Famous Five Questions: Mr. Yogato!

What started as one rocket scientist’s craving for delicious, healthy, tart frozen yogurt when he moved to D.C., has become an amazing labor of love.  And lucky for us, the man behind the most popular frozen yogurt shop in DC just so happens to be participating in the FamousDC Twitter Challenge. Mr. Yogato has also agreed to name a customer combo after the winner - and will donate the proceeds from the sale of the winner’s combo to the charity of their choice!

His website states "Mr. Yogato is Famous," but now he’s FamousDC.  Here are his Famous Five Questions:

1) Your yogurt shop has cool music, a dry erase board and an old school Nintendo. What is it missing?

A mini-golf course would be awesome.  So would a bowling alley, a ball pit, or a human maze.  I’d also love one of those jousting pedestals like they used to have in American Gladiators.

…
Also, I really want pictures of as many Seinfeld minor character eating Yogato as possible.  So far, we only have Sidra (Teri Hatcher).  I really want to get the Soup Nazi, the Sidler, the Virgin, the Low-talker, Man-hands, and the Maestro.  Free yogurt to anyone who brings one of these guys into Yogato!

2) What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever had anyone put on yogurt?

The three coolest combos are bacon bits and pineapple ("the Hawaiian Pizza"), Old Bay and Raspberries ("Yogato’s Favorite"), and Li Hing Mui Powder and Maple Syrup ("The Belgian Waffle").  Edamame and avocado were both surprisingly good. One customer recommended Foie Gras, but I never tried it.

3) Michelle Obama walks into Mr. Yogato, does the robot and then prepares to order. She draws a blank and ask you for the perfect yogurt. What do you suggest for the First Lady?

First, I would point out that "Michelle Obama" is an anagram for "Claimable Home."  Then I would ask her what on earth that has to do with the perfect yogurt.  Correct answer: "Everything."

4) Fill in the blanks: Mr. Yogato is to _______  as FamousDC is to ________ .

I haven’t done analogies since the SAT’s.  Remember how awful it was memorizing all of those useless vocabulary words?  I remember that I nailed A-C and then lost interest.  Therefore, my vocabulary is awesome from A-C (abstemious, ameliorate, abrogate, bellicose, blithesome, clarion), but terrible from D-Z.

5) If you were a yogurt flavor, what would it be?

Probably a combination of striking good looks, muscles of granite, and a keen sense of wit.

*Bonus question (from Mike Madden, Salon.com ) — What are your favorite and least favorite Metro bus lines, and why? If you’ve never taken the bus, you can write a short anthropological essay on tourist behavior on the subway instead, but only for half-credit.

Mike Madden, I will trade you one little Original Tangy with strawberries for domain name rights to salon.com.  Do we have a deal?

PREVIOUS FAMOUS 5 INTERVIEWS:
Famous 5 Questions: Mike Madden
Famous 5 Questions: Ryan Grim
Famous5 Questions: Pamela’s Punch
Famous5 Questions: Grooming Lounge
Famous 5 Questions: AskMissA
Famous 5 Questions: Project Beltway
Famous 5 Questions: Suspicious Package
Famous 5 Questions: Jackie and Dunlap
Famous 5 Questions: Patrick Gavin
Famous 5 Questions: The Hot File
Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike [part 2 ]
Famous 5 Questions: Matt Harding
Famous 5 Questions: Nicole Sexton [part 2 ]
Famous 5 Questions: Nora McAlvanah
Famous 5 Questions: Howard Mortman
Famous 5 Questions: Superdelegate [part 2]

Famous 5 Questions: Mike Madden

Meet Mike Madden, Salon.com’s Washington correspondent.

You may remember Mr. Madden from such events as:

His overtime #FDC Twitter battle versus Patrick Ruffini
…
His firsthand coverage of Senator Dodd taking a room full of reporters hostage

Luckily he’s decided to spend a few minutes answering five random questions from faceless bloggers for all of us to learn about the wired Fourth Estate.

1) If you had the chance to hop in a nice American made used car and take Obama to dinner - where would you go and why?

Depends who’s paying. If I’m paying, maybe Red Rocks pizza, to show our Chicago-loving president that D.C. has pretty good pizza too (even if we don’t handle snow that well). I’d suggest Ben’s Chili Bowl, to show off a great D.C. institution, but Obama’s already discovered the place, which is why it’s now impossible to get in the door for a half-smoke. If Famous DC is paying, Komi, because the food there is great, whether you’re eating with the president or not. Actually, if Famous DC is paying, I might just head to Komi on my own, and let Obama fend for himself.

2) If Salon.com provided salon services as perks to be handed out by its journalists, who would be the first recipient of your largess, and what service would you suggest to them?

We actually do receive, at Salon’s Washington bureau, all the magazines you might usually find in salons of the other sort — as I type, several week’s worth of US Weekly, People and Allure are stacked up in a  corner of my desk, and I think my colleague Mark Benjamin is perusing last month’s Lucky looking for cheap bargains and investigative reporting tips. Our name has clearly gotten us on some sort of list for free subscriptions. If Salon.com provided salon services, though, no one would really want to use them; neither of us would make very good hairdressers, masseuses or nail stylists.

3) Who’s your favorite political twit?  [both sides of the aisle]

Dem — Sen. Claire McCaskill, who actually breaks news in her Twitter feed (she was posting live from closed-door negotiations on the stimulus a few months ago). GOP — Sen. Chuck Grassley, because his spelling and punctuation are more suited to a 13-year-old with a text-messaging addiction, but his updates are all about where to find the best $7 meals in Iowa (like this one ).

4) What’s your proudest moment as a journalist?  Least proud moment?

The whole experience of covering last year’s crazy election was a pretty proud moment for me and for most journalists, which is good, since by the time 2012 rolls around, we will all have been replaced by a combination of Google News alerts, unpaid Huffington Post contributors and a small group of Bangalore residents working night shifts combing campaign Twitter feeds for news they can publish remotely back to Web sites in the United States.
…

My least proud moment came a while back, when I was the Washington correspondent for Gannett’s Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader. Two colleagues and I broke a story that ran on the front page with a huge headline that said "He’s running" — the story was that Tom Daschle would seek the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination. You may recall that didn’t happen. In our defense, the story had more than a dozen sources confirming that Daschle had told friends he would run, and it was right when the paper went to press; it only turned out to be wrong when he changed his mind by the time the paper actually got delivered in the morning. Daschle went on to bigger and better things, like becoming the lucky winner of this year’s "1,000th person nominated to join the Obama administration who didn’t pay their taxes properly" contest.

5) How do you really feel about losing to Patrick Ruffini in the FamousDC Twitter Challenge?

It was a blow I may never recover from. All my childhood dreams and aspirations, crushed, 140 characters at a time? How could anyone get over that?

