KP – The Fourth Edition | The Hoya’s Blog

November 19, 2015

Read This If You Like Tacos

Do you like tacos? Do you (possibly begrudgingly, as I do) self-identify as a foodie-slash-hipster who likes wholesome dining experiences in buildings that feature exposed white bricks and glossy wood paneling? Have you ever wanted to experience “chai” without it being a descriptor of tea?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then 4E has good news for you!

Tomorrow, a new farm-to-table taco restaurant called Chaia will be opening in Georgetown. The eatery, which is located at 3207 Grace Street, will feature several fresh and vegetarian options in its brand spanking new bright white space.

chaia10.0 — See? Look how shiny and hipstery this is!

Also, if you’re like me and have no idea where Grace Street is located, here is a Google Map that will serve to guide you to Chaia’s taco goodness.

Screen Shot 2015-11-18 at 5.18.47 PM — Grace Street… Who knew?

Happy eating, folks! Be sure to check out The Hoya in the coming days for a full restaurant review of Chaia.

Photos: dc.eater.com, maps.google.com

October 1, 2015June 6, 2016

The Official 2015 GU Pumpkin Spice Guide

Autumn is officially upon us, and we all know what that means: Leaves are falling, Halloween is approaching and, most importantly, ravenous people want their pumpkins… and they want them now.

October is a pumpkin spice world, and we are all just living in it.

Here at 4E, we get it. Biddies, we understand your need for all things pumpkin, and we’re here to help. That’s why we used all of our journalistic/investigatory skills to put together this map for you. It contains all of the pumpkin food and beverage locations on (and near) Georgetown’s campus, so you can get your pumpkin fix wherever you are, whenever you need it. You’re welcome PSL fiends, you’re welcome:

But we wouldn’t leave you hanging with just this random map! Here’s a guide to all the locations indicated above, complete with their pumpkin-flavored menu items and prices.

1. SAXBYS – This is for the pumpkin spice connoisseur in your friend group. SAXBYS offers pumpkin spice chai (Medium $4.45), pumpkin spice smoothies (Medium $4.50) and pumpkin spice lattes (Medium $4.44), all made in-house with their natural pumpkin spice mix. That’s right: No sugary syrups here. Just the real deal. 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 4/5 pumpkins.

2. Einstein Bros Bagels – It doesn’t take an actual Einstein to know that these folks have their pumpkin game on fleek. Fresh-baked pumpkin bagels with pumpkin schmear, pumpkin-spiced lattes and pumpkin muffins, all for a simple meal swipe that you weren’t going to use anyway! The best bang for your pumpkin-craving buck! 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 4/5 pumpkins.

3. Wisey’s – At the time of this writing, there were no pumpkin spice items at Wisey’s. However, I was assured by an employee that pumpkins would soon be coming. I don’t really know what to say to that. Go eat a Hot Chick while watching It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and call it a day. 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 1/5 pumpkins.

4. The Tombs – Pumpkin cheesecake. $8. It’s really good. That’s all I have to say about that. 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 2.5/5 pumpkins.

5. Corp Coffee Locations (Midnight MUG, MUG, UG) – I’m pretty sure Gandhi once said, “If you want a good PSL, sometimes you need to think creatively.” That’s what you need to do at these Corp coffee spots. The pumpkin is there, but it isn’t blatantly advertised as such. Our suggestion: Order a 2% medium latte with flavor shots of pumpkin spice and vanilla ($4.20). 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 3/5 pumpkins.

6. Bulldog Tavern – Attention all you boozy 21+ SWUGs: The Tavern is ready for you. As part of their Seasonal Fall Cocktails list, they’ve prepared a delicious pumpkin spice martini ($8.99) that will make even the most basic of pumpkin addicts squeal in delight. Made with spiced pumpkin vodka and topped with whipped cream, nutmeg and cinnamon, this creation is ready to get you drunk on autumn – and just flat out drunk in general. 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 3/5 pumpkins.

7. Leo’s – Even O’Donovan’s on the Waterfront is hopping on the pumpkin spice train. Try their pumpkin spice loaf to make the most out of those meal swipes! 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 2/5 pumpkins.

8. Vital Vittles – If you are looking for your pumpkin candy fix, look no further than Aisle 3A at Vittles, where you can find the Capital Candy Jar’s Pumpkin Pretzel Rods ($3.84) and Pumpkin Candy Coated Oreos ($3.29). They’re even covered in little leaf sprinkles! So. Adorable. *SWOON* 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 3/5 pumpkins.

