Posts Tagged ‘Northern Virginia Magazine’
Great Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Summer’s finally here!
Shutterstock/alexmillos
By Lindsey Leake
I’m really not a fan of Labor Day—I dislike it even more than I do the day after Christmas. Worse than those last-week-of-December blues when it finally sinks in that the holiday you’ve been anticipating for weeks has come and gone all too quickly, Labor Day marks the end of the glorious summer season. It’s not that I don’t enjoy fall’s crinkly red and orange leaves, pumpkins and crisp breezes that follow; as an August baby I’ve just always loved the lazy days by the pool, beach trips and festivals that summer brings even more.
Each year on the first Monday in September I find myself already counting down the days until the last Monday of the following May when the best part of the year begins. At long last, Memorial Day is nearly here, and here are some great ways to celebrate the unofficial start of summer!
Be the first in your neighborhood or town to hit the local pool. Summer isn’t the only thing bookended by Memorial and Labor Day; most NoVA pool openings are also governed by the two holidays. Cool off in the water (Monday’s supposed to be a scorcher), enjoy a picnic lunch outside, splash around with the kids, catch up with friends and get a jumpstart on your tan, all in one place.
Barbecue, barbecue, barbecue! What better to way to ring in summer than with the taste of summer? Ribs oozing with barbecue sauce, corn on the cob that melts in your mouth, sweet baked beans and a colorful fruit salad—enough said. Whether you invite a few friends or the whole block over for your backyard grilling party, don’t forget to invest in a few mosquito candles for your guests’ comfort.
Tour the area’s rich assortment of memorials. Pool trips and barbecues are fun, but let’s not forget the day’s true purpose: to honor American soldiers who gave their lives for our country. Northern Virginia and the District are teeming with monuments commemorating these brave men and women.
Get patriotic. From a parade in Falls Church to a procession in Fredericksburg, NoVA offers many opportunities for the public to be entertained while donning their best red, white and blue outfits. It may not be full-blown firework season yet, but it can’t hurt to light a few sparklers on Monday evening for good measure!
Brave the battlefield. Manassas National Battlefield Park is hosting a Memorial Day observance ceremony on Monday afternoon at Groveton Confederate Cemetery. Watch reenactors from the 14th Brooklyn and 42nd Virginia Infantry perform artillery and musketry salutes.
Hit the park. Pack a lunch, a Frisbee, a good book and you’re all set for a relaxing day in the sun.
Marathon, anyone? While some Americans will be running in marathons on Monday, others will be watching them. If we do end up with a bout of early summer storms and you’re stuck inside, consider spending your well-deserved day off watching marathons of True Blood (HBO Zone), Say Yes to the Dress (TLC), Sex and the City (Style), The Mary Tyler Moore Show (Hallmark), The Tudors (BBC America) or Pawn Stars (History), just to name a few. Or, rent a few seasons of your favorite TV show on DVD and hold your own marathon!
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Virginia launches road-trip tourism campaign
Baby girl born in SUV with help of Arlington cop
Fairfax County native hits big screen with ‘Lawless’ film
Promoting safety on the Potomac River
Prince William teacher charged with assaulting student
Gainesville man pleads guilty in fatal 2010 crash
Dulles-based Orbital Sciences competes with Space X to resupply space station
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy of Shutterstock/John T Takai)
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Guys, it’s time to start taking charge of your health.
By Lindsey Leake
Shutterstock.com/Yuri Arcurs
June is almost here, and that means we’re heading into Men’s Health Month! Sponsored in part by the Men’s Health Network, the goal of this month is to “heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.” Health matters for males of all ages, so now’s not only the time to start getting your own health in order, but also to encourage your fathers, brothers, sons, nephews, friends and all the important men in your life to schedule their annual check-ups. For more information on Men’s Health Month and to learn about corresponding screenings, health fairs, fundraisers and activities near you, visit www.menshealthmonth.org.
• National Men’s Health Week, celebrated annually the week leading up to Father’s Day, is June 11-17 this year.
