Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Christmas abbreviated...
Because of the snow in DC (yes, it really snowed, and I was punished by Karma because I doubted and made fun) my trip to Utah went from 8 days to 3 1/2.
This gave me exactly enough time to spend approximately 1/2 a day with every member of my family. It's a good thing I have a small family.
Blah.
This gave me exactly enough time to spend approximately 1/2 a day with every member of my family. It's a good thing I have a small family.
Blah.
Monday, December 21, 2009
All we like sheep.
For my birthday celebration (otherwise known as Birthmass because of the proximity to Christmas) I went with Mr. Bunny to see Handel's Messiah at the Kennedy Center.
The National Symphony Orchestra and Washington Choral did a great job. I learned a few things about Handel's Messiah and thought I'd share.
1. The Messiah is actually 53 individual numbers. It is rare to hear all 53 sections and Handle himself picked and chose among the sections for different occasions. (Our performance took about 2 and a half hours.)
2. Is there a "real" Messiah. Nope, any way you cut it, you get the Messiah. Even Handel mixed it up.
3. When the Messiah premiered in Dublin, the proceeds went to three charitable organizations. This is why if you go to hear the Messiah at the NSO there are volunteers from the Capital Area Food Bank taking donations. (I knew I liked that Handel fellow.)
You just learn something new every day, now don't you?
Merry Christmas.
The National Symphony Orchestra and Washington Choral did a great job. I learned a few things about Handel's Messiah and thought I'd share.
1. The Messiah is actually 53 individual numbers. It is rare to hear all 53 sections and Handle himself picked and chose among the sections for different occasions. (Our performance took about 2 and a half hours.)
2. Is there a "real" Messiah. Nope, any way you cut it, you get the Messiah. Even Handel mixed it up.
3. When the Messiah premiered in Dublin, the proceeds went to three charitable organizations. This is why if you go to hear the Messiah at the NSO there are volunteers from the Capital Area Food Bank taking donations. (I knew I liked that Handel fellow.)
You just learn something new every day, now don't you?
Merry Christmas.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Snow
Ok, so it did actually snow.
I'm pretty impressed actually.
More on the snow after I go shovel.
I'm pretty impressed actually.
More on the snow after I go shovel.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
How about another new moon?
In an effort to kill some time today, I went to see Twilight: New Moon.
I haven't read the books, although the first book is sitting on my luggage bound for Utah. I figured after 2 months straight of learning about the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, I could use a little brain candy.
The series is written by a Mormon, which is kind of interesting and means the vampire and lovely young girl will be forced to keep a balloon between each other if they ever go dancing.
So not having any background I went to see the 2nd vampire movie.
I'm not going to say it was bad. That would be unfair. Bella was lovely and appropriately depressed when Cullen went away. The werewolf guy was uber hot after he cut his hair and started hanging out without a shirt. I couldn't quite get into the pale vampire hero partly because of the overuse of white foundation (I get why) and the weird lipstick - sorry, he just wasn't hot.
The thing that REALLY drove me nuts was the dialogue. It was HORRIBLE. Horrible. Ok, maybe horrible isn't the best word, how about simple. The dialogue was simple. A 12 year old could have written the dialogue. Blah.
It was a good waste of an hour and change, but I think maybe I'll skip the first book and go back to Thomas Wolfe or Styron or something. I was a literature major after all.
I did think it was very amusing that at the end (SPOILER ALERT) he said he wants to marry her before he 'changes her over'. In Mormon speak, we all know exactly what that means. Ha.
I haven't read the books, although the first book is sitting on my luggage bound for Utah. I figured after 2 months straight of learning about the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, I could use a little brain candy.
The series is written by a Mormon, which is kind of interesting and means the vampire and lovely young girl will be forced to keep a balloon between each other if they ever go dancing.
So not having any background I went to see the 2nd vampire movie.
I'm not going to say it was bad. That would be unfair. Bella was lovely and appropriately depressed when Cullen went away. The werewolf guy was uber hot after he cut his hair and started hanging out without a shirt. I couldn't quite get into the pale vampire hero partly because of the overuse of white foundation (I get why) and the weird lipstick - sorry, he just wasn't hot.
The thing that REALLY drove me nuts was the dialogue. It was HORRIBLE. Horrible. Ok, maybe horrible isn't the best word, how about simple. The dialogue was simple. A 12 year old could have written the dialogue. Blah.
It was a good waste of an hour and change, but I think maybe I'll skip the first book and go back to Thomas Wolfe or Styron or something. I was a literature major after all.
I did think it was very amusing that at the end (SPOILER ALERT) he said he wants to marry her before he 'changes her over'. In Mormon speak, we all know exactly what that means. Ha.
Friday, December 18, 2009
East Coast Wussies
This is why I love the East Coast.
Because of a snow storm, which hasn't happened... and "20 inches" of snow, which has yet to drop, my flight to Utah tomorrow morning has been cancelled and the whole city is rushing to the Safeway for eggs and milk.
It is hilarious. HILARIOUS.
EAST COAST WUSSIES.
Because of a snow storm, which hasn't happened... and "20 inches" of snow, which has yet to drop, my flight to Utah tomorrow morning has been cancelled and the whole city is rushing to the Safeway for eggs and milk.
It is hilarious. HILARIOUS.
EAST COAST WUSSIES.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Who are you anyway?
I keep forgetting my badge.
At work I need a badge to get into the Capitol. I actually need a badge to get into the building (well unless I want to undress, which I do not). My badge also has my food card on it, so I can't eat without my badge. (ok, well there is cash, but who uses cash anymore?) I used to wear my badge on my belt, but since the winter has come I have been wearing mostly dresses and dresses don't really have belt loops.
Thus, I have been putting my badge on my jacket pocket, which seems like a grand idea, but then I leave my jacket at work and the problems start.
When I drive in, I can't even get into the complex without a badge. I know most of the guards, but you really need an ID, which I totally understand.
Saucy male coworker said, 'why don't you just put the badge in your wallet'. Which is all fine and good, but dresses don't have pockets either.
Oh the bother.
At work I need a badge to get into the Capitol. I actually need a badge to get into the building (well unless I want to undress, which I do not). My badge also has my food card on it, so I can't eat without my badge. (ok, well there is cash, but who uses cash anymore?) I used to wear my badge on my belt, but since the winter has come I have been wearing mostly dresses and dresses don't really have belt loops.
Thus, I have been putting my badge on my jacket pocket, which seems like a grand idea, but then I leave my jacket at work and the problems start.
When I drive in, I can't even get into the complex without a badge. I know most of the guards, but you really need an ID, which I totally understand.
Saucy male coworker said, 'why don't you just put the badge in your wallet'. Which is all fine and good, but dresses don't have pockets either.
Oh the bother.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Society and the people who live in it.
If you go to your pantry, I'm going to bet that there is food on the shelves. Perhaps not food you want to eat, or will ever eat at that matter, but food. So many people don't have this luxury.
Sometimes society is all wrong.
Kids should have two parents (of any sex) and they should be married. People should not have babies they can't feed and there should not be incentives for having more kids. Teenagers should be taught where babies come from and be given condoms if they still want to have sex. Kids should have books so they can learn to read and they should have teachers who want to teach and are given all the tools they need to do so. People should not sleep on the streets. That homeless person sleeping on the street is someones kid, mother, uncle or brother. We should take care of them.
If you have food in your pantry, find someone who doesn't and help.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. - Gandhi
Sometimes society is all wrong.
Kids should have two parents (of any sex) and they should be married. People should not have babies they can't feed and there should not be incentives for having more kids. Teenagers should be taught where babies come from and be given condoms if they still want to have sex. Kids should have books so they can learn to read and they should have teachers who want to teach and are given all the tools they need to do so. People should not sleep on the streets. That homeless person sleeping on the street is someones kid, mother, uncle or brother. We should take care of them.
If you have food in your pantry, find someone who doesn't and help.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. - Gandhi
Friday, November 20, 2009
I see London, I see France...
Ok, actually I only see France... as in Paris.
Yep, that's right. I'm going to Paris. I've never been to Paris. I'm very excited to eat a lot of baguettes and chocolate and see the Eiffel Tower and practice my horrible, awful, probably with a Utah accent, French.
And, as an added bonus, there will most likely be a train ride to Brussels involved.
HOORAY
Yep, that's right. I'm going to Paris. I've never been to Paris. I'm very excited to eat a lot of baguettes and chocolate and see the Eiffel Tower and practice my horrible, awful, probably with a Utah accent, French.
And, as an added bonus, there will most likely be a train ride to Brussels involved.
HOORAY
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A tree grows in NE
There are lots of things that drive me nuts about DC. First, the people from Virginia who drive on my roads but don't pay for them, the fact that DC gives out parking tickets to DC residents for parking in front of No Parking signs which are not at all legible, the fact that the schools suck.
But it does no good to kvetch all the time, so I decided to write a positive note about the landscaping on 295. 295 off of East Capitol is how I head to Maryland. They have been doing road construction on 295 for about 4 years now. But I think they are finally winding up and they have put shrubs and grasses in the median. It looks quite nice!
I went on the DC web page and wrote a comment. I didn't really expect a response, and I'm sure the Mayor didn't actually write it, but was happy to read a personalized response less than 3 days after I posted my comments.
Who knew.
Dear Ms. Bunny:
Thank you for sharing your positive feedback with regards to the landscaping on 295 N of the East Capitol exit. I truly appreciate your comments and I wish you all the best. Thanks for sharing.
Sincerely,
Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor
But it does no good to kvetch all the time, so I decided to write a positive note about the landscaping on 295. 295 off of East Capitol is how I head to Maryland. They have been doing road construction on 295 for about 4 years now. But I think they are finally winding up and they have put shrubs and grasses in the median. It looks quite nice!
I went on the DC web page and wrote a comment. I didn't really expect a response, and I'm sure the Mayor didn't actually write it, but was happy to read a personalized response less than 3 days after I posted my comments.
Who knew.
Dear Ms. Bunny:
Thank you for sharing your positive feedback with regards to the landscaping on 295 N of the East Capitol exit. I truly appreciate your comments and I wish you all the best. Thanks for sharing.
Sincerely,
Adrian M. Fenty, Mayor
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Oh Silly Colbert Report
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Nailed 'Em - Mormon Church Trespassing | ||||
| ||||
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I miss mountains.
Ok, so it's been raining in DC for about a week now.
It's also raining in Utah.
But you know what happens when it rains in Utah???
YOU GET SNOW OUT OF IT.
We get nothing but more rain and the occasional puddle to drive through.
It's also raining in Utah.
But you know what happens when it rains in Utah???
YOU GET SNOW OUT OF IT.
We get nothing but more rain and the occasional puddle to drive through.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Me, Spike and a Mini Moo
Picture it, Good Stuff Eatery, friday lunch... The line is out the door.
I walk in and order my Farmhouse burger, village snack fry and chocolate mini moo. I wait outside with my friend with my buzzer. The buzzer goes off and I walk in, but forget my receipt with the order number.
And then...
Me: (Internal dialogue) "well that is random, Spike is at the end of the line expediting burgers."
Me: (Aloud to Spike handing him my buzzer) "er, I forgot my receipt and order number."
Spike: "Um, it's ok, I know everything around here" followed by a saucy grin.
Me: (Trying not to sound like a complete idiot and handing over my buzzer) "Right..."
And so went lunch.
I walk in and order my Farmhouse burger, village snack fry and chocolate mini moo. I wait outside with my friend with my buzzer. The buzzer goes off and I walk in, but forget my receipt with the order number.
And then...
Me: (Internal dialogue) "well that is random, Spike is at the end of the line expediting burgers."
Me: (Aloud to Spike handing him my buzzer) "er, I forgot my receipt and order number."
Spike: "Um, it's ok, I know everything around here" followed by a saucy grin.
Me: (Trying not to sound like a complete idiot and handing over my buzzer) "Right..."
And so went lunch.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Lincoln's Cottage
There is so much history in DC and you miss it unless you really pay attention. So on Saturday I went up to Lincoln's Cottage. I had no idea Lincoln even had a cottage. I thought he just hung out at the White House and saved the union.
Apparently not.
