Famous 5: Afternoon Hill Hang Outs @BlairDC

FamousDC Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC brings us the Famous 5: Best Afternoon Hill Hang Out Spots

It’s Friday. It’s sunny out. And you are able to take off early from work. What to do?

Here’s my top five venues for a chill but celebratory end-of-the-week afternoon…and some honorable mentions since we all know I love extra options!

1. Cantina Marina – Reggae, cold beers, mini corn dogs all by the Potomac with an impressive view of the Washington Monument. What more could you want?

2. Fado’s Irish Pub – Being Irish, I had to name a pub! Fado’s is known as being the friendliest in the city and an all-around good time.

3. Lauriol Plaza – Tried and true favorite for rooftop Coronas and yummy Mexican – and within walking distance to fun bars/restaurants in Dupont/Adams Morgan for later.

4. Ceiba - $5 signature cocktails and reduced price appetizers from 3-6pm. Believe me when I say their food and drink are amazing.

5. Wonderland - A true dive bar and in a spot you can feel “hidden” in. Need I say more?

Special Mention: Jazz in the Garden at the National Gallery of Art – It may only occur on Fridays but this is a special event each week through the summer. Go early, grab a spot by the fountain or on the grass and sip sangria amidst a background of jazz .

Honorable Mentions: Chi Cha Lounge, Tony & Joe’s, Mighty Pint, Brasserie Beck, Againn, Molly Malone’s, Sine, Liberty Tavern, Spider Kelly’s, Mackey’s, Union Pub.

FamousDC thanks Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC for her top 5 list.

Famous 5:Capitol Hill Lunch Spots @BlairDC

FamousDC Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC brings us the Famous 5: Best Capitol Hill Lunch Spots

Capitol Hill often evokes thoughts of suits, staffers and stars, and if you ever end up there during lunch, you will catch a glimpse of them all. But where do these Hill wonks gather for lunch? From the “power lunchers” to those looking for a quick fix, numerous options abound from the House to the Senate.

Here are a few that always come to mind and several extras that cover the gamut of glamor and dive. Enjoy!

1. Charlie Palmer’s (Top Chef Season 6 runner-up Bryan Voltaggio’s former kitchen)

2. Sonoma

3. Cava Mezze

4. Matchbox

5. Good Stuff Eatery (Top Chef Season 4 contestant Spike Mendelsohn’s restaurant)

Honorable Mentions: Bistro Bis, Capital Grille, Johnny’s Half Shell, Molly Malone’s, Sweetgreen, Capitol Lounge, Hawk ‘n Dove, Montmarte, Market Lunch, Belga Cafe, Ted’s Bulletin and Art and Soul.

FamousDC thanks Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC for her top 5 list.

Famous 5: Rick Klein

Meet Rick Klein. He Tweets from the hospital room when his child is born and covers politics and hosts Top Line for ABC News. In addition to that, Mr. Klein was recently promoted to Senior Washington News Editor for ABC “World News.”

Rick was kind enough to spend a few minutes with us to answer 5 questions for a FamousDC interview.

1. You left the print world of the Boston Globe to pursue opportunities online with ABC News. With respect to the digital revolution, where do you see the media industry going over the next five years?

Everywhere and anywhere. The term I’ve used for myself is “platform agnostic.” We have to be in the business of gathering and distilling information, and then disseminating it in ways that people want to consume it. That sounds easier than it is. But I do think we have to – and will – keep up with the consumption end of the equation. Five years ago, I’d never blogged or Tweeted, and I don’t think I was even familiar with the concepts. So five years from now? Surely we’ll be beamed right into your thought bubbles.

2. You went to Princeton. Which scene is preppier, eating clubs or the Georgetown Waterfront?

It’s actually not even close: Georgetown. Princeton’s eating clubs smell significantly worse than they sound. And Georgetown – I don’t know, I feel like I’m on vacation every time I venture into that neighborhood. There’s an enduring myth about the Georgetown cocktail party circuit. Maybe it’s that I’m on the wrong circuit, or I just need richer friends, but I think I’ve been to two cocktail parties in Georgetown in the six years I’ve lived in DC.

3. Ana Marie Cox is a frequent guest on your program, Top Line, but you’ve never challenged her to an on-air arm-wrestling battle. Could you take her?

From the very little I know about competitive arm-wrestling, you should never bet against the person who has more tattoos. For the record, I have zero.

4. As the insider’s insider – you’re in the middle of everything political inside-the-beltway, can you explain why they put bike lanes in the middle of Pennsylvania Avenue?

What’s more inside than between lanes of on-rushing traffic? I should say, as someone who has never so much as pedaled on something that isn’t stationary anywhere inside the District, I have the utmost admiration for those who brave the perils of city life and bike around the city. Until they’re competing for precious road space with my car.

5. Your offices are located right around the corner from the Mayflower. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever seen?

