So What’s Happening
Dear Reporters:
themail is back, and I'm back in town, and anxious to get caught up on
what has been happening in our streets. Two weeks without looking at the E-mail meant that
my E-mail box filled up after the first week. If you sent a message after January 7 and
before yesterday, it got bounced and lost in the ether. Please send it again if it's still
timely.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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Do Your Children Have Outdoor Places to Play?
Susan Ousley, Slousley@aol.com
Every lovely, sunny day of their vacation, our children had nowhere in our
immediate neighborhood they could play. They've outgrown our postage stamp yards and they
needed some romps. But Garrison School's beautiful new playground stayed locked, as it
always is as soon as the teachers commute home. What about the rest of DC? Do your
children have places to play or are your playgrounds also locked?
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Picking Up The Fumbled Ball
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com
Mayor Williams has decided to pick up the ball, fumbled by the DCPS. The
DCPS has clearly been unable or unwilling to bring about major needed reforms of the
educational processes in the District's public schools. The Mayor wants enough control to
be able to select the rest of the team to bring about these reforms, including the DCPS
Superintendent and the corps of linemen, the School Board. Taking a very active role in
the restoration of the schools and the educational processes is a good move for the kids
in the District and a good move for the Mayor. As for selecting the School Board, however,
I favor an elected School Board. My proposal would be for a five or seven person Board
with all members elected "At-Large." This would draw in a large number of
candidates, many with the appropriate credentials and with the right attitude, to help the
Mayor and his chosen school leader in the reformation process.
Once the Mayor has chosen his quarterback, the DCPS Chief, and the new
School Board is in place, their job is to set the policies and goals for the DCPS, and
provide all the help and resources the DCPS Chief needs to get the reformation process
started. Then the Mayor and the Board should step back and let the Superintendent of the
DCPS implement the processes that will reform the public schools.
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Has anyone experienced hostile and rude bus drivers in the District? I
have ridden two buses a day for 5 years here in D.C. Friday afternoon, January 7th, I had
the singularly worst experience I have ever had riding on Metrobus. I had a large bag and
a suitcase with me and I got on the bus, put a dollar in, put down my suitcase and reached
in my bag for a dime and he unleashed his venomous bile on me. He said something about
putting the money in at exactly and precisely same time and was ranting on. When I got off
the bus I asked his name and he angrily pointed to the bus number and said, “That's
my name right there, go ahead and call Metro. You know I'm right. Blah, blah.” He was
still ranting when I got off the bus. The good news is that I called Metro to complain,
202/637-1328, and spoke to a very nice woman who took my complaint and assured me that it
would be followed up on and that he would be observed. So at least here's the number in
case you need to lodge a complaint against Metro employees.
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Like everyone else, I assume, I've been getting mailings from Starpower,
offering DC cable, telephone, and Internet service. They promise better service than I'm
now getting at lower prices than I'm now paying, so it looks attractive, but I'd like to
know more about what I might be getting into if I switch to them. Does anyone have any
experience with them or information about them?
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NY’s Eve Broadcast from the Mall
Joan Eisenstodt jeisen@aol.com
Though we live w/in walking distance of the Mall, we elected to stay in
New Year's eve — and to enjoy the many broadcasts of the coming of the new year
around the world. We were surprised and frustrated by Channel 9's coverage. Advertised as
the full broadcast, the commercials [which may have been network-done] cut off some of the
performers, and at 11, they broke for “news” which consisted of broadcasts from
Pepco's and DC's control centers letting us know all was well, from First Night
celebrations saying all was well there. Meanwhile, we missed what I heard were mighty good
performances. Strange night.
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DC (Dysfunctional Celebration) Versus NYC (New Year
Celebration!)
Charlie Wellander, jfa-cwr@CapAccess.org
Of course, those acronyms are also my home base and New York City. During
themail's winter vacation, you have already seen various accounts of the “America's
Millennium on the Mall” event with Will Smith and the fireworks on the Washington
Monument, mostly recounting the deficiencies of both show and security there. David Carr's
article in the City Paper was excellent. For the details of my own adventures
around that midnight moment, see http://www.geocities.com/charliewellander. My conclusion
is that NYC deserved its good result due to diligence, duty, and direction; DC got by with
luck despite poor planning, poor performance, and plenty of posturing. But what else is
new?
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As further information about bicycle helmet laws, here is a news story
about a 9 year old being handcuffed and pushed to the pavement for not wearing a helmet in
Florida. http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20000105/us/helmet_stop_1.html.
I realize I am very cynical, but why teach children about handcuffs over a bike helmet?
