Educational Television
Dear Viewers:
It's midnight, and I'm looking for something to watch on television.
One station is showing a 1996 movie, “Killer Tongue,” whose plot
description is, “Accidentally ingesting a meteorite part causes a
serpentine, man-eating tongue to grow out of a woman's mouth.” An
educational station, Discovery Health to be exact, is showing an episode
of the series, “Extreme Body Parts.” The extreme body part featured
in this episode is the head, and the description of the episode is,
“Human head transplants are medically possible.” There's a moral in
there somewhere, but I'm too confused to draw it.
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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Winners and Losers, Trends and Issues in 2001, Part 2 of 3
Dorothy Brizill, dorothy@dcwatch.com
Council matters. Praise first: when Kathy Patterson was selected to
chair the Judiciary Committee, questions were raised about whether she
was up to the job. She wasn't an attorney, which bothered attorneys, and
she came from relatively crime-free Ward 3. But Patterson showed, as she
had shown before, that she and her staff were quick studies. In recent
months, the Committee's oversight hearings on the District's public
safely sector, especially the police and fire departments, have been
especially important and effective.
As Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, Harold Brazil has
shown that he's no Charlene Drew Jarvis. Jarvis championed special
interests -- large businesses, grandiose projects, and community
development corporations -- over residents' interests, but she did so
successfully because of her preparation and command of the subject,
which made her a powerful chair. Brazil doesn't do Jarvis's preparation,
lacks her detailed knowledge, and suffers from poor staffing. The most
recent example of the Committee's disarray was the Council's debate over
housing reform legislation, which was led by Evans, Catania, and Graham,
not by Brazil. By the way, on January 1, Jarvis became the Chairman of
the Board of the DC Chamber of Commerce. In that position, she has a new
powerful platform from which to be a major player in economic
development issues again. Kevin Chavous's failure to devote time and
attention to his Council duties resulted again last year in poor
oversight by his Committee on Education, Libraries, and Recreation. When
Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi announced in August that DCPS
would end FY 2001 with an $80 million deficit, Chavous was surprised. He
tried briefly to side with DCPS's Board President Peggy Cooper Cafritz
to suggest that the deficit was a fiction, and that the schools had a
surplus instead. He seconded Cafritz's call for the removal of DCPS's
new CFO, Bert Molina, who had offended Cafritz and Chavous by
discovering the cooked books and uncovering the deficit after just a few
weeks on the job. Soon, an independent audit by KPMG, part of the city's
yearly Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, will confirm the deficit
and show that it exceeds the original estimate substantially. Chavous's
failure to keep on top of the school budget in the first place, and his
anger at the exposure of the deficit, confirms the opinion of many of
his Ward 7 constituents.
Diane Williams. When Tony Williams was elected Mayor in 1998, we were
told that Diane Williams, his wife, would not be a traditional first
lady. Little did we know that she wouldn't act as a first lady at all.
She never attends community events or meetings and has not chosen a
public issue, traditional or untraditional (public education, literacy,
women's health, etc.), on which to focus her efforts and attention. Her
rare public appearances with Mayor Williams are confined to embassy
parties, events at the Kennedy Center and the White House, and gala
bashes and big-dollar fundraisers in Wards 2 and 3. Critics of Mrs.
Williams whisper that her absences are due to an undisclosed
“health” problem; her friends defend her by saying that she is just
a reluctant first lady who never wanted her husband to run for Mayor.
Press coverage. In 2002, a new face will come and an old face will
return to covering the District. Greg Timberg, currently a reporter in
the Washington Post's Richmond bureau, will cover the Mayor and
the District government. He becomes the fourth reporter on the Williams
beat in the past three years, succeeding Michael Cottman, Robert Pierre,
and Serge Kovaleski. Eric Wemple also returns to the Washington City
Paper as its editor, succeeding Howard Witt, who was ousted this
fall. Wemple was previously the City Paper's Loose Lips
columnist. Next: anthrax, the Control Board, and DC election races in
2002.
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A Signal Accomplishment
Mark Eckenwiler, eck@ingot.org
File under “incremental improvements at DDOT”: there is now a
24x7-staffed hotline for reporting traffic signal problems (including
pedestrian signals), 671-1486. They seem to take citizen reports
seriously: I've seen most repairs made within 24-48 hours, even on
weekends and holidays. Shameless plug: this and other frequently updated
DC municipal service numbers can be found at http://www.stantonpark.net
(or, if you insist, http://www.panix.com/~eck/dcphones).
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I have wonderful news about Bancroft Elementary to start off the New
Year! The PTA at Bancroft Elementary School has received a grant from
their local ANC for the Tulip Garden. This Tulip Garden of 150 Red
Emperor Tulips has truly been a school, community and educational
Internet project. A Bancroft neighbor is the community contact for
gardening expertise and community volunteers. The Enchanted Garden
landscape designers of Mount Pleasant contributed their work and effort
-- designing two possible gardens and preparing the soil for planting.
After planning where and how to plant the tulips, the Bancroft fifth
graders helped the 1st and 2nd graders plant the tulips. This garden is
part of the Journey North educational Internet project that will track
the migration of Spring across the USA. The ANC grant will be used for
the purchase of plants, materials for the soil, and curriculum materials
on gardening. And all the students, teachers and volunteers involved
have had great fun!
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Anne Heutte informed me that she is a resident of Brookland of long
standing and therefore, I conclude, her taste in public art is beyond
reproach (at least from a fellow and much less established resident of
Northeast).