This is teed up for an Eliot Spitzer joke … but actually I’m more interested in the crowd of folks who clog the sidewalk along DeSales Street whenever the Capitals play a home game. The buses for the visitors pull in along the side entrance, right across the street from our bureau. There’s a dedicated band of hockey fans/unscrupulous memorabilia dealers who know every person and their unpronounceable names as they try to duck into the Mayflower. I can only assume that it’s the same people every game, and sometimes I imagine trying to join them just for the experience. But then I think they must have a complex leadership hierarchy and there’s no way I can penetrate that clique. So I keep walking to the Metro.

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Famous 5: Best DC Brunch Spots @BlairDC

FamousDC Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC brings us the Famous 5: Best DC Brunch Spots

brunch – A combination of the words for breakfast and lunch which combines some of the features of both and is served mid-morning.

It is thought that the term “brunch” first appeared in 1896 in the British magazine Punch. The article, which referred to a combination breakfast and lunch Guy Beringer of the defunct Hunter’s Weekly had for guests after a morning of hunting, went on to say, “To be fashionable nowadays, we must brunch.”

And, how true that statement turned out to be! “Brunching” became popular in the U.S. in the 1930s and since then, the interest has intensified.

The nation’s capitol has several delicious options for brunch. Here are my top five, including honorable mentions and picks for bottomless brunches (a do-not miss!).

Cashion’s Eat Place

Tallula

Birch & Barley

Belga Cafe

Peacock Cafe

Honorable Mentions: Acadiana, Cafe Atlantico, Carlyle, Eatonville, Harry’s Tap Room, Kramerbooks, Logan Tavern, Matisse, Napoleon Bistro, Open City, Rosemary’s Thyme, Tabard Inn, Tunnicliff’s, Vinoteca

Bottomless Brunch Mentions: Argonaut, Beacon Bar and Grill, Ben’s Next Door, POV at the W, Urbana, 18th Amendment.

Enjoy…and *Brunch Hard*

FamousDC thanks Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC for her top 5 list.

Famous 5: Top Summer Happy Hour Spots @BlairDC

FamousDC Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC brings us the Famous 5: Top Summer Happy Hour Spots.

Summer brings an excitement for the outdoors and mingling, and what better way to unwind after a long day at work than to meet friends for happy hour. Here are some of the tried and true happy hours in DC for your summertime get-togethers.

Brasserie Beck – Half-priced drafts from 5pm-7pm every day of the week and from 10:30pm to closing Thursday-Saturday with half-priced oysters; half-priced wine bottles on Tuesday nights.

Poste – From 4pm-7pm every Monday through Friday, enjoy $5 red and white wine selections, $5 beer selections, and their famous truffled frites for just $5 in a wonderful outdoor patio in the heart of downtown.

Oya - From 4pm-8pm every Monday through Friday, get one “bite” + one cocktail for $9. Note: Oya has terrific sushi.

Oyamel – From 4:30pm-6:30pm Sunday through Friday, enjoy $4 classic margaritas, ponches and selected draft beer; 2 for $4 taco specials; half off all wines by the glass (available at the bar only). Note: Chef Jose Andres delights the palette with yummy entrees and the restaurant was featured in the show Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.

Vinoteca – 20 wines on special at $5 every night of the week and a summer garden opening in June!

Honorable mentions: Cava Mezze (with a glorious rooftop!), Café Asia, Café Citron, Ceiba, Chef Geoff’s, Current Lounge, EatBar, Lima, Masa 14, Sticky Rice, Urbana, Zaytinya, Zengo, Zola, Wisdom

FamousDC thanks Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC for her top 5 list.

Famous 5: Top DC Rooftop Bars @BlairDC

FamousDC Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC brings us the Famous 5: DC Rooftop Bars.

2009 was the year when DC nightlife centered around being high and outside – you got it, the rooftop.  New hot spots started popping up all around town while the oldies were improved. The 2010 summer continues this rooftop fetish and the parties have already started. It was hard to only choose five, but here’s the list of venues, in no particular order, that never let me down:

1. Donovan Hotel (Above D.C. Rooftop Pool & Lounge) – the sleek hotel plays host to parties on most nights of the week. ADC was THE place to be on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in 2009 and the trend continues.

2. 18th Street Lounge – who can argue with this long-lived standby. ESL features some of the best music and ambiance in town, IF you can find the door.

3. Marvin – hipsters and trendsetters flock to this U St venue which to no surprise to many is owned by the genius ESL creators. The rooftop features a beer garden and is the perfect spot for those looking for that underground vibe.

4. POV Lounge at the W Hotel – if you’re looking for a posh setting with the best views in the city, look no further. How can you beat cocktailing over the White House?

5. Tabaq Bistro – while I haven’t been in awhile, I always relished in late afternoon cocktails on the top floor of this intriguing restaurant. A retractable roof overlooking the city is both romantic and cool.

