Exposing Georgetown’s Biggest Super-Spreader (P.S. It’s Not Who You Think)

Every week, I look forward to one thing and one thing only (and no, it isn’t braving the weekend rush at Call Your Mother or laughing at the throngs of tweens crowding M Street in front of Brandy Melville). It’s the weekly emails telling the Georgetown students just how many COVID-19 cases we have. If you’re me, it’s almost like a guessing game. How many is it gonna be this week? More? Less? Although we all hope that the numbers go down (and that everyone is doing their job to stop the spread), no matter what the results are, one thing is certain: the off-campus students go above and beyond with their test results! At this point in the semester, you’d think the numbers might level out, and you’d be wrong. Why? Because no one’s bringing justice to Georgetown’s Biggest COVID-19 Super-Spreader: Chunky the Panda.

@CHUNKY_THE_PANDA/INSTAGRAM

At first glance, he seems innocent, sweet even. How could a cuddly little panda be the culprit of all these COVID cases?? Here I’ll examine just three of the ways this panda has gotten away with murder.

Exhibit A: The Tour

Chunky entered our lives in the beginning of 2020. With his first Instagram post, his purpose was to bring good vibes to Georgetown. However, he couldn’t stay put in DC for long. As Chunky gained clout on the Hilltop, he took action with his newfound fame. No, he didn’t go to Saddle Ranch to rub elbows with Bryce Hall, Addison Rae, and the rest of the TikTok teens; he went on tour. Chunky decided to reach out to his followers to try and hit all 50 states. Should we really be traveling like this during a pandemic, Chunky? Should we? Think about it.

Exhibit B: The Masks (or should we say lack thereof?)

Chunky is an avid Instagram poster (who can blame him), and in the last year alone he shared pictures of his adventures with his adoring fans a whopping 66 times!

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It’s okay. I understand. Even I get excited when someone takes a good picture of me, but that isn’t the problem here. The panda is. Chunky is visiting new people almost every week, and only two of his 66 posts have him wearing a mask. Even giving Chunky the benefit of the doubt (stuffed panda sized masks might be hard to come by) seems a bit too hard; I hardly doubt Chunky’s COVID-19 pod is that large. At the very least give us the One Medical results, Chunky.

Exhibit C: The Vaccine

@CHUNKY_THE_PANDA/INSTAGRAM

You would think that Chunky getting vaccinated is a good thing! Wrong. Chunky is stealing vaccines from the elderly :( Not cool Chunky. Plus, I’m not a medical expert, but it seems like that vaccine next to Chunky wasn’t even punctured by a needle. Are they really injecting you Chunky? Or is this a photo-op to lead people off your trail as a super-spreader?? I’m inclined to believe the latter. Plus, this picture was posted Feb. 2, and it has been over a full month. Where’s the second dose Chunky? Oh wait, it isn’t there. Not even on your Instagram stories. Why? Because you didn’t even get the first one.

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As we can see through my incredibly astute research, the reason the Georgetown off-campus community is still being hit by COVID-19 is due to none other than the last person (or sentient plush panda) we would expect, and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if in Chunky’s next post we see him clubbing in Miami for Spring Break. I’m sure nobody would bat an eye.

REVIEW: Hilltoss’ vs. South Block’s Avocado Toast

Finally, we’re back on (or new to) the Hilltop! So, of course, trying The Corp’s new avocado toast was a top priority for 4E. How will it compare to South Block’s infamous avocado toast? Here are some quick facts:

Price:

The Hilltoss: $6.25 ($4.75 for plain avocado toast; +$1.50 for goat cheese!)
South Block: $5.50

Though I ended up paying more at Hilltoss, I ended up getting more product and additional goat cheese!! If I hadn’t gotten the cheese (which you should), Hilltoss would be the way to go for cheaper toast.

Aesthetics:

We all know how important pictures are because the gram is important. So here are some photos for you to take a look  yourself and decide which takes the trophy!

