DCMagazine LIFE Fall 2011
Cultural Fusion for Social Change
Alison carney Kelly Haywood’s Q&A
PHOTO BY: Jorge Rivas
Maloof Money Cup DC’s Skateboard President Gets A Park
57th annual Fancy food show Hottest “New Food” Products Showcase In D.C.
Articles | News | He alth | Lifestyle | Food
contents
FALL 2011
15
32 69 48
Features 12
Walking for exercise
24
Odell Smith shares his insight on how easy walking really is.
Is it for indulgence or the gourmand?
14
Bodybuilding
29
recipe redux
Gigi Smith offers an insider’s look at bodybuilding competitions.
Jennie Tai - The Hungry Muse explains how an entire pumpkin can be used
Fancy Food Show
21
Fall Hair tips
69
DC saga
Anna Castillo, owner of ink... Cosmetics shares some fall hair trends as seen in New York Fashion Week.
A visual representation of DC Life Magazine sponsored events.
4 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
38
70 25
ON THE COVER Columns
38
Music
Reviews of the area’s hottest unsigned musicians.
24
2011 Fancy Food show
DC gets a culinary sample.
48
maloof money cup
DC gets a skate park.
51 alison carney
Music gets real.
40
fashion
NonFiction LA showcases their lifestyle brand in the lookboook. Photography: Jorge Rivas
61
ART
Styling: Alison Carney
Local galleries, artists and photographers offer up their work to our diverse audience.
Hair: Alison carney
26
MakeuP: Alison carney
Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 5
Editors letter
DC Magazine LIFE Welcome! I want to thank you
Editor
for viewing DC Life
Eugene O Smith Jr kelli esqiulin - assistant editor Tel: 202.670.4373 Email: editor@dclifemagazine.com www.dclifemagazine.com
Magazine. Our staff is committed to our campaign for Cultural
general MANAGER
Fusion through Social
Gigi smith
Tel: 202.600.9191 Email: gigi@dclifemagazine.com www.dclifemagazine.com
PUBLISHEr
Life Diverse Network Tel: 877.423.2836 Email: admin@lifediverse.com www.lifediverse.com
Design gigi smith
Email: design@dclifemagazine.com
IMAGEs
Contributing Photographers Jorge Rivas Miguel “Chapi D� Oyola Jennifer Jordan Harrell Charles Butler Brittany Oliver Eugene O. Smith, Jr. Email: photos@dclifemagazine.com
Change. Yet another season has passed us by, and we usher in autumn. Our Fall issue touches on some of the urban interests that Washington, DC has to offer. We took an opportunity to peek into the life of a local musician to explain how unique she is. Our upcoming issues will highlight the fast approaching holidays and say goodbye to the lightning fast summer. The year twenty-eleven flew by faster than a Jumbo Jet over the 14th St. bridge, and we will continue to move forward into the final quarter with more exciting events, people, art and food to share with you.
visit us ONLINE www.dclifemagazine.com
Thank You.
To submit calendar events: events@dclifemagazine. com To follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/ DCLifeMagazine To like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ DCLifeMagazine Editor-In-Chief Eugene O. Smith Jr. 6 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
Jemma Morris
WWW.JEMMAMORRIS.COM
Contributors
Anna
Castillo was signed on to modeling agencies as lead makeup artist and have been paired with wonderful photographers who have helped her grow as an artist and allowed her to be creative with every shoot. “I have worked with several designers and was given the opportunity to do makeup on a TV promo for designer Mark Eisen. My work was featured in Latina Magazine, and I was hired as a hair and makeup artist on the Houston Texans Cheerleading Calendar. I also have experience with pageants, weddings, and print. Other projects include work in Project Runway, America’s Next Top Model, Red Bull, ZINK Magazine, AMUZE Magazine, DC Life Magazine, local ads and newspapers, Avant Modeling Agencies Calendar, Berjouhi.com and Midgettgray.com. I continue to do makeup for New York Fashion Week and VH1 Glam God Winner and NY Fashion Designer/Stylist Indashio. After getting my Esthetician License, I decided it was time to show America what I had to offer, so I am launching my line and signed on other Makeup Artists and Stylists in various cities to represent my company and brand. Our philosophy is to help everyone achieve their beauty goals and make them feel fabulous in every way. We welcome you to experience our definition of “true” beauty. So, stop being cute; ink… it up, be gorgeous, live your destiny, and cultivate your creativity!” XOXO Besos!
8 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
Miguel
“Chapi D” Oyola has spent the last decade as a fixture of the DC/NOVA Hip Hop art scene. The connections and relationships he has fostered throughout this time have provided him with rarely seen glimpses into the gears that make the machine function and have allowed him to bring to light the side of an industry that often goes unseen by its patrons. True to his tag-line “Documenting a Movement One Shot at a Time”, Chapi D uses his unique approach to photography to accentuate the raw talent the region is known for and to encapsulate the glory and the toil that is Hip Hop. Gritty and dark but at the same time thoughtful and provocative the images he captures accost the viewer like a silk pillowcase filled with razorblades; in your face and striking the perfect balance between beauty and darkness. Not one to be pigeon-holed, Chapi D has expanded from hip-hop photography into fine arts and portrait work in order to showcase the breadth of his talent. Dedicated to capturing spontaneous emotion, his fine arts work is comprised largely of open and candid shots. Continuously drawing inspiration from his surroundings, it is not unusual to find Chapi out on the streets of the city capturing moments in time as they come to him. Chapi D’s critically acclaimed work has been featured in local and national media while his notoriety and undeniable presence within the DC/NOVA arts scene continues to position him as a true all around artistic authority.
