Alright Already....But You Know This Stuff Already Guys

Where blog and facebook meet: The list everyone is is posting for facebook and I was hounded to comply:

I obviously can't follow rules but here they are anyway:

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. My relationship with shoes is complicated. I LOVE shoes, the higher the better,
But I run around barefoot at every opportunity.

2. Despite my conservative friends labeling me a ‘flaming liberal,' and my liberal friends labeling me conservative, I am an educated moderate. I hear both sides and usually land right back in the middle.

2. b) I hate nothing more than a blind liberal or conservative. Do your research, earn your opinion.

3. My favorite food is a Mexican - especially fish tacos.

4. I am a closet case (well at list I think so) type A person. For an east coaster I'm pretty laid back but the big red flag is my obsession with organizing and lists.

5. Job is always my # 1 priority, second is my family (both blood and non-related.)

6. I love to surf, I am terrible at it and only recently was able to start standing up but love it nonetheless. My board is 9'0 and my 4 year brother stood up on his first try. True story.

7. Die hard Chargers Fan! (No John I still can't name 5 players) but I like to use phrases like "we threw a hail Mary" as if I were actually on the field as the receiver.

8. I name everything. No really, everything. Car: Lucy, Apartment: Chez Copa, Phone: Winston, Computer (work): Abby, Computer (home): Samantha, Printer: Rhonda, iPod: Lilly pod, camera: Molly, Surf board: Delilah, etc.

9. My family is HUGE. I am now one of seven brothers and sisters, my dad remarried 3 times. And then there is the extended family…..We have multiple Christmas' and no gathering is less than 30 people.

10. My goal in life, other than African Correspondent for BBC is to complete the 1,000 things to see before I die list (book). I've completed 47.

11. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.

12. I have always been a rule bender (if people continue to follow it, it hasn't been broken). I recognize them most of the time, but rules are for people who can't see out of the box.

13. I was the first white girl on our high school's Step Team.

14. I can quote every line from Top Gun.

15. One day I will settle down. I promise. When Thomas Crown/Mr. Darcy/Hugh Lorrie/LL Cool J/George Clooney presents a little Harry Winston, I'll take one for the team. No really, I’m not picky, it's just I haven't found a guy who can keep up yet.

16. I am obsessed with coffee (that goes for coffee flavored stuff too.) In fact, I am waiting for the first ever coffee IV (intravenous) drip/clicker (think morphine clicker) to be invented.

17. I will visit space one day. I’ll mortgage my first born, but I will do it.


18. I can't stand video games, I feel like I'm wasting time.

19. Forget flying, if I could have a superpower, it would be to freeze time.

20. About 4 years ago, my new year’s resolution was to try every food that was offered to me. I've eaten some pretty weird things since then. The worst surprisingly was alligator. The best ....jury is still out. see #3 for more info.

21. I can't spell. I blame my hippy San Diego education for teaching us phonics rather then spelling.

22. I still can't tell automatically my right from my left. I have to use my left hand to make the letter 'L.'

23. I love to laugh. I never cry (in front of people). And I love to dance...anywhere...anytime

which is usually facilitated by the constant soundtrack looping through my head.

24. Are you catholic? We're probably related.

25. I LOVE flying, well anything having to do with aviation, which helps because we live right by the airport. I find turbulence thrilling. Ironically, I am the only person I know who can sleep through takeoff and landing. I'm usually so tired by the time I make it to airport, seconds after buckling in, I'm out.

25. B - I ALWAYS check my luggage (so I hate the new fees) Well have you tried fitting your 'reasonably' sized luggage in those shoe boxes they call overhead storage?
25. C - I may be chatty but I HATE talking to the person next to me on flights.
25. D - I rarely make my scheduled flights - it’s the rule thing, and my constant tardiness (I'm working on it guys.)

26. I have been blessed with a handful of dedicated mentors: Grandma Bev (Goose), Carol Dreher, Mike Freedman (GW), John Matthews (WMAL), and Aunti Jo.


