Struck by Lightning
Dear Lightning Bugs:
Congratulations to themail subscriber and contributor Paul Kelsey
Williams, who, along with a friend, was struck by lightning yesterday
(in Paul's case, struck by lightning for the second time). They were
airlifted to the hospital in critical condition, but released healthy,
well, and unharmed just a few hours later, and today are able to read
another issue.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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On Saturday, June 30, I attempted to take my car to the vehicle
inspection station on Half Street, SW. during its stated 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
hours. Unfortunately, they seemed to be taking an early holiday. When I
arrived at around 2 p.m., I found the gates locked and a sign stating
“June 30: Due to the excessive heat, the inspection station will be
open today from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., and reopen from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.”
I'd called the main DMV number (727-5000) before I left home. Despite
the fact that operators don't answer on Saturdays, the recording said
nothing about the inspection station closing. Odd, I thought, but OK. So
I returned at 3:30 to find six cars in line and the gates still locked.
We waited for about 20 minutes, the assorted drivers looking at each
other and scratching their heads. A few people tried knocking on the
door. Nothing. I came back at about 4:30 and found one employee with a
hose running from the building to one of the driveways, washing what I
assumed was his personal car. The sign explaining the closure was now
gone. The car-washing District employee said he didn't “know anything
about staying open. We never stay open late on Saturday.” Except to
use a public facility to wash your car, that is. Certainly not to
perform vehicle inspections.
I'm not sure why the inspection station should close when it's hot.
If there is some reason (any guesses?), reopening when the weather eases
seems reasonable. But to abandon the place when they said they'd reopen
is not (they've already cut back on the operating hours each day, so to
lose a whole Saturday, which I'd think is the busiest day of the week
—). I wasn't the only one who'd returned expecting the station to be
open. To return only to find a DC employee using the inspection station
as his personal garage only serves as a slap in the face. It seems the
more things change, the more they stay the same.
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The DCPS press briefing on June 22nd that announced the “Children
First Initiative” to “transform” nine low performing schools is
another bus ad gem. A 28-member “blue ribbon” panel was announced,
including 12 DCPS glitterati, 9 of whom hold sway from 825 North Capitol
St., NW, Washington, DC 20001. What? Well, Allen Ginsburg couldn't
levitate the Pentagon, but Dr. Vance's A Team succeeded in levitating
itself out of NE 20002. In addition to spell check and grammar check,
someone now has to install global positioning check on those unbridled
DCPS computers. Who else is on the list? Big names in education, some
good, some not; one parent; no teachers.
Here's how they're going to “transform” those nine schools:
“There will be prescribed academic improvements for each
transformation school. For example, all elementary schools will use the
American Choice school reform model.” 1) How does one “prescribe
academic improvements”? 2) “American Choice” is actually called
“America's Choice.” A prominent U. of Chicago school restructuring
specialist named Tony Bryk is mangled into "Tony Bright." 3)
What is “America's Choice”? Well, for starters, it's the reform
model that was employed by Kramer Middle School since 1996. What were
the results? In reading, the percentage of kids whose performance was
“proficient” went from 3% to 14% and 8%; the percentage in the
“advanced” category was a flat 0%. In math, the percentage in
"proficient" rose from 0% to 3% and back down to 1%. So, why
is the big “transformation” contract going to “America's
Choice”?
“America's Choice” is a spin-off of the National Center for
Education and the Economy (NCEE), based in the University of Pittsburgh.
They are the folks who had a contract to advice DCPS on the development
of standards — big money, slick brochures, etc. Oh, and DCPS has
another children slogan: “Children are the heart of our business.”
That's because they now have a “business plan.”
[All the materials distributed at the June 22 DCPS press conference
are available at http://www.dcwatch.com/schools.
— Gary Imhoff]
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There’s a Lesson to Be Learned Here
Ed T. Barron, edtb@aol.com
School Superintendent Vance has set a good example of how to fix
something that is broken in a system. He has singled out a finite and
doable number of the worst performing schools in the District and will
completely overhaul the teaching and administrative staff in those
schools. This should not be any surprise. The schools selected were put
on notice over a year ago and were provided considerable extra resources
to get themselves into shape. They failed and will now be restructured
with a whole new staff.
Mayor Williams should take good notice of this approach. It is a
measured approach based on data and on lack of performance. Vance has
chosen to attack the school system problems in measurable bites. He did
not wait for disaster to strike. He sought out the poorest performers
and gave them a chance to shape up. They did not and now they will be
replaced. It is criminal, though, that the poor performing teachers must
be kept and we will wind up paying these slugs while they languish
somewhere buried in the system.