Honorable Mentions: Current Lounge, Public Bar, Beacon Bar & Grill, Perry’s, Local 16, Lauriol Plaza, Cava Mezze, Clarendon Ballroom, and a venue many forget about – the Space.

So go, drink, enjoy – DC has a lot to offer as the temperatures soar and the rooftop is undoubtedly where it’s at.”

FamousDC thanks Nightlife Correspondent @BlairDC for her top 5 list.

UPDATE: We just chatted with our favorite radio personality, Tommy McFly of Mix 107.3, and his favorite roof top bar is the POV Lounge at the W Hotel. Matter of fact, McFly said he would “go there every day” if he could.

Famous 5: John Stanton

Meet John Stanton: Congressional reporting, fireworks eating, all-American bad ass.

Mr. Stanton took a break between covering the SCOTUS madness for Roll Call and brutal Gaelic football practices to answer a few questions for a FamousDC Famous 5 interview.

1. You’ve been on the hill for several years and we think you’re the only Congressional reporter to rock multiple skeleton rings during leadership press conferences. What has been the most interesting moment of your career?

One of the most surreal moments came in 2004. I was covering an anti-same sex marriage press event that then-Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) was doing on the hill. Santorum had his whole family and the oddest group of “celebrities” ever assembled come in to help extol the virtues of his same sex marriage amendment to the constitution.

Jim Neighbors was there, looking like he wasn’t sure where he was.

50s crooner and noted dirty joke teller Pat Boone was also there, sporting more peach than even Liberace would have approved of.

Weirdest of all, my childhood hero, Darrell Green, the greatest shutdown cornerback in the history of the NFL and the classiest Redskin ever was also there, looking vaguely uncomfortable and unclear why he was standing around with these two.

So I’m standing next to Santorum’s daughters as this strange little trio came through the door – they swooned for Boone, I squealed for Green

2. We know you have a lot of tattoos, what lawmaker’s face would you allow to have tattooed on your body and where?

Well, the obvious choice is Hizzoner, Mayor for Life, the Honorable Marion Barry. Honorable mention to former and potentially future Rep. Jim Traficant of Ohio.

3. Dan Snyder calls and says he wants you to join the Redskins as senior advisor. What is the first change you’ll make to the team?

First order of business – hire Vinny Cerato back. And then fire him again. Do this several times, all of them in different public arenas where the witnesses would be given the chance to throw rotten vegetables at him.

Then I’d force the usurper of Frank Herzog’s seat in the booth to be Frank’s manservant for the rest of his life, while restoring Frank to his rightful place with Sunny and Sam.

And finally, after stripping The Danny of any authority whatsoever to do any more damage to my beloved Skins, I’d require that at halftime of every game Danny would be forced to dress up as a pony and Chief Z would ride him around the field while Chuck Brown plays a GoGo version of “Hail to the Redskins.”

4. Can you explain to the rest of the FamousDC community what a bama is? Any examples?

A bama is a no account, no style, no common sense havin, trifflin’ fool. For instance, people who wear belts with embroidered whales on them, pop their collars and men wearing flip-flops in the city and furries. Definitely furries. Those people are weird. People who call 911 to complain about the McNuggets, or their weed dealer? Bamas.

5. You get a call from the White House and President Obama wants to kick it with you for the evening to get a taste of the DC nightlife. Where are you two going?

Well obviously, you need some sustenance for such a journey. Something solid, none of that small portion nonsense people dig on downtown. So the first stop would be Horace and Dickies at 12th and H St. NE for some of their famous fried whitefish and greens. Then maybe pop in on my homegirl Anne at the Red and Black for some good old DC hardcore and metal. Now, this IS DC, so the next thing would mos def be a gogo show – Chuck Brown, Rare Essence, Backyard Band or JYB.

And to cap the night off, we’d run back up to my hood for a few beers at DC9 before ending it all at a Kingpin Sound System at Velvet Lounge.

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Famous 5: Shira Toeplitz

Meet Shira Toeplitz.

She writes Shop Talk for CQ – Roll Call and heads over to POLITICO in a few weeks.

As she’s preparing for the move, Shira spared a few minutes for a FamousDC Famous 5.

1. Today is actually your birthday, what is the best b-day gift you’ve ever received?

I went on a cheesy Carnival cruise with my little sister two years ago to celebrate our respective birthdays. We had a really good time, although later this month I’m headed to Greece with my little sister and my mother and I’m optimistic that will beat the cruise.

2. If you compared NFL teams to Members of Congress, which Member best represents the Pittsburgh Steelers? the Redskins?

Yinz know that I have only one bias in covering politics — and that’s for my hometown football team, The Pittsburgh Steelers. However, I’d like to make the caveat that my answers only represent the team as a whole and not any individual, ahem, sleazebag players who I think we should have traded before the draft.