27. I'm a huge Wonk. Celebrities don't impress me - and I've met a lot of them. Really met, like was introduced to and had a conversation with, not let-me-get-a-picture-with-now-we're-best-friends-wink-wink with, but I just can't see what the fuss is. I get weak in the knees for politicos and journos....


28. I have a few heroes but the big ones are Kimberly Dozier, Andy Rooney, and Madeline Albright.

29. I share a birthday with my friend Kate, Chris Plante, Frank Sinatra, and Mexico's Patron Saint Day Lady Guadalupe.

30.. The number 12 somehow sneaks into every aspect of my life. Birthday 12-12, born at 12:54 pm. Live on 12th floor, license plate adds up to 12, etc. The girls see it before I do now.

31. I'm a lightweight - two drink limit folks.

32. I talk...a lot...My eighth grade algebra teacher tried to send me out of the classroom for talking and rather than stand outside like I was supposed to, I told him that “one day someone is going to pay me for that talk.” He was so dumbfounded I was allowed to stay.

33. I have an irrational fear of snakes. Don't ask why...what part of irrational don’t you understand?

34. I love horoscopes; also irrational.

35. My mom is the greatest bargain shopper ever. She taught me everything I know and yes my children will know how satellite shop. (it's a system in which she gave us a coupon at the cart and while she moved up and down the aisles we ran back and forth with the items.)  

Hey Sexy Pants!

Sorry, a little overdue but I keep meaning to share.

Hey Sexy Pants!
The Ladies and I had one full packed Sunday, we were the official cheerleaders for mile marker 17 of the Marine Corp Marathon!

We got involved completly randomly. Working at WMAL, we work very closely with Fisher House, and as a result, I feel very close to.

While Linds and I were loitering around the army 10-mile finish line (for no reason really......except beautiful military men running through our neighborhood....) we swung by the FH booth to say hello. They enlisted us as volunteers on the spot for the marathon (tough application process I promise!)

No the signs we made were AWESOME, we put a lot of thought and research behind them. But on the metro ride down to our mile marker, we couldn't help survaying the runners for their favorite past sign slogans. "Run Sexy Pants," far and away was the winner, so look for it next year!

After ringing our cow-bells for four hours will we coached on Team Fisher House, we headed back to Crystal City for the festivities.

Well wouldn't you know it, one of the performing groups was a step team. As a former stepper in high school, I was encouraged to jump on stage with the team. Unfortunatly it's not like riding a bike and I was a little ...er.... rusty.

But being the ambitious cruise director that I have a tendency to be, we also packed in a little road trip afterward to take part in the Virginia tradition of fall apple picking. We had a great time, but not gonna lie, by that point we were all a little cranky and desperately in need of a little respite. So on the way home, we took a little detour to the winery next door.

Sure we were cutting it a little close by sliding in the door at 4:58 pm but the owner was kind enough to accommodate one final tasting group. I'd like to think it was our good Kharma, but perhaps it was the weathered faces sporting our team fisher house jersey's that convinced him.

We were in for a treat. Chateau O'Brian, right behind the orchard, boasts a special fall vintage produced not from grapes, but apples! So worth it!

Not sure I'd react as viscerally as Steph, but I can't blame the guy for trying. Keep at it Politico - you're just doing your job! It's not like he was asking for his birth certificate or if Sasha and Malia were really his kids or anything.

From Auntie Steph's Blog: from The Digital Hairshirt

Tase Him, Bro!

President Obama made a surprise visit to the White House press corps Thursday night, but got agitated when he was faced with a substantive question.

Pressed further by the Politico reporter about his Pentagon nominee, William J. Lynn III, Obama turned more serious, putting his hand on the reporter's shoulder and staring him in the eye.

"Alright, come on" he said, with obvious irritation in his voice. "We will be having a press conference at which time you can feel free to [ask] questions. Right now, I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself to you guys - that's all I was trying to do."