Some of our childhood friends may have died from bike accidents. But what are we, as a
community, killing by criminalizing failure to wear a helmet?
Note that when the child fled from the police officer, “The deputy
had to catch up to him and hold him because he didn't know what the circumstances
were,” [police spokesman] said. “Now he started thinking maybe the bike was
stolen.” Children are usually not criminals, only unsure of the rules and how to act.
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Happy New Year and Reduced Verbiage in themail
Evelyn M. Wrin, evbobwrin@aol.com
As you mention in your introductory paragraph of the January 2, 2000,
issue, I hope that this new year will see themail going back to its role as a vehicle for
information about what's happening in our city. Information and comments should be kept
short. Lengthy commentaries and diatribes are not why I, and I think most subscribers,
signed up for themail.
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Harris Teeter/Arlington
Greg Jones, gmon6612.aol.com
While across the river this Sunday in Arlington we stopped in at the
(relatively) new Harris Teeter food store (on Glebe Road, across from Ballston Common).
(This is a Carolina-based chain that is creeping northward.) My spouse, our chief shopper,
pronounced it superior to the store at which she usually shops — the Giant near River
Road in Bethesda: about the same size, but less expensive, with a wider variety of
products and brands. A fine wine and beer selection, as well. (The wine and beer was well
priced. Example: a 6-pack of Oregon Breweries Ale, which I see regularly in Magruder's at
$5.99, was $5.49.) Here's hoping they decide to hop the river!
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In the (ESPN) Zone?
Willie Schatz, willie@his.com
To Greg Jones and all other potential ESPN Zoners: The place is Sports
World, Hard Rock/Planet Hollywood style. As they say in my native land, where I visited
the ESPN Zone the day after Christmas, FUHGEDDABOUT whether locals or furriners will go
there. ANY sports freak will freak at the chance. Wanna shoot a hockey puck? Do it. Wanna
see how many hoops you can make in 45 seconds? Go for it! Throw a football through a tire?
You got it. Action games! Souvenirs! Exhibits! Clothes! Anything and everything for those
who live and who breathe Sports Center! Oh yeah, before I forget: did I mention the Zone
is a bigger money-sucking pit than Funland?
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Happy and Loving New Century — Pass It On!
Anne Drissel, drisselab@aol.com
The first message of the New Century in themail made me sad for its
“old mind” angry diatribes against each other. Please, my friends and neighbors,
pass on Lea Adams message from the same issue. In my mind, it's the one message worth
repeating — over and over: “Dear Friends, My very best wishes for a year of
necessary comforts and unending joy, of good health, good friends and the opportunity to
be of service. May you be blessed with abundant love, and pass that blessing on to all who
cross your path and all who share it, especially elders, children and those who have lost
hope. Welcome peace and do not question happiness when it finds you by surprise. Live the
coming year one day at a time. Invest in people instead of things. Trade in fear, remorse,
resentment, confusion and anger . . . for gratitude. Be of good cheer. Be yourself. B GOOD
2 U in Y2K. U R Loved always, and all ways.
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An Open Letter about Racism and Polemic
Harold Goldstein, dcbiker@goldray.com
To Jephunneh Lawrence — shame on you! The fact that you just,
seemingly randomly, call these three councilmembers, whom I don't particularly care for by
the way, racists, without A SINGLE argument as to why they might be considered racist, is
really below the level of intellect that you display in the quality of your writing, your
knowledge of history and what I'd have expected otherwise from reading your fine prose.
You'd have us believe that just because they disagreed with the
appointment of this one man that they are racist. You'd have us believe that without even
addressing the concerns they expressed, without even addressing the issue as to whether or
not this man was qualified to be in the position considered, without telling us of other
reasons you'd think they were racist.
Maybe you have another definition of racist, but to me racism isn't
apparent in this case and you do yourself and your position and this city a great
disservice by resorting to what is nothing more than name calling in this situation. This
totally unproductive approach does nothing to advance any issues, all it does is act as an
incendiary device. The question here is whether Wilson is a good candidate for the board,
and, without addressing that question, all you've done is state that whoever is against
the man is by definition a racist. Shame on you. But tell me, is Wilson a racist? He has
said some “seemingly” racist things in the past. How do you reconcile that?
Rather than enter into name calling, it would be much more productive for you, for us all,
to respond to factual argument with factual argument of your own.
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Wilson, UDC, Racism
Gloria White, GMarieW@aol.com
I can't express how sad it makes me to read the anger and racially
divisive comments in the latest issue of themail. It would appear that some of the
respondents are guilty of the same racism they accuse others of — particularly the
correspondent who went on at length about the “white majority DC council” and
the “racist white women” on the DC Council. I am not as familiar with Rev.
