via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151456126994254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Thursday, January 31, 2013
In her new post, Alex explains her Super Bowl prediction between Ravens and 49ers. Tell us below, who do you think will win? __________ http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/01/super-bowl-2013-ravens-vs-49ers/
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151456063079254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Super Bowl 2013 – Ravens vs 49ers
Get your buffalo chicken dip recipe out, load up on the adult beverages and grab some tissues for Ray Lewis because it’s the Bro Bowl!
I mean, Super Bowl 2013!
Insert every plot line here you can think of because this game has them all. Clearly on top of them all is the fact that for the first time in Super Bowl history, brothers will be coaching against each other. Talk about the ultimate Madden NFL video game battle…oh wait this is real.
Both coaches may share the Harbaugh family name but these are two very different guys. Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers (13-4-1) is a serious guy and can seem quite intense on the sideline, while older brother John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens (13-6) is much more of an extrovert and talkative.
Harbaugh brothers
Then there is the varied NFL background. Older brother John was backup defensive back at Miami of Ohio who had to work his way up the coaching ladder as an NFL assistant before landing as the Ravens head coach in 2008.
On paper, Jim had the more illustrious football playing career as a three-year starting quarterback at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) where he was a Big Ten conference player of the year and a Heisman Trophy finalist. In the NFL Jim played 15 seasons, then post-career went back to college to become the head coach for the University of San Diego and Stanford, before landing the head job with the Niners.
Last time these two coaches met was Thanksgiving 2011, when the Ravens defeated the Niners 16-6 in Baltimore. Both teams have never been defeated at the Super Bowl, with the Niners an impressive record 5-0 and Ravens 1-0 from their sole 2001 appearance.
As a Giants fan I can appreciate the road that the Ravens took, winning the wild card against the Indianapolis Colts, then stunning the Denver Broncos crowd at Mile High Stadium with a 38-35 win, then winning the AFC Championship at Gillette Stadium verse the New England Patriots 28-13. The game was redemption for the Ravens who lost last year’s AFC Championship to the Patriots, and was a well earned win for the team who outscored the Patriots in the second quarter 21-0.
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is having his best year yet, with six road playoff victories, a league record, and is the only quarterback to win a postseason game in each of his first five seasons. But previous failed tries at getting the Ravens to that final goal of a Super Bowl have critics questioning if Flacco can finish the job in New Orleans.
As for the Niners, this time last year they were all home watching the big game, having been just one win away (Yea Giants!) from a spot. The team certainly earned their spot this year, winning the NFC West Division in convincing fashion and then beating the visiting Green Bay Packers 45-31, only to then kick the Atlanta Falcons out of their own house 28-24 to take the NFC Championship.
Then there is the Niners’ quarterback situation. Second-year player and former backup-quarterback replaced an injured Alex Smith midseason, and then in somewhat a surprising move won the job over Smith altogether.
Smith, who is rumored to be headed to the Browns, has said he will be ready if his team needs him, exhibiting the utmost professionalism with only high praise for Kaepernick. And while Smith did have a role in where the team is, Kaepernick has certainly been a huge factor. Kaepernick set an NFL record for the most rushing yards (181) by a quarterback in a game, in his first playoff game. And his incredibly strong arm and intense running abilities (remind you of someone DC?) are going to be quite dangerous.
Hopefully the Ravens’ defense has been working on their sprints, because they are going to need to be fast to keep up with this Niners offense. But speaking of offense, it’s the Ravens who win in the scoring department, with 90 points in the last three games, while the Niners have 73 points in just the last two.
And lest I forget the other notable storyline to the main event. This will be the last game that Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis will ever play in the NFL. It seems interesting and coincidental that Lewis announces his retirement and we see the team in the Super Bowl for the first time since their 2001 win. Could Lewis ignite the fire further and get his guys to hoist the Lombardi trophy?
Kaepernick will make things quite tricky for the Ravens’ defense, but Lewis and the boys have proven they can be put in different situations and make it through. Flacco is going to have to be on point for this one, but he has been thus far and does not seem to be letting the critics or hype of the game get to him.
My prediction: Ravens take it 29-27.
The post Super Bowl 2013 – Ravens vs 49ers appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
The Baltimore Ravens House Light Show
A local Maryland Ravens fan just got done packing all their Christmas lights. Yet, when when the Ravens decided to make the Super Bowl, he decided to make a light show to celebrate their accomplishment. You can see the lights at Red Hill Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Baltimore Ravens House Light Show
The post The Baltimore Ravens House Light Show appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Our Foodie Shawn Keeley was invited to review Farmers Fishers Bakers, the new sister restaurant of Founding Farmers. FFB is a great spot to do some avant-garde drinking with some amazing dishes. Check out his review. http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/01/our-review-of-farmers-fishers-bakers/
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151455571639254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Our review of Farmers Fishers Bakers
I don’t generally start my reviews this way, but I had a great meal at Farmers Fishers Bakers this past week.
The name was inspired by the ‘farm-fresh” menu, fresh caught seafood and a sizable on-premise bakery. Located in the Washington Harbour on the Georgetown Waterfront, the newly redesigned restaurant serves farm-fresh and regionally inspired comfort food. The DC-based GrizForm Design Architects handled the restaurants design, which is striking. Several micro-climates inhabit the space and represent different themes, such as nautical-booths designed to look like a ships cabins, a functioning open pantry Larder with jars upon jars of vegetables, and an alcove with rolling pins lining the walls. There is something interesting wherever you turn your gaze and I really got a kick out of the 5 or so dioramas depicting farm scenes.