"During the Civil War, President Lincoln and his family resided seasonally (June – November 1862-64) at the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, DC. Founded in 1851 as a home for retired and disabled veterans of American wars, the Soldiers’ Home stood on 250 acres atop the third highest area in the District of Columbia. Like President Buchanan before him, Lincoln enjoyed the cool breezes and refreshing peace of the Soldiers’ Home just over three miles north of downtown. But unlike his predecessor, Lincoln could not escape the Civil War and his burden of leadership even at this seasonal retreat."
They wouldn't let me take pictures inside the cottage because clearly it is very old and flash photography isn't so good for whatever. Honestly, there wasn't much furniture in the cottage. They don't have very good records about the furnishings and they wanted to be factually accurate, thus they left it pretty much empty. So the pictures wouldn't be very interesting anyway.
Apparently not.
"During the Civil War, President Lincoln and his family resided seasonally (June – November 1862-64) at the Soldiers’ Home in Washington, DC. Founded in 1851 as a home for retired and disabled veterans of American wars, the Soldiers’ Home stood on 250 acres atop the third highest area in the District of Columbia. Like President Buchanan before him, Lincoln enjoyed the cool breezes and refreshing peace of the Soldiers’ Home just over three miles north of downtown. But unlike his predecessor, Lincoln could not escape the Civil War and his burden of leadership even at this seasonal retreat."
They wouldn't let me take pictures inside the cottage because clearly it is very old and flash photography isn't so good for whatever. Honestly, there wasn't much furniture in the cottage. They don't have very good records about the furnishings and they wanted to be factually accurate, thus they left it pretty much empty. So the pictures wouldn't be very interesting anyway.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Taking OLD to a new level
I staffed my boss at the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Committee this week. I've never staffed a conference committee before, none of my bills have ever made it that far. We've always been stuck in an omnibus or a long term CR or other such nonsense.
But I digress...
So the Homeland Approps Conference was in a super cool old Brumidi room in the Capitol. My boss and the House conferees were all on one side of the table and about half of the Senators who were supposed to be there were on the other side of the table. (Apparently conference isn't such a big deal if you are a senator). AND, then it go really good... they wheeled in ROBERT BYRD to chair the meeting.
Senator Byrd has been in the Senate since 1959. He is an institution. Whatever you think about his politics, the man has a (RULE in the US Senate named after him.
Add to that the man is a bagizillion years old and has been in the hospital lately, when they wheeled him into the room, the entire room went silent. I mean no one uttered even so much as a peep. So they wheeled him in and he sits there for a while so people start whispering to each other how cool and historic it is to have him chair the committee (because bets are, he's not going to be chairing many more hearings) and all the sudden WACK!!! The venerable Senator from West Virginia gaveled down the start of the meeting.
It was by far the coolest thing I did all week.
In case you don't believe me how wicked awesome Sen. Byrd is in action... here is a clip of him speaking on the Senate floor about dog fighting and Michael Vick.
But I digress...
So the Homeland Approps Conference was in a super cool old Brumidi room in the Capitol. My boss and the House conferees were all on one side of the table and about half of the Senators who were supposed to be there were on the other side of the table. (Apparently conference isn't such a big deal if you are a senator). AND, then it go really good... they wheeled in ROBERT BYRD to chair the meeting.
Senator Byrd has been in the Senate since 1959. He is an institution. Whatever you think about his politics, the man has a (RULE in the US Senate named after him.
Add to that the man is a bagizillion years old and has been in the hospital lately, when they wheeled him into the room, the entire room went silent. I mean no one uttered even so much as a peep. So they wheeled him in and he sits there for a while so people start whispering to each other how cool and historic it is to have him chair the committee (because bets are, he's not going to be chairing many more hearings) and all the sudden WACK!!! The venerable Senator from West Virginia gaveled down the start of the meeting.
It was by far the coolest thing I did all week.
In case you don't believe me how wicked awesome Sen. Byrd is in action... here is a clip of him speaking on the Senate floor about dog fighting and Michael Vick.
Monday, October 05, 2009
Ooh, it really makes me wonder
Did you know that after 9/11 there was a 'Do Not Playlist' for radio DJs?
I know! RIGHT??? Crazy.
Come on, Stairway to Heaven???
Artist
Song title
3 Doors Down
"Duck and Run"
311
"Down"
AC/DC
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"
"Hells Bells"
"Highway to Hell"
"Safe in New York City"
"Shoot to Thrill"
"Shot Down in Flames"
"T.N.T."
The Ad Libs
"The Boy from New York City"
Afro Celt Sound System featuring Peter Gabrielb
"When You're Falling"
Alice in Chains
"Down in a Hole"
"Rooster"
"Sea of Sorrow"
"Them Bones"
Alien Ant Farm
"Smooth Criminal"
The Animals
"We Gotta Get Out of This Place"
Louis Armstrong
"What a Wonderful World"
The Bangles
"Walk Like an Egyptian"
Barenaked Ladies
"Falling for the First Time"
Fontella Bass
"Rescue Me"
Beastie Boys
"Sabotage"
"Sure Shot"
The Beatles
"A Day in the Life"
"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"
"Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da"
"Ticket to Ride"
Pat Benatar
"Hit Me with Your Best Shot"
"Love Is a Battlefield"
Black Sabbath
"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath"
"War Pigs"
Blood, Sweat and Tears
"And When I Die"
Blue Öyster Cult
"Burnin' for You"
Boston
"Smokin'"
David Bowie and Mick Jagger
"Dancing in the Street"
The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
"Fire"
Jackson Browne
"Doctor My Eyes"
Buddy Holly and the Crickets
"That'll Be the Day"
Bush
"The People That We Love"a
The Chi-Lites
"Have You Seen Her"
Petula Clark
"A Sign of the Times"
The Clash
"Rock the Casbah"
Phil Collins
"In the Air Tonight"
Sam Cooke
"Wonderful World"
Creedence Clearwater Revival
"Travelin' Band"
The Cult
"Fire Woman"
Bobby Darin
"Mack the Knife"
The Dave Clark Five
"Bits and Pieces"
Dave Matthews Band
"Crash into Me"
Skeeter Davis
"The End of the World"
Neil Diamond
"America"
Dio
"Holy Diver"
The Doors
"The End"
The Drifters
"On Broadway"
Drowning Pool
"Bodies"
Bob Dylan
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
Everclear
"Santa Monica"
Shelley Fabares
"Johnny Angel"
Filter
"Hey Man, Nice Shot"
Foo Fighters
"Learn to Fly"
Fuel
"Bad Day"
The Gap Band
"You Dropped a Bomb on Me"
Godsmack
"Bad Religion"
Green Day
"Brain Stew"
Norman Greenbaum
"Spirit in the Sky"
Guns N' Roses
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
The Happenings
"See You in September"
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
"Hey Joe"
Herman's Hermits
"Wonderful World"
The Hollies
"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"
Jan and Dean
"Dead Man's Curve"
Billy Joel
"Only the Good Die Young"
Elton John
"Bennie and the Jets"
"Daniel"
"Rocket Man"
Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge
"The Worst That Could Happen"
Judas Priest
"Some Heads Are Gonna Roll"
Kansas
"Dust in the Wind"
Carole King
"I Feel the Earth Move"
Korn
"Falling Away from Me"
Lenny Kravitz
"Fly Away"
Led Zeppelin
"Stairway to Heaven"
John Lennon
"Imagine"
Jerry Lee Lewis
"Great Balls of Fire"
Limp Bizkit
"Break Stuff"
Local H
"Bound for the Floor"
Los Bravos
"Black Is Black"
Lynyrd Skynyrd
"Tuesday's Gone"
Martha and the Vandellas
"Nowhere to Run"
"Dancing in the Street"
Paul McCartney & Wings
"Live and Let Die"
MC Hammer
"Have You Seen Her"
Barry McGuire
"Eve of Destruction"
Don McLean
"American Pie"
Megadeth
"Dread and the Fugitive Mind"
"Sweating Bullets"
John Mellencamp
"Crumblin' Down"
"Paper in Fire"
Metallica
"Enter Sandman"
"Fade to Black"
"Harvester of Sorrow"
"Seek & Destroy"
Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels
"Devil with a Blue Dress On"
Alanis Morissette
"Ironic"
Mudvayne
"Death Blooms"
Ricky Nelson
"Travelin' Man"
Nena
"99 Luftballons"
Nine Inch Nails
"Head Like a Hole"
Oingo Boingo
"Dead Man's Party"
Ozzy Osbourne
"Suicide Solution"
Paper Lace
"The Night Chicago Died"
John Parr
"St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)"
Peter and Gordon
"I Go to Pieces"
"A World Without Love"
Peter, Paul and Mary
"Blowin' in the Wind"
"Leaving on a Jet Plane"
Tom Petty
"Free Fallin'"
Pink Floyd
"Mother"
"Run Like Hell"
P.O.D.
"Boom"
Elvis Presley
"(You're the) Devil in Disguise"
The Pretenders
"My City Was Gone"
Queen
"Another One Bites the Dust"
"Killer Queen"
Rage Against the Machine
All songs by Rage Against the Machine
Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Aeroplane"
"Under the Bridge"
R.E.M.
"It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)"
The Rolling Stones
"Ruby Tuesday"
Saliva
"Click Click Boom"
Santana
"Evil Ways"
Savage Garden
"Crash and Burn"
Simon & Garfunkel
"Bridge Over Troubled Water"
Frank Sinatra
"New York, New York"
Slipknot
"Left Behind"
"Wait and Bleed"
The Smashing Pumpkins
"Bullet with Butterfly Wings"
Soundgarden
"Black Hole Sun"
"Blow Up the Outside World"
"Fell on Black Days"
Bruce Springsteen
"I'm Goin' Down"
"I'm on Fire"
"War"
Edwin Starr
"War"
Steam
"Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye"
Steve Miller Band
"Jet Airliner"
Cat Stevens
"Morning Has Broken"
"Peace Train"
Stone Temple Pilots
"Big Bang Baby"
"Dead & Bloated"
Sugar Ray
"Fly"
The Surfaris
"Wipeout"
System of a Down
"Chop Suey!"
Talking Heads
"Burning Down the House"
James Taylor
"Fire and Rain"
Temple of the Dog
"Say Hello 2 Heaven"
Third Eye Blind
"Jumper"
The Three Degrees
"When Will I See You Again"
Tool
"Intolerance"
The Trammps
"Disco Inferno"
U2
"Sunday Bloody Sunday"
Van Halen
"Jump"
"Dancing in the Street"
J. Frank Wilson
"Last Kiss"
Yngwie Malmsteen
"Black Star"
The Youngbloods
"Get Together"
Zager and Evans
"In the Year 2525"
The Zombies
"She's Not There"
I know! RIGHT??? Crazy.
Come on, Stairway to Heaven???
Artist
Song title
3 Doors Down
"Duck and Run"
311
"Down"
AC/DC
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"
"Hells Bells"
"Highway to Hell"
"Safe in New York City"
"Shoot to Thrill"
"Shot Down in Flames"
"T.N.T."