*BONUS QUESTION - (from Huffington Post’s Ryan Grim ): Who’s behind this site and why are they interested in what you have to say? Bonus, tougher question: Why do they care what I have to say?

As always, Ryan Grim is onto something here — the answer to both of those questions escapes me completely. Though that may be because I’ve never really paid enough attention to Famous DC to wonder who’s behind the site. As for the bonus question, that probably helps answer the first question — anyone who’s interested in what I have to say is obviously not particularly prominent or well-respected, so that narrows down the possible candidates. Actually, if Famous DC is interested in what I have to say, the likeliest suspect for who’s behind Famous DC is probably me.

PREVIOUS FAMOUS 5 INTERVIEWS:
Famous 5 Questions: Ryan Grim
Famous5 Questions: Pamela’s Punch
Famous5 Questions: Grooming Lounge
Famous 5 Questions: AskMissA
Famous 5 Questions: Project Beltway
Famous 5 Questions: Suspicious Package
Famous 5 Questions: Jackie and Dunlap
Famous 5 Questions: Patrick Gavin
Famous 5 Questions: The Hot File
Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike [part 2 ]
Famous 5 Questions: Matt Harding
Famous 5 Questions: Nicole Sexton [part 2 ]
Famous 5 Questions: Nora McAlvanah
Famous 5 Questions: Howard Mortman
Famous 5 Questions: Superdelegate [part 2]

Famous 5 Questions: Ryan Grim

Only in America can a Congressional reporter take sabbatical in order to track the history of drug use in our country. Luckily, that reporter, Ryan Grim, took a few minutes to answer our Famous 5 questions. We hope you enjoy the interview and support your local author: buy the book.

1) Did research for your book, "This is Your Country on Drugs ," require much travel? Where did you go? Any crazy stories you’d like to share?  Freebies?

I went to Costa Rica for the "Mind States Conference." Panel discussions on the latest psychedelics and an interesting and particularly fun group of conferees, for sure. Went to Bolivia to tour the coca fields and got caught in an uprising, which is a much better memory than it was to live through. Went to Burning Man. Lots of tough field research for this book. Went to a max security prison in San Bernardino to interview an acid king pin. And yes, I’ll take what freebies you have to offer. Thanks.

2) You’ve worked at the City Paper, the Politico, and now the Huffington Post. Which paper has the best restrooms and why?

HuffPo, by process of elimination. At City Paper you had to leave the office and use a can shared by WPFW and at Politico, in our congressional bureau, we shared a bathroom with a bunch of other offices and if you didn’t have your key you were screwed. One reporter working on a weekend had to hump it up to the Capitol because he forgot his. (He should have just used Charlie Palmer’s, now that I think of it.)

3) Would you give Michael Phelps a gold, silver, or bronze for his most recent performance ? And why?

I’d put him out of the money entirely. What a pathetic climb-down. If I were his PR guy, I’d have told him to say he was using it medicinally for stress, or something, and then gotten him a medical cannabis card from a California doctor.

4) When you were named as Director of National Drug Control Policy in the FamousDC Media Ticket , how did it change your life

It’s been a whirlwind since then, can’t quite describe how much that meant.

5) Barack Obama and family are thinking about getting a new dog.  What should they call it?  [Top 5]

George
Congress
Boehner
Half Smoke
Joe

*BONUS QUESTION: From Pamela’s Punch — If you were going to tell someone who was considering moving to Washington WHY they should live here, what would you say to them?

It’ll be the last city left standing once everything collapses.

PREVIOUS FAMOUS 5 INTERVIEWS:
Famous5 Questions: Pamela’s Punch
Famous5 Questions: Grooming Lounge
Famous 5 Questions: AskMissA
Famous 5 Questions: Project Beltway
Famous 5 Questions: Suspicious Package
Famous 5 Questions: Jackie and Dunlap
Famous 5 Questions: Patrick Gavin
Famous 5 Questions: The Hot File
Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike [part 2 ]
Famous 5 Questions: Matt Harding
Famous 5 Questions: Nicole Sexton [part 2 ]
Famous 5 Questions: Nora McAlvanah
Famous 5 Questions: Howard Mortman
Famous 5 Questions: Superdelegate [part 2]

Famous 5 Questions: Pamela Lynne Sorensen

If you have never read the blog Pamela’s Punch, you’re missing out.  On her blog, Pamela Lynne Sorensen, a DC expert, highlights the best about what the District has to offer.  Her blog states: Pamela’s Punch satisfies your thirst for the latest juice on the coolest places, people and events in the Washington, DC community. Find out what’s hot - and what’s not - as told through the experiences of a few social butterflies.

Here are her Famous 5 Questions:

1. We’ve seen plenty of pictures of you and your crew - does the paparazzi swarm you in DC?

Paparazzi in DC?  I hardly think there’s paparazzi … just great talented photographers who get paid by the glossy magazines to make sure there are plenty of photos to fill the party pages.  I guess “my crew” and I happen to be at a lot of those parties!

2. If you could take the Obama girls to dinner, where would you take them and why?

An alternative to dinner:   First I’d love to take them to the National Zoo.  I feel that is such a pleasure for children and adults to experience.  It’s a real treasure in our own back yard that we don’t always think of.  Then, I would take them to tea at the Park Hyatt Washington.  The Tea Cellar is darling, but it also has a serene calming elegant feeling.  I think every little girl should enjoy afternoon tea.  It’s a perfect excuse to get dressed up and be a little lady.

3. What should the First Family name their soon to be new dog?  We need a top 5 list.  [We know you're creative enough to pull this off]

Lincoln, Luther, or King. I also like Smith (as in Smithsonian.  I must be drinking the DC Kool-Aid).

4. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve experienced while living in DC?  The Inauguration doesn’t count.

Since you discounted the Inauguration … there have been so many “interesting” things I have experienced while living here, too many to count.  I can say that living through and being an integral part of the telecom / internet boom then bust in while my 20’s was quite an interesting experience.  I was in sales for a telecom company that was small in Tysons, then got big and moved to Herndon/Reston where all of the other tech companies were, went public like everyone else, then the bubble burst and we went through a series of layoffs.

9/11 happened and that was an experience like no other.  Our investors pulled the plug and we went through Chapter 11 then got sold.  I was one of ones left on the Retention Team who literally had to keep the company afloat before the buyer absorbed us.  It was like an On the Job MBA.  It was a learning lesson in realizing that a fantastic situation can be fleeting.  Nothing is forever.  I think a lot of people are in the midst of this right now, unfortunately.

5. In the spirit of your site, have you ever punched someone and if not, have you ever wanted to punch someone?  Be honest.