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Toasting the Fourth of July in 1816
Mark David Richards, Dupont East, mark@bisconti.com
As reported on July 6, 1816, in the National Intelligencer:
Washington City — The Fourth of July [w]as celebrated in the City,
with less demonstrations of joy than usual, but with perhaps more
feeling. We had not so much parade as heretofore, but more contemplation
and real enjoyment. The Day was ushered in by salutes of artillery,
which were repeated at noon and at sunset. A numerous collection of
ladies and gentlemen attended to hear the reading of the Declaration of
Independence, by Mr. Radcliff, which he prefaced with appropriate
remarks, and the pronunciation of the Oration by Mr. Lear. High
commendations have been bestowed on both performances; but not higher,
it is believed, than they justly deserved. There were several dinner
parties in the City; of which the following notices have been
communicated for publication:— The City Dinner. At about four o’clock
a large party of gentlemen, assembled to celebrate the glorious festival
of the Anniversary of American Independence, sat down to an excellent
dinner at McKeowin’s Hotel. There were present among the company, Mr.
Secretary Monroe, Mr. Secretary Crawford, and many other of the
principal officers of government. James H. Blake, Esq. presided,
assisted by Col. Wm. Brent as Vice-President. The day was spent in
perfect harmony, and the following toasts were drank, accompanied with
songs, and announced by repeated discharges of artillery.
Thirty-three Toasts: [Note: The colonial custom of drinking toasts
allowed that any guest at these banquets had the social right to get up
and offer a toast, after which everyone drank their liquor. This must
have been one cheery crowd…]
1. The Day: Consecrated to the festivity and joy, as long as the
American bosom shall expand wit the love of liberty. 2. The
Constitution; which like the air we breathe, unfelt and unperceived,
pervades, cherishes and strengthens a powerful and growing nation; even
hallowed by the memory of the patriots who had the wisdom to form and
the purity to establish it. 3. The cardinal principles of democracy :
Right of suffrage freely and equally exercised and often repeated — a
well regulated confidence in public servants, and submission to the will
of the majority. 4. The Union of the United States : The vital source of
national independence, glory and happiness — the first breach lets in
the enemy. 5. Agriculture, manufactures and commerce : They will always
be cherished in a free country by national spirit, industry and
enterprise. 6. The memory of Washington: His name his best epitaph. 7.
Our beloved fellow-citizen Thomas Jefferson: May he long live in his
philosophic retirement, to enjoy the sweets of an approving conscience
and the plaudits of a grateful nation. 8. The President of the United
States: A ruler more respected for his merit, than his power, and
greater in the simple dignity of his virtues than the proudest monarch
on the throne. Our highest station is always for our best men. 9. The
public functionaries: Strong pillars of the American Order, supporting
with firmness the fair fabric of our republican institutions. 10. The
late war: Commenced in justice and terminated in victory. -- Americans
know their rights, and knowing dare maintain them. 11. The memory of
these Heroes who fought and bled for our Country: The tears of national
gratitude shall ever bedew their graves. 12. The Army — Extensive as
are our boundaries, its brilliant achievements have convinced the world
that we have no territory to spare. 13. The Navy: its exploits are
beyond example, — its flag was never lowered to an equal force. 14.
The Militia: Our Country’s shield when wielded by a patriot arm and
directed by a sound head. 15. Public Education: The firm basis of the
temple of liberty -- the diffusion of knowledge is the surest safeguard
of our political blessings. 16. Canals, roads and bridges: The arteries,
veins and ribs of the political body. 17. The American Tar: Too stubborn
to submit to any stripes but those of his flag, or even to be pressed
but by the arms of the fair. 18. The revival of our Capital: Its domes,
its sanctuaries, and its temples are rising in strength and beauty above
the reach of ruffian torches. 19. The American fair: Unexampled as
wives, mothers, sisters and daughters — May their children and their
children’s children ever belie the assertion that mankind degenerate
in this new world.
These 19 toasts were followed by 14 additional Volunteer Toasts,
including one by the Orator of the Day: The city of Washington: While it
bears his name, may it cherish his sentiments and revere his virtues;
and one by the Vice President of the Day: The Orator of the Day; pure in
his principles and eloquent in his country’s cause; and two to The
Patriots of South America: We cannot but sympathise with those who are
struggling for the principles which this day we celebrate. May they
build their temple of liberty with American materials. After the fourth
toast, the company were gratified by the recitation of an Ode by Mr.