The Hilltoss:

South Block:

Availability:

Finally. The Hilltoss is open. Beyond the glass doors was my avocado toast.

The Hilltoss: Unfortunately, the avocado toast is only available for breakfast (8:30AM – 12PM). But it’s a far shorter walk than South Block.

South Block: 0.7mi/14min walk from front gates (Google Maps).
Avocado toast  is available during all store hours:
-Weekdays: 8am-7pm
-Saturday: 9am-5pm
-Sunday: 10am-5pm

Taste:

The Hilltoss: Sadly, when I went to taste, the toaster wasn’t working- BUT JOKES ON THEM because I like my bread soft and ~emotional~. The goat cheese was definitely a good addition. But the salt added on the avocado/seasoning was just a little too much with the saltiness already present from the cheese. But that may also be because I have the sensitive palate of a grandma. All in all, 9/10.

South Block: It didn’t meet the expectations I had for South Block. The avocado tasted kind of..eggy? There was way too much salt. Way more than Hilltoss’ avocado toast. Nothing special about it at all. Stick to acai bowls, South Block. All in all, 5/10.

Final Decision:

DRUM ROLL PLEASE…..

The Hilltoss!!

There you have it. Not too shabby, Corp. Not too shabby.

Stay tuned for more foodie reviews from 4E!!

Photos/Gifs: giphy.com, tumblr.com

Word Wednesday: So Extra

What is that word that I’ve been hearing oh so much, that kids are just spitting out lately? Oh, yes: “extra” or better yet, “so extra.”  My trusty source, Urban Dictionary, defines “extra” as “over the top, excessive, dramatic behavior.” Now I realize why the cool kids are using this word in excess because it seems like everyone these days is just SO EXTRA!

If you still need some help figuring out how and when to use this vernacular, 4E has laid out some prime examples. The following images are just so extra.

Cee Lo Green at the Grammys. 

Yeah, this is so extra.

Beyonce’s pregnancy announcement

We love you, but so extra.

Lady Gaga jumping onto the stage at the Super Bowl Halftime Show

She killed it, but so extra.

Kim K. taking selfies while Khloe goes to jail

Such a classic and so extra.

4E hopes that another edition of Word Wednesday has helped you become a little bit more cool and maybe even a bit more EXTRA.

Sources: usweekly.com, urbandictionary.com, giphy.com

Bananas, Beauties, and Freshman Fails: Exploring Georgetown Via Instagram

Banner - Finstas

As most of you know (and if you don’t, crawl out from under your rock), Georgetown University has a large social media presence. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more recently, Snapchat make up the various means by which Georgetown makes itself known on the Internet. School administrators and a few students run these accounts, but due to their overwhelming sense of idealism, Georgetown may appear to be a bit too welcoming. We may appear to be hard-to-swallow ~aggressively hospitable~.

Although these social media accounts are managed without flaw, many current students have a hard time admitting that they accurately portray what happens at our beloved school. Have no fear, 4E is here to give you the scoop! Over the last year, several masters of social media have started to portray Georgetown in a more down-to-earth way through the use of finstas, which I’m assuming most, if not all of you know to be fake Instagram accounts. The unnamed “saints” behind these accounts capture moments of Georgetown students’ lives as they happen, not as planned out beforehand. Some of the major accounts include @georgetowndimes, @hoyas_eatin_naners, @couplesatleos, and @gufreshmendointhings. These accounts specialize in Georgetown’s most attractive students, freshman fails, love on the hilltop, and quite literally, students devouring bananas. What a time to be alive!

In order to promote these accounts and thus make your life so much better, I have composed a brief, but ~comprehensive~ exposé on these accounts.

  1. @georgetowndimes– Dedicated to recognizing some of Georgetown’s most gorgeous students, this account currently stands at five posts, the first being released on April 18. Not to knock on the person(s) running the account, but I think that the account definitely needs some work. Only five posts in over two months? Come on now. Also, if you’re supposed to be featuring Georgetown’s best-looking students, shouldn’t there at least be more than five? We were voted as one of the colleges with the most attractive student body. On a more positive note, I do commend this account for what it does and its name. It has a ring to it that none of the others have. For those of you interested, here’s the account’s page.