Just like their sister restaurant Founding Farmers, the bar program at Farmers Fishers Bakers is something special. My hat’s off to their Chief Mixologist and Beverage Director Jon Arroyo. Through the “Dealer’s Choice” option his highly skilled bartenders are able to hand craft a well-balanced cocktail to perfectly suit your tastes after asking you a few questions about your preferences. They have a great selection of beer with over twenty drafts on an electronic board that change daily. Many of which are craft beers, such as the Epic Hopulent that is on a nitro tap (the type of tap is usually used to pour Guinness) which gives the beer an interesting texture. They even have some tiki styled cocktails and hop-tails (beer based cocktails). Farmers Fishers Bakers is a great spot to do some avant-garde drinking.
The Beer Board with over 20 drafts.
There is something for everyone on their expansive farm-fresh menu. Dishes range from shared plates to full entrees including such items as pizza, tacos, salads, open range meat, seafood, a vegetarian friendly “Meatless Menu”… and even an interesting concept called “Farmhouse Sushi”.
The Farmhouse Sushi is a fusion of Japanese and American cooking techniques, ingredients and recipes. My favorite dish of the night came from the Farmhouse Sushi menu. The dish is called Danny’s Happy Belly consisting of slices of honey ginger glazed pork belly that is placed over a bed of fried cabbage and roasted fennel bulb shavings. The belly was sous-vide for at least 12 hours to slow cook the meat in its own juices. There was a salad of kimchee apples on top of the meat and a dusting of bacon “soil” on the plate. The dish was sweet and salty, rich and addictive. It was a unique and delicious dish that was very American southern and Asian at the same time. I highly recommend you order it on your visit and at $8 it is a great value.
The second item we tried from the sushi menu was the Chesapeake Roll. The maki roll was filled with imperial crab and a hint of old bay. A generous slather of a citrusy lemon caper aioli complimented the flavor of the fresh crab and it was topped with fried leeks that gave it a nice, earthy crunch. Also, a must try.
Next we ordered mussels. There are eight flavors of mussel pots on the menu and we tried the Coconut Green Curry & Pickled Cucumber mussels. The green curry was well made and there was a hint of dill pickle in every bite. It was definitely different than your typical mussel dish, but I was pleasantly surprised. You should only venture into this dish if you are a pickle lover, if not there are plenty of other options if pickles aren’t your bag.
We finished the meal with the Virginia Peanut Butter Mousse. It was amazing! It had chocolate ganache drizzled on a light cloud of peanut butter mousse that sat atop a chunky peanut brittle. It had the perfect amount of saltiness to balance out the sugar.
With its large bar area and 9,500 square feet of space Farmers Fishers Bakers is a great spot to hold an office happy hour or have a nice dinner with your friends and family. The dishes and drinks are interesting and delicious and I am looking forward to many future visits.
The post Our review of Farmers Fishers Bakers appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
We would like to congratulate Secretary of State John Kerry on his confirmation. In his honor, we’ve put together a list of the many faces of John Kerry. Enjoy? Give us a like! http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/01/15-faces-of-john-kerry/
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151453852259254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Mentor You – Episode 7
In this week’s Mentor You, Victor discovers opportunity and synchronicity.
The post Mentor You – Episode 7 appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
This day in History, in 1835 Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, survives the first assassination attempt against the life of a U.S. President. How ironic when there is a gun control hearing today. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/shots-fired-in-the-house-of-representatives
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151451363574254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Love at first sight? It's Caption Tuesday!! Give this photo of Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a caption.
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151434322499254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
With Valentines day in 2 weeks, Capitol Couple is here to provide you with some creative ideas. If you have any additions, let us know! We'll add to our page! http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/01/capitol-couple-valentines-day-for-dummies/
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151434101019254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Monday, January 28, 2013
Senator Jeff Flake
If the U.S. Senate is “the saucer that cools the tea,” and the House is the chamber that roils it, Republican freshman Senator Jeff Flake from Arizona, a former six term Congressman from the Copper State’s 6th district has made a career out of spiking it with lemons.
Wrinkling the brows of colleagues from both sides of the aisle for years, Flake made his bones in the House spotlighting pork barrel spending. Now, it’s his legacy. When both legislative bodies adopted measures imposing a moratorium on earmarks through fiscal year 2013, Flake credited himself for the ban in a June 2012 campaign commercial,”Jeff Flake got rid of earmarks, Many tried, he succeeded,” said the announcer. By his own admission however, in his farewell floor speech to the House, Flake acknowledged that “a vast majority” of the amendments he offered to curb spending resulted in, “far more red marks (no votes) next to members’ names than green marks up on the wall above me.”
Honoring a pledge to serve only three terms, when Republican incumbent Matt Salmon stepped down from his seat, Flake succeeded him in 2000 after toppling his Democratic opponent, David Mendoza by a whopping 11 points. Nearing the end of his third term, Flake side stepped his promise to not run again, calling his self imposed term limit, “a mistake,” and for over a decade, continued steadily carving out his political identity as Arizona’s other maverick.
Firing off weekly missives called, “The Egregious Earmark of the Week,” and ranting on C-SPAN during debates over the substance of massive spending bills earned Flake top marks from government spending watchdog groups like, “Citizens Against Government Waste,” while drawing the ire of local state politicians accustomed to getting their pet projects funded with federal dollars. Outing then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi during debate over an already enormous defense appropriations bill for sponsoring a $2.5 million dollar earmark slated to pay for a parade ground in Presidio, California, Flake illuminated the earmark process in his public remarks saying, “If you call a pen a stenographic, multi-functional, polymer, language communication system, you might get funding in this defense bill.”
After three terms in the U.S. Senate, when Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl of Arizona announced his retirement, Flake seized the opportunity, picked up a key endorsement from Tea Party darling, former Senator Jim DeMint, and squeaked by with a three point victory against Democratic challenger, Dr. Richard Carmona.