Hey, amateur - when POTUS walks into the White House press room, what possibly makes you think, you egotistical tool, that they are not going to ask questions? And if I were the reporter that you tried to "mad dog" I would have told you in no uncertain terms to get your hand off before it comes off involuntarily.

Sad Day In ConAir Land

FROM TOMMY'S PHONE:

SPECIAL BULLETEN: JEN RICHER FOUND A GRAY HAIR...

Well there you have it....I may look 12 but my hair follicles say otherwise.

Phase I: Denial
My first reaction is like any other woman's: I need a second opinion. Charlene and Tommy confirmed it.

Phase II: Pain and Guilt
Charlene pulled it (ok them) out for me

Phase III: Rage
"Now I'm going RED!"


Phase IV: Understanding
I consulted WebMD but was left wanting so I found this description. Sure it's for kids but at my ripe old age, I'll take what I can get!

Phase V: Broadcast
Thank you Wahine Report.

Obama: Do I Need A Doctor's Note?

Refreshing: Taking some time from running the country to head up to my neighborhood for Sasha's class presentation:

President Obama, Michelle Visit Daughter's School

by The Huffington Post News Editors

WASHINGTON — A day after President Barack Obama publicly teased local school officials for canceling classes because of wintry weather, he and his wife visited their younger daughter's school on Thursday.
Obama and his wife, Michelle, left the White House around 8:15 a.m. for the ride to the Bethesda, Md., campus of the Sidwell Friends School, a private school where their 7-year-old daughter, Sasha, is in the second grade.
The Obamas spent a little more than an hour at the school attending a class presentation before they returned to the White House. Michelle Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, joined them.
Obama had ridiculed local officials for closing school Wednesday, saying "we're going to have to apply some flinty Chicago toughness to this town."
Older daughter Malia, 10, is a fifth-grader at Sidwell's middle school in the District of Columbia.

City of Sissies

The last couple of days were a little chilly here in the District, but coupled with the minor (I know, coming from a California girl too.) yes, minor snow storm, the city came to a screeching halt. I was in the newsroom taking all the closing info, none of you went to work yesterday. You're welcome.

But in the city renowned for it's southern efficiency and northern charm, (I'm being ironic for all you west coast readers) it is amazing to me how a little precipitation has the ability to bring the most powerful 5 square miles in the world, down to it's knees. Forget terrorists; we've got Mother Nature with a bout of PMS to deal with.

Hailing from the land of overpaid meteorologists in San Diego, I figured this was business as usual when I first moved here. That was 7 years ago, now it's just getting old.

Come on DC - it's not like its a surprise - it snows in January. Drivers - you can't ignore it until it goes away - and more importantly: YOU KNOW BETTER. Slow down, there's no need tailgate - use your lights instead. (Same goes for you Southern Californians it does rain... occasionally.... it's a desert after all.)

And do we really need to close everything for 2 inches of snow? The roads were salted, slick yes, but salted. For a city of workaholics - we're a bunch of sissies - even the President had to call us out.

All About the Jens

Marriam-Webster Word of the day:

primogeniture \prye-moh-JENN-uh-chur\ noun
*1 : the state of being the firstborn of the children of the same parents
2 : an exclusive right of inheritance belonging to the eldest son

Use in a sentence:
Why yes I often invoke the right of primogeniture in the Richer family, but I also appreciate the custom nature of the word's stress syllable....Jenn!

Thought I'd share.

Ultimate Buzz Kill

Comment of the day:
(from a former roomie no less)

Megan: i'll never figure out how you make it to work on time at 5am even if you are a coffee whore

Will someone explain decaf to me? No seriously...it's hard for an addict to understand why you would waste a perfectly good bevie....so what's the point?

Apparently you no-caffers are going to throw a temper tantrum with this new development from the Coffee Kings and I can't imagine what level of rioting to expect, but I can't imagine it to be a very energetic one.