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    I know I’ve ripped on this account enough, but its ratio is atrocious.
  2. @hoyas_eatin_naners: Interestingly enough, this is actually the second Instagram account that follows bananas at Georgetown. The first, @georgetownbananas, started in September 2014 and its last post was in January 2015, with only nine posts in total. It has since been dormant. Disappointing? Yes. It may be too late to resurrect this account. Now, with @hoyas_eatin_naners, we’re in the big leagues. Setting the standard high with 59 posts in four months, this account is much more active than the one described above (probably the reason it has more followers). Its ratio, with 242 followers and 110 following, is much better than that of @georgetowndimes. The account’s bio? “Every day, hundreds of Leo’s namers lose their lives. These are their stories.” The reference to SVU alone is enough to make people ~go bananas~. Every situation you can think of, from accounting-exam-stress to dartying, involves a banana. The people who run this account (rumor has it they’re sophomores) are to be commended for the fact that they make a Hoya’s day by either featuring them and/or making them laugh.
  3. @couplesatleos– We all see them ~those couples~. They sit together at Leo’s and act like they’re so much better than the rest of us are so happy together.IMG_3405We also see those people who aren’t couples, but are sitting together so they might as well be. IMG_3404This account is dedicated to recording such instances and poking fun at them in a lighthearted manner. With 24 posts in just one month, this account had a strong start. The photos may be not as high-quality as those of @hoyas_eatin_naners, nor may it have a better ratio, but it’s up there with the banana-lover account in my book. It is following 583 other accounts but has 397 followers, thus beating all of the other Georgetown finstas. The plus to this account is that more people probably notice the couples that sit together at Leo’s, not the apparently large amount of bananas that are consumed each day (still a very important issue).
  4. @gufreshmendointhings– Last but not least, we have the account that draws attention to the ups and downs of a freshman’s life. Its ratio is close to that of the account described above, with 383 followers and 598 following. Its bio perfectly lays out what the account covers: “Photos in front of Healy Hall, making out on a Vil A rooftop, first Leo’s date? We see you”. From DFMOs to NSO, @gufreshmendointhings is there to record those moments when freshmen reveal how basic they truly are. IMG_3399Or it reveals how they do things that you don’t really see every day, such as someone brushing his/her teeth in a Lau bathroom.Screen Shot 2016-06-23 at 1.26.08 PMRegardless, this account brings us laughs and reminds us of things that either we or our friends did when we were freshmen. Some of the account’s posts cannot be pictured here for obvious reasons, but you get the idea.

Why should you follow these finstas? For one, some of their posts will brighten your day almost immediately (unless you’re featured in an embarrassing one). They also enable you to look further into Georgetown life, beyond those fake amazing videos that the administration posts via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Finally, you should follow them to support your fellow Hoyas behind the accounts (some might just follow you back AND like your photos). The debate over which finsta is the best still continues, so let’s see if it can be settled once and for all.

[playbuzz-game game=”https://www.playbuzz.com/charlie29/Georgetown-Finstas”]

Photos and gifs:  giphy.com, instagram.com, google.com, https://bit.ly/28QwQkm 

How To Coachella In Your Dorm

Coachella PostAccording to various social media feeds and your BFF Lauren’s insta account who decided to go to college in SoCal, Coachella starts this weekend. Apparently, it’s the place to be!

Not going to Coachella these next two weekends? Luckily, 4E has the perfect guide to start your own #Chella2016 party in your dorm!

Step 1: Dress like you’re a vagabond hipster 1960s flower child with a touch of politically incorrect Navajo.

Make sure everything you wear costs at least $500!

Step 2: Acquire the drugs….JUST KIDDING! Instead, just pretend you are one with the music while erratically dancing. 