9. Cosi – Look, everyone. Cosi knows that you’re a hipster and you like ~trying new foods~ and experimenting with flavors. That’s why they didn’t just settle for serving PSLs to the masses (which they do sell, $3.99 for a Medium). Instead, Cosi dreamed bigger and decided to make your pumpkin spice even spicier. How spicy, you ask? Chipotle Pumpkin Soup spicy. It’s like bagged butternut squash soup gone rogue. $4.59 for a Medium bowl. Try it if you’re feeling zesty. 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 4/5 pumpkins.

10: Epi – Epi totally pulled a Wisey’s and told me they had “no pumpkin items stocked yet.” However, I was assured that pumpkins would make an appearance – maybe in the form of pie? – in the coming weeks. Again, I’m not sure what to do with this information. Stay tuned. Get a quesadilla in the meantime. 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 1/5 pumpkins.

11. Starbucks – Starbucks, you just get it. You understand the inner basic-ness of your customer base. You understand the only things frothier than your PSLs are the foaming mouths of your thirsty Georgetown customers. That’s why you have everything for the pumpkin-craving consumer: Pumpkin Spice Frappuccinos (Grande – $4.15), Pumpkin Spice Espresso Drinks (Grande – $4.15), Pumpkin Muffins, Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin Loaf and Pumpkin Scones (All $2.45). You even have VIA Instant Pumpkin Spice Latte 4-Packs, for those of us who want to take pumpkin home for later ($6.95). So, thanks, Starbucks. Keep doing pumpkins and keep doing you. 4E Pumpkin Spice Rating: 5/5 pumpkins.

Great. Glad we’re all on the same pumpkin page now. Go get some PSLs and stay basic, Hoyas.

Photos: clipartpanda.com; commons.wikimedia.org; einsteinbros.com; rebloggy.com

August 17, 2015August 17, 2015

It Happens Here

Within the past month, The Hoya has published the stories of Willa Murphy — in collaboration with Zoe Dobkin (SFS ’16) — and Olivia Hinerfeld (SFS ’17), two sexual assault survivors who have used their experiences to fight the systemic injustices of rape and gendered violence on Georgetown’s campus.

In solidarity with the efforts of Murphy, Dobkin, Hinerfeld and numerous other members of the Hoya community — and in hopes of furthering a more meaningful and change-inducing discourse about sexual assault on the Hilltop — 4E has elected to share the following photo series, which details the experiences of several sexual assault survivors at Georgetown.

The following photographs contain images of Georgetown students and alumni who are survivors of sexual assault and dating violence. Each poster depicts reactions that survivors encountered following their assaults. The names and schools of the survivors have been withheld to protect identities.

This photo series is in no way a full representation of the various intersectionalities of gendered violence on Georgetown’s campus, nor does it explore all of the complex matrices formed by sexual assault and biological sex, gender, age, race, education, ability, ethnicity and class.

Nonetheless, the photos and experiences presented by the following Hoyas demonstrate the damaging pervasiveness of rape culture at Georgetown. They are a terrible but necessary reminder that sexual assault happens here on the Hilltop, and much work must still be done to achieve personal and institutional justice for survivors.

Copy of Picture 1 — “This phrase was the first reaction of many of the people to whom I told my story. I refuse to accept ‘a cultural thing’ as an excuse for his, or anyone’s, inappropriate behavior. Not only is it insulting to people of that culture, but it abdicates him of responsibility. I understand my friends’ desires to explain such actions in simple terms, but it won’t stop the behaviors, nor their effects.” — Preferred not to disclose class year

Copy of Picture 6 — “After I was assaulted, someone from Res Living instructed me to always keep my door open when talking with a resident. Not only is that ridiculous and impractical, but to my knowledge no other RA has ever been told to do that.” — Class of 2015

Copy of Picture 13 — Preferred not to disclose class year

Featured image: vvmf.wordpress.com

May 20, 2015May 20, 2015

A-Rod Visits Georgetown

Georgetown might be known for its incredible basketball program, but that didn’t stop one baseball great from swinging by this week for a tour. That phenom was none other than New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who spent about 90 minutes on the Hilltop on Tuesday touring the campus.

Rodriguez was accompanied by an assistant and by Mex Carey, the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Georgetown. He also took time to meet Georgetown Basketball players L.J. Peak (COL ’18) and Bradley Hayes (COL ’16).

A-Rod’s tour was given by Justin Kotwicki (COL ’17), who works at the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (and also for The Hoya).

