Going to the Dogs
Dear Dog Lovers:
I don't normally tout events, but for dog lovers two annual must-see dog shows are
coming up. The largest all-breed dog show in the region, the Old Dominion Kennel Club dog
show, is being held this Saturday, April 21, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Morven Park, US
Rt. 15 at Tutt Lane, Leesburg, Virginia. For more information and directions, see
http://members.aol.com/kblairh/odkc.html. If you think you've seen everything in the dog
world, you haven't. The next week, the American Rare Breed Association will hold its
annual show of breeds too small or too new to be recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The rare breed show will be Saturday, April 28, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., downtown on the
Mall at 3rd Street, NW. Go to one or both; you'll thank me.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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As a third generation graduate of UDC (my grandmother from Minor's Teacher's College
and my father from UDC), I must say a few words in defense of the University. At present
there are remedial courses at almost every major (and minor) university in the United
States. Many young adults arrive at college not prepared for the course work necessary to
graduate. I too needed remedial work in math (my weakest subject) prior to continuing in
college level courses. I graduated from a Catholic high school in Montgomery County,
however; I did have advanced placement biology and physics prior to graduating. I did
graduate from UDC's Nursing program cum laude.
I graduated in the BSN program just one year before this four year program was cut due
to the same issues that were raised in themail. At the time I was searching for a nursing
program, UDC had the best passing rate in the area (97 percent passing the Nursing Boards
versus 85 percent at Howard and 83 percent at Georgetown). UDC also had the only four-year
program for mortuary science before it was closed due to funding cuts. The veterinary
program and the four-year respiratory therapy program was also closed due to funding
issues.
UDC has spent the last several years streamlining their programs to reflect the needs
of the community and businesses. Why should they continue to dumb down their programs to
meet the needs of those children who graduate from DC Public Schools? Maybe it is time for
DC Public Schools to raise the bar for those who receive a diploma! I am a proud graduate
of UDC's BSN program, some of the most trained nurses come from that program. Our
graduates don't need remedial training when hired (ex Howard, Georgetown) . . . we hit the
ground running.
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A Big Mistake
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com
A small group of misguided folks, some time ago, had the old Hechingers building, in
Tenleytown, awarded a historical preservation status. That was a big mistake. We are now
saddled with a blight on the horizon that cannot be removed. The site is likely to remain
so for a very long time, or until it becomes so bad that it falls down. It is mostly
unusable in its present configuration to those who would take it over. Home Depot realized
the folly of trying to accommodate their store on a site that was hysterically preserved
and they may open a full sized store in NE D.C. (where is that)?
Wisconsin Avenue in the Tenleytown area could become very attractive with the addition
of street level stores and establishments similar to those that ring the Cleveland Park
and Woodley Park Metro stations on Connecticut Avenue. A nice four story apartment
building with street level stores in place of that ugly derelict that is on the corner of
Albemarle and Wisconsin would be a welcome change. It is time to remove the historical
designation of that mess.
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Two Cents on the Tip Controversy
Andrea Carlson, BintaGay@aol.com
This one's a cinch. A tip is something that is proffered voluntarily as a gesture of
thanks for good service. A bribe is something demanded as payment for a service that
should be offered free of charge. It's bad manners to ask for a gift, just like our
mothers taught us. And like our children have taught us, when we reward bad behavior, we
reinforce it and should expect to see it repeated (and get worse).
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West Nile Virus Mass Hysteria
Wendy Blair, wblair@npr.org
Mosquitoes will always be with us. It's easier for us to stay away from them, than to
try to wipe them out. Let's not overreact, the way Boston and New York City have,
expensively spraying large parts of their cities with deadly insecticides causing huge and
long-lasting environmental harm.
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For those interested in West Nile virus and mosquitoes, there is a good article in the
May issue of Yankee Magazine. Their web site (http://www.newengland.com/yankee) describes it
thusly: “'The War on Mosquitoes' by Nathaniel Reade — Last year's appearance of
the West Nile virus awoke New Englanders to a deadly reality. Now it's up to people like
entomologist Wayne Andrews to figure out what to do about it.” (I think the web site
incorrectly identifies the article as being in the upcoming “April” issue.)