Starbucks Ditches Decaf
Metrosource, 1/28/09

(Seattle, WA) -- Starbucks is ditching decaf in an effort to save money. The cash-strapped company brews fresh pots of coffee every 30 minutes and was apparently pouring a lot of decaf down the drain. As of noon today, customers who want to have "coffee without coffee" will have to special order their custom cup of java and it'll be fresh brewed just for them. Bloomberg news says Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is trying to save 400-million-dollars by September in labor and product expenses. Part of that plan includes brewing smaller pots of coffee so there's less waste.

About a month ago, Linds and I bought the Costco size bag of Dunkin' Donuts coffee grounds and I have to say I have been completely spoiled. The coffee is amazing and as a caffeine addict I know my beans.

In an effort to save money, I bought over the weekend the Costco size Maxwell House and let me tell you, it was anything but 'good to the last drop.'

Regardless, I downed it so I could function at 5 this morning at the station to help with the weather closings, but that baby is headed right back to be exchanged for the yummie stuff.

So I have to ask, why would anyone drink decaf? It's not for the taste or connoisseurship. Decaffeinated beans are regular coffee beans that have been processed and stripped of their caffeine, but with it go some of the chemicals that contribute to aroma and flavor.

Wikipedia: The process is usually performed on unroasted (green) beans, and starts with steaming of the beans. They are then rinsed in solvent that contains as much of the chemical composition of coffee as possible without also containing the caffeine in a soluble form. The process is repeated anywhere from 8 to 12 times until it meets either the international standard of having removed 97% of the caffeine in the beans or the EU standard of having the beans 99.9% caffeine free by mass. Coffee contains over 400 chemicals important to the taste and aroma of the final drink; this effectively means that no physical process or chemical reaction will remove only caffeine while leaving the other chemicals at their original concentrations.

And, you obviously aren't drinking it for the side effect of a nice energy jolt.

Is it for it's temperature or texture? If so why wouldn't you opt for a tasty bev like cocoa?

Not like this affects me personally, but since you're reading this, you are going to get my opinion anyway:

I think it may time to grow up and grab a real cup o' joe folks.

I Love My Job

No big secret: I love my job. Aside from wading waste deep news waters every day, I am the digital alchemist for the station, meaning, I get to try out all the new web tools and see what works. 

Plus, the proximity factor is a huge perk; working out of DC, if its a top story, more than likely it happened or is being reacted to here. 

But the best part of my job is the people I meet and work with. Now to be honest, I could not identify half to the people on E! Talk Soup or OK magazine, but as a self-proclaimed wonk, when a journo or politico passes by you'd think I just discovered Egyptian cotton or the electric can opener.


About twice a week, the Morning Joe crowd hits the MAL studio to broadcast their radio program, and afterward, they do a little post-game down time in the newsroom. (let's be honest, next to Cork downtown, we are the new 'it' spot right?). But today, Tucker Carlson, former bow tie wearing conservative pundit from Crossfire (filmed at GW), is filling in for Joe and Mika. Holler! And it turns out, he's a San Diego kid too! Who knew! So of course my reaction...."shut up!"

There you have it, I told Tucker Carlson to "shut up!" I love my job!

Disclaimer: Don't try this at home kids.

GW Shout Out, Love NCIS

Why is there no J Street in Washington DC? NCIS asks that very question, but in the process, gives GW a little shout out!

No Crutch About It

Last Sunday, Tommy, Steph and I were invited to one of the many Inaugural Balls, but this one in particular was quite special. It was the Disability Ball and one of the key performers was Bill Shannon. Now I know my two month stint last summer (foot issue) is in no way comparable to this, but I was lucky enough to figure out how to move all of two blocks, let alone defy gravity. It's incredible how beautiful Bill makes this look!

Stress Under Wraps

Happy Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!

As a huge office supply junkie I am wholeheartedly celebrating this. No really, as a kid, while all the other little girls were begging for Barbie accessories, I grovelled to tag along with Mom on her trips to Staples.