“Yesterday morning my boss, Berkley Braden, comes and tells me that Alex Rodriguez is going to be on campus and he needs a tour guide. She asked if I would do it and without hesitation I said yes. Perks of working 9-5 over the summer, I suppose,” Kotwicki said.

It’s no secret that the Yankees slugger has an affinity for college campus tours, and according to Kotwicki, A-Rod expressed an interest in Georgetown’s legacy and “all of the random historical fun facts” it holds.

“The conversation was focused on the history of the school, the countless legends that students have come up with over the years, student life and most importantly, our mutual love of the show Homeland,” Kotwicki said.

And of course, no tour with A-Rod could be complete without a little talk about baseball.

“We immediately bonded over our baseball backgrounds,” Kotwicki said, “he being the 14-time All Star with the fourth most homeruns in the history of the game and myself having been the 2^nd string left fielder on the 2008 Crofton Cardinals Little League baseball team that scored a grand total of three runs during my tenure. We had a lot in common.”

All jokes aside, A-Rod went largely unnoticed on his campus tour. “Some people would give us that ‘I know I know that face’ look, but not once did we get stopped for a picture or autograph at any point throughout the tour,” Kotwicki said.

Photos/Gifs: Washingtonpost.com; instagram.com

February 16, 2015February 16, 2015

GUSA Presidential Debate Drinking Game 2015

Alright people, you know the drill. The GUSA Presidential Election Debate is tonight at 7:30 p.m. and, as per usual, The Hoya will be live-tweeting all the festivities.

Keeping with tradition, here’s a little drinking game to spice up the night. If you have any questions or rule suggestions, hit us up in the comments or tweet us @thehoya4e.

Stay classy and stay responsible, Hoyas.

For 21+ students only

Take a small swig:

Every time a candidate or a question uses the word(s):

Administration
Future generations
Transfer students
Free speech
H*yas For Choice
Pillars
Platform
2018 Plan
Allocation of space
Jurisdiction of the GoCard
Broken
Students Against Restrictive Housing Policy
Waffle iron
Jesuit values

*Every time a candidate mentions a running mate in an answer

*Every time a candidate uses a campaign slogan in an answer

*Every time there is a reference to or tweet from Omika Jikaria (SFS ’15) or Trevor Tezel (SFS ’15)

Take a big swig:

*Every time The Hoya quotes a candidate while live tweeting the event

*Every time there is a mention of a cross-endorsement

*If Joe Luther (COL ’16) starts crying about his dad

*If someone mentions that we might have a snow day tomorrow

Take a shot:

*If someone makes another “Rise Up” erection joke

*If Meredith Cheney (COL ’16) is in the room holding a brick

*If GUSA Elections Commissioner Fletcher cuts someone off

*If former GUSA President Nate Tisa (SFS ’14) suddenly appears

Finish your drink and take a naked lap on Healy lawn:

*If Sara Margolis (COL ’16) is actually in a secret society

*If someone mentions the To Kill A Mockingbird sequel

January 14, 2015January 14, 2015

Wednesday Fixat10ns: Our Blunger Games Party Edition

Hi, y’all. Happy Wednesday. I hope your Hump Day is passing along smoothly, and I hope your first full week of classes is going splendidly. I’d also like to strongly urge you to apply to The Hoya and, more specifically, to 4E. When you do, you’ll get to write fun posts like this one and go to parties with us. *shameless self-promotion*

Speaking of, 4E is actually having a little party this weekend. It’s going to be Hunger Games-themed and we’re calling it the Blunger Games (Get it? Blog + Hunger Games?). It’s probably going to look like this:

P.S. You aren’t invited.

But even though you can’t join us for the endless amounts of fun and shenanigans that we will engage in this fin de semana, we didn’t want you to leave here empty-handed. That’s why we made this playlist for you. Usually we do this on Fridays, but that’s when we’re having our party. Sorry, not sorry.

We’re going to use this at our Blunger Games rager. You can use it whenever you’d like:

1. The Hanging Tree (DIA Plattenpussys Edit) — Jennifer Lawrence We’re going to start the night with this one because it’s from the Mockingjay soundtrack and the remix will get us hyped for battle. Also, who knew Jennifer Lawrence was such a phenomenal singer?

2. Hungry Like The Wolf — Duran Duran Obviously at the Hunger Games, people are hungry. At the Blunger Games, we are Hungry Like The Wolf.

3. Tainted Love — Soft Cell This song really seems to hit at the heart of the whole Peeta-Katniss relationship drama. So I added it.