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D.C.: Only 42nd of the Worst Fifty Cities
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com
Insurance statistics show that D.C. ranks 42nd out of fifty U.S. cities in terms of car
theft rate. In terms of the actual numbers of cars stolen in that list of fifty with the
worst car theft rates last year, the District ranks fifth behind only Chicago, Detroit,
Phoenix and Atlanta. It is probable that far more cars were stolen last year in NY City,
but the theft rate (which factors in the city population) was out of the top fifty.
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Having read of the other stories on Verizon and late refunds, let me add my tale, as it
seems we have a pattern here. Last August I lost my Verizon purchased cell phone. I called
the company and asked what my options were. Having used their service for over a year, I
had supposed they may have given me some offer on the purchase of a new phone to keep my
business. No such deal. Given I had no advantage as to staying with them, I surveyed the
market for the best deal and went with another vendor (two months later, the telephone
solicitations came from Verizon offers all sorts of deals, but I already had a contract by
then).
When I called to cancel my service, they strongly suggested I suspend it, in case the
phone was found and I wanted to continue the old telephone number (a service they did not
otherwise offer). I was informed that if I did not call back within 30 days of suspension,
my service would be terminated. I went along with their suggestion.
However, with my last billing I had a $60 credit. Several months passed from the date
of the supposed "termination" and no refund. I placed a call and was informed by
account was still “suspended” and not terminated contrary to earlier claims. I
asked then to terminate it as I had a new account and for the refund check to be issued.
No action. Second call, same story. Third call, the refund check order had been sent to
processing and I would receive it in 3 -7 weeks. Fourth call, same story, the check was in
the mail. Fifth call, (last week) the termination request was only made at the time of my
fourth call and the check was still 3 - 7 weeks away. This is 8 months after the fact.
While I am not holding by my nails for a $60 refund check, I find it outrageous that with
so much time and so many requests, Verizon could not handle this request.
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Thanks for the pop culture history lesson giving the context for “Spring Can
Really Hang You Up the Most.”
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So what was the name of the trumpet player who played with only a piano in a small club
in Gaslight Square and had so much control that he never used a mute? I was living on lake
avenue, and dated a woman who lived near the square. one night a tornado came through and
she woke up to find one whole wall gone.
[I wish I did know about the trumpet player — he sounds good. Can any jazz
aficionados out there identify him from that description? — Gary Imhoff]
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I was intrigued by Ed Barron's suggestion that we need term limits on our elected
Councilmembers so that the elected mayor's privatized health care plan for the poor (which
I fully support) can be enacted. I don't know why he thinks a new set of Councilmembers
would be any different than the current ones, given the current local rules of the game.
The problem looks different from my semidetached vantage point. To make democracy work
better in DC, I would focus on achieving more balanced middle-of-the-road representation,
less susceptible to capture by local special interests of any persuasion. At this
once-a-decade time for redistricting, the Council balance should be shifted from those
representing single-ward interests toward those elected citywide to focus on broader
citywide interests. Either reduce the wards from eight to four (as has been done on the
new hybrid School Board) or increase the number of at-large seats from four to eight.
To further avoid electing spokesmen of highly organized but small special interest
groups and demagogue-followers, primary run-offs should be required for all candidates;
election financing rules should be tightened; outside pay of elected members should be
limited; and redistricting should be based on voting-age adults to avoid giving extra
voting weight to kids' parents (if that's legal!). "Faith-based leaders" should
declare themselves as political lobbyists if they abuse their pulpits; voter registration
rolls should be cleansed of those who have already voted with their feet; and
participation should be stimulated from DC's unusually small, middle class, private
sector-employed, home-owning taxpayers who comprise the solid majority in most parts of
our American democracy. A modest property tax break for residents who vote might be
appropriate. If after all that, a new DC Council majority still insists on public sector
management of DC's public health care, then, by George, we ought to do it.
