Legacy articles

Keith A. Washington: Shooter and Blog Spammer?

Back at the beginning of April, I wondered Why Did Keith A. Washington Still Have a Gun?! when he threatened a real estate appraiser with a second police-issued gun after shooting two furniture delivery men, killing one, with his first police-issued gun, and trying to cover up the whole thing with a fake robbery call to PG police.

innocent appraiser
Keith “I’ll Spam Ya” Washington?

In the comments section, “Concerned Citizen” came to Washington’s defense with an unsubstantiated claim that

“Mr. King is not certified or licensed to do Home Appraisal it is speculated by authorities that he was merely trying to portray himself as a victim and colluded with others to sue Mr. Washington,

It also appears that the whole thing was fabricated by Mr. King……The attorney General of Md posted on their website the following information about Mr. King…..”

Now it seems that “Dave” posted the same rant on another site questioning Washington’s abuse of authority, resorting to personal attacks on the site owner who questioned “Dave” more than I.

Not to stop there, “Dave/Concerned Citizen” then apparently went to a third site that also calls him a danger to society. There, he was joined by “Susan” who claims to be his wife but just happens to have a uncanny similar use of too many periods:

Washington was jumped by them while his wife and daughter ran from their home screaming watching there husband and father being almost killed by two strangers…..My husband says that they had committed 4 or 5 previous burglaries before the encounter with Washington…….I that case Washington deserves a medal…how did people get it so wrong

Now I don’t know about you, but I smell blog spam. This “Dave/Concerned Citizen/Susan” sounds too much like a Keith A. Washington trying desperately to clear his name, one blog at a time.

I hope he has plenty of time to fulfill that Quixotic goal, from a gun-free jail cell.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Philly Parking in Petworth

Riding home tonight, my third night in my new hood, I noticed a funky fresh parking method in Petworth.

Like in Philly, folks around here park in the middle of the street. Median parking may not be legal but it is efficient.

Everyone likes rock star parking and this way everyone gets a spot next to home.

Where did you park tonight? Was it this convenient?

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Get Hands On with DC Schools

hansdondc.pngThis Saturday marks the 14th annual Hands On DC Schools event, where thousands of volunteers descend on DC schools, organized into teams by the Hands on DC group. Since 1994, over 26,000 volunteers have worked to make DC Schools a better place. If you want to help, and you know you do, be sure to drop them a note at volunteer at handsondc dot org and let them know.

Rebuilding DC’s schools is more than just setting up accountability structures, it’s also about making the school buildings habitable and comfortable, and Hands On DC is looking to help with that. Get out and help this weekend. The weather’s going to be nice and Spring-like, and you could really lend a hand, I promise.

Major thanks to Frank who pointed this out to us. Remember, if you’ve got news on a DC event, feel free to hit the Suggest a Story button.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Library of Congress: We Blog!

I can’t, off the top of my head, think of a more peaceful and awesome space than the Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress. Since I picked up my Ultimate Library Card, I’ve only been there just a handful of times, but each time I go, I am absolutely astounded by the amazing resource that it is. Now, though, the Librarians of Congress are taking their game public via their new weblog called “Light and Liberty Go Together.”

locblog.png

The reason for blogging? Well, it’s the best of any that I’ve ever read:

If you are reading this, then chances are you have some sense of how the legacies of Morse and those who came before him and since have transformed our daily lives. It is an inescapable fact that the Internet is redefining at an accelerating rate how we get information and interact.

And if you’re reading this, then you probably know how blogs are an intrinsic part of that larger medium. The Library of Congress knows it too.

The Library has in its care more than 134 million items, with 22 million items online. That’s a lot of content, by any measure. More and more people online are looking to blogs to help them navigate and make sense of the content that’s “out there,” to say nothing of the world around them. With some 71 million blogs at last count (or so says Technorati), it’s a conversation an institution like the Library should be a part of.

The Library of Congress was producing electronic content long before the Web even existed, so it’s fitting today that we become one of a (surprisingly) small handful of federal agencies with a bona fide blog.

