Like Fish, Playing Tiny Musical Instruments

Netflix Streaming

2010-04-15T07:47:00.004-05:00

I am addicted to streaming movies from Netflix. It's part of my New Year's resolution to watch 200 movies and catch up to pop culture ("So your resolution is to watch more tv?" the boyfriend said.) At this point, however, about half of my streaming list has fallen prey to the availability deadline, like this one:

Out of sheer annoyance, I've decided to run reviews here of the movies that are about to get scrapped from streaming so you don't lose out and actually have to get the physical disc. Hate that. Expect a review of Tuvalu, which you can stream until April 21, 2010.

Lip Tint

2009-11-17T17:04:00.002-05:00

Might I rave about a product? My hippie sister gave me Hemp Organics organic lip tint in my stocking last year in an attempt to wean me off red lipstick that may or may not be giving me lead poisoning. I threw it in a draw. I mean, that hippie shit usually either smells weird or doesn't work or both. Fastforward to almost a year later and I finally tried it. It rocks. The color is fabulous and it feels like chapstick and doesn't dry out like my regular lipsticks. You have to reapply with some diligence, but it's worth it not to have that cakey mouth by the end of the day that lots of other lipsticks give me. It costs about $6 and you can get it at Whole Foods and online. Try it, you'll like it.

Gang Printing

2009-11-17T16:52:00.005-05:00

When I was doing a little research for the last post, I accidentally typed "M-13" into the google search box, and I mostly got astronomy hits:

If you look more closely, though, the third hit was for a graphic design firm:

Gang run printing business? Umm, I hope by gang they mean a group of very good friends.

Murder, Inc.

2009-11-17T16:30:00.005-05:00

The recent shooting death of a 9-year-old boy through his apartment door on the 1400 block of Columbia Rd. has understandably left the neighborhood shocked and rattled. I understand, I live on the 1700 block and ours has not been a neighborhood without violence. However, I wanted to underscore that this year has seen a downturn in homicides so far, as is displayed in this chart of the city's statitstics:

I'm not arguing that this isn't a tragedy, nor am I arguing that the police should do nothing, but I would say that given the unique frictions in our neighborhood caused by rapid gentrification and the impact of the current economic climate, I would not have expected at -22.8% change in homicides over last year. The gang component of this crime, especially given how virulent and widespread this particular group is, is another matter.

Contribute Early

2009-11-17T14:14:00.006-05:00

Every source I've ever read has agreed that the best thing you can do to ensure a comfortable retirement while not sacrificing your life today is to contribute starting as early as you can. I thought I'd drive home this point by showing you graphs of what saving 10% of your salary looks like if you start at 25, 35, and 45. Keep in mind that this is, in my opinion, a very rosy outlook calculator from MSN Money.

Here we go at 25:

Starting at 35:

And starting at 45:

It isn't ever too late, but obviously the sooner the better.

Blog 2.0

2009-11-17T13:59:00.002-05:00

I've decided to relaunch and redirect the blog. Past posts have been scuttled in order to make room for the new, including a new focus on investing, savings, and all things money related. As a liberal arts kind of gal, it's a bit surprising to find myself as money obsessed as I've become, but I realized while sitting through a retirement seminar that I could have taught that I have something to share on this topic. Hopefully, these posts will provide a little information and resources that will point you in the right direction. I am in no way a professional and any ideas I throw out there should be vetted for stupidity. Now on with the show.

Calculators

2009-11-17T13:19:00.005-05:00

You may notice that I've rearranged the links on the right. I've added two retirement calculators that I really like. I linked to both because one usually calculates high and one low, so when the market tanks the optimistic one makes me feel better, and when I've frittered away my money on malt liquor and playing the ponies (paint for my house and shoes) the other worries me back on track. Hope you find them helpful.

401(k) Contribution Limits

2009-11-17T13:08:00.003-05:00

Tip for today:

401(k) contribution limits do not include your employer's contribution. In other words, you can put money up to the match ($16,500 for 2009-2010) and your employer can contribute matching funds on top of that. For example, if you make $100,000/year and your employer matches up to 5% of your salary, if you contribute the maximum of $16,500 and your employer matches $5,000, the total amount that will go into your 401(k) account for that year will be $21,500. You can read about it on the IRS' website here.

New Pic

2009-07-01T07:38:00.005-05:00

Somebody has talent in the ole neighborhood. I just saw this new stencil this morning in the same spot as I saw the octopus. It's interesting because the artist puts the stencil on a piece of brown paper, then pastes it to the old signboard. I should emphasize that this is an old, abandoned signboard and said artist isn't hurting anyone for those of you who are anti-graffiti. I'm hoping to see more from this person.

Help Iranian Protestors

2009-06-17T08:14:00.003-05:00

Switch your twitter location to Tehran (+3:30 GMT). It gives the government more accounts they have to comb through to figure out who to shut down. It's a little thing, but anything to help.