Months later, in a whirlwind week capped off with his swearing in ceremony as the Junior Senator from Arizona, Flake turned 50, and rejoiced at the news that his 21 year-old daughter Alexis received a proposal for marriage at the top of the Capitol Dome; “I swear I’ve never had a day like this,” he Tweeted after taking his oath.
Assigned to the committees of Judiciary and Senate Foreign Relations, Flake’s new “Advise and Consent” role in the Senate got off to an inauspicious start during Senator John Kerry’s recent confirmation hearing for Secretary of State. Known for his position advocating normalizing relations with Cuba, Flake made an off-handed comment about sending Spring breakers to Cuba to torture the brothers Castro, resulting in Democratic Senator Bob Menendez getting his nose bent out of joint. “I had no intentions of raising it,” said Menendez to Flake, “but to suggest that spring break is a form of torture to the Castro regime-unfortunately, they are experts at torture.” Menendez is a Cuban American and next in line to be chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Flake’s boy scout image on government spending also invites greater scrutiny from critics who call him out any time they get a whiff of something he might be tied to that’s funded with taxpayer dollars. “I got quite a reaction from the Inaugural Ball picture I posted a few days ago,” wrote Flake on his Face Book page. Commenters eviscerated Flake for attending. “I should have noted,” he wrote, “that Inaugural Balls are not funded by taxpayers.” Unswayed and incensed, the row continued as one commenter even linked to a story called, “Hail to the Chefs,” detailing the gourmet fare served at the balls, rebuffing Flake’s bizarre claims that he only had, “pretzels and cheezits.”
Overall, Flake’s social media presence, much like his public presence, seems a bit, well, flaky. Don’t forget, he’s the same guy who, with nothing but a magnifying glass and a spear, in 2009, sequestered himself to spend a week alone on a desert island. On his birthday, he Tweeted out a lame fiscal cliff joke with a picture of a “Clif Bar,” prompting one user to Tweet back, “WOW making light that you and your idiot friends are going to raise my taxes by $2,400.” On January 24, he Tweeted, “Cuba flake,” and then quickly deleted it. The day before that he Tweeted, “Ok.” Seems like one of those situations where one of his staffers must have texted him something like, “Senator, happy birthday; re: new fiscal cliff joke: I Tweeted a picture of a Clif Bar for you,” thinking he was answering via text he Tweeted out, “Ok.”
Senator Flake hails from Snowflake Arizona, a town founded by Erastus Snow and Flake’s great-great grandfather, William Jordan Flake; a Mormon pioneer. Flake’s wife’s name is Cheryl; he has five children, and is himself, a pioneer.
The post Senator Jeff Flake appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Rainy Monday got you down? How about a pair of tickets to tomorrow's Warm Bodies movie in Chinatown? Let us know your favorite Zombie flick in the comment section below. Most likes wins! (by 5pm)
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151429494814254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
The Obama and Clinton Interview on 60 Minutes – What ya think?
Here’s the Obama and Clinton Interview on 60 Minutes — What did you think?
Part 1:
Part 2:
The post The Obama and Clinton Interview on 60 Minutes – What ya think? appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Since we're all dreading Mondays, here's a good article that we wrote awhile ago. The 8 types of metro riders we LOVE to hate. http://www.clotureclub.com/2012/06/8-types-of-metro-riders/
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151429285249254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Can someone tell us what is going on with the DC weather this coming week? (via supremechalupa)
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151428198684254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
DC Brass Connection
The DC Brass Connection is made of young local musicians who raise money for school. The DC Brass Connection can be contacted at (704) 449-4314. Photo credit / UberSteve.
The post DC Brass Connection appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
What to Look For in 2013 in Music
With the exception of Kendrick Lamar, the Rap/Hip Hop genre of 2012 proved to be more of the same household names rather than breakout artists. At one point I tuned into three separate radio stations to hear the same “insert song name” by “insert Young Money artist” featuring Lil’ Wayne and/or 2 Chainz. Please note that this statement isn’t a jab to YMCME as much as it is a mere observation and a testament to their influential stronghold on the industry. However, my honest opinion is the rap game became less creative with little progression as the year came to an end. Now that 2013 has arrived, there’s a certain song that takes us out of the luxuries of designer clothing and into the “Thrift Shop”. With a refreshingly new style and unique delivery, there’s no doubt that all eyes are now on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. The stereotypical precedence of lyrical satire set by Eminem in 1999 (“Slim Shady”) parallels the witty work of these two young stars. I only hope their visionary progress goes beyond boundaries the same way E did in his later years.
Another artist to look out for this year is Jitta On The Track. This rising star from Connecticut has a poetic delivery that recaptures the lost art of lyricism and I have the upmost of confidence you will see his name for many years to come.
Jitta on the Tack
Similar to Rap/Hip Hop, nothing much new can be said about the Pop/R&B industry in 2012. The same names with the same styles we fell in love with dominated the radio waves and iTunes sales. At the end of the year Bruno Mars provided an “Unorthodox Jukebox
Now that 2013 has arrived, an artist has finally come back to give me what I’ve sorely missed. To the young cats that have heard Justin Timberlake’s “Suit and Tie” and say it’s something new, I would beg to differ. This hit is similar to something I would listen to back in the day while getting ready to go out to the club as a teenager. If you can paint a portrait using 112’s “Only You” and R.Kelly’s “Step in the Name of Love”, the final picture would have me doing the snake like Chris Tucker in “Rush Hour” while putting on jeans, a black button-down shirt, and Obsession for Men. That figuratively was my suit and tie back in the days so I say thank you JT. On that note, I have a feeling that his new album will provide a mix between old and new school and I can’t wait.