And if I was ever separated from the cart on our Costco (Price Club at the time) trips, Mom would surely find me roaming the aisles of bulk highlighters and file systems. Lets be honest though, are you really surprised?

Little known facts: In 1957 two engineers. Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes started out trying to make plastic wallpaper. They did not succeed. What they ended with was the world’s most addicting invention, bubble wrap.

All are invited to participate to join in the Eight Annual Celebration of Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day by popping virtually of course!

I Just Can't Put My Finger On It...

Let me preface this by saying, until the jury decides one way or the other, Governor Rod Blagojevich is still innocent. But, if the allegations are true...what a crook.

The man tries to sell of Obama's Senate seat to the highest bidder and now radio stations are competing for him to fill their time slots?

What valuable content could he possibly contribute to our air waves. Moreover in an industry where we are vying to keep our own, why him???

Blagojevich gets radio offer.
WLS, Chicago PD Bob Shomper says if Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich steps down, he'll have a job waiting at the Citadel talk station. Shomper says he'd put the embattled executive in the Sunday 12-2pm timeslot. Blagojevich's impeachment trial starts Monday.

Blagojevich gets second offer.
Embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has gotten a second radio job offer. Tribune's WGN, Chicago is offering to hire Blagojevich and wife Patti to host its currently-vacant weekday 1-4pm timeslot. PD Kevin Metheny says it would be "unseemly" to say how much they'll pay but promises it's a six-figure salary with benefits. He's also offering to throw in a logoed WGN Radio jogging suit.

Inauguration Weekend In A Nutshell

HIGH-FIVE INAUGURATION! - watch more funny videos

What Are You Drinking!?!

"What are you drinking, ew!"

That's usually the first response I get as I nurse my Naked Juice: Green Machine fruit juice cocktail.

I'll admit, it really does look like a cross between pond scum and monster vomit, but it is so tasty, and good for you!

So when I saw Catherine Banning, a main character from Thomas Crown Affair drinking it, I recognized it immediately. Yesterday, while trying to find the soundtrack for the movie I stumbled across this blog dedicated to TCA trivia and of course put my two cents in!

Happy Birthday Angela

I know this is late coming but Happy Birthday fellow Chez Copian!

For Angela's Bday we surprised her and took her to the new Brasserie Beck.

Having spent a month living on the Belgian border of France, the food couldn't have been a better cuisine memory. Nothing like a bowl of steamed mussels, frites (of course with multiple dipping sauces), lobster stew, a Belgian Brew, and finished with ...what else... a Belgian waffle. MMMMMM.

The Cutting Edge

My best guy friend Nick is a HUGE Hockey Fan so it was only appropriate that we take in a game while he's visiting the right coast. It was a night of firsts.

Reporting from the Verizon Center, in downtown DC, the Chez Copa stingers were not only were successful in finding parking, but we managed to slide into the press box with a mere 2 minutes to spare before the caps took the ice. (Jen early....what?!)

But from the looks of the stands, we weren't the only ones running late. Nick noted as he tried to muffle his cheers to fit in with the rest of the stoic press core, "If you look around, there are still plenty of open seats, but the game's technically sold out." Who can blame them though.

Like many Washingtonians, I was completely oblivious to this little treasure, which as of Friday boasted a 9 game winning streak. Thank goodness I had my own personal sportscaster (Nick) walking me through each of the plays, because those ice jockeys have some funky jargon, and I would have left just as clueless as when I arrived.

From the press box, I also noticed a huge gap between genders throughout the reporting staff. I, being the sole female, was railroaded on my way to the ladies by a sportscaster.

Clearly unaccustomed to a need for gender differentiated restrooms, he blasted right by me into the powder room. Standing outside the door, I waited until he was on his way out to ask if he noticed anything "out of sorts...you know ...like missing urinals etc." Rather than a shocked expression to what I thought must have been a mistake, he mumbled an unconvincing, "sorry," as he tossed out his paper towel.

