Ward 6Dear Neighbors: Hey, the party was great. You guys look better than I could have imagined. The Uno’s party was a success. Lot’s of good spirit. good conversation...and surprisingly little whining. To top it all, Ed Barron showed with a picture of his driveway. Thanks to all the folks who helped with the name tags and to Pizzeria Uno for making the event go so smoothly. ****************** Monday night, April 14 (your taxes will be done by then!), Alan Dershowitz will be speaking at the new DC/JCC on "The Vanishing (nor Varnishing) American Jew." There will be a networking reception at 7:30 and Dershowitz will speak at 8:00sh. 130 people have signed up so far. Tickets are $12 for members, $15 for non-members and the dc/jcc is at the corners of 16th and q nw. Call 202.518.9418. Yup. I’m on the committee so the event gets better than equal treatment. ****************** Along the same lines, I’ve got two front row tickets to sell for "Melville Slept Here" at the Signature Theatre (in Shirlington at 8 PM). The Post gave the comedy great reviews. $30 face value for the pair. Call me at 202.244.4163 or send me an email. And I’m still pushing that unvarnished wine rack for $25. ////\\\\\////\\\\////\\\\\/////\\\\ Also free! dc.movie: Free movie passes, short movie reviews, and movie discussion. Send an email message to story@intr.net to subscribe. Cheers, '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' dc.story Party My name tag count indicates a body count of 72 +/- 3. I had 28 name tags left out of 100, I know at least 3 people used 2 tags, but I don’t know if any one was untagged. Some FAQ of me for you: 1. How many subscribers are there on dcstory? [about 1130] 2. What’s Home Alone? [A group started during the Northwest Side Story for home-based businesses] 3. Which one is Jeffrey Itell? [Me.] 4. How did you come to be on the list? [I started it?] 5. Can I use my email name? [Sure@whynot] One comment that I heard many times was - dc.story is the one newsletter that I’m still subscribed to and that I take time to read. [People just have too much time on their hands.] Another thought - have you ever thought of publishing a "bloopers" of dcstory… some of the stuff that didn’t make it into print? [Believe me. You’ve been spared.] It appeared a good time was had by all. When I left around 9:30 there was a little group of I-want-to-use-my-email-name folks still shmoozing over a beer. ***** Ward 6 I read with interest your latest rumor on the ward 6 race. It said that Sharon Ambrose was ahead of Howard Croft, but nothing else. I find it interesting that you would print this with no other comment about other candidates. Of course Sharon Ambrose is ahead of Howard Croft; so are most of the other candidates. Our latest internal polling of 405 frequent voters show the ward 6 race breaking down this way: Capozzi at 23%, Stallings at 19%, Ambrose at 11%, McCall at 8%, and Croft and Robinson tied at 6%. Certain candidates showed strong pocket support, but only Mr. Capozzi has shown consistent support, precinct to precinct. D.C. Story is a promising source of news for those of us who have a love of politics in the district, however, it’s ultimate success or demise will be determined by the accuracy of its information. ***** Ward 6 Based on the polling I have seen in the ward 6 city council race, Sharon Ambrose does have a comfortable lead over Howard Croft in the Ward 6 race but seems to be comfortably trailing both Mr. Capozzi and Mr. Stallings. I also agree with Mr. Larry Seftor about the escalators in the London Tube system. I really noticed how fast they were. I read in the post Horizon section last month that the DC escalators travel at 90 feet per minute. I would like to find out how fast they go in London and see if DC would speed ours up. ***** English Escalators I was noticing the same thing (I am, in fact, there now). The trains also run much faster, though I’m not certain why. One must remember that England is a *very* different country. There are, for instance (according to everyone I’ve asked, at least, including random bobbies), no jaywalking laws. If you try to cross the street and someone hits you, it’s clearly your fault. No solicitors will call you to try to get you to sue. Nobody claims that it’s the right of pedestrians to be in the street. Assuming speedy escalators are slightly more risky, in our litigious society it makes sense to have things run much slower. Not that I like it...but that’s the way it is. ***** Library As you may know, the D.C. Public Library is experiencing a severe cash flow problem. As a result, many magazine subscriptions at the Cleveland Park branch have lapsed, including those for the more popular titles like "Time," "Newsweek," and "Sports Illustrated." Until the subscriptions become active again (and we’ve