Zumba Switcheroo

So it's been a little while since I've been to a class let alone visit my world famous gym (you know the one I just HAD to join in January.) But I figure I'm paying for it so I might as well use it now. I was also inspired after our recent cruise, where apparently we were operating on high octane buffet food (just wait until the study comes out...crack I tell you), and hit the gym at 7 am Bermuda time, daily. (that's right I said daily.)

Anywhoo, EVERYONE at the pub swears up and down that Zumba changed their life. Low and behold they have Zumba at my WFG, (World Famous Gym) so I take a little nap (shut-up) and head over for my 7:30 class. Leaving the ipod in the car I skip okay...drag...my body onto the hardwood floor with 20 other classmates.

But for a dance aerobic class they all seem to have a lot of equipment...steps, free wights, yoga mats, ok, but then they all start getting dumbbells. Toto- were not in Kansas anymore. This can't be the dance sensation that's rocking the Millennial gym generation. Wait is that...no....weight belts, multiple wight belts...and these aren't spry little 20 somethings....most of these women have hair cropped shorter than Dad's....hmmm. Just as I was packing up and heading to my safe elliptical, sans ipod (ugh kill me now), I was spotted by Alecia...the instructor...DAMN.

"Let me help you set up," she says, "you're a new face, must be your first Powerflex class." Too embarrassed to hurt her feelings and peace, I follow this perky little drill sargent for the next hour through more weight reps than I thought possible. And I loved it! I am so deliciously sore. Maybe next week I'll try Zumba (now that I have the updated class schedule.)

West Wing Moment

from DCRTV:

Obama at Deeds rally at Mclean Hilton in Tysons this afternoon and evening... White House told Deeds campaign what roads would be closed... "Are you crazy?" was their response? We'll hear every ten minutes on the eights (on WTOP) that we caused a huge traffic jam!... WH response.....well, you'd have to pay $7,000 for us to fly him there in Marine One... Deeds campaign: sure. Money well-spent to avoid hearing every ten minutes we were screwing up afternoon rush hour traffic in Virginia... (8/6/09)

Megs: Yen-Yen I Love Your Lifestyle

Meet Megs - Megs was my roomie senior year of college (patience and intimidation are hard qualities to find in a single person...she survived the Jen Hurricane and comes back for more....masochism maybe?) But to her credit, she is also the Maryl Streep of our generation, a human lap dog, and my number one cheerleader. In addition to pretending to work and harassing me via gchat (think creditor robocall style) she occasionally reads the Wahine.

Last weekend,  While linds and I headed to the Hamptons of DC for first time, Megs jumpstarted her roadtrip - marking Chez Copa as her first pit stop. Megs is, shall we say....creative...and downright impulsive..but no one can compare to her reckless charm. She was oh so kind to privately recap her little adventure for a select audience, to which I am completely exploiting and broadcasting over the Wahine Report Channel. Thought this would also be a nice little read for you all while Chez Copa and I remake The Lonely Planet "I'm on a boat" video this week from Bermuda. I would just link to her blog...but she has yet to start one...so here's her first shot. P.S. Megs this took 45 minutes to format...just sayin.

LLLLLLLLLLLooooooooooVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVeeeeeeeeeee Jen....

Long long ago in a land far far away (about a week and a half ago in New York), there lived a couple of fair maidens who turned to each other and said, “You doing anything?” “Nein.” “Wanna go on a southern road trip?” “Sure, why not?”


Welcome to the Southern Road Trip Recap Newsletter. The trip will be re-capped in four issues this week, beginning today. Please submit all queries and complaints to caroline0985@gmail.com, all compliments tommarymcg@gmail.com.


WASHINGTON DC/ANNAPOLIS: "This would be great material for your blog."


While Caroline was whooping it up in DC on Thursday at events for her brother’s wedding, I was home alone pining for adventure over “so you think you can dance.”


I embarked for DC at last on Friday, but Smarty Pants didn’t check her ticket and ended up at penn station with three hours to kill so I did some souvenir shopping (read: drinking alone at the bar which is called “kabooze”- very classy establishment for those who care to know...).


Once in DC, my college roomie Jen and her now roomie Lindsey actually left me to my own devices in their apartment for 36 whole hours. Realizing the weight of this responsibility, I abused it immediately and took advantage of the pool and laundry situation. Now, you may be asking, "Laundry?You were only there for 3 hours and you packed for 10 days- what gives?"Well, let me tell you about this smart guy (me).I had the happy surprise of realizing I packed dog treats (host gift for stop 2 in NC) in with my clothes.Now, as alluring as it sounds, it's actually not terribly exciting to smell like cured meat.So yes, I did laundry.You're all welcome.