While some genre’s remained content this past year, there was a significant movement in what I call a fusion of Folk, Bluegrass, and Rock. Delta Rae and The Lumineers provided inspirational albums and Mumford and Sons took live performance to another level. One can only predict that the rise of artists in this mixed genre will only escalate in 2013. There are two particular bands I have seen live that have my attention. Bronze Radio Return’s newest single “Further On” has recently been featured in an ESPN commercial for the PGA Tour and continues to gain recognition. Harper Blynn really took flight with their rendition of Beyonce’s “Halo” and their latest hits have been featured on ABC’s “Revenge” and Showtime’s “House of Lies”. Both bands should be coming out with promising albums this year so I strongly suggest keeping an eye out for these artists.
Delta Rae and The Lumineers
The post What to Look For in 2013 in Music appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Easy Frittata Recipe – A Post-Inauguration Cold Front Food
So you drank your fill last weekend, and followed up with your favorite hangover comfort foods and/or brunch. But with the onrush of cold weather, those won’t be so easy to procure this weekend. Unless, of course, you make your own.
Brunches and the best hangover foods share an affinity for eggs. Brunch – easy to see why. Hangover food? The cysteine in the eggs cleans up toxins left by excessive boozing. Yes, facebook meme posters, you got to me – science is, indeed, f*~g amazing.
You could make scrambled eggs and toast for your rommates and nearby friends. But that would be boring. The answer to this weekend’s brunch/hangover challenge is the fool-proof Kitchen Quorum Frittata. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability. Only have 5 eggs? A handful of frozen hashbrowns? Want to sauté some mushrooms with those potatoes? Use bacon grease instead of butter? No problem. Use what you have, add what you like, and just remember that eating undercooked eggs can mess you up and it’s no one’s fault but your own (there, the legalese is out of the way). Thankfully, it’s hard to mess up this recipe once you get the basic idea.
Accompany with champagne (if brunching), or Pedialyte* (if hung over).
Now if only Congressional binges were so easy to cure….
Kitchen Quorum’s Easy Frittata Recipe
- 6 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (any percentage; reduce amount if using fewer eggs)
- 1 & 1/2 cups grated cheese (the pre-grated packages are great)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 Tab butter or oil
- 2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed (any flavor/type)
- Garnish (chopped tomatoes, peppers, herbs, bacon, more cheese – be creative)
Whisk the eggs together in a bowl. Then stir in milk, 1 cup of cheese and salt. Set aside.
Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat a) if butter, until it sizzles, b) if oil, until it streams rapidly when you tilt the pan.
Add the potatoes and sauté, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
Heat the broiler.
Make sure the potatoes are evenly distributed across the skillet. Reduce the stove temperature to medium heat, and then pour the egg mixture over the potatoes. Cover (important!), and cook until the eggs are set on the bottom (6-8 minutes; they might still be a little wet-looking in the center).
Uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and place under broiler until lightly browned (watch it!).
Remove from heat, garnish with tomatoes and anything else you think would be tasty. Let cool slightly, then slice into wedges and serve. These refrigerate well and can be reheated.
* Pedialyte is the greatest-kept secret of fast-recovering drinkers everywhere. Go to the diaper section of any CVS or grocery store – it’s for sick kids, but it has all the nutrients you need to recover, and packs only 100 calories/liter. It’s easy on the stomach, and the orange one tastes like a cross between children’s aspirin and orange jello. Recovery guaranteed….
The post Easy Frittata Recipe – A Post-Inauguration Cold Front Food appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Okay, this image had us laughing. Quit pretending your working (or worrying about snow) and give this a like!
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151423672724254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Thinking about going to the movies this weekend? May we suggest checking out our movie reviews for suggestions. Seriously, you'll thank us later. http://www.clotureclub.com/lifestyle/movies/
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151423576759254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Citizen Schwartz new political satire article is out! “Broken locks don’t cause crimes, People cause crimes” http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/01/ask-an-n-r-a-landlord/
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151423502204254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Ask An N.R.A. Landlord
“Broken locks don’t cause crimes, People cause crimes”
Dear Unit 3:
Got your messages about the busted lock on the front door. All of them. You don’t need to nag. I was going to get around to it. Christ.
But you know what… ? I’ve been doin’ some thinking and, frankly, I’m not sure fixin’ the lock on your door is the answer to anything. I mean, if you really think about it, does a broken lock cause a crime? No. No way. That’s ridiculous.
Broken locks don’t cause crimes, people cause crimes.
So, maybe we should think about larger social problems like cultural stuff and movies and poverty and crap like that. And especially those violent video games all those kids are playin’ these days.
You can’t stop crime just by fixing a lock. I mean think about it. So, really: why bother.
Clayton W. Grimes
NRA Landlord
This article is shared as part of a collaboration with CitizenSchwartz.com. Check out more great great satire at The Citizen!
The post Ask An N.R.A. Landlord appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Hansel and Gretel Review
Let me start with the good news. Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters has awesome music thanks to Hans Zimmer, imaginative set-design, and the makeup on the witches is top-notch. The bad news: everything else. While it is based on a fairytale, this R-rated film is definitely not the kind of movie you should take young children to see. The witches are scary (at times even on par with Angelica Houston in The Witches, and that’s saying a lot for me) and there is a lot of gore. It was surprising that the filmmakers didn’t reach for a PG-13 rating (a la Van Helsing), since that would appeal more to the target demographic.
