Warhol

What do you think about Andy Warhol? What about his art? Those are entirely different questions, I know. However, for some reason he's come up twice in the last week for me, so I thought I'd throw it out there to the kids. I've always been fascinated by him and by his art. What an interesting life. Plus, I wouldn't mind hitting up Studio 54 in 1979. Sigh. Anyway, here are two of my favorites for your viewing pleasure.

The War on Drugs

As one who is critical of the "War on Drugs", I was interested to read this article in Rolling Stone about the cost ($500 billion) and likelihood for success (none). Personally, I don't believe in outlawing many drugs, and I am adamantly against the scare tactics that are often used in the "war". Obviously, drug and alcohol addicitons are real, dangerous diseases. However, putting people with an addiction, a medical condition, in jail is ridiculous. What do you think?

Torture? What Torture?

Here's a little video via Salon that graphically shows just what water boarding is and why it's torture. Despite what Mukasey says. It's perfectly safe for work, but rather disturbing. And a must watch for everyone in this country, I think. Hope you're not already having a bad day.

I'm Stupid Because I Read Too Much

In my attempt to beat the record for most books read in a single year by moi (the most riveting Guinness category, I might add), I've become stupid. I've completely lost track of current events and I'm a dribbling idiot more or less because I haven't the time to read the newspaper, magazines, etc.

That is why I'm so excited about this website. Brijit compiles stories from major newspapers and magazines (The Economist, NYTimes, Wa Post, etc.) and gives a brief summation. If you're interested, you can then click a link to read the entire article. Brilliant! At least until I beat the record I, for one, will be relying on this site to keep myself mildly informed.

Beating the Record

I hate to admit this, but I'm going for the record. The nerd record. For the past four years I have kept a list of every book I've read by year. It's partially for the sake of remembering and partially a challenge to read a minimum baseline number of books. I also have a personal best, set in 2005, of the most books read in a single year. Call me Barry Bonds (without the asterisk), but this might just be a record breaking year.

In the interest of setting a new personal best, I'm reaching out to you - both of you - my loyal blog readers. I am accepting any and all book recommendations, keeping in mind that I'm looking for page turners. I have a little over two months to read around ten books. Luckily, the air in DC has just turned cool and I won't be distracted by the urge to put on a sun dress and sip cans of PBR on U St. So, if you have any good books to recommend please drop me a note in the comments. Thanks for your help in advance, and I'll let you know how the record goes.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Conservative Is The New Gay

Put A Fork In the Zones

Oh happy, blessed day. The day that I have been wishing upon a star with all my heart for. The wonderful and most honored (at least in this instance) Mayor Fenty has finally given the death sentence to the most hated Zone System for cabs. How I hate the zone. When I lived in Adams Morgan it could cost me more than $13 to take a half-mile cab ride from Dupont. It's insane! No one can be happier than I to see the demise of the zone system. About time, thank you Mr. Mayor. Now, if only he would start plans on a crosstown Metro line. Ah well, one wish at a time.

Terrorist Buster!

When there's something weird, in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? TERRORIST BUSTER!

Seriously? Somewhere, huddled in a New Deal office building that probably looks alarmingly like mine, someone thought this was a good idea. Taken straight off the official CIA website, this is their new anti-terrorist logo. As my good friend Jack said, "To me it says 'No black wookies with guns allowed.' But that's just me." Thank god we have trained professionals keeping us safe.

Long Time No See

Whew! I didn't realize it had been nearly a month. Will work on a new post soon! In the meantime, enjoy this. Apparently, I'm a sucker.

While well aware that it's nerdy . . .

. . . cool nonetheless.

Articles that Make Me Lose the Will to Live

. . . like this one.

No Books For You!

One in four Americans did not read a book last year. Sigh.

Safety First

Freedom of Assembly

And we all wonder why Bush seems utterly unaware of how terrible he's doing. Read this article to find out why.

Brush!

Just a friendly reminder of the importance of oral hygiene. Either that, or this pic cracks me up. You decide.

Rated G For Everyone!

