Posts Tagged ‘Northern Virginia Magazine’
Posted by Lynn Norusis / Monday, March 19th, 2012
We have heard the cliché, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” I revised the slogan in high school when running for senior class president to say, “The grass is always Greenan on the other side.” I had fierce competition during that campaign, running against two “popular” girls and a soccer player who was also in the marching band. The competition boiled down to a band geek and the athletes. Uh-oh, I thought.
We are faced with those who compete with us for positions at work or those who try to come between us in our personal relationships. At times, we become distracted by our competitors, focusing solely on them. For example, when running track in middle school, I would look behind me to check out my competition, but it only slowed me down.
Last week I met with a friend in Springfield who revised the cliché to say, “The grass is always greener if you water it.” Whether it’s a relationship or a job, do not lose sight of what you want. During my campaign to be class president, I was confronted with distractions in the form of name-calling, threats and bullying. It could have consumed me, but I was passionate about becoming class president. So I kept my mind on my goal and ended up winning the election.
Tell me about competitors or distractions in everyday life which weaken your resolve. The D.C. area is one of the most competitive areas in the nation. How do you separate yourself from what is important and what is frivolous? E-mail me at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com or comment below.
–Katie
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Friday, March 16th, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
African American freshman at Marshall High asked to read Langston Hughes poem ‘blacker’
Northern Virginians wait in line for the new iPad
State receives almost $9 million in federal education funding
24-year-old woman sexually assaulted in Burke woods
Police investigate series of Lorton car thefts
Loudoun County approves its first crematorium
Virginia mishandles 20 percent of welfare-to-work cases
NoVA’s Jim Moran arrested with George Clooney during protest at Sudan Embassy
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Sure Things: Memorable Key-Holder Contraptions
Posted by Hilary Adleberg / Friday, March 16th, 2012
Hello shoppers!
With all the technological advances that have been developed over the years, one question may forever clutter some forgetful minds, “Where did I put my keys?” These three key-holders are practical and clever alternatives that—if used routinely—may save you some valuable time. But as the saying goes, ‘You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink.’
Can also hold bags, sunglasses and other accessories. (Photo courtesy: objeti.com)
This key-holder is actually built into your door. As you enter and exit your doorway, your keys will be right next to the doorknob. This extended strike plate is designed to save space because it is angled to fit right against the wall. To install, simply take out the existing strike plate on your door and replace it with this clever solution that keeps your keys right where you need them. Its sleek design is also appropriate for the office.
Plates sold separately at $17 each. (Photo courtesy: uncommongoods.com)
These “His and Hers” Key-holders are cute and creative. You can mount the plates anywhere that is most convenient for him and for her. The plates are sold separately so you can mix and match or go solo. Each plate comes with mounting hardware and a key that fits the—suggestively placed—key hole. With the “His and Hers” Key-holders, your keys have a specific place where only they belong.
This cloud contraption sells for $30. (Photo couresty: shopmodi.com)
No matter the weather this cloud key-holder will be keep your keys safe. The holder mounts to your wall and your keys suspend from three hidden magnets in the bottom of the cloud. Rain or shine this magnetic cloud is clearly a good invention.
These clever inventions provide a key-holder that fits practically every lifestyle. So to all you misplaced minds, save yourself the hassle and exhausting hunt for your keys because excuses are dwindling where your keys should be dangling.
A Match Made in Drunken Heaven: Kegs and Eggs for St. Patrick’s Day
Posted by Sally Traynham / Friday, March 16th, 2012
St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, enabling the opportunity for only one thing: KEGS AND EGGS MOFO!
Kick start the day of the Irish with this morning tradition—waking early for beer, eggs and all kinds of green-inspired festivities—to prime yourself for the day’s remaining celebrations.
Dogfish Alehouse, Fairfax
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Specials: Eggs, sausage, huevos rancheros a la carmen and breakfast burritos with beer specials.
Kilroy’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, Springfield
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Specials: Eggs, bacon, sausage and hash browns with 99-cent green beer and two-dollar Guinness.
Old Towne Sports Pub, Manassas
7 a.m.- noon
Specials: The classic, eggs and beer.
The Breeze Restaurant & Sports Bar, Herndon
6 a.m.-1 p.m.
Specials: Breakfast buffet with 50-cent 10-ounce drafts until 11 a.m.
The Bungalow Sports Grill, Arlington
8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Specials: All you can eat buffet ($7.99 pp) and $5 green beer, Jameson shots and Irish coffees.
What to do after you stock up on kegs and eggs? Click here for more St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Photo: Vadim Georgiev/Shutterstock
[tips for the food desk]
Posted by Matt Basheda / Friday, March 16th, 2012
We brought you the food, the drink and some unadulterated Irish rock.
But Jammin Java’s throwing a St. Patrick’s Day event all its own.
Nothing makes you feel better after a crappy day than hearing about someone else’s worse luck. “Better Said Than Done” features real stories told live. The focus of each story is comic misfortune; each incident is much better told later than experienced first-hand.
The performances are hilarious, and these storytellers are the real deal. They’ve got their schticks down pat. You can check out a few earlier recitations on their YouTube channel.
Plus Jammin Java’s got a humongous bar, so there’ll be no shortage of alcohol to fuel your funnies. Start it off at 7 p.m. Cover‘s just $10.
If it’s live Irish music you’re after, head to IOTA in Arlington. O’Tasty, a staple of the D.C. Irish music scene, will shamrock the night away. The show doubles as an album release party for their first LP, called “A Proper Introduction.”
