritz: Ha. "New bar." The Gryphon Room is the grotty little downstairs bar and dance club at the Guards, and it's been welcoming GW and Georgetown undergrads for years. It's about as fancy as Smith Point.
To West End: Just so you know...The Gryphon Room has a list and if you aren't on it, it costs $5. Pretentious for the basement of the Guards but I can't say I didn't have a good time.
Fritz: Just like Smith Point...
this is exactly why i refuse to go to the guards anymore. that and i steer clear of anything advertised by LNS.
---
now if only john kelly would come back from england. i really miss his friday afternoon chats!
the downfall of halloween
later i was supposed to meet up with my mom and my aunt (in from nyc for work). well my mom just informed me that while eating a tootsie roll last night she pulled out one of her fillings and has to leave work early to go to the dentist. i guess she's a statistic now!
that's why i just stuck (ha!) with pumpkin beer and pumpkin cupcakes last night...
that's why i just stuck (ha!) with pumpkin beer and pumpkin cupcakes last night...
the dream band!
last night was great! nick had the genius idea to go pick up a growler of sweetwater's pumpkin ale. i was a little skeptical at first because the fun of sweetwater's pumpkin ale is the brown sugar rim, but then i was informed that they give you a little baggy of the rim spices. amazing!
so with our beer in hand we headed home to greet more trick-or-treaters (we got a bunch, hooray!). the plan for the night was to do some music exchanging. and once we got into that we got to talking about the best musicians. and that led us to forming our own dream band. it was quite the deliberative process and i'm sure we left out someone(s) - so feel free to create your own dream band and leave it in the comments!
singers: martina mcbride and jackson browne
guitar (electric): prince
guitar (acoustic): tim reynolds
piano: bruce hornsby
drums: carter beauford
bass: victor wooten
harmonica: john popper
steel guitar: robert randolph
saxophone: clarence clemons
violin: martie maguire
so with our beer in hand we headed home to greet more trick-or-treaters (we got a bunch, hooray!). the plan for the night was to do some music exchanging. and once we got into that we got to talking about the best musicians. and that led us to forming our own dream band. it was quite the deliberative process and i'm sure we left out someone(s) - so feel free to create your own dream band and leave it in the comments!
singers: martina mcbride and jackson browne
guitar (electric): prince
guitar (acoustic): tim reynolds
piano: bruce hornsby
drums: carter beauford
bass: victor wooten
harmonica: john popper
steel guitar: robert randolph
saxophone: clarence clemons
violin: martie maguire
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)