Lifestyle Archives - Page 3 of 10

6 Apps Everyone In DC Needs

Sometimes living in the city can be hard. Not to worry though, I guarantee navigating your way through DC will get easier after you check out this list. Whether you’re a college student, intern, tourist, or a DC resident, downloading these apps will make you go from feeling like this:

To feeling like this:

1. Park Mobile

Cost: Free

Average User Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This app is a god-send for those of us like myself who have cars in the city. Park Mobile allows you to pay for parking at meters with your credit card using your phone. There are green signs/stickers posted all over DC that have zone numbers on them, all you need to do is enter that in, along with your license plate and credit card number and you’re all set. The zone number also helps keep track of where you parked your car (score!). Bonus: the app sends you an e-mail notification when your session is about to expire. You have the option to renew your session right there on your phone. No more scrambling for change (who even keeps change on them nowadays?) and running out in the middle of your dinner to feed the meter!

2. Capital Rails

Cost: $0.99

Average User Rating: 4/5 stars

Anyone who’s ever used the metro in DC knows that it can be an evil, temperamental beast. In the spirit of making your everyday life easier, Capital Rails provides real-time DC metro car arrivals for all of its lines. It also gives you access to a detailed map of DC’s metro system right there in your hand, and lets you know which station is closest to you so you can plan your route. The best feature of this app is that it notifies you of service disruptions (these will definitely happen) at upcoming platforms. If you’re new to DC or you commute using the metro, I cannot stress enough how much you absolutely need to download this app.

3. Explore DC

Cost: Free

Average User Rating: 5/5 stars

The Washington Post put together this app for tourists, but it’s useful for those who are new to the area as well. To be honest there’s probably some things on here that people who actually live here haven’t even seen yet. There are sections in the app specifically tailored for what you’re looking to do. It lists museums, monuments and memorials, parks, events, and even has a section that lists things to entertain your kids. The app lets you favorite locations you want to see, and gives you directions to get there. It also gives you pictures and interesting facts about the places you visit. Bravo, Washington Post.

4. My Taxi

Cost: Free

Average User Rating: 4/5 stars

Trying to get a taxi in any city can be stressful, especially on nights when everyone is out. Feel like you’re never going to get one? No problem. The MyTaxi app connects users to thousands of taxis in the DC area. The app allows you to conveniently pay on your phone with a credit card, and you can book taxis on the spot or up to 4 days in advance. You’re also able to see your driver’s name, photo, mobile number, estimated arrival time, vehicle class, license plate and passengers reviews. This app could be really useful for a DC walk of shame or a sober ride home after the club when it’s cold out.

5. Food Truck Fiesta

Cost: $0.99

Average User Rating: 4/5 stars

One of my favorite parts of DC is that it’s full of food trucks. They supply you with endless options of deliciousness Monday-Friday. What do you want for lunch today? Tacos? A lobster roll perhaps? The Food Truck Fiesta app has got you covered. It allows users to locate their favorite food trucks around the city using their current location and see which ones are closest to them. Trust me, it’s worth the $0.99. Who knows, maybe you’ll even discover a new favorite!

6. Groupon & Living Social

Cost: Free

Average User Ratings: 4.5/5 stars

Practically everyone is feeling the blow our economy has taken over the past few years. If you’re looking to have fun in DC without killing your bank account, these apps are perfect for you. Forget about clipping coupons, both apps bring you deals for cool things to do in DC (and other cities) everyday for 50-90% off of the original price straight to your phone. Seriously, who doesn’t love getting cool stuff at ridiculous discounts?!

Did I miss one? Leave a comment and tell me which apps you think are best!

The Top 10 Best Songs to Bang To

We’re Up All Night to Get Lucky
You’ve been waiting patiently and now it’s over. Here are the DC night life’s best songs to soundtrack a freaky night of sweaty sex. Or an emo night of baby making. Or a hardcore night of make up sex 🙂

10 – 1

10. Benny Benassi – ‘Satisfaction’

9. Robin Thicke – Lost Without U

8. Ying Yang Twins – “Wait (The Whisper Song)”

7. Keith Sweat – Twisted

6. Fiona Apple – Criminal

5. Ginuwine – Pony

4. Dave Matthews Band – Crash Into Me

3. Chris Isaak – Wicked Game

2. Nine Inch Nails – Closer

1. Complete Silence.

100 – 91 | 90 – 81 | 80 – 71

70 – 61 | 60 – 51 | 50 – 41

40 – 31 | 30 – 21 | 20-11

Jay-Z Gets Blazed Off Harlem Shake

Follow Up to the Record Shattering “Harlem Shake”

Just Blaze & Baauer feat. Jay Z – Higher releases August 13th on Priority Records.
It follows the #1 Billboard Hot 100 and Platinum Sensation “Harlem Shake.”