The next day I stole Caroline away and we finally began our epic adventure- first stop: Annapolis.Here are some fun facts about Annapolis:1) Did you know it’s the capital of Maryland?Good thing after 4years in DC I totally knew that…2) Also, a lot of important historical things happened there.For example, Thurgood Marshall did something there.I’m not exactly sure what it was that he did but there’s a statue dedicated to racial equality.Caroline took a picture in front of it while making an equals sign.We asked the other tourists present if it was “too soon”.They just stared at us.This means it's okay.


Have you ever eaten steamed crabs?Caroline hadn’t, but I think the dining experience was enhanced by her outbursts of “EWWWW!!!IT LOOKS WEIRD!”Such a life-changing culinary event could only be topped by a trip to the Naval Academy, where we met a guard who was DA-REAM-Y, and told us we could do whatever we wanted.He didn’t actually say this but it’s what I heard.


The chapel at Annapolis is gorgeous, and so are the sailors.Some strolled on by us and said “Good afternoon, ladies.”Folks, these were officers AND gentlemen, but 1) we didn’t think they could see us staring, this was embarrassing, and 2) The embarrassment was only equaled by our inability to get words out because we were so blinded by the white.Caroline managed a “good afternoon?” while I stammered  over “Hi- I mean… hi.”We opted NOT to take a picture with Dreamboat Guard as he was really serious and military-ish and also really pretty, so we got ice cream instead and capped the night off with drinks on Jen’s gorgeous terrace in preparation for the next day's journey...

FORT BRAGG, NC: “Now is Not the Time to Start a Gender Battle.”

The train ride to Fort Bragg is 6 hours long. This is a long journey that requires extensive provisions like bourbon flasks, miniature bottles of wine and m&ms. These purchases get you funny looks at 9am,but look more normal around noon- at noon it’s positively adorable.

By the time we got to Fayetteville, NC (where the fort is), we were adorable, but the weather was not, so GI Joe packed us in and took us on a tour of the area before the rain got worse.

GI Joe is not his real name, but it’s funnier to say and probably helps me remember who he is better than his real name (jokes).Sean (before he was GI Joe) and I were in “The Crucible” together in college before he left to go join the army… something about “freedom” and “bad guys”or whatever.Personally I think he joined so he could teach me how to shoot.

Here are some fun facts about Fort Bragg:1) It is not placed on a precipice surrounded by stone walls.2) It’s basically like summer camp with a couple of differences.You can canoe, play polo, and do karaoke, but they will NOT let you jump out of a plane (even with a parachute) if you are a civilian, so don’t bother asking… it just makes them laugh…

After introducing us to a very large statue named “Iron Mike” and very large planes at Pope AFB (Caroline ran around with her arms spread pretending to be a plane, but decided that making the airplane noises was beneath her dignity), GI Joe took us shopping to acquire the basics like cake mix and Kevlar gloves.

At dinner, I think GI Joe began to realize what a hurricane his little whim of inviting us down would turn out to be, because we were best friends with the waiter before the first course and had already given each other nicknames.Caroline and I are basically popular everywhere.This was followed by Caroline dominating the pool table sat ITS, a Nascar bar behind the train tracks.GI Joe tried his best,but didn’t stand a chance against Caroline, who can actually play, and me, who can not, but who cheats shamelessly.

The next morning, Caroline and I invented “Army Tennis”- if it doesn’t go over the fence, the ball is still in play.The soldiers walking by were big fans, and I think they’ll adopt “Army Rules” next time they play, but the Army wives were more suspicious.

After a sweaty 20 mins in a stay-in-the-car-no-AC-car-wash, Caroline kind of lost her mind in need of the AC, so I ran to the WalMart for provisions like milk and water balloons.

WalMart is about 5 minutes away down a straight road.I was lost for two hours when GI Joe called and asked me to pick him up as he was done with work...

Driving on to an army base is complicated.First I went in the wrong entrance and they had to stop traffic so I could turn around and go back to the civilian part.When I finally got there they asked for my license and tags.Do you know what tags are? I didn’t- so I handed every single piece of paper in the car to the guard, which got a little bit awkward when we got to the parking ticket in GI Joe’s glove compartment. Apparently “tags” is secret army code for registration-they should just say that.

GI Joe was a little angry when he found out I was detained, but I was having a marvelous time!The guard and I were joking about how I was the only troublemaker of the day (the army now has a file on me- this is true), and the MP (military policeman), who I nicknamed Captain America, generously insisted on escorting me to GI Joe’s workplace.I told him this was wonderful as I was probably going to get lost anyway since I’d already been lost for two hours that afternoon- and how could I turn down my first police/military escort?!He laughed.When he finally got me there I asked him where he was when I was looking  for Wal Mart for two hours. He told me he wasn’t on duty yet but to give him a call next time. I did not realize this was a pick up line until later.

In compensation for my “troubles” (I was soooo upset by all that undivided attention…) GI Joe bought a round of the biggest cherry limeades I have ever seen from Sonic.This was my first trip to Sonic, which is a drive-in like in the Flintstones.It is pronounced “Sonique,” and it is amazing.