4. I Knew You Were Trouble — Taylor Swift Yup. President Snow, this one’s for you.

5. Boss A** B**** — Nicki Minaj featuring PTAF This is how Katniss must feel every time she hits somebody with a flaming arrow.

6. Here In Your Arms — Hellogoodbye Here’s another one for Katniss and Peeta. Or do I mean Katniss and Gale? (The world will never know.) Also, I never got over my angsty phase in middle school.

7. I Will Survive — Gloria Gaynor Number one objective at the Blunger Games: Survival.

8. ***Flawless (featuring Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche) — Beyoncé Remember that part where Katniss is on the TV show and she spins around and her dress lights on fire like she’s some volcano? Good, because I’m sure she had this song in her head while it was happening.

9. Coco — Gnash (O.T. Genasis Cover) This one goes out to our Deputy Editor, Courtney “Coco” Klein. It will also provide us with a nice respite from all the violence of the Games.

10. All I Do Is Win — DJ Khaled featuring Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain and Snoop Dogg In the Blunger Games, as in life, there are losers. But not my Blunger Games team. We are going to win.

Yep, that’s about it. Happy Wednesday.

Just to reiterate: You’re not invited to our party this weekend, but maybe you will be next time if you join us! So do it. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Photos: car-memes.com; bodysmartinc.com; hottopic.com

July 21, 2014July 21, 2014

The Gondolas Are Coming … Maybe

Hoyas, take a deep breath, close your eyes (don’t actually because then you couldn’t read this) and imagine soaring above the crystalline waters of the Potomac River, gently gliding through the sky on a springtime morning.

To your left is the Key Bridge, congested with commuter traffic. On your right spans a breathtaking landscape, the river below you extending gracefully until it vanishes into a lush expanse of Virginia fauna. Behind you is your Georgetown home, featuring the both beloved towers of Healy Hall and the dreaded concrete facade of Lau. In front of you is the thriving metropolis we call Rosslyn.

Open your eyes (though you shouldn’t have ever closed them). Although this might seem like some magical dream you had while passed out in a Regents booth at 3 a.m., it is something that actually might become reality. As previously reported by The Hoya, the Georgetown Business Improvement District has proposed the construction of a gondola system over the Potomac River from Georgetown to Rosslyn as part of its fifteen-year 2028 Plan.

See? It's not a dream! — We told you it’s not a dream.

There’s only one problem: It doesn’t have enough funding … yet.

According to InTheCapital and UrbanTurf, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments recently announced it will not give funding towards a feasibility study necessary for the current gondola project.

“The [gondola] project did not enter this round of [COB] funding,” Georgetown BID spokesperson Rachel Cothran said to UrbanTurf reporters.

But don’t get your knickers in a bunch too quickly. Although the gondola project isn’t getting off the ground (get it?) with the COB, it has still received approximately $100,000 in private sector money for the feasibility study. BID officials are confident that despite the setback, the project will continue and the the study will be completed by the end of 2015.

So just kick back and enjoy the summer, Hoyas! Before you know it (read: in about 15 years), you’ll be soaring over the Potomac like Aladdin on a magic carpet!

tumblr_mra5dow7Eh1scvuero1_500 — See, Jasmine? Gondolas are great!

Photos: Georgetown BID, wifflegif.com, en.wikipedia.org

April 18, 2014April 19, 2014

One Week Until Georgetown Day: This Is Not A Drill

Today might be Good Friday, but in one week, it will be Great Friday. That’s right: In seven days, it will be Georgetown Day.

We agree, Emma Stone. Georgetown Day is the best. But like all of the most wonderful things in life, Georgetown Day requires a little bit of preparation. And, as with all things that require preparation, 4E is here to help. Here’s a guide to planning the upcoming school week so you can optimize your Georgetown Day festivities.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Enjoy your last day of Easter Break, but start getting ahead on work. Finals are slowly approaching, and in regards to studying, Friday is going to be completely worthless. (Woo!) Begin preparing now and give yourself a reason to celebrate at the end of the week. Also, don’t eat too much leftover Easter candy. That’s just a bad thing. Always.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Mentally prepare yourself and get to work. Start making a game plan for your Georgetown Day festivities — and use 4E as your guide. We’re full of helpful tips and tricks so you can handle all of Friday’s fun, and we’ve even made suggested schedules to steer you through your day. Take note of our bangin’ Georgetown Day playlist, and take a glimpse at last year’s Georgetown Day tweets for some major inspiration.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Shop ’til you drop. Buy everything you’ll need for Friday before anything sells out. Buy cups. Buy beverages. Buy snacks. Buy guac. Buy a blanket. Buy a bulldog puppy. Just kidding, don’t buy a bulldog puppy; you can play with Jack instead! The point is: You should buy all food, drinks and necessary gear for the big day. Do it now, and you’ll thank us later.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Meditate and hydrate. And then hydrate some more. Carb up, and find your chi. You are only one day away from the greatest holiday on planet Earth. Take it easy. Get your bro tank and shorts ready. Get your mind ready. Get your body ready. This is it…

