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Winter Survival Guide

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If you somehow didn’t notice the white stuff that have been falling from the sky recently or the freezing cold temperatures, let this article assure you it is in fact winter at Georgetown.

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So before you start filling out your transfer application to Berkley or University of Miami here are some tips to help you survive the cold.

1. Before going outside, dress in every single item of clothing in your closet. You may at first feel stupid, but you will be warm.

2. Cold toilet seat? No problem, just sacrifice a few socks to create this masterpiece.

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3. Invest in a sleeping bag suit. It may seem like an impulsive buy, but also quite possibly the warmest thing you will ever own.

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4. Trick yourself into thinking that you are in a tropical location instead of this polar vortex by decorating your room with things that remind you of summer.

5. Avoid ice at all costs. It may seem like a good idea at the time to try and slide across the ice like a cool kid, but you will most likely end up falling.

If you even find yourself feeling down about the weather here in DC, just remember that there are places that have it much, much worse.

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No one wants to live in that.

Photos/Gifs: pinterest.com; myemail.constantcontact.com; gifsoup.com; uproxx.com; memcollection.net; reddit.com; giphy.com; faxo.com

 

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What’s the Deal with the Cherry Blossoms?

Cherry+Blossom+Path_forWebArguably one of the best things about going to Georgetown is being able to experience Washington in the spring. The birds are chirping, Healy beach lawn is bubbling with excitement and D.C.’s cherry blossoms are beautifully bursting into in full bloom. At least you think they will be.

With the strange wintry weather we’ve been experiencing lately, you might be wondering how the cherry blossoms are going to be affected … and if they’re even going to bloom properly at all. Here at 4E, we’re all licensed cherry-bloom-ologists, and we’ve got the scoop on everything you need to know about how the recent weather will affect the cherry blossoms. Here are 3 questions you wanted to know about the D.C. cherry blossoms but were too afraid lazy to ask:

1. What’s the deal with the cherry blossoms? Are they going to bloom in this weird weather?

Yes. They might just be a little bit late. As we’ve already explained here on 4E, cherry blossom bloom dates are determined by temperatures. Basically, the colder the spring temperatures, the later the cherry blossom bloom dates. Check out this nifty graph to see the correlation:

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Every Hoya can attest to the wacky cold weather we’ve experienced this spring, and for that reason, this year’s bloom is projected to be one of the latest in recent history. The Capital Weather Gang at the Washington Post even revised their peak bloom date projections from April 9 to April 13.

2. Will the snow affect the blooms?

No. Like we explained above, cherry blossom blooms are affected by temperature, not precipitation. The blooms would only be affected if there was so much snow that tree limbs would be damaged, and – thankfully – we haven’t had that much.

3. Is there anything positive about this weather?

Yes! Believe it or not, cold weather actually makes cherry blossom blooms last longer. Warm weather can cause the cherry buds to burst quickly and limit bloom times to around 4-5 days. Cold weather, on the other hand, can double peak bloom times, making for beautiful spring sights that last around 2 weeks.

In other words, things are about to get beautiful – and stay beautiful – around here really soon. Stick it out for a few more days, Hoyas. Spring awaits!

Photos: The Washington Post, strawberrymilkevents.com
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An Open Letter to Mother Nature

To: Mother Nature
Cc: Mr. Sun, Jack Frost, President Obama
Bcc: Mom
Subject: WWTWD? (What will the weather do? Duh.)

—

Dear Mother Nature,

As a D.C. citizen and a lover of weather-appropriate fashion, I want to (read: must) express to you my ultimate confusion. I simply do not know what shenanigans you are trying to bring upon the District of Columbia.

Exhibit A
We went from this…

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… to this …

hot … in a matter of four days.

Hello? Is this a joke? Am I getting punk’d?

I mean really, come on. It is February. No one loves spring as much as I do, but all of these weather changes are totally messing with my head — and don’t get me started on what this is doing to my closet.

Example: Yesterday I wanted to take a nice walk down to Chipotle because it was beautiful and warm out. What happens? Ice, and then snow and then all of a sudden I was on the floor.

I slipped and fell.

Please, explain this to me. It was 60 degrees out. There should not be snow on the ground. I should be basking in the sunlight, not laying in a pile of dirty winter precipitation.

What do you think this is, Canada? We ALL know the real reason we came to D.C. was because it has warmer weather than our northern neighbors. It is the thing that I brag about every time I see my family — and I am from Long Island, not Antarctica.

The worst part about these crazy weather patterns is how it is messing up Georgetown’s style. I have seen everything from woolen sweaters to shorts to heavy down coats in the span of a day. That is not normal and, honestly, it just makes me want to cry.

So please, Mother Nature, next time you feel like going on a weather bender, keep in mind that I, Courtney Klein, will not be happy.