We picked up Caro, who, with Harley the dog, had made the most delicious cake ever in my absence, and we all went to the shooting range.I wasn’t sure if I was going to be allowed but GI Joe promised“You’re not coming to Fort Bragg and not shooting anything.”He was a marvelous instructor and took us through all the safety features and what to do (Caroline decided to cautiously observe and provide moral support rather than shoot).I am told I did very well (I got a bullseye!!!!!).My target’s name was Henry.Henry got what was coming.I named GI Joe’s target Phillip.GI Joe is a good shot, but when he let me get a few, it was me who capped Phillip twice in the head… just saying…Apparently I am a “killing machine.”I guess it runs in the family- thanks, Mom.

After dinner I learned how to hip toss, head-butt 5 different ways,deflect knife attacks, and stuff about cigars. Caroline was going totake pictures but I asked not to have photographic evidence of me getting my ass kicked, which did not actually happen as GI Joe is a gentleman, and I think got a little uncomfortable when I kept flinching- which is a natural reaction when you grow up with boys and not actually an indication of mistrust of your instructor, but whatevs.

The next day saw a successful 4:55 am wake up call for the guy who said waking him up couldn’t be done because “I’ve slept on helicopter pads.”Nein!I learned from the best- (my college roommates), and nothing is a better wake up than turning all the lights on and singing“Good morning, Starshine!” at the top of your voice.Effective AND marvelous.Caroline thought so too, she couldn’t stop laughing.I think the army should adopt our methods, seeing that they are so effective.

This time we were not trusted with the car, and were left to our own devices at home, where we made friends at the pool, and then built a fort in GI Joe’s room.

He got out of work early and we all went to the Wa-Ho (Waffle House)for lunch, followed by a tour of the home built by Edgar Allen Poe.Did you know that’s a really common name?Yeah, you go in and they tell you “No, not the writer, the other one- the businessman nobody knows about.”The tour was educational, however.And even though Poe’s daughter had more stuff, the son had the bigger room.When I vociferously objected to this, the already awkward tour guide stammered and GI Joe suggested, “This is not the time to start a gender battle.

We ducked out of the tour early and headed to historic Fayetteville for $2 beers (this was the regular price, not happy hour- I love the south).

GI Joe then dropped us at the train and went home to recover from the48 hour Hurricane- during which he was the most gracious, good host we could've asked for at Fort Bragg.

Amtrak was 2 hours late.

CHARLESTON, SC: “Just Walkin’ Mah Bird”

Success in travelling depends on an important combination of planning,and asking the locals where they go- it’s usually cheaper and better.Seeing as how in my ridiculous excitement I only planned for SummerCamp (read: Army) and Savannah, I didn’t really know a lot aboutCharleston, so it was lucky, the morning after we arrived (2 hourslate), that we were pointed in the direction of Joseph’s for abreakfast of amazing pancakes and tablecloths on which you may color.

After our morning feast we picked up Clara Barton- our car for theremainder of the trip.Clara Barton is a sleek, sassy, incrediblyfuel efficient silver fox of a Chevy Malibu.

First stop was the sleepy little town of Seabrook, as featured in “TheNotebook.”It looks different... almost opposite. The marsh waslovely though.

Then: Caroline's Undoing... The Battery is the tip of the Charlestonpeninsula.The homes there are ridiculous (Caroline was in heaven).We did not see many locals.They were steering clear.Caroline wouldsnap a picture.Stop.Walk.Shout (loudly), “STOP IT!THIS IS JUSTTOO CUTE!”and Repeat.Another thing you can see at the battery isFort Sumter… very far away.

Also at the battery is the Coast Guard, capping off our makeshift goalof hitting all the branches of the armed forces on this trip(Sidenote: You may be asking about the Marines.I chatted with one inJen’s building in DC.We talked about the weather.We're bestfriends).Caroline captured a beautiful picture of the Coast Guardbuilding with the beautiful sign in front of it that says “NOPHOTOGRAPHS.”

After sweet teas at the Barbados lounge, a crowded stroll throughMarket Square, and pictures in front of the “Cougar Club,” we arrangedto attend a charity event sponsored by Bombay Sapphire Gin and GQMagazine, honoring “Charleston chefs feed the needy," which is exactlywhere we headed after dinner at the Shem Shack and FREE COOKIES at thehotel.(The cookies = my favorite part about Charleston).

This event... was not what we were expecting.I think in our Yankeeminds we were imagining an antebellum event with pizzazz, and charmingSouthern gentlemen entertaining us.It was different... almostopposite...The Sapphire Collins was being rolled out with no lemonjuice and our social companions were... not the velveteen bunny.However, pictures of our mugs were snapped for “Carolina Nighlife” and“Charleston Magazine.”On the balcony Caroline saw her first PalmettoBug (flying cockroach), and used me as a human shield against it…twice.Good thing I’m nice and meaty.