Proxy Server

2009-06-17T08:10:00.004-05:00

Setting up a proxy server is a way to get around the Iranian government's web censorship, and it's worth thinking about doing.

Infinite Workout

2009-06-16T13:32:00.003-05:00

This blog is encouraging people to read David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest this summer. They're not asking so much, starting June 21st it's a mere 75 page per week commitment. The problem? As I discovered this morning while hauling it to work, the book is very very heavy and printed in very very small type.

Invisible Car

2009-05-05T16:12:00.003-05:00

This is so cool.

Marriage Rights For DC!

2009-05-05T16:08:00.004-05:00

Yay! Now, let's not stop at recognizing, let's give everybody the right to marry here. Oh, and special note to Hizzoner: screw you.

Pig Flu

2009-04-27T12:20:00.004-05:00

Now, I understand Mother Nature being a tad grouchy about the current state of affairs and the role humans have played in it. However, I'm going to have to give her a yellow card for pig flu and its means of transmission. I mean, at least mad cow was equitable in that it took down the meat eaters and passed the rest of us over. This may be too much of a peek at my humanitarian side, but is it too much to ask that the innocent not get lumped in with the guilty? I'm good with a little nature strikes back on the factory farm front, but this is like going to your room because your sister got bad grades. Not cool nature, not cool at all.

Goat Button

2009-04-24T07:49:00.002-05:00

D'oh

2009-04-14T11:20:00.001-05:00

Do you ever pin your bangs back in a very unattractive manner just when you're alone and just to get them out of your face? And do you ever have to give papers to a new coworker and forget your bangs are pinned that way when he comes to your office and only remember an hour later? Yeah.

TOURISTS!!!

2009-04-10T15:49:00.001-05:00

Argh!!!

Performance Art

2009-04-10T14:56:00.004-05:00

I will simply quote my brother's email:

"First the anti-stimulus people held up this sign,

now the marriage people named their group this.

At what point do we have to seriously consider that the entire conservative movement might be performance art?"

5-2-1-0 Plan

2009-04-10T14:50:00.004-05:00

I was reading this article about childhood obesity, which is obviously distressing just to read about let alone live through, and I was struck by this advice:

He recommended the 5-2-1-0 plan. Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables, cut screen time down to two hours or less, exercise at least one hour, and have zero soda and sugary drinks.

Is it just me or does this make a lot of sense? Call me Occam, but it seems like very straightforward advice that would be easily transferable for educational campaigns, school initiatives, etc.

Secret Agent Man

2009-04-09T11:58:00.003-05:00

I am not James Bond. But even I know to carry the secret papers in the folder and not on the folder when you get out of the car.

Happy Passover!

2009-04-08T15:58:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to go to a Passover Seder for a few years now, and yesterday my friend Seth invited me all last minute like. The thing is, even though I love him, he is not a planner. So, we're going to an orthodox congregation to have dinner with about 260 people. Having been born and raised a heathen, this meant nothing to me until about 20 minutes ago when my friend Steve said, "Oh, you're screwed." Now I'm getting kinda nervous, and it doesn't help that Seth isn't exactly the touchey feeley type who would be a good tour guide for this type of thing. Luckily, I'm guessing my freckled, green-eyed, extremely Irish looking self will blend right in. Shit. I'd been looking forward to it until my friend freaked me out. Well, if nothing else it'll be a good story . . .

DC to Honor Gay Marriage . . .

2009-04-07T13:36:00.003-05:00

. . . or as I like to call it "marriage" which I define as, "You two crazy kids go on now and enjoy the honeymoon." I am very proud of the city council, even if they took their sweet time.

Panhandler

2009-04-07T10:36:00.004-05:00

A special note to everybody panhandling today: I've got change, sometimes I've got mad change, and I can imagine what it's like to really need a meal and frankly I'd be glad to give you a little change to make my purse lighter. The thing is, if you have time to pause your workday in order to hit on me, it makes me think you don't really need the change. Also, it creeps me out. So let's make a trade, I'll give you my change in exchange for you not hitting on me like a creepster. Okay?

'08 Book List

2009-04-05T19:08:00.003-05:00

For those of you (both of you) who read the blog and for those of you (none of you) who have been eagerly anticipating the list of books I read last year, I'm finally getting around to posting it. As always, let us not be all judgey about some of my more craptastic reads. This year was a bit hectic so the list is a bit short, but here ya go:

1) French Lessons
2) Darkmans
3) Shopgirl
4) Jazz
5) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
6) The Sound and the Fury
7) A People's History of the United States
8) The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
9) Fight Club
10) Invisible Monsters
11) New Moon
12) Eclipse
13) In Cold Blood
14) Marley and Me
15) Breaking Dawn
16) In Defense of Food
17) Love Walked In
18) Watchmen
19) The English Patient
20) Brisingr
21) The Motorcycle Diaries
22) Dune
23) The Road
24) Bonk
25) Rant

Nice Tag

2009-03-30T13:39:00.004-05:00

I had to take a picture of this when I saw it around the neighborhood. Picture this guy meeting another artist, "So man, what's your tag?" "Crotch Rot."