Welcome, Library of Congress, and congratulations on your first 207 years.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Buy your neighbor’s abandoned stuff

While running out for lunch today – where I had TacoSoylent Bell for the first time in years and remembered why I don’t eat there – I heard a brief bit on the Kojo Nnamdi show about MD’s abandoned property program. Like all states, MD has to deal with abandoned accounts and physical property in some way. They ceased doing auctions on the courthouse steps – which comptroller Peter Franchot says had poor turnout – and switched to Ebay. You can see the various things up for auction that people have left in safety deposit boxes here.

None of it really blows my skirt up personally but it looks like there might be some decent deals.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Ack! Pollen!

pollenlevels.png With the return of the awesome weather this week, we were also greeted with the return of the tree pollens that make my life an exercise in continual misery. The last few days, I feel as if there’s been a grenade of snot detonated inside my sinuses, and no amount of Zyrtec, Claritin and Ricola Cough Drops can make up for the differential. My blue car is now a light green car, thanks to all the pollen, and the rain we’re supposed to get can’t get here soon enough.

In the meanwhile, I’ll be hiding indoors, looking out at the beautiful weather, and considering amputating my own head.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Is the GW a target for aliens?

Alien Death-Ray targets?So lo and behold, due to a new job, I find myself stuck in the morning traffic along the George Washington Parkway southbound on a regular basis, and while crossing the last Spout Run overpass before diving down below the Key Bridge, I find the odd plastic bag material “X”‘s in the grass on the left and pass the bridge, on the right.

I’m not sure if they are a prank or something else more menacing, or just a clever way of testing Google Maps resolution. Maybe it’s an art project, or where the not to target the space based lasers, maybe an odd group game of tic-tac-toe, or maybe just something clever to see how long it takes somebody to blog about it? Suffice it to say, I ask you, loyal Metblog reader, to fancy an opinion as to what these crosses may be.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

I, for one, welcome our new Canadian overlords

I wasn’t aware we’d been conquered by Canada, but the Airline Pilot’s Association apparently knows something we don’t. Why else would they fly the flag of another nation above that of our own?

Methinks someone needs to consult the US Flag code.

No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof:

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Rabbit Attack at Bling Bling Giant?

Check out the salad section of the Bling Bling Giant in Columbia Heights. Rabbits went “wintry mix” on the pre-made salads.

All my favorites are gone, only derivatives of iceberg lettuce remain.

As much as the selection disappoints, I am glad that my neighbours care enough about their health to go green for dinner.

Did you?

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Pershing Park Revisited

There was an owl today in Pershing Park. Majestically perched on a ranger’s arm, as large as a man’s torso, with eyes as big as Sacagaweas, its head swivelling around Exorcist-style…

As part of a joint effort between the Willard, the National Park Service, and Earth Conservation Corp., tables were set up with info on the Anacostia River conservation effort, packets of wildflowers were distributed, and volunteers were gardening in an Earth Day Celebration. A jazz band even played through lunch. It was wonderfully relaxing, and even though the fountain isn’t running yet, a sweet way to get a nature fix in my favorite green space in the middle of the city.

But really, the star was the owl. Seeing a raptor that close defies similes. It truly seemed alien, unreal. The beak, the talons, the amber eyes focusing on you and yet through you… I was enraptured. My camera phone, however, was rendered impotent, unable to capture any decent shots. It seems some moments you just have to “settle” for memory, and sigh at the beauty you cannot control.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Free Ice Cream!

What a perfect way to end lunch on a sunny day: free ice cream samples from the Hershey’s Ice Cream store on McPherson Square.

They are passing out sample coupons right now to lucky passerbys like me. I need the coupon too as I miss out on their other free ice cream offer.

A free scoop on my b-day isn’t inviting if you were born in February.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

School Takeover Bill Signed

Mayor Fenty’s first bill is now signed, and it’s the School Reform Act, putting the schools under the control of the Mayor’s office, and turning the School Board into an advisory council. The bill heads now to Congress for approval, and the hope is that the bill will be approved there, and changes in the DC Schools will be visible in time for the new school year.