Friday, April 25, 2014

Game time. Go big or go home. If you’re not doing it like this, you’re doing it wrong:

So don’t do it wrong. Get pumped, get prepared and get ready to go crazier than these babies eating lemons for the first time.

T-minus seven days, kids. Hoya Saxa.

Gifs: j-14.com, tumblr.com; Photo: wikipedia.com

April 17, 2014

Find Love Here: 4E Date Suggestions

What is that? What is that feeling in the air? What is that crisp breeze blowing among the tulips? What is that fluttering in my chest when I walk outdoors? Could it be allergies?

No. The answer, my friends, is love. Love is in the air. In the words of Mark Twain, “It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want — oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

Mark_Twain_by_Abdullah_Frères,_1867 — Thanks, Mark.

Here at 4E, we understand that spring fever is in the air, and we love it just as much as we love Beyoncé references and Burnett’s beverages. For that reason, we’d like to take a few moments to help you Hoyas out. We understand that it’s springtime and we know that you’re madly in love. So we’ve compiled this list of nearby spots for you to take your blossoming romances.

Places to Go For a D.C. Springtime Date:

1. The Washington Monument

Yes, the renovations are finally complete! That means that you and your significant other can officially purchase tickets and have a romantic monument date beginning on May 12. What says “I love you” more than hiking up 897 steps in D.C. humidity? That’s right: nothing.

2. Puro Cafe Garden

I don’t like giving this one away because Puro Cafe is my favorite Georgetown “secret.” Located at 1529 Wisconsin Ave. NW, this small Mediterranean tapas bar not only has unbelievable service and delicious food, but also features a beautiful outdoor garden. Sangria in the shade with the sweetie? Sounds like a date to me.

3. The Potomac Heritage Trail

The views are unbelievable. The memories are unforgettable. The romance is undeniable. Nothing says the perfect nature date like a hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail. Located just across the Key Bridge, this hiking path is fun and beautiful — just like you and your significant other. (Not looking for such a far walk? Head over to Teddy Roosevelt Island for similar forest fun without the distance!)

4. National Harbor

Nothing is more romantic than a water taxi ride on the Potomac under the soft, starry skies. For $16, get a roundtrip ticket from the Georgetown Waterfront to National Harbor. While there, take advantage of the delicious food and stunning nightlife. Want to dance the night away with your beau? Head to Pose Ultra Lounge at the Gaylord National Hotel — the view is stunning! And for those of you who aren’t yet 21, be sure to take a ride on the Capital Wheel, coming to the Harbor in May.

5. The Leavey Esplanade

Trying to heat up your love life without burning a hole in your wallet? We get it (and so does Alicia Keys). Walk upstairs onto the Leavey Esplanade for a sweet, cost-effective date. A simple picnic underneath the moonlight is the perfect way to end a busy springtime week. Bonus points: Bring a guitar and serenade your special someone.

Happy dating, Hoyas. May love and luck be on your side.

Photos: tripmgnt.com, wikipedia.com, chesapeakeboating.net, blog.zagat.com

March 31, 2014April 1, 2014

The D.C. Election Voting Guide

Tomorrow is the big day: Election Day. W e’ve already discussed how important tomorrow’s D.C. Mayoral primary is for Hoyas, and we can’t stress enough how important it is for District residents to get out and cast their vote. About 99.9% of eligible Georgetown students are located in Precinct 6 and can only vote at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts (see below). Polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts – 3500 R Street NW – Precinct 6 – Head out the Reservoir Road entrance and turn right. When you see the giant green chair on the left hand side, you’ve made it. Time to cast that ballot!

Note: For voters living east of Wisconsin Ave. in East Georgetown, the closest polling place is Christ Episcopal Church of Georgetown–Church Hall–3150 O Street NW
Leave through the Front Gates and follow O Street until you hit Wisconsin Ave. Make a slight left and then make your first right. Follow O Street for almost 1 more block until you reach a red church on the right.

Author: KP