I’d have to say that Rep. John Dingell is probably the Member most like the Steelers. First of all, he and his father have owned that House seat for just as long as the Steelers have been in Pittsburgh (both since 1933). There’s a lot to be said there about longevity. He’s had his share of ups, downs and an injury or two, but no matter what he’s always playing in the game. Plus, we won a Super Bowl in Michigan recently.

If the Redskins were a Member of Congress, they wouldn’t be anymore because he/she would not get re-elected. That Member (er, team) should have fired his/her chief of staff, campaign manager and consulting team a long time ago.

3. Rahm Emanuel calls and says he wants to grab drinks and dish the latest on his future political plans. Where are you two hanging out for the off-the-record talk?

I happen to know that Rahm and I have similar tastes in restaurants. I spotted Rahm Emanuel just a couple weeks ago at my favorite DC wine bar, Vinoteca on U Street. My boyfriend and I were celebrating the anniversary of our first date and the future Chicago Mayor walks right in the door. I almost sent him a drink with my business card, but I was off the clock and it was Saturday night.

4. You’ve amassed an interactive following on Twitter. Do you have anything special planned for the day you reach 2,000 followers?

Drinks with Rahm would be nice.

I admire the skills and careers of so many DC journalists, but my favorite has to be Mark Leibovich of the New York Times — and not just because he wrote that rather flattering magazine story on my future employer. In fact, I was asked the same question by the Politico folks in the interview process, only to find out later on that my favorite scribe was possibly working on what could have been an expose on the publication. But seriously, I still remember full sentences of some of my favorite Leibovich stories. He has an old-school journalist’s work ethic, and an artistic touch that simply can’t be learned.

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Famous 5: Chris Cillizza

The same but more!  The goal of PostPolitics is to give political junkies a central location for all of the Post content — including the Fix — as well as other great aggregated stories that are driving buzz. I have always thought of and tried to make the Fix one-stop shopping for political junkies. Our goal with PostPolitics is to do the same on a broader scale.

I have done a fair amount of research into the President’s game as I am generally skeptical of people who play in sweat pants.  That said, all of the reports I have gotten — since I haven’t been invited to play at the White House (HINT HINT) — are that he is a very solid player. And, it’s clear from his matchup with Clark Kellogg that he can shoot. My strategy would be to try and back him down in the post and wear him down. But, I am a pretty bad one-on-one player so it likely wouldn’t work.

Oooh. Good question. I have often wondered about that. Better question? What’s behind Tim Curran’s beard? Is it another fist?

Yes. And that’s all I am saying.

Today? Probably between 25-30. But, I think Charlie is predicting what he thinks things will look like — from a macro and micro perspective — in November. He is smart enough to do that. I’m not

Famous 5: Christine Delargy

Meet Christine Delargy. She used to be half of the team at FishbowlDC, but now spends all of her time working for CBS News. She’s part of the gang behind the CBS ‘Unplugged Under 40′ series.

She was also kind enough to spend a few minutes answering questions for one of our Famous 5 interviews.

1. Besides reading FamousDC, where do you go for all of your beltway news and gossip?

After that Leibovich article, don’t I have to say Mike Allen’s Playbook?

Of course I still read FishbowlDC (though it was certainly more fun to write), I’m admittedly addicted to Politico Click and I Google myself (I have no shame, everyone in Washington does), but most of my real beltway news and gossip is obtained sitting outside at Martins in Georgetown a couple nights a week with the usual crew. I’d also like to give a shout-out to our favorite waiter Izzy- he once snuck a shot of tequila in my white wine when I ordered a glass of a different pinot grigio.

2. President Obama says he wants to spend the evening with you and your friends, where are you going?

I’d probably just bring President Obama to Jack Quinn’s house. Susanna’s the best host and the pool’s open- remember that Washingtonian cover??

3) Who is the most interesting person you’ve run across while working at CBS?

Bob Schieffer, who is honestly one of my best friends here at CBS, but if I had to answer with a non-CBS person, I would say Charlie Wilson. He was a guest of CBS to the White House Correspondents Association Dinner two years ago and he was just fascinating to talk to. We kept in touch over email and I’m really glad to have known him.

4. A non-related CBS question: Have you ever touched Chuck Todd’s goatee? Do you know if his goatee get its own assistant?

You know that Chuck Norris saying- there is no chin under Norris’ beard, just another fist? Well under his goatee is where Chuck Todd actually keeps his “Almanac for American Politics.” And you can’t just touch that.

Isn’t Jake Tapper Chuck’s goatee’s assistant? “Goatee Gamble” was definitely the highlight of my FishbowlDC career.

5. If you weren’t moving and shaking in DC, what would you be doing?

I turn 27 in the next couple of weeks and I’m having a minor life crisis over it so this is a very fitting question. I don’t nearly get to travel for pleasure enough so if I wasn’t in DC, I would ideally have married rich by now and be globetrotting.  Realistically, I’d probably be in New York, where I’m from, and working in PR.

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Famous 5: Maegan Carberry

Maegan Carberry is a blogger and commentator who covers politics, media and technology … with a flair for pop culture.  She’s also held some pretty awesome jobs in the past.

Carberry has previously worked as Arianna Huffington’s chief of staff, where she ran the west coast offices of The Huffington Post. In 2007, she co-founded truuconfessions.com with her HuffPost colleague, Romi Lassally. Prior to that she was an advertising sales executive at The Los Angeles Times and a reporter and columnist for The Chicago Tribune ’s RedEye edition.

The daughter of a college football coach also enjoys karaoke and is a huge UCLA basketball fan

She’s one of DC’s most popular up and comers and was kind enough to answer our Famous Five Questions.

1. How did working as Arianna Huffington’s chief of staff help shape your current career?

People really like it when I call them “darling” at the end of my sentences.

2. You’ve lived in some pretty cool cities including LA and Chicago – how does DC compare to other cities you’ve lived in?

Don’t forget New York, too! Generalizations always have exceptions, but I’ve noticed that in LA and Manhattan, people seem to be escaping somewhere, whereas in DC they are proud to represent the place they’re from. Chicago? It’s the perfect city, obviously.

3. You enjoy singing JoDee Messina songs at karaoke bars? Care to explain? And what else do you do for fun?

Let’s not stop at karaoke bars. When those opening chords of “Bye, Bye” come on the iPod, there’s no shame in singing along on the red line using my BlackBerry as a microphone.

Fun? I don’t have time for fun. Fun is writing blog posts after working all day for the Energy Action Coalition, between the hours of midnight and 3am.

4. President Obama calls you one day and has a few hours to kill before a big speech. Where do you take him to kill some time and what do you tell him to slip into the speech?

I’d take him to the National Archive to see the Magna Carta. It’s, like, 700 years old! It blows my mind.

I’d ask him to speak directly to my generation again, as he did during the campaign. We’re the ones who understand his vision and we’ll be the ones to execute it. The old people who run this town seem firmly committed to business-as-usual.

5. FamousDC is the _______ thing I read and I hope one day that I can be as good at _________ as they are.

first (duh), building March Madness brackets*
*It’s about that time, right? I challenge David All to the first series.

Previous Famous 5 Interviews

Famous 5: Neil Patel

We have no idea how we got so lucky, but we snagged a solid Famous 5 Questions with Neil Patel.

Patel is co-founder and Publisher of The Daily Caller, a web based news company focusing on politics, policy, and current events. Previously, Neil served as chief policy advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney. In that role, Neil represented the Vice President at White House economic and domestic policy meetings up to the Cabinet level, interacted with the business community on behalf of the Vice President, and managed the Vice President’s policy staff.

Without further hesitation …

1) You’ve worked with Vice President Dick Cheney and now Tucker Carlson, which one gives better advice?

Only a crazy person would go to Tucker for advice. He’s a guy who actually used to ride around with his 6 year old son bungee corded to the back of his motorcycle. Would you ask a guy like that for advice? I guess the VP by default.

2) The Daily Caller is a political news site that updates 24/7. Besides the DC, what is your first news read each morning?

I don’t really read the news. If there is something really important going on, I’m sure someone will just email it to me eventually. Okay. That’s not true, but a very famous venture capitalist in Silicon Valley did actually use that line on us when we were out looking for financing for The Daily Caller. Maybe its because of my refined poker skills, but I took that as a “tell” that he probably wasn’t going to be our investor.

3) President Obama calls you up on Thursday afternoon and wants to hang out. Where do you take him?

He’s the President. I don’t take him anywhere. I meet him at the White House, we jump in Marine 1, head to Andrews and then hop out to Vegas to hang at The Palms, play some craps and sneak some cigarettes like I keep hearing he still loves to do.

4) As part of the Daily Caller employee benefits package, does Tucker teach dance lessons? Be honest.

Tucker’s dance skills are so refined that its hard to pass them on to amateurs. He does often recreate his chair dancing moment from Dancing with the Stars and if any of the interns laugh, he beats them with a copy of the health care bill;. It’s a pretty bad scene.

5) Be honest, who’s funnier Jim Treacher or Matt Labash?

Treacher told me to say Labash. And Labash told me to say Labash.

Famous 5 Questions: Tommy McFly

It’s hard to believe that DC radio personality Tommy McFly wanted to be a lawyer when he grew up.  Lucky for those who tune in daily to his radio show, he chose a much more rewarding career.  Right now Tommy McFly can be heard at nights on MiX 107.3.  When he’s not on the radio, you’ll likely spot him hitting the town.  We’re stoked he slowed down for a moment to take part in our Famous 5 series.