Step 3: Get your perfect Chella Playlist.  Whether you’re into House, that newest Indie band, or that chill white rapper, Coachella has it all!

Step 4: Prepare the ambiance! In order to do this, you must make sure your dorm is set to 110 degrees with the occasional dusting of desert sand! Prepare your bandanas!

There you have it! The perfect guide to try to be one of the #coolkids.  Get your insta accounts ready!

Gifs: giphy.com 

Caffeine Cravings: Philz to the Rescue

Philz Coffee

Do you love coffee and people watching? Are you sick of your typical spots? Do you wanna jump on the newest caffeine trend? Well, look no further 4E has just the place for you!

The coffee shop, Philz, is finally opening two stores right here in DC! You can find them at:

The Yards: 1331 4th Street SE #101

Adams Morgan: 1827 Adams Mill Road NW

Philz is an extremely popular chain, with a ton of stores out in Los Angeles and San Fran. Their cup of joe is amazing and we are so excited to welcome them to the coffee scene!

In addition to their tons of coffee options, the DC stores will also sell food, pastries, and juices from local stores like Rise Bakery, BakeHouse, Bluebird Bakery, Capital Kombucha and Misfit Juicery. And, for those of you who love to study in DC like me, they will be offering free, unrestricted WiFi. Cue the Instagrams!

The stores will be officially opening its Adams Morgan store on Mar. 27th and its hours will be from 5:30am to 10pm. The Yards store will open in May. Get ready for a caffeine overload!

Sources: dcist.com/2016/03/beloved_san_francisco-based_philz_c.php; https://bestanimations.com/; 

The 10 Reasons Why Everyone Must Attend Kickback

kickback

Those of you who were around last fall should remember that The Corp started an awesome music and art festival, combining Georgetown-based acts and professional headliners. I wasn’t there personally, but I heard it was awesome.

Well, The Corp is bring back this event again THIS SATURDAY Sept. 12. From 12 p.m. until the last act blows you away, all Hoyas can enjoy some awesome music, some insanly creative art and a bunch of fun activities. This year, The Corp has partnered with a few other Georgetown groups to make this event more collaborative and more intrinsic to the Georgetown experience.

After meeting with the people in charge of this awesome event, 4E has determined the top 10 reasons why this is the can’t miss event of the semester:

1. The Food. The Corp has not spared any expenses when it comes to the most important thing in all our lives, food. they are going to have a ton of local food trucks and eateries there to fill your mid-Kickback hunger. It is rumored that among these trucks will be Rito Loco, Swizzlr and Captain Cookie.

giphy2. Zipcar Membership. As part of this year’s Kickback, The Corp is working with Zipcar to provide discounted Zipcar memberships for those Hoyas who attend the festival and feel the need for a membership. But, in reality, who doesn’t need a car? Hello… trips to Costco?!

3. Flash Tats & Water Balloons. To make this event even more exciting, WGTB Georgetown radio will be providing both flash tattoos. I repeat: FLASH TATS. The Corp is providing water balloons, so basically anything could happen. Also, there will be water guns, hola hoops and other random things all provided by Zipcar. I have no idea what we are going to do with all this, but I do know that it will be fantastic.

4. Down Dog Yoga. At around noonish, Down Dog Yoga will be providing a free class on the lawn for anyone in attendance. Who wouldn’t want to start their day with some meditation and tree pose?!

5. Instagram Opportunities. The backdrop of Copley makes the perfect frame for your #nofilter Instagram. If that wasn’t enough, The Hoya (hay) is having some of our professional photographers take photos of people on the front lawn. And everyone knows that professional photos > iPhone photos.

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6. Bringing Tie-Dye Back. Along with the flash tats, WGTB Georgetown radio is also hosting a tie-dye booth at the event! Ugh, how retro and awesome is that?!

7. Sunbathing. What better way to bask and enjoy Copley lawn than accompanied by music?

8. Artsy Art. Georgetown students are super talented. Why not see your friends’ art displayed across the lawn? You can tell them how great they are or maybe even discover your new favorite artist. So many possibilities.