The combination of warm weather, an Irish band, a new album and St. Patrick’s Day should make for Arlington’s most epic party. IOTA will be bursting at the seams, for sure. The show starts at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $12.
–Matt Basheda
Posted by Lynn Norusis / Friday, March 16th, 2012
Meeting a significant other’s parents is something we can all relate to. The bottom line is do your research before meeting them. Ask your partner about his or her family and gather background information about their parents. Readers suggest holding your tongue when it comes to hot-button topics and avoid talking about any recent break up. One reader went above and beyond to make a good first impression.
“I met my girlfriend’s parents at dinner last Thanksgiving. The first thing I thought was to give each member a gift, so I asked my girlfriend what each person liked. This is very important because it’s the first impression and also shows you are a thoughtful person. The second thing I put thought into was to decide what to wear that night since people often judge others by first sight. Therefore, you must put your best foot forward. When I arrived, I tried to get involved in conversation with everyone. I helped her mother and her sister set the dinner table. I shared information about myself, school and work and asked everyone fun questions. The point was to show her family that I was a responsible individual.” –Khang
“Always be polite and use manners. Remember the reason you are there is to meet her parents so focus the attention on them. Try to tell two or three fun stories that the two of you experienced together or tell a couple of jokes to break the ice. Another tip is to have a couple of questions about them ready to ask to show you are interested in getting to know them. When leaving, thank them for the hospitality and good food; flattery goes along way.” –JS
“In my opinion, he shouldn’t mention his divorce to her parents because his girlfriend has probably already shared that information with them. I don’t think her parents will ask him about his divorce because it would not be polite. If they want to know his background they will ask their daughter instead of asking him, and if they think he isn’t right for their daughter they will tell her and let her decide. If her parents agree to meet him a second time, it means they like him. Therefore, just be yourself but try to prevent spilling your drink again.” –Minh
“…Keep the conversation light and avoid controversial topics like politics. Be as polite as possible…As for the divorce situation…I wouldn’t bring it up with her parents. I feel like that’s something that your girlfriend should tell her parents.” –Ryan
“I agree with Ryan. Avoid talking about politics…You should at least talk about your divorce with your girlfriend so there are no surprises. It might be a big issue for her and her family.”
–Aira
Thanks readers! E-mail me your anecdotes, questions and relationship dilemmas at littleredbook@northernvirginiamag.com or comment below.
–Katie
If You Like It, Put a Pin On It: NoVA Mag Now on Pinterest
Posted by Stefanie Gans / Thursday, March 15th, 2012
Facebook, over. Twitter, done-zo. Pinterest, of the moment.
Head on over to the world’s newest time suck and enjoy wonderful photos courtesty of Gut Check and the other, awesome NoVA Mag blogs.
Like us. Pin us. Lick your screen.
Pinterest: Lick Your Screen Board
Migrating Coconuts and A Very, Very, Very Round Table: The Sensationalness of ‘Spamalot’
Posted by Lorin Drinkard / Thursday, March 15th, 2012
The possible migration of tropical fruit is just one of the laugh-out-loud conversations heard from Warner Theatre‘s stage during the Tony-award winning show “Spamalot” this week in DC.
If ‘fisch schlapping’ (just what it sounds like), dancing knights in tights and infectious British accents are your thing, you will love, love, love the stage version of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”
"All for one, some for some ... and slightly less for people we don't like," declare King Arthur's knights. Photo credit: Scott Suchman
Posted by Lindsey Leake / Thursday, March 15th, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Virginia Tech found negligent in 2007 school shooting, appeal likely
Virginia is home to four of the nation’s top conservative colleges
Arlington County goes two years without a single homicide
How to manage stink bugs this spring
Virginia considers new E-ZPass program
Fake grenade found in vehicle stops traffic
Ice cream shop owner and former Dumfries police officer charged with 23 counts of sexually assaulting underage boy
(Compiled by Lindsey Leake)
Chicken Alert: Task Force Assembled with Voiced Opposition
Posted by Sally Traynham / Thursday, March 15th, 2012
Our March issue investigates the movement in Arlington toward urban backyard chicken farming. Here are some updates, keeping the chicken train moving (even amongst opposition):
Last week, Arlington County Board scheduled its first meetings to launch Participation, Leadership and Civic Engagement (PLACE), an initiative to improve interaction and engagement between residents and the county government. Mary Hynes, County Board Chair, hopes this will get more people active in making key decisions to shape the county’s future. Perhaps a possible place for a backyard hen forum? PLACE’s next events are scheduled for today (March 15) and this Saturday (March 17) with multiple 90-minute sessions during each day. [ARL now]
Two formers chairs of the Arlington County Civic Federation advised Arlington County Board members to stop the proposal to change current zoning regulations to allow backyard hens. Robert Atkins, a vocal civic activist, echoed this suggestion stating, “send it [the proposal] to the slaughterhouse.” [Sun Gazette]
On March 13, Arlington County Board assembled its anticipated Urban Agriculture Task Force with a unanimous vote among board members of 4-0. The task force is made up of 17 members—many whom are associated with environment-friendly, education or community-based projects—and will look at the possibilities of backyard hens among its many other urban initiatives. The force was given one year to collect information, after which there will be at least another round of community input before any changes are made. [Sun Gazette]
For more information, check out the article in Northern Virginia Magazine’s March issue on stands now.
Photo: Dmitriy Shironosov/Shutterstock
[tips for the food desk]