The man behind the Internet phenomenon, Harlem Shake, has enlisted Jay Z to be featured on his new “Higher” track. Produced alongside legendary hip-hop producer Just Blaze, this official remix is poised for break out success. It not only appeals to EDM fans but also rap fans that are still reeling from Jigga’s Magna Carta album.

The video for higher is directed by Nabil Elderkin (Kanye West, Bon Iver and Frank Ocean). It premiers on Vice’s new dance site THUMP the same day the song releases. They’ve already released a super tease of a trailer:

After winning Dance Song of the Year and EDM Song of the Year at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, Baauer has gained major traction, touring w/ Just Blaze at clubs and festivals like Lollapalooza, Outiside Lands and Electric Zoo. Baauer is currently working on a new EP, which will be released under LuckyMe Records this year.

‘Higher’ marks the re-launch of Priority Records as a production-oriented label. Known for pioneering gangster rap, Priority will re-launch with the help of Capitol Music Group and Insurgency Music. This collaboration also shines a new light on EDM’s rises to the mainstream.

With Billboard reconfiguring its Hot 100 chart to include online streaming numbers, the industry has seen more collaborations between mainstream and EDM artists. David Guetta’s electronic touch on Rihaana’s Unapologetic album is good example of how electronic pop has collided with Top 40/R&B. Artists like Zedd and Calvin Harris who are both on major label(Interscope and Columbia) are not only remixing pop songs, but also have their own solo work topping the Billboard charts. And of course there’s this Mountain Dew X-Games commercial w/ Paul Rodriguez and a Flux Pavilion favorite.

EDM pop has become an incredibly lucrative genre. While the EDM festival scene is at an all time high, pop music has always controlled the radio and sales realm. Combine both and in theory you’re golden. Baauer and Just Blaze’s remix featuring Jay Z will not only rebirth Priority Records, but also show how far EDM has come.

A special release party is scheduled in NYC on Aug 13th at an undisclosed location. Fans also have to the chance to see Baauer at Electric Zoo by posting photos that represent what “higher” means to them on any of their social media platforms using #higher813. Winners will be selected by Baauer on August 16th.

6 Ways to Keep Your Friends Longer

More Girl & Bro Code You May Wanna Follow
Contributing Writer Amanda Hanowitz – @getwitzit

Ladies:

1. Ladies First:
Boys come and go, break your heart, tell you lies, but your girlfriends are forever.
(Editors Note: Until they get catty behind your back, throw you under the bus and sleep with the guy you like)

2. Honesty is the best policy:
When your friend asks you, “Does this dress make me look fat?” If the answer is yes, say yes. Don’t lie or you may only embarrass her further.

3. Be a Good Wingwoman:
Know when to swoop in and save your best friend from that horrible creep hitting on her. And vice versa, know when to let your girl get her flirt on if it looks like she’s having a good time.
(Editors Note: Or getting some sap to keep buying her drinks)

4. Don’t Hook-up w/ Your Friends Exes:
There are plenty of other fish in the sea, you can afford to find someone else.

5. Don’t Speak Badly About her BF:
If he sucks a big one, let her figure it out. Save your friendship and stay out of it… whether it means tainting their relationship or yours.

6. Don’t Go to the Bathroom Alone:
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Ever seen a girl go to the bathroom without her girlfriends by her side? Didn’t think so.
(Editor’s Note: I still don’t get this)

Gents:

1. Bros Before Hoes:
Don’t put a hoe before your bro. Simple as that.
(Editors Note: Unless she’s really hot)

2. Don’t Get Whipped:
You have the best and most beautiful girlfriend in the world, we get it. But don’t forget about your bros, or yourself.
(Editor’s Note: Don’t be a fuckin’ purse-holder, bro.)