Wilson as I could be, and I am certain that he is responsible for many good works in his
congregation and the city. It would seem to me that the anger and racism expressed doesn't
do anything to elevate the dialogue but only increases the misunderstanding, suspicion and
animosity. I found much more convincing the remarks of people who made their points in
clear, less emotionally charged language. Wouldn't it be wonderful if 2000 was the
beginning of a change in the racial division of our city?
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Wilson and Asians
Bonnie Gantt, bonnie@wamu.org
Happy New Year to you and yours! From what I remember, Rev. Wilson began a
boycott against Asian vendors in his neighborhood along Good Hope Road based on the unfair
treatment of blacks by these vendors, and particularly one Asian vendor that had wronged a
black individual that happened to be spending money in his/her store. It happened years
ago and my memory is kind of fuzzy. I haven't asked around to find out exactly what
happened, but the racism situation started with this Asian vendor. This sort of treatment
by SOME Asians towards blacks (and especially black youth), is recognized as a problem
within the black community.
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Regarding UDC, and Marc Battle's comments in the last edition of themail:
I recall reading an article a year or two back that stated the UDC graduation rate at
approximately 20 percent. While I hope this figure is erroneous, it seems to point out
that the university has a fundamental problem with student retention and training. I'm
sure, as Marc Battle noted, that there are many UDC grads working and succeeding in many
disciplines — but figures like the one above point to the fact that the bulk of UDC
students get lost in the shuffle. It's extremely difficult to defend an institution that,
in its present form, graduates such a small proportion of each incoming class . . . reform
is definitely needed, and the sooner the better!
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As a successful UDC law school graduate, I am offended by the ignorant
comments expressed by some DC residents about the employability of UDC graduates and, by
extension, the quality of educational opportunities available at the District's public
university. Upon graduation, I received a prestigious two-year fellowship from the
National Association of Public Interest Law to work at the premier national advocacy
organization for mental health issues. Fellow law school graduates have worked as law
clerks for state and federal judges, public defenders, prosecutors and in a variety of
other highly competitive positions. I know of similarly successful graduates from UDC's
other programs. A close friend, for example, recently received a UN appointment overseas
to work on international economic development. I received my undergraduate degree from an
Ivy League school, so I am well acquainted with what we tend to assume is a quality
education. I can assure you that I received a far better education for my money at UDC.
Let me also express my disappointment at the rhetoric around the Mayor's appointment of
Rev. Wilson to the UDC Board of Trustees. Although I may not agree with everything
Jephunneh Lawrence wrote or how he said it, I certainly did not see any threats in his
message and question why his comments were framed in such an inflammatory manner. There
was definitely nothing more threatening in his message than the often vitriolic statements
made in this listing about the Mayor, police chief, or even about the new Metrobuses, for
that matter. The only difference I see is that Mr. Lawrence's comments strongly accuse
three white councilmembers of acting out of racism. If you find accusations of racism
against third parties “threatening,” perhaps you have some personal issues to
work out. People on this listing often speculate about the motivations of city officials
and others (including Rev Wilson) without having any firsthand knowledge of the situation.
I don't find Mr. Lawrence's speculations out of line and believe he is at least partly
correct when he blames racist attitudes. I have to wonder why people who do not support
UDC, may have even argued for its demise, and question the quality of its graduates care
about who might be appointed as a trustee. Perhaps if the criticism of Rev. Wilson's
appointment came from people who have actively supported the University and who personally
know of his work in the community, I would find them more credible. I would strongly
encourage those that form their opinions of DC institutions and people from reading the
Washington Post to get out more.
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What IS Ed Barron’s Thing About UDC, Anyway?
Clare Feinson, cfeinson@erols.com
I want to thank Marc Battle for his eloquent response to the latest small
minded comment by Ed Barron concerning UDC. At this point, Ed's attacks are so mindless
and commonplace that I usually just ignore them, but I was grateful to see Marc pick up
the sword and shield. I have worked at UDC for several years and I have been impressed
with the abilities and determination of many of the students there. The faculty includes
many excellent teachers who are highly devoted to their students, and the staff is
dedicated. I can also tell you, after attending Northwestern, Fordham, George Washington,
Johns Hopkins, and Georgetown Law that crummy facilities, less than competent faculty, too
much bureaucracy, and all the other complaints, are widespread problems throughout all our
universities.