Kinda Morbid, Guys

2009-03-26T13:12:00.007-05:00

I was minding my own business, reading an article on the Washington Post's website, when up pops this ad:

Can you read it? It says: "Life insurance . . . for the ones you leave behind" with a picture of a little kid crying at a grave. Yeesh. Kinda morbid, don't you think, fellas? The article was about Maryland's new death penalty law. Double morbid! But funny!

And yes, I've clearly just learned how to take screen shots. Should be mastering the keyboard shortcuts for cut and paste any day now.

Kinda Morbid, Guys

2009-03-26T13:12:00.000-05:00

I was minding my own business, reading an article on the Washington Post's website, when up pops this ad:

Best Headline Ever

2009-03-26T11:49:00.005-05:00

No, no, thank you BBC for giving us the best headline:

As one Slog commenter said, "He won't give one, but if you slip him $50 . . . "

Get Some

2009-03-24T19:38:00.003-05:00

Here's a chart depicting virgnity rate by major at Wellesley College. If you're a Math/Chem major, apparently you'll be a virgin well into your 50s. Surprising? Um, no.

Nightside

2009-03-10T14:15:00.004-05:00

Do you ever shame read? You know, the type of book they sell at the grocery store that you can finish in a couple hours? I really try not to because I think it's the equivalent of eating a bag of popcorn over the sink for dinner, and most of the time with a beer. I am less ashamed of this practice of mine than of the book I am currently reading. My brother gave me the first in the Simon R. Green series about the Nightside. These books are terrible and repetitive, and yet I cannot stop reading them. I'm on number six. This is my last one, I swear, because at this point I really am having trouble doing simple math. They must sprinkle crack in the binding. If you're interested, check out this link. I warned you.

Environmental Film Festival

2009-03-10T14:08:00.004-05:00

The next two weeks will be filled with free film, and given the economy I figured everyone could use a little free film in their lives. So, check out the Environmental Film Festival. Friday night I will be at the Embassy of Argentina to check out Cartoneros. My friend Alethea has been studying in Buenos Aires the past year and she's promised to do any necessary language or cultural translating for me. I mean, anything to see the inside of another embassy, right?

Hiatus

2009-03-10T14:03:00.004-05:00

Looong time no see. This has been quite a hiatus, even for me, but I'm back! To make up for it I thought I'd share the newest artist that I dig, K'Naan. I just missed his free performance at the Kennedy Center (dammit!), but I am thoroughly enjoying his new cd. Check it out.

Nice Art

2008-12-18T14:54:00.005-05:00

I've been meaning to post this beautiful piece of graffiti that is up on an old, abandoned sign board near my house. I haven't seen a piece that I like this much in a while.

Hippie Wrath

2008-12-16T13:31:00.005-05:00

I have officially gotten my first angry, unrelated to me or close friend comment in response to my War On Drugs post. Fun!

"yo not all hippys are drug crazed like your makin them out to b STOP STERIOTYPING"

Seeing as it's an anonymous post, how do I know that it's someone I don't know? Well, I'm guessing anyone I know wouldn't misspell "hippys" "your" and "steriotyping." Or, as the dictionary likes to call them, "hippies" "you're" and "stereotyping." So welcome, angry commenter!

Stolen Computer

2008-12-03T15:14:00.004-05:00

Ooh, here's a good one from The Building:

All, [my wife] has stolen my computer and will not return it. If she has given it to anyone in the building, Please inform me and return it.
Regarding the board, I am unable to receive email at convince.so please take this into consideration when communicating.
Thank you, XXX

And my sister's response was: In the "apartment" you live in, does a doctor and or a nurse come around every day and give you "vitamins" and does said "apartment" not allow visitors after certain times?

My Building

2008-12-03T15:01:00.005-05:00

So. I live in this really crazy building where half the people have been there since the 70s and are aging hippie artists. We have a listserv where anyone can email all the residents with their complaints. I love the listserv, and I find it endlessly entertaining. Even after the 20th email of the day. By popular demand I give you today's listserv special:

Dear Members,

As you may know, (or not know) our commercial washers cost about $2,500.00 each. We have been having trouble with the machines malfunctioning and have had to call service repairmen to come and diagnose and fix the malfunction.I was present when one of the servicemen was working on the washers (which cost the co-op money) and I inquired as to why this malfunction occurred.He stated the following:Overloading was one contributor.Washing rubberized bath mats was the other; with great emphasis. I reported this to the board.. XXX, then president, did some research and found it to be true. Rubberized bath mats in washers causes an extreme uneven distribution of weight in the spin cycle, hence throwing off or even breaking the mechanism that controls the balance in the spin cycle and shutting down the washer. XXX took the time to make signs communicating the proper way to use the washers and posted them above the washers.In addition, the board has spent much time discussing what to do with the malfunctioning washers and almost came to the point of buying new washers. That could have cost the co-op around $10,000.00.Money that we all would have had to pay.