Oh boy. Well, the “punch” is supposed be as in a “punch bowl” - a tasty beverage created out of a few great ingredients, NOT a form of violence, which of course, I do not condone.  That said, while I have yet to hurt my hand on anyone’s face, my style is more along the lines of wanting to take my glass of water (like in the movies - and not my drink - I do not waste good cocktails) and throw it in a guy’s face if he ever made me angry.  I think that’s so much more ladylike.  There have been quite a few of those opportunties - and I am sure there will be plenty more.

Bonus Question from the Grooming Lounge: Would you classify DC as a place where the beautiful people are and why?

Washington, DC has been historically known as the “Hollywood for Ugly People”, which is quite tragic.  As someone who has called this area home since 1990, I know it’s not Miami, LA nor New York City with regard to models, actors, and the people in the entertainment business- who by defninition, fall into the “beautiful people” category.  However, I think that the MOST beautiful people are those who take care of themselves, lead a healthy life, are worldly, educated, interesting, smart, philanthropic, and care about bettering our world.  I believe Washingtonians are THOSE people, so yes, I would classify DC as a place where the beautiful people are.

Famous5 Questions: Grooming Lounge
Famous 5 Questions: AskMissA
Famous 5 Questions: Project Beltway
Famous 5 Questions: Suspicious Package
Famous 5 Questions: Jackie and Dunlap
Famous 5 Questions: Patrick Gavin
Famous 5 Questions: The Hot File
Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike [part 2]
Famous 5 Questions: Matt Harding
Famous 5 Questions: Nicole Sexton [part 2]
Famous 5 Questions: Nora McAlvanah
Famous 5 Questions: Howard Mortman
Famous 5 Questions: Superdelegate [part 2]

Photo credit: Zaid Hamid

Famous 5 Questions: The Grooming Lounge

We were dying to know which was worse, a unibrow or ungroomed finger nails - so we set out to find the answer.  Luckily for us, that answer came in the form of Mike Gilman and Pirooz Sarshar - cofounders of The Grooming Lounge.

The Grooming Lounge Famous 5 Questions begins now…

How did you two get started in the Grooming business?

We both grew up in family’s involved in the “beauty” industry and even before joining forces or meeting one another, pined for the type of place that catered to real guys’ grooming needs.  When we met up and shared similar stories with one another, the need for a Grooming Lounge-type place became clear.  We started rolling on the concept the day the idea was hatched.

If you could take Barack Obama to dinner, where would you take him and why?

A favorite of ours for both business and personal stuff is The Darlington House in Dupont.  That’s a place we could really relax with the POTUS, eat some great food and forget about all the junk going on outside in the economy and the world.  Or… we could solve that stuff over some great home-style cooking.

What’s worse: a unibrow or ungroomed finger nails?

That’s like asking if we would rather be hit by a bus or a train - both are very bad.  But, we’d have to say the unibrow takes the prize since it’s more readily apparent and taboo to others.  If you’re reading this and you have either, divide that unibrow and take care of those mitts today!

What is the worst grooming problem you’ve ever had to fix for someone?

We had a guy come in for a chest wax.  He was so bear-like (according to our skin care sources) that our technician had to use electric hair trimmers to trim his chest down before she could wax it.  His hair was so thick it actually clogged and broke the first set of trimmers.  The trimmers from the “bull pen” had to make an appearance and saved the day.

Do any famous DC politicians ever stumble in to the Grooming Lounge looking for a little manscaping?

We’ve had pretty much every big-time politician stop by over the years, whether getting a service or just to buy a product.  And despite some rumors to the contrary, most of these men are beyond polite and generous. And they rarely talk politics here.

*BONUS QUESTION - (from AskMissA) - Where is a good place to meet men/women in Washington?

“Grooming Lounge.  There you can find guys who take care of themselves and women who care enough to buy stuff for the man of the moment.”

Famous 5 Questions: Ask Miss A

FamousDC readers are familiar with Ask Miss A. She was recently on the front page with K Street Kate and Pamela’s Punch. Via our Twitter page she agreed to answer a few questions for a Famous 5 interview.

Famous 5 Questions: Ask Miss A

1) How did you get started with Ask Miss A?

I started giving advice as the “Miss A” moniker on the Late Night Shots website. At first, my moniker was anonymous, but eventually everyone found out that it was me. Mervis Diamond Importers hired me to do Business Development for them, and encouraged me to blog on their website, and use the following I had from LNS to bring traffic to their website. I continued to write about dating and relationships, and also focused on buying an engagement ring, selecting a diamond, and proposals. I brought close to 85% of the hits to their website. In mid-July 2008, HealthCentral Network which is headquartered in Arlington, VA discovered what I was doing, and approached me to write for HealthCentral’s SexualHealthConnection.com. About that same time, I decided to create my own website — www.askmissa.com — so that I could give advice on more subjects. I also wanted to be able to promote the many nonprofits that I support, and showcase local businesses that I recommend.

2) What is the weirdest question you’ve received?

I try not to be judgmental. Weird is relative.  The most outrageous question is probably from the woman who wanted to give her husband a “mile high” experience for their anniversary, and she was asking my advice. I told her that joining the notorious Mile High Club isn’t as easy as it was Pre - 9/11, so I suggested she contact a company which provides this service to couples. They won’t get the adrenaline rush they would from thinking they might get caught, but more importantly, they won’t be arrested.

3) If you were a flavor of ice cream, what flavor would you be?

Rocky Road - My life has been rocky, but it’s wonderful! I’m truly blessed.

4) If you could take Oprah to dinner and drinks while she’s in town for the Inauguration, where would you go?

Oprah is my hero. I’ve been a fan of her since the mid-1980’s when I would come home every day and watch her show. I would take her someplace that is used to serving celebrities. It would have to have delicious food, and outstanding wine. And I’m not going to lie, I’d take her someplace where we could see and be seen. So, if you haven’t guessed yet, I’d take her straight to Cafe Milano. It’s been done, but it’s been done for a reason.

5) Why do you always read FamousDC?

Well, I love Hyper Hill! I think it’s very creative how you don’t show the full name of the article or which blog it’s coming from. It makes the reader curious to the point that they just have to click on the link.

*BONUS QUESTION – (from Project Beltway’s Rachel Cothran): Who is the best-dressed person in Washington?

Who cares? Seriously! I love fashion as much as the next girl, but wasn’t Barack Obama elected on a platform of change. I think we need to move away from these predictable silly lists, and move from style to substance in 2009. The best-dressed award inevitably goes to the person with the biggest wallet who can afford the latest styles with the right labels. I’m over it. I think in this economy, most women are over it. Here’s to the woman who keeps herself fit, and makes herself look amazing in clothing from H&M, Target or the sale rack. Women dress for each other - - not for men. Real men couldn’t care less about clothing. They just want to see you naked.

Previous Famous 5 Participants
Famous 5 Questions: Project Beltway
Famous 5 Questions: Suspicious Package
Famous 5 Questions: Jackie and Dunlap
Famous 5 Questions: Patrick Gavin
Famous 5 Questions: The Hot File
Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike [part 2]
Famous 5 Questions: Matt Harding
Famous 5 Questions: Nicole Sexton [part 2]
Famous 5 Questions: Nora McAlvanah
Famous 5 Questions: Howard Mortman
Famous 5 Questions: Superdelegate [part 2]

Famous 5 Questions: Project Beltway

Everyone knows were big fans of DC’s favorite style and fashion blog, Project Beltway.

We decided we’d try to get the famous DC editor, Rachel Cothran, to answer a few questions for one of our Famous 5 interviews. Luckily for all of us, she played along.

Famous 5 Questions: Project Beltway

1) If you could take Michelle Obama shopping anywhere in D.C., we’re would you go?

We’d definitely visit Relish in Georgetown and Muleh on 14th Street.  I envision a shopping montage featuring piles of expensive, pitch-perfect sheath dresses, giggly photobooth photos from Bar Pilar, and cocktails at Marvin.  Michelle, call me.

2) Which DC industry dresses best and why?  Cap staffers/Lobbyists/Celebrities/Tourists/PR gurus/someone else?

I’d say the art crowd.  That’s pretty wide open of course, since that’s everyone from older patrons attending the Corcoran Ball to those supporting small galleries, musicians, theater, and dance.  The common thread is not being afraid to look unique and to think about personal style as opposed to trends, so for that reason I think they’re the most fun to observe.  Beyond that though, I’d say PR people.  It’s inherent to the job to be thinking about clothing as a message.

3) If you were an ice cream, what flavor would you be?

Pistachio.  Classic, and a bit quirky.

4) What’s your favorite thing about running your successful Project Beltway blog?

Without a doubt, constantly meeting cool, interesting people.  This city is full of them.  Besides being a creative outlet for me, Project Beltway has given me a reason to dig my (low) heels in and discover new ways to fall in love with this city.

5) I dig on FamousDC because ______________ and because they dress better than __________?

I dig on FamousDC because of its Beltway insider voice and because they dress better than er, me, right now.  I’m wearing sweatpants at the moment.

*FAMOUS 5 BONUS QUESTION: The hit comedy The Family Guy includes among its recurring themes matricide and bestiality. Which is funnier, and why?

In the context of the show bestiality is a lot funnier.  Brian the dog is the smartest and most educated character, yet bestiality technically is sex with a lower form of animal.  So, in a sense the bestiality here is that Brian has sex with humans.  Envision Brian saying that.  It’s funny.

Rachel in Vivienne Westwood dress at Muleh

Previous Famous 5 Participants
Famous 5 Questions: Suspicious Package
Famous 5 Questions: Jackie and Dunlap
Famous 5 Questions: Patrick Gavin
Famous 5 Questions: The Hot File
Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike [part 2]
Famous 5 Questions: Matt Harding
Famous 5 Questions: Nicole Sexton [part 2]
Famous 5 Questions: Nora McAlvanah
Famous 5 Questions: Howard Mortman
Famous 5 Questions: Superdelegate [part 2]

Famous 5 Questions: Suspicious Package

 

FamousDC readers have been emailing about the media band, Suspicious Package, so we reached out to them for a Famous 5 interview. Luckily for all of us, they decided to play along.

Do you know anyone FamousDC should ask 5 questions? Let us know — tips@famousdc.com

1) If Suspicious Package was given the opportunity to take Barack Obama to dinner, where would you go and why?

Since AV Ristorante is, alas, no more, we’d love to have PEOTUS/POTUS drop by our practice space in our drummer’s basement for a drink — we usually raid the Toles’ fridge while we’re there — or show us his favorite Chicago music venue.

2) If  Suspicious Package could open for anyone, who would it be and why?

The Beatles when they still had Pete Best. But we’d make sure our drummer didn’t get too cozy with the other three.

3) Is your motto really, “We’re not bad … after you’ve had a few martinis?” And how many is a few?

Dorothy Parker had a memorable way of saying how many was a few for her.

4) What is the best DC blog for band promotion? Choose carefully.

FamousDC, The Washington Note, FishbowlDC, dc sounds and any other number of others who will give us a fair shake.

5) Explain your band’s name in 9 words or less.

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar

*BONUS: Insert your Suspicious Package plug here:

Come see Suspicious Package in a charity throwdown battle of DC media bands, Journopalooza at the National Press Club on Friday January 9 2009.  Fun will be had!

Still can’t get enough Suspicious Package? Go see them tonight!

Join us for Holiday Cheer - Monday December 8, 2008
DC9 BAR in the U Street Corridor
1940 9th St NW (9th and U)
Washington  DC

7:30 p.m. Happy Hour Specials
8:30 - 9:30 p.m.  Show

The contents of Suspicious Package are:
Tim Burger * Bryan Greene * Josh Meyer* Christina Sevilla* Tom Toles

 

Famous 5 Questions: RedState Update [Jackie and Dunlap]

They’re two of the funniest political celebrities to ever stumble upon YouTube. They have a cult following, tons of fans, sweet gear and if you’ve missed them thus far- well, welcome to the internet.

They’re Jackie and Dunlap - the most hilarious redneck duo ever to grace our web page.

Jackie and Dunlap have been seen on CNN and the pages of Newsweek. They even appeared at the Presidential debates - posing a question that earned them instant celebrity.

And if you don’t think their celebrity is legit, well, check out their latest interview with Presidential candidate Ralph Nadar.   It’s priceless.

And even better than the interview with Nadar- what they wrote below the YouTube clip posted on their site.

The Nader campaign’s trying to raise 80 grand by September 17. This ain’t no endorsement, but hell, give him money if you want. It’s harmless. It’s like givin’ a coupla bucks to a homeless guy outside of Kroger. A homeless guy who invented seatbelts.

They even sing.

And lucky for us here at FDC, they took time from their busy schedule to answer a few of our questions.

Below are their hilarious responses.  It might just be the best political interview you’ve read in quite sometime.

1  If you were given the chance to take Barack Obama to dinner, where would you go and why?

DUNLAP:  I wouldn’t want none of my buddies to find out, so I’d go somewhere out of the way, where nobody goes, with bad lighting.  Maybe a Schlotzky’s.

JACKIE: We ain’t got to go nowhere.  i sell barbecue in my store, Jackie’s Market, right here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  If he’s too good to sit down and enjoy one of my delicious pulled pork sandwiches with me, he’s too good to be my president.

2. We know y’all love to drink Budweiser, but why no Pabst Blue Ribbon?

DUNLAP: We don’t drink Budweiser no more since the damn Belgians bought it.  We’re trying to find a good replacement– the beer that best represents the hard working, hard drinking,  blue collar, stand-for-something  Americans who make this country great.  Or, failin’ that, the beer that gives us the most endorsement money.