What the movie overwhelms with in gore, it lacks in plot. The story centers around world-famous witch hunters, Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton), two siblings who have made it their life’s mission to eradicate all witches after they were almost killed by one as children. When eleven children go missing in the village of Augsburg, Hansel and Gretel are called in to find the witch that is responsible. As it turns out, ultra-powerful witch Muriel (Famke Janssen) took the children in order to sacrifice them during a “blood moon” ritual that would make witches immune to fire. It is up to Hansel and Gretel to save the children and stop the witches. Major plot hole alert: While one would think that fire must be the only way to kill witches, since they are so concerned about it, the only evil witch that died by fire in the film was the one Hansel and Gretel fought as children. All of the others died of gunshot wounds, decapitation, etc… Perhaps the witches should have instead invested in a Kevlar spell.
Not only was the plot stale and underwhelming, the characters of Hansel and Gretel left little to be desired as well. Renner’s Hansel was boring and brought nothing remotely interesting to the storyline, well except for the silly plot point that he has to get insulin injections multiple times a day to combat the effects of eating the witch’s candy as a child. Additionally, the central brother-sister relationship in the film was missing heart; only in a few scenes did the siblings even seem to care about each other. Muriel (Janssen) was the only character I found mildly entertaining. Her makeup was fantastic and she actually did create a decent villain; if only her material were better.
By the end of the film, I found myself wondering, “Did the actors even read this script before signing on? No wonder the release date was delayed for so long.” For a movie that only lasts an hour and twenty-eight minutes, it felt like I was in the theater for a lot longer; that’s never a good sign. If you are looking for a horror/thriller movie this weekend, I would suggest going to see Mama instead.
My score: D+
Hansel and Gretel – Witch Hunters Trailer
The post Hansel and Gretel Review appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Our Review of Jason Statham Parker Movie
January is the month typically slated for “meh” movies and Parker does not break the mold. I had a chance to attend a screening this week, and although it had some moments, nothing was memorable. A few flashy action scenes, a bunch of violence, a predictable plot, and a couple of nice shots of Jennifer Lopez.
Jason Statham follows a character template in his movies, and once again he hits it right on the money. Parker is an impossible to kill thief who is very good at what he does, and makes it look easy. After successfully pulling off a heist, his crew (including Michael Chiklis, Wendell Pierce) tries to persuade him to invest in another heist – one that will make them all rich. But when Parker opts not to, they leave him for dead in a ditch. Now, Parker comes back with revenge on his mind, not for the money, but the principle of it all.
Surprisingly though, the other “names” in the movie were J.Lo and Nick Nolte. They were very underused. Although it is typical of most of Statham’s movies, I felt like there was no point to having them rather than generic actors. J.Lo is billed as a leading role, but wasn’t even introduced until the plot was well under way. Nolte appears in only a few scenes. Chiklis actually fits his character well, mostly due to my image of him in The Shield, but as the main villain, he is not featured in most of the movie. The acting of the movie was actually a semi-positive for the movie since they played their roles as well as can be expected since there isn’t much to work with.
That being said, there are a couple well-directed scenes in the movie, such as the opening, which starts with a big Ohio faire with kids, rides, games pageant and overall jolliness. Once the heist begins, Parker’s character shows off his smooth persona as he calms a security officer out of a panic attack and preventing things from escalating. Unfortunately, this is one of the only well-shot scenes. I knew going into the movie that Parker would be typical Statham movie, and did not hold high expectations. And although I found the plot predictable and entertaining, it did not measure up to some of his previous movies.
This article was written by guest contributor, Bobby Mehta. You can follow him on twitter @BobbyKuleen. If you would like to become a guest contributor, contact us today!
Parker Movie Trailer
The post Our Review of Jason Statham Parker Movie appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
The Return of John Wall
Washington, DC busted out the pomp and circumstance on Monday to ring in President Obama’s second inauguration. Hundreds of thousands of people – including your humble sports blogger — braved the cold and the crowds to partake in the celebration ushering in the president’s next four years. With the return of John Wall and the Wizards playing respectable ball of late, could it possibly be that we’re seeing the start of another revived second term in the nation’s capital???
Okay the analogy doesn’t perfectly hold. The POTUS after all has jobs to create and a military to command. And the Wizards….well…it’s “just basketball.” But suspend that thought for a second and just go with the comparison. Both find themselves in a deep hole heading into their respective “2.0” phases, but with fair amounts of momentum to build on. From the economy to Iran, Obama’s got a full plate but at least has a fresh mandate and renewed political capital to work with that follows any re-election.
The new beginning for the Wizards, of course, is the return from injury of John Wall — the face and future of the franchise. Nine wins from forty games is a nightmare for any team to dig out of. But Wiz nation can at least build on Wall’s return which came at the opportune time following three straight wins — including one against league juggernaut Oklahoma City — and right before a five game road trip.
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Since returning to the lineup Randy Wittman has used Wall prudently. He has yet to crack the starting lineup, has been limited in his minutes and the Wiz have alternated wins and losses over a five game stretch. But Wall has also demonstrated flashes of his old razzle-dazzle self, flipping underhand passes and soaring high to catch lob passes. There’s no question that his presence on the court — rather than in street clothes — is an automatic energizer for the team. Yes, they have been playing .500 ball but that’s a vast improvement from the ignominious days of November and December. And what’s important is that they have been playing opponents close — all on the road too. The average margin of defeat in their three losses since Wall’s return is just four points, which includes a near 15 point fourth quarter comeback against the Jazz on Wednesday night.
Numerous question marks still surround how the team will gel going forward, but Wittman has a good dilemma on his hands — the problem of plenty. With most of the Wizards healthy again he has all the tools at his disposal for the first time in a long while. It will be interesting to see Wall settle into pick and rolls with Nene while mixing up a fast tempo with high flying Bradley Beal.