Back on the ice, the real stars of the game were the Capital's Alex "THE GREAT" Ovechkin

slashing over 40 shots at Blue Jackets and the goaltender, Steve Mason  slapping them all away. Nick explained to me that on average, a goaltender fields half of that traffic.

After the game Nick and I took to the locker room to interview....well ....anybody, seeing as how I've never covered sports before and my expectations were low. Thankfully we were rushed into the press gaggle with (the half dressed) Mason.

When asked about his spot on record that broke the Caps winning streak, he said, " [my defense does] a great job for me; they're there for a reason."

Not too shabby

Yes I Am A Sore Loser

 

Well there goes that Chargers season. Next year boys, next year!

Happy Birthday Leah!

Starting It off With A Bang - ish

Sorry for the MIA status folks, lots happening this week. With Inauguration just around the corner, all my attention has been diverted to 1600 Penn updates. But a few fun updates, Angela and I have taken the 2009 Discovery Channel Health Challenge. 

We've been milking the free month of Bally's membership. I'm on Day 7 and kicking butt ya'll.

Don't want to jinx myself though. With a gazillion other New Years Resolutions I've made over the years (ie: washing off the night's mascara masterpiece before bed ha!) I actually want to keep this one! I've noticed if you tack an appointment at Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door spa for good behavior to the end, it becomes much easier to keep! I'll let you know in May how that works out.

I thought I would kick start the year off with a few other improvements, like cleaning out the ole closet and either donating the clothes I didn't wear any more or getting the busted ones hemmed to reenergize the wardrobe a little. I was off to a good start, but in the process I racked up $60 at the dry cleaners (the mending pile was a year old) and in the process of donating my clothes, I also donated my house keys. Woops! (Fear not I tracked them down last night!)

But the best Jen Richer update is the star appearance of Nick Murphree, one of my all time best friends since we were like 8. No, really we were instant best friends starting in 3rd grade. (I moved to a new school and he was one of the first new friends I made. I mean, who can resist the charms of a kid noticing that you and Jenny Craig share the same first name? I was serenaded in the hallways for years with her latest ad jingles, not in a taunting bully sort of way, totally endearing I swear. (Well, that’s how I remember it anyway.)

Well Nick has taken a long weekend and a long flight to elude his studies and hit up the DMV (well D and V mostly). First, stop, Caps game tonight. (He's a huge hockey wonk.)

Happy New Year!

It was a balmy 15 degrees with a wind chill of 2 but the ladies of chez copa teased their hair, lined their lips and donned their formal poofs (ski jackets) to ring in the new year at the Crystal City Sports Pub.

The highlight of the event, aside from the champagne disaster (EDITORS NOTE: Only orange juice and Chambord may be mixed with Champagne, flavored vodka is terrible.) was the 8th grade ritual: the dance circle, which inevitable becomes a showcase for your best lawn mover and shopping cart dance offs!

Made The Morning Reading List!

Alright... who blabbed.....

From the Fishbowl DC

Morning Reading List, 12.12.08

Eight years ago, the Supreme Court stopped the presidential recount in Florida, effectively making Republican George W. Bush the winner. Ed Koch is 84 today. Frank Sinatra was born on this day in 1915 (you hear that Doug and Peter?) You are downright pessimistic about the journalism job market. Today is the birthday of 630 WMAL's Chris Plante and Jen Richer. Ever want to know who owns MeetThePress.com? Slate contemplates "The State of the Cookie." DC Concierge provides a guide to "The DC Singles Scene." Defamer presents, "The Best Letterman Interviews of 2008." Lifehacker asks, "What's the Last Thing You Want to Hear After You've Been Laid Off?" And Slate contemplates "Layoff Spin." Check out today's White House Photo of the Day from Time. Today's "Angry Journalist" rant of the day: "The executive editor spends more time blogging and getting into comment section pissing matches than inspiring decent journalism."