JACKIE: Ain’t nothing wrong with PBR.  I like that song “Red Necks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer” by ol’ Johnny Russell.  I reckon Pabst’ll work for me if it worked for Johnny Russell.  Until he died of diabetes.

3. Be honest, who’s the funny one and who’s just the pretty face in this relationship?

DUNLAP:  We don’t like to be boxed in.  We can be both funny and pretty.  Like Sarah Palin.  (Wait, will I be accused of sexism cause I said “box” and “Sarah Palin” in the same sentence?)

JACKIE: Watch your language.

4. If y’all could run for any elected office, what would it be and why?

DUNLAP: I’m currently running Jackie for president, but I’ll be honest, at this point he’s got no chance of getting elected, so it’s more an excuse to sell t-shirts.  Kinda like the Obama campaign.

JACKIE: If I ever retire from my store, this ain’t really an elected office, but I wouldn’t mind bein a Wal-Mart greeter.  It’s like being a ambassador of goodwill to a foreign country, but without the foreign country.  ‘Less you count the undocumented workers in the back.

5. Fill in the blanks:

I dig on Famous DC because now we can say we know what the Cap Grille is and because it tastes better than Schlotzsky’s.

Bonus question posed by Patrick Gavin of Fishbowl DC: What’s your go-to Subway sub?

Schlotzsky’s.

Famous 5 Questions: Patrick Gavin

We finally caught up with DC media legend Patrick Gavin, editor of one of our favorite blogs, FishbowlDC.  Below are his Famous 5 Questions:

1) You’re constantly updating from various news sources, but what are the three news sites you start your day with?

Drudge, Wake Up Call, and Yeas & Nays, just to make sure everything actually got posted online…no small feat some days.

2) Who would you rather hit a happy hour with: Eddie Vedder or Tom Brady?

Please, Vedder is my permanent man crush.

3) If you were a car, what would you be? Why?

An El Camino. Always wanted one. Wish they’d bring it back.

4) You’re heading to dinner with your best unnamed source, where do you go in DC?

A health food store. Because no one would think to look for me there.

5) Fill in the blanks:

I dig on FamousDC because I’m pretty sure I’ve figured out the authors and because it tastes better than Perez.

*YOUR BONUS QUESTION (from the Hotfile): Have you ever heard of/ will you visit the Hotfile?

I’ve been sent a link to that site before…think I put a link to it once in Morning Reading List.

Previous Famous 5 Participants

Famous 5 Questions: The Hot File

Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike

Famous 5 Questions: Nora McAlvanah

Famous 5 Questions: Howard Mortman

Famous 5 Questions: The Hot File

She’s the mysterious character that occasionally pops up on the FamousDC radar screen.  And as we know from our inbox, she seems to be popular, so we set out to find more out about what makes the “Hot File” so hot.

Here are her Famous 5 questions.

1) Worst pick-up line used on you at a bar?

Wow, I thought these questions would be slightly more substantive.  I don’t need bars for bad pick-up lines…I have my blog where creepy old men can leave me disgusting/weird comments.

…

Here are my favorite G-rated ones:  “you must marry me!…I have seen a few of your vids and I’m in love!  We could talk for hours about this stuff….Let me know if we can set a date at a church!” and “i only clicked this video cause you’re hot”(hey, I appreciate the honesty.)

2) What’s the deal with that lone piece of artwork on your wall?

Ah, the picture of the small house behind me is a print by Gregory Spaid.  I like to think it’s the house McCain will move to when he loses the election.  Maybe he’ll grow a beard or something.

3) How many people know the true identity of the Hotfile?

 How many do you think?

4) What will it take to get a FamousDC shout out on your next vlog?

Brad Kanus taking a hiatus from telling me I have no idea what I’m talking about even though he admits he wants to “get in my pants” [notice the comment section, and please accept our apologies.  Our fans sometimes don't take their meds.]

5) Although this may crush the dreams of a few hill staffers, would guys who wear seersucker and bow ties be filed under “Hot” or filed under “Not”?

 I cringe every time I see my Dad in his…so N-O-T.

**YOUR BONUS QUESTION* (from Hotline’s Nora McAlvanah): What short but somehow memorable life moment or hobby would you impress Alex Trebeck with right before “Double Jeopardy”?

I played ice hockey in college and I could probably kick Brad’s ass.

Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike

Famous 5 Questions: Nora McAlvanah

Famous 5 Questions: Howard Mortman

Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike [continued]

Yesterday we featured Part One of our interview with Capitol Hill’s newest celebrity and lot’s of you stopped by to check it out.

Today, it’s time for the second part of our interview with Chef Spike, owner of Good Stuff Eatery.

1) If John McCain were to stop by, what would he order?

Colletti’s Smokehouse for sure - it’s the tough guy burger topped with BBQ sauce and fried onions.

2) If Obama were to stop by, what would he order?

Spike’s 5 Napkin, something new, different, fresh.

3) Where in DC do you like to eat (besides your place)?

i like some of the spots in chinatown area and georgetown, zaytania is great, central but honestly after all the hours i go home and eat cereal or eggs or something easy and fast. my mom lives close and it really is like my big fat greek wedding whenever she thinks the crew isn’t eating right she’ll come in with a greek salad and pastichio or moussakka or something totally amazing at midnight for us to eat

4) Does Tom Colicchio shave his head, or is naturally bald?

tough guess but i’d say shaves to keep it super smooth, slick and shinny

5) Who was your favorite guest judge on Top Chef?

jose andreas! that guy is amazing and totally cool. he’s been by my place and has had some great ideas. it’s awesome to have someone like him helping me out as i start out in dc.

*Not a question, but a comment - the Spike 5 Napkin, genius.  We had it last weekend. thanks! i’m really glad you liked it.

BONUS: You get to ask the bonus question for the next Famous 5, anything we missed? What is your question for the next participant?

what’s your idea of a fantastic dc date? ummm more for me to get some hints!

Don’t forget to visit Spike online - and BE SURE to sign up for his e-club.  We did.

Famous 5 Questions: Chef Spike

He’s the hottest celebrity on Capitol Hill right now- he also serves up some of the meanest burgers in town.  His name is Chef Spike and you haven’t heard of him - you might consider leaving the crawl space in your mother’s basement.

Spike Mendelsohn , a former contestant on Top Chef, recently opened a burger joint on Cap Hill [Good Stuff Eatery] - and ever since the doors opened, the place has been swimming with Capitol Hill staff and interns.

So what set’s the burger joint apart from the rest?  Well, we set out to learn just that - and were fortunate to land an interview with the man himself.