Seaver, titled “An Irregular Ode.” There was also a similar dinner
at Heronimus’s with 28 toasts — some standing, some sitting, and
after some shouts of “Three cheers.” After 18 toasts, 10 additional
volunteer toasts were offered, including: The City of Washington — May
it do honor to the name of its founder.
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Regarding Landlord Math
Judi Kahn, jmkahn@aol.com
I believe Mr. Vordran has his own problems in math. First of all, not
all mortgages are fixed. Secondly, he has forgotten about property
taxes, which in many neighborhoods have gone up 50-100 percent.
Landlords are not in business to lose money and, if their costs go up,
so do the rents.
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Funny Math? Money is Money
Taylor Simmons, TTSimmons@aol.com
Sorry, Mr. Vorndran, but wake up. It's not funny math — money is
money, regardless of necessity. If the market will bear higher rents
this year than last, then expect landlords to raise rents.
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Our Imaginary Villages
Mark David Richards, 17th Street Strip, mark@bisconti.com
A reader of themail send me a note about the “Metropolis View”
neighborhood — it is not (yet) on the list of over 120 D.C.
neighborhoods I posted in themail (compiled from an old Comprehensive
Plan map, circulated, and updated). She said that when she bought her
house, it was listed as a Brookland area listing, but at a civic
association meeting she was informed she lives in Metropolis View. She
said her neighborhood is nearby some hilly sections with fantastic views
of downtown Washington and other neighborhoods' treetops. She thinks the
McKinley Technical High and Langley Junior High Schools (now closed)
have the best views in Metropolis View. Anybody know anything about
Metropolis View? Are there other neighborhoods that didn’t make my
list? Neighborhoods are curious things — people know where they live,
call it a name, but it would be pretty hard to get them to agree on the
boundaries! If anyone thinks redistricting is difficult, try mapping
neighborhoods!
[The neighborhood list is posted at http://www.dcwatch.com/richards/0106e.htm.
— Gary Imhoff]
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T-Shirts for Democracy
Thelma Brown, Tbrowndc@aol.com
I recently traveled home from Acapulco through Dallas-Fort Worth on
to BWI airport dressed in none other than my Taxation Without
Representation T-shirt. It was a great opportunity to spread the word.
From Acapulco to BWI, I drew the attention of many an American as they
read my shirt, and some stopped to ask questions. Of course I encouraged
all who would listen to contact their Congressman. I do not miss an
opportunity, especially when going to an airport, to sport my T-shirt.
It is a great advertising mechanism. My next move is to send bumper
stickers to friends and relatives throughout the US of A. If we don't
get the word out then who will?
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Wasting Time in the Enclave
Timothy Cooper, worldright@aol.com
Ed T. Barron's statement that the pursuit of equal constitutional
rights by Mayor Williams (and by implication, any one else, for that
matter) is a “colossal waste of time” represents something of an
uncommon attitude by a Washingtonian and deserves further illumination.
While Mr. Barron appears to have made up his mind on the manner, I
would simply ask that he provide the readers of themail with one example
of a federal enclave located anywhere in the world that presently
subjects its population to the indignity of disenfranchisement. If he
cannot identify such a capital, then I would very much appreciate his
thoughtful explanation as to why Washingtonians should remain silent
while they alone stand voteless.
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Negotiating Away the Commuter Tax
Michael Bindner, Mbindnerdc@aol.com
Ed Barron asks that the Mayor negotiate away voting rights in
exchange for the right to tax commuters. Ed is being funny. A main
reason we don't have voting rights or statehood is that we would use
either to end the commuter tax prohibition. The State of Maryland and
the Commonwealth of Virginia are not economically viable without the
revenue misdirected from the District. If there were a commuter tax with
a check off on state income taxes there would be a revenue shortfall in
both states which would force either a cut in services or an increase in
taxes (depending upon the ideology of the state government). I put to
you that if we solve the commuter tax problem, say with a regional
income tax for schools and social services, statehood is not far behind.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS AND MEETINGS
DC Preservation League Members
Farleigh Earhart, farleigh@erols.com
On Saturday, July 14, at 9 a.m., a guided walking tour of F and 7th
Streets, NW, will be held by the DC Preservation League, departing from
the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro, 9th Street exit. $10 for members, $15
for nonmembers. Reservations recommended: 955-5616. The tour will
explore the rapidly changing face of historic downtown and the League's
efforts to preserve the remnant's of Washington's 19th century
commercial core.