Also, I blame you for my cold. You should honestly be trying to get on my good side. Please step up your game before I apply to a school in a normal city.

Sincerely,
Courtney Klein

Photo: Huffington Post; Gifs: tumblr
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Snowpocalypse 2014: The Sequel

MeowThe rumors are true. The weather updates are right. D.C. is about to be hit with some major snowfall. As of this moment, we are officially under a “snow emergency.”

According to www.weather.com, the snow should start falling around 9 p.m., and will continue for pretty much all of Thursday. The total snowfall should be anywhere from five to ten inches, with some experts even predicting a foot. (Begin freaking out now.)

Judging by Georgetown’s last declared snow day, which amounted to significantly less than tonight’s predicted amounts, we should probably expect no classes tomorrow. (Refer to 4E’s guide for snow days accordingly. And just in case, do these rituals to make sure we have off tomorrow.)

But a snow emergency isn’t all fun and games. The snow will eventually turn into freezing rain, which means icy conditions.

But never fear! D.C.’s District Snow Team (things I learned today: this exists) is primed and ready to break out all 287 snow plows in its arsenal, along with presumably a ton of salt, in an effort to combat Mother Nature. Either way, one thing is clear: Snow is coming, so get ready for either playing outside or hiding indoors. Happy Second Snowpocalypse, Hoyas!

Special thanks to DCist for this article.

Photos: dumpaday.com, GIFs: dailydot.com, buzzfeed.com, weber-street-photography.com

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Snow Day: Zoo Edition

animals in the snowFor those of you experiencing the recent snow storm, you might be feeling a range of emotions. Maybe love for the amount of sledding you can now partake in? Or perhaps hate for the lack of feeling in your toes? Whether you consider yourself a winter fanatic or a “weather wuss,” there’s one thing this winter storm brought that you have to love: the adorable, snow-filled animal pictures released yesterday by the National Zoo. Brought to us from our friends at DCist, here are a couple of animals who seem to know how to have a good snow day:

No matter how matter how many times we see it, snow is always exciting.

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This little red panda seems to have found the best view.

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This tiger enjoys walking around the new winter wonderland.

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But even the animals know winter break is all about sleep! Yawwwn!

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Wait, there’s more! Even 4E’s favorite panda, Bao Bao, got in on the snow fun! DCist noted that while the National Zoo said Bao Bao was not ready to experience the snow just yet, they were kind enough to bring her a bowl of snow to play with.

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Baby panda! Baby panda with a bowl of snow! Is there such a thing as too much cuteness?

Photos: DCist
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Weather Wusses? Actually, Yes.

Weather WussesToday, the Washington Post ran a piece by Clinton Yates that defended the District’s winter weather habits. The article argued that lack of regular snowfall, large amounts of commuter traffic and D.C. jurisdiction nightmares simply make winter storms a bit tough for the District. We don’t disagree with the logistics, be we at 4E do believe that D.C. is still a bunch of “weather wusses.” Here’s why:

Federal Government employees were given the option today to take unscheduled leave or work from home.

Winter Weather Mid AtlanticOthers also warned of the blustering cold, which would drop D.C. temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Things are looking chilly, folks!

Even Georgetown University had a delayed start today.

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That would all be fine and dandy…

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…except Boston just received approximately 14 inches of snow (compared to D.C.’s 2-5 inches).11730759313_81875100b0_b

And meanwhile in Canada, it’s been as cold as the surface of Mars.

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That’s right. Mars.

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In comparison, it looks like we’re the weather wusses after all.

Photos: thegrio.com, Washington Post, Georgetown University, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Universe Today, patriciaheatherington.blogspot.com
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InstagraMondays: Christmas Edition

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Toss a filter and 30 likes on it, and it’s worth even more. Take a look at some of our favorite Instagrams from this week and stop back next Monday to see if yours were featured on 4E’s newest feature, InstagraMondays! Also, follow The Hoya on Instagram here.

If the end of classes isn’t reason enough to celebrate, this week Hoyas have been witnessing the Hilltop transform into a Christmas Wonderland. From dorm room Christmas trees to the bright star atop Healy Hall, the Instagram possibilities have never been greater. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is to Instagram a pic for all to hear see. Let’s recap on a few Instagram users’ celebratory Instas:

Nothing says Hoya Xmas better than an actual personalized ‘Hoyas’ Christmas light.

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Although, Georgetown’s other Christmas decorations aren’t so bad either…

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 And the dorm rooms are just as good! (I’m going to go with yes @lauren_casale, yes you do like Christmas.)

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For those non-East Coasters, this time might also seem a little strange and unfamiliar. 