The Wiz return home on Friday in what should be an electric atmosphere for Wall’s first game at the Verizon Center. With the first two months of the season having gone as they did, the playoffs are still a stretch, especially in an Eastern Conference tougher this season than previous years. The goal for now should be to get the pieces to come together and continue playing even .500 ball so their merits are judged by wins instead of close losses. Because of rough circumstances, neither Wall nor Obama have their fans screaming a Poltergeist version of “He’s baaaaaaaaaaack.” But that doesn’t mean great things can’t be in store for either of them.
The post The Return of John Wall appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
We Have Reason for Optimism
Most every article about our future is gloomy. There are all these old people, for instance. When the herds of Baby Boomers retire and our nation is awash in codgers, will we be able to make fat free soylent green? And our education levels are abysmal. What if tomorrow’s youth are too bad at math to design evil robot overlords? We’ll have to import robot overlords from China, and that’ll put a bunch of factory workers our of jobs. So our economy will tank.
When pundits wallow in depressing forecasts they often fall prey to a major fallacy. Namely, to project problems we have today onto the future without the ability to foresee their solutions.
Imagine how horrified a bureaucrat from 1880 would be if we traveled back in time and told him present-day America has over 300 million people. For starters, how could the Pony Express possibly keep up with that much junk mail? We’d have to cordon off Kansas as one giant grazing lot. By 19th century standards there wouldn’t be enough arable farmland in the entire country to support 300 million people. Everyone would be chronically malnourished!
So his vision of the future would be a horrible dystopia, with mass starvation and hordes of Pony Express riders spitting chewing tobacco all over the place. Instead of our current horrible dystopia of mass obesity and not one but three Kardashians.
Our hypothetical number cruncher is capable of projecting then-present shortfalls and the technology of that era, but he is not capable of factoring in future inventions and solutions. He cannot foresee tractors radically improving agricultural efficiency, automobiles replacing horses, Segways replacing automobiles, hover tractors replacing Segways, the Internet replacing brothels, or MTV2 replacing MTV.
Between now and 2050 there will be game changers. That makes forecasting an exercise in futility. So keep your spirits up: we may well perfect delicious, fat free soylent green before Social Security taps out.
The post We Have Reason for Optimism appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Our Review of Haute Dog and Fries
609 East Main Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
Website | Twitter | Facebook
I went to Haute Dog and Fries for lunch in Alexandria this past week to check out their spin on the all American favorite.
I surmise that Haute, which means “high” in French, is intended to be a play on the term haute cuisine and to play on the fact that they are serving one of the most basic American meals.
My experience at Haute Dog and Fries was good, but far from great. In my opinion, the price for the hot dog is rather high based on the size of the hot dog they serve. Apparently hot dogs are regulated by the FDA making it difficult for a restaurant to make their own but I know it is possible to buy hot dogs in larger sizes even in the grocery store.
I will say the quality of the grilled bun they are serve on is quite high and the the toppings you have the option to add are interesting and plentiful. I had the Chicago Dog and it was topped with mustard, hot peppers, relish, diced dill pickle, onions and tomato. I especially liked the celery salt that was sprinkled on top.
Along with my hot dog, I ordered the “Snooki” which is s a fried pickle in a bun topped with spicy coleslaw. It was very tasty.
The chili cheese fries were excellent and they hand cut the fries from Idaho potatoes which came out perfectly crispy. The fries were covered with generous dollops of chili and cheese which made it a rich and satisfying dish.
The only item I didn’t try but I plan to have in the future is their sausage, which is locally sourced from Loudon County.
All in all it is an interesting spot and if you get the hankering for a hotdog and you happen to be in Alexandria it is worth checking them out.
The post Our Review of Haute Dog and Fries appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
This day in history, In 1935 the first canned beer goes on sale! #ThankYou http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-canned-beer-goes-on-sale
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151421674219254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Here is Hillary Clinton being grilled by the Foreign Relations Committee in the Senate. Give this photo a caption!
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151420378244254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It is Caption Tuesday! What do you think House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was thinking yesterday when he was at the Inauguration Ceremony?
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151418778414254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
The Inauguration
This week Americans will come in droves to Washington DC to stand around in very cold temperatures and watch the president get sworn in. This quaint tradition dates back to the founding of the republic, when nobody actually wanted to be president, and we would drag a general or governor or some such, kicking and screaming, to the marble steps of the Capitol. Citizens would stand around peer pressuring the poor sap into begrudgingly accepting the post of Commander-in-Chief for four years.
Nowadays most of the people running for president actually want the job. Presumably they are looking to put something neato on their resumé, so that they can work for Google or something. Consequently, the Inauguration has less to do with peer pressure and has become a celebration in its own right.
Many Americans are excited about patriotism and a chance to show off multicolored hats. Democrats are pleased that their guy won. Visiting Europeans are relieved that George W. Bush did not. Republicans, of course, have mixed feelings about the whole thing, but GOP leaders will show up because of persistent Facebook invites.
Beyoncé is slated to sing the National Anthem. This is a shrewd choice, as Kanye West might well have snatched the microphone away from the president during the swearing-in ceremony to announce that Romney ran the best campaign music video of all time. James Taylor will sing “America the Beautiful”, his first time performing at an Inauguration since the embarrassing “wardrobe malfunction” that exposed one of his breasts on live television in 2004.
A dark cloud will hang over this year’s festivities due to ongoing complaints against the Judiciary. Reports indicate that there is a correlation between depression and repeated concussions sustained by Supreme Court Justices when tackling. Justice Scalia has firmly opposed any changes, such as implementing “flag constructionism,” insisting that the helmets issued offer sufficient protection to judges.
Many pundits were fearful that Congress would not be able to attend the Inauguration in an official capacity due to its ongoing strike over collective bargaining, which resulted in a number of canceled games throughout 2012 and early 2013. (Matters were exacerbated at the end of the year when Democrats unsuccessfully challenged Congress’s ability to lock out players from the Canadian teams—The Edmondton Oilers, Calgary Flames and Alberta.)