However, all of this was done while the seats in Wards 4 and 7 sat vacant and waiting for special election next month. It strikes me, once again, that this should be something that all wards should have had a seat at the table for a change that’s this drastic. But that’s not going to be the case. Bad move, Mayor Fenty. I know you’re trying to make the school system better, but I think that to do that, you need the consent of the whole council, not one with vacant seats.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Spring’s Perfect Night

When my instant messenger buzzed me at 2pm on a Sunday, I had my feet up and I was watching the Nationals get clubbed like baby seals. The message said, “It would be a sin if we didn’t drink margaritas today.”

Hmm. Now there’s an idea. It’s just about perfect out there. So I pinged Mike back, and suddenly we’re off to the store to get flank steak, onions, peppers and guacamole makings. Because really, what goes better with margaritas that some spicy fajitas? I thought so. Harris Teeter, much like Home Depot on Saturday, was a complete zoo. What is it about perfect weekends that turn normal retail outlets into chaos zones? People not watching where they’re going, leaving their carts blocking the aisles, running over my wife at one point… It was insane. I was glad to be out of it, with the windows down and the sunroof popped to head over to Mike’s place.

At some point Margaritas became three kinds of Sangria, and I realized that the perfection of Spring might well lead to some unintended consequences in the morning. Not caring, I drank deeply from the glass of forgetfulness as the evening drew on. The fajitas were spicy, the company delightful, and best of all, this is just the first of many barbeques to come. Welcome back, good weather!

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Awakening to be Reawakened

Awakening.JPG

If you plan on visiting “The Awakening” any time soon, you’d best do it sooner rather than later. According to a recent Washington Post article:

“…the outdoor sculpture ‘The Awakening’ will be dug up from Hains Point, its home for the past 27 years, then barged and trucked to an undisclosed location where it will be cleaned and restored. Then, the 70-foot work, which depicts a giant struggling to emerge from the earth, will be planted in a new sandy beach on the other side of the Potomac River.”

The sculpture was purchased several years ago for $750,000 by a developer, Milt Peterson, who has grand plans to revitalize National Harbor:

“Sail-shaped banners line the Potomac waterfront, with moving images projected on the fabric. A retractable, 42-foot video screen stretches between two masts for outdoor movies. Stonehenge-like boulders alternate with larger-than-life bronze statues along the promenade leading to the water. In his mind’s eye, Peterson sees concerts, sailboat races, sunset cruises, fireworks, maybe even water ballet.”

Because the harbor is actually part of Maryland, you guessed it: DC is losing one of its landmarks. The Awakening will no longer be a part of DC which is kind of sad in my opinion. In its current location, it’s just within reach for most of tourists, walkable from the Mall (albeit kind of a long walk). With its new location in Prince George’s County, you can kiss that convenience goodbye. I think change can be good though, and if the harbor turns out as Peterson describes it, it may be a fun place to visit every once in a while.

So say your goodbyes, DC, and pray that no one sells the Washington Monument.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Seeing Red On Metrorail’s Green Line

This Green Line WMATA Metrorail train has me seeing red in the morning and not because of the Nats.

I am seeing red because the advertising-free clean lines of the original Metro design are being distorted by crass consumerism.

Yes, WMATA should be looking for alternate revenue sources because the three states it serves chronically underfund mass transit. But aggressive advertising like this visual assault is over the line.

What next? WMATA pimping Bemmers in Metro stations?

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

I guess I’m too old

…cuz it’s too loud. A number of us went to check out the bar at Liberty Tavern last night after having dinner around the corner. It’s a lovely space, or at least the bar is – I didn’t wander upstairs to see the dining room. However it is noisy as all get out. Maybe that’s an unfair criticism of anyplace on a Saturday night but after about thirty minutes I found my throat getting a little hoarse trying to talk. On the other hand, the bar seemed smoke-free – no idea if that’s a policy there or just a co-incidence but it was a pleasure, and the only thing I missed when we walked down the block to O’Sullivans.