Afterwards at a bar called Henry’s, a conversation struck up with theonly people from Jersey.Caroline made a joke about their reluctanceto disclose their professions, and the rest of the night was spentwith the boys insisting they were not, in fact, male escorts.I didnot talk to them very much, as the band was perfect for a dance party,and SportsCenter was on.But I did learn that boys don’t like it whenyou address them directly as “Hey, Wingman!”This was followed by anight swim sans boys.

Our last morning in Charleston began with big plans to have brunch atthe world famous Jestine’s, which does not open until 11am.Carolineand I spent the better part of the morning eating donuts to hold usover and whining, “What kind of brunch place doesn’t open until 11?!”As we were finally heading over, we saw a woman walking a pinkcockatoo.“Just walkin’ ma bird.”

When we finally got to Jestine’s, we realized why it took so long toopen- it did not serve brunch.We made that up on our own.Thecatfish was awesome though, with red rice and okra gumbo.Our sassywaitress came over and said, “Yeah!Y’all eatin’ Suthun now.”Sheloved us.We took our corn bread to go.The pecan pie didn't makeit.

Then the three classy ladies: Megan, Caro, and Clara Barton hit theroad and meandered down to Savannah.

Stayed tuned for Volume 1 Issue 4, First Ed: SAVANNAH, GA: “What’d yado, crap your pants?”

Last one, folks.A little longer, but Savannah's my jamma.

SAVANNAH, GA: “What’d ya do, crap your shirt?”

"We have a saying: If you go to Atlanta, the first question people ask you is, 'What's your business?' In Macon they ask, 'Where do you go to church?' In Augusta they ask your grandmother's maiden name. But in Savannah the first question people ask you is 'What would you like to drink?'"- Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, John Berendt

Clearly, Savannah and I were meant to be together from the start.

Here are some fun facts about Savannah (some may have fuzzy origins):1) The city, laid out by James Edward Oglethorpe, was designed beforehe knew where he was putting it.He was really excited.Also, hisstatue looks like Captain Hook.2) There are 21 squares in Savannah.3) Savannah is known as “The Hostess City.”It is such a friendlyhostess, that it even entertained the Yanks on General Sherman’sinfamous march to the sea.The Union forces were approaching the citywith 70,000 troops, with only 10,000 Confederates defending beauteousSavannah.The mayor, in a strategic business move (Savannah was abusiness hub in those days), marched out to meet the general andsurrendered the city without a single shot having been fired.Savannah hosted Sherman’s forces as they kicked up their heels for afew months.They then went and burned Columbia, SC instead…4) Savannah was a popular vacation spot for pirates.5) Savannah is the nation’s 2nd most haunted city (New Orleans is thebrat).There were lots of wars and other stuff…6) Our hotel, the Planter’s Inn, was intended to be the nicest hotelwhen first built.But it’s by the river, so… It was the nicestbrothel instead- you know, sailors…

Our first few hours in the hostess city (or as I now call it, “home”),were spent in typical fashion, pralines (pronounced prah-leens, notpray-leens) in River Street, wine and cheese at the hotel, and dinnerand cocktails at the Olde Pink House.Then we ghostbusted...

A haunted pub-crawl (Cobblestone Tours), showed us around the finestimbibing establishments in the city with the scariest ghosts.MoonRiver Brewing Co., has a very angry Confederate ghost in the basementwho I do not think knows the war is over.Or he does.Either way heis very cranky.We screamed a lot.But we found some great localesfor fun!

After the tour we backtracked to Congress Street, where the sounds ofa dirty bluesy band named Jubal Kane (they looked like ZZ Top) wereemanating from the Mercury Lounge.Without missing a beat I walkedright in and onto the dance floor to glorious domination.Carolinetook a little longer to warm up.The band liked our moves so muchthey stopped the music and handed us a CD saying, “We like the way yourock out to our music.”Win.

There was a guy in a fedora dancing like it was his birthday.And itwas!He told us that our dance party had improved his special day.Abachelorette party came in and glowered at us for dancing better thanthey did (suckas).And as I was cutting a rug, some guy tapped myshoulder and thrust a piece of paper in my hand, saying, “Be there,"and just left."Mysterious," I thought to myself.I glanced at thepaper briefly and threw it in my purse.

After two and a half hours straight of dancing, we left the bar, onlyto be told by some guy “I’ve been waiting for you all night!”Me: “You have?”Guy: “Yeah!”Me: “What a waste of time!You don’t even know me!”Apparently everyone knew we were coming to town because everywhere wewent that's what we heard!

The next morning at Clary’s, the best place to eat brunch in all theland (as featured in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” or asSavannahians call it, “the book”), I took another look at the piece ofpaper shoved in my hand at Mercury Lounge.It was an invitation to anevent called “Combat Paper,” which displayed the art of Iraq vets whohad made paper out of their uniforms as a cathartic way to deal withtheir war experiences and transition to civilian life.Why not?