1 You’ve been called hot by Tyra Banks, which FamousDC celeb do you consider hot and why?

“Alison Starling (WJLA). I have a thing for broadcast news gals.”

2 What is your favorite and least favorite part about Washington, DC?

HATE: “I hate diplomats behind the wheel. While I can’t even look at a parking spot in Georgetown without getting a ticket, it’s totally acceptable for diplomats to drive on the wrong side of the road, through red lights and on sidewalks.”
—-
LOVE: “Though many of my jaded Washington friends think it’s corny, I love the monuments – especially at night. Driving past them gets me really amped to live in DC.”

3 With a name like "McFly" you too must be pissed that it’s 2010 and we don’t have hover boards. When can we expect these to arrive in the greater Washington, D.C. area?

“Funny you should ask because I just posed that exact question to a few pals in the hover board industry. They assured me that we’d receive our shipment before the Redskins win another Super Bowl.”

4 President Obama calls you on a Friday afternoon and says, "McFly, I’m kicking it with you this weekend." Where do you two end up going?

“ We’d round up the motorcade and head down 66 to Oasis Winery where we’d crash a Salahi wine tasting. After killing a few of their finest bottles (most likely repackaged Franzia), we’d take on the nation’s hot button issues.“

5 What the hell do we have to do to get a FamousDC shout out on the radio? Dog walk?

“Done. If you listened to my show, you’d know I don’t have standards.”
For your listening pleasure: http://images.radcity.net/5120/4124041.mp3

Famous 5: Taylor Llewellyn [Tucker Blair]

Meet Taylor Llewellyn .

When all of his friends were getting "grown-up jobs," Taylor decided to start his own clothing line. No, seriously. His line, Tucker Blair, [based in DC] is a collection of fine needlepoint products that include belts, flip flops, dog collars, headbands, key fobs, and polo tees.

We are delighted that our friend Taylor and the Tucker Blair team spent a few minutes to answer our Famous 5 Questions  about their needlepoint kingdom and talk a little trash to the Vineyard Vines guys.

Famous 5: Taylor Llewellyn

1) When you started Tucker Blair did your family and friends think you were out of your mind?

Maybe they thought I was out of my mind, but they definitely didn’t show it!  Everyone has been extremely supportive the whole way through.  It always means a lot when a friend or family member buys a Tucker Blair product.

2) We’ve seen your products for sale as far as Charleston. Where is the most interesting place you’ve recognized someone wearing your goods?

A friend of mine saw someone wearing a Tucker Blair Crab and Beer Bottle belt at the Great Wall of China, which was a great story to hear.  We’ve shipped product to about 20 countries.  Gossip Girl is still the coolest product sighting

3) A Tucker Blair headband was featured on Gossip Girl earlier this year, how did you explain to all of your friends that you watch Gossip Girl?

Hahahaha.  I actually had a good friend say to me about Gossip Girl, “this is either a high point, or a low point for you Taylor, and I really don’t know which it is”.   I will admit I’ve watched the odd episode of Gossip Girl.  My friends gave me an earful after hearing about it, but after the joking they all thought it was pretty cool.

4) President Obama calls and says he’s looking to ditch the "mom jeans" and wants a new look.  What kind of outfit would you set him up with?

I think we’d have to set him up with a TB polo and some flops.  I could see him kicking back at Camp David with some lobster flops.

5) We’ve seen pictures of the Vineyard Vines guys hanging out at exotic locales all over the world. Could you take either of them in an arm-wrestling battle?

Absolutely

Check out TuckerBlair.com

Photo – The Blonde Photographer

Famous 5: Post Secret’s Frank Warren

Frank Warren of Germantown, Maryland set-up a Web site for people to anonymously mail homemade postcards and has since changed the world.

His website, PostSecret.com, has won Weblog and Bloggies awards as well as being featured on CSI: NY.

Frank’s latest PostSecret book, Confessions on Life, Death, & God, was released on October 6, 2009. He was nice enough to answer a few questions for a Famous 5 Interview.

It’s the Famous Five with Frank Warren:

1) How did you create PostSecret? Was it an idea you had in your mind for a while, or did it just come to you one day?

I always knew I had a pretty rich interior life that I did not get a chance to share. I thought others might too and if I could create a safe, nonjudgmental place where anyone could expose their secret desires, embarrassing stories, shocking and funny thoughts it would be pretty cool. What I did not expect was that so many other people would like it too. (Over a million PostSecret books have been sold and the website gets 7 million visitors every month.)

2) Did you see an increase in political postcards during last year’s election?

Yes, during the election they did go up. One said, “I wish I was Michelle Obama on election night. . . Can you imagine the sex!”

3) What will readers learn about PostSecret from your latest book?