Today while doing my laundry, I discovered three (3) bath mats and a toilet seat cover in a dryer. The dryer was on high and that could have been a fire hazard.Yes............it's true............I took the bath mats and I have them.So.................if you want them back, (because I certainly don't) please send me an email and I will give them to you. If you email me personally, I will sent your name out [to all the residents].Please remember that our washers and dryers are communal and should be treated with respect. Unless of course, you plan to buy the co-op new washers and dryers.

Please DO NOT wash you bath mats in our washing machines.
Very Sincerely, XXX

And the response:

All,

During my year on the board I continuously argued to have all those washers replaced to no avail. I suggest the membership provide the board a consensus of opinion and to act if the consensus is to replace the machines.

We have washers that are out of warranty and past there useful life span. They were designed to wash larger loads than "household" washers, including small rugs, bath mats, and up to queen sized bed quilts. They were designed to be filled with laundry and water levels adjusted to the weight of the load. That's what "front loading is all about". They have an outside cylinder around the interior drum filled with a liquid that balances loads (the swishing sound you hear when you turn the drum to make sure you get all your socks out). The only problem with bath mats is those that are already deteriorating otherwise they were designed to handle that. They reason they can't handle those tasks anymore is simply do to 7 years of wear.

We need to replace those washers so that we have commercial heavy duty washers, up to date and capable of serving the demands of a XX unit building.

Why we insist on letting worn out machines govern our lives is beyond me. And to the extent that our esteemed President is actually confiscating another member's property. I'd like to see that authority somewhere in the bylaws.

XXX

Confiscated bath mats! I have even better examples, and when I find them I will post.

Plastic Water Bottles

2008-12-03T14:52:00.005-05:00

My sister, who has turned into a latter-day hippie with better hygiene, has been harassing me about using plastic water bottles. She claims that they leech evil into your water and as a result any future kids will have crazy defects or be able to start fires with their minds or something. Turns out she's right. Although I personally think that could be handy on camping trips, I have caved to the pressure and bought a stainless steel bottle. That's mine in the blurry pic. The problem is that I think it smells funny and I'm not so sure about the metallic tang of the water. Perhaps this is a direct reaction to the water fountain in my elementary school gym that only served up penny flavored water. Has anyone heard if these are somehow evil too?

Thank You, Mr. President

2008-12-03T14:22:00.003-05:00

Nothing says an historic election quite like four solid days of drinking. Or so says the City Council. As a permanent resident of Adams Morgan, or as I like to call it where frat boys come to enjoy the roofies-laced bounty, I will think of you while I am gingerly stepping over vomit. Oh, hell, I can't be all uptight about it. I'm kind of excited to see how 5 a.m. last call will work out. Cheers!

Flintstone

2008-12-03T14:11:00.003-05:00

I know, it's been a long time. Much has happened - we have a new President, people are holding up India like a 2 a.m. convenience store, etc. - but more importantly, I just figured out how to get pics off my camera phone. Yay! I'm guessing I'm the last to know about such new fangled technology, but I'm still psyched. Here is the secret: all you have to do is email a picture text to yourself. That's right, if you type in your email address it'll come to you just like a regular email. Fancy! Here is a pic I took of the church at the end of the block in my neighborhood. I've decided that I need to write more about the things I see everyday, and now that I know my picture phone will do the trick I'm on it.

Tide To Go

2008-09-22T12:49:00.006-05:00

This is not a paid advertisement, much to my chagrin, but rather a friendly consumer testimony. I am an idiot. An idiot who frequently spills any manner of crap on myself, especially while at work. Like five minutes ago, for instance, when I spilled something brownish on my silvery top in an unfortunate area. Luckily, I always keep a Tide To Go pen in my desk, and the things really work. They can get out anything. The two obvious downsides being: 1) the carcinogens that I'm sure are leeching into my bloodstream as I type, and 2) it smells like a week-dead cat. However, setting these petty complaints aside, they work! At my last job people were constantly borrowing mine, which was cool until this one freaky chick borrowed it to remove blood. Not cool. So, now I advocate everyone getting one of his or her own. Try it, you'll like it.

And In Best Comic Ever News . . .

2008-09-22T12:42:00.001-05:00

Get Your War On by David Rees

Socialism for the Rich

2008-09-22T10:38:00.005-05:00

Via The Stranger, economist Nouriel Roubini's take on the current economic situation:

"The lesson of this sad and sleazy episode is that when profits are privatized and losses are socialized we get sleaze capitalism and corporate welfare that becomes public bailout of reckless lenders. All this from a US administration that hypocritically praises every other day the virtues of private markets capitalism. For all of us who do truly believe in free market economies where a variety of public goods are provided by governments and the financial sector is properly supervised and regulate this is not a capitalist system but rather socialism for the rich."

Great Cooking Site

2008-09-17T11:05:00.003-05:00

I just found this great cooking website, thanks to an article in the Washington Post by Joe Yonan, called 101 Cookbookes. It is healthy, mostly vegetarian recipes that sound absolutely delicious. I am definitely going to try the recipe for a tempeh, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. Some of the other vegetarian cooking sites I've seen look a bit out there, but this one I like. Tell me what you think.

Paralympics

2008-08-28T15:03:00.003-05:00

I spent a few month traveling around Europe during the last summer Olympics with a whole bunch of Aussies and Kiwis. We got to talking about what events we like, etc., when they brought up the Paralympics. I had, of course, heard of them, but no one I knew had actually watched the Paralympics. The Aussies/Kiwis were shocked. They said people in their countries watch them just like the Olympics and they all knew specific athletes they were rooting for. I was embarrassed.

So my question is: Do you watch the Paralympics? Do you know anyone who does? Is it on network tv? That was more than one question, but you get the gist. Just in case you're interested, the opening ceremony will be Sept. 6th. I, for one, will be watching.

No Olympics This Year

2008-07-18T11:39:00.005-05:00

It's all over for Oscar Pistorius, and the Olympics aren't in his future. Well, sorta. The double amputee will be competing in the Paralymics this year, but he was unable to post a qualifying time for the 4x400 relay. The athlete says he will try again to make it to the London games in 2012. I say good for him for giving it a go, and good luck at the games.

Christmas In July

2008-07-18T09:32:00.003-05:00

From this cool strip.

The Importance of Being Ernest

2008-07-08T11:53:00.007-05:00

This op-ed from the NYTimes gives a priest's advice on what to look for in a mate, after years of providing marriage counseling and seeing which marriages work. Good advice, I think.

New Art!

2008-07-07T09:09:00.007-05:00

I just ordered this piece, The Bass Player, from Justin Bua. I love his stuff, it has so much movement and I think his elongation is really interesting. He used to be a graffitti artist, which is probably why I love his style.

Progressive Book Club

2008-06-16T12:49:00.003-05:00

Get lefty books for a song. Or, just ideas for books to read.

And speaking of books, do you ever have this problem? I'm reading this terrible, terrible book right now. I really don't want anyone to know I'm reading it, it's that bad. The problem is it's incredibly addictive and I can't put it down. So, I find myself reading it on the metro while trying to hide the cover. Do you ever have that problem? I'm embarrassed to put in on this year's list of books read because I totally don't want people to think I'm the type of person who reads this book. Sigh. Must atone with Leaves of Grass.

Free Concerts!

2008-06-12T12:36:00.004-05:00

Here is a round-up of the free concert series in DC this summer, courtesy of the Washingtonian.

Pigs In Boots!

2008-06-11T09:18:00.003-05:00

How's this for a happy blog post? This pig was afraid of mud, so they put her in boots.

Happy Blog

2008-06-10T13:14:00.003-05:00

Have been given a yellow card for downer blog, so only happy thoughts for the rest of the week. Therefore, I present to you by way of Cute Overload the following:

Terrible Pic

2008-06-09T21:45:00.004-05:00

My brother supports the downer blog, so he sent me this series of pictures:

The End of Days

2008-06-09T11:14:00.003-05:00

. . . should come on Thursday, according to this guy. That's all well and good, who am I to rain on someone else's doomsday party, my question is: then what? Apparently, he predicted the end of time in 2006. So, what happens afterwards? I'm picturing it like that really bad, awkward party we've all been to where no one shows up and the conversation is thin while people try to think of a way to head for the door. For his sake, I hope he's right. Throwing not one but two failed armageddon parties? Awk-ward.

Tour of Heaven

2008-06-09T10:56:00.003-05:00

Watch out for those fifty foot angels, I hear they're a bitch.

Map of Heaven

2008-06-09T10:48:00.004-05:00

Hmmm . . . map of heaven, map of heaven. Hmmm . . . can't seem to find myself . . . wait, there I am at #10. Excellent.

Downer Blog

2008-06-04T09:42:00.003-05:00

From Gene Weingarten's chat at the Post:

"South African photographer Kevin Carter took this horrifying image of a vulture waiting near a starving little girl in Sudan. It also won the Pulitzer Prize. But it brought Carter no joy. Just months after his win, beset by financial troubles, and haunted by the misery he had borne witness to, Carter took his own life. "

I can't stop thinking about this picture, so I wanted to pass along the trauma.

No More Downer Blog!

2008-06-02T10:12:00.004-05:00

Looking through the front page of my blog I realized something: I am a downer. Or, at least, my blog is. And so, I give you this moment of levity. I clearly stole this from a friend's link (thanks!) because, as I said, I am a downer.

Dog Killa

2008-06-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

Okay, frankly I'm not a fan of the big, scary genre of dogs. However, even given my bias, this seems a bit crazy. Apparently, while chasing a suspect in connection to a drug raid at another residence an officer shot and killed a neighboring family's dog while the dog was both behind a fence and leashed. Not cool. At least it was in connection to the War on Drugs. Because we all know we're winning that.

War Is Hell

2008-06-02T09:35:00.004-05:00

This video is really difficult to watch, so make sure you're in a good mood. And watch out for 3:37.

Having grown up in the shadow of the Vietnam War, I've always had a certain picture in my head of returned vets. From the perspective of a child they always seemed so much older and hardened. The young guys in this video are heartbreaking.

Required Reading

2008-05-27T11:11:00.003-05:00

This article is hard to read, but important.

Protecting yourself from a sexual predator

At home
• Keep entrances well lighted.
• Check the identification of any sales or service persons before letting them in. Ask for a photo ID.
• Equip your home with peepholes, deadbolts and chain locks. If you have a child, add a second peephole at eye level.
• Never give the impression that you are at home alone if strangers telephone or come to your door. Advise your children to do the same.
• Keep outside bushes and shrubbery trimmed. Plant defensive shrubbery, with thorns and spiky leaves, beneath windows to thwart criminals.
• If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, do not go in. Go to the nearest phone and call the police.

In your car
• Keep your car in good working order and gas tank at least half full. Make a practice of filling up your vehicle during the daylight hours.
• Always have your keys out and ready before leaving a building to approach your car. • Look around and in your car, including front and rear seats and floor, before entering.
• Lock your car door immediately after entering the vehicle, even before putting the key into the ignition. Keep car doors locked until you safely reach your destination.
•Park in well-lighted areas and lock the doors, even if you'll be gone a short time. Check your surroundings before getting out of your car.
• If you are accosted in a parking lot, away from your own vehicle, consider rolling underneath a nearby auto. It is difficult to force anyone out from under a car.
• If an attacker does manage to get into your car while you are in it, do everything in your power to exit the automobile. If you are still behind the wheel, steer your vehicle into a barricade, a pole, a wall -- any object that will create a minor accident.
• Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. Instead, help by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help.
• If you get a flat tire, drive carefully on it until you reach a safe, well-lighted and well-traveled area. If necessary, better to ruin a tire than gamble with your safety.
• If you are involved in an accident, stay in your car until police arrive. In minor accidents where the other driver suggests you exchange insurance information, simply hold up your driver's license and insurance card against the window.
• If you are being followed, don't drive home. Go to the nearest police or fire station and honk your horn, or to an open business where you can safely call the police. Try to obtain the license plate number and description of the car following you.
• If possible, have a cellular phone in your car for use in emergencies.

Walking or jogging
• Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Walk facing oncoming traffic, close to curb or on a sidewalk. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
• Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys.
• Don't walk alone at night, and always avoid areas where there are few people.
• When people stop you for directions, stay far enough away from the car that you can turn and run easily.
• If you feel you are being followed, walk to a well-populated area.
• If you are in trouble, attract help any way you can. Scream, blow a whistle or yell for help.
• Trust your instincts. If a particular place, person or group of persons makes you feel uneasy, go a different direction.

The Best and the Brightest

2008-04-21T15:52:00.006-05:00

This article describes the escalation of "moral waivers," which allow people to enlist who have felony convictions, etc. And just so you don't mistakenly think these are all petty crimes, this year's crop of moral waivers included:

The felons accepted into the army and marines included 87 soldiers convicted of assault or maiming, 130 convicted of non-marijuana drug offences, seven convicted of making terrorist threats, and two convicted of indecent behaviour with a child. Waivers were also granted to 500 burglars and thieves, 19 arsonists and 9 sex offenders.

I thought this part, in particular, was interesting:

The total number of moral waivers in the military reached 34,476 in 2006, or nearly 20% of all enlisted soldiers, according to the Palm centre at the University of California.

Recruits with felony convictions are more likely than other soldiers to drop out or be released from the military, often at a significant cost to the US government.

It really doesn't seem surprising that reports of terrible acts are occurring perpetrated by our soldiers when they feel perfectly free to perpetrate them at home.

And in other health news . . .

2008-04-16T12:07:00.002-05:00

I'm just trying to keep y'all safe.

Boy? I See No Boy Here.

2008-04-15T13:38:00.004-05:00

Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY) might want to choose his words more carefully. When discussing Obama's actions during a recent "highly classified, national security simulation" Davis said, "I'm going to tell you something: That boy's finger does not need to be on the button." Keeping it classy!

Gross National Product

2008-04-14T10:32:00.007-05:00

I just ran across this quotation from Bobby Kennedy, and I thought I'd share:

Speech by Robert Kennedy, March 18, 1968, University of Kansas

"We will find neither national purpose nor personal satisfaction in a mere continuation of economic progress, in an endless amassing of worldly goods. We cannot measure national spirit by the Dow Jones Average, nor national achievement by the gross national product. For the gross national product includes air pollution and advertising for cigarettes, and ambulances to clear our highway carnage. It counts special locks for our doors, and jails for the people who break them. The gross national product includes the destruction of the redwoods, and the death of Lake Superior. It grows with the production of napalm and missiles and nuclear warheads . . . It includes Whitman's rifle and Speck's knife, and the broadcasting of television programs which glorify violence to sell goods to our country."

"And if the gross national product includes all this, there is much that it does not comprehend. It does not allow for the health of our families, the quality of their education or the joy of their play. It is indifferent to the decency of our factories and the safety of our streets alike. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages, the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of public officials . . . the gross national product measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile; and it can tell us everything about America -- except whether we are proud to be Americans."

Source

No-Knock Raids

2008-04-09T16:08:00.007-05:00

Long-time readers of this blog (Hi Jack!) know that I am not a big one for the "war on drugs." Turns out I'm even more down on no-knock raids resulting in death when the alleged drug dealer is schizophrenic or actually dealing in japanese maples.

In this case out of Seattle, an informer told police that a man was dealing pot, but it turned out to be japanese maples. When plainclothes police officers raided his home he opened fire, thinking police were the same people who had burglarized his home the week before. The man killed an officer, and is charged with first-degree murder.

"If a widespread pattern of [knock-and-announce] violations were shown . . . there would be reason for grave concern."
—Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, in Hudson v. Michigan, June 15, 2006.

Really? Well check out this interactive map over at the Cato Institute showing just how many botch-ups there have been. Here's just a sample from my home state:

George and Katrina Stokes.April 11, 1990—DC
In 1990, Washington, D.C. police crash through the front door of George and Katrina Stokes, who live in a high-crime area in the Southeast sector of the city.
The elderly couple is watching television when the raid begins. George Stokes is ordered to the floor at gunpoint, gashing his head as he falls. A terrified Katrina Stokes then falls down the couple's cellar stairs while trying to flee.
Police have the wrong address. The raid is captured on camera by a local TV news crew, who happened to be in the area covering a protest.
Sourced:
Tom Morganthau, Mark Miller, David A. Kaplan, Todd Barrett, and Lynda Wright, "Uncivil Liberties," Newsweek, April 23, 1990, p. 18.
Frank Wolfe, "Police hit wrong home in search for handgun," Washington Times, April 13, 1990, p. B3.

I really think we need to reevaluate our tactics, especially when the "crime" is nonviolent such as the possession of drugs. I understand that there are meanie, The Wire-style drug dealers out there who really won't think twice about messing up a cop. On the other hand, in my college days I knew a drug dealer or two who looked exactly like every other middle class college kid and the only thing they were packing was natty light.

Coupla Furniture Stores for Ya

2008-04-08T14:22:00.005-05:00

Right now I am very much focused on furnishing my brand new humble abode. I'll admit it, I'm having serious commitment issues. On the positive side, I've discovered several really cute/cheap furniture stores in the DC area.

The first one is Reincarnations Furnishings. I love this place! They have tons of mid-century design crammed into two floors, making one hell of an interesting show room. I've been back at least five times and I can't decide what to get because I love it all. They're on 14th and Rhode Island, and there's a Seven-11 across the street (hey, gotta know where to get a slurpee in this town).

The next one is RCKNDY on U St. I'm not gonna lie, I might have the spelling wrong. It's on U between 15th & 16th (closer to 16th). It's a relatively new story with really eclectic pieces, also in the mid-century design arena. The owner is really cool, and he has interesting pieces you wouldn't find anywhere else. I loved the vase made from white porcelain guns.

Finally, there is Urban Retreat, which is a discount store out in Reston. They have all the same furniture as Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, etc. at half the price. I bought two chairs from them a couple years back, and they are both really well made. The only problem is I'm lazy and I hate hauling my cookies out to Reston. For the suburban dwellers, however, it's perfect.

Grapes and Apes

2008-04-08T14:16:00.003-05:00

This Thursday I'm going to Grapes & Apes with some of my friends. It's a fundraiser for the National Zoo, but more importantly it's an open bar event. Fifty-five dollars gets you a gorgeous night at the zoo, light apps, and all the wine you can hold down. I feel my karma getting all sparkly already.

McCain't

2008-04-08T14:10:00.003-05:00

You know what I look for in a presidential candidate? A really nasty temper, preferably with a dash of misogynistic expletives. Yeah, that's perfect.

Long Time No Blog

2008-03-13T15:32:00.003-05:00

I know, I haven't written anything in a while. And no, this isn't where I've been. Will add a new post soon.

Building A Better Soldier

2008-01-29T17:29:00.001-05:00

This article describes the Pentagon's latest brainstorm: drugging soldiers. Apparently, this "desensitizes them to the horrendous aspect of war, but also maximizes soldiers' lethality by bypassing their moral autonomy. " I mean, I guess dehumanized killing machines is cool and all, but it's so Africa 2007. And there they didn't need big marines to get the job done; their killing machines are all too young to vote. Come on, Pentagon. I won't be impressed with your drugged out killers until they're under 4' 11".

Stunning Chickens

2008-01-24T12:53:00.001-05:00

This will probably sound weird coming from a vegetarian, but well done killing that chicken, Jamie.

I get that not everyone is meant to be a vegetarian. However, I bet most people are all for the animals they eat being killed as humanely as possible. On his cooking show, Jamie Oliver demonstrated the correct way to stun and kill a chicken and stated, “It only costs a bit more to give a chicken a natural life and a reasonably pleasant death.” I couldn't agree more. Well done.

Human Kindness

2008-01-24T12:35:00.001-05:00

I think we all know that nothing says class quite like picketing a funeral. A group of religious people with interesting morality are planning on picketing Heath Ledger's funeral because he was in Brokeback Mountain. Sigh. If we just made digital cable television free, wouldn't all these problems go away? "Let's go beat up the gays!" "Naw, American Gladiators is on."

Yikes.

2008-01-24T12:05:00.001-05:00

And hello to you, creepiest ad ever.

Source.

39

2008-01-17T21:58:00.002-05:00

So I've been pretty lazy about the whole posting thing, yes. However, I feel I have a good reason. Well, a couple good reasons. First, the holidays and all that comes with them (specifically, illness, I always get sick in December). Secondly, I threw a birthday party for my mom and a birthday party for me. On the same day. I like to keep things simple and mellow, so I thought two parties for 50 four hours apart was the way to go. Finally, I'm closing on my first apartment tomorrow. Yay!

And, while I should be cleaning for showing my apartment Saturday or packing for moving Sunday, instead I thought I'd list the 39 books with which I broke the record last year. As a nod to the fact that I really should be doing other things, I won't hyperlink them. You all are big kids, you can work google. Enjoy, and feel free to leave a comment if you've read any on the list or want a recommendation. Here we go:

1) The Year of Magical Thinking
2) Bel Canto
3) Fast Food Nation
4) Buddhism Without Belief
5) The Washingtonienne
6) Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
7) Love Is A Mix Tape
8) One Hundred Years of Solitude
9) Siddartha
10) The Notebook
11) White Noise
12) Salt
13) Start Where You Are
14) Up From Slavery
15) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
16) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
17) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
18) Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs
19) How the Irish Saved Civilization
20) Tristan and Iseult
21) Their Eyes Were Watching God
22) The Namesake
23) Plato and a Platypus Walk Into A Bar . . .
24) On Violence
25) Shadows on the Wasteland
26) A Dog's Life
27) Twilight
28) Eat, Pray, Love
29) The Pact
30) The Bell Jar
31) The Compassionate Life
32) The Measure of A Man
33) Water for Elephants
34) Invisible Man
35) The Golden Compass
36) The Subtle Knife
37) The Amber Spyglass
38) Too Soon to Say Goodbye
39) Vendetta

I know, I know, some of these are questionable. Don't be all judgey.

Sweeney Todd

2008-01-02T17:00:00.001-05:00

Just say no, it was terrible.

And I say this having been this musical's biggest fan since I was eight. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter were truly, truly atrocious singers. Still heart you both, though.

Warhol

2007-12-03T14:58:00.001-05:00

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

2007-12-03T14:42:00.001-05:00

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?

2007-11-01T10:35:00.001-05:00

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

2007-10-30T13:42:00.001-05:00

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

2007-10-30T08:07:00.002-05:00

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!

2007-10-30T07:58:00.001-05:00

Conservative Is The New Gay

2007-10-30T07:55:00.001-05:00

Put A Fork In the Zones

2007-10-29T09:56:00.001-05:00

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!

2007-10-23T14:15:00.001-05:00

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

2007-10-09T08:16:00.001-05:00

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 . . .

2007-09-12T12:44:00.001-05:00

. . . cool nonetheless.

Articles that Make Me Lose the Will to Live

2007-08-27T14:25:00.001-05:00

. . . like this one.

No Books For You!

2007-08-24T09:43:00.002-05:00

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

Safety First

2007-08-24T09:40:00.001-05:00

Freedom of Assembly

2007-08-22T13:08:00.001-05:00

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

Brush!

2007-08-21T13:48:00.001-05:00

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

Rated G For Everyone!

2007-08-20T15:58:00.001-05:00

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

2007-08-20T12:58:00.001-05:00

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!

2007-08-15T10:46:00.001-05:00

What could be more refreshing than one of these?

For the Cheap Ones

2007-08-07T09:50:00.001-05:00

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

2007-08-06T15:11:00.001-05:00

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

2007-08-01T14:32:00.001-05:00

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

2007-07-31T13:16:00.001-05:00

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.