Below is part one of our interview with Chef Spike where we find out who the genius behind the Old Bay mayo is.

1) What attracted you to Capitol Hill and have you served any members of Congress?

my sister lives here and told me about this location and couldn’t stop talking to my parents about it when she was PULP was leaving. so she was able to convince us all, which was pretty easy because it’s a sweet spot and then we worked on ideas, concept, development etc for a year. no member has been in, i’ve had a few people run in and order for a member but no one personally has come in. i’ve got to get some though because i’ve heard the dc thing is to have your photos taken with a zillion members and put them up in your place!

2) When are you going to release your own line of hats?

ANYONE INTERESTED? CALL ME…yeah, i need to get on that between the hours of 1am and 7am that i reserve for sleep. honestly there’s so many cool things i’d like to do but the time just isn’t there. that’s why i’ve got a great team helping em out along the way, every step of the way. but a line of hats would be pretty cool.

3) Who’s the genius behind the Old Bay mayo?

I’d like to take credit for EVERYTHING BUT my partner in crime, Mike Colletti, the general manager came up with that stroke of genius, they are far and few in between so I’ve got to give credit when it’s due!

4) We know your favorite kitchen appliance is a spoon, but what’s your favorite milk shake flavor?

is this a serious question???toasted marshmallow shake, i mean doesn’t that sound awesome…it’s the best.

5) Has the campus celebrity changed your dad?

hahahha. my dad has always been a celebrity! he loves talking with people, getting out there and mingling so it really is the perfect place for him. i don’t know what we’ll do with the next location, we’ll have to clone him some people have come by just to see him again!

Be sure to come back tomorrow for part two, when we find out what Chef Spike thinks John McCain and Barack Obama would order if they visited his burger joint.

You don’t want to miss it.  In the meantime, visit Spike online - and BE SURE to sign up for his e-club.  We did.

Famous 5 Questions: Nora McAlvanah

Much like smokers need their morning fix of nicotine, so do political junkies - and for most, it comes in the form of Hotline’s Wake-Up Call - and for those chain-smoking junkies, there’s always Last Call!  And who might be the pushers who ensure the political crack gets delivered each day?  None other than Editor Nora McAlvanah and Associate Editor, Holly Noe.

So we were very excited when Nora, the queen of funny, took a few minutes recently to answer our Famous 5 Questions.

1. You have some of the most creative Last Call! Shot and Chasers we’ve ever seen. Where do you get your inspiration?

For the shot, it’s all about finding the perfect quote to rip from its context. The chaser is then developed during a series of back-and-forth emails with my assistant editor, Holly Noe, wherein we just throw out bizarre and obscure references from Joe Biden google alerts, “Stripes,” Katie Couric blog posts, etc. Then it’s all about what gets the biggest laugh. Glad you enjoy.

2. If you were given the chance to take Barack Obama to dinner, where would you go and why?

Some lobbyist-packed-place like Cap Grille or 701, where he wouldn’t have to pick up the tab

3. If you were an ice cream, what flavor would you be?

The Amstel Light flavor. Patent pending.

4. Is this whole Internet thing here to stay?

We have a rocky relationship, the Internet and I. Still, I’m somewhat reluctant to predict its demise for fear it will back-fire on me. My computer is spiteful and sensitive, and needs lots of “ram” and attention or it will just stop working, or so that’s my understanding.

5. Fill in the blanks:  I dig on Famous DC because _____ and because it tastes better than ____.

I dig on Famous DC because it has a lot of calories and no nutrition label and because it tastes better than whatever John Stossel just informed me I was actually eating during his last “investigative” piece.

*YOUR BONUS QUESTION (from Extreme Mortman): Does this look infected?

According to John Stossel, yes.

Thanks for playing along Nora - and yes, we too look forward to beer flavored ice cream as well.

Read Extreme Mortman’s Famous 5 Questions

Famous 5 Questions: Howard Mortman

Lately, our loyal reader base has requested that we do more clever interviews.  Naturally, we don’t want to disappoint, so we’ve decided to expand our  “Famous 5″ section of the site to also include what we hope will be some not-so-typical interviews.

We shall call it, Famous 5 Questions.  Brilliant.

And who better to feature first, than none other than his Extremeness, Howard Mortman- one of the most clever political bloggers we follow.

1.    You have some of the most creative blog headlines we ever come across.   Where do you get your inspiration?

On good days, Dixie Cups.  On bad days, anything that has a hard “K” sound.  Like cocoanut.  Or Catskills.

2.    If you were given the chance to take Barack Obama to dinner, where would you go and why?

I’d take Obama to a steak house.  After we agree that he’ll pay, I’ll order much more than I can eat so I can take the food home to feed my family.  I’m sure he’ll understand.

3.    If you were a cut of meat, which cut would you be?

I’d be a rib-eye.  After all, my mother always wanted me to be a rabbi.

4.    Is this whole Internet thing here to stay?

Not only is the Internet here to stay, I bet one day it’ll go Internetional!

5.    Fill in the blanks:  I dig on Famous DC because ___ and because it tastes better than __.

I dig on Famous DC because I love to fill in blanks and because it tastes better than cocoanuts.

Thank you Mr. Extreme for playing along.  And if you have a question you’d like to submit - or want us to interview someone intriguing, or otherwise, email us at tips@famousdc.com

Famous Five [Reasons to Be Mean to DC Tourists]

 

The District Chatter recently came up with 5 reasons to be nice to tourists. One of our favorite tipsters took offense to this list and decided to respond to each of them.

District Chatter:

5. These people are spending money in our city. Sales tax equals cash flow. Money is money. Fix a pothole, change a light, pay my Government salary.

Brad Kanus: These tourist spend money with the people selling junk on the South Lawn.  Because these tourist NEED a shirt that says “FBI” sweatshops in Indonesia are doing quite well. Thank you for your investment. Let’s not even talk about feeding the homeless and the inevitable process of digestion finishing itself in front of the doors of my building.

District Chatter:

4. Washington, D.C. was the destination of choice for these people. They want to be here because they thought it was nice. This Nation’s Capital is every American’s city.

Brad Kanus: These people choose to travel from more than 1,000 miles away to make you late for work. Tourists come to D.C. to stand left and walk against the light. They choose tour buses as their means of blocking off every lane in the entire city at 5:00 p.m.

District Chatter:

3. You represent our city. They will share their experiences with others. So, don’t be an asshole.

Brad Kanus: Be an asshole and maybe they won’t come back. If you’re lucky they well tell their country bumpkin friends too. Only YOU can prevent a tourist from ruining our summer.

District Chatter:

2. They didn’t do anything to you. Washington, D.C. is the only city I have encountered with the whacked walk on the left, stand on the right “rule”, tourists don’t know that.