Following our ridiculous breakfast, we took a Megan-guided tourthrough beautiful historic Savannah (I did not get us lost and I hitall the best features, thank you very much)- the perfect setup for atrip to the picturesque Bonaventure Cemetary.

Here are some fun facts about Bonaventure Cemetery:1) The majority of Savannah’s most famous photographs are taken herebecause of the quiet lanes and Spanish moss.2) Conrad Aiken’s grave is there.His grave is a bench.You aremeant to sit on the bench, gaze at the river, and bring a cocktail.You are meant to spill one on the ground for him and his family, andhave some yourself.We did.I want this done for me when I kick thebucket- it’s a fabulous idea.

Eventually we made our way back to the hotel so Caroline could showerand I could partake of more complimentary wine and cheese.It washere the hotel hostess (not the concierge, the hostess- she sees thateveryone has wine and cheese and serves as a one-woman welcomingcommittee and Savannah goddess) told me I would fit right in, inSavannah, as my manners were impeccable.I told her this was mydream.

Following the wine and cheese (to which a cleaner Caroline eventuallymade her way), we made our way over to the Combat Paper show at theMoon River Brewing Co, which made me nervous that we were going to runinto that angry Confederate again.We didn’t.The event was lovelyand included poetry readings and a paper exhibition by the vets, someof whom are our age.They were a really laid-back fun group, so weexchanged digits and made plans to meet up later.

We had bigger fish to fry until then.Namely… Paula Deen had fish tofry at “The Lady and Sons.”And she did, and she made cocktails, andI am in love with her.

After the love fest at Paula’s we made our way to a perfect littledive called Hang Fire, where a live band with, get this- AN ORGAN- wasplaying, and the biggest PBRs on the planet were being served.Danceparty with paper making vets ensued and an awesome party was had byall, even after I was accidentally elbowed in the face during thedance party (it got a little intense).

Brunch at Clary’s the next day involved more delicious pancakes andnever-ending coffee, a perfect start to a day which included a trip toTybee Island (pronounced, Tie-bee, not Tih-bee).Tybee Island isSavannah’s answer to Coney Island, only with a clean beach and nohypodermic needles.About twenty minutes outside city limits, thesand stretches long and wide.

We later headed across the street to a bar called Benny’s, whichboasted the coldest beer in America.Not only did Benny’s have coldbeers, but it also had a seven year old girl in the bar heckling herfather about his poor pool playing skills.She wore a swimsuit and ashirt but no pants (in all fairness the bar specified not serving youif you are shirtless- it said nothing about pants).Little girl wentto the bathroom and came back in just her swimsuit, to which herfather barked, “What’d ya do, crap your shirt?”After the novelty andhilarity of this wore off, we realized there was a little girl in abar… and we left.

We headed back to historic Savannah only to learn our flight had beencancelled.Savannah clearly did not want to part with us.To behonest, the feeling was mutual, even when I realized I would have towake up at 3:45 the following morning to catch my re-booked flight.(How do you like them apples, GI Joe?)

We spent our bonus night in style- dinner at the Olde Pink Houseagain, where we sassed the staff, with whom we are now best friends,about the simple syrup to bourbon ratio of a mint julep.Then off tothe Mercury Lounge again for some more bluegrass, this time a littlemore country, courtesy of Turkey Collar.

After a well-thought-out night on the town, we stumbled back to theroom for our 3:45 check out and 4am cab ride.

As we stepped off the curb to our airport-bound cab, we noticedanother passenger in the front seat.He was the cabby’s friend, thereto keep him company.And who do you think this man was? The owner ofthe Mercury Lounge!Shwing!Beau and I talked shop for a while, andI think I made a great new friend in my new home.At the very least Ican be a bouncer at the bar- I learned how to hiptoss on this trip.

And thus our adventure ended at the Savannah airport, in trueadventure style.Everything was unbelievably marvelous- from seeingmy beloved Jen, to summer camp and badass life skills with GI Joe, tofinding my true love in the entire city of Savannah.Uncle.

Over and Out.

This Is Not Goodbye..Just A See You Soon

 Over the last couple of months, we said "see you soon" a couple of longtime WMALers as they both were offered fantastic opportunity and other radio stations. Shari and Ernie, both leaders for the sales department, made their exits out of the Jenifer Street building within a week of each other! Gonna miss you both!

Shari was my partner in crime when it comes to intimidation via heels and strait up determined flair. She is the one I stole the expression firecracker in a jar of mayonnaise from. But to me she was more than great one-liners. She is my big sister.

"Jen I love this pic of us and I LOVE YOU! Ur amazing and I'm so lucky to know you and call you "friend"! Keep the high heels clickin!! You r now the official "firecracker!" oxox" - Shari

Crazier Things Have Happened...

Remember when I pointed out that VW thing this weekend in Dewey Beach (My sister Carly always wanted one as we waited for the Jolly Trolley? That was NC Senator Richard Burr...True Story.

http://www.politico.com/blogs/anneschroeder/0709/More_illegal_parking_for_Burr.html?showall

Treasure Tavern

Last Sunday was our fourth DC Sigmas Book Club Meeting. I say this as a guilty grandmother, but when I started the club last year, I really didn't expect it to be very popular.