Fortunately Gary Bettman agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding between Republicans and Democrats, and Congress and the rest of our government can once again sally forth to take on additional debt.
The post The Inauguration appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
A Balanced Life?
As we continue on our journey of life, it is important to evaluate and assess the balance in our lives. While many do not contemplate this question until they have been in the workforce for ten to twenty years, it is imperative that all young professionals learn to identify factors that contribute to an unbalanced life and learn how to achieve while enjoying other aspects life has to offer. I challenge my readers to engage in self-examination by considering the habits you’re forming now because it is more difficult to break them in the future.
A truly balanced life will look different to various people depending upon their values, circumstances, and environment; but in all cases it should encompass a healthy physical, mental, spiritual, intellectual, social, and work life. An unbalanced life may lead to illness, emptiness, failed relationships, and depression: a balanced life should produce well-being, confidence, a sense of fulfillment, and leisure. To examine your own life, review your schedule by looking back over the period of months and do the same for the future. In DC, the culture of the Hill means that the workdays can be normal or extremely long and the workflow ebbs and wanes accordingly. Many pursue advanced degrees while working. Sometimes at the start of a new job, the work can be overwhelming and intense while you figure out the role. The circumstances may delay the realization of a balanced life by years so it may feel like you’ve been placed on a treadmill with no way to exit. If these circumstances continue beyond a reasonable period, there may be a problem Having been there and done that, I assure you the consequences are less than great!
I caught up with a friend of mine over drinks. He works for a major law firm that selected him right out of law school. The path from associate to partner included long hours and paying his dues, and once he became partner he had to keep up the pace to stay at the firm and afford the lifestyle he had created. I asked him if he was happy to which he related that he rarely sees his wife and his son and daughter do not know him well; also, his health was an issue. It seemed as if he had become a cliché.
Obviously, attorney is not the only job in town where someone can work long hours and lead unbalanced lives. Plus, it is not only work that can consume time: anything that is done to the extreme and detriment of a balanced and healthy life. Sloth, extreme exercising, too much socializing – there are a number of ways to fill in the blank of something you do too much! So, why do we threaten our quality of life with an unbalanced and extreme existence? Here are a few (but not all) reasons why:
Learned Behavior: We often mirror what we saw and learned as a child. If our parents led an unbalanced life, we may be continuing that pattern. Although we may have disapproved of our parents’ choices, we can inadvertently copy what we learned. Perhaps we assume that this time we are in control and that the outcome will be different.
Perfectionism: Do you know anyone who needs to be perfect in most things they do? Since perfection can never be reached, they spend an over abundance trying! They may be trying to impress something to someone and never quite get there.
Control: This group needs the security of control and often doesn’t trust others to help them achieve it; therefore, they spend time micromanaging or just doing the work themselves. They work long hours because they need to do it themselves.
Escaping: Some run from one part of their life by pouring their energy in other parts to escape or forget. Grief (a death or major event) and loss (the end of a relationship) are two examples of this. If not checked in time, it can be extremely unhealthy.
Recognition or a badge of honor: Early in my work life I thought that being the first to turn the lights on in the morning and the last to leave was a measure of success. Instead it was a measure of how big my ego was and the need for recognition or a badge of honor. Although a good work ethic is valid and needed, an extreme one is problematic. What suffered were my health, personal and family life, and other areas of my life!
Financial: I am close to people who work two or more jobs to make ends meet. Interesting enough, some of these still find time for family and a balanced life.
Passion: Some rare individuals exhibit extreme passion for what they do. They do it day and night and never experience anything else. While some may admire them, they rarely live a normal life as we know it.
If you are currently living an unbalanced life it doesn’t mean that you are that abnormal. It really depends on the extent that you are doing it and for what reason (s). The bottom line is that if you are hurting yourself or others, you should do some serious self examination and determine if you are being honest with yourself over your true motives. Awareness is the first step. If you want to follow my example, you could make many of the mistakes first; face the consequences and then correct them along your journey, but I recommend that now is a good time to look at the rewards you are seeking leading an unbalanced life and determine:
1. What is your real motivation or reason (outside opinions may help)
2. Are you willing to accept the possible consequences for the rewards
3. Is there a point when enough is enough – If so, when?
4. If others are involved are they part of the discussion?
5. The habits you start now are difficult to break; therefore, I challenge you to start healthy habits like doing periodic self examinations of what you are doing and why. If you are uncertain of the consequences, seek someone you trust or a mentor with experience and get their opinions. Often we are blinded to our motives and alternative options. Socrates said that a life unexamined is not worth living. This wisdom has many meanings.
The post A Balanced Life? appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Wearing Jason Wu again, First Lady Michelle Obama was stunning in her Inaugural gown. How do you think she did? Let us know below. http://www.clotureclub.com/2013/01/michelle-obamas-inaugural-ball-gown/
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151417657164254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Ball Gown
Everyone who attended the evening’s festivities got a treat. Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Ball Gown was a beautiful and elegant red gown that was designed by Jason Wu.
Just danced to “Let’s Stay Together” with the love of my life and the President of the United States. I’m so proud of Barack. –mo
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) January 22, 2013
The post Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Ball Gown appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Gruet NV Blanc de Noirs
With the Inauguration just around the corner, why not celebrate with a little sparkling wine? I say sparkling wine because only a sparkling wine from Champagne can call itself a Champagne. And since the Inauguration is a very American type of celebration, I decided to revisit one of my favorite American Sparklers, the Gruet NV Blanc de Noirs.