My blog is G-rated! Thanks to my wonderful sister, I found out that I am officially reading material for everyone. Where did I go wrong? I mean, Will It Blend? That's not a website you'd want just anyone to stumble upon. And the subversive cartoons? Really? Hmm . . . must think of ways to get that rating up. I'm friggin' Sesame Street!

Bringing Down the Blog

Usually, I try to keep the blog upbeat. A little Will It Blend? here, a little mayo margarita there, and I call it a day. This afternoon, however, I'm afraid that I'm going to have to bring the mood of the blog down a bit.

As a college journalism major, I realize that my feelings toward the media and interest in the media is greater than the average bear. However, I hope it's not just me and a few media nerds (hi Joni!) who are interested in the online evolution currently underway in the land of newspapers.

I should preface my comments by admitting my bias: I think television news is crap. I avoid it like the plague, and I can't remember the last time I chose to watch any news programs on television (with one exception).

As such, I think newspapers are bastions of information in this country, and I hope they remain more or less above the political fray. That is why I've been a good bit concerned about online newspapers. I'm worried that popularity of stories will win out over importance, which is why this article on today's Washington Post website was interesting.

Obviously, I know print newspapers are being administered their last rites as I type. I'm just curious to see how online will shake out.

Bartender, Another Round!

What could be more refreshing than one of these?

For the Cheap Ones

The Washington Post online has a new Monday morning column in which they list that weeks free events. Although a more complete list can be compiled with a little digging, it's nice for those who are cheap and lazy. And who doesn't love that combination?

Underground Sociology

Do you know what Google Suggest is? When you type search phrases into Google, it creates a list of likely searches based on the most popular choices for the prefix both in your own searches and all of Google. It shows you what other people are Googling most.

You can read more about it in this Slate article. The article mentioned Google won't perform the service for certain body parts, lewd words, etc. It also linked to this list captured by a blogger, that Google subsequently killed, when people type in the words "blacks are." Good to know racism is dead.

Finding Religious Freedom

On July 13th I linked to a story about the first Hindu prayer read before that day's Senate session. Unfortunately, predictably, the prayer was interrupted by three Christian protesters. In today's Washington Post the gentleman who delivered the prayer, Chaplain Rajan Zed, wrote a thoughtful response to the protests. Here is an excerpt that particularly struck me:

Bhagavad-Gita, one of the ancient Hindu scriptures, says: “In whatever way and path, humans worship Me, in that same path do I (meet) and fulfill their aspirations and grace them. It is always My Path that humans follow in all their different paths and journeys, on all sides.” It further says, “Whatever form (of the Divine) any devotee with faith wishes to worship, I make that faith of his steady.”

Summer In the City

Little tourists, why do you irk me so? Why do you stop at the bottom of the escalator? Why do you stand on the right? Why is it impossible for your doll eyes to look in front of you, thereby avoiding collisions with other pedestrians? I realize that, by living in one of the most tourist-centered cities in the country, this is my own fault. However, come the end of July, after a long, hot summer, I've had it. Tourists, be gone. Take your sweaty, sullen children and go back to Oklahoma. Oh, and I hope you had a nice trip.

From Gene Weingarten's Chat

Only in America: Who says the law can't be fun... or at least humorous? On July 17 the Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued an opinion in a case with a set of facts no humor writer (especially SNL) could ever put together. The plaintiff, Employee A, worked with Employee B for some time and found out that Employee B was gay. Thereafter, Employee A thought that Employee B was staring at him and checking him out. This sense came to its pinnacle when they happened to be standing at adjacent urinals in a workplace urinal. Employee A, being a heterosexual male, was upset by the unwanted attention and sent Employee B an anonymous text message through a little-used workplace computer network that said "Stop staring! The guys on the floor don't like it." Employee B thinks that he is being harassed for being gay and reports the e-mail to HR or whoever is responsible for hearing these sorts of complaints. Investigation ensues, employer figures out that Employee A sent the instant message, asks him about it, he says he didn't do it, employer terminates him for lying, Employee A says "oh, but I tried to tell you the truth after the meeting but I couldn't find anyone" (because they were all in a meeting deciding to fire him probably). Now-former Employee A sues the employer for sexual harassment (by leering, gay Emplopyee B) and retaliation for complaining about said harassment. I know, I know, you're thinking that this is perhaps mildly amusing thus far, but only in a "three's Company" goes to work (and court) kindof way, which is to not not very funny at all. Also not funny because it smacks of anti-gay bias.

Employee B -- the gay one -- had a lazy eye.

Employee A lost.

Gene Weingarten: You know, I didn't think you were going to bring this one in for a good landing, but you navigated perfectly. Thank you.

50 Most Beautiful Hill Staffers

Okay, okay, I've been a bit bad about posts this week. Can you blame a girl for being lazy? This should make it up, feast your eyes on the 50 Most Beautiful Hill Staffers. Thanks Patrick for forwarding me the article.

Blade Runner

Double amputee and Olympic hopeful Oscar Pistorius was disqualified yesterday for stepping outside his lane in the 400 meters. Pistorius is in a groundbreaking fight to be allowed to compete towards qualifying for the Olympics.

I don't think I'm qualified to know whether or not he should be allowed in the Olympics, or whether he has a mechanical advantage. I am, however, qualified to say that guy is bad ass. He is incredibly inspirational, and I hope he's successful in whatever avenue is afforded him.

And I'm Proud To Be An American

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Grasshopper Tacos

I just wanted to take a moment of silence for Ashley, Jason, and John. All three of these brave characters took on and conquered the grasshopper tacos at Oyamel. I can't recall seeing something quite so disgusting in person. Ashley said they were tasty, but the crunch was "upsetting." Um, yes, it was upsetting for the bystanders as well. I'm not sure if the pitchers of margaritas provided liquid courage, but regardless I say well played. Note: this is a not a picture of the actual grasshopper taco, but it gives you a very good idea of what we were working with.

While Well Aware of How Nerdy It Is . . .

. . . I remain excited nonetheless.

Restaurant Week

DC Restaurant Week is August 6-12. Get your reservations!

Katharine Hepburn

The National Theatre is hosting screenings of several of Katharine Hepburn's classic films through August 13th. The films are showing in the Ronald Reagan building Mondays at 6:40, and tickets are distributed 30 minutes before showtime for free.

Tonight I'm going to see Adam's Rib. Who doesn't love Katharine Hepburn? Thanks to Esa for the kind invite.

Angry Toons

A Zorse Is A Zorse Of Course Of Course

I want a Zorse!

Toons

The Jena Six

Just read it.

Here's a BBC article about the trial.

Yesterday's update about Bell's trial.

Sculling

This week I've been taking beginning sculling lessons at the Thompson Boat Center in order to be certified to rent shells. The course takes one week Monday through Friday, and classes are on the Potomac.

Yesterday we went under the Key Bridge, and it was beautiful. Okay, okay, on the first day I might have t-boned a wall right in front of the happy hour crowd at Sequoia. I'm not too proud to admit it. However, even with the mishaps the lessons are fun and the instructors couldn't be nicer.

Don't Coke and Drive

This is what a coked up driver did to a cornfield in the Netherlands during a police chase. I thought LiLo was still in rehab?

From The Stranger.

Sad Day For Sports Fans

Sadly today Kobayashi announced he won't be able to compete for his seventh straight hot dog title at Nathan's Famous on July 4th. Kobayashi has suffered a career shattering injury, he is only able to open his mouth the width of a finger due to arthritis in his jaw. I think I speak for fans everywhere when I wish him a speedy recovery. I also regret turning down an invitation to last year's competition, it's like missing Jordan before he retired. I really wanted to see him go head-to-head with current record holder (and the only person to come close to Kobayashi), Joey Chestnut.

How To Build A Better Simpson

This one is for the Simpson's fans. Go to this site to build your own Simpson character. I named mine Herman.

~ Thanks Patrick, I stole this one from you. :)

The Pig Got Up and Slowly Walked Away

One evening in October, when I was one-third sober,
An' taking home a load with manly pride;
My poor feet began to stutter, so I lay down in the gutter,
And a pig came up an' lay down by my side;
Then we sang 'It's all fair weather when good fellows get together,
'Till a lady passing by was heard to say:
'You can tell a man who "boozes" by the company he chooses'
And the pig got up and slowly walked away.

~ Benjamin Hapgood Burt

World's Ugliest Dog

No, seriously, he has a title. Elwood found victory after the passing of former World's Ugliest Dog Sam (R.I.P.).

Not a Sermon, Just a Thought

I know, I know, nothing says "happy summer" quite like organ and tissue donation. However, I just heard about this website. If you go to http://www.donatelife.net/ you can register as an organ and tissue donor. In the District, once you register no one can revoke your consent posthumously. The last gasp of a control freak, if you will. Not a sales pitch, just passing along information.

U.S. States Renamed For Countries With SImilar GDPs

Take from this really cool site.

Artists You've Never Heard Of Because You're Young Enough To Be Reading A Blog (But Should Have)

* Juice Newton
* Etta James
* Dean Martin
* Curtis Mayfield
* Edith Piaf

Day Watch

This weekend I saw the second installment of Timur Bekmambetov's trilogy Day Watch. I loved the first film, Night Watch, which I believe was the most expensive film made in Russia at that time.

It's the usual good battling evil, yada yada. However, the films really are clever and edgy and decidedly not American. As my friend Jack commented when we left the movie, you never notice how homogeneous Hollywood films are until you see something that is so very different. If for that reason alone, I recommend seeing both films.

Night Watch was much, much better than Day Watch, but they're both worth seeing. I'm still looking forward to the third and final installment.

Libertarians

Just How Dumb Are Americans?

Oh boy! Those fun kids down at the University of Chicago have released the 2006 General Social Survey to answer the question: Just how dumb are Americans? As it turns out, very. Click here to find out that less than 74% of Americans understand heliocentrism.

BIG Sports News!

Anyone who knows me is well aware of my favorite sport: competitive eating. What? Anyway, I have been a BIG Kobayashi fan for years, but last July 4th a youngun caught my eye.

Apparently that young man has fulfilled his promise and shattered Kobayashi's record. Many people said it couldn't be done, but they were wrong. While in jury duty today I received not one, but two frantic emails informing me of this epic achievement. Hmm . . . I'm not sure what that says about me. Anyway, though I would pass along this important news.

Cats & Dogs

Free Movies!

The Freer and Sackler galleries are hosting free movies as part of a taste of Portuguese cinema. The movies run from June 1 to July 1 in the Meyer Auditorium. Two tickets per person will be given out one hour before show time.

Personally, I'm hoping to catch Silvestre, and Colossal Youth. Will check back with a review. Don't you love a city so full of free events? It makes a cheap girl's heart sing.

Coke-a-cide

The Sudanese diplomat, John Ukec Lueth Ukec, done lost his mind! At a press conference yesterday Ukec stated that there was no genocide in Sudan, and that the United States was the only country to say genocide was occurring. While that may be largely true, it doesn't mean something isn't afoot at the Circle K. Four hundred thousand dead are very rarely wrong.

Now Ukec has resorted to overt threats in order to avoid US interjection. Ukec threatened to cut-off the exportation of gum arabic, an emulsifier used in Coca-Cola. Would the loss of coke bring Americans to their knees? I'm sure the Sudanese suffering under the current regime are shedding silent tears for us. Ukec did reference the effect sanctions would have on the masses:

"While millions in Darfur go hungry, he suggested that the U.S. sanctions would limit 'the sugar the Darfurians need seriously.' He explained: 'The people of Darfur, they need a lot of sugar and they are used to it.'"

Well, all this typing has really gotten me thirsty. Coke, anyone?

Shopping Carts For Charity

Isn't altruism even better when it's fun? We gathered to run the second annual Idiotarod with those great kids at SMASHED (Society of Mature Adults Seeking to Help, Entertain and Donate). Hev, Alethea, Joni, Mary, Megan and I all put on our animal finest and ran through the streets of DC pushing a shopping cart.

It was a three mile course all around the city, and we didn't come close to winning. Plenty of good fun, though, which is all you can really ask. This year the money went to the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Now the only problem is coming up with a theme for next year. I've heard some serious rooting for a conestoga wagon. Hmm . . .