The Ad Libs
"The Boy from New York City"
Afro Celt Sound System featuring Peter Gabrielb
"When You're Falling"
Alice in Chains
"Down in a Hole"
"Rooster"
"Sea of Sorrow"
"Them Bones"
Alien Ant Farm
"Smooth Criminal"
The Animals
"We Gotta Get Out of This Place"
Louis Armstrong
"What a Wonderful World"
The Bangles
"Walk Like an Egyptian"
Barenaked Ladies
"Falling for the First Time"
Fontella Bass
"Rescue Me"
Beastie Boys
"Sabotage"
"Sure Shot"
The Beatles
"A Day in the Life"
"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds"
"Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da"
"Ticket to Ride"
Pat Benatar
"Hit Me with Your Best Shot"
"Love Is a Battlefield"
Black Sabbath
"Sabbath Bloody Sabbath"
"War Pigs"
Blood, Sweat and Tears
"And When I Die"
Blue Öyster Cult
"Burnin' for You"
Boston
"Smokin'"
David Bowie and Mick Jagger
"Dancing in the Street"
The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
"Fire"
Jackson Browne
"Doctor My Eyes"
Buddy Holly and the Crickets
"That'll Be the Day"
Bush
"The People That We Love"a
The Chi-Lites
"Have You Seen Her"
Petula Clark
"A Sign of the Times"
The Clash
"Rock the Casbah"
Phil Collins
"In the Air Tonight"
Sam Cooke
"Wonderful World"
Creedence Clearwater Revival
"Travelin' Band"
The Cult
"Fire Woman"
Bobby Darin
"Mack the Knife"
The Dave Clark Five
"Bits and Pieces"
Dave Matthews Band
"Crash into Me"
Skeeter Davis
"The End of the World"
Neil Diamond
"America"
Dio
"Holy Diver"
The Doors
"The End"
The Drifters
"On Broadway"
Drowning Pool
"Bodies"
Bob Dylan
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
Everclear
"Santa Monica"
Shelley Fabares
"Johnny Angel"
Filter
"Hey Man, Nice Shot"
Foo Fighters
"Learn to Fly"
Fuel
"Bad Day"
The Gap Band
"You Dropped a Bomb on Me"
Godsmack
"Bad Religion"
Green Day
"Brain Stew"
Norman Greenbaum
"Spirit in the Sky"
Guns N' Roses
"Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
The Happenings
"See You in September"
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
"Hey Joe"
Herman's Hermits
"Wonderful World"
The Hollies
"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother"
Jan and Dean
"Dead Man's Curve"
Billy Joel
"Only the Good Die Young"
Elton John
"Bennie and the Jets"
"Daniel"
"Rocket Man"
Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge
"The Worst That Could Happen"
Judas Priest
"Some Heads Are Gonna Roll"
Kansas
"Dust in the Wind"
Carole King
"I Feel the Earth Move"
Korn
"Falling Away from Me"
Lenny Kravitz
"Fly Away"
Led Zeppelin
"Stairway to Heaven"
John Lennon
"Imagine"
Jerry Lee Lewis
"Great Balls of Fire"
Limp Bizkit
"Break Stuff"
Local H
"Bound for the Floor"
Los Bravos
"Black Is Black"
Lynyrd Skynyrd
"Tuesday's Gone"
Martha and the Vandellas
"Nowhere to Run"
"Dancing in the Street"
Paul McCartney & Wings
"Live and Let Die"
MC Hammer
"Have You Seen Her"
Barry McGuire
"Eve of Destruction"
Don McLean
"American Pie"
Megadeth
"Dread and the Fugitive Mind"
"Sweating Bullets"
John Mellencamp
"Crumblin' Down"
"Paper in Fire"
Metallica
"Enter Sandman"
"Fade to Black"
"Harvester of Sorrow"
"Seek & Destroy"
Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels
"Devil with a Blue Dress On"
Alanis Morissette
"Ironic"
Mudvayne
"Death Blooms"
Ricky Nelson
"Travelin' Man"
Nena
"99 Luftballons"
Nine Inch Nails
"Head Like a Hole"
Oingo Boingo
"Dead Man's Party"
Ozzy Osbourne
"Suicide Solution"
Paper Lace
"The Night Chicago Died"
John Parr
"St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)"
Peter and Gordon
"I Go to Pieces"
"A World Without Love"
Peter, Paul and Mary
"Blowin' in the Wind"
"Leaving on a Jet Plane"
Tom Petty
"Free Fallin'"
Pink Floyd
"Mother"
"Run Like Hell"
P.O.D.
"Boom"
Elvis Presley
"(You're the) Devil in Disguise"
The Pretenders
"My City Was Gone"
Queen
"Another One Bites the Dust"
"Killer Queen"
Rage Against the Machine
All songs by Rage Against the Machine
Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Aeroplane"
"Under the Bridge"
R.E.M.
"It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)"
The Rolling Stones
"Ruby Tuesday"
Saliva
"Click Click Boom"
Santana
"Evil Ways"
Savage Garden
"Crash and Burn"
Simon & Garfunkel
"Bridge Over Troubled Water"
Frank Sinatra
"New York, New York"
Slipknot
"Left Behind"
"Wait and Bleed"
The Smashing Pumpkins
"Bullet with Butterfly Wings"
Soundgarden
"Black Hole Sun"
"Blow Up the Outside World"
"Fell on Black Days"
Bruce Springsteen
"I'm Goin' Down"
"I'm on Fire"
"War"
Edwin Starr
"War"
Steam
"Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye"
Steve Miller Band
"Jet Airliner"
Cat Stevens
"Morning Has Broken"
"Peace Train"
Stone Temple Pilots
"Big Bang Baby"
"Dead & Bloated"
Sugar Ray
"Fly"
The Surfaris
"Wipeout"
System of a Down
"Chop Suey!"
Talking Heads
"Burning Down the House"
James Taylor
"Fire and Rain"
Temple of the Dog
"Say Hello 2 Heaven"
Third Eye Blind
"Jumper"
The Three Degrees
"When Will I See You Again"
Tool
"Intolerance"
The Trammps
"Disco Inferno"
U2
"Sunday Bloody Sunday"
Van Halen
"Jump"
"Dancing in the Street"
J. Frank Wilson
"Last Kiss"
Yngwie Malmsteen
"Black Star"
The Youngbloods
"Get Together"
Zager and Evans
"In the Year 2525"
The Zombies
"She's Not There"
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Conundrum
Most historians consider Truman one of the greatest U.S. Presidents - anyone know why?
He seemed like a good president, beating Dewey and all....
He seemed like a good president, beating Dewey and all....
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Cabbies w attitude.
I had a cabbie ask me where I wanted to go... and then kept driving!
Can they do that???
Can they do that???
Monday, September 28, 2009
Comfort Food
Utahns do a few things pretty well, funeral potatoes, jello w/ carrots, salt water taffy, Mormon Muffins. But, I wasn't brought up on anything resembling comfort food. I didn't even know what cream cheese was until I was 14. I ate a lot of vegetables and wheat bread growing up and I'm sure I have very strong bones because of it...ya da ya da ya da....
I still eat a lot of veggies and wheat bread but sometimes you just need some cheese, eh.
Which brings me to COMFORT FOOD.
I have a co-worker who is from the south. A while back we were talking about cooking (I don't, I bake) and laughing about how the only thing she makes is Mac & Cheese. Well she made some for me and holy cow it was good. SO GOOD. And I really favor the stuff with the yellow powder from the box.
Well she gave me the recpie last week and I made it on Sunday. I messed up the order of the ingredients, but it was still pretty fabulous. Can't go wrong with cheese, cheese, milk, butter and more cheese.
MMMMM.....
I still eat a lot of veggies and wheat bread but sometimes you just need some cheese, eh.
Which brings me to COMFORT FOOD.
I have a co-worker who is from the south. A while back we were talking about cooking (I don't, I bake) and laughing about how the only thing she makes is Mac & Cheese. Well she made some for me and holy cow it was good. SO GOOD. And I really favor the stuff with the yellow powder from the box.
Well she gave me the recpie last week and I made it on Sunday. I messed up the order of the ingredients, but it was still pretty fabulous. Can't go wrong with cheese, cheese, milk, butter and more cheese.
MMMMM.....
Friday, September 18, 2009
No you can't read that!
I want to create another blog, instead of turning this one private, I think I'm just going to create a separate blog and have it always be private.
BUT, someone has already taken my blog name.... I don't know who Under the Dome is, but they haven't posted since 2004.
I wonder how I get in touch with them and convince them to deactivate their blog...
Ideas welcome.
BUT, someone has already taken my blog name.... I don't know who Under the Dome is, but they haven't posted since 2004.
I wonder how I get in touch with them and convince them to deactivate their blog...
Ideas welcome.
Monday, September 14, 2009
My favorite movie
I'm home sick today. blah.
But, things are looking up... TOP GUN is on reruns!!
I love this movie.
It blends everything that is good in life; Tom Cruise {before he went nutty} and Val Kilmer {before he got old} some really good music and a whole lot of fast planes. If there was a snowboarding scene, it might just be the perfect flick.
This trailer is SO 1986, but it's so good.
But, things are looking up... TOP GUN is on reruns!!
I love this movie.
It blends everything that is good in life; Tom Cruise {before he went nutty} and Val Kilmer {before he got old} some really good music and a whole lot of fast planes. If there was a snowboarding scene, it might just be the perfect flick.
This trailer is SO 1986, but it's so good.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tell me about yourself...
So, class started again. I had very high hopes for this professor, but I think it may be a long semester. He seems like a really smart guy who has been around a lot an knows that he's talking about, but he pretty much just talks about himself as the object lesson.
I don't do well with people like this because I don't really think they are smarter than I am, just older and more experienced. I like to be taught by people who are smarter than I am (not too high of a bar) but nevertheless, I don't want to listen to you talk about how wonderful you are for 3 hours every week.
Ug. National Security Decision making through personal stories of an ex-CIA operative. Could be fun, or not.
I don't do well with people like this because I don't really think they are smarter than I am, just older and more experienced. I like to be taught by people who are smarter than I am (not too high of a bar) but nevertheless, I don't want to listen to you talk about how wonderful you are for 3 hours every week.
Ug. National Security Decision making through personal stories of an ex-CIA operative. Could be fun, or not.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Jordan Rocks.
Embassy of Jordan staff volunteer in Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School Beautification Day
Washington, DC- August 21, 2009- In commemoration of two distinct historic occasions, the Tenth Anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s Accession to the Throne and Sixty years of diplomatic relations with the United States of America, the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, DC will volunteer at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School as part of Beautification Day activities which officially kick off August 22, 2009 across the U.S. capital.
The Embassy is partnering with the DC Public Education Fund (DCPEF) in coordinating Friday’s volunteer activities with Ludlow-Taylor Elementary. DCPEF aims to dramatically improve student achievement in the District of Columbia by serving as a strategic partner to businesses, foundations, community leaders, and individual donors in supporting and investing in high impact programs with the District of Columbia Public Schools.
His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Ra’ad, Jordan’s Ambassador to the United States, as well as the Embassy’s diplomats and staff will join teachers, the principal and community leaders in volunteering various beautification tasks from cleaning up to painting to gardening the schoolyard at Ludlow-Taylor.
The Embassy will also donate 17,000 USD to help the school pursue a comprehensive landscaping plan and purchase the needed play structures for Ludlow-Taylor’s students.
“Inspired by both His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania’s leadership in promoting education, empowering the youth and encouraging the spirit of volunteerism in Jordan and beyond, we chose to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Their Majesties accession to the throne by lending a hand to our American friends here in Washington at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary,” said Prince Zeid. He added, “This is truly a modest token of appreciation for the friendship our two countries has enjoyed over the past sixty years.”
"Since becoming Chancellor of DC Public Schools I've had the honor of meeting with the Ambassador, as well as His Majesty King Abdullah II," said Michelle Rhee. "Their commitment to education in the US and abroad should be commended – and we're grateful that the Ambassador and his colleagues have chosen to support one of our schools in such a positive way."
"Partnerships like this one with the Embassy of Jordan are essential to our success in transforming DC Public Schools," said Cate Swinburn, President of DC Public Education Fund. "We thank the Embassy for its support of the Ludlow-Taylor community and for its dedication to supporting the students of Washington, DC."
Washington, DC- August 21, 2009- In commemoration of two distinct historic occasions, the Tenth Anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s Accession to the Throne and Sixty years of diplomatic relations with the United States of America, the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, DC will volunteer at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary School as part of Beautification Day activities which officially kick off August 22, 2009 across the U.S. capital.
The Embassy is partnering with the DC Public Education Fund (DCPEF) in coordinating Friday’s volunteer activities with Ludlow-Taylor Elementary. DCPEF aims to dramatically improve student achievement in the District of Columbia by serving as a strategic partner to businesses, foundations, community leaders, and individual donors in supporting and investing in high impact programs with the District of Columbia Public Schools.
His Royal Highness Prince Zeid Ra’ad, Jordan’s Ambassador to the United States, as well as the Embassy’s diplomats and staff will join teachers, the principal and community leaders in volunteering various beautification tasks from cleaning up to painting to gardening the schoolyard at Ludlow-Taylor.
The Embassy will also donate 17,000 USD to help the school pursue a comprehensive landscaping plan and purchase the needed play structures for Ludlow-Taylor’s students.