Brad Kanus: Tourist cost you time, money and the occasional chat with DC’s finest when you smack one that doesn’t understand how crosswalks work. DC is the only city sophisticated enough to develop the “Walk Left, Stand Right” rule - the envy of every other city on earth.

District Chatter:

And the number one reason to be nice to tourists…
1. Karma- What goes around comes around.

Brad Kanus: And the number one reason to be mean to tourists…
They started it. I didn’t go to their hometown and ruin their day.

Has Barack Obama Met His Match?

We were fortunate enough to get Matt Harding, Internet super star, to slow down long enough to respond to a few of our questions. And while this post has nothing to do with the typical political tomfoolery we generally write about- it is about a young man’s determination to make a global impact - one smile at a time.

Read. Watch. Learn. And Dance.

FDC: Why is traveling abroad so important to you and would you ever consider developing an educational video game that helps children learn about cultural outreach? [Note: Before Matt set out on his journeys he was a video game designer]

Matt: I think a good first step is just showing kids that there are other places out there beyond what they’re familiar with, and that most of those places aren’t dangerous, war-torn, or desperately impoverished. The media creates a certain image of the outside world because their job is to report news, and “news” generally involves crisis. Part of what I’m trying to do is balance that skewed image by showing a lot of friendly, warm, smiling faces.

I think getting that message across can do more good than any video game I could work on.

FDC: Barack Obama has some pretty decent dances moves as well - but do you think you got him beat?

Matt: I’m not sure there’s anything I can do that Obama can’t do better, but I’d be willing to give it a shot.

FDC: We know not to ask what location was your favorite, but is there someone in the past few years, who you’ve particularly enjoyed meeting?

Matt: I got to meet George Lucas last week. He didn’t have a clue who I was and he didn’t particularly care. He was busy measuring conference room furniture with his tape measure, but it was an honor to shake his hand.

I also got an email once from someone claiming to be Walter Cronkite. He just said he enjoyed what I’m doing. I suppose someone could have easily been posing as him, but really, what kind of deranged lunatic pretends to be Walter Cronkite?

FDC: See, that was painless, right?

Matt: Yup.

Famously Interviewed: Nicole Sexton

We recently interviewed Nicole Sexton, former NRSC Finance Director, and author of “Party Favors,” a fictional account [or so they say...] of the dirty world of political fundraising.

Sexton, who penned this work of “fiction” after she left the NRSC, assures us that her book wasn’t an attempt at making personal waves, and when asked if she’s worried about being the Scott McClellan of tell-all finance books, assures us, she is not. Which we think is completely disappointing.

The first half of the interview is below:

FDC: Be honest, how many times, while you were NRSC Finance guru, did you tell yourself, “oh, that’s good stuff, I’ll have to include that in my book?”

Nicole: Everyone in that office said daily… no one would believe this stuff … this would make a great book! I can’t take all the credit… that thought was definitely not original.

[Commentary: She can't take all the credit, what about future royalties?]

FDC: How many friends have emailed you and expressed nervous frustration because they think they’re going to make an appearance in the book?

Nicole: They are all very excited and proud for me.

[Commentary: Up until the point they find out their fictional name in the book is "Candy" and they're the supposed "staffer" who banged Senator Hardup in order to get him to do a NYC fundraiser.]

FDC: Do you feel like you’ll be the Scott McClellan of Finance tell-alls?

Nicole: Not at all. This book is fiction and not meant to betray anyone.

[Commentary: We'll revisit this later.]

FDC: Who in DC do you most admire?

Nicole: That is hard I admire many different people. Senator Frist for always standing by his word. Senator Dole for her incredible honor. Senator Alexander for his commitment to America and to his office. The people I work with at ONE for waking every day and knowing that one person can make a difference…. I could go on and on…..

[Commentary: So, rich, old, white people who gave you money?]

FDC: Who do you least admire?

Nicole: People motivated by greed….. I could go on and on….

[Commentary: So, rich, old, white people who gave you money?]

Stay tuned tomorrow when we ask if Republican have a prayer when it comes to raising money this year and just exactly who Nicole feels should NEVER compromise their values.

Previous entries: Nicole Sexton’s Dirty Little Secret

What a Sweet Pain In the Gas

On Monday morning, Capitol Hill resident Chris Frates got into his car only to discover he had been robbed - of gas.

What makes this mildly entertaining, Frates is a reporter for the Politico.

Patrick Gavin thinks it’s “further proof that normal, everyday people hate reporters.”

We tend to agree.

h/t FishbowlDC

Famous Five [Beach Reads]

No trip to Dewey is complete without a carton of smokes, bottle of booze, SPF 15 and a good book for the beach.

Before you head out for the sun and surf this year, be sure to grab one of these books for your trip.

Thank You for Smoking
Christopher Buckley

Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. An inside look at one of Washington’s most sexy industries, Big Tobacco.

Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear
Frank Luntz

Granted, he’s a bit socially awkward, but he knows how to assess any political environment.

Crashing the Gate: Netroots, Grassroots, and the Rise of People-Powered Politics
Jerome Armstrong and Markos Moulitsas

These two guys wrote the book in their 20’s and we’re still in the infant stage of wired politics. Plus, you get tons of street cred if you drop at a DC dinner party that you’ve read this.

Charlie Wilson’s War
George Crile

Congress, cocaine, strippers, jihads, lobbyists, and war. What else do you need?

The Thumpin’: How Rahm Emanuel and the Democrats Learned to be Ruthless and Ended the Republican Revolution
Naftali Bendavid

R or D, you should read this book. The pendulum was swinging back and Rahm was at the wheel. But, does he take too much credit or is this the first wave?

Famous Five [DC blogs]

Below is a list of five DC blogs you should check out, if you haven’t already.

DCist
Think Washington is boring? Well, don’t tell that to Somer Mathis of DCist- one of the area’s favorite blogs. DCist keeps your cultural appetite whetted with the local art and music scene, all while promoting other local blogs. Their photo of the day usually goes very well with your morning coffee.

Chris Cooley
The best tight end in the NFL plays for the Washington Redskins, married a cheerleader, hits beer bongs with DC 101’s Eliot in the Morning, and hangs out with Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the offseason. Damn. Thank goodness for us he has a blog to keep us up to speed on all of his self-made tattoos and off the field escapades. Captain Chaos has two cats and a dog named Dale Earnhardt.

Why I Hate DC
If you’re a DC local, or someone who has visited DC or even someone just looking for a good laugh - go here. Any site with this mission statment has got to be well-worth the read: “To mercilessly mock anything related to life in the Washington metro area, using as much profanity and sarcasm as possible.”

FishbowlDC
Written by the Washington Examiner’s Patrick Gavin, FishbowlDC covers everything media-related in the nation’s capital. FishbowlDC scoops most all newsrooms before the editors know what hit them. They keep a running tally of all of the DC reporter moves on The Revolving Door and their hottest media types contest drives Washington conversation for weeks. Spend five minutes scanning Patrick’s morning reading list to be up to speed before your first meeting of the day.