3. Leave the Relatives Alone:
Do not hook-up with your best friend’s sister. Just don’t. That’s like, his little innocent sister who has never been touched.
(Editor’s Note: LOL)

4. Don’t Cock Block:
Don’t be a douche.

5. Respect “Fives”:
If you’re sitting around with your friends and one gets up and says nothing, his spot is fair game. If he calls ‘fives’ you must respect it… or die.

6. Do not let your friend go home with an ugly chick:
Need more of an explanation? Didn’t think so.
(Editor’s Note: Or better yet, make sure no one else sees them leaving. And don’t tell anyone. Fat chicks need love too bro…)

LOOK!!! It’s more man code including rules for umbrellas, compliments at the gym and the always important, rules of the man-hug.

Beating the Heat in DC

How to Beat the Heat in DC
Contributing Writer Robbie

It’s hot right now, really hot, and sometimes DC residents just need to cool down. Here are some ways to take a break from the sun and cool off.

Take the metro

Navigating the city by foot can be both time consuming and frustrating in this weather. All metro cars are air-conditioned Many of the under ground stations have air chillers located in the center of the platform. You can feel the cool air by standing near those tall structures that have the station names on them.

Do not bust open fire hydrants

Instead, check out the Georgetown waterfront, which has tons of interactive fountains and wont get you in trouble. Its located on the Potomac shore near Wisconsin and Water street NW.

Go to a museum / Local library

Museums are not only free but great ways to cool off. Try going to one you haven’t been too. A local library is also a great way to get out the sun. Why not combine being productive with hitting the books.

Get an iced coffee

Naturally cold drinks are perfect ways to quell the heat. Mix it up and try something different than Starbucks. Check out M.E Swing Coffee at 1702 G Street NW on the corner of 17^th. Filter Coffeehouse & Espresso Bar, which has locations at 1726 20^th Street and 1916 I Street (between Penn & K) is another great alternative.

Pool

Whether it’s a local pool or your friends apt building, taking a dip will surely make you feel better. Try checking out a pool party with some friends. Next best thing (editors note: better)? Head over to Ultrabar for the Lifeguard Party August 2nd.

Go see a movie

It doesn’t get much cooler at night so why not take that girl or guy you’ve been seeing to a movie. You know you’ve been thinking about all those sweet movies that have been coming out.

Suck it up

Know that it could always be worse. You should never stress over something you can’t control, especially the weather. Try popping on some headphones on your way work to keep your mind off the heat and make sure you stay hydrated.

Is Instagram the Only Positive Social Media Experience?

InstaPLUR. But is it even real?
Commentary by Antonis Karagounis (The Boss) • @antonisdc

Looking through my social media channels, I can’t help but feel slightly nauseous. Everyone, and I mean everyone on my Instagram feed is posting photos of their amazing lives.

Beautiful people. Amazing locations. Expensive Cars. Mouthwatering food. Wild parties. Couples in love. And happy families. It’s disgusting.

I’m not trying to rain on anyone’s parade but let’s be honest – your food cannot be that amazing… every time. You did not wake up in that new Bugatti. You do not live in that amazing home with the ridiculous pool. All those kids at those wild parties are probably 19 and wasted. No you’re not a model, so for the love of god please stop posing as if you are.

It all just seems a bit fake.

Twitter can at least give us a real time feed of real life event like politics, crime and the occasional celebrity drama. Even Facebook has the occasional social responsibility-call to action (see Kony 2012) or an up-to-the-minute world news break.

But Instagram seems to have found a purpose beyond making iPhone pics look cool.

Imagery is in and of itself a universal language. No matter what you speak, you can always understand an image.

Every photo I see on Instagram depicts some sort of ‘feel good’ experience, moment or sense. And they get more interaction than anything you post on Facebook or Twitter. A picture is worth 1000 words and there’s not one negative thing to be said about any you find on Instagram.

Maybe Mark Zuckerberg was on to something when he spent a billion dollars on a two-year-old company. The Social Media Generation (ya I just called it that) is tired of negativity and bad news. Instagram is the perfect social media escape. It has created a Utopia where beauty, peace, abundance and love are the only things you see. And the occasional person bragging about something. But hey – they’re just trying to feel good, right?

Does it entertain? Most definitely. Is it real? No. But I know about 130 million users who seem to enjoy their daily escape from reality!