Feral Cats Roam through themail
Dear Neighbors:
Finding an appropriate motto for DC, the election, free range cats, and
DPW dominate themail this half-week. No controversy in the city has raged more furiously,
of course, than that over whether Brendan Gill or Dorothy Parker should be credited with
the wisdom, "No good deed goes unpunished." I can report no progress in
resolving that debate. I haven't yet found it in Gill's writings, and Bartlett's
Quotations tags it as an uncredited "saying."
We have both serious and amusing suggestions for a DC motto in this issue.
Shall we keep this no-prize contest going? I'll judge the timing on this the way we
measure popping corn -- keep it on the fire as long as the kernels keep popping regularly.
As long as you submit more appropriate city-state mottos for the District, themail will
keep publishing them. Since Ed Barron suggests a motto based on the old Washington
Post television commercials, I'll propose one based on the old Riggs Banks ads:
"The most self important city in the most self important nation in the world."
Now on to things of lesser importance, such as who should be our next
mayor and councilmembers, whether DPW is doing its job, and whether we on this list are
just overcome with our own negativity.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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For Those Who Didn't Get the Joke: Spacing is
EVERYTHING
Jean Lawrence, jkellaw@aol.com
In a message dated 9/30/98 7:04:50 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Charles
Wellander writes:
So I propose “MEND A CITY” as our motto. (For the right
aesthetic effect on our flag, proper spacing of the words is very important; otherwise our
motto “just lies there.”)
Just lies there? Without proper spacing, it reads MENDACITY. Talk about
spin! I love it.
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Among Those Who Didn't Get the Joke:
Michael Schaffer, mschaffer@washcp.com
So long as Lee Perkins is pointing out rip-offs submitted in the motto
contest, maybe I should too. Shaun Snyder's “Corruptus in Extremis” is, I
believe, the town motto of Springfield, of Simpsons fame. Matt Groenig should get the
credit, no? All of which makes me think that maybe our motto ought to be: We'll imitate
your vogue. Neither downtown boosters nor our own smartass, sniveling population of
DC-bashers can do without knocking off someone else.
[Hey, Mike, lighten up, and read the rules again — I asked people
“what classic adage — or corruption of a classic adage — would suit us
best?” If you consider “The Simpsons” a classic (and who doesn't?), Shaun
did exactly what he was asked to do.]
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Here's my entry into the Motto no-prize contest. I may be a bit late but
was on holiday in NH and ME.
“If you get it, you got it”
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Motto Resurrected, Motto Dying?
Rob Fleming, rfleming@dclink.com
Many years ago, I came up with the slogan “DC — the Last
Colony” for the League of Women Voters drive to get a constitutional amendment to
give DC representation. It still fits, maybe more than ever. I also like “DC is a
workfree drug place” that someone else came up with. Let's hope it doesn't fit much
longer.
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A Motto for the Nation’s Capital Metro Area
Len Sullivan, the Heavy, lsnarpac@bellatlantic.net
Without intending to take the fun out of motto-making, NARPAC, Inc.
believes that the development and promotion of a vibrant, creative new image for our
nation's capital is a fundamental part of 'selling' its rejuvenation as a source of
American pride. Sometime ago we proposed to the Board of Trade (to no avail) that the DC
metro area adopt the motto: “Information Capital of the World”
It not only has a nice, futuristic, hi-tech ring to it, it is probably
true and getting truer. Between its federal agencies (BLS, BEA, IRS, Census, NASA, NOAH,
etc.); its public institutions (LoC, NGA, NSF, Smithsonian, etc.); its endless
well-informed lobbyists (NAM, API, etc.); and even its tireless global spooks (CIA, DIA,
NSA, NRO, etc.), this metro area MUST have a real corner on gathering, processing, and
disseminating the world's available knowledge. Why not tout it?
Alternatively, of course, we could go with “The Acronym Center of the
Universe.”
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Official Motto for D.C.
Jason Juffras, jjuffras@aol.com
William Menczer had some good suggestions for a D.C. motto modeled on
other cities, but he missed one prime target:
Inspired by New Orleans, the "Big Sleazy"
well ... hopefully not!
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My vote for a motto: Taxed Without Representation.
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DC -- The Wannabe State
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Williams Yet Again
Jeffrey Itell, Story@intr.net
Oi, so many issues, so few bytes. Regarding David Reed’s statements,
Williams (generally) claims credit for only part of the city’s fiscal wonderland. The
$180 million surplus derives from the improved economy, better tax collection
(Williams’ shop), and the feds’ takeover of city services. (Someone check the
last fact, please.) Waste of money on consultants? Perhaps. Maybe the Post should write a
story. (I know Metro desk folks read this E‘zine.) However, Williams’ wisely
spent a good chunk of change to install surrogate fiscal managers while he straightened
out the joint.