After last Sunday I have to say I'm impressed. We have six new faces around the table at Liberty Tavern in Arlington. It's no coincidence the restaurants we're picking for brunch also happen to be on the 100 best list, so it was no surprise the food here was awesome.

We just missed the brunch but even the bar menu was great.  The Tavern was a great spot (inexpensive, easy to find, and my foodie soul is torn between the Pursuit of Happiness cocktail, hand cut fries, and gourmet grilled cheese.)  

The book we discussed was Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomanical, Self-Centered, Smartass, or Why You Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office. LOVED this book -  It's hilarious and there were about six episodes I swear she stole from my life. I could write a review but this pretty much sums it up."This is the story of how a haughty former sorority gal went from having a household income of almost a quarter-million dollars to being evicted from a ghetto apartment in less than two years.  It's a modern Greek tragedy, as defined by Roger Dunkle in The Classical Origins of Western Culture: a story in which "the central character, called a tragic protagonist or hero, suffers some serious misfortune which is not accidental and therefore meaningless, but is significant in that the misfortune is logically connected."In other words? The bitch had it coming. "

Priorities: Sucks To Be You

From the Tommy McFly files.

 

 

You Had Me At Venti

Starbucks Experiments with New Name, Adding Alcohol to its Menu

Don't expect grande wines or venti beers anytime soon at your local Starbucks. (SBUX) But in a move to attract hard-to-find evening business, the struggling coffeehouse chain is about to test the addition of wine and beer to the menu at one of its Seattle stores, which it has even given a new name. The store, opening next week, is called "15th Ave. Coffee and Tea inspired by Starbucks" — a reflection of the neighborhood in which it's located. Starbucks plans to create two more similar stores in the Seattle area at locations that aren't currently Starbucks stores. And if the concept works, it could be tested in other cities, says Major Cohen, senior project manager at Starbucks. For Starbucks, which has suffered a humbling mix of closed stores, employee layoffs and same-store sales declines during the recession, the move is an attempt to extend the brand into the evening, when business is typically at its slowest. The first store, which will look very different from a typical Starbucks, will serve a half-dozen kinds of beers and wines — most with connections to the Northwest. A bottle of beer or a glass of wine will sell for $4 to $7, Cohen says. Beer and wine will not be sold to go because of state law, he says. "We'll be equally as proud of our beer and wine as we are of our coffee," Cohen says. He says he didn't yet know if this concept would be incorporated into all Starbucks stores if it's successful. "If you stop innovating, you're dead," says Scott Bedbury, CEO of consulting firm Brandstream and former marketing chief at Starbucks. While Bedbury likes the move — which he says is common for European coffeehouses — it also could twist the chain's hard-earned image, he warns. "The reason Starbucks became the number one place to go for a blind date is because women are comfortable there — and the men aren't drunk." The test move to sell alcohol is clearly an attempt to fight off growing competition from McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts, says Ron Paul, president of Technomic, a restaurant consulting firm. "But if I were sitting in Seattle, I'd go after the evening snack and dessert business, not alcoholic beverages."

Worlds Collide

Last night I was struck by the cruise directing bug and decided to plan a last minute happy hour at Guapos in Tenleytown. Just sending out the email around the office created a lot of buzz. People rearranging their plans to squeeze in a quick margarita. Then I figured why not invite non work friends? Ding!

What a blast. Work Jen and play Jen are two different people so I expected there to be a little disconnect but the big mixing bowl went well. It was refreshing to see work friends when we're not pushing an agenda and bring in old friends to catch up with. We all get so busy, gchat is our only outlet. Well two Margs and a pitcher of Sangria (so not Mexican) I was not surprised to see that a few of my colleagues may have submitted applications into the good old chez copa club last night.

If you missed last nights Marg fest, fear not....I'm planning another one soon.

Copa Awakening

In honor of our three year roommate anniversary (don't judge), Linds and I thought we would celebrate with a little dinner and a show. Linds being the theater aficionado, she picked Spring Awakening. Theater is like the movies to me - I have no idea what's out nor what's good, so she gets to pick. And good thing she did, she scored us $25 tickets through the Kennedy Center's Attend student tickets program. (Even collegians need a govt. handout.)

However, when it comes to restaurants ... i can flex my foodie muscles (which involves sucking in my belly while trying on swim suits). With my Washingtonian's 100 best restaurants checklist in hand I did a little research on our foggy bottom selections, being that the Kennedy Center is all of 5 blocks from our old GW stomping grounds. I came to find not only is Circle Bistro one of the areas acclaimed digs, they also have a pre-theater pre-fix menu. So if you are able to sneak in before 7 pm, you can snag an appetizer, entree, and dessert for $35. Not too shabby considering an entree goes for $29 alone. Now we blew that cork out of the bottle by adding on wine. Not the point.