That in addition to sexual, funny and shocking secrets, we also have deep feelings about the greater mysteries of life. Our hidden selves are complex, colorful and creative. This secret is in the new book, PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death and God. It was written and mailed on a Polaroid picture, “I am a Christian falling in love with someone who does not believe in God. I think it’s a beautiful love story.” Here is another, “I’m too much woman for all the pansy-ass guys at my church.”

4) What do you want to accomplish with PostSecret? What is the driving force that keeps you up and uploading postcards?

One thing that I have learned from the project is that there are hidden stories of heroism and human frailty happening around us all the time. Knowing that makes life, people, and subway rides more interesting.

5) Do you receive a lot of postcards from Washington, DC? Any running theme that continue to pop up from inside-the-beltway?

Yes, a lot of Washingtonians are searching for that one person they can tell all their secrets to (besides me).

*FamousDC readers can preview up to 20% of Frank’s book for free here.

Previous Famous 5 Interviews

Famous 5: Go Remy

GoRemy [the genius behind the Arlington Rap ] recently moved to the DC area – and we’re pretty pumped up about it. You [and 10,000,000 friends] have seen his work on YouTube. Now we get a chance to learn more about the crazy hummus rapper.

1) We saw your latest rap about the Redskins and laughed our asses off – great work! What DC area city, monument or person will be the subject of your next rap? If we help provide you material, [and we have tons] will you produce a Capitol Hill song?

Thanks, I’m glad you liked it!  I’m not sure what the subject of the next video will be, but it will probably be filmed in and around Arlington.  A Capitol Hill video would be fun, I’ve always wanted to run up the Capitol steps like that guy in the question mark suit.  Though a brown guy running up the steps of the Capitol might prompt some phone calls.

2) Your McDonald’s rap has been viewed over 10 million times on YouTube. Do people recognize you in the drive-thru and did that rap score you any free Happy Meals?

Any time I get recognized at McDonald’s it’s not “hey, there’s that guy from the video,” it’s usually “hey there’s that guy that’s way too old to be in the ball pit.”  I think it’s probably a good thing.  If videos got me free food, I’d never make a video that wasn’t about Cinnabon.

3) If you weren’t fulfilling your dreams on YouTube, what would you be doing?  Would it involve politics?

“World’s Strongest Man” competitions.  They have this event where you throw boulders.  Not that I like feats of strength, I just really hate rocks.

4) Obama and Rahm email you and say they’re up for laying down some tracks tonight. Where is this rap headed?

If they called and asked if we could record tonight, I’d say “yes we can!”  Then I’d laugh at that hilarious joke for several hours.  By then we’d probably have forgotten about the recording and I’d be named Secretary of the Exterior or whatever.

5) Fill in the blank: I read FamousDC because Arial is my favorite font and they’re the best pent-terrogator? in Washington.

**BONUS QUESTION: From Scared Hitless : What’s the worst thing you’d do for money and how much?

I once line danced to “Achy Breaky Heart” for a hundred dollars.  Did I say “a hundred dollars?”  I meant “my own enjoyment.”  “Yesterday.”

Read other Famous 5 interviews.

Famous 5: Tom DeLay

He used to be feared on the House Floor, now he hopes to bring the competition to its knees on the dance floor.  It’s the Famous Five with Tom DeLay

Are you worried about your level of competitiveness given that you’re the oldest contestant?

I didn’t realize until they announced the lineup that I was the oldest contestant by 11 years! So I’m hoping to corner the market on the AARP vote.

Be honest, did you do this to lose weight?

That was just a pleasant side effect. I did it to have fun, but now the competitive spirit has kicked in. I’ve been training really hard and already dropped more than twenty pounds, so at the least, maybe I’ll be “The Biggest Loser”. But who watches NBC anyway?

You’re paired up with some pretty cool celebrities, is Hollywood ready for Tom DeLay?

When I see Kathy Ireland on Monday night, I’m going to tell her that I’m not intimidated by her good looks. After all, I’ve graced the covers of as many magazines as her. Except that people use the pictures of me as dart boards.

Overall, I’ve taken a liking to LA. We enjoy a break from the Houston weather, and no one has a clue who I am.

Any cast mate you’re really excited to get to know?

I’m going to thank Michael Irvin for bringing all those Super Bowls to Texas, but warn him that he’s not the biggest playmaker on the dance floor.

How’s the injured foot?

Cheryl and I have a new motto “dance ’til it breaks.” That’s bound to make for good TV.

Famous 5: “Scared Hitless”

They’ve been profiled in the Politico and Roll Call and are known to turn a few heads every time they take the field.

We thought you’d want to learn a little bit more about the softball team simply known as “Scared Hitless.”

1) We know Matt Pollack and Jeffrey Ostermayer bring the heat from the pitcher’s mound, but who brings the heat off the field?

The Dugout Divas, also known as Mackenzie Miles, Heidi Wilson, Merideth Blackburn and Sarah Kurusz, are known for their debaucherous dance parties in the Hamilton’s Beer Dungeon. More than one tourist has come down to see their moves and left with a beating heart and a sweaty brow.