“Inspired by both His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania’s leadership in promoting education, empowering the youth and encouraging the spirit of volunteerism in Jordan and beyond, we chose to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Their Majesties accession to the throne by lending a hand to our American friends here in Washington at Ludlow-Taylor Elementary,” said Prince Zeid. He added, “This is truly a modest token of appreciation for the friendship our two countries has enjoyed over the past sixty years.”
"Since becoming Chancellor of DC Public Schools I've had the honor of meeting with the Ambassador, as well as His Majesty King Abdullah II," said Michelle Rhee. "Their commitment to education in the US and abroad should be commended – and we're grateful that the Ambassador and his colleagues have chosen to support one of our schools in such a positive way."
"Partnerships like this one with the Embassy of Jordan are essential to our success in transforming DC Public Schools," said Cate Swinburn, President of DC Public Education Fund. "We thank the Embassy for its support of the Ludlow-Taylor community and for its dedication to supporting the students of Washington, DC."
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Ramadan Mubarak
Ramadan begain a few days ago. Well actually, it began with the sighting of the new crescent moon in the ninth month of the lunar calendar... which differs based on if you can see the moon or not.
Regardless, the month of fasting for our all Muslim friends has begun.
Ramadan Mubarak.
WHITE HOUSE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21ST, 2009 AT 9:15 AM
Ramadan Kareem
Posted by Rashad Hussain
As the new crescent moon ushers in Ramadan, the President extends his best wishes to Muslim communities in the United States and around the world.
Each Ramadan, the ninth month on the lunar calendar, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Fasting is a tradition in many religious faiths and is meant to increase spirituality, discipline, thankfulness, and consciousness of God's mercy. Ramadan is also a time of giving and reaching out to those less fortunate, and this summer, American Muslims have joined their fellow citizens in serving communities across the country. Over the course of the month, we will highlight the perspectives of various faiths on fasting and profile faith-based organizations making real impacts in American cities and towns.
This month is also a time of renewal and this marks the first Ramadan since the President outlined his vision for a new beginning between America and the Muslim world. As a part of that new beginning, the President emphasizes that our relationship with Muslim communities cannot be based on political and security concerns alone. True partnerships also require cooperation in all areas – particularly those that can make a positive difference in peoples’ daily lives, including education, science and technology, health, and entrepreneurship - fields in which Muslim communities have helped play a pioneering role throughout history.
The President's message is part of an on-going dialogue with Muslim communities that began on inauguration day and has continued with his statement on Nowruz, during trips to Ankara and Cairo, and with interviews with media outlets such as Al Arabiya and Dawn TV.
As this dialogue continues and leads to concrete actions, the President extends his greetings on behalf of the American people. Ramadan Kareem.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Delta dreams.
Why do they show movies on overnight flights???!!!
I took the red eye back from a weekend of hiking around Southern Utah (Zion - Narrows, Snow Canyon, Kolob Canyon). I got on the plane in Salt Lake City at 1:00am. I sit down, they say that they will be dimming the cabin lights, and then a MOVIE starts playing. WTF?
Now, the screen is right in front of my face and the different lighting for each scene is like a little strobe light in my face.
I asked the flight attendant the the nicest voice I could muster at 2 in the morning, 'why they showed videos on red eye flights'? She just looked at me and said, 'we're required to'. Boo.
After about 20 minutes trying to sleep I finally gave in and watched the freakin movie. And while it was a pretty good movie (The Soloist - clip below), MAN was I grumpy by the time we landed in Atlanta at 6:00am... to catch a 7:30am flight to DC...to go to work.
G R U M P Y.
I think I am going to write Delta a letter asking them why they are so STUPID.
I took the red eye back from a weekend of hiking around Southern Utah (Zion - Narrows, Snow Canyon, Kolob Canyon). I got on the plane in Salt Lake City at 1:00am. I sit down, they say that they will be dimming the cabin lights, and then a MOVIE starts playing. WTF?
Now, the screen is right in front of my face and the different lighting for each scene is like a little strobe light in my face.
I asked the flight attendant the the nicest voice I could muster at 2 in the morning, 'why they showed videos on red eye flights'? She just looked at me and said, 'we're required to'. Boo.
After about 20 minutes trying to sleep I finally gave in and watched the freakin movie. And while it was a pretty good movie (The Soloist - clip below), MAN was I grumpy by the time we landed in Atlanta at 6:00am... to catch a 7:30am flight to DC...to go to work.
G R U M P Y.
I think I am going to write Delta a letter asking them why they are so STUPID.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Raining in Baltimore
Way back when, I was a big fan of the Counting Crows. I think everyone had "August and Everything After". (Ain't that the truth.) One of my favorite songs was 'Raining in Baltimore'. I was in Utah at the time, so 'it's raining in Baltimore, baby, but everything else is the same' was some sort of abstract lyric. Now that I've been, and go to Baltimore with some frequency, it weirds me out a little. Everything else is the same.
Is that weird?
This circus is falling down on its knees
The big top is crumbling down
Its raining in baltimore fifty miles east
Where you should be, no ones around
I need a phone call
I need a raincoat
I need a big love
I need a phone call
These train conversations are passing me by
And I dont have nothing to say
You get what you pay for
But I just had no intention of living this way
I need a phone call
I need a plane ride
I need a sunburn
I need a raincoat
And I get no answers
And I dont get no change
Its raining in baltimore, baby
But everything else is the same
Theres things I remember and things I forget
I miss you I guess that I should
Three thousand five hundred miles away
But what would you change if you could?
I need a phone call
Maybe I should buy a new car
I can always hear a freight train if I listen real hard
And I wish it was a small world
Because Im lonely for the big towns
Id like to hear a little guitar
I think its time to put the top down
I need a phone call
I need a raincoat
Is that weird?
This circus is falling down on its knees
The big top is crumbling down
Its raining in baltimore fifty miles east
Where you should be, no ones around
I need a phone call
I need a raincoat
I need a big love
I need a phone call
These train conversations are passing me by
And I dont have nothing to say
You get what you pay for
But I just had no intention of living this way
I need a phone call
I need a plane ride
I need a sunburn
I need a raincoat
And I get no answers
And I dont get no change
Its raining in baltimore, baby
But everything else is the same
Theres things I remember and things I forget
I miss you I guess that I should
Three thousand five hundred miles away
But what would you change if you could?
I need a phone call
Maybe I should buy a new car
I can always hear a freight train if I listen real hard
And I wish it was a small world
Because Im lonely for the big towns
Id like to hear a little guitar
I think its time to put the top down
I need a phone call
I need a raincoat
Friday, August 14, 2009
Restaurant Review: CoCo Sala
I am not a foodie.
However, I had a hot date last night and we went somewhere new and fabulous.
CoCo Sala
MANCHEGO & BABY ARUGULA
caramelized walnuts
dates / apples & oranges
coffee vinaigrette
SHRIMP
mini penne
jack & cheddar
garlic shrimp
jalapenos
PORTOBELLO FLATBREAD
portobello mushrooms
goat cheese / roasted peppers
kalamata olives / sweet & sour fig marmalade
However, I had a hot date last night and we went somewhere new and fabulous.
CoCo Sala
MANCHEGO & BABY ARUGULA
caramelized walnuts
dates / apples & oranges
coffee vinaigrette
SHRIMP
mini penne
jack & cheddar
garlic shrimp
jalapenos
PORTOBELLO FLATBREAD
portobello mushrooms
goat cheese / roasted peppers
kalamata olives / sweet & sour fig marmalade
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Jane Fonda vs. Lance Armstrong
I've been spinning at the gym lately. It's a great workout, I like being on a bike and it's great positive peer pressure. You have to keep going. Kind of hard to get up and walk out during the middle of a spinning class.
But like most group classes, the instructor is KEY. From my experience spinning instructors fall into one of two categories: Jane Fonda or Lance Armstrong.
I shall expound...
When I was in college I went to a spinning class twice a week taught by my bff's mother. It was pretty much a rockin aerobics class with awesome music on a bike. There was a lot of up and down and right leg vs left leg, fast, slow, and short breaks after every song to catch your breath. Throw in some leg warmers and it would have been Jane Fonda's workout on a bike. I miss those classes.
Here in the city, there are a lot of spinning teachers who are hard core cyclists. I like to put these folks (mostly men) into the Lance Armstrong category. They like to channel their chi and pretend that they are in the South of France. 'Visualize yourself on a flat road, now we're going to start going up a hill, can you feel the tension of the hill?' I can't do it. Furthermore, it drives me nuts. Perhaps I just have poor visualization skills, but I have a very hard time imagining that I am anywhere other than the spinning room at the gym. AND, generally the music is more on the meditative side - not helpful. I really need AC/DC or Katy Perry or something with a beat and some rhythm.
There is a spinning class at my gym on Saturday mornings, but I can't go because the teacher is a guy (nice man) who literally talks the entire ride, has no rhythm and has horrible taste in music. PLUS, I CANNOT sit for 45 minutes straight and pretend I am riding down the California coast.
So there is my little rant. I think I have decided on a bike for my outdoor endeavors. I don't need a ride on the Capitol Crescent Trail to be like an aerobics class. I just think you should be intellectually honest. If you are at the gym, you are at the gym.... it's not the Tour de France folks.
But like most group classes, the instructor is KEY. From my experience spinning instructors fall into one of two categories: Jane Fonda or Lance Armstrong.
I shall expound...
When I was in college I went to a spinning class twice a week taught by my bff's mother. It was pretty much a rockin aerobics class with awesome music on a bike. There was a lot of up and down and right leg vs left leg, fast, slow, and short breaks after every song to catch your breath. Throw in some leg warmers and it would have been Jane Fonda's workout on a bike. I miss those classes.
Here in the city, there are a lot of spinning teachers who are hard core cyclists. I like to put these folks (mostly men) into the Lance Armstrong category. They like to channel their chi and pretend that they are in the South of France. 'Visualize yourself on a flat road, now we're going to start going up a hill, can you feel the tension of the hill?' I can't do it. Furthermore, it drives me nuts. Perhaps I just have poor visualization skills, but I have a very hard time imagining that I am anywhere other than the spinning room at the gym. AND, generally the music is more on the meditative side - not helpful. I really need AC/DC or Katy Perry or something with a beat and some rhythm.
There is a spinning class at my gym on Saturday mornings, but I can't go because the teacher is a guy (nice man) who literally talks the entire ride, has no rhythm and has horrible taste in music. PLUS, I CANNOT sit for 45 minutes straight and pretend I am riding down the California coast.
So there is my little rant. I think I have decided on a bike for my outdoor endeavors. I don't need a ride on the Capitol Crescent Trail to be like an aerobics class. I just think you should be intellectually honest. If you are at the gym, you are at the gym.... it's not the Tour de France folks.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
OH THE HORROR ;)
The Target Of Their Ambivalence
Suburban-Retail Icon Seduces Hipsters Of Columbia Heights
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Washington Post Staff Writer
By Monica Hesse
For the hipsters, post-hipsters or quasi-hipsters who moved into Columbia Heights several years ago for the grit and the cheap rent and the proximity to the Wonderland Ballroom (the hipster, post-hipster or quasi-hipster bar that sponsors local music and nights like "Sundress Fest"), life can be divided into two discrete phases: Before Target. After Target.
"Is four times a week bad?" asks Liz Bartolomeo, 26, who works for an arts nonprofit group in Washington and lives at 14th and Irving streets NW. Because she's hitting Target up to four times a week. "It's 'Oh, I need to get cat food.' Then, 'Oh, maybe I'll see what they have for dinner.' 'Oh, I need cotton balls.' 'Oh, I'll see what's on sale.' Before you know it I have a T-shirt, shorts, maybe a new dress." Most of what Bartolomeo buys could have been bought in the CVS just across the street, which has been in the neighborhood for several years. "But I don't want to go to CVS anymore," she says. "The deodorant is locked up in the CVS."
In the Target, the deodorant is in a blindingly white, neatly stocked aisle. It comes in scents like "Lotus Glow" and "Valencia Mist" that you never see at CVS. In the Target complex, which opened a little more than a year ago on 14th Street, you can also visit Bed Bath & Beyond, Marshalls and Best Buy, whence Bartolomeo's roommate once placed an excited call, saying, "Hi, I'm in Best Buy and I'm buying a flat screen," Bartolomeo remembers.