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This is to advise that the April, 2001 on-line edition has been uploaded and may be
accessed at http://www.intowner.com. Included are the community news stories, crime
reports, editorials (including prior months' archived), restaurant reviews (prior months'
also archived), and the text from the ever-popular “Scenes from the Past”
feature. Also included are all current classified ads. The complete issue (along with
prior issues back to January 2001) also is available in .pdf file format, and may be
downloaded directly from our home page at no charge by clicking the link provided.
The next issue will publish on May 11, and the website will be updated shortly
thereafter.. To read the lead stories, simply click the link on the home page to the
following headlines: Phillips Collection Expansion Controversy Continues; Board of Zoning
Adjustment Sets Add'l. Hearing, May 22; U Street Projects on Fast Track; Numerous Sites
Being Developed; New Business Blends Technology, Entertainment; Adds to U St.
“Buzz”; Kitchen K: A Design “Eye-Opener” Comes to U Street; Columbia
Heights Home Tour Set for April 29.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
The April 17 Washington Post headline reads “'American Buffalo': Heads or
Tails, a Winner" (http://www.washingtonpost.com).
Some excerpts from the review: “magnificent,” “a thing of beauty,”
“explosive and funny,” “succulent, ripe with power and/or laughs, never
short on attitude.” To join Footlights, the modern drama discussion group, at this
Sunday's 3 p.m. performance at the Source Theater, 1835 14th Street, NW, call Robin Larkin
today (301-897-9314). Tickets are only $18 (regular price $25) and include a post-show
discussion.
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Listen to WMAL on Saturdays starting April 21 between 6:45 and 7:00 a.m., or, for you
late-risers, between 12:45 and 1:00 p.m. The Fairfax County Public Library is partnering
with WMAL to produce “Data Bits,” minute-long reading promotions that will
highlight local or national phenomena and tie them to suggested books on those topics. The
suggested reading lists will appear on both http://www.wmal.com
and http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/library
each week. Let us know how you like them.
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CHIME Brings Opera to Mt. Pleasant Library
Dorothy Marschak, dmarschak@chime-dc.org
Washington Opera docent Betty Byrne will be giving a free multi-media presentation,
with costumes, on “What is Opera?” this coming Saturday, April 21, from 2-3 p.m.
at Mt. Pleasant Library. Suitable for all ages, this is the fourth program of the year in
CHIME's monthly “Music Around the World” series at Mount Pleasant Library, and
an opportunity not to be missed! Please also put on your calendars our next program on May
19: a program on Armenian history, culture and music, presented by Armenian professional
violinist Christine Kharazian, For more information about these programs, or about CHIME
(Community Help in Music Education), please contact Dorothy Marschak at 232-2731 or dmarschak@chime-dc.org.
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The Friends of the Tenley-Friendship Library and the Janney Elementary School PTA are
hosting a giant used book sale Saturday, April 28 from 10-5 and Sunday, April 29 from
11-4. We have thousands of titles in many categories. The Sale will be held at the former
Sears/Hechinger Building at 4300 Wisconsin Avenue, adjacent to the Tenley-AU Metro (on the
Red Line). A special preview sale will be held on Saturday from 9-10 a.m. for Members of
the Friends of the Tenley-Friendship Library. Memberships may be purchased or renewed at
the door. Also, on Saturday only, Janney Outdoors will host a plant sale at the same
location.
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Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3C
Cliff Rohde, rohdec@onebox.com
Notice and draft agenda of regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 23, 7:30 p.m.,
Second District Police Station, 3320 Idaho Avenue, NW (Community Room, First Floor).
Meeting will begin promptly. There will be no preceding PSA.. Community forum on National
Cathedral Tour Bus Parking Issue. Commission business, ABC Licenses for the Flat Top
Grill, 3714 Macomb (request for sidewalk service); Cairo, Inc., 2614 Connecticut Avenue
(request to expand hours); and R and J, Inc. T/A Sherry's, 2600 Connecticut Avenue
(renewal).
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Trash Force Earth Day Cleanup
Paul Nahay, pnahay@sprynet.com
Trash Force's next outing will be this Saturday, April 21. We'll be joining a large
cleanup effort sponsored by Capital Action. We'll meet at 9:45 a.m. at Twining Square,
27th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (i.e., on the SE side of the Anacostia River),
across from the 6th District Police Station. Cleanup will go until 2:00. Snacks and drinks
will be provided, and there will probably be some media coverage. Directions, link to map,
and more info is at: http://pnahay.home.sprynet.com/tforce.htm#Apr21. Please let me know
if you'll be there, and don't forget to bring lots of plastic bags (at least ten), and
gloves (if you want them). Long pants and shirts are recommended, too.
