Furdiburb

This is pretty pathetic that I'm nearly twenty-four years old and still playing with a Tamagotchi practically. But after just converting to the Android from the Blackberry last week, I will honestly admit that I downloaded probably one of the funnest time wasters on Earth; Furdiburb. A Harajuku-chic alien pet for your phone, the Furdiburb has a home which you can decorate, puzzles that I needed to find cheats to unlock they were so good, and plants that grow nigiri sushi after watering them. Yes, while I probably shouldn't be channeling any energy on a video game with my schedule, Furdiburb is totally addictive and, apparently, a new update is coming out next week (which means- OMG- more planets!). If you want something to feed and bathe that doesn't cry, wake you up in the middle of the night, or demand any kind of romantic reciprocation, this virtual pet is the perfect time waster/procrastinator and was developed all the way from Japan (so you can feel super cultured while playing it). Angry Birds, who?

I Want to Have this Moment 4 Life

Pink lipgloss? Check. Cinderella story, complete with a Fairy Godmother? Check. And one of hip-hops finest who is totally my brother’s doppelganger? Huge check. Yes, I’m stooping to the level of every sixteen-year-old Washingtonienne high school girl, but Nikki Minaj’s newest video, Moment 4 Life (and I’m loving the ‘4’ in lieu of the ‘for’, FYI), is truly dessert for my eyes and ears. With an adorable introduction of Nikki getting ready for the grand ball, straight up Cinderella-style with a Queens-laced accent, I felt like a little girl again wishing that I was the girl going to the hip-hop inspired ball, complete with Black male models and a pink wig. While the song is romantical and fun in and of itself- Drake’s verse is completely off the chain, I might add- the Sophia Coppellaesque colors and fireworks that shape the video give me vibes that I’m a combination of Marie Antoinette meets Romeo & Juliet. But most importantly, I’m finally happy to see a female rapper in the hip hop community not just riding on her sexuality, but instead, combining elements of art, fashion, and lyrical creativity for the perfect girlie masterpiece. Is it Shakespeare, go-down-in-history worthy? Not exactly. But it definitely pumps me up, and has me wishing for there to be fireworks and Drake rapping at my wedding one day.

Check out the Moment 4 Life by Nicki Minaj video by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QFU1FrWvXk

Millionaire Matchmaker, DC Style

Okay, so maybe not millionaire matchmaker, but I have felt like Patti Stanger as of late. Call me a yenta, but I get so much joy out of setting up two hotties who just need that extra push to meet the perfect person for them. And while I don't have the 99% success rate of Patti Stanger, I still have fun doing it, and after learning that overbearing isn't necesarrily the route to take when introducing two new people to one another, have actually done a little bit better than usual lately. But in carefully studying both sides of the equations, realize that there are some important steps for both males and females to take if they're looking to seal the deal and ensure that there's a date number two in the future. Below, I've put together so many tips from Glamour, The Millionaire Matchmaker, He's Just Not That Into You (a must-read for all keep-it-real women out there who want to tame their psyco habits), and my mother that have definitely shaped the way that I've given advice during the times that I've played matchmaker over the past months:

LADIES:

• Be friendly, but let the guy be the guy. Don't carry the whole conversation even if you're fun and usually do so in a social setting. He needs to take charge, and a little bit of awkward silences thrown into the mix might put him up for more of a challenge.
• Don't show too much cleavage on the first date, if any at all. Trust me, I think boobs are the best accessory out there, but if you let the ta-tas hang out too much, no matter how cute the top is, he's going to be thinking DTF instead of DVF.
• Drink, but don't drink too much. Don't be one of those idiot girls who isn't going to have ONE glass of wine because it's a Wednesday night. I'm sorry, but you're going to appear uptight and completely lame. On the flipside, don't get sloshed on your first night out with him; you could say something stupid, fart outloud, or go home with him when you really didn't even want to.
• Offer to pay but don't be too persistent about splitting it should he suggest otherwise. You're on a date, not at a girl power convention.
• Don't be entirely closed off because you don't like his top/where he went to school/the drink that he ordered/the type of wallet that he has. Seriously, I've seen way too may girls do this over something petty, and they miss out on totally great people.
• DO NOT call him immediately after. This is stupid and you've got to make him sweat at least a little bit. HOWEVER, it's a nice gesture to text him and let him know what a nice time you had. Sure, play hard to get a little bit, but in the end, be an adult and keep it real; if you want to call him, call him!