2) What is the funniest thing that has happened on the field this year? At the bar after the game?

During a game where Coach Kurusz, coming in at a svelte 6′2″ and 240 lbs sported size medium Bike coaching shorts, we were treated to a second awesome display of man when Adam Wise hit a ball so far he trotted the bases with his bat between legs, whipping his backside like a Kentucky Derby champion. Bearing witness to this feat was none other than reality TV host Tom Bergeron. Mr. Wise continued his domination, along with Matt Pollack, by crushing the Fat Boy Challenge at the bar afterwards. They consumed 3 pounds of burger and a pound of fries each in under an hour. I was shocked they were able to hold everything down. Thats more than I can say about myself and another fellow teammate- Graig Mansfield.

3) You play softball on the National Mall – basically, tourist central. Have any tourists commented on the team during a game?

We have a huge squad, often getting 25 or more players out for each game, so a lot of the tourists are interested in what this huge mass of red shirts are doing huddled along the sidelines. I think most people are intimidated of our genetically superior team, but they are not afraid to give us a big “F-you” in their native tongue when a lined shot zips past their toddlers head.

4) Scared Hitless has been written about in Roll Call Sports three times this year. Do you think the fame has gotten to you or the rest of the team?

With the ever increasing media coverage we have had a few instances of the team turning into slight prima-donnas. We sport custom batting music for each player and rock a custom Jock Jam CD while taking the field. Even worse is the attitude that can be seen when Scared Hitless Stadium, AKA the site of nearly all our home games is overtaken by kickballers, or even worse, kite flying, hacky sack kicking hippies. You do not want to get in between a ticked off Nicky Brady and them when someone encroaches our turf.

5)  Fill in the blank: FamousDC is representation to D.C. as Scared Hitless is talent to the Congressional softball league.

Scared Hitless does not play in the minor’s, we are not in the Congressional league. We pound it with the big boys in the House softball league.

**BONUS QUESTION : From Oh My Goff : What’s one thing you know about DC that nobody else would know?

I know all the locations of the DC Toynbee Tiles.

PREVIOUS FAMOUS 5 INTERVIEWS:  CLICK HERE

Famous 5: Oh My Goff

Oh My Goff, better known as Angie Goff, is the W*USA traffic anchor. She also happens to be the coolest TV personality we’ve ever run across.   A George Mason grad, Angie rejoined W*USA team after a stint as an intern back in 2001.

Angie has also been honored with an Emmy for her work at WIS-TV in Columbia, SC and was a top production assistant on the show Entertainment Tonight.

Ladies and gentlemen … you may never look at Washington, D.C. traffic the same way ever again.

Famous 5 Questions: Oh My Goff

1)      Do people ever tell you that you look like Vanessa Minnillo?

I’ve gotten it before along with Lindsay Price. Hey and I’ll take it– this after once being told my smile/laugh favored Roseanne Barr. Oh High School… so cruel, so cruel.

2)      Michelle Obama calls tomorrow and wants to head out for the evening in DC. Where are you going?

JCREW on Wisconsin– because I know we’d get everything FREE.

3)      Stopped traffic makes news for your morning. What’s the funniest traffic story you’ve heard from inside-the-beltway?

I’ve managed to maintain my composure when a tractor trailer carrying hundreds of pounds of shrimp overturned on the beltway and a disabled Krispy Kreme truck had police on the scene… but honestly the one time I almost lost it on air was when I had to report a Silver Spring accident on Kilkenny Street. All I could think of is “You bastards!” and then there were rats.

4)      What is your favorite Michael Jackson song? Why?

“Bad” no question.
…
Is it bad to admit that I really fell in  love with it after Weird Al did his thing? I knew it was true love when I was in 4th grade I bought a Michael Jackson valentine with the words “BAD” spelled out in chocolate.

5)      Fill in the blank: I read FamousDC because   _______.

I read FamousDC because I love Facebook Status Abuse (does that exempt me?) On Oh My GOFF! I have a little segment called “Inbox Exposed” where I air all my weird, crazy and mean email  and respond publicly with a little wit.. loving wit of course!

**BONUS QUESTION: From Mr. Yogato :

In the movie “True Lies,” there is a line when Arnold Schwarzenegger is talking to Jaime Lee Curtis and says “Do it very slowly.  Do it deucimal.”  For the life of me, I have no idea what “deucimal” means.  Can you please help?

Based on the word origin of “deuce” I believe whatever he was asking for he wanted it twice as good.

Pic courtesy Katharine Hauschka

PREVIOUS FAMOUS 5 INTERVIEWS:

Famous5 Questions: Mr. Yogato
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: 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.

Famous Five: Has Barack Obama Met His Match? [Matt Harding]

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

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