Buff Body of the Week


You know you have a buff body when...
You know you have a buff body when you're not afraid to show up half naked in Times Square to flaunt it for the masses. That's exactly what this week's Buff Body did.

I happened upon him while in New York City for the weekend. It was 10 p.m. on a Saturday night. All tattooed and oiled up (and with presumably nothing else to do) he had tied an elastic resistance band around a telephone poll and proceeded to do bicep curls right on the corner of Broadway. So, of course, I did what everybody was thinking. I approached him and asked what the heck he was doing. In response, he just smiled and murmurred something along the lines of, "Can't stop...won't stop... get it, get it."

Now that's what I call insane dedication (or maybe just plain insane)! Either way, he wins the first ever TTS award for fitness.

-- Markette

P.S. - If you would like to nominate a more reasonably ripped Buff Body for next week, then send a photo and workout details to thetravelingtalkshow@gmail.com.

John Edwards @ Clydes, Dancing With the Stars, and Shoe Addiction



SCENE & HEARD:
John Edwards was spotted at Clyde's in Georgetown last-night:

Yes that's right the one- time Presidential candidate and now infamous and philandering (to add to the long list) politician was right in our very own back yard here in G-town @ Clyde's bar last night. The smiley, smooth talking politician was sitting down at the bar (around mid-night) with two brunettes -- ball park age in their mid '20s. My sources tell me that nobody approached the politician during the flirt fest, but the second they exited the building all the bar patrons ran to the window to see Edwards get into a limo cab with BOTH girls. He was overheard saying to one of the girls "Well, yeah if you have read any of the newspapers, then yeah I had an affair." He was also overheard talking/bragging about Air Force One, and threw out this gem of a line, "I'm not hitting on you, this is just the wine talking." And tacked his gmail account on one of the girls' phone. Hope he is smart enough not to send any "sext messages" and think he wont get busted like Tiger and Jesse. Stay tuned for sure.... Of course his former mistress Rielle Hunter has been all over the news about her GQ mag spread and how "unhappy" she is with the photos that were chosen.
Duh! If your going to agree to pose next to Barney, Dora the Explorer, and Kermit and friends pantless ..then YES it doesn't matter which FINAL photo was chosen by the photog, your'e still going to be surrounded by kids stuffed animals with no pants on. I think General Larry Platt is telling Rielle this very moment "Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, lookin' like a fool with your pant's on the ground." Geesh I guess birds of a feather do flock together. Edwards and Hunter = quite the combo.

DANCING WITH THE D-LISTERS:


In other entertainment news the new season of Dancing With the Stars kicks off tonight. We get to see 11 "celebs" (and I use that term loosely) like Pamela Anderson, Kate Gosselin, Nicole Scherz..something, and ChadOchoCinco just to name a few; shake their bon bons. Ahh Ricky would be so proud of them all..

Ok enough about affairs and dancing, let's get down to our new weekly blog segment all about what really matters most--shoes.

SHOELICIOUS PIC OF THE DAY:

Stuart Weitzman Femina available in ivory and white satin
If you're like me and on your way to joining a twelve step program to wein yourself off of buying shoes-- then DON'T LOOK. Ok look. I love heels, I love platforms, wedges, and everything in between, you name it. My shoelicious pic of the day are these gorgeous Stuart Weitzman's peep-toe pumps. Spring has sprung so you can rock that white now. At $365 they are a little pricey, but l think it's an investment. My wedding shoes were Weitzman and I had them for years. I chose them because they were versatile, comfortable, and the craftsmanship is incredible. Buy them online at Zappos and pay no shipping. Hey at least your saving money somewhere.


--Vanessa

Hello Sunny Days



These days Markette and I have been feeling like Annie--belting out "The sun will come out tomorrow, betcha' bottom dollar that tomorrow-- there'll be sun." (and maybe we are a little off key but who cares!) And YES now that Snowmagedden 2010 is finally behind us and sunny days are projected in this weekend’s forecast, it is only right that we all take advantage of soaking up a little sunlight. There is plenty to do in DC but this weekend is completely dedicated to the outdoors and it is the perfect kick-off to a great spring time adventure.

Map out your spring adventure in these places:

1) The National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD - It has been one of the most delightful treats to the DC area community. Whether you are in the mood for a casual stroll, succulent suppers or a shopping spree, the National Harbor has it all.


2) Georgetown, Washington, DC-This place never sleeps, in fact, it has a non- stop energy of people hustling and bustling up the streets to shop, eat and play. You can be casual by day and by night it transforms into a playground of evening fun.


3) Old Town Alexandria, Virginia- It’s quaint, it’s small and it has a wealth of American history which makes it a perfect pick for an outdoor exploration. In addition to unique boutiques and restaurants, Alexandria is a great place to experience outdoors.


P.S. All of these places are located by the water. There is nothing more enchanting then winding down your sunny days to a lovely sunset (sigh).

Who Has the BEST Cupcakes in DC?


The cupcake taste test results are in. Watch the video to find out if those expensive boutique cupcakes are really worth it. -- Markette



And BTW, what should Vanessa and I taste test next? Ribs? Wings? Burgers? New York City Hot Dogs? Go to DC50TV.com and tell us what you think!

Why do we celebrate St. Paddy's day?





Who doesn't love drinking a nice pint of green beer on St. Patrick's day? No doubt everyone will be decked out wearing green(so they don't get pinched) and enjoying a perfectly poured pint of Guiness Stout or any green libation for that matter. BUT who Is St. Patrick and why do we celebrate this very green holiday?
Here are some facts:

WHO WAS ST. PATRICK?
Digital News Report – St Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint who was born in either Scotland or England but was kidnapped as a teen-age boy. Later he escaped to devote his life to the ministry...click HERE to read more.