I supported and endorsed Carol Schwartz last time around. I like her; she
picked out my stationery. She is committed to the community. That counts. However,
Williams has political skills. He won a majority of votes in a four way race. (Sorry,
Jeffrey G. Sorry you came in sixth rather than fifth.) He enjoys widespread support. He
raised money the hard way — small donations from many donors — and raised more
than anyone else. In addition, winning an election is a good political credential, don't
you think?
A couple of nits to pick. Carol did not win almost half the votes last
go-round. I believe the split was 56 to 44 percent. I agree that Williams should have
voted in the elections. On the other hand, only three percent showed up to elect Dave
Clarke’s replacement. (Again, check my figures — I’m in the ballpark if not
on the playing field.) Finally, will someone else pick up this thread? I feel like a shill
which conflicts with my curmudgeonly disposition.
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Distinguishing Mayoral Features
Len Sullivan, Regionalist — lsnarpac@bellatlantic.net
While NARPAC, Ic. cannot endorse political candidates, it is obliged to
promote positions that can help increase pride in America's capital. The issue of
expanding regionalism in the capital metro area is almost certainly one that distinguishes
the two candidates. There is no such thing as a successful American stand-alone inner city
divorced from its suburbs, and DC will be no exception. Although Tony Williams has no
clear track record in this area, he speaks repeatedly (albeit fuzzily) of a 'democracy
trust' that includes urban/suburban cooperation. He also understands such standard
financial tenets as economy of scale and conservation of scarce resources.
On the other hand, Carol Schwartz has been an outspoken proponent of the
antiquated notion of 'DC-first' — if not 'DC-alone,' asserting that 'nothing good has
ever came from trying to cooperate with the suburbs.' As DC's senior representative to the
Council of Governments, and as chair of the regional subcommittee of the DC Council,
Schwartz has worked energetically to stiff metro area cooperation to an extent that would
make Dr. Rivlin's and Dr. Barnett's hair curl — to coin a phrase. Both recognize the
reality of regional interdependence. This could be a good subject for the candidates to
debate this month.
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In defense of free-roaming felines
Kirsten Sherk, ksherk@mindspring.com
I realize that this has nothing to do with elections at all, I must jump
to the defense of outdoor cats in the city. In 25 years on Capitol Hill, my family has had
four outdoor cats, two of whom died of old age, one who is now an outdoor cat in Brooklyn,
and another who, as my mother likes to say, found a better home. What's more, from
experience I can tell you that trying to make an outdoor cat into an indoor cat is a
miserable experience for everyone involved and doomed to failure. If your cat is now and
has always been an outdoor cat, he can probably take care of himself, and knows what to
eat and not eat. There's a whole lot more than rat poison out there that he can get
himself into.
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Studies show that cats who are household pets but who are allowed to roam
live on average six years, far below household pets who are kept in, who live on average
about sixteen years. Certainly rats, rat poison, and communicable diseases (such as FIV,
feline leukemia, and rabies) are very high risk factors for outdoor cats, although cars,
dogs, and sick people are probably even more dangerous. Indoor cats should still be
vaccinated, though, for their own safety and for the safety of their people.
I love to pet all the cats on my block who are let out, but I wish their
owners would keep them in, as I do with my own cats. My cats have the run of the house and
access to a sunny second floor porch where they spend much of their time — they don't
miss anything positive by staying in the house. Our pets live such a short time — why
risk making it any shorter by letting them out?
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Ralph Blessing had it right on Nebraska Ave. I raised this issue in a post
during the summer, after the construction had gone on for several months, and was told by
our Ward 3 City Council office that it would be finished in about a month. Here we are in
October, and there seems little sense of urgency. In the meantime, this street, which
anyone in upper Northwest knows is a major thoroughfare, is practically impassible without
wrecking one's car.
Maybe there is a good explanation for this and other long-running public
works projects, but I haven't heard it. (I also raised the issue of the large metal plate
for the last year at another key intersection — Military and 27th/Rock Creek Park. No
word on that one either, while zillions of motorists swerve to avoid it...)
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Praise for DPW
Evelyn Mittman Wrin, evbobwrin@aol.com
There are some good things happening with DPW, but too often they seem to
be overlooked. What about all of the parking meters that were installed? What about the
household hazardous waste collection that took place last week on Saturday, September
26th. In addition to the announcements in newspapers, I was given a stack of flyers by
DPW, at my request, for distribution in the community about the household hazardous waste
collection. At the collection site, DPW was handing out flyers about its leaf pick-up
program for this fall.
