Category: Just for Fun

Movies, Theater… & More Around DC (NOV/DEC)

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FRI, NOV 10 & weekends (NOV 11-12 & 18-19)

FotoWeek DC 2017

Whether through fine art photography, photojournalism, or the work of emerging artists, FotoDC provides a dynamic, evocative, engaging experience for photographers, cultural institutions, galleries, curators, schools, area residents, and tens of thousands of viewers.  

I MAY have heard of this event before, BUT have never gone! You can also volunteer during this event; I sent in an application (via Google doc). 

http://www.fotodc.org/events-fotoweekdc-2017

FRI, NOV 10 (5:30-8:30PM), National Press Club

2017 Book Fair & Authors’ Night

Authors will talk to fans and sign books at this literary event (now in its 40th yr). Tickets are $5 for NPC and Politics & Prose members; $10 for the public. Tickets will also be sold online and at the door.

http://www.press.org/bookfair

WED, NOV 15 (7PM), Smithsonian Natl Museum of Natural History (Baird Auditorium)

The Problem with Apu (w/ Hari Kondabolu)

In the new documentary, Kondabolu confronts his long-standing nemesis Apu Nahasapeemapetilon—better known as the Indian convenience store owner on The Simpsons.

Creator and star Kondabolu discusses how this controversial caricature came about, burrowed its way into the hearts and minds of Americans, and continues to exist—intact—nearly three decades later. The film features interviews with Aziz Ansari, Kal Penn, Whoopi, W. Kamau Bell, Aasif Mandvi, Hasan Minhaj, Utkarsh Ambudkar, and Aparna Nancherla, as well as Simpsons writer Dana Gould and others. -Synopsis from Smithsonian web site

This is FREE y’all, so you just need to RSVP (after setting up a free Smithsonian account)! After the screening, Hari will be having a discussion w/ Elizabeth Blair (NPR). If you know me, you know I’m a BIG fan of his- YAY!

FYI: This doc will also be shown on SUN, NOV 19th on truTV.

https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/Tickets/Reserve.aspx?id=240875

THURS, NOV 16 (7:15PM), AFI Silver

Big in Bollywood (w/ intro & Q&A w/ actor Omi Vaidya)

California-born, NYU-educated Omi Vaidya had been struggling to make it in Hollywood as an Indian-American actor when he was suddenly offered a role in Mumbai. The film was 3 IDIOTS, and when it turned out to be an overwhelming critical and box office success, Omi — who hardly spoke any Hindi — woke up to overnight stardom in India. His unlikely story is told in this creative documentary, made by Vaidya’s college friends: just like 3 IDIOTS, this is a film about camaraderie and success, but told from behind the scenes. -Synopsis from AFI web site

You gotta LOVE living in/near downtown Silver Spring (DTSS), esp. when you hear about events like this! I’m inviting ALL my local gal pals to come out; hopefully, some of them can make it. I also think this will make a V interesting (future) blog post.

FYI: Vaidya is one of the ensemble cast of Brown Nation (Netflix).

https://silver.afi.com/Browsing/Movies/Details/m-0100001643

WED, NOV 29 (7:30PM) & SAT, DEC 2 (2PM): Round House Theatre (Bethesda)

The Book of Will (Pay-What-You-Can)

What if Shakespeare’s works had been lost forever? After the death of their friend and mentor, two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. 

I used to work a block away from this theater, so I usually noticed what was going on (thanks to posters hanging outside and convos of some Bethesda residents). My parents BOTH liked Miss Bennett last holiday season, which was also written by Lauren Gunderson. PWYC events are great, as long as you plan ahead (b/c you need to wait in line) and bring some cash ($15 is suggested donation, but you can give whatever amount fits your budget). Don’t be embarrassed if you’re (temporarily) broke! I usually take along a friend or my parents (if it’s a weekend).

http://www.roundhousetheatre.org/performances/book-of-will

SAT, DEC 9 & SUN, DEC 10: Walter E. White Convention Center

MetroCooking DC 2017

Shop. Sip. Sample! Spend the day experiencing the many culinary highlights of MetroCooking DC. Restock your pantry and shop for holiday gifts at our exhibitor marketplace, featuring select vendors selling and sampling specialty foods, confections, utensils, appliances, and many other unique kitchen wares. Enjoy watching your favorite celebrity chef whip up delicious dishes live on the James Beard Foundation Cooking Stage. Learn useful tips, tricks, and trends geared toward cooking, home entertaining and healthy living at the Taste Talks Workshops. Plus, give the gift of cooking this season and pick up an autographed cookbook in our bookstore. Grab your friends for a fun, food filled day out! 

I saw an ad for this event (NEVER been before) on the metro this evening… and got V excited. Sure, I LOVE movies, the theater, BUT my love of food is above ALL that! This year, celeb chefs- Guy Fieri and Jose Andres (whose restaurants are FAB)- will be appearing. General Admission for either day (10AM-5PM) is $21.50; there is also a Groupon deal ($14) that you can buy. 

http://www.metrocookingdc.com

https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-metro-cooking-dc-7

 

Pick-up Lines for Trump’s America

Emma4 Comments

The following lines were said by President Donald Trump:

They’re fighting for love. A lot of people are fighting for my love. 

All of the women flirted with me– consciously or unconsciously. That’s to be expected.

You have to think anyway, so why not think big?

I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future by focusing exclusively on the present. That’s where the fun is.