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Every now and then a Hoya might even break out of the Hilltop bubble to experience D.C.’s Christmas transformation.

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But at the end of the day, the best Instas can be found as soon as you step foot on campus.

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I mean who really can resist the snow Insta? 

Happy holidays Hoyas, and stay tuned for more editions of InstagraMondays!

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Springtime Weather Woes: The REAL Madness of March

Springtime weather

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. In case, you’ve no place to go… HOLD ON! It’s springtime, right?!

If you think the weather has been a bit weird lately, you aren’t alone. According to the Capital Weather Gang at The Washington Post, March 2013 was (on average) 13 degrees cooler than March 2012. In fact, it was the 59th coldest March in DC on record since 1871 and the second coldest March since 2000.

Throughout the month, scientists recorded an average temperature anomaly of three degrees Fahrenheit on the cold side. The month was so cold that the highest temperature of the month was only 63 degrees– the first time March did not have a high temperature of 70 degrees or higher since 2001.

Although last March was also one of the driest March months on record, when it did precipitate, the cold temperatures were especially conducive to snow. Dulles Airport set two separate snow records (3.3 and 3.2 inches on March 6 and 25, respectively) and Reagan Airport bolstered the highest snowfall measurements since 1990.

According to WaPo meteorologists, the weird March weather was caused by “a powerful atmospheric ‘blocking’ pattern that formed over northern latitudes over the course of the month. As a result, cold air was released into typically warmer areas, including North America and Europe.

However, the blocking pattern is no reason to get your knickers in a bunch. As of right now, the blocking pattern is currently breaking, and as a result, the National Weather Service has predicted a warmer-than usual April. And you know what that means, Hoyas.

In conclusion: IT’S BEEN COLD AND WE’RE SICK OF IT. THE SUN IS ON ITS WAY. HAPPY APRIL!

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Casual Thursdays: Warming From The Inside

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We hate to break it to you, everyone, but the Inauguration has ended. The mania has subsided and the fever has ended — except for our Beyoncé fever, which will carry on “until the end of time.” (Ha, see what we did there? We love you, B.) Now, all that’s left to do is celebrate the simple, serene beauty of the winter season. This cold weather took all of us by surprise, and you, at any point, see fellow students sprinting from building to building as they complain about their frozen fingers and ears. Because the Hilltop has experienced its first snowfall (read: dusting), this Casual Thursday is here to help you sit back, relax and celebrate all things snowy. Warm up by your bed with the Hot Toddy, the perfect winter companion, and play the Social Media Snowy Drinking Game:

The Hot Toddy:

  • 1 ounce brandy, whiskey, or rum
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 lemon
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 tea bag
  1. Coat the bottom of a mug or an Irish coffee glass with honey.
  2. Add the liquor and the juice of the lemon quarter.
  3. On the side, heat water in a tea kettle and add the tea bag to make hot tea.
  4. Pour the steaming tea into the glass and stir.

The Social Media Snowy Drinking Game:

Celebrate people’s ridiculous reactions to winter precipitation with this snarky social media drinking game!

Go on Facebook or Twitter and slowly scroll down your News Feed/Twitter Feed.

Take a sip every time …

-A status/tweet references “cold”

-A status/tweet references “winter”

-Someone has posted a picture of himself/herself in the snow

 

Take a big gulp every time…:

-Someone makes a really excited over-hyper status/tweet about snow. (e.g. “I LOVE SNOOOWWWWW! )

-Someone makes a really miserable, cranky, aggressive status/tweet about hating snow/winter. (e.g. “I HATE WINTER. SNOW IS ICKY.”)

 

 Take a shot every time…:

-Someone makes a really miserable, cranky, aggressive status/tweet about being annoyed by other people’s statuses/tweets about snow.

 

Finish your drink every time…:

-Some Captain Obvious (in real life) energetically points outside and exclaims, “It’s Snowing!”

Photo Credit: About.com, Georgetown University

 

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No Snow, Not Closing, Coping

by Michelle Cassidy

It seems that we’re facing a fairly mild winter in D.C. – despite this past weekend’s snowy excitement, temperatures are predicted to be in the 40’s and 50’s for the rest of the week. Walking around in a t-shirt and shorts in late January is kind of fun, we admit it. But we also miss some of the qualities of a real East coast winter.  Here are a few strategies to help you cope with the unseasonable warmth.

  • Get out of here! While Georgetown’s campus isn’t a winter wonderland at the moment, you don’t have to go too far to find one. Outdoor Ed is running Wednesday night ski trips to Ski Liberty in southern Pennsylvania. If you hurry, you can grab one of the last spots for this Wednesday’s trip. Already have plans for tomorrow night? No worries, Ski Nights last until the end of February.

Continue reading “No Snow, Not Closing, Coping”