And the menu was impressive. I had the house smoked gravlocks (they had me at avocado) and continuing with the seafood theme for my entree Seared Diver Sea Scallops, Carrot-Ginger Coulis, Garlic Confit, Baby Bok Choy. Presentation was excellent, service was superior, and the food was paired nicely and not overly done. Combined with the Pinot Gregio and chocolate brownie with espresso ice cream for dessert, I was in food coma heaven. Did I mention the restaurant itself? Swanky but not over-trendy. We had such a good time - this may fold into the theater evening flight pattern more often.

Now onto the show. I was expecting a story of teen angst in a High School Musical fashion, Boppy and light with a rock concert feel. But this production hit it all: abuse, teen pregnancy, suicide, abortion, and death. Not to mention a little on stage nudity. Whoops - wasn't expecting that. But it worked. Between the highly explosive dance sequences using literally all available stage space, and the charged rock and roll dialogue the show had yours truly crying, laughing, clapping and swooning - sometimes simultaneously.

A quick plot snapshot: the Tony award winning musical, based on the play by Frank Wedekind's literary masterpiece, follows eight German teens on the trail of self discovery. Although the play is set in 1891 the issues are just as relevant today. Wrapped in Dunken Shieks' rock lyrics, it's easy to see why this story of rebellion and understanding made waves on the Broadway scene two years ago. Interesting side note, this is one of the first instances in over 100 years that the entire story line was used because it was so controversial.

French Spy Discovered In NYC Dubbed M4 BASTILLE

French Spy Discovered In NYC Dubbed M4 BASTILLE 

Happy Birthday Megs!

Be Sure to Hit the Lights On the Way Out

While the rest of the M Street shops are opening up for lunch today, Nathan's will remained closed as the bank repossess the Georgetown institution. Probably renowned more for former journo, current socialite, and now former owner Carol Ross Joynt's Q & A sessions and connections than the menu, Nathans was equal parts power lunch hot spot and collegiate (including yours truely's) stomping ground. It will be missed.

We've been expecting this day to come for sometime now, but Joynt gave it a solid effort to keep the eatery on life support just a few years past it's expiration date.

 

After 40 years of serving millions of happy and loyal customers, and opening its doors 365 days of every year, Nathans will close at last call on Sunday, July 12.  This ends an era of delicious, interesting and often outrageous moments at what Zagat called "the quintessential Georgetown saloon."

       We hope over the next week you will find the time to come in and enjoy a last drink and meal with us, especially "Last Call" on July 12.  We wish we could give it away, but economic reality is that we need your dollars.  Also, if I may, I urge you to please be generous with the staff.



       With a heavy heart and much gratitude,

       Carol Joynt

 "You gotta know when to hold 'em
        know when to fold 'em
           Know when to walk away ...."

We host our last Q & A Cafe at Nathans tomorrow. A bittersweet occasion, of course. The Q&A Cafe was created in October 2001 as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. From there it took on a life of its own, giving me an opportunity to stay in journalism, giving Georgetown a fixture in the city's chief industries - politics, media, policy, law - and gave a wonderful group of regulars the opportunity to enjoy a unique weekday lunchtime salon.

I mean, Nathans may be the Titanic, but The Q&A Cafe - proudly - lifts off the deck a certified success, and a legitimate TV show on DC Cable. I may have failed with Nathans but I succeeded with my little show and want very much for it to find a new home and to remain on television. After my book is done, I could see the program as my future. Plus other stuff. Some people suggest I become a marketing consultant, others a dominatrix. I could be happy running a marina, smuggling rum, hanging with pirates. We'll see.

Couldn't be happier that our last Q&A Cafe at Nathans features a good friend, and Georgetowner, author Jane Stanton Hitchcock. Many of you were at my last interview with Jane at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. You know she's loaded with amusing dish, an interesting life story, and practical understanding of the publishing industry. This will be a goody. I hope you have your reservations. Please reconfirm or book with Jon Moss at 202.338.2000. Georgetown Cupcake is making a special "Mortal Friends" GC. Yum. Think gold and dangerous.

We welcome all the town's strippers, too, since they are prominent in the book. One prominent character, Jim Kimsey, will be among us. Another, Catherine Reynolds, has not responded to my invite. I'm a character, too, Joy Croft. Haha. All good fun. Some of you are probably in there and don't know it. We will have books for sale and Jane will gladly sign.

You've been a great audience. I'm grateful. I'll have a new website in a week where you can keep track of The Q&A Cafe, and me, and more. A lot of you ask how I'm doing. Thank you. I'm fine. I'm mellow. Eager for what's next.

See you tomorrow,

Carol

Here's who has appeared at The Q&A Cafe:

LETITIA BALDRIGE,  BOB WOODWARD, COKIE ROBERTS, DR. ANTHONY FAUCI, TOM BROKAW, DEB JOHNS, DAVID VISE, JACK EVANS, DAN TANGHERLINI, JOHN RIGGINS, FRED SMITH, LESLIE COCKBURN, CHRIS MATTHEWS, DR. TINA ALSTER, MPDC CAPT. PETER NEWSHAM, SALLY QUINN, MAYOR ANTHONY WILLIAMS, ADRIAN HIGGINS, CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS, C. DAVID HEYMANN, SOPHY BURNHAM, SKIP NEWCOMB, HARRY SHEARER, BOB BALABAN, MICHAEL McKEAN, MARK PLOTKIN, ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, KATHLEEN MATTHEWS, CHRIS WALLACE, ANA MARIE COX, DR. RICK LEVY, BILL PLANTE, SEPTIME WEBRE, DR. WAYNE CALLAWAY, AMBASSADOR H.E. DEVINDA SUBASINGHE, DAVID HUME KENNERLY, TONY TAVARES, FRIDA BURLING, EDITH SCHAFER, MICHAEL ISIKOFF, DR. WILLIAM HASELTINE, MATT COOPER, KENNETH FEINBERG, BARBARA CHILDS-PAIR, DAVID GREGORY, CRAIG CRAWFORD, TORIE CLARKE, SANFORD AIN, ERICA JONG, MARION BARRY, ROXANNE ROBERTS, GEN. BERNARD E. TRAINOR, KATHERINE (KATIE) TARBOX, DAVID PATRICK COLUMBIA, FRED THOMPSON, GEORGE STEVENS, JR., SUSAN ISAACS, GORDON PETERSON, DR. MICHAEL HOCKSTEIN, ANN HAND, DC Police Chief CATHY LANIER, JEFF GANNON, HARLAN K. ULLMAN, DEBORAH JEANE PALFREY, MARK SHIELDS
DAVID BURD, DAN RATHER, HOWARD FINEMAN, MARK WARNER, SHEILA JOHNSON, MICHAEL HERRRALD, AMY HOLMES, SAM DONALDSON, CARL CANNON, JONATHAN ALTER, PHILIPPE COUSTEAU, STAN KASTEN, SCOTT SIMON, DOUGLAS FEITH, THEODORE SORENSEN, CHUCK TODD, MICHELLE RHEE, ROBERT BENNETT, BRENT GLASS, ROBIN GIVHAN, CHRISTOPHER GUEST, C.Z.GUEST, GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, MALCOLM “MIKE” PEABODY, ANDREA MITCHELL,WALTER ISAACSON, EPISCOPAL BISHOP JOHN CHANE, MICHEL RICHARD, DAVID CORN, TERRENCE SMITH, BOB SCHIEFFER, JACK VALENTI, LLOYD GROVE, DR. MARILYN BENOIT, HELEN THOMAS, ANDREW COCKBURN, ELLEN SANFORD, DAVID KELLER, MARK BUSCAINO, CHUCK VANCE, ADEL AL-JUBEIR, AMBASSADOR JAN ELIASSON, RABBI BARRY FREUNDEL, MPDC LT. PAT BURKE, JANE LYNCH, JOHN ZOGBY, JOHN MICHAEL HIGGINS, DAN SNYDER, SALLY BEDELL SMITH, TINA BROWN, BOB COLACELLO, JOSEPH WILSON, FRED GRAHAM, KITTY KELLEY, TIM RUSSERT, AMBASSADOR H.E. KASIT PIROMYA, ARUN GANDHI, NANCY TAYLOR BUBES, SHELDON COHEN, JOHN DEGIOIA, MARSHA J. EVANS, ANTHONY LANIER, JANE STANTON HITCHCOCK, ANDREW KOHUT, RICK KAPLAN, CAROLE RADZIWILL, PATRICIA DUFF, DAVID C. LEVY, LINDA FAIRSTEIN, NEIL LIVINGSTONE, JAMES CANNON, MAURY POVICH, CONNIE CHUNG, AMY ARGETSINGER, VERNON E. JORDAN, JIM ARSENEAULT, CHARLIE COOK, JIM LEHRER, CARLY FIORINA, JIM VANCE, DR. PETER LEVIT, KENNETH ADELMAN, GEORGE MICHAEL, JONATHAN TISCH, JOHN F. HARRIS, MONTGOMERY BLAIR SIBLEY, PETER GREENBERG, FRED GRANDY, CONNIE SCHULTZ, ROBERT FRANK, VALERIE PLAME WILSON, ROBERT NOVAK, AMB. PIERRE VIMONT, DAN GLICKMAN, MARTHA JOYNT KUMAR, DAVID BALDACCI, BOB RYAN, DR. MICHAEL JACOBSON, LEONARD DOWNIE, JR., RICHARD MOE, TUCKER CARLSON, MARK PENN, TED LEONSIS, LT. ANDREW BALDWIN, QUINN BRADLEE, JONATHAN CAPEHART, HUGH NEWELL JACOBSEN
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