I'd like to know what UDC ever did to Ed Barron to merit such relentless
attacks. Or is it just easy to kick a weakened institution when it's down? Of course, it
might have something to do with Ed's perception of the ethnic makeup of UDC, but . . . oh,
no, perish the thought.
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The Answer: Rev. Willie Wilson
Jeffrey Itell, story@intr.net
The Question: Four people ran for the District Council in Washington, D.C.
Sharon Ambrose, Kathy Patterson, Carol Schwartz, and Rev. Willie Wilson. Which one did not
prevail in a democratic election? Ambrose (twice), Patterson (twice), and Schwartz (twice)
convinced their constituencies to support their interests in the city's elective body.
Wilson has a breakaway parish. Who has more authority to speak for the city's residents?
In Jephunneh Lawrence's twisted and offensive diatribe, he (inevitably) resorts to a
comparison to Hitler. Parse his discourse and you'll find he's advocating the dictatorship
of demagoguery and ideology.
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If Wilson can give the Board a little backbone, the board might start with
insisting that the cost of remedial education be borne by the public school budget, not
UDC, so that UDC can be freed to provide a college education. OK, let the remedial classes
be held on campus, but ensure that the public schools pay the bill.
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Poverty and Regionalism Addressed in January
Edition of NARPAC, Inc. Web Site
Len Sullivan, lsnarpac@bellatlantic.net
The National Association to Restore Pride in America's Capital has revised
its web site (See “What's New?" at http://www.narpac.org)
with new headline summaries, new correspondence to key players, and updated statistical
references. David Rusk's new book, Inside Game, Outside Game is reviewed, and his
latest poverty data summarized, as well as his conclusions that urban poverty can only be
resolved through regional actions. A recent roundtable by the American Political Science
Assn. urging a new federal role in regionalism is also summarized.
NARPAC's forthcoming HATS OFF Award to John Hill is described. New
materials are provided on health care issues; DC's Dept. of Recreation and Parks; the
promise of “brownfield” reclamation; and new developmentsplanned at suburban
Metro stations. NARPAC's latest editorial view is entitled “Year Six in DC's
Revitalization” and identifies a dozen milestones that Mayor Williams should pass
this year on the way to establishing a truly first-class American capital city — and
metro area. Take a look, take a shot.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
A “Delicately Balanced Comic Drama”
David Sobelsohn, dsobelso@capaccess.org
Footlights — DC's only drama discussion group — meets monthly to
discuss plays from the modern theater. Membership is free. At our meeting Monday, January
24, we will discuss “Stop Kiss” (1998), a “delicately balanced comic
drama” (New York Times) by American playwright Diana Son. “Poignant,
funny, painful, [and] beautiful” (Variety), “Stop Kiss” alternates
scenes from the lighthearted beginnings of a tentative romance and from a vicious hate
crime's “sad, yet genuinely inspiring aftermath” (Newsday). Our
discussion takes place 7:30-9:30 p.m. (dinner at 6:30) at Luna Books, 1633 P St., NW, 3
blocks E of Dupont Circle. It will feature director Lee Mikeska Gardner, who also directed
last year's celebrated production of “Angels in America” at Signature Theater.
To make reservations for our discussion E-mail painews@bellatlantic.net
or call (202) 638-0444. For information about our trip to see “Stop Kiss” Sunday
January 30, or for general information about Footlights, visit our website at http://www.footlightsdc.org.
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Aging Parents, My Challenge
Sid Booth, SidBooth1@aol.com
My Aging Parents, My Challenge, a series of three Thursday night
discussions about adult children and aging parents, will be held at Temple Micah with Beth
Hess, LCSW-C, of the Jewish Social Service Agency's Family and Aging Department. These
sessions, on Thursdays at 7:45 p.m. January 6, 13, and 20, are free and open to the
public. To register or to obtain further information call the Temple Micah office:
202-342-9175. Temple Micah, a reform synagogue, is located at 2829 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.,
between Fulton and Garfield Streets, Washington, D.C.
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Help Us Celebrate Martin Luther King's Birthday by
Building a National Peace Sculpture
E. James Lieberman, ejl@gwis2.circ.gwu.edu
This sculpture will include violent toys donated by children from around
the country as part of The Lion & Lamb Project’s “10,000 Toys
Campaign.” Children will be invited to participate in art activities and write
messages for peace to be included in the sculpture. Monday, January 17, noon to 2 p.m. The
Capital Children's Museum, 800 3rd. Street NE. The message of the National Peace Sculpture
is simple: “Violence Is Not Child's Play. Since children learn through play, what do
we want them to learn?” This event is sponsored by The Lion & Lamb Project, The
Capital Children's Museum, and The Massachusetts College of Art, with thanks to Zany
Brainy.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EMPLOYMENT
D. C. Public Library Position Vacancy Announcement
Matthew Gilmore, mgilmore@clark.net
Announcement No. 00-11, Opening/Closing Date 12/30/99 - Open Until Filled,
(First interview date after 01/13/00). Position Title: File Clerk, Salary: $9.26 - $11.86,
(Part-time position, 20 hours per hour per week, DS-305-4). Area of Consideration:
Unlimited. Location:
Washingtoniana Division, Martin Luther King Memorial Library, 901 G Street, N. W. Hours:
As scheduled within the weekday hours, 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M., and on Saturdays as
assigned.