Contributors
Kelly
Haywood-Philbert is Resident Artist for Laura Mercier Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons II Galleria Initially pursuing a career in fashion design, Kelly studied briefly at Virginia Commonwealth University and eventually transferred to the historic International Fine Arts College in South Beach Miami, Florida. After a short stint interning for Madonna’s famous Liquid Nightclub as an assistant fashion event coordinator, she cut her education short to start her own fashion event marketing and production company. Kelly worked up and down the East coast with start-up fashion businesses to higher end ready to wear and couture fashion brands, executing a wide range of fashion events for the next decade. Kelly currently works as the resident artist for Laura Mercier Cosmetics at the prestigious Saks Fifth Avenue Tysons II Galleria and is a full time business communications major with plans to pursue her Juris Doctor. Kelly is an avid reader and writer, enjoys gardening, organically grown music, and spending time with her children. Kelly regularly hosts master classes with both small and large groups at Saks Tysons and enjoys teaching her clients the techniques necessary for achieving a flawless look. For a private appointment with Kelly, please contact the Laura Mercier counter 703.239.1362 or visit the store at 2051 International Drive, Mclean, Virginia 22102.
Gigi
Smith is a wife and mother of three young children whose recent decision to take control of her health has compelled her to share. Her experiences cleaning up her family nutrition, joining a local gym and deciding to compete gives readers the fresh perspective. Get a look at training and cooking tips from a novice that is as excited to learn as she is to share. If Gigi isn’t training for a physical fitness competition, she is expanding her recipe collection with the best organic foods, supplements and solutions. She has a plenty of knowledge now, but she knows that fitness is a lifestyle and she’s constantly seeking more. From cooking authentic ethnic cuisine to finding the best protein powder for the money, Gigi is our resource for healthy living from a realistic viewpoint. Her bodybuilding experience ignited a new passion, and we look on as she trains for her next competition in the Spring. She is also studying to receive a certification in personal training and sports nutrition. You can find Gigi this November 20th at the Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia, supporting her daughter at the New Balance Girls on the Run 5k 2011.
Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 9
Health
Walking For Exercise by Odell Smith Keeping physically fit has been a high priority throughout my life. I have been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage my weight within 10 to 15 lbs of when I graduated from college in 1976. I recently took the “Real Age” test at, www.realage.com a scientific way of calculating a number that reflects your overall state of health rather than you calendar age. Calendar Age 54.8 RealAge 47.8 Difference -7.0
Check it out for yourself and find out what your Real Age is and start a plan for successful aging and living longer. For six years I averaged running 30-40 miles per week. Completing six consecutive “Army 10 Milers” and three “Marine Corps Marathons” during the six-year period (1989-1995). Conditioning as a way of life became very stressful on my knees and I had to stop running. In order to reach an adequate level of physical fitness, I began walking. The benefits from walking daily were so significant; I devised the following program while in the U.S. Army Reserve:
Odell’s Favorites Walking Advantage Talking Calorie Counter Pedometer “This unique pedometer not only tracks your steps, distance, calories burned and exercise time, but it also tells you about it in a clear voice. No need to stop to check the pedometer. Now you can hear about your progress while you focus on the road or trail ahead. ” www.sears.com 12 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
The ASICS® GEL-Kanbarra® 5 “This women’s running shoe sports a lightweight, breathable synthetic and mesh upper with reflective detailing. The shoe is perfect for a low-mileage runner/ walker. ” Asics Running Shoes. www.asics.com
Pacers -
Walking For Exercise
Goal: Able to execute a 21-Day Walking for Exercise Program to obtain the optimum fitness levels possible through walking. Environment: Given all-weather terrain, instructional techniques and proper equipment. (Commit to drinking at least 8ozs of water 8 times a day using X2O- www.foundfitness.com ) Achievement: Measure Time, Distance and Speed, before, during and after the 21-Day program, record difference, increasing distance and speed while maintaining constant time. This program is designed to elevate individual performance, increase overall fitness, strength, endurance and cardiovascular capacity. (If you have a dog walk it, if not walk with your spouse or friend, with a group or alone) Imagine this. You have completed the 21 days of positive habit changing Walking for Exercise Program. You look and feel much better and lost a few pounds. With confidence high, you are able to jog a few miles, have a faster walking pace, a healthier life style and able to enjoy regular exercise. Start with some warm-up exercises: stretching and light calisthenics. Continue directly to walking using the following technique. Finish by cooling down. Record activities and take pulse.
Walking technique: Keep arms straight, slightly bent at the elbow (arms relaxed swinging rhythmically, elbows raised even with or above the heart). Pace at a consistent forward motion.
Body form: Relaxed, good posture, breathing deeply No swaying Lift at the knee and thigh Heel to toe action and push off on each step If power walking, bend elbows at 90° and pump upward in conjunction with foot speed.