been assured that they will), branch librarian Brian Brown asks that instead of tossing out the last several issues of your personal subscriptions, that you drop them off at the Cleveland Park Library (Connecticut Avenue & Macomb Street). You’ll be recycling and helping out a neighborhood resource that right now is in great need of our support. **** The Mayor’s Broadsheet I’m wondering how many people received the blatant propaganda sheet from Mayor Barry, in four-color, no less, hyping his "achievements" for the city? This patently false view of "A Good City—Getting Better" was paid for by DC citizens, as noted at the bottom of the four-page pamphlet. In it, the mayor says the water is cleaner, streets are safer, health care has improved, and so on and on. Aside from being obvious lies, these claims serve no purpose other than to position Barry for his next run (God forbid!) for the mayoralty. I’m outraged that we citizens must not only be subjected to this kind of falsehood but also pay for it (in more ways than one). **** Non-Delivery of Mail I recently moved out of the city for an extended assignment and can’t escape the glaringly obvious improvement in my quality of life. However, I have not been able to escape D.C.’s horrible public service entirely. I, too, cannot get my mail delivered. I dutifully filled out the forms and even received confirmation from the Postal Service that my mail would be forwarded. Two months and six long-distance phone calls to the Friendship Heights Post Officer have elicited about five pieces of forwarded mail. I must say, they have been unfailingly polite, but all the politeness in the world has not produced my mail. I had reason to return to DC for a few days, and it now comes as a shock how much we residents have internalized and accepted the appalling state of affairs. Sitting stuck in traffic was reminder enough. Imagine a place where traffic is easy, there aren’t potholes, public service is efficient and polite, food is cheaper, people are courteous, there are NO state taxes and move to Texas! ***** The DMV is really trying to be nice I received my auto registration (much to the amazement of my neighbors - who had not) with about 30 days to spare before expiration. As I had to get my driver’s license renewed as well, I thought I would walk it through. I went to H Street NE office and was greeted in a pleasantly and courteous manner. They saw what I had in my hand and directed me to the correct window, even before I asked. I did not have the correct insurance papers that they require when registering in person. They are being very picky about insurance papers - you must have a copy of the policy or card with current dates and the vehicle listed on it or no renewal. But they told me to call my insurance agent and have him fax over the information and gave me their fax number for that to happen..… I can remember when it was like pulling teeth to get any information out of them, but to offer it with out being asked was wonderful. My Insurance agent did that and then I went to give them my check. I used a business check, which they questioned, but I explained that I was self employed, she asked if it had the same address on it as my home address, which it did. That was OK and they put it through and my renewal was finished quite quickly. Getting my driver’s license renewed was even easier. You can see that there is some nashing of teeth but they actually are trying to become more user friendly, its not easy after all those years of growling and complaining at the citizens. At least they are trying. Keys to success is have all the current insurance papers and registration documents ready, and make sure the check has your name, address social security number and tag number on it. **** Ward 3 Road Work I assume that the recent story in the City Paper about Ward 3 being progressively cut off from the rest of the city (i.e., via the ongoing road reconstruction projects on Mass Ave., Calvert St., Military Road, Adams Mill, etc.) was tongue in cheek. However, I do have a question — and would really like to know the answer — about why it takes so long to complete these projects. For example, why should it take over a year to do the Mass Ave bridge? Why not close the thing down for a weekend and get it done? I freely admit I’m totally and completely ignorant of how our roads are constructed and maintained. I know the Conn Ave bridge and Chain Bridge also took forever to complete, so I assume there is, in fact, a good technical explanation. It’s just so frustrating, though, trying to get through these bottlenecks! ***** School Closings The hue and cry from parents, administrators and teachers about each and every one of the schools on the closing list raises some questions. First, if all of these schools are doing such a terrific job then why is the school system in such a mess? Have we selected the best sixteen schools in the District for closing? Why are the students testing so poorly in the standardized tests? When a school closes why do the class sizes go up in the unclosed schools? I have never heard that the class sizes are small. Does this mean that when a school closes we lose the good teachers in that school? You can bet your booty that not a single administrator is lost in any closing. They’ll all be absorbed into the incredible bureaucracy that dominates the whole school system. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' dc.queries Temporary Residential Parking Permits? I have a friend coming to DC for the Summer for a non-medical internship at a local hospital (she’s in grad school in Princeton). Does DC issue temporary parking permits (for 3 or 4 months — not the two week kind you get from the local police station) to temporary residents with cars registered out-of-state? If so, how does one go about getting one, and what kind of paper work do they need to show? Ken Levinson LevinsonK@aol.com ***** Speaking of the DMV, does anyone have any advice on moving with your car to DC? I’ve always lived in DC, so I never had to figure it out, but my beau just moved in to the city from that place across the river, and he’s trying to negotiate the labyrinth. Kirsten Sherk ks280@columbia.edu **** Looking for a Beach Rental A group of 4 prof. are looking for a beach house in Rehobeth or Ocean City, MD to rent for 1-3 weekends this summer. Like everyone else, we want walking distance to the boardwalk and the beach itself. Does anyone have any info? Aries Keck akeck@aaas.org 202-326-7041 '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' dc.events April is Rape Awareness Month Work it! is please to offer a SELF DEFENSE WORKSHOP with Brett Crosby Certified 2nd Degree Black Belt In this workshop you will use focus pads, body shields and a heavy bag to learn basic punches, kicks, and grappling moves that will help you to become stronger and more confident. No special knowledge is required. Saturday, April 19th 2:30-4:00pm $15.00 Brett has over 10 years competitive Taekwondo experience, as well as years of personal training, exercise and self-defense instruction. class size is limited, so sign up today!! WorkitDC@aol.com **** The final concert of the 1996-97 season of the Friday Morning Music Club Orchestra, Sylvia Alimena conductor, will take place Sunday April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Northern Va. Comm. College, 4001 Wakefield Chapel Road, Annandale, in the Ernst Community Center. (Exit 6 W from 495). Program: Franck Symphonic Variations for piano & Orch, Ravel Concerto for piano left hand: Edward Newman, pianist; and Bartok Concerto for Orchestra. Admission free, ample free parking. E. James Lieberman, M.D. ejl@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' dc.market Software Documentation Writer Needed Up-and-coming local computer-consulting firm needs experienced part-time or full-time technical writer to document innovative software fully, clearly, and concisely, working closely with our programmers to make it accurate. Start with a project if you wish. Judith Turner judith@turner.net 202.986.3463 **** Science-Research Organization Needs Webmaster Experienced Webmaster, thoroughly trained and experienced in Microsoft NT Server, Microsoft Internet Information Server, Microsoft SQL Server and the components of Microsoft Visual Studio and Back Office as well as scripting with at least one of the following: Visual C++, Visual J++ or Visual Basic, needed full time by science-research organization to conceive, create, and manage innovative site. Judith Turner judith@turner.net 202.986.3463 **** Office Space: Cleveland Park, One Block to Metro. Kitchenette, Bathroom, Waiting Room. Shared Suite, Own Office. Ideal for Bodyworker, Health Practitioner, L.I.S.W. Quiet. $350. month + phone BodyWise BodyWorks Jenn 202-966-6113. Jenn Weed jwweed@nmaa.org **** Computers Buying one shouldn’t be so scary. Setting one up shouldn’t be so scary. Getting on the Internet shouldn’t be so scary. Jeffrey Itell Story@intr.net 202.244.4163 ================= dc.story is a discussion group. The opinions stated are the sole responsibility of the authors. dc.story does not verify the information provided by readers. ---------------- For fast, reliable Internet services and cutting edge Websites contact Michael Mann at Internet Interstate mmann@intr.net. Web: http://www.intr.net ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ dc.story—Your Electronic Backfence http://www.dcstory.com Kibitzing by Jeffrey Itell (story@intr.net) Copyright © 1997 by Itell Communications, Inc. All rights reserved |
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