9. The Music (duh). What other chance do you have to watch and jam out to student and professional performances? The answer: you don’t. This is your only chance.

10. FOMO. All your friends are going, so why wouldn’t you? You don’t wanna be that one person who missed out on Kickback, as if!

Kickback tickets are on sale now here and are only $10. 4E can’t wait to see you there.

Photos/Gifs: The Corp; giphy.com; 

Club Lau TONIGHT

geurgetown-university-libraryTonight (Sept. 5) at 10:00 p.m. is the event of the year: Club Lau.

Located on the third floor (main entrance floor) of our very own Lauinger Library, Club Lau is the raunchiest, sloppiest, sweatiest night that the library experiences each year (except for non-university-sanctioned events that go on when people sneak into Lau at night???).

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Here are the Top 5 reasons you should attend:

1. It only happens once a year.
2. The Insta opportunities are tremendous.
3. It’s the only party of the year that has decent snacks.
4. You can host a sick pregame on Lau 2. Or 4. Or 1. Or 5.
5. It’s Lau’s only chance to be something good.

Be there or be square, Hoyas.

Photo: Me, last night, in the Lau elevator; thestraightorquerr.com

WBC Protest, As Told By Social Media

WBC

Unless you were abroad or in some Georgetown-day induced coma, you know that the Westboro Baptist Church visited our dear Hilltop yesterday. Their presence created quite a ruckus, leading to both a counter-protest and a solidarity event. Through both forms of expression, Georgetown students demonstrated their sentiments toward this event.

However, there was another way in which Georgetown students expressed their emotions: social media!

At first, many were confused what they were even doing there.

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Many were not feeling WBC’s presence, especially since it was the last day of classes.

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Tons of people showed up 3 hours early to capture the whole event…

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Todd Olson even showed up to show his support! (read: HAYYYY)

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And then the Instagrams began, capturing the occasion in a #artsy way.

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Some tried to bring comedy into the mix…

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The signs used by the WBC and their supporters were probably the most ridiculous part.

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But no matter the form the posts took, there was no doubt that Georgetown students were beyond proud of the support both the counter and the solidarity protests received.

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Photos: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat

What Does the Fox Say?

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You may have noticed around campus that there are a myriad of orange fox stickers that look something like this:

 fox2

This adorable little fox started popping up in odd places on campus towards the beginning of the semester. At first I only noticed it on a few cubicles in Lau. But now, as you go about your day you probably have seen this guy on the walls of the ICC, the brick pathways near Healy and even on a couple of trashcans. So what does this mean?

At first, there were various speculations. One student told me it was a secret society on campus- I really wish this was true, but alas, not the source of the fox stickers.

secret society

Another student told me it was for GAAP weekend, as a way to guide new students around campus. Instead of following footprints or arrows you simply follow the fox! While that would be highly entertaining to watch confused high school students and parents search for strangely placed foxes, this is also not the true source of the sticker.

What it is, is the logo for a new app called Secret. While it does have a clever name and an adorable fox as its mascot, people seem skeptical about the app itself. The purpose of Secret is that it allows you to post anonymous secrets for other people to read. Ironically the tag line for the app is “be yourself”, despite the fact that the entire purpose of the app is anonymity.

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Don’t worry kitten, we are too

So what exactly do people post on this Secret app? According to the app description, you can post things such as what is your biggest lie and what would you tell your 13 year old self?

The app promotes expressing yourself and making new friends. It kind of sounds like Facebook and Instagram without all the stalking, YikYak without the helpful tips or Formspring minus all the nasty questions and teen angst.

Unsurprisingly, there have been some concerns about vulgarity and bullying on the site. But who knows, maybe Secret is just about to catch on. Only time will tell. For now, the biggest secret seems to be, who has been putting up these secret fox stickers all over campus!?

Photos: play.google.com; survivingcollege.com; www.sodahead.com; apkware.com