Equipment: Shoes with proper fit for your feet. Watch Pedometer Attire appropriate for the season (Workplace dress may be adequate for walking) Hand weights (optional)
TIME, DISTANCE, and SPEED: TIME - Days 1-6 during a 30 or 40-minute period (morning, lunch-time or after dinner) walk for 15 minutes in one direction; then return the same way. On the 3rd day measure the distance walked. Continue to walk the same route and distance daily. DISTANCE - Days 7-13 during the same 30 or 40-minute period walk to increase the distance traveled. Measure the distance on day 7 and day 13. SPEED - Days 14-21 walk for speed and measure the distance traveled on day 14, day 17 and day21. Attempt to increase distance and speed during the same 30 or 40-minute time allotted. Maintain enjoyment by varying routes and participating in walking/ running events. Finally, compare distance traveled during the time allotted. Practice: Walking becomes a habit, change your environment; increase time to 40 minutes maximum for a sustained heart rate. Demonstrate the correct technique in 2 above. Walk 3/5 X per week for optimum benefits. Memory Map: “We follow every treat downstairs to eat.” Walking For Exercise, Time, Distance, Speed, Technique and Equipment. Performance: Demonstrate the proper walking technique; reach sustained heart rate for 30 to 40 minutes. List the measurements used to determine effective Walking for Exercise. List techniques and equipment Copyright © 2002 by EOS Literary Works Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 13
Nina Mastrokalos of King George, Virginia won Overall Figure and received her Pro Card at the 2011 NGA Potomac Cup.
14 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
Bodybuilding: A Novice Approach by Gigi Smith By far the biggest reward after showcasing my efforts for my best physique in the NGA Potomac Cup is hearing from friends and family members that I’m an inspiration. It compels me to continue training long after the show is over, when I no longer have a regimented diet or an intense workout schedule. It’s turned into a lifestyle makeover, and I’m so thankful for the experience. I registered to compete on the basis that my body needed a makeover after having three kids. Other than P.E. class way back in high school, I never stepped foot into a gym or exercised in general. This transition was partly due to my desire to grow strong as I got older. I learned about proper nutrition and how macronutrient intake affect physical body (consider performance) responses. I studied fundementals of sports nutrition as well. Intense physical activities create certain stressors on the human body, and dietary supplementation assisted in compensating for those stressors. I consulted with other bodybuilders and personal trainers on fine-tuning my training program. I even went as far as following tweets and friending professional bodybuilders on facebook. All in all, I trained for the competition for about six months with one year of mostly cardio and fundamental weight training prior to that. Several myths were debunked along my journey. I don’t recall how they made it into my knowledge base of unverified truths, but here is the short list: FALSE
Heavy weight lifting will make a woman look like a man. (To my current knowledge, only steroids will do this.) FALSE Eating many meals a day will make you fat. (For this to be true, you would have to be lethargic or otherwise physically inactive.) TRUE Physical activity will relieve mental stress. TRUE Working out does not counter bad nutrition. Though bodybuilding competitions showcase physique - defined as the proportional appearance of muscle development, the body part used the most is the brain. It is the mental toughness to continue to train and intestinal fortitude to persevere through injuries, maladies, and self doubt. I learned that athletes become the best from continuous critique, self improvement, and resolve to action. There is no off-season. There are no “cheat meals”. And there’s no such thing as luck. And in bodybuilding competitions, the only one to compete against is you. Looking back, I can say that I could have done better. I could have complained less. I could have eaten better. I could have trained harder. However, I find that I’m stronger, happier, and I feel so alive. I’ve become a better version of myself by literally sculpting my body with weight training and sprints on the track, and by defining my body composition with a scientific approach and a critical eye on my fork. Many people criticize the physiques of professional bodybuilders because it’s unusual to see hard bodies among all those who don’t have a comparable physique. Let’s face it, bodybuilders are a small percentage of the general population. It’s not easy to continually push yourself to do more. Humans are creatures of habit. For most of us, we’d rather work to be comfortable than to work to be better. I’m no exception. It’s the discipline that makes the difference. In terms of bodybuilding, the admiration of a beautiful physique made me curious about my own body’s potential. Would I be able to push past my comfort zone physically and really show physical improvement visually? Today I believe that I’ve done that, Six months ago I wasn’t so sure. I remember while at the peak of my competition training a close family member once likened my body to a Holocaust victim. Immediately, I was insulted by the comment. Several days later, still affected by the comment, realized that most people cannot fathom the changes necessary to experience a transformation like mine. Or perhaps, the American people have become so obese that our visual indicators of good health are now skewed to a number on a tag in the back of our garments.
Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 15
GIgi Smith poses on stage at the 57th Annual Potomac Cup among eight other competitors in the figure category of
Having a reliable support system is essential for any bodybuilding competi-
her height class.
tor that goes through the rigors of competition training. Gigi Smith stands happily with her close friends after the event.
Winning figure competitors of each height class pose down for the trophy of overall winner of the figure category.
16 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
Take Out | Eat In Part Two - Lunch Options | by Gigi Smith Picture an average American and you’ve got someone who is typically muiltitasking, cramming in as much work as possible at the least amount of dedicated time. In terms of health and nutrition, though, that usually means eating while working, take-out meals or nibbling over highly processed food through the course of the work day. Tsk tsk tsk. While I can’t deny that I myself have been guilty of it in the past, I’m here to educate that there are more lunch options than chomping on Chipotle or Five Guys burgers at your desk.. There are many alternatives to maintain a healthy attitude with a busy lifestyle. My personal suggestion is to take one day a week, such as on a Sunday, to plan and prepare all meals for the week. You save the majority of your lunch money, the time in your lunch hour to seek out some food, and elevate your nutritional intake by controlling the ingredients. By taking on this approach, you can allocate your lunch hour to a less stressful time block to feed your body and regroup for the afternoon’s work agenda. For example, take one roast chicken and a bag of salad, and divide into five equal portions for each lunch meal. Then let the creativity begin! Soup, salad, sandwich... whatever strikes your fancy. Add to it one fresh fruit for each day, and you have a week of lunches done.