Gilbert Arenas
Washington Wizards’ superstar Gilbert Arenas lets it all hang out on his blog and we love him for it. He talks about his recent dating adventures, takes shots at opponents, and usually makes news whenever he writes. Who would have ever thought this NBA superstar would be into Rock Band and blogging? Stay in DC Agent Zero!

*As always, if you have suggestions, don’t be shy - email us at tips AT famousdc DOT COM

FamousDC interviews two superdelegates

Last week we posted about two college Democrats who are garnering a lot of attention lately.

Lauren Wolfe and Awais Khaleel, President and Vice President of the College Democrats - aren’t ordinary college students- they are students with super-powers, who happen to be superdelegates.

Because the Democratic Presidential nomination might come down to their two superdelegate votes, they’ve asked for advice and help as to who they should support. They put together this video and asked folks to respond to them via MySpace, Facebook, YouTube or the “old fashion” way via email.

So we did -just to make sure they kept to their word.

Well, we’re happy to announce they responded.

The FDC editors put together a list of ten questions, below are the first five answers.

Why all of a sudden a plea for help?

Awais: We want to make sure that we provide young people every avenue to reach out to us and have their voice heard.  We’ve been getting tons of unsolicited messages from people from all walks of life regarding our votes, but we really wanted to hear from more young people before we make a final decision.

Lauren: The College Democrats of America historically stays out of nominations but this year it looks like we might have to take a side in the process. So, we wanted to reach out to young people and hear what they had to say before we make up our minds.

Have you had a good response?

Awais: We have had an absolutely awesome response!  Hundreds of people have sent us e-mails or messages on Facebook and MySpace, and thousands have posted their feelings on YouTube.  A number of others have posted video responses to our message.

Lauren: We’ve had an overwhelming amount of responses, via video, email, Facebook and MySpace.  Within the first few minutes of uploading the video, we had a video response from a guy wearing Kanye West glasses. Point being: we want your opinions, if you cant figure out how to make a YouTube response, send us an email.

*Note, Lauren’s brother got into the action via YouTube.

Who’s the coolest person that has called you?

Awais: I’ve gotten a number of phone calls from both elected officials and celebrities, but the coolest interaction was when I actually got to meet and talk to Senator Obama and Senator Clinton (separately of course.)

Lauren: Senator Claire McCaskill called me during my last exam. That was fun.

Does is worry you that random celebrities have gotten a hold of your cell phone numbers?

Awais: If Kal Penn wants to call me, I’m happy to talk to him.

Lauren: Well, we want to hear from people in whatever way they want to contact us. We also welcome random celebrity YouTube response videos.

Have you been recognized by strangers?

Awais: No, strangers still ignore me.

Lauren: Not so much, superdelegates are more of an inside the beltway kind of famous (not so much Detroit famous).

Do your friends think this has gotten a little out of hand?

Awais: My friends pretty universally and simultaneously think this is really cool and hilarious.

Lauren: Well, the use of the word “super” has picked up. As in “this is super ridiculously hilarious.”

Check back tomorrow for Part Two, when we ask Lauren and Awais if  “superdelegate” is even a word.  And see what Awais thinks is cooler than Bill Cosby’s sweater.  The answer didn’t surprise us.

Famous Five [twitterific version]

This week we are highlighting the 5 Most Ridiculous Twitter Updates.

In case you have a life and don’t know what Twitter is - it’s a microblog for nerds who can’t get enough blogging in on a daily basis.  It’s utterly useless, but entertaining for us.

[*note, names have been left off as not to embarrass anyone]

5. Watching ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ with the wife. [Put down the twitter machine and touch your wife Twitter boy]

4. Margaritas, burritos, and Becca @ Alero in Dupont. [Dude, you're on a date... what the hell is wrong with you?]

3. Just spotted a robin and walked home sans coat — spring has sprung! [Thanks, let us know when you put your jacket back on and spot a tiger.]

2. My right eye is bleeding again. It’s a little like going through life with a lava lamp strapped in front of your eye. [Suggestion, step away from the computer and go to the hospital you moron]

1. Hey babydoll, no fair calling me a dope when I’m on “stage” doing a webinar and can’t defend myself! [Okay, you're off stage - so is it fair to call you a dork now?]

Famous Five [DC Brunch]

The 5 Best Places for Brunch in D.C.

Tabard Inn (downtown)

This place feels like home. Once you walk in you’ll never believe you’re in the middle of the city. It is warm, cozy, and the food is great. The service is fast and courteous - but this place gets packed! Call ahead before you go.

Tunnicliffs (capitol hill)

This hill haunt is PERFECT for a weekend brunch. Their house Bloody Mary can help you take back Sunday and their omelets can’t be beat. You’re bound to see tons of hill staffers and other locals - tourists haven’t discovered this place yet. Also, limit yourself to two Mimosas, otherwise you’ll walk out and buy some crazy piece of art or a table shaped like a fish from Eastern Market. It has happened before.

Crème (U Street)

Bottomless Mimosas, good southern brunch food and the meal is about $20. Never too crowded and this is a great place to take a big group. There are plenty of bars in the neighborhood for day-drinking afterwards.

Martin’s Tavern (g-town)

Martin’s Tavern is a Georgetown tradition like no other. The place is always packed, but you can usually find a seat at the bar. This is a fun place to take an out of town guest who wants that Washington experience.

Merkado (logan circle)

This place rocks, but be prepared to take back Sunday. Lots of energy, lots of light - cool, hip and GREAT food. The staff are always lively and in a good mood and the hours can slip away here. Get out there and enjoy yourself.

Famous Five [political videos]

5 best political videos on youtube

President George W. Bush on Global Warming [Scientific Data]
Obama’s “Yes We Can” Speech Remix [will.i.am]
Chris Farley as Newt Gingrich [Don't Kill Big Bird]
Rahm for Vice President [Words That Start With F]
Vote Different - [ParkRidge47] (added 3/5/07)

Famous Five [worst headlines]

Welcome to the latest feature of FamousDC called the Famous 5. Every week we’ll highlight 5 of the strangest, funniest, dumbest, coolest or most shocking things we’ve read that week.

As always, if you have suggestions, don’t be shy - email us at tips AT famousdc DOT COM

5 worst headlines of the week [way too many puns]

John Glenn suits up for Clinton lift-off in Ohio [space boy reference]

Flake hopes to be earmarked for Appropriations [pork buster]

At the Transmission Factory, a Smooth Shift [automatic transmission]

Immigration Moves Eyed [virtual border party]

Honestly, Lincoln’s 200th birthday nears [worth a calendar item?]