• Women are 100 percent more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2001)
• 11.9 percent of American men 18 years and older are in fair or poor health. (CDC National Health Interview Survey, 2010)
• Approximately 79 percent of all suicides committed in the U.S. in 2005 were by men. (www.suicide.org, 2005)
• Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 man in 36 will die of prostate cancer. (American Cancer Society, 2012)
• Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. (American Cancer Society, 2012)
• About 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. (American Cancer Society, 2012)
• In 2010, 59 percent of men were current regular drinkers compared with 43 percent of women. (CDC National Health Survey, 2010)
• 20 percent of males under 65 are without health insurance coverage. (CDC National Health Interview Survey, 2010)
• Autism now affects 1 in 54 boys; boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism. (Autism Speaks Inc., 2012)
• Men are 28 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for congestive heart failure. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ))
• Men are 24 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for pneumonia that could have been prevented by getting an immunization. (AHRQ)
• Men are 32 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for long-term complications of diabetes and are more than twice as likely than women to have a leg or foot amputated due to complications related to diabetes. (AHRQ)
• In 2012, an estimated 848,170 men will develop cancer and 301,820 men will die of cancer. (American Cancer Society, 2012)
• An estimated 6,860 Virginians will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. (American Cancer Society, 2012)
• 13 million men over age 20 have diabetes. (CDC, 2010)
• More than half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2008 were in men. (CDC)
• For people under 45, high blood pressure affects more men than women. (CDC)
Posted by Lynn Norusis / Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Although the meaning of our flirtations might be the same, how we flirt has changed over the years. I used to get hand-written letters and poems on a daily basis back in middle and high school. Nowadays, sending a one-liner via text messaging is the most convenient method for people worldwide. And according to “flirtexting” experts, familiarizing yourself with flirting etiquette is essential since it is easy for text messages to get lost in translation.
For example, flirtexting is OK, but there comes a point when you should pick up the phone and call the other person if you’re interested in them. This was true when texting first hit the dating scene and it holds true today.
A tip for ladies is to avoid abbreviating words too often when you’re flirting with a man via text. Experts say too many ‘abbrevs’ can turn men off. In other words, know your audience and adjust accordingly.
Check out 10 signs that your date is a gentleman, flirtextiquette, sexting, deal breakers, game playing, do’s and don’ts for Facebook, and much more.
E-mail me your dating or relationship hang ups, anecdotes, and questions at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com.
-Katie
Posted by Sally Traynham / Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Teresa Kasprzycka/Shutterstock
Show off your summer garden’s edible and delicious masterpieces.
Email us pictures of your garden in all stages for a possible photo feature as we highlight local backyard vegetable and herb gardens across NoVA.
Memorial Day Guide: Apps & Games to Get Kids for the Car
Posted by Natalie Kaar / Thursday, May 24th, 2012
As every parent knows, if you’re about to embark on a lengthy road trip (or flight) with the fam, you’d better be prepared, especially if there are little ones involved.
Not only does everyone need their essentials for enjoying the destination, but there’s that whole getting-there thing that can really be tricky. Make that nightmarish. Paying for gas can be a cake walk in comparison to keeping a toddler entertained in a belted-in seat for hours on end. The same can apply to teens and tweens.
But with a few old-school games and new-school apps, not to mention a little always-in-vogue creativity, you can just about banish “Are we there yet?” from existence. And fortunately, we’ve done all the work for you just in time for your Memorial Day escape. We’ve pored over review after review and used our own parenting experience as well as that of our friends to come up with some super-solid suggestions.
SWAG’s top picks in keeping kids entertained in the car (or plane):
First Things First: Technology Protection
BubCap intro pack, BubCap covers on iPhone and iPad (Photo courtesy of Natalie Kaar)
For all of the iPhone and iPad parents out there, that makes millions upon millions of us — TechCrunch reports that Apple has sold more iPhones in four years than all Macs ever — did you know a sticker that costs about a dollar could save you from all kinds of potential data-destroying stress, helping kids stick to kids’ apps and not send Tweets or worse without you knowing?
BubCap home button covers are these stickers that stick to the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, covering up the home button, leaving it useful for an adult but preventing toddlers, even older kids, from moving from app to app. The stickers are very sticky, but you can remove them if you want to, with the help of finger nails, and reapply later — with no sticky residue. Genius.
There’s an intro pack available with four stickers, two of the regular BubCap stickers (for toddlers using iPhone or iPod Touch) and two of the ultra (for toddlers with iPad or older kids with iPhone or iPod Touch) for $6.99 on Amazon. There’s also a BubCap Max four-pack, sold separately, for older kids with iPad.
One tip: Just get your kiddo used to the diminishing freedom before a flight or long car ride. At first, of course, they’ll be a bit frustrated.
A little creativity can banish the question "Are we there yet?" from existence. (Photo: Shutterstock.com/Luidmila P. Sundikova)
Best of the Old School (games)
Count, count count. We all know that the good ol’ US of A is home to many a McDonald’s. Same for Starbucks. Make that work for you. Have everyone in the car guess how many Mickey D’s there will be within a specific distance — best idea: the whole trip — and offer a prize to the person who comes closest. You could do the same with vanity plates as well, especially in Virginia. A big hit on I-95: Count the cops. Of course, at least one (honest) person has to keep track the whole time.
Virginia Tire & Auto also points out the convenience and hours of creativity that a simple clipboard, crayons and some copy paper can provide to kids of practically all ages.
Alphabet games … there are many. Have someone name an animal, for example; then the next person has to name an animal that starts with the last letter of the animal just mentioned and so on.
Crank up the tunes. Jimmy Buffett has some kid-friendly songs, and the King of Kicking Back signals summertime even more than Memorial Day. Belt ‘em out! Beats Barney any day.
Screen smiles. (Photo: Shutterstock.com/Subbotina Anna)
Best of the New School (apps)
For kids 1-4:
“The Monster at the End of This Book”–This long-loved book by Jon Stone and illustrated by Mike Smollin, about “Sesame Street’s” Grover is brought to life like never before. With each turn (swipe) of the page, untie ropes, knock down brick walls and more to find out who the monster at the end is, much to Grover’s chagrin. My 17-month-old LOVES this book, and gets really tickled going through the app all by herself. $3.99, for iPhone and iPad. Rated 4+.
First Words: Animals–Kids love animals, and this app helps kids learn about the sounds different animals make, how to recognize different letters, how to spell and more. A huge hit with toddlers. $1.99 for iPhone and iPad. Rated 4+.
My Playhome–Playing house has never been more fun. In other words: This baby will keep your kiddos entertained for hours as they explore different rooms with their family of five, and have them do things like fry an egg, run the dishwasher, watch TV as a family and put the kids to bed. Headphones are really recommended, especially if your little tyke likes to turn everything on. $3.99 for iPhone and iPad. Rated 4+.
Highlights: My First Hidden Pictures–Finding the hidden pictures in “Highlights” magazine was a highlight of many parents’ childhoods, including yours truly’s, and the classic puzzles are just as fun on a screen today. $1.99 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Rated 4+.
Monkey Preschool Lunchbox–This colorful game that has kids help a monkey pack his lunchbox is the No. 1 preschool game in the app store for ages 2-5. Helps preschool-aged kids learn colors, how to count and more. $.99 for iPhone and iPad. Rated 4+.
Other faves include the interactive Sandra Boynton book apps like “Moo, Baa, La, La, La,” “The Going to Bed Book,” “Blue Hat, Green Hat” and more, which cost $3.99 for iPhone and iPad.
For kids 5-8:
Cut the Rope–There’s physics to be learned with this game that is huge with the elementary set. Science never came easily to me, so no wonder my 5-year-old nephew kicks my butt at this. There’s a monster that needs to be fed candy, but the candy is tied up with ropes. Cutting the rope and letting go of the candy sounds easy enough, but guess again. $.99 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Rated 4+.
Goofy Mad Libs–Just as fun as you remember. Now in a digital version. Help your child show off his or her growing vocabulary and sense of humor. $3.99 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Rated 4+.
“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”–William Joyce’s Oscar-winning animated short film is now a highly celebrated interactive narrative on iPad. Check out a preview of the outstanding app for yourself below to see why it blows both kids and adults away. $4.99.
For kids, and adults, 9 & up:
Stack the States–Learning about our states can be a blast; this app proves it. From figuring out the state capitals to remembering what shape each state takes and where each appears on the map, this app makes learning geography easier than ever before. $.99 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPhone. Rated 4+.
Draw Something–Sort of a combination of Scrabble and Pictionary, this app can keep kids and adults glued all day. In my neighborhood, tons of parents in their 30s are practically addicted to it. You and your friends, who also must have the app, take turns drawing and guessing what the pictures are and spelling the answer out, choosing from scrambled letters below. If nothing else, this app provides tons of laughs. I have zero drawing ability; you should have seen my J.Lo drawing or Tina Fey, but my friends figured them out. Free, with ads, for iPhone and iPad. Must have network access. Rated 4+.
And, of course, there are always the all-around crowd pleasers Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja. While traveling at last you have a good excuse to play.
Happy shopping — and happy, safe travels! But before you do either, please take a second to share a few of your own suggestions for saving everyone’s sanity — toddlers, teens and all — in transit.
–Natalie Kaar
All Smiles at Betty White’s Zoo Book Signing
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Yes, the celebrated actress is just as sweet as she appears on TV!
By Lindsey Leake
White smiles for the press before the book signing. | Photo by Lindsey Leake
On Friday, May 18, the Smithsonian National Zoological Park played host to television and film veteran Betty White during a public book signing. White, a lifelong animal lover and advocate of animal welfare, seemed right at home in a cozy nook of the park called Zoo In Your Backyard. Roughly 200 guests—from infants to oldsters—wove their way through a lush, green garden pathway up to the wooden canopy where White sat, happily signing copies of “Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo” and “If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won’t).”
The early afternoon affair felt less like a publicity stunt featuring a timeless Hollywood figure and more like the homecoming of a dear old friend. There was excitement for sure, but no drama—just loyal, affable fans waiting patiently in the springtime sun for the chance to share a few moments with the woman who brought Sue Ann Nivens, Rose Nylund, Elka Ostrovsky and countless other memorable characters to life. It was as though White, 90, had leapt directly from the small screen into our presence, her wisdom and kindness radiating throughout the crowd.
White signed up to two books per guest. | Photo by Lindsey Leake
White genuinely seemed just as eager to meet each of her fans as they were to greet her. She took the time to sign two books for and briefly chat with each pre-registered guest, but was especially pleased to meet the park’s many zookeepers. White’s passion for animals shone through as she asked each zoo employee about his or her specialty and discussed the plants and animals they worked with.
Whether due to the picture-perfect weather or the cheery atmosphere White’s presence evoked throughout the exhibit, the 90-minute book signing went by in a flash. Cameras and phones themselves flashed almost constantly, as each guest wanted to capture his or her moment with one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, and playful shouts of “I love you, Betty!” echoed every ten minutes or so as the line snaked through the garden.
Betty White and I share a laugh. | Photo by Jennifer Zoon
Full disclosure: I’m a huge Betty White fan (think about it; do you know anyone who isn’t?). And thanks to my press pass, I was fortunate enough to be able to stand under the exhibit’s canopy with White for nearly two hours. When just a handful of fans remained, I was allowed to hop in the end of the line and became the last fan she would meet during the event. I hadn’t had time to wait in line and purchase White’s books before the signing, but I’d planned ahead and brought along my season one copies of Hot in Cleveland and The Golden Girls (no matter that the show first aired years before I was born; it’s a hilarious classic!).
I became slightly worried when a park employee warned me that, due to the promotional nature of the event, White may not be willing to sign my DVDs in lieu of her books, but it turned out that she was glad to do so. When the time finally came for Betty White and I to meet face-to-face, I wasn’t nervous, speechless or star-struck, as I’d imagined I’d be in the presence of such a highly-esteemed woman who I consider an idol. Instead, staring into the wizened, yet youthful face of the actress I suddenly felt like I’d known my whole life, I found myself relaxed and talking to White as if she were an old pal.
TV-on-DVD favorites made even more special! | Photo by Lindsey Leake
Signed DVDs in hand, I eventually had to tear myself away from White and reluctantly joined the throng of zoo-goers lining the park paths to see the star off in her chauffeured golf cart. With a few big waves and a final flash of America’s favorite smile, White was whisked away into the wooded depths of the zoo. And just like that, we were all abruptly shoved back into reality; the crowd dispersed and life in the park became business as usual. And me? I reached into my purse, pulled out the two DVDs and ran my right index finger across White’s Sharpie signature, smiling with the relief that it hadn’t all been a dream.
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Betty White’s National Zoo book signing, while open to the public, unsurprisingly reached maximum capacity the same day its online registration opened. But if you missed White on Friday, you can catch up with her tonight on TV Land during the Hot in Cleveland marathon starting at 8 p.m.
Posted by Lynn Norusis / Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
It is a monumental year for the Washington Redskins. Not only did the team snag much-hyped Richard Griffin III in the draft, debut a brand new indoor practice facility in Ashburn, and unveil new Nike uniforms; the team is also celebrating their 80th Anniversary.
Kicking off the celebration is the first of many stops for the team’s 80th Anniversary Thank You Tour at Handley High School in Winchester (Thursday from 3:30-5:30 p.m.). This roving pep rally-style celebration brings players, coaches and other Redskins staff to communities throughout Virginia, Maryland and D.C., and is open to the public.
Photos courtesy Washington Redskins
Fans can also become part of Redskins’ history by voting in the team’s “10 for 80″ campaign, the first time fans get a say in which 10 players to join the 70 Greatest Redskins of All Time. Fans can vote more than once, with prizes being awarded to fans throughout the campaign, and the inductees will be announced at the annual Redskins Welcome Home Luncheon in August. Voting for the “10 of 80″ ends on July 29.
And what is an anniversary celebration without some new attire? To honor the occasion, the team worked closely with Nike in the design of the new 2012 “anniversary” NFL Nike Elite 51 uniform, making sure to honor the team’s heritage.
The new design is a modern take on the uniforms worn in 1937, the year the team moved from Boston to Washington, D.C. and took home its first National Championship. The colors are a deeper hue than in recent versions, with “Team, Effort, Tradition” embroidered on the inside neckline, and the patch on the sleeve is a replica of the patches worn in the early years. The helmets also received a redesign, with a leather-like finish. The jerseys will be showcased during two games throughout the season, which will be announced at a later date.
Other events taking place to honor 80 years of great football are:
80th Anniversary Community Giving Program
Redskins Welcome Home Luncheon
80th Anniversary Gala, Nov. 2
Redskins Alumni Day of Giving, Nov. 3
Homecoming Game, Nov. 4
See more of the new Washington Redskins Anniversary uniforms
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- Photos courtesy Washington Redskins
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Watermelon and Blackberry Margarita Pops/Photo courtesy: Bakers Royale
Grab a friend and go crash a Memorial Day BBQ. Here’s what to bring to fit in:
Shaved asparagus salad [weekly greens]
Vegetable chips [npr]
Asparagus and cannellini bean salad [endless simmer]
Strawberry feta quinoa salad [metrocurean]
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Virginia says Dulles tolls don’t have to rise so much
Springfield Tae Kwan Do instructor accused of sex crimes
Dulles Town Center lands Regal Cinemas theater
Virginia risks ADA violations in not releasing mental patients
Noose found at Ashburn home
Red light cameras in Alexandria catch thousands
Prince William plan tracks tourism investment
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake; photo courtesy of Shutterstock/david n madden)