If that sounds just too complicated, never fear. I’ve got more solutions. Repeat after me. “Sauce on the side, please.” By this one action alone, you’ll avert up to 400 calories depending on how much or how little is eaten. Another option is simply swap the cooking method; roasted instead of fried, steamed instead of sauteed, or raw instead of cooked. The easiest and by far best switch I’ve made to my diet is making water my beverage of choice. I never have to compromise my brand preference, and I can find it at any quick mart, gas station, food stall, or restaurant. From this one change, I’ve been able to taste my food more accurately and feel cleaner about my diet. It just makes sense. Our body is made up of approximately 60% water in total body weight. And while the digestive system can pull water from any food we intake, it’s not exactly apples to apples. It’s more like a comparison to an apple and an apple slice. Replenishing body water with water reduces effects of dehydration, which can result anywhere from thirst to muscle cramping to abdominal pain or worse yet, to seizures. I had a colleague a long time ago who wanted to maximize her savings and decided she would eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches instead of eating out for lunch, which at the time typically costed about 8 dollars a day. After three solid months, she confided in me and said that by changing her lunch options she saved more than her health. She was able to drop down two dress sizes, replace her wardrobe, and still save money she she wouldn’t have had because of those $8 lunches. And all from just one consistent action.
Gigi’s Favorites “I’ve got small hands for typical women’s weight training gloves. These fit me perfictly. And the best part is they’re washable leather!” Harbinger Women’s Pro Weight Lifting Gloves. harbinger.com
“I’ve learned that keeping warm and dry throughout outdoor track training is crucial. These tights fit the bill and more; the fit and lininhg are so comfy, they can double as lounge pants.” Nike Women’s Pro Hyperwarm Tights. nike.com Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 17
Fountain of Youth...Found in Washington, DC Metro Area by Michael B. Victorian For centuries explorers have search for the “Fountain of Youth”. Finally, the medical professionals at the My Weight Doctor medical weight loss facilities have found it. Through physician counseling, nutritional planning and support, and customized treatment, patients of the medical weight loss facilities are regaining their youth and staving off old age. Unlike typical diet centers, My Weight Doctor helps patients lose weight and feel younger by using customized therapies that are only available through licensed medical doctors . Whether you have 10 or 300 pounds to lose, our guaranteed process is unique because our doctors will customize your treatment so that you lose weight rapidly and safely. Arman Ghanei, M.D. Medical Doctor Bariatric Physician Dr. Ghanei has over 17 years of continued clinical experience in internal medicine and the treatment of obesity. He is very competent in establishing subtle and often difficult to make diagnosis. He is highly personable and recognized for putting patients at ease. Dr. Arman Ghanei received his medical degree from the University of Duesseldorf, Germany in 1991 and relocated to the United States. He was granted a two year research scholarship from University of Miami. He completed the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Medical College of Virginia in Richmond and became board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1996. He is licensed to practice in Virginia and Maryland. PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY Dr. Ghanei is passionately interested in restoring your health, preventing chronic diseases and improving function of mind and body. Obesity like Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes, Hypertension and Cancer is a chronic condition, which requires in most patients chronic treatment and supervision of a physician. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, pharmacotherapy and the integration of conventional and restorative medicine are essential for optimal health. He believes in treating the body’s imbalances as a whole not just a disease. Dr. Ghanei believes in careful listening and involving patients in decision making. He takes time to educate and explain how to achieve maximum wellness and offers comprehensive commitment to improving the quality of patient’s lives.
18 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
Product Spotlight
Beauty Product Review by Anna Castillo
LaFlora by Eco-armour is not only an eco-friendly all natural product, it is NOT tested on animals and is a great alternative to shaving cream. Eco-armour, used as directed on the back of the label, provided a very close, smooth shave. Its citrus scent will awaken your senses while you shave your legs, bikini line, or even your man’s 5 o’clock shadow. We did just that... My husband stated the solution “Did not have any irritating reactions on my skin.” The initial feeling was a clean tingly feeling. After a minute with the solution on his face he reapplied it to the face again and to his razor as directed. The razor cut through the stubble with no problems. With his experience of most shave gels, the razors can seem to pull the hairs. The only down-fall we could identify with eco-armour was the citrus scent. It reminded us of furniture cleaner. I agreed, at first the scent was refreshing but after a minute it seemed as though I just cleaned my wood floors with orange glo? All around, the product works. I believe once they master the scent formulation, it will be a knock out.
Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 19
Beauty
RUNWAY
photo courtesy of Luca Cannonieri
INSPIRATION WOMEN’S FALL 2011 HAIR TRENDS: By: Anna Castillo Fall 2011 hair for women were described as backwoods country. An all American free flowing head of faboulousness! Free, textured, fun and natural! I was in love primarily with Anna Sui and Phillip Lim’s collections this year. Hair and makeup were minimal but significant. They say sometimes less is more and they did it right this season. Our favorite hair looks can be achieved in these easy steps.
photo courtesy of Luca Cannonieri
This season let yourself be free! Long hair trends should be kept simple not sloppy. You can wash and air dry or wash, blow dry and walk out the door! We recommend adding a volumizing cream moose after you wash, then use a small round brush at the root and dry from root to tip. Change up your look by wearing it half up with a tiny bun while leaving the rest natural and loose. Remember to embrace what God has given you and enjoy the things that make you who you are. Beautiful!