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Capitol Power Plant

I’ve seen those old smokestacks near the Capitol on my walks around the Hill before, but I had no idea what they were; this WaPo article resolves my puzzlement: “Reliance on Coal Sullies ‘Green the Capitol’ Effort.” It’s the Capitol Power Plant, which, despite the “power” in its name, does not actually supply electricity, but rather provides heated and chilled water to the Capitol Complex via [guess what] a series of tubes.

Apparently the Plant burns coal to do its dirty work, releasing clouds of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon “We Call it Life” dioxide into the District’s air for our better health. Not just that, but the underground network of pipes which carry their fluids to the Capitol’s climate-control capillaries are lined with asbestos. This also explains that serious walled-off digging area AOC has going in the parking lot between E Street and Mass Ave NE near Union Station, the one with the big sign warning of a respiratory health hazard from asbestos.

Senators Byrd (D-WV) and McConnell (R-KY) appear to have a bipartisan effort going to keep the plant burning coal so it can pump more dirt into our air. Perhaps their constituents currently residing in DC might care to send them a note?

(Gracias to Grundlepuck for the squirrel/smokestack photo. Also note that the Capitol Power Plant entry on Wikipedia could use some extra meat on its stubby bones.)

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

Smacks Forehead in Disbelief

Over the years, I’ve often found myself enlightening various tourists and relatives about D.C.’s voting rights issue and the varied arguments over the “last colony” status of the District. It never surprises me that most people from outside the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area have no idea about D.C. residents’ disenfranchisement, and that they usually assume we carry on like lucky residents of Puerto Rico or Guam, not having to pay federal income taxes as a result of our “special status.” When I inform them otherwise, they’re usually surprised and think it unfair. So imagine my surprise reading this gem today on the Washington Post’s discussion about yesterday’s House bill result:

College Park, Md.: The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration. So says the 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

If D.C. gets full voting rights like the other states, then won’t they have to start paying federal income taxes?

Mary Beth Sheridan: D.C. residents already pay full federal income taxes.

This isn’t a tourist or an out-of-towner. This is a Maryland resident in a close-in college town on the Red Line. Shocking? Ignorant? Just amazingly uninformed? An area newbie? I have no idea, but I practically spat out my afternoon mocha upon reading it.

UPDATE: The irony of my saying College Park is on the Red Line. Oh, the horrible irony. Green Line, Green. My own line too. It’s humble pie tonight!

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

RendezVous Cafe

When I walked into the RendezVous Cafe on Wilson Boulevard, I didn’t realize how tiny it was. There are, maybe, six tables in the whole place, it’s an intimate location with no table inside that seats more than a pair. We had three, but we managed to grab the two corner tables without too much of an awkward situations. The menu is primarily Panini sandwiches and Crêpes, which was perfect for a light dinner out on a weeknight. I had the pastrami panini, Tiff and Lisa had the chicken pesto paninis. The sandwiches were divine, hot and cheesy, savory and tangy, and made for a perfect lunch or dinner.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the crêpes, which were soft and sweet and, in our case, filled with nutella and bananas and drizzled with a bit of chocolate. While the wait was a bit long, and the seating somewhat awkward, it’s a great place to grab some dessert, or even some light dinner. I suspect that once the weather clears up (hey, tonight is supposed to be just about perfect…) their outside tables will be exactly what Virginia Square folks need: a great place for a cup of coffee and a crêpe.

RendezVous Cafe
3540 Wilson Blvd
Arlington VA

Metro: Virginia Square

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs

Legacy articles

DeMolay Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday

The Edwin Albert Mroz Chapter of the Order of DeMolay is having a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, April 21st from 8am-12pm. The car wash will be at the Kemper-Macon Ware Masonic Lodge at 411 Little Falls St. in Falls Church.

All donations will be accepted.

I am not sure of the weather forecast for that day but am sure the young people out there will be using lots of elbow grease to get the job done. I know one of the advisors and have every confidence that he will ensure a good job from his kids he leads!

Here is some information on what DeMolay is, for those of you who are curious:

DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.

Come check it out, help the young folks there with their organization and get your car sudsied up. Everyone is a winner!

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs