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