Qualifications: One year of general experience progressively responsible
clerical or office work and one year of specialized experience in a library (six months of
which must be at the DS-3 level) or a two year course of study in an educational
institution beyond the high school
level. Functions: Under the general supervision of the Chief, Washingtoniana Division, the
incumbent assists in the development and maintenance of the following collections within
the Division: vertical file, Washington Star photo file, and Washington Star clippings
file; filing new material and refiling material that has been pulled for patrons. Performs
other related duties as assigned. To apply: Submit SF-171 Form or D.C. Government
Employment Application Form to the Personnel Department, Room 423, Martin Luther King
Memorial Library, 901 G Street, N.W. Staff members submit PL-424. (Supervisors: submit
PL-82 (rev.) for those staff members who may be interested or eligible, but on leave until
the closing date.) Residency: Effective 3/16/89, the Residency Preference Amendment Act of
1988, D. C. Law 7-203, is in force.
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CLASSIFIEDS — MATERIAL GOODS
Looking to Buy, Borrow or Beg Queen Mattress
Lynne Mersfelder, Lynne.Mersfelder@noaa.gov
Moving shortly (still in DC!) and in need of an inexpensive queen size
mattress or futon in great condition (lightly worn/slightly used is fine) for 6 months or
longer. Call Don at 703-283-2580 or E-mail waldo1@erols.com.
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Computer Donation Sought
Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
DC LEARNs, the coalition of literacy organizations in the DC-area, is
looking to find a donated computer (486 or higher Windows or equivalent Mac) to give as a
grand prize for the upcoming annual writing competition for adult literacy students. The
prize is given at a large ceremony held at Martin Luther King Library. If you know of
someone with a computer they'd like to donate to a worthy cause, please have them contact
DC LEARNs president, Marcia Harrington (Mar-see-ah) at: dclearns@yahoo.com. You can learn more about DC
LEARNs at http://www.voxcap.com/anon/c1249/cover.dhtml.
Check out the QuickTime “slideshow” of previous award-winner Pamela Tuffour
reading her inspiring letter to Mother Theresa. (QuickTime files tend to be best viewed
with Netscape, in my experience.)
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CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS
Need a Great Babysitter?
Andrea Carlson, BintaGay@aol.com
My little one starts preschool next month, part-time, so her wonderful
sitter is available every Monday and Friday from around 9 to 2:30. Perfect for full-time
moms who crave a little time for themselves. E-mail me if you're interested.
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ISO Heavy Duty Plumber and Good Aquarium Store in
Metro Area
Christina Samuels, samuelsca@washpost.com
My mother needs some serious plumbing work done to her home in Northern
Virginia. It'll involve jackhammering through a concrete slab, digging down several inches
after that, fixing a broken pipe and then cleaning everything else. Does anyone have
recommendations for plumbers can handle this kind of work?
A friend sold me his 30 gallon aquarium and equipment for cheap. Now I'm
looking for help putting together a really nice aquarium. I don't want it to be a watery
grave for fish like I had when I was younger. Any recommendations? Please E-mail samuelsca@washpost.com or post a message to
themail.
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Piano Recommendation Wanted
Stuart Weiser, otter@clark.net
I am in the market for a piano, and would like to hear any experiences
readers have had with local dealers. I am also looking for a good technician that could
help me in my search as well as maintain my eventual purchase.
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U-Street Neighborhood E-mail List Info Sought
Phil Shapiro, pshapiro@his.com
A friend of mine is doing great community-development work with youth in
the U-Street neighborhood and is eager to find info about the existing U-Street
neighborhood E-mail list. If you have info on how to subscribe, please forward such to
Bruce O'Neal at: thulani@yahoo.com. A RealVideo “slideshow” interview with Bruce
can be found at http://www.homequest.net/mid-atlantic/dc/owmc/owmc.htm.
(He previously did outstanding youth-work with Ward 8 Net, in Anacostia.)
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