This complex has become a destination, like a movie theater, but with rows of humidifiers and pleather sofas as the entertainment.
But this complex is not why the quasi-hipsters of Columbia Heights had moved to the neighborhood. They were seeking bragging rights, and bodegas spilling over from Mount Pleasant. They were seeking urban.
Columbia Heights is still edgy. A few blocks from the Target, semi-permanent police cars monitor the muggings and shootings that still happen, in broad daylight, even -- as happened a few weeks ago -- at the Metro. This is an area being either positively revitalized or negatively gentrified, depending on how you view the development. It was a thriving, predominantly black neighborhood before it was ravaged by the 1968 riots, and now everyone is trying to either restore it to its former glory (save the Tivoli!) or make it into something new.
No one knows exactly what that something new will ultimately be, but it's starting to look like . . .
The sordid secret is that everyone, even hipsters, has always shopped at Target. Here is how it used to happen: Once every four months, you rented a Zipcar with some trunk space, and then you zipped out of D.C. and down to Jefferson Davis Highway, land of the big-box stores. Along the way, you talked about how glad you were that you didn't live down there, and how ironic it was for you to be going there at all, as you normally just bartered on Freecycle, and how your dad still tried to be cool by pronouncing it in French, Tar-zhay. You got to the Target, and you bought a microsuede storage bench, a duvet and a doormat, and on the way home you stopped at Outback Steakhouse (which was totally hilarious), and in polite company you never spoke of these suburban adventures again.
Target was amusing, when it was located in the suburbs. NIMBY, Target.
Not anymore.
You know the experiment: You put a frog in boiling water, it will try to jump out, but if you put it in cold water and slowly turn up the heat it will just sit there and die. Residents of Columbia Heights: They are the frogs. Columbia Heights is Jefferson Davis Highway. Columbia Heights is Tenleytown. Target has made us into suburbanites, right in the middle of the Green Line.
So awful. So convenient.
On a recent, muggy evening, Jamie Richardson and Nicole Foley emerge from the Target complex with a shopping cart full of stuff. Richardson wears a graphic tee and a shaggy black haircut, and the slim physique (city-soft) preferred by quasi-hipsters everywhere. Foley is in a vintage-y dress. At the top of their shopping cart is a big box. The box contains a jungle gym for cats. It reads, "Build Your Own Kitty City."
"If I had not been able to walk to the store," Richardson, 26, says, "I would not have bought this."
Purchases like Kitty Cities happen when you live near a Target. Before Target, your cat played in cardboard boxes. Before Target, your dinner plates were cracked group-house hand-me-downs. It never occurred to you that this was a problem.
Sometimes Foley, 21, will find herself wandering to Target just because she's bored, passing time in the housewares aisles.
"Sometimes," she confesses, "I have little urges to have the bathroom all match."
The towels, the bathmat, the embroidered guest towels you always told your mom were dumb.
Which came first, the Target or the adultification?
Allow for a sociological comparison: Columbia Heights is coming into its own at the same time that its younger, transplanted residents are coming of age. They've begun, perhaps, to move out of group houses and into their own places. Perhaps wanting a coordinating bathmat/shower-curtain combo is a fact of life, particularly if you're female. Perhaps it would happen wherever these people lived, even on U Street NW, even on H Street NE.
"I'm 30," says Ana Marin, a bartender with a nose piercing and cool square glasses. On a Thursday evening, she shops at Target. "I [freaking] want matching sheets. The fact that Target came at the same time that I stopped wanting to use a T-shirt as a pillowcase . . ." Well, she's not sure if one affected the other.
"The proximity definitely accelerates" my behavior, sighs Lauren Cameron, 26, who is drifting around Target on a recent evening, carrying a twiggy wreath covered in yellow flowers. She plans to put the wreath on her door. She did not used to be the type of person who would think about buying seasonal wreaths, not Before Target. After Target, things have changed.
This is all fine and good, but the problem with a Target is that it can lead to other nefarious pursuits. It's a gateway drug to other suburban activities.
A tattled confession: "The other day Bob went to Ruby Tuesday's." Bob Arkedis's friends, clustered around an outdoor table at the Wonderland for a recent happy hour, take great delight in ratting him out.
"It was kind of a joke," Arkedis explains to the group. This one time just happened because there was a group of people, and they were all hungry, and they wanted something fast, and they'd just finished doing some activity, so everyone was hungry, so . . . "It's actually not that bad," Arkedis tells his friends defensively. But as a one-time deal. "I won't go back again."
So he says now.
Claibourne Reppert, a tattooed hairstylist who lives on Euclid, has recently begun spending her Mondays off at Ruby Tuesday, which is across from the Target complex. "I don't know how we ended up there" the first time, she says. But once they did, "We all thought, 'Oh, that's kind of ironic and stupid.' " So they all stayed, and ordered ironic and stupid sangria and appetizers. Then they came back the next week and did it again. The Thai Phoon Shrimp is so cheesy and lame that they have to keep ordering it.
But at what point, someone asks Reppert, will the Thai Phoon Shrimp stop being cheesy and just start being tasty? At what point will suburban stop being ironic and just start being . . . life?
"I think," Reppert says, "I have gotten to that point."
Suburban-Retail Icon Seduces Hipsters Of Columbia Heights
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Washington Post Staff Writer
By Monica Hesse
For the hipsters, post-hipsters or quasi-hipsters who moved into Columbia Heights several years ago for the grit and the cheap rent and the proximity to the Wonderland Ballroom (the hipster, post-hipster or quasi-hipster bar that sponsors local music and nights like "Sundress Fest"), life can be divided into two discrete phases: Before Target. After Target.
"Is four times a week bad?" asks Liz Bartolomeo, 26, who works for an arts nonprofit group in Washington and lives at 14th and Irving streets NW. Because she's hitting Target up to four times a week. "It's 'Oh, I need to get cat food.' Then, 'Oh, maybe I'll see what they have for dinner.' 'Oh, I need cotton balls.' 'Oh, I'll see what's on sale.' Before you know it I have a T-shirt, shorts, maybe a new dress." Most of what Bartolomeo buys could have been bought in the CVS just across the street, which has been in the neighborhood for several years. "But I don't want to go to CVS anymore," she says. "The deodorant is locked up in the CVS."
In the Target, the deodorant is in a blindingly white, neatly stocked aisle. It comes in scents like "Lotus Glow" and "Valencia Mist" that you never see at CVS. In the Target complex, which opened a little more than a year ago on 14th Street, you can also visit Bed Bath & Beyond, Marshalls and Best Buy, whence Bartolomeo's roommate once placed an excited call, saying, "Hi, I'm in Best Buy and I'm buying a flat screen," Bartolomeo remembers.
This complex has become a destination, like a movie theater, but with rows of humidifiers and pleather sofas as the entertainment.
But this complex is not why the quasi-hipsters of Columbia Heights had moved to the neighborhood. They were seeking bragging rights, and bodegas spilling over from Mount Pleasant. They were seeking urban.
Columbia Heights is still edgy. A few blocks from the Target, semi-permanent police cars monitor the muggings and shootings that still happen, in broad daylight, even -- as happened a few weeks ago -- at the Metro. This is an area being either positively revitalized or negatively gentrified, depending on how you view the development. It was a thriving, predominantly black neighborhood before it was ravaged by the 1968 riots, and now everyone is trying to either restore it to its former glory (save the Tivoli!) or make it into something new.
No one knows exactly what that something new will ultimately be, but it's starting to look like . . .
The sordid secret is that everyone, even hipsters, has always shopped at Target. Here is how it used to happen: Once every four months, you rented a Zipcar with some trunk space, and then you zipped out of D.C. and down to Jefferson Davis Highway, land of the big-box stores. Along the way, you talked about how glad you were that you didn't live down there, and how ironic it was for you to be going there at all, as you normally just bartered on Freecycle, and how your dad still tried to be cool by pronouncing it in French, Tar-zhay. You got to the Target, and you bought a microsuede storage bench, a duvet and a doormat, and on the way home you stopped at Outback Steakhouse (which was totally hilarious), and in polite company you never spoke of these suburban adventures again.
Target was amusing, when it was located in the suburbs. NIMBY, Target.
Not anymore.
You know the experiment: You put a frog in boiling water, it will try to jump out, but if you put it in cold water and slowly turn up the heat it will just sit there and die. Residents of Columbia Heights: They are the frogs. Columbia Heights is Jefferson Davis Highway. Columbia Heights is Tenleytown. Target has made us into suburbanites, right in the middle of the Green Line.
So awful. So convenient.
On a recent, muggy evening, Jamie Richardson and Nicole Foley emerge from the Target complex with a shopping cart full of stuff. Richardson wears a graphic tee and a shaggy black haircut, and the slim physique (city-soft) preferred by quasi-hipsters everywhere. Foley is in a vintage-y dress. At the top of their shopping cart is a big box. The box contains a jungle gym for cats. It reads, "Build Your Own Kitty City."
"If I had not been able to walk to the store," Richardson, 26, says, "I would not have bought this."
Purchases like Kitty Cities happen when you live near a Target. Before Target, your cat played in cardboard boxes. Before Target, your dinner plates were cracked group-house hand-me-downs. It never occurred to you that this was a problem.
Sometimes Foley, 21, will find herself wandering to Target just because she's bored, passing time in the housewares aisles.
"Sometimes," she confesses, "I have little urges to have the bathroom all match."
The towels, the bathmat, the embroidered guest towels you always told your mom were dumb.
Which came first, the Target or the adultification?
Allow for a sociological comparison: Columbia Heights is coming into its own at the same time that its younger, transplanted residents are coming of age. They've begun, perhaps, to move out of group houses and into their own places. Perhaps wanting a coordinating bathmat/shower-curtain combo is a fact of life, particularly if you're female. Perhaps it would happen wherever these people lived, even on U Street NW, even on H Street NE.
"I'm 30," says Ana Marin, a bartender with a nose piercing and cool square glasses. On a Thursday evening, she shops at Target. "I [freaking] want matching sheets. The fact that Target came at the same time that I stopped wanting to use a T-shirt as a pillowcase . . ." Well, she's not sure if one affected the other.
"The proximity definitely accelerates" my behavior, sighs Lauren Cameron, 26, who is drifting around Target on a recent evening, carrying a twiggy wreath covered in yellow flowers. She plans to put the wreath on her door. She did not used to be the type of person who would think about buying seasonal wreaths, not Before Target. After Target, things have changed.
This is all fine and good, but the problem with a Target is that it can lead to other nefarious pursuits. It's a gateway drug to other suburban activities.
A tattled confession: "The other day Bob went to Ruby Tuesday's." Bob Arkedis's friends, clustered around an outdoor table at the Wonderland for a recent happy hour, take great delight in ratting him out.
"It was kind of a joke," Arkedis explains to the group. This one time just happened because there was a group of people, and they were all hungry, and they wanted something fast, and they'd just finished doing some activity, so everyone was hungry, so . . . "It's actually not that bad," Arkedis tells his friends defensively. But as a one-time deal. "I won't go back again."
So he says now.
Claibourne Reppert, a tattooed hairstylist who lives on Euclid, has recently begun spending her Mondays off at Ruby Tuesday, which is across from the Target complex. "I don't know how we ended up there" the first time, she says. But once they did, "We all thought, 'Oh, that's kind of ironic and stupid.' " So they all stayed, and ordered ironic and stupid sangria and appetizers. Then they came back the next week and did it again. The Thai Phoon Shrimp is so cheesy and lame that they have to keep ordering it.
But at what point, someone asks Reppert, will the Thai Phoon Shrimp stop being cheesy and just start being tasty? At what point will suburban stop being ironic and just start being . . . life?
"I think," Reppert says, "I have gotten to that point."
The Perfect Meal
Edamame
moldon salt
Lobster Roll
yellow pepper | cucumber
Fruit Roll Up
avocado | crab |strawberries | kiwi | yuzu mango
If you can't tell, I am officially obsessed w/Oya
moldon salt
Lobster Roll
yellow pepper | cucumber
Fruit Roll Up
avocado | crab |strawberries | kiwi | yuzu mango
If you can't tell, I am officially obsessed w/Oya
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Water: melted snow.
In Utah there isn't much opportunity to be around water. There are plenty of rivers and a dam or two, and even the Great Salt Lake, but there aren't a lot of people who have boats or spend too much time 'on the water'.
Here however, nearly everyone goes to the beach, knows someone who owns a boat or does something on the river/ocean/bay. It's a nice change and a different type of lifestyle. Not that it's better (you are hard pressed to find a horse around here to ride!!!) just different.
When I moved to D.C., low many years ago, I was sad about being so far away from the mountains. I missed them. I wanted to find something that I couldn't do in Utah to make me appreciate how great DC is, just in a different way.
So, I learned how to scull. They teach classes down at the Thompson Boat Center(part of the National Park Service).
Honestly, it was a little unnerving to learn. You don't wear a life jacket - it would inhibit the movement of your arms. You pretty much sit in a little tiny boat the width of your arse and the way you balance is keeping your body and head centered and keeping the long oars on either side of you in the water. (And the oars come out of the water with every stroke, so there's that.)
There are different size shells (boats). They differ in width, length and weight. You start in a big yellow shell and feel kind of like a rubber ducky. The better you get the smaller the width and the longer the boat.
I took the beginning course and the intermediate and then advance course...and didn't fall in (except the once and it wasn't my fault). This means I can go down to the boat house and rent a shell and scull up the Potomac whenever I want. It's awesome to be alone on the water, and great exercise. I don't go as often as I should and/or would like.
To celebrate my new found obsession I went to Rubini Jewelers and bought myself a tiny silver oar bracelet. I've worn it pretty much every day since.
Well, it broke the other day.
Boo.
I took a drive down the GW Parkway to Old Town to Rubini and asked them how much it would cost to have it repaired. She looked at me kind of funny, asked me if I could wait 10 minutes, went in the back, and reappeared 10 minutes later and handed me my bracelet put back together and shining like new. She said there was no charge, but I felt like I needed to contribute something to their tiny little shop. So, I bought a tiny little silver anklet... you know, just to support their business. I figure it was the least I could do. ;) I love the folks at Rubini. They run a great shop.
Now, I just need a nice day with no wind to get out on the water.
And now, a helpful technique video. A little long, but if you are a sculler, it's pretty helpful.
Here however, nearly everyone goes to the beach, knows someone who owns a boat or does something on the river/ocean/bay. It's a nice change and a different type of lifestyle. Not that it's better (you are hard pressed to find a horse around here to ride!!!) just different.
When I moved to D.C., low many years ago, I was sad about being so far away from the mountains. I missed them. I wanted to find something that I couldn't do in Utah to make me appreciate how great DC is, just in a different way.
So, I learned how to scull. They teach classes down at the Thompson Boat Center(part of the National Park Service).
Honestly, it was a little unnerving to learn. You don't wear a life jacket - it would inhibit the movement of your arms. You pretty much sit in a little tiny boat the width of your arse and the way you balance is keeping your body and head centered and keeping the long oars on either side of you in the water. (And the oars come out of the water with every stroke, so there's that.)
There are different size shells (boats). They differ in width, length and weight. You start in a big yellow shell and feel kind of like a rubber ducky. The better you get the smaller the width and the longer the boat.
I took the beginning course and the intermediate and then advance course...and didn't fall in (except the once and it wasn't my fault). This means I can go down to the boat house and rent a shell and scull up the Potomac whenever I want. It's awesome to be alone on the water, and great exercise. I don't go as often as I should and/or would like.
To celebrate my new found obsession I went to Rubini Jewelers and bought myself a tiny silver oar bracelet. I've worn it pretty much every day since.
Well, it broke the other day. Boo.
I took a drive down the GW Parkway to Old Town to Rubini and asked them how much it would cost to have it repaired. She looked at me kind of funny, asked me if I could wait 10 minutes, went in the back, and reappeared 10 minutes later and handed me my bracelet put back together and shining like new. She said there was no charge, but I felt like I needed to contribute something to their tiny little shop. So, I bought a tiny little silver anklet... you know, just to support their business. I figure it was the least I could do. ;) I love the folks at Rubini. They run a great shop.
Now, I just need a nice day with no wind to get out on the water.
And now, a helpful technique video. A little long, but if you are a sculler, it's pretty helpful.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tuesday
Nothing interesting to report.
Work.
Long walk after work.
Dinner of tomatoes, basil and motz.
After dinner skate to the Capitol on the longboard.
Retire with Robert Penn Warren.
Work.
Long walk after work.
Dinner of tomatoes, basil and motz.
After dinner skate to the Capitol on the longboard.
Retire with Robert Penn Warren.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
the bike saga continues...
I think I'll get this one - the Jamis Dakar XCR
It costs approximately $800 less than my Jeep is worth.
ha.
It costs approximately $800 less than my Jeep is worth.
ha.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Nice wheels.
I need a new bike.
(Memorial pictures of my old bike forthcoming.)
I went to my friendly neighborhood bike shop (Capitol Hill Bikes) tonight to check out my options. The nice girl with 5 lip rings (I am not kidding) was REALLY helpful. No judgement.
I kind of like this one, but it only has one gear. Am I getting old or is that weird? How much of a problem do you think that would be/is....???
(Memorial pictures of my old bike forthcoming.)
I went to my friendly neighborhood bike shop (Capitol Hill Bikes) tonight to check out my options. The nice girl with 5 lip rings (I am not kidding) was REALLY helpful. No judgement.
I kind of like this one, but it only has one gear. Am I getting old or is that weird? How much of a problem do you think that would be/is....???
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Rules of the JEEP
1. While driving, always wave to your Jeep brothers and sisters.
2. When parking, seek out other Jeeps and park next to them. Not only are Jeeps social creatures, they look cute parked next to each other.
3. If there is Jeep on the side of the road having mechanical problems, you are morally obligated to stop and assist. ALWAYS
4. You must not discriminate between round and square headlights. You can have a preference, but we're all Jeeps after all. Also, color doesn't matter.
5. "Jeep" is defined as the Wrangler derivative. This includes CJ7s, Rubicons, Renegades, Saharas etc. It does NOT include the Grand Cherokee, Commander, Compass, Liberty or Patriot (and it's debatable on the Wrangler 'unlimited' with a longer body...just not so sure about that one). These aforementioned vehicles are all part of the Jeep FAMILY. We love them, but when you say 'Jeep', there should be one picture in your head, and it should not have 4 doors.
6. Never, never, NEVER buy a Jeep that is an automatic - EVER. I'm not even going to explain why that's so wrong. You should just KNOW.
7. Back seats are optional as are snowboard and bicycle racks.
8. Take off your doors and/or top during the summer. Come on just do it. Everyone can roll down their windows - YOU can take off your DOORS. How cool is that???!!
9. Never teach anyone to drive a stick on your Jeep - obviously. Learning to drive a clutch should be done on an icky foreign car, like a Toyota.
10. If for some strange reason there comes a time when you are forced against your will to sell your Jeep, make sure it goes to a good home.
2. When parking, seek out other Jeeps and park next to them. Not only are Jeeps social creatures, they look cute parked next to each other.
3. If there is Jeep on the side of the road having mechanical problems, you are morally obligated to stop and assist. ALWAYS
4. You must not discriminate between round and square headlights. You can have a preference, but we're all Jeeps after all. Also, color doesn't matter.
5. "Jeep" is defined as the Wrangler derivative. This includes CJ7s, Rubicons, Renegades, Saharas etc. It does NOT include the Grand Cherokee, Commander, Compass, Liberty or Patriot (and it's debatable on the Wrangler 'unlimited' with a longer body...just not so sure about that one). These aforementioned vehicles are all part of the Jeep FAMILY. We love them, but when you say 'Jeep', there should be one picture in your head, and it should not have 4 doors.
6. Never, never, NEVER buy a Jeep that is an automatic - EVER. I'm not even going to explain why that's so wrong. You should just KNOW.
7. Back seats are optional as are snowboard and bicycle racks.
8. Take off your doors and/or top during the summer. Come on just do it. Everyone can roll down their windows - YOU can take off your DOORS. How cool is that???!!
9. Never teach anyone to drive a stick on your Jeep - obviously. Learning to drive a clutch should be done on an icky foreign car, like a Toyota.
10. If for some strange reason there comes a time when you are forced against your will to sell your Jeep, make sure it goes to a good home.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The most useful thing EVER
My Godfather/Snowboarding Yoda spent a minute or two in "Uncle Sugar's Air Force". Because of this I have my fair share of military accoutrements. I have a blood chit and a Vietnam era Army uniform, some dog tags an assortment of patches and some playing cards.
It's all really cool, but I'm not sure what to do with a lot of it. But then again, I have a lot of stuff that doesn't serve any purpose that isn't cool.
A while ago he sent me a helmet bag. (Picture thusly, although mine has all sorts of cool patches from all over the world on it.)
At first I thought, what in the crud am I going to do with THIS??? But then, I figured out it was good not only for keeping my helmet safe after I finish flying my F-16s, it also made a handy little gym bag. Actually, it is about the perfect size for carrying just about everything everywhere. Who knew!?
It has been SO handy over the years, I asked Uncle Sugar for another. It arrives on Wednesday.
I just love America.
It's all really cool, but I'm not sure what to do with a lot of it. But then again, I have a lot of stuff that doesn't serve any purpose that isn't cool.
A while ago he sent me a helmet bag. (Picture thusly, although mine has all sorts of cool patches from all over the world on it.)
At first I thought, what in the crud am I going to do with THIS??? But then, I figured out it was good not only for keeping my helmet safe after I finish flying my F-16s, it also made a handy little gym bag. Actually, it is about the perfect size for carrying just about everything everywhere. Who knew!?
It has been SO handy over the years, I asked Uncle Sugar for another. It arrives on Wednesday.
I just love America.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
I Nephi 2:15
I skipped church today.
And I felt pretty bad about it as I was walking to breakfast at the little cafe a few blocks from my house. I felt particularly bad about it as I passed the Baptist church a little before ten and two pastors/preachers said good morning to me... and then smiled at me just a little.
I said, 'well now you're just making me feel bad!' They were cute about it and said, 'NO!!! here,' and they both hugged me. 'Now enjoy your day!'
It was nice.
So, I think I got a little religion today...er, maybe??
And I felt pretty bad about it as I was walking to breakfast at the little cafe a few blocks from my house. I felt particularly bad about it as I passed the Baptist church a little before ten and two pastors/preachers said good morning to me... and then smiled at me just a little.
I said, 'well now you're just making me feel bad!' They were cute about it and said, 'NO!!! here,' and they both hugged me. 'Now enjoy your day!'
It was nice.
So, I think I got a little religion today...er, maybe??
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
You should sleep better tonight.
I'm at home watching the debate on the Homeland Approps bill.
Does this make me:
a. a nerd because I am watching the homeland approps bill from my couch?
b. a bad staffer because I am watching the homeland approps bill from my couch (and not my desk)?
c. a super big nerd that I am even watching the votes on the ammendments on the Homeland Approps bill
d. a good American because I am monitoring where my taxpayer dollars are going in the homeland security arena.
I can't really tell.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The Grass is Always Greener.
When I was a little girl I wanted red hair and green eyes. I was brought up during the Ann of Green Gables era so this was a pretty normal desire. Not only did I want red hair, I wanted curly red hair. Guess what I got? Yep, straight blonde hair and blue eyes.
Leads one to thinking, why is it that we want what we don't have? Curious thing about that is we probably wanted what we have now when we didn't have it. And now we have it and we forget how badly we wanted it in the first place. Why is that?
We make decisions every day. Some are big, some are insignificant. We are doing a little hiring in my office and the candidate has yet to meet the boss. A group of us were talking with the boss and he was asking our opinion of the candidate. We said that candidate 'A' seemed like a good fit, but that probably the best way to determine if she will do well in our office is spend 5 minutes with the boss. And then we teased him about what a good gut reaction he has and it's all thanks to crab cakes or something or other.
So, when making decisions is it more important to go with your gut even if you have no idea why you feel the way you do, or should you just go with what you've always wanted even if you think deep down maybe you won't like curly red hair???
Leads one to thinking, why is it that we want what we don't have? Curious thing about that is we probably wanted what we have now when we didn't have it. And now we have it and we forget how badly we wanted it in the first place. Why is that?
We make decisions every day. Some are big, some are insignificant. We are doing a little hiring in my office and the candidate has yet to meet the boss. A group of us were talking with the boss and he was asking our opinion of the candidate. We said that candidate 'A' seemed like a good fit, but that probably the best way to determine if she will do well in our office is spend 5 minutes with the boss. And then we teased him about what a good gut reaction he has and it's all thanks to crab cakes or something or other.
So, when making decisions is it more important to go with your gut even if you have no idea why you feel the way you do, or should you just go with what you've always wanted even if you think deep down maybe you won't like curly red hair???
Friday, June 19, 2009
Music and crowd surfing.
I went to the Fray this week. It was great. I saw the Fray in Denver with my bff during the Democratic National Convention. We were at a small event at a resturant and all the sudden there is singing... and I'm like, man, that sounds like the Fray and poof, there they were 10 feet away. It was rockin.
The concert got me thinking about all the other concerts I have gone to... it was a nice little walk down memory lane.
Like when I was 15 and snuck into a Salt Lake Club to see Weezer, or for my 16th birthday when my brother took me to Candlebox at Saltair (That is when I discovered crowd surfing - man is THAT a good time) and there was the time when I saw... oh who were the people who sang 'Black Hole Sun'? One year my bff gave me tickets to see Gwen and No Doubt and the Black Eyed Peas opened up for them. That was cool. There was the time I sat through 4 hours of rain at Lilith Fair to see Sarah McLaughlin and then my buddy wanted to leave EARLY, and I was like, 'um, I just waited in the mud wearing a garbage sack...we're staying'.
Lots of good memories...
The concert got me thinking about all the other concerts I have gone to... it was a nice little walk down memory lane.
Like when I was 15 and snuck into a Salt Lake Club to see Weezer, or for my 16th birthday when my brother took me to Candlebox at Saltair (That is when I discovered crowd surfing - man is THAT a good time) and there was the time when I saw... oh who were the people who sang 'Black Hole Sun'? One year my bff gave me tickets to see Gwen and No Doubt and the Black Eyed Peas opened up for them. That was cool. There was the time I sat through 4 hours of rain at Lilith Fair to see Sarah McLaughlin and then my buddy wanted to leave EARLY, and I was like, 'um, I just waited in the mud wearing a garbage sack...we're staying'.
Lots of good memories...
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
All I need now is a Delorean
I'm learning about complex system analysis for class (tomorrow - I'm actually supposed to pinpoint a complex system to analyze).
I'm still really fuzzy on exactly what a complex system analysis is, other than a way to analyze a complex problem...
But I figured I'd see what Wikipedia had to say about the CSA...
Among other helpful things, the wikis found it important to stress that the Butterfly Effect tangentially related to complex system analysis) is not really like time travel - so that movie a few years ago really got it all wrong, as did Michael J. Fox.
Thank goodness for Wikipedia. Thanks for clearing that up guys.
Thusly,
Main article: Butterfly effect in popular culture
The term is sometimes used in popular media dealing with the idea of time travel, usually inaccurately. Most time travel depictions simply fail to address butterfly effects. According to the actual theory, if history could be "changed" at all (so that one is not invoking something like the Novikov self-consistency principle which would ensure a fixed self-consistent timeline), the mere presence of the time travelers in the past would be enough to change short-term events (such as the weather) and would also have an unpredictable impact on the distant future. Therefore, no one who travels into the past could ever return to the same version of reality he or she had come from and could have therefore not been able to travel back in time in the first place, which would create a phenomenon known as a time paradox.
I'm still really fuzzy on exactly what a complex system analysis is, other than a way to analyze a complex problem...
But I figured I'd see what Wikipedia had to say about the CSA...
Among other helpful things, the wikis found it important to stress that the Butterfly Effect tangentially related to complex system analysis) is not really like time travel - so that movie a few years ago really got it all wrong, as did Michael J. Fox.
Thank goodness for Wikipedia. Thanks for clearing that up guys.
Thusly,
Main article: Butterfly effect in popular culture
The term is sometimes used in popular media dealing with the idea of time travel, usually inaccurately. Most time travel depictions simply fail to address butterfly effects. According to the actual theory, if history could be "changed" at all (so that one is not invoking something like the Novikov self-consistency principle which would ensure a fixed self-consistent timeline), the mere presence of the time travelers in the past would be enough to change short-term events (such as the weather) and would also have an unpredictable impact on the distant future. Therefore, no one who travels into the past could ever return to the same version of reality he or she had come from and could have therefore not been able to travel back in time in the first place, which would create a phenomenon known as a time paradox.
You're eating that??
So, I'm counting calories.
And not because I think I'm fat. I'm not one of those girls. I like my muscles and I'm grateful that that my body works and I pretty much eat whatever I want in moderation. Actually, I find it very annoying when people (females mostly) don't eat. I think it's unfortunate that so may women have one body type which is beautiful and go to unhealthy extremes to try to look like air brushed models. With that said, I think you should be healthy and exercise and consume more fruit than Diet Coke on any given day.
So back to my calories.
I've never actually paid attention to how many calories are in food. I thought it would be interesting to keep track. So I am. It has only been two days, but man is it enlightening! Did you know that an apple has 74 calories?
Yesterday I had a big bowl of chocolate ice cream with some chopped up almonds and coconut, that kind of skewed my numbers with that, but overall it's just a hundred calories here and there. I still eat what I was planning on eating I just keep track of the number adding up.
They say simply counting calories makes you more healthy. It makes you more aware of what you are eating.
We shall see...
How many calories do you suppose crab sushi has...?
And not because I think I'm fat. I'm not one of those girls. I like my muscles and I'm grateful that that my body works and I pretty much eat whatever I want in moderation. Actually, I find it very annoying when people (females mostly) don't eat. I think it's unfortunate that so may women have one body type which is beautiful and go to unhealthy extremes to try to look like air brushed models. With that said, I think you should be healthy and exercise and consume more fruit than Diet Coke on any given day.
So back to my calories.
I've never actually paid attention to how many calories are in food. I thought it would be interesting to keep track. So I am. It has only been two days, but man is it enlightening! Did you know that an apple has 74 calories?
Yesterday I had a big bowl of chocolate ice cream with some chopped up almonds and coconut, that kind of skewed my numbers with that, but overall it's just a hundred calories here and there. I still eat what I was planning on eating I just keep track of the number adding up.
They say simply counting calories makes you more healthy. It makes you more aware of what you are eating.
We shall see...
How many calories do you suppose crab sushi has...?
Monday, June 08, 2009
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Holy Cute.
President Barack Obama bends over so the son of a White House staff member can pat his head during a family visit to the Oval Office May 8, 2009. The youngster wanted to see if the President's haircut felt like his own. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
My two favorite single friends...
...are not single any more...
I set them up back in January and they hit it off and have been dating ever since.
It is by far the weirdest thing EVER.
When I was in Utah I had dinner with the two of them. Just me, and the love birds.
He ordered for her, they ate identical salads (ranch and balsamic dressing??!!) and then they split an entree. He made sure she had plenty of Diet Coke and she touched his arm (repeatedly) during dinner. It was so cute I almost hurled.
I sat there and tried not to be the girl who knows more about your boyfriend than you do, which entailed biting my tongue - a lot.
After dinner we dropped off Mr. Love Bird off back at work, and Ms. Love Bird and I went back to the restaurant for dessert and good gossip. Ms. Love Bird works in politics in Utah and is going through some interesting times. She's trying to figure out what to do with her life and now, all the sudden, it matters if she stays in Utah or not. All because of this boy.
It is still totally weird. But I'm really happy they are happy.
All I have to say is that I'd better be the Maid of Honor/the Best Man.
I set them up back in January and they hit it off and have been dating ever since.
It is by far the weirdest thing EVER.
When I was in Utah I had dinner with the two of them. Just me, and the love birds.
He ordered for her, they ate identical salads (ranch and balsamic dressing??!!) and then they split an entree. He made sure she had plenty of Diet Coke and she touched his arm (repeatedly) during dinner. It was so cute I almost hurled.
I sat there and tried not to be the girl who knows more about your boyfriend than you do, which entailed biting my tongue - a lot.
After dinner we dropped off Mr. Love Bird off back at work, and Ms. Love Bird and I went back to the restaurant for dessert and good gossip. Ms. Love Bird works in politics in Utah and is going through some interesting times. She's trying to figure out what to do with her life and now, all the sudden, it matters if she stays in Utah or not. All because of this boy.
It is still totally weird. But I'm really happy they are happy.
All I have to say is that I'd better be the Maid of Honor/the Best Man.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Green Day - back at it.
Hurry, watch this video before Warner Bros pulls it for copywrite infringement.
Next Door to Chili
A bit ago I went to a fundraiser for Martha's Table. Martha's Table is a great little organization which raises hunger awareness. Did you know that if you lived on food stamps you'd get $3 a day to live. $3 bucks.
So a group of us went to the little shin-dig and decided collectively to go out for a bit to eat after (curiously enough they don't feed you at hunger awareness events). And there we were right across the street from Ben's Chili Bowl.
For my faithful readers not of DC (all 2 of you) Ben's Chili Bowl is a DC institution. Among others, President Obama made it one of his first stops after he was elected. Your DC experience just isn't complete if you haven't had a half smoke.
I have to admit though, it's always been a little too...something for me... I'm almost a vegetarian and I would have to be really hungry or tired to down pretty much anything that comes off the grill. Maybe someday.
However, thanks to Next Door, which is owned by the same folks who run the Chili Bowl, and literally next door to Ben's, I can have my chili and eat it too. (Actually I had mac & cheese, but it was fab.)
So we all went Next Door and MAN is the food good. A definite MUST TRY for DC foodies.
So a group of us went to the little shin-dig and decided collectively to go out for a bit to eat after (curiously enough they don't feed you at hunger awareness events). And there we were right across the street from Ben's Chili Bowl.
For my faithful readers not of DC (all 2 of you) Ben's Chili Bowl is a DC institution. Among others, President Obama made it one of his first stops after he was elected. Your DC experience just isn't complete if you haven't had a half smoke.
I have to admit though, it's always been a little too...something for me... I'm almost a vegetarian and I would have to be really hungry or tired to down pretty much anything that comes off the grill. Maybe someday.
However, thanks to Next Door, which is owned by the same folks who run the Chili Bowl, and literally next door to Ben's, I can have my chili and eat it too. (Actually I had mac & cheese, but it was fab.)
So we all went Next Door and MAN is the food good. A definite MUST TRY for DC foodies.
Monday, May 25, 2009
I want to be an Army Ranger...
Last week I went down to Ft. Benning, GA. Otherwise known as home of the Army Ranger, also known for Basic Training and thus called Benning School for Wayward Boys or Ft. Beginning. Charming isn't it?
So, a dozen of so of my fellow Congressional staffers with a few Army liaison folks hauled down to GA. As an aside, it rained the entire time we were there.
I don't believe I had ever been to Georgia, other than the Atlanta airport and I just don't think that counts. It is lovely, and I hear they make a mean sweet tea, although I was eating in the Mess Hall and MREs, so I didn't get any sweet tea.
Army Ranger training is pretty much two months, 61 days, of hell. They take you out into the wilderness (a variety of wildernesses actually, swamp, mountains, desert) and see if you can survive. (My sources tell me that no one has died lately, you just get sent home from Ranger school, which is a fate worse than death.) Also part of Ranger training, repelling off REALLY high cliffs, jumping out/off of things and getting over any fear you may have to do about anything, including killing another human being with your index finger and so forth.
Being sure to make our experience as educational as possible, we all got to jump out of a 34 foot tower, simulating jumping out of a plane. We repelled down a wall that I don't even want to know how tall it was. AND the best part, was climbing up a 72 foot tower and taking a zip line across a lake and then dropping into the lake. (See video below) A few people didn't do this, not sure why. Fear I guess (more on that later).
A particular highlight was the plank walk. You climb up a 55 foot tower, and then walk across the suspended plank from one end to the other and 3 steps in the middle...over water. Just think of walking along a curb 55ft in the air knowing that if you fell it would be one hell of a long way down, into water. After you get done with the walk, you shimmy down a rope, give the RANGER sign a good wack and then FALL into the lake. Thusly...
So, other than playing around and taking zip lines into the lake, we were able to watch a class of Rangers graduate. This included a demonstration of skills the newly minted Rangers now posses. It was really cool to see what a person can do if they apply themselves. It was kind of like watching a cross between a Jacki Chan and Luke Skywalker. These guys are serious. But the point to it all is self discipline.
Our Colonel escort and I were chatting as we were waiting for the others to jump (or not jump, as it were). He said everyone is afraid of something. Most people are afraid of walking across a plank over water. The point is not the fear, the point is what you do with it. Army Ranger training is figuring out your weakness (fear, hunger, pain, exhaustion) working through it and coming out the other end stronger.
It was a very enlightening 48 hours.
RLTW.
So, a dozen of so of my fellow Congressional staffers with a few Army liaison folks hauled down to GA. As an aside, it rained the entire time we were there.
I don't believe I had ever been to Georgia, other than the Atlanta airport and I just don't think that counts. It is lovely, and I hear they make a mean sweet tea, although I was eating in the Mess Hall and MREs, so I didn't get any sweet tea.
Army Ranger training is pretty much two months, 61 days, of hell. They take you out into the wilderness (a variety of wildernesses actually, swamp, mountains, desert) and see if you can survive. (My sources tell me that no one has died lately, you just get sent home from Ranger school, which is a fate worse than death.) Also part of Ranger training, repelling off REALLY high cliffs, jumping out/off of things and getting over any fear you may have to do about anything, including killing another human being with your index finger and so forth.
Being sure to make our experience as educational as possible, we all got to jump out of a 34 foot tower, simulating jumping out of a plane. We repelled down a wall that I don't even want to know how tall it was. AND the best part, was climbing up a 72 foot tower and taking a zip line across a lake and then dropping into the lake. (See video below) A few people didn't do this, not sure why. Fear I guess (more on that later).
A particular highlight was the plank walk. You climb up a 55 foot tower, and then walk across the suspended plank from one end to the other and 3 steps in the middle...over water. Just think of walking along a curb 55ft in the air knowing that if you fell it would be one hell of a long way down, into water. After you get done with the walk, you shimmy down a rope, give the RANGER sign a good wack and then FALL into the lake. Thusly...
So, other than playing around and taking zip lines into the lake, we were able to watch a class of Rangers graduate. This included a demonstration of skills the newly minted Rangers now posses. It was really cool to see what a person can do if they apply themselves. It was kind of like watching a cross between a Jacki Chan and Luke Skywalker. These guys are serious. But the point to it all is self discipline.
Our Colonel escort and I were chatting as we were waiting for the others to jump (or not jump, as it were). He said everyone is afraid of something. Most people are afraid of walking across a plank over water. The point is not the fear, the point is what you do with it. Army Ranger training is figuring out your weakness (fear, hunger, pain, exhaustion) working through it and coming out the other end stronger.
It was a very enlightening 48 hours.
RLTW.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Oh, school.
And school started for Summer Semester. Methods. (Whatever in the world that is - I'll let you know in 12 weeks.)
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about insecurities and how everyone has them. It's the human condition, well, that and suffering. Although, really, they are kind of the same thing.
Me: Everyone has insecurities.
Friend: Oh yeah, what do you have to be insecure about?!
WELL, one of my insecurities is not being smart enough. Subsequently, I really like to learn things and understand them. If I don't understand something and I want to, it sort of drives me nuts. It's usually a good thing because then I buckle down and figure it out. (Good for someone who procrastinates.) But MAN if it isn't a pain to get there sometimes.
So Methods... 2nd night of class last night... I just kept thinking WTF?
Everyone is insecure in their own special way...and for me, reading this sh*t doesn't help.
Strategic evaluation is a methodology for analyzing U.S. national security policies and strategies. It is employed to help analyse how the United States can best shape its strategic conduct for managing the high politics of global security affairs and defense preparedness. As such, it has a more macroscopic focus than systems analysis or operations research.
Oh, yeah. Right. Clear as mud.
I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about insecurities and how everyone has them. It's the human condition, well, that and suffering. Although, really, they are kind of the same thing.
Me: Everyone has insecurities.
Friend: Oh yeah, what do you have to be insecure about?!
WELL, one of my insecurities is not being smart enough. Subsequently, I really like to learn things and understand them. If I don't understand something and I want to, it sort of drives me nuts. It's usually a good thing because then I buckle down and figure it out. (Good for someone who procrastinates.) But MAN if it isn't a pain to get there sometimes.
So Methods... 2nd night of class last night... I just kept thinking WTF?
Everyone is insecure in their own special way...and for me, reading this sh*t doesn't help.
Strategic evaluation is a methodology for analyzing U.S. national security policies and strategies. It is employed to help analyse how the United States can best shape its strategic conduct for managing the high politics of global security affairs and defense preparedness. As such, it has a more macroscopic focus than systems analysis or operations research.
Oh, yeah. Right. Clear as mud.
Blog blog blog, facebook, blog.
Ok. It's been a busy week...er...weeks.
It's funny, I'll be driving down the road and have some great thought and think, I shold blog that... and then I don't. I run out of time or whatever or mostly I forget my great thought.
Work has sort of been weird. There is lots of upheavel in my little neck of the woods and it's sort of a mess. Interesting how things never really turn out how you think they will. Oh well. The FY09 Defense Supplemental was passed by the House today, so that was good. And don't worry all you who listen to talk radio and FOX news - we are not going to let GITMO detainees wander around the streets of Virginia.
Back to the blogging or not blogging.
I've been facebooking lately. I joined Facebook a while ago, after my bff told me I needed to get with it. So I joined and friended my high school peeps. Then work people friended me and now I have lobbyists calling me by a name that I don't like being called unless I like you - among other things.
Another thing about facebook is that people actually know what you are doing. (I mean, if you tell them.) And that kind of weirds me out. The blog is anonomous. Or I just don't think about the people who read the blog. Probably no one reads it and I'm just talking to myself - which is fine too.
It's a fine line telling people what you are doing just for kicks and having an online forum to share your thoughts and musings.
Not sure what it all means. Other than the fact that I think I really need this bracelet....
It's funny, I'll be driving down the road and have some great thought and think, I shold blog that... and then I don't. I run out of time or whatever or mostly I forget my great thought.
Work has sort of been weird. There is lots of upheavel in my little neck of the woods and it's sort of a mess. Interesting how things never really turn out how you think they will. Oh well. The FY09 Defense Supplemental was passed by the House today, so that was good. And don't worry all you who listen to talk radio and FOX news - we are not going to let GITMO detainees wander around the streets of Virginia.
Back to the blogging or not blogging.
I've been facebooking lately. I joined Facebook a while ago, after my bff told me I needed to get with it. So I joined and friended my high school peeps. Then work people friended me and now I have lobbyists calling me by a name that I don't like being called unless I like you - among other things.
Another thing about facebook is that people actually know what you are doing. (I mean, if you tell them.) And that kind of weirds me out. The blog is anonomous. Or I just don't think about the people who read the blog. Probably no one reads it and I'm just talking to myself - which is fine too.
It's a fine line telling people what you are doing just for kicks and having an online forum to share your thoughts and musings.
Not sure what it all means. Other than the fact that I think I really need this bracelet....
Friday, May 01, 2009
Call it.
How many episodes of Grey's Anatomy can you watch before
A. your brain turns to mush
B. you decide that you're never setting foot in a hospital EVER or
C. you are a certified RN...
Because thanks to 2 and a half sick days on my couch, and I think I'm getting close on all three.
A. your brain turns to mush
B. you decide that you're never setting foot in a hospital EVER or
C. you are a certified RN...
Because thanks to 2 and a half sick days on my couch, and I think I'm getting close on all three.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Why I love living in the City...
I like the city - clearly.
I live here.
Being from Utah (the country), there is no reason to live in the country (Virginia). If I wanted to live in a nice semi-suburban hood with trendy restaurants and big houses, I'd move back to Utah, get myself a house in the Avenues in SLC or down in the nice historic part of Ogden - maybe that street with the big park in the middle of it. (I've always liked that one.)
So I live in the city because I want to be able to walk to work and walk to get a chai tea and skate around in the bike lanes and go to the dog park. yada yada yada.
But one bad thing about living in the City is dealing with the DC GOVERNMENT.
Holy slow and poorly managed batman.
Exhibit A - my front walk.
A few weeks ago (28 days to be exact) the D.C. GOVT came to replace/repair my sewer pipes.
To make a long story short, what used to look like this...
Now looks like this...
And the City won't answer their phone...
I live here.
Being from Utah (the country), there is no reason to live in the country (Virginia). If I wanted to live in a nice semi-suburban hood with trendy restaurants and big houses, I'd move back to Utah, get myself a house in the Avenues in SLC or down in the nice historic part of Ogden - maybe that street with the big park in the middle of it. (I've always liked that one.)
So I live in the city because I want to be able to walk to work and walk to get a chai tea and skate around in the bike lanes and go to the dog park. yada yada yada.
But one bad thing about living in the City is dealing with the DC GOVERNMENT.
Holy slow and poorly managed batman.
Exhibit A - my front walk.
A few weeks ago (28 days to be exact) the D.C. GOVT came to replace/repair my sewer pipes.
To make a long story short, what used to look like this...
Now looks like this...
And the City won't answer their phone...
Sunday, April 26, 2009
How old are you, 12?
So a group of folks went over to a friends house Friday night for a terribly civilized dinner. We had lovely conversation and good food (thanks PB & J ) and then we did what all 30 somethings do after dinner... we played Rock Band... for 5 hours. I think I made it home sometime after 3:00am.
I know that I should be all grown up - whatever that means, but I'm not. And don't really think I ever will be. I drive a Jeep, have a skateboard and want a tattoo.
Perhaps I'm going through a mid-life crisis, internally conflicted... blah, blah, blah...
Maybe I just like playing the drums.
I know that I should be all grown up - whatever that means, but I'm not. And don't really think I ever will be. I drive a Jeep, have a skateboard and want a tattoo.
Perhaps I'm going through a mid-life crisis, internally conflicted... blah, blah, blah...
Maybe I just like playing the drums.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Best week EVER for a defense nerd girl.
But just for the record, Obama is going to put the war spending where it should have been all along, in the BUDGET. This $84 billion is cleaning up Bush's mess.
Obama's FY09 Supplemental Request: $83.4 billion
Fri, 04/10/2009 - 12:15pm
President Barack Obama has written to House speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), asking for swift approval of his request for $83.4 billion in supplemental appropriations to "fund ongoing military, diplomatic and intelligence operations." Obama also told Pelosi this would be the last supplemental to fund military operations he planned, intending to move the costs for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq into the regular budget request.
"As I noted when first I introduced my budget in February, this is the last planned war supplemental," Obama writes Pelosi. "Since September 2001, the Congress has passed 17 separate emergency funding bills totaling $822.1 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. ... We must break that recent tradition and include future military costs in the regular budget so that we have an honest, more accurate, and fiscally responsible estimate of Federal spending."
The request is "only intended to bridge us over until the end of September, when this spending will come under the FY 2010 appropriations bill that should be in effect at that time," a Senate Democratic foreign policy staffer noted. "So the smaller amount is not surprising."
White House Announces Fy09 Defense Supplemental
Obama's FY09 Supplemental Request: $83.4 billion
Fri, 04/10/2009 - 12:15pm
President Barack Obama has written to House speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), asking for swift approval of his request for $83.4 billion in supplemental appropriations to "fund ongoing military, diplomatic and intelligence operations." Obama also told Pelosi this would be the last supplemental to fund military operations he planned, intending to move the costs for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq into the regular budget request.
"As I noted when first I introduced my budget in February, this is the last planned war supplemental," Obama writes Pelosi. "Since September 2001, the Congress has passed 17 separate emergency funding bills totaling $822.1 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. ... We must break that recent tradition and include future military costs in the regular budget so that we have an honest, more accurate, and fiscally responsible estimate of Federal spending."
The request is "only intended to bridge us over until the end of September, when this spending will come under the FY 2010 appropriations bill that should be in effect at that time," a Senate Democratic foreign policy staffer noted. "So the smaller amount is not surprising."
White House Announces Fy09 Defense Supplemental
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