This short sassy cut is the female version of our men’s fringe cut. It is an all-time favorite of mine. I have had short hair for over 11 years now. I change it with different lengths, colors and textures. Sometimes curly but mostly straighten. It is an easy and quick style to manage. I add a small amount of frizz serum, dry my entire hair and then flat iron it straight with my trusty chi. photo courtesy of Luca Cannonieri
Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 21
MEN
REGI
MEN’S HAIR TRENDS FOR FALL 2011: By: Anna Castillo This fall it’s about old school sophistication with a little rocker twist. 2011 Fall looks offered a bit of variation, some textured and some well-groomed. Our two favorite looks were the men’s fringe and the GQ sleek slick back look.
MEN’S SLEEK SLICK BACK This is a George Clooney and Leonardo Dicaprio favorite! I have to say there is nothing sexier than a man in a well-tailored suit with a sleek back style and scent of masculine cologne. The best things about the fall 2011 trends are the abilities to inter-mix this look with the fringe. Get the fringe cut and instead of blow drying your hair forward leave your hair wet. Apply pomade pushing your hair backward. Spray a small amount of frizz resistant hair spray to keep your hair in place. Depending on your preference you can comb your hair either straight back or add a side split. Bottom line; do not be afraid to try the season trends. Change is good and you would be amazed what a new cut does to your swagger! Enjoy gentlemen!
These two looks are super simple. photo courtesy of GQ Magazine
photo courtesy of GQ Magazine
MEN’S FRINGE To achieve the men’s fringe cut you will need to ensure your stylist understands what length you want your bang. They may use scissors or texturing shears. My favorite is a razor. This will also texture the style of the cut. Your sides are cut just shorter and behind the ears. I recommend keeping the hair a little longer in the back making sure to texturize the hair up and outward for a shaggier surfer appearance. Styling the cut is a breeze. You will need a small amount of frizz serum, a round brush and a blow dryer. Dry your hair forward and downward toward the front of your face. Using the round brush help flip up the back and really get close to the root of the hair for a more smoother/straighter finish.
22 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 23
the 57th annual by Eugene Smith Take 50 thousand foodies, 2800 of the world’s finest food, wine and spirits vendors add a red carpet awards show and you have the 57th annuals fancy food show. The Washington convention center was bananas! There were purveyors of the world’s finest foods sprawled throughout all three levels. A collection of the finest wines, desserts, coffees, tequilas, prosciuttos and cheeses transformed the space into one gargantuan playground for the palate. It was like going to a specialty food store the size of an airport, and not having to pay to taste all of your favorites.
This was the best, and only the best food brands available on the market. There were exotics honeys, beers, candies and olives. There were world-famous chefs making appearances, and pop-up restaurant that would earn 3-4 stars with ease. The innovation of today’s culinary community is so inspiring. For instance I tried the best “Brittle” I’ve ever tast-
Fancy Food Show ed in my life; it was a completely different take on the “Normal” Peanut brittle experience. Normally you get brittle around the holiday season, and It usually has some peanuts in it and it’s pretty tasty. So you can imagine how I was blown away when I had a Bourbon whiskey almond brittle, and a Chile-Lime Tequila brittle. I almost shed a tear..... and it was just brittle.
I did something there that I told myself I would never do. I tried the Civet cat coffee, you know that exotic “CatPoo” coffee yuppies are paying crazy amounts of money for. I had the opportunity to try it for free, and I really wanted to see what all of the fuss was about. Turns out it’s pretty good! However, not good enough to make me forget that it had been previously digested by an animal at some point before it was brewed for me.
There were gelato filled Cannolis, and sausagestuffed Stromboli’s, with all of the trimmings. I felt like “Templeton The Rat” at the fair after the lights go down(Charlotte’s Web). I was stuffed and satisfied after every trip. The atmosphere was electric , Everybody IS ON, and all of the “Wheel’inand-Deal’in” had me feeling like I was in the right place. I could have gone back to that place every day of my life! My only complaint about the 57th annual fancy food show was that it only lasted 3 days, and the doors closed early on the last day. I needed more time to visit with this global community of foodies. The experience left me perplexed, Am I to be a Food Show Groupie or Roadie?
26 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
Chocolate Cheeky Monkey
Somebody’s Mother’s 24k
Ingredients:
Martini
2 scoops chocolate ice cream 1 shot banana liqueur 1 shot chocolate liqueur 3 tbs Somebody’s Mother’s Chocolate Sauce 1 piece banana
Fill a shaker with ice. Pour in:
Place all liqueurs, ice cream, chocolate sauce, and the piece of banana into a food processor with 4-5 ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Pour into a martini glass, and enjoy!
Shake noticeably. Pray for guidance. Pour. Garnish with 24k gold flecks. Guzzle.
3 shots vodka 1 shot vanilla vodka 2 tbs Somebody’s Mother’s White Chocolate Sauce
Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 27
Sugar Pie Pumpkin Bunch by Jennie Ling Tai of www.theHungryMuse.com
A Guide on How To Make Your Own Pumpkin Puree, and How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds Happy October, everybody! Who’s excited for haunted houses, silly costumes, pumpkin-spiced everything and of course – Halloween? I decided to do a little post on a few things you can do with some fresh pumpkins to get in gear for Halloween this season, and how to do it all from scratch. I’ll show you how to: 1) Make your own Fresh Pumpkin Puree 2) Roast your own Garlic Butter & Spiced Pumpkin Seeds and 3) Carve a few Pumpkins, of course. Over the past few years, I’ve always used canned pumpkin puree whenever I wanted to make pumpkin pie, pumpkin pudding, pumpkin soup or whatever pumpkin flavored dish I was craving before Halloween – but this year I wondered how hard it would be to make my own fresh pumpkin puree from scratch. Surprisingly, it turned out to not be that difficult. Also! Turns out Pumpkin Seed Oil is great for your hair and skin, so I’ll show you how to roast those seeds instead of throwing them away. All you need is a few medium sized pumpkins, like these Sugar Pie Pumpkins. (Jack-O-Lanterns are fine too, but keep in mind, the larger the pumpkin, the rougher the texture.) After you’ve picked out a few pumpkins, all you need is a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a few every day kitchen utensils.
Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 29
Pumpkin Puree 1. After preheating your oven to Roast at 350 degrees, carefully slice off the stem of your pumpkin and discard. 2. Cut the pumpkin in half, and split it open. 3. Spoon the insides into a separate bowl, and save the seeds for later. 4. Cut the remainder of the pumpkin into 1-2 inch wide triangles. 5. Roast at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges start to brown. 6. Peel the skin off of each triangle, and place your skinned pumpkin pieces into a large bowl to mash. (You can also use a food processor if you don’t want to mash by hand.) 7. Mash thoroughly, and spoon into a container. Store your jar of fresh pumpkin puree in the fridge, or keep it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
30 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
Garlic Butter & Spiced Pumpkin Seeds 1. After preheating your oven to 350 degres, pour 2 cups of rinsed pumpkin seeds into a large bowl. 2. Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter or margarine, and pour over the pumpkin seeds. 3. Mix the butter and the seeds to coat evenly. 4. Add 2 tsp of salt, 2 tsp of pepper, 1 tsp of red pepper, 1/2 tbsp of garlic powder, and 1/2 tbsp of worcestershire sauce to the seeds and mix evenly. 5. Spread the pumpkin seeds into an even layer on a dark pan to bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Enjoy! xx
Fall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 31
Music Scene
Alison Carney Q & A Session with DC’s Most Lovable Singer / Songwriter by Kelly Haywood
I grabbed a table at the historic Ben’s Next Door, it seemed a fitting place to meet a vocal artist from the area considering the relevance of the U Street Corridor to music and the capital city. I’d met Alison a few times in passing, brief hellos and congrats backstage when I’d attended some of her performances. She wasn’t for a bunch of small talk, she seemed so focused on the tasks at hand, I wasn’t sure if she was just working or irritated by the presence of someone unfamiliar. I was a little nervous, expecting her maybe to be standoffish and guarded, I mean we barely knew each other, and who am I anyway? Alison walks in escorted by one of her film director friends and greets me with a huge smile and a hug and excitedly, quite to the contrary I feel a warmth come over the room, I set aside all of my apprehensions and anxiety and realize I’m in the presence of someone super special, a charismatic woman who immediately feels like a sister…We talk for hours, and I realize I’ve met one of the coolest most down to earth and talented woman I’ve met to date. 32 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
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A few years ago Alison Carney was preparing to attend law school. A plan her family had prepared for years. After years of excelling academically, involvement in politics, studying for countless hours, the moment had finally come. At this point, there’s something about Alison you need to know, she’s rarely satisfied. There’s so much that she wants to do, and she doesn’t let anyone or anything get in her way. Whenever Alison puts her mind to something, she makes magic happen. A highly dedicated, passionate and inspired woman there’s probably nothing she can’t do. Alison would have made an excellent attorney. But instead she walks right out of the LSAT.
Alison grew up in DC. By the tender age of 3 she was in love with music. She reflects on hearing her Grandmother sing “My Hope is Built” in church on Sundays. Never able to escape recalling that mental image, the light she saw in her grandmother’s eyes when she would sing; a light and certain confidence that was certainly passed down to Alison. Quietly as her family encouraged her to study Law she dreamed of connecting with people the way her Grandmother had connected with her. And besides, if she hadn’t she wouldn’t be herself, something she wants her fans to know she is.
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Alison Carney IS Alison Carney. She never wears a mask for the sake of music. And the best way to get to know Alison is through her music. Music comes from a place she knows…life. Alison writes for herself, but its obvious when listening to her albums that we can all relate. It’s honest and she holds nothing back. Alison says her purpose is to touch someone’s life with a melody, a song, to improve someone’s day in the most miniscule fashion. Driven by the fear of failure and music she relinquishes control over her private emotions and makes them public for all of us to see through her songs. She teaches the listener to do what she did when she abandoned everyone else’s dream for her; she says make your SELF a priority. Alison proclaims that the best thing she ever did was to walk out of that test, and in so many ways that was the test. Alison stood up to herself, if she hadn’t she’d be living someone else’s dream.
Alison’s commitment to being unique by just being her is most obvious in her recent project release AlisonWonderland. The album takes the listener through an honest musical journey sharing her love, heartache, pain, her laughs, excitement…her life. Difficult to describe, maybe Electric Soul, R&B, Rock, Hip Hop, it most definitely challenges what we’re used to, but it’s magically relatable. Acknowledgement by the Washington City Paper as the “Best New R&B Singer of 2010, doesn’t seem to do her the justice she deserves. She is so much more than R & B, she connects with a larger audience and has impressive musical accolades to prove it. From providing support vocals for such notable artists as Sy Smith, Kokayi, YahZarah, Wayna, Choklate, V.Rch, and J.