For those who haven't read the paper or called DPW's recycling office or
made other inquiries, recycling is scheduled to resume on October 19, with new containers
being distributed sometime before that date.
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Public Works and Camille Barnett
Sarah Layton, sllayton@us.net
Contrary to our moderator's opinion, Camille Barnett has been working with
the Public Works Department to make improvements. The challenges run so deep that they
won't be fixed overnight. First, I have noted in a couple of postings that Ms. Barnett is
working to establish a storm water management program in the District. We are required by
law to apply for a Phase 1 permit and should have done so years ago. She's making it
happen. And DPW will be a critical player in the program. Secondly, Ms. Barnett has been
working with DPW to restore curbside recycling. Starting October 19, recyclables will once
again be collected at curbside by Waste Management.
And I do wish this group could on occasion focus on the many positive
things happening in the District. Many of you are so busy trying to document every
inadequacy and nail people that those who have stepped up to the plate to make things work
are not getting the support they need. I have never even met Ms. Barnett, but I believe in
getting the facts before posting. I'll look into what she's doing in the area of pavement
maintenance and give you an update.
[From the Washington Times, Friday, October 2, p. C8:
“Ambrose Rips Barnett on Cleaning up of City”: D.C,. Council member Sharon
Ambrose has a way with words when she is mad. Here is what the Ward 6 Democrat had to say
Tuesday about Chief Management Officer Camille Cates Barnett's efforts to improve city
services: ‘This city is filthy. I am livid. I do not see any progress. In fact, I see
regression.’ Mrs. Ambrose believes Mrs. Barnett has failed since she took office to
curb the city's rat population and get residents' trash picked up on time.”
— Gary Imhoff]
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CLASSIFIEDS -- CLASSES
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Telling Tales is an 8-week workshop that provides a relaxed, supportive, and artistically
challenging arena to explore storytelling. No previous experience needed! Students begin
with personal reminescences to recreate a known world, then use their imaginations to
create the worlds of folk or fairy tales. The class is taught by Jon Spelman, an
internationally known professional storyteller. You may remember his show “Three
Stories Tall” on Channel 4.
When: Monday evenings, 7:30 - 10:00 pm, October 12 through November 30,
1998
Where: The Dance Exchange, 7117 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD (2 blocks from Takoma Metro)
Fee: $190. To reserve a place, send a non-refundable $50 deposit (check made out to
Washington Storytellers Theatre) to Jon Spelman, 1612 Ballard Street, Silver Spring, MD
20910.
For information: write WST@storyteller.net, or call Jon Spelman at 301/585-5784, or WST at
301/891-1129.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING
Quiet Office For Rent. BodyWise BodyWorks has separate office available.
Reasonable rates, one block to Metro. Bring your health/healing practice to our oasis in
the city. Call Jenn 202-966-6113.
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CLASSIFIEDS — SERVICES
Macintosh House Calls
Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
Need help with your Mac? Friendly Mac enthusiast can assist with house
calls. Reasonable rates. Flexible schedule. (202) 686-5465 (home/office). http://www.his.com/pshapiro/
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CLASSIFIEDS — HELP WANTED
Part-time Administrative Assistant
Nick Cobbs, ncobbs@cpcug.org
D.C. solo attorney seeks non-smoker with professional demeanor, WP 7.0,
strong spelling/grammar. 20 hours per week. Law students welcome. Excellent opportunity to
learn the basics of civil litigation. Fields: Aviation, administrative law, insurance. Fax
resume and cover letter to Nicholas H. Cobbs at 202-452-1659 or email to ncobbs@cpcug.org.
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CLASSIFIEDS — FOR SALE
Moving to Seattle. LIFE SIMPLIFICATION IN PROCESS. Benefit from this
extreme reaction to midlife by buying — cheap — 5 drawer, legal, steel file
cabinet; 4 red leather/wood office chairs; Elfa wire drawer system; 6' light oak bookcase;
8mph treadmill; much more. Anything left over to be included in Moving Sale on October 11.
For more info or to stake your claim, call (202)483-5784.
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CLASSIFIEDS — MAIL LISTS
Upper NW Maillist
Damian E. Buckley, debuckley@aol.com
I live in Upper NW DC and subscribe to the ANC 3G online notices. If
readers want to subscribe, they can, by requesting it to uppernwdc@juno.com
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