GUYS:

• Own the conversation. Take charge. Make the night effortless for her and woo her with your confidence; even if you're chubby/not wearing a great outfit, this will go a LONG way and detract from the negatives.
• Please, DO NOT bring a friend along with you unexpectedly. This is not a group affair, aka ARE YOU STUPID?!
• Wow her but don't wow her too much that she thinks you're just pretentious. For example, drinks at Rosa Mexicano, Poste, or Bodega are perfect, middle-of-the-road places that are nice without being too upscale. Don't ask her to go to drinks with you at Bourbon Steak on your first date- you'll be broke, she'll be intimidated, and you'll have a huge standard to live up to going forth in the relationship. On the flipside, don't take her to Rocket Bar.
• Don't wear sneakers or an athletic hat.
• Compliment her. Don't be crazy about it- if you do it too much you'll sound like a psyco, but giving her one or two confidence boosters will lighten the mood and make her feel more comfortable around you. Plus, you'll reinforce the idea that you're looking for a romantic connection.
• Don't smoke pot/get drunk before you meet her. Seriously, that's tactless and I'll never want to introduce you to any of my friends again.

So, you've got the tips and you know how to carry yourself, but boys, where do you take the hotties out for the first time? Here are some great suggestions for first date spots in DC that will impressive your chick without totally breaking the bank and making her feel like you're a stuffy idiot:

• Marvin's on U Street: It's fun, casual, and you can bond over your love for hip-hop and your hatred for the hipster style.
• Masa 14: It's well lit, has a warm atmosphere, and if you get bored, multiple televisions that you can pretend to watch the game on if necessary.
• Cafe Citron: Because who doesn't love Dupont Circle, mojitos, and Salsa?
• Circa: A very white-person place but cozy nevertheless. Totally take her here if you want something simple and classy.
• Bodega: I feel like I'm in Espagna whenever I go here, great spot.
• Mien Yu: A little bit pricier, but the pan-Asian decor will impress her regardless of the mediocre food.
• Oyamel: I've never actually been, but I know a lot of guys who've taken girls to the bar here on their first dates so it could actually be a good choice.

Time to do it up and get a date for Valentine's Day, people. And remember girls, no boobs- and boys, no athletic gear.

Me Gusta Calle 13

Everyone who knows me knows that I pretend to speak Spanish. And because of that, have had a huge affixtion with Latin music ever since my Greek-Mexican cousins introduced me to Selena in the fourth grade (who I will add, still is considered to be one of my musical idols). But despite my steadfast love for Aventura, Wisin Y Yandel, Marc Anthony, and a total hodge-podge of other Latino and Reggaetone artists both old and new, have definitely felt that the Latin music scene has been stagnent in its sound. Well, the alternative-Reggaeton-infused boriqua duo, dubbed Calle 13 after the street they grew up on in the barios of San Juan, Puerto Rico, totally proved me wrong.

Everyone who knows me also knows that I don't discover music until about three years after something was dubbed as cool. And while Calle 13 has been around for some time now, my Pandora hasn't left their station, so it wouldn't be fair to not include them in my Paint the Town Leopard Madness. With reggaeton-infused beats that are as fun to dance to but also good for a work out, their lyrics are supposedly as dirty as any Eminem song, but witty and poetic enough that they're given a pass by Puerto Rican parents. And with a lead singer as good looking (minus his nose ring) as Residente (AKA Rene Perez, because that's obviously not his real name), you can't help but like this group. Infusing salsa, reggaeton, cumbia, and even a little bit of Trinidadian congo rhythms, Calle 13 does an incredible job in showing the fact that you can still be a Reggaeton artist without the chains, facial tattoos, and "pimpin-ain't-easy-esque" lyrics.
Check out Atrevete-te-te or Un Beso de Desayuno. I've been playing them multiple times a day for the past two weeks and will probably hate both of the songs a week from now. Regardless, the music is fun, the lyrics are funny, and their good looks with definitely make you caliente.

Please Give

On January 14th, two of DC's hottest nightlife legends, Radovan Vulikic and Milos Milicevic, both tragically lost their lives in a car accident caused by the recent icy weather. Most recently working at Josephine and Fly, the two Serbian natives were definitely known by the city, and in their roles in the hospitality industry, had a true knack for acting like gentlemen and treating everyone-from friends to clientele- with the upmost respect. I knew the two of them since early college, and they were both great guys and will be greatly missed.

In the process of trying to transport their bodies back to Serbia, several of their friends have put together a fundraising opportunity in order to help Radovan and Milos rest in peace with their respective families. Please click the below link and consider making a donation no matter the size. Thanks

http://bit.ly/hqwVby

Everyone in the DMV is sick right now

Even Beyonce gets boogers sometimes.

So it's time to either get the flu shot, wash your hands more often, or stop making out with randos. Seriously, my office is a petrea dish right now, along with many other offices in the city, as I've heard through the grapevine, and having had to lay low on my Martin Luther King Junior weekend (relatively speaking, people... I did manage to make it to Zengo, Oya, and Zaytinya for restaurant week already), hate the fact that germs have the potential to poorly affect my social life- and you should too. In lieu of forcing everyone to wear one of those SARS-esque face masks for the next three weeks, here are some practical tips to make sure that you're NOT one of the ding-dongs spreading the stomach flu, sinus cold, or whatever it might be in your office:

• Take a multi-vitamin: I like the High Potency Chewable (not a sexy title) from Trader Joe's. It's got tons of Vitamin C and makes me feel healthy. Plus it makes you regular (also not sexy).
• Don't lick your fingers after you snack. Acrylic nails are a huge carrier of germs and it's a stupid idea if you're trying to avoid feeling sick. 
• Don't be tasting everyone's drink at Happy Hour. This is not the Holy Communion during Sunday Liturgy. 
• Don't ride the bus. Period. Unless it's the Circulator. And then still don't ride it at all costs. 
• Don't get any new piercings. The belly button and tounge are the parts of the body that cause for highest levels of infection. And if you do decide to get a belly button during flu season, make sure that your boyfriend doesn't kiss it within the first four months of having it.
• Get lots of sleep. Even if you're not feverish, sometimes we all need to take PTO so that we don't deal with exhaustion issues. Your time off doesn't roll over to the next year, so take advantage and put your health first.
• Throw away your tooth brush if you start to feel ill. My mom always told me to just boil it with water, but I always end up just burning myself, so the $3 on a new toothbrush is worth it. Plus, they now carry the Hello Kitty line of dental products at Target which should be an incentive in and of itself. 
• Don't exchange chewing gum with anyone, even your boyfriend.
• Jet set somewhere warm and fabulous if you can afford it until flu season is over. Germs don't really exist in rich and tropical places.

And there you have it- your stay healthy tips from Dr. Leopard! Until next flu season...

Why does every DC adolescent pretend they're Wale?

I currently live about four blocks away from Chinatown and absolutely love my neighborhood. Would I walk to the Metro at 1 am? Not necessarily. But aside from its sometimes urban-esque atmosphere, love the cultural offerings of the neighborhood, have great neighbors, and totally embrace the fact that I had my first Halloween in years that I could actually pass out candy to trick-or-treaters. But while I thoroughly respect DC-bred rapper Wale (or Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, if you're referring to him by his Nigerian roots), don't understand why every single sixteen year old boy trying to holler at me when I'm just trying to go get my eyebrows down tries to dress like him. He's made "dc chillin" Facebook status-worthy lingo and has made DMV an abbreviation that stands now for more than just the place that you go to get your driver's license, but come on boys! Literally every single sixteen year old male in my neighboorhood now sports long dreadlocks, ball caps, skinny jeans, and a hipster (ew) inspired graphic tee with some other neon accessories. They can also normally be found sitting on the steps of the National Portrait Gallery, looking for cuties and thinking that they have chances with girls who are nearly double their ages.

Now, I'm sure most of them are good kids and are just having fun embracing Wale's getup. And who am I to judge? When I was fourteen, I think that I thought I was Gwen Stefani for a year, Manic Panic pink hair dye, bindis and all (my Catholic high school wasn't pleased). But, on the flipside, no one else was rocking the look at the time, nor was I wearing jeans so tight that you could see the outline of my private parts (yes, some of these boys now do it... in a ten year time frame we've gone from the off-the-butt gangster look to "nutthuggers", so to speak). I'm just saying, while Wale definitely reps DC and have some good songs that I rock out to in my sorority-esque white Jetta, these boys need to get a new long- and stop wearing jeans that are so tight and yelling at me when I'm leaving Vida Verizon Center!

Will the Real Slim Shady Please Stand Up?

Rapist. Druggie. Bigot. If you listen to the lyrics of Marhall Mathers, also known as Eminem, Slim Shady, or whatever else he goes by, you could argue the fact that there are few humans closer to pure evil than this guy. He truly skeeved me out when he first hit the mainstream scene ten years ago- the bleach blonde hair, the "wigger" clothes, the nasally voice- I thought this guy was a total punk with a terrible wardrobe and a horrible anger problem. His lyrics covered everything from raping his mother to killing his pregnant wife, and his tactless music videos with blow-up dolls and sex toys did very little to redeem his dignity, either. For years, my DJ brother would argue with me about how talented this guy was, but I just kept writing him off. How on Earth could I even consider someone like this a talented lyricist when he talked like this?

But then, I saw him perform "Stan" with Elton John at the Grammys, a performance that was given during a time that many members of the gay community had come out in labeling him homophobic. I still wasn't sold, but it definitely made me think. And then, he started making fun of himself, doing satirical skits in everything from award show commercials to Funny People with Adam Sandler, poking fun at his anger problem and not selling out for anyone. It wasn't until about a month ago that I saw him in an Anderson Cooper interview that I really stopped and thought about his message.

Articulate, sitting in a plain T-shirt and glasses, and rarely smiling, Em described how he was moved from place to place as a kid, didn't have time to make friends, but took a keen interest in his English classes- because of this, he'd spend more time memorizing the dictionary and creating rhymes rather than spending time on the streets and getting in trouble with friends. Even more, after seeing his drug addict mother and his absentee father fight, rather than turning to addiction or violence to vent about his situation, began writing. He'd use syllables and rhymes and pretend to play the roles of different characters that would be considered outrageous to some- while many others in similar situations were taking out their anger by using drugs, beating their girlfriends, and becoming all around self-destructive.

Now, I'm not saying that Eminem's lyrics are always positive, nor do I believe that his music should be placed in the hands of just anyone (my mom gave my brother an Eminem cd in his Easter Basket when he was nine...not her best parenting move to say the least). But, after hearing this interview, have definitely developed a new admiration for Eminem. Having had so much pent up anger for years, he didn't vye for other forms of self-destruction to deal with his emotions. Instead, he did something thought provoking, interesting, and creative, spilling his guts and anger into lyrics that still have people "oh-my-gawd-ing" over their outrageousness even years later. Anyone creative and intelligent in their own right should be respected, and even though the song where he rapes his mom still grosses me out, it has to make you wonder what character he's playing. Marshall Mathers? Eminem? Slim Shady? If you're still not sold, watch the interview for yourself and then decide.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCbtvBEPPs8

It's that time of year again...

As the Miss America pageant approaches next week, Miss DC (which, I might add, is one of the most competitive of all the state-wide systems) Stephanie Williams is saying good-bye to her fellow Washingtonians this evening at a gorgeous event held at the Institute of World Politics. Enjoy hors d'oeurves, mingling, and even a preview of Stephanie's talent routine (the girl can friggin sing, FYI). Even more, if you have any thoughts on competiting for the 2012 title, the evening is a perfect time to meet the directors, some former Miss DCs, and see what the organization is really about.

Stephanie's not only a hottie who can sing, interview, and rock the swim suit competition; As a girl working in healthcare myself, I'm proud to say that our current Miss DC is championing a platform entitled "A Dose of Prevention", encouraging Americans everywhere to take preventive measures when responding to health issues and living all-around healthier lifestyles.
Even if you don't have time to stop by, consider making a donation by visiting the Miss District of Columbia homepage at http://www.missdc.org/ or by e-mailing tricia_morrin@hotmail.com.

Viva Las Vegas, Stephanie, and hope to see you kick some pageant ass next week!

The Miss District of Columbia Send-Off Party will be held on January 5th at 6:30 pm at The Institute of World Politics 1521 Sixteenth Street, NW Washington, DC. While there is a suggested donation of twenty five dollars, you're welcome to give whatever you see fit.

In Oder Aus?

Two days ago, I watched one of my all-time favorite Bruno clips from the Ali G show. I don’t feel like reiterating every single joke he makes, but in bringing different people into his fashion-inspired clip, he designates in fake Austrian if they are “in oder aus” (in or out). In the theme of loving this idea, and anything that’s inspired from a fake foreign language, I’ve decided that in 2011, a lot of things are going to be in oder aus. Because, let’s be honest, there are plenty of things out there that are SO 2010:


In:
• Nicki Minaj: Her album/wig is pink, she’s got a ghetto booty, and she’s totally reinvigorated the idea of a female rapper, in my opinion, since Left Eye. Nicki’s witty, fun, collaborates with only the best, and is the only black girl I know who talks like a Valley Girl. Plus, she’s Perez-approved.
• Green Nails: OPI Hong Kong collection, anyone? Whether your rocking OPI if you’re a plebe like me or Essie/Chanel, different shades of Jade are definitely going to inspire nail fashion in the coming year.
• Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: They’re richer, more Botoxed, and a whole lot more fun to watch than the others. Yes, I was sold on New Jersey forever, but with the RHOBH on the horizon in 2011 with their season finale, I may be converted to the richer and classier group of California girls.

• Name rings: Because I’ve started wearing my the past year after I found it in a random purse and have definitely seen others bring theirs out of the wood-work (AKA their middle school jewelry boxes) as well.

• Being Persian: Yes, Lima’s usual crowd has now been dubbed the “in”. With Italians taking over reality television over the past year, get ready for MTV’s newest coming out in early 2011, featuring a bunch of juiced up Persian guys as they take on the LA nightlife scene. Yeaaaa fist pumps.

• Video Phones: The droid and iPhone already have apps to do this, and Beyonce and Gaga sing about it. If you can’t talk to someone while looking at them Chat Roulette-style, you’re so aus.
• My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fanstasy: Kanye West’s new album will take over in 2011, with so many single-worthy tracks that you’ll wonder if it’s actually the death of Autotune. With collaborations from The Dream to Elton John to Rihanna, Taylor Swift can get over it because he’s backkkkkkkk!
• The color white: You’ll see a lot of winter whites this season. It ain’t just for summer, people.
• President Obama: Because he’s still doing his thang.



Aus:

• Cargo pants: They’re a stupid trend, because what woman actually wants more material on their thighs?

• iPads: GET OVER IT! Buy a lap top or an iPhone. There is absolutely no need for this intermediary piece of technology, even though I know I probably have so many friends reading this right now getting mad at me.

• Lil Wayne: I’m sorry but I think his voice sounds like a pedofile. He needs to stop drooling, get the tattoo removed from his forehead (not a great look), and get checked for Chlamydia pronto. Then we’ll chat.

• Hipsters: The new Hyundai Sonata commercial really just put me over the edge on this one. Ladies, there’s nothing cool about being boring, not wearing make-up, and dressing like a bag lady. Boys, there’s nothing cool about being filthy, crossing your legs, and wearing baggy flannels from Savers with tight jeans. I don’t know WHO dubbed this social persona as “cool”, but get the hell over it. Not a good look!

• Putting out sex tapes to get famous: I used to love Kendra, you know. But as soon as people stopped talking about her, a sex tape just magically got released. Have some dignity, ladies, and step your game up! There are plenty of other ways to be loud and do you. Plus, I don’t know a single person who actually wants to see Brett Michaels…errr… you get the picture.

• Lip Injections: Now, in extreme circumstances, they definitely serve some sort of purpose. But in 90% of all other situations, women end up looking like a combination of Daffy Duck and Daisy of Love. Because you can have DSL without actually having DSL. A little bit of mystery is nice.

• Bicycles: They’re a stoopid form of transportation and I always almost hit them when I’m driving. When they’re on the road, they thing they’re one of the cars. Plus, you can’t wear ninety percent of half-decent looking outfits if you’re riding a bike anywhere.

• Scott Disick: He was rude to me in Miami and made fun of the way I said “Oh my God” when I met him. Enough said and totally AUS in my book!!

So there you have it. Buy your Kanye CD, paint your nails green, go to Lima and pick up a Persian, and you’ll be so 2011!

2011: The Year of the Leopard (or in my mind, anyway)

I’ve been very blessed in my life, but especially towards the end of 2010. Yes, the gods were good, and took care of me in all aspects of my life. Was it hard work? Good karma? Or just some friggin good luck? Who knows. And while this blog isn’t meant to be a diary about me and my life (I can’t stand those sites like Tumbler that document every time a person goes peepee, and have stopped using Twitter for the most part for similar reasons), my recent luck has forced me to believe that 2011 will only bring better things, and for that reason, can only be defined as the Year of the Leopard; something strong, sexy, loud, and spontaneous- because who knows what it has in store- and for that, couldn’t be more grateful.

Now, not every year has been my luckiest, and if you told me years back that I would have been this happy down the road, probably would have laughed in your face. Three summers ago, my friends and I dubbed 2008 as the Year of the Dragon; it was destructive, dramatic, and an all around nightmare. My mother got diagnosed with breast cancer (which she made it through and is completely fine now, but we freaked out initially and weren’t sure what would happen), a childhood friend passed away in a drunk driving accident, and my college boyfriend and I broke up after nearly two years together-all in a two week time frame And while the weeks after that were definitely infiltrated with tears, laughter (my friends were trying to cheer me up at the time, so did some of the craziest things in the world), and a couple anxiety attacks thrown into the mix, all of the evil that the Dragon struck on my life ultimately only made me stronger. It’s so funny to think that three years ago, when my life was so far into the shitter and couldn’t have gotten any worse, that three and a half years later my life would be in this perfect little place (which I’m not going to go off listing my blessings- those who are important to me know what they are and the point of this isn’t to boast and be all “OMG my life is fabulous”).
Again, I think it’s stupid when people become nostalgic on their blogs, and you won’t catch me spilling my guts very often. But I did want to start the New Year off with a little bit of an inspirational message for everyone going through a trying time. Is your money sitch bad? Your family a wreck? Your significant other being a poo? Did you just loose someone special? No matter what, keep in mind that it will get better. It might take time, and you might have to take some initiative and seek out happiness on your own a little bit, but just know that at some point in the future, whether a week or a year or ten years from the present, you WILL experience joy. And guess what? Other crappy things will happen down the road, too. But as long as you have faith in joy, and hold onto the feeling for all it’s worth when it happens, you’ll always have it in your back pocket to go to when you need it the most. =)