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Chris Fortier
Eric Scott
Almost a decade on, Chris’ career has seen him achieve world-wide chart success with his Sanctuary remix of Delirium’s ‘Silence’ and a DJ career that has seen him play the world’s finest venues alongside his peers. In addition, Chris has also been instrumental in developing the ‘progressive sound’ in America through his very successful promotional record service as well as starting and developing numerous careers of many established US and UK artists.
CEO Eric Scott creates unique compositions in every genre; From gospel, hip-hop, and R&B , to rock and alternative music. It’s not easy for a musician to separate themselves from the “beatmakers” and “Pseudo-producers” but Mr. Scott has done it. He guides projects in the right direction by creating the perfect mood. Erics musical compositions bring movie scores to life by infusing emotional content with musical precision. Diamond Sound has the ability to compose digital sounds that make you believe you are listening to the composition of a 30-40 piece orchestra. Diamond Sound Entertainment is a company that delivers a sound that sets companies and organizations apart from their competitors. www.diamonsoudentertainment.com
Tank
David Longoria
“The General” is one of Washington D.C.’s shining stars. His Fourth solo album has proven to be yet another gem, and the R&B community will continue to support his career at Atlantic. He’s Found new management and a new label at Atlantic, but he’s producing the same old quality that we’ve come to expect from the 8-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter. “Everything I’ve been through has prepared me for this moment right now. I’ve got a new deal, new energy and new people around who are just as excited about the album as I am. Everything I’ve learned over the years as a producer, writer and artist have gone into Now or Never.” www.therealtank.com www.atlanticrecords.com
Forging his own combination of Latin, Jazz, and Pop influences, David Longoria has carved a unique path in music. Known as “Longoria Latin”, a music style that has excited fans of many different music genres around the world. David’s influences are as wide ranging as they are unique, a concoction of styles and rhythms that fuse together seamlessly over an incessant beat. This exciting dance music style harkens back to the days of Herb Alpert and his classic instrumentals are infused with the relentless rhythms of Shakira and Ricky Martin. Davis sound appeals to a new generation while reminding us of the exciting dance music beats of the earlier times.
>>>s p r i n g / summer collection
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CREDIT: /// Photography: 2 17 >>> Model: K e n t a r o ” Howard ” T a k e n a k a / A n d r e A n d e r s o n // Art Graphic D e s i g n : M o t o Direction hiro N e z u
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Founded in 2010, NonFiction is a Los Angeles based brand that draws inspiration from iconic American culture and politics.NonFiction aims to be a clothing brand that raises the subconscious of the public to the realities in life : politically, monetarily, and artistically.
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d.c.’s youth gets a boarding school Mentoring kids in the streets | by Eugene Smith I was asked by a friend if DC Life Magazine had plans to cover the 2011 Maloof Money Cup? I responded that we had a model call on the rooftop of the Donovan House on 14th St. that very same weekend, and It was going to be difficult. He told me that he really thought that I should come out and see what all of the fuss was about. I agreed to meet up with him Saturday after the Model Call and photo shoot to see everything that the D.C. skateboard culture has to offer.
To my surprise, I found that the skateboard scene is not only alive in the city, but it’s gaining momentum thanks to hip-hop artists like Lupe Fiasco and Lil’ Wayne giving the culture its props. I heard the songs, and I’ve seen the videos, but the newest additions to skateboarding are the young brown people. I felt a sense of nostalgia watching little black boys attempting the same tricks over and over again. These kids focused purely on “Landing” it, despite having a five perFall 2011 | DC Life Magazine | 55
cent success ratio. I cracked a smile remembering my youth, when I rolled a skateboard all over Frankfurt “West Germany” in the 80’s. As well as shutter when I remembered the less than warm welcome my black peers gave me when was on my board. Yup, returning to the DC Metro area where baggy pants and loose New Balance 760’s definitely “harshed” my skateboard swag.
Our destination Saturday night was a NikeSB function! We were to attend the party with my friend Jamel, the oldest professional skateboarder I know. He is not just a skateboarder, but he is a protector, purveyor of the modern skate culture that we see penetrating today’s youth culture. I tease him by likening him to Morpheus in the movie The Matrix; he laughs it off, but he knows that I respect and understand his cause.
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Jamel met me at a skate shop on 14th St. called Palace 5ive , where I’m introduced to the owner. The busy staff is straightening and getting everything ready for the NikeSB exec.’s that are supposed to arrive later on that evening. Jamel has brought a talented young man from L.A. with him that was launching a lifestyle clothing brand called Non-Fiction…..I like it already. We all decide to go to Julia’s for some empanadas and to catch up on life and the some of the new sites in the city.
After the deliciousness that is Julia’s Empanadas, we return to Palace 5ive and there are kids everywhere, skating and running and laughing. We are escorted through the line and grab some refreshments courtesy of the management and settle-in. Jamel introduces me to some of the hottest amateur skaters, and clues
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me in as to whom the next “Big-Time” professional skaters are going to be. He sounds so matter of fact with his opinions that I absolutely have to get an interview to find out what it is about these kids that makes J. think that they are “Going pro”?
It was revealed to me that these kids are 19-20 years old with over 20 sponsors each, and some are major sponsors. These teenagers are making a quarter-million dollars a year on their skateboards!!! That’s when it hit me, I was there with the “NikeSB Executives”! It’s Jamel… it all made sense to me; the refusal to cut the 20 inch dreads, the digital renderings of unreleased shoes on his iPhone, the intimate knowledge of who is next to go pro. This was going to be a very interesting weekend indeed.
The party ended, and we did what any sensible D.C. native on 14th St at 1:00 AM would do…….we followed late night protocol and went to Yum’s! We got our “yardbird” fired hard, with Mumbo sauce on the side, and went directly to Pulaski to eat it. As we sat in the early morning at “The Mecca” of D.C. skate culture that is Pulaski Park, we were soon joined by a group of young skaters. They were high as gas, and still pulling of some deathdefying tricks in the dark! Jamel asked if he could borrow one of their skateboards, and he put on a little show for them. Trying to cover the fact that they were impressed, they told us that if we like skateboarding we should try and get to the Maloof Money cup tomorrow. They told us that they were definitely going to be there, and that the best skaters in the world are going to be competing at RFK for some serious money! Jamel returned the skateboard with a grin, and said, “I may just have to check that out.” The night soon ended and we met up in the morning for the final day of the Maloof Money Cup at RFK 58 | DC Life Magazine | Fall 2011
Stadium. Jamel introduces me to his old friend, D.C.’s Professional Skateboarder, Mr. Darren Harper A.K.A. “The President”. I interviewed Mr. Harper and asked him what he thought the Maloof Money Cup was going to do for the inner D.C. community. His response: “At the end of the day the Maloof brothers giving us this park is gonna’ save lives, because it saved my life. This park will help me show these kids this is what you can be, just stick to your dreams and it will happen.”
Darren told me that he credits Jamel for cultivating his interest in skateboarding early on, and that he looked up to him like a big brother or even a father-like figure when he was a young skater. It makes me happy to watch how skateboard culture has evolved to be such a benefit to our young urban culture. It has been able to fuse the grit of the streets, with the raw truth and self-expression that continues to attract good kids. I am proud of “Ol’ Headz’” like Jamel Robinson everywhere, they seem to be unaffected by peer pressure, and continue to hold the line for what they love. It’s this type of strength and belief in oneself that allows for the awesome possibilities enjoyed bt the next generation. It reminds me of how one person can make a huge difference when they stand in self-belief and ignore the status quo. Now it’s “President Harper’s” turn, and he’s got big plans for the kids in the city.
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Introducing MFA artist BILLY COLBERT Billy Colbert has exhibited all over the country. His most notable solo exhibitions have been museum shows at the African American Museum in Dallas, Texas and the Delaware Center for Contemporary Art in Wilmington, Delaware. Colbert has used popular culture, personal experiences and cultural leveraging to serve as narrative for his 2D and 3D mixed media works. A few of his public collections include the University of Wisconsin at Madison, the National Academy of Sciences, Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi, Texas and The African American Museum in Dallas, Texas. His work is in numerous private collections including noted actor, Jeffery Wright, prominent art collector and former NBA player and Coach, Darrell Walker. In 1999 Colbert won the Mixed Media Purchase Prize and was chosen Best in Show at the Carroll Harris Simms National Black Art Exhibition at the African American Museum in Dallas, Texas. The show was curated by the late artist and Mac Authur Fellow, John T.Scott. Colbert works and resides in Washington, D.C.. He received his MFA in painting from the University of Delaware in 2000, where he was a Presidential Fellow. Coming soon! MFA’s catalog for Vonn Sumner’s upcoming solo exhibition Late Empire Style. The exhibition will be on view from Friday, 16 September to 7 October. Please contact the gallery for details. Take a peek at this informative video on MFA artist Billy Colbert as he discusses the inspiration for his amazing mixed media works. mortonfineart@ gmail.com (202) 628-2787
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“ Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. – Matt Hardy Read more: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/photography-quotes#ixzz1c3tq5IVN
"Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. - Matt Hardy
"You've got to push yourself harder. You've got to start looking for pictures nobody else could take. You've got to take the tools you have and probe deeper." - William Albert Allard
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s Now That’s Love By: Destiny Cammack
Not your ordinary, I love you and you love me kind of love, but the love that wakes you up in the morning kind of love, The love that when you think of your companion it makes you smile kind of love, Not that I’ll call you later kind of love but that I’ll call you righter I call you kind of love, The love that makes you dance when you hear no music, the love that makes you sing when you know you really shouldn’t, Not that puppy or first love, knots in your stomach kind of loves, But that can’t eat, can’t sleep, and wish the knots would return kind of love, Not that ordinary everyday kind of love, but that all day in every kind of way, kind of love, Not that cover up, high fivein’ just friends kind of love, But that high from loving your best friend kind of love, Not that you’re my heart kind of love but that you’re my heart beat kind of love, Tears from your eyes fell unto my soul like acid burning through every layer of self doubt, Your love flooded my heart drowning every impulse I ever had to leave, My hands wiped away the tears and cleared the view for me to see strait into your soul, Not that let me see you kind of love but that I can’t see me without you kind of love, Now that’s love
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Hayden, many of which are Grammy nominated, to features and collaborations with Tabi Bonney, Dwele, XO, Slum Village, Raheem Devaughn, Kyonte, Jay Mills, Phife/Tribe Called Quest, Mr. Turner, J.Laine, DJ RoddyRod, Judah, and TFox.
I was already a fan, blown away by her sound and her performance, but today I was blown away by the candor she had with me. Her commitment to openly share and self disclose was inspiring. And she’s admittedly still growing, growing without boundaries, musically or societally...Alison IS a wonderland. As we continue to be challenged by Alison to attempt to box her in I can’t help but think of how proud her family must be. Besides, the world doesn’t need another attorney. You can pick up Alison’s album for FREE at alisoncarney. bandcamp.com
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