WHAT AND WHERE DID THE THREE LEAF CLOVER COME FROM?
It is said that the Shamrock is symbolic of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

WHAT's THE DEAL WITH LEPRECHAUNS?
A Leprechaun in Irish folklore was, a little sprite, or goblin. The name leprechaun may have derived from the Irish leath brogan or shoemaker, although its origins may lie in luacharma'n Irish for pygmy. These apparently aged, diminutive men are frequently to be found in an intoxicated state, caused by home-brew poteen. However they never become so drunk that the hand which holds the hammer becomes unsteady and their shoemaker's work affected. Leprechauns have also become self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure, burying it in crocks or pots.

Here is a great recipe for traditional Irish Bacon and Cabbage:

    1 Shannon Traditional Slab Bacon (11/4 - 2lb)
    1/2 green cabbage and 1/2 white cabbage
    8 potatoes (peeled)
    Salt and pepper

    1. Remove slab bacon from plastic bag. Cover with cold water.

    2. Bring to boil and drain.

    3. Cover with fresh cold water. Bring to boil and then simmer for 25 minutes per 1lb plus 25 minutes over.

    4. Remove outer leaves of cabbage. Cut in half, add to the saucepan and simmer for the last 20 minutes.

    5. Remove bacon to chopping board and carve into thin slices. Drain cabbage, season with salt & pepper, chop and add a knob of butter.

    6. Serve the bacon with the cabbage and boiled potatoes as well as your choice of sauce.

FAMOUS IRISH SAYINGS:
May the Road Rise to Meet You: From the Gaelic, Go N-eiri an bothar leat, which means may success be with you.

Top of the Morning: Hollywood invention, never used in Ireland.
And the rest of the day to yourself --Also Hollywood.
Slainte: means Good health ---Slainte is the Gaelic word for health.
Slan: meaning farewell Slan is the Gaelic word for safe so it means keep safe.
Erin go Bragh: Means in Gaelic "Ireland forever."
A Hundred Thousand welcomes -- from the Gaelic Cead Mile Failte which means literally that.
Dia is Muire Dhuit: Means hello in Gaelic, literally means "God and Mary with you."
Dia is Mhuire Duit agus Padraig; How the person responds,"God and Mary and St. Patrick with you."
Pog Mo Thoin --Yes it means what you think it does, Gaelic for kiss my ...

And finally...

La Fheile Padraig brea dhibh go leir -- Have a great St. Pat's everyone!!!


What Ever Happened to BET's Jacque Reid....



After looking through DC50's photo album 18 MTV VJs: Where Are They Now?, I started wondering what happened to some of BET's past VJs, particularly Jacque Reid.

Well, as it turns out the former BET Nightly News anchor is doing just fine. She is blogging for Essence.com about healthy hair, recently debuted on the VH1 reality series, "Let's Talk About Pep," and she's co-hosting D.L. Hugley's morning radio show on KISS-FM in New York.

Now, does anyone know what ever happened to 106's Free or (reaching even further back) Video LP's Sherry Carter?


--Markette


Gastronomical Adventures


Challenge Sweden and the Embassy Chef Challenge Event




If you LOVE cooking shows like Top Chef, Chopped, and Iron Chef then you are going to love what Cultural Tourism DC and the Embassy of Sweden are putting on this year. D.C. is fast becoming a gastronomical epicenter, so what better way to demonstrate this fact then a little friendly cooking competition =) The main event-- The Embassy Chef Challenge event will showcase the world-class talents of Embassy Chefs.

Leading up to the main event is Challenge Sweden, that was held last Sunday, when 7 embassy chefs cooked head-to-head, Top Chef-style. The cook-off took place in the kitchens of Occasions Caterers in Northeast Washington. Chefs from Belgium, Ghana, Hungary, Korea, Panama,Qatar, and defending champion Morocco, each received salmon and a basket of surprise ingredients, drawn from Swedish cuisine. They had two hours to prepare a main course. You think that sounds like a lot of time. But judging by the sweat, and mad rushing around at their stations, the chefs said the time went by faster than expected.


The judging panel, at this year's event included Martin Johansson, Embassy of Sweden, Chef Joe Yonan, Food and Travel Editor for the Washington Post, and Chef Sina Molavi, Executive Chef, of Occasions Caterers. The competition was fierce and the food looked amazing but only one chef can take home the prize of Embassy Chef 2010.



I asked Washington Post judge Joe Yonan if he could give me a small hint as to which chef came out on top and he coyly replied "I can only tell you, and it's a secret (long pause) that the winner of the competition, is standing in this room ." Ha ha thanks a lot Joe!


Now on the 18th , all 12 chefs, including two ambassadors, prepare hors d’oeuvre for Embassy Chef Challenge guests and the judging panel, including Joe Yonan, The Washington Post food and travel editor; Michel Richard of Citronelle; Nora Pouillon of Restaurant Nora; and Chef Carla Hall of Alchemy Caterers and a Top Chef finalist. Event patrons vote for the People’s Choice Award, while the judges nominate their favorite.

Finally, chefs competing in both Challenge Sweden and the Embassy Chef Challenge are eligible to win the evening’s grand prize, Embassy Chef 2010. Will just have to wait to find out as the winner will be announced at the main event on March 18th. So don't forget to buy your tickets!!


--Vanessa