On Saturday, August 11, at 9 a.m., a guided walking tour of H Street,
NE, will depart from the northwest corner of 4th and H Streets, NE. $10
for members, $15 for nonmembers. The tour will explore the history and
potential for redevelopment of this once-thriving commercial core,
scarred by the 1968 riots. Reservations for both tours are recommended:
955-5616.
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The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority invites the
citizens of D.C. to attend a public meeting to discuss the $1.05 billion
Long Term Control Plan to clean up the Potomac River, Rock Creek, and
the Anacostia waterways. The Authority is seeking public comment on the
proposed plan. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at
6:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, First
Floor Training Room located at 777 North Capitol Street, NE. For more
information about this meeting, please contact Dr. Mohsin Siddique at
787-2634.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HOUSING
Conservationists: Live in Nature While You
Work to Save It
Mary Vogel, maryvogel@yahoo.com
Conservationists wanted to share 3BR, 2BA colonial style home in
close-in Cheverly, Maryland. Prefer vegetarians. Heavily wooded backyard
of big native shade trees, two blocks to large nature park with trails.
Clean, quiet neighborhood, filled with stately trees. One mile (lovely
walk or bike ride) from Metro (Orange Line). Quick access to I-295, BWI
Parkway, Rt. 50; 10-15 minutes to downtown DC via car (non-rush hour).
Large bedroom plus basement storage. Huge screened porch. Hardwood
floors and beautiful woodwork throughout. CAC, W/D, DW, FP.
Rent is $475 plus one-third utilities. Available July 1. Preference
given to those willing to help remove English Ivy from nearby trees, to
compost vegetable wastes in turn-style composter and to reuse and
recycle resources. Sorry, no pets! Contact Mary, 489-3031.
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CLASSIFIEDS — FOR SALE
1940's sofa and two chairs — matched set. Sofa and one chair are
burgundy, other chair is same pattern in blue. Good condition. $500.
Phone 686-1833 after 6 in evenings.
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CLASSIFIEDS — CAUSES
The Coalition to Repair and Reopen Klingle Road continues to gain
support from the City's Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs),
neighbors, and businesses. Please visit our recently updated site
containing new information at http://www.repairklingleroad.org.
The Coalition to Repair and Reopen Klingle Road, a grassroots
organization of residents and businesses in Mount Pleasant, Crestwood,
Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, 16th Street Heights, Palisades, Foxhall,
Cleveland Park, Woodley Park, and Shepherd Park, among others, urges the
Mayor to repair and reopen Klingle Road without delay. Our experience in
meeting with neighbors and business owners and collecting thousands of
signatures shows that the strong support for repairing and reopening
Klingle Road continues to grow.
A short section of Klingle Road remains in disrepair (approx. 0.45
miles between Woodley Avenue and Porter Street in Northwest D.C.). The
section temporarily was restricted against motor vehicle traffic in 1991
because a small portion of the road washed out in a storm. While we wait
for the City to fix our road as promised, the road surface becomes
increasingly impassible and more expensive to repair due to drainage
problems and continued neglect. It is time now to restore Klingle Road
to its historic function of efficiently and effectively transporting
citizens and goods across the City. We are endorsed and supported by the
Washington Post, Councilmembers Graham, Fenty and Cropp; the ANC
Assembly; the individual ANCs of Mount Pleasant (since 1994), Crestwood,
16th Street Heights, Rock Creek East, Adams Morgan, Shepherd Park, and
Columbia Heights; the Mount Pleasant Neighborhood Alliance, the Mount
Pleasant Business Association, and the Foxhall Community Citizens
Association; as well as many individual businesses including D.C.'s own
famous Ben's Chili Bowl. We have given out hundreds of “Repair Klingle
Road” bumper stickers for your trash receptacles, recycling bins,
bikes, scooters, and even your car. Stickers are still available by
E-mailing repairklingleroad@yahoo.com.
Call 727-1000, give the Mayor a jingle and tell him: “Reopen Klingle!”
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CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS
Health Insurance
Joan Eisenstodt, jeisen@aol.com
If there are others on the list who are self-employed and purchase
their own health insurance, are happy with it, and would like to
recommend a good plan (non-HMO preferred), please E-mail me at jeisen@aol.com.
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