The following lines were inspired by Anthony Scaramucci (“The Mooch”): 

I’ve done nothing wrong on my financial disclosures… 

I’m not a paranoiac. 

I would report to you directly… anyday. 

Girl, I loved your hair and makeup the last time I saw you. Your should keep doing that. 

I sometimes use colorful language, but will not give up the passionate fight for your heart.

The following lines were said by Ivanka Trump (advisor/daughter to The President): 

I personally love the word “curious.”

I believe that we each get one life and it’s up to us to live it to the fullest.

It’s enormously important to unplug and devote that time to each other. 

At a work happy hour, preferably: Cultivating authenticity is essential to creating strong bonds with your coworkers. 

On a business trip, perhaps meeting w/ a cute client: You have to be able to look the other guy in the eye and know that there is value in the deal on the other end, too – unless of course, you’re a onetime seller and just going for the gold.

The following lines were said by First Lady Melania Trump (a fomer model/immigrant): 

Happen to run into a dapper (stylish) man? Impress him!: I love my closet, and I always buy things that I love 100 percent. I’m very organized, and I like everything sorted by colors, even the shoes. It’s important to know exactly where everything is when you walk into the closet.

Spot a cutie on Capitol Hill? Try this one: I’m very political. I’m not political in public; I’m political at home.

I think the mistake some people make is they try to change the man they love after they get married. You cannot change a person.

I am not a “yes” person. No matter who you are married to, you still need to lead your life.

Other lines:

To a lawyer (or law student), preferably: Can you form an obstruction case? 

I’m not a drone, but I could surveil you any day. 

Meet Comedian Imran Yusuf

Emma1 Comment

Hey readers,

It’s Monday, so maybe you could use a laugh (or a dozen)?  I just came across this comedian a few days ago (recommended videos on YouTube).  Hope you enjoy!

I’m English 2.0:

British Citizenship Test:

Kokni/Cockney Muslims & Pilgrimage to Al-Aqsa Mosque:

You can follow Imran on Twitter.

Thanks for visiting,

EMMA

Emma’s Faves of 2015: TV Shows

Emma9 Comments

Daredevil (Netflix)

daredevil_cast
The main cast of Season 1 of “Daredevil” (Netflix): Vincent D’Onofrio, Rosario Dawson, Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, & Elden Hanson

This show (unlike Jessica Jones- sorry, big fans) has a likeable lead character, blind vigilante/lawyer Matt Murdock (played by the boyish Charlie Cox), a terrific/multi-layered villain- Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio), and even some humor (Daredevil’s best bud/law partner, Foggy).  The writing is quite strong, as are the recurring/side characters; I LOVED the flashbacks (esp. Matt’s relationship w/ his struggling/loving boxer father).  One of the unusual (for our time) themes of the show is hero’s relationship w/ his religion (Catholicism, in this case).  I just found that SO refreshing!  As for D’Onofrio, he was the main draw for me (WOW, I was NOT disappointed)!  There are strong/interesting ladies on this show, too, including the nurse (Rosario Dawson) who also appears in Jessica Jones.

Fresh Off the Boat (ABC)

FRESH OFF THE BOAT - ABC's "Fresh Off the Boat" stars Randall Park as Louis Huang, Forrest Wheeler as Emery Huang, Constance Wu as Jessica Huang, Hudson Yang as Eddie Huang and Ian Chen as Evan Huang. (ABC/Bob D'Amico)
ABC’s “Fresh Off the Boat” stars Randall Park (Louis Huang), Forrest Wheeler (Emery Huang), Constance Wu (Jessica Huang), Hudson Yang (Eddie Huang) and Ian Chen (Evan Huang). (ABC/Bob D’Amico)

You probably know the history behind this (much lauded) show, BUT it’s VERY funny, clever, and (at times) emotional.  I’ve recommended it to MANY folks, esp. to those who are 1st gen growing up in U.S.  (I even got my parents into watching it, though they prefer films.)  There are some jokes that are even MORE funny if you’re from an Asian-American background!  Constance Woo (just aged 29- WOW)  has recently gotten a LOT of positive reviews; they are well-deserved.  With each ep, I see the lead actor (Hudson Yang), getting more stronger, confident, and on point.  He reminds me of a few boys (and even girls) that I knew back in JHS and HS.  The BEST thing about this show (IMO) the solid, loving, cooperative marriage between Jessica and Louis (Randall Park, an actor I always liked). 

Master of None (Netflix)

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Promo poster for “Master of None” (Netflix)

This comedy series (created by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang) is unlike ANYTHING I’ve seen on TV- you NEED to see it now… or VERY soon!  Ravi Patel (Meet the Patels) is a recurring character on the show; he plays an Indian-American actor (just like Dev).  Ansari (just in his early 30s) cleverly brings up themes like typecasting in Hollywood, which even someone of his popularity has been subject to in the past.  The ep focusing on the creators’ parents coming to America stories has been highly recommended by friends, critics, and MANY of you out here online. 

The Affair (Showtime)

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Season 2 promo photo of “The Affair” (Showtime): Joshua Jackson (Cole), Ruth Wilson (Alison), Dominic West (Noah), & Maura Tierney (Helen)

Hopefully, you were able to see the finale (WOW, it was a surprise) last SUN.  I thought that the show (which features 4 strong co-leading actors in their 30s and 40s) was taking a weird turn, BUT it got back on track quickly!  Let me know- are you #TeamNoah (as I tried to be) or #TeamCole (it’s tough to decide)?  Are you excited about Season 3?