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Earth Day 2001, Klingle Valley (Corrected Directions)
Beth Daley, beth@pogo.org
Please join the Sierra Club and others as we celebrate Earth Day in Klingle Valley,
April 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring music, face painting, snacks and refreshments,
exhibits and lots of socializing with Washington, DC's environmental community. Bring your
own picnic lunch, gloves for trash pickup, Frisbees, pets, chairs. Schedule: 10-12:00
trash pickup in Klingle Creek, 12:00 brief remarks by dignitaries, 12:30 salsa music by
Mariachi Cuscatlan, 2:00 guided nature hike. About Klingle Valley: a beautiful, wooded
area adjacent to Rock Creek Park that had been threatened by recent proposals to rebuild
an abandoned road located in its creek bed. Sierra Club and local citizens have organized
to preserve the Valley from destruction. Klingle Valley is located in between Cleveland
Park and Mt. Pleasant. There are two entrances to the Valley located along the closed
portion of Klingle Road — one that is easily accessible by public transport and one
easily accessible by car.
By public transportation from the Cleveland Park Metro, walk north on Connecticut
Avenue. At the first stoplight, turn right on to Porter Street. At the bottom of the hill
you will see barricades to Klingle off to the right (south) side of the bridge. H2 and H4
buses all make stops along Porter accessible to Klingle. By car: the other entrance is
located on Klingle Road west of its intersection with 31st Street in Cleveland Park. From
Connecticut Avenue, travel west on Cathedral to 32nd. Turn right on 32nd. The first
intersection is Klingle Road, turn right again. Find parking and walk down.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING
Seeking Dupont/West End/Foggy Bottom Sublet
Al Saperstein, a_saperstein@wayne.edu
I teach Physics and Peace and Conflict Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit,
and will be working for a year with the Union of Concerned Scientists. I'm looking for a
sublet or a place in a group house for 4-5 weeks between May 7-June 8, preferably within
walking distance of UCS at 1707 H Street, NW, and near Metro. I will also be needing
housing from September 2000-June 2001. I prefer an efficiency or one-bedroom apartment
sublet, or possibly a private room with shared kitchen-bath privileges. Please reply to a_saperstein@wayne.edu.
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CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS
In search of painter and sub-contractor. I am looking for referrals for an interior
painter and someone to construct some built-in shelves. I would be grateful for any
recommendations.
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CLASSIFIEDS — CITY PAPER PREVIEW
Dave Nuttycombe, webmeister@washcp.com
From washingtoncitypaper.com's LOOSE LIPS column, appearing this Friday:
A QUESTION OF AUTHENTICITY: When the D.C. Council and its Committee on Human Services
decided last week to prop up the antiquated, deficit-ridden D.C. General Hospital, they
declared that they were defending and protecting the poor. But the lawmakers' actions had
about as much to do with the city's indigent and uninsured as Alcatel's ads have to do
with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream. Like Alcatel, councilmembers who oppose the
redesign and phasing out of the city's public hospital are supremely interested in
establishing and maintaining the appearance of authenticity, which is defined and earned
by a dedication to “the community” and to all things from “the 'hood”
or connected to what some call “roots.”
In other words, the D.C. General debate is another round in the District's most pernicious
game: Who is black, or liberal, enough?
Read the entire Loose Lips column here: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/lips/lips.html
From washingtoncitypaper.com's CITY LIGHTS page, here are a few early warnings for
upcoming events:
WEDNESDAY: Twilight Azalea tour, at 5 p.m. at the U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York
Ave. NE. $7.
THURSDAY: Simon Garfield discusses his book Mauve: How One Man Invented a Color That
Changed the World at 7 p.m. at Olsson's Books & Records, 1200 F St. NW. Free.
More details and more critics' picks are available online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/pix/pix.html
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