Gruet may sound French and for good reason, it is. But make no mistake; this is an All American wine. Gilbert Gruet began making Champagne in the early 1950’s and on a trip to the US in the early 1980’s he noted that parts of the American Southwest closely resembled his home in Champagne in terms of soil make up and climate. That’s right, the Southwest and specifically New Mexico. When thinking of world class wine regions in the US, New Mexico doesn’t typically come to mind, but when Gilbert entrusted his children with the task of making sparkling wine in the traditional Champagne style (Methode Champenoise) he put New Mexico on the world wine map in a big way.
A bit about the wine and grapes. Traditional Champagne can use three grape varieties in a blend to make the final product, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The Gruet NV Blanc de Noirs is made exclusively of Pinot Noir. The NV means non vintage which means grapes from more than one vintage are used to ensure consistency and the highest quality. The vineyards at Gruet’s property in NM are planted at 4300 feet above sea level which results in excellent flavor concentration in the fruit because of the intense sun light and extremes in temperature.
Enough of the technical, on to the fun stuff! The wine has a clean appearance in the glass with pale straw color that has a tinge of red to it because of the Pinot Noir. Two pronounced streams of small tightly formed bubbles formed in the glass. The bubbles, or mousse, indicate a fine quality wine because of their consistency and size and resulted in a nice frothy ring around the glass. The wine had aromas of sourdough and toast and a slight mineral scent as well with a bit of banana. While bread isn’t what you might expect to smell in a sparkling wine, trust me it is a very good thing! This is another indication of quality and a result of the wine’s production in the traditional Champagne style.
When you taste the wine, you immediately find that your nose was on the money. Very subtle yeast and sour dough flavors are readily apparent along with the tropical fruit flavors or banana and a little apricot. There’s a hint of raspberry as well, again a tell from the use of 100% Pinot Noir. This is a super light, crisp and very refreshing wine. Its nice and dry and even though it finishes with a little hint of sweetness on the end, there is not residual sugar in the wine and would do better as a compliment to appetizers or cheese. There is medium acidity which gives the wine a little pep and despites being aged for 2+ years there aren’t any oak flavors resulting in a delicate very well balanced wine.
All in all this is an excellent wine, especially for the retail price, $15 per bottle. Most sparkling wines at that price point will rot your teeth and gut, but the Gruet will knock your socks off. This is a delicious, well made wine that easily can stand up to creamy cheeses and charcuterie or is absolutely perfect on its own. Impress your friends during your inauguration festivities with this one, they’ll think you spent 2X or more on the bottle than you actually did! This American sparkler is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion and you’ll become an instant fan!
The post Gruet NV Blanc de Noirs appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Was Monica in the house? Were the Secret Service joking about prostitutes? Or did Bill Clinton just hear that there was a major after party? Either way give this picture a CAPTION! Hope everyone is enjoying the Day!
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151416808394254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Sunday, January 20, 2013
These actually exist! Cloture Club caught someone selling Obama Condoms on the mall today.
via ClotureClub.com http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151414867649254&set=a.10150317682289254.386795.103137984253&type=1
Friday, January 18, 2013
Arnold’s The Last Stand Movie Review
There’s no nice way to say it — January is the absolute worst month for movies. It’s become such a well-known fact that film aficionados like the ones over at the A.V. Club introduce movies slated for a January release with the assumption that they’ll all be bombs.
This week, I got to see one of those January movies — The Last Stand. Being an Arnold Schwarzenegger fan in my youth, seeing him have to share screen time with Johnny Knoxville made my heart sink. It’s been ten long years since Arnold had a lead roll, and this is how we’re being reunited with the “Last Action Hero”?
You can probably imagine I went into the theater with low expectations. I’m happy to report that I left pleasantly surprised. The Last Stand is really a spaghetti western in an Austrian’s clothing.
The plot is fairly simple — an escaped convict is making a run for the Mexican border, and he’ll need to get through Sheriff Owen’s (Schwarzenegger) one-horse town to be home free. The problem? The escaped convict is armed with a souped-up Corvette ZR-1 that can push 200 MPH, while Owens is only armed with a motley crew of local yokels. (Side note, Chevrolet makes more appearances in this film than most of the supporting cast. Hello product placement!)
It takes a while to get the movie into high gear, but once Arnold is saddled up it’s a hell of a ride. I can see why Lionsgate is putting marketing muscle behind this one — they must think it can be a sleeper hit. Arnold even did an “Ask Me Anything” on reddit to promote this thing.
The Rotten Tomato rating for The Last Stand is currently hovering around 60%, which in all honesty is pretty much where it should be. This is three-star cinema at its finest. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, there’s some great action, some great one-liners (one of which was not spoiled by the ad campaign thankfully), and some genuinely funny moments.
So in the doldrums of January releases, The Last Stand stands out. It’s not a homerun by any means, but it may be one of the last times we get to see Arnold swing for the fences.
- Evan Gassman
The Last Stand Trailer
The post Arnold’s The Last Stand Movie Review appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
9 People You Don’t Want to Bump Into at Inauguration
With the Inauguration coming up in a few days, we thought we’d put together a list of people you don’t want to bump into!
Over zealous inaugural volunteer who thinks they have the same authority as the secret service.
The lone Santorum staffer pacing back and forth on the national mall wondering what might have been.
The #1 fan who came to inauguration and really believes hope and change will come in the second term and can’t stop telling you about it.
The Romney speechwriter reciting his own prepared speech behind you at Inaguration.
An artist blocking the only path by selling his homemade obama shirts for $50.
Liberal drum circle celebrating the second coming.
Redneck that is a secret Obama supporter but decided to attend a southern inaugural party.
The college kid who quit his job to be on the campaign trail and became disgruntled because he wasn’t offered a job in the white house.
The post 9 People You Don’t Want to Bump Into at Inauguration appeared first on ClotureClub.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)