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A Disturbing Account
Larry Lesser, LBLesser@aol.com
I've got to say that Dorothy Brizill's chilling account of the total
absence of planning or leadership by the mayor and local government in
response to the terrorist acts of airplane bombs and anthrax is very
disturbing. We'd better start doing something about it. But what?
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Post-Attack Ineptitude, or Duh!
Rob Fleming, rflemin@mindspring.com
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration gave DC
$970,000 for post-attack substance abuse prevention and treatment. I
have yet to find out how it is being spent. There was additional money
for mental health services. Then there was another round in which DC got
$800,000 for substance abuse and mental health. SAMHSA's press release
said of the latter grant: “These awards give the states flexibility to
use the funds for substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment and
mental health service, training and planning needs that are not being
met. States are being requested to focus and prioritize the use of the
funds on meeting the special needs of children and adolescents.”
Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut,
Rhode Island, and Massachusetts also got funding.
We know that substance abuse and mental health problems (and spousal
abuse) went up in Oklahoma City after the bombing there, and we know
that alcohol consumption and antidepressant drug prescriptions are up in
New York and that alcohol consumption is up in DC, so these grants were
probably needed, but what is DC doing with the money? We also know that
the shelters and soup kitchens are seeing more business than ever as the
second-order effects of September 11 result in job loss and
homelessness. I went looking for hypothermia cases on December 30th with
two staffers from Neighbors' Consejo. They said that the La Casa shelter
was full by 6:30 and the overflow shelter at Meridian Hill was full by
7:30. Reeves Center is not available as a warming center this year. The
official reason is security concerns (Emergency Preparedness is in the
building), but that was true last year. The unofficial reason is that
the restaurant in Reeves doesn't want Those People around. We found lots
of people still on the street at 9:30, especially around Dupont Circle
where the panhandling is good.
You will remember, I'm sure, that the Council held a hearing on
November 14th on hypothermia prevention. The city had just released its
hypothermia plan (riddled with typos), that called for aggressive use of
the involuntary commitment laws to get mentally-ill people into St. E's
and intoxicated persons into Detox. Dr. Scurry from APRA showed up late
and said that the Detox was pretty much full all the time, even before
the admissions to be expected under the hypothermia plan. The Director
of Human Services said, “we just assumed the resources would be
there” at the Detox. Since most of the homeless are substance abusers
and/or mentally ill, maybe we should spend the money on expanding Detox
and emergency shelter capacity.
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One Thing That Didn't Change in 2001
Amy Slemmer, aslemmer@dcvote.org
Happy New Year! While lots of end-of-the-year commentary focused on
how much changed in this country during 2001, we at DC Vote bemoaned
what hasn't changed — 572,000 local residents lack voting
representation in Congress. I am grateful to all of you who got involved
with DC Vote last year. With your help, we initiated new programs
(Neighborhood Outreach, DC Voting Rights 101, Speakers Bureau, Campus
Chapters) launched committees (Education and Outreach, Development,
Public Policy and Communications), and conducted a series of successful
special events — Bonfire of the 1040s, DC Freedom Summer, National
Make a Difference Day. We also inaugurated an annual fundraising event
at which we highlighted the work of a handful of local Champions of
Democracy. It was a good year in which we were able to make incremental
advances toward ending “Taxation Without Representation” and lay the
groundwork for major advancements in 2002.
We have aggressive plans this year to move our campaign along. We
will conduct a series of special events from a big Tax Day Protest
(Monday, April 15), to a summer bus tour to a Congressional Education
Day/Senate Committee hearing, a July 4th Independence Day March through
all 8 wards of the city to a vocal/visible presence in the November
elections. Some of these will be DC Vote events, and others will be lead
by some of our coalition partners. The level of dedication and
creativity in our community with which to attack our disenfranchisement
is inspiring! DC Vote committee members will be hard at work all year on
civic engagement efforts and raising awareness about our plight.
Our first event for 2002 will happen on Thursday, January 3 at 6:30
p.m. We will gather local and visiting college students to discuss DC
Voting Rights and the vital importance of student activism. If you have
students at home this week, or know students who might be interested in
DC Vote's efforts, please invite them to join DC Vote at 6:30 p.m. on
Thursday, January 3rd at 3014 Rodman Street, NW — one block north of
the Cleveland Park Metro station. Free food will be provided as will an
overview of DC Vote's work. For more information about ways in which to
get involved with DC Vote, please call the office, 462-6000, and talk to
Jamal Najjab, or visit DC Vote's website: http://www.dcvote.org.
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Resistance to Reagan
Robert Frazier, rf@juno.com
[Dorothy Brizill wrote:] “. . . pressuring the federal government
to reopen Reagan National airport, and since then. . . .” Shame.
[Smiley face inserted here.] An insult to DC citizens and the workers at
Washington National Airport.
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Politically Correct Seasons’ Greetings
Mark David Richards, mark@bisconti.com
You might enjoy the following politically correct seasons' greeting,
which I received on my public opinion listserve. Aapornet@Usc.Edu,
on behalf of Andrew A Beveridge: “To Each of You: Best wishes for an
environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress,
non-addictive, gender neutral winter solstice holiday, practiced within
the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice,
and with respect for the religious persuasions of others, or their
choice not to practice a religion at all. And a fiscally successful,
personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the
generally accepted calendar year 2002, but not without due respect for
the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to our
society have helped make our nations great, without regard to the race,
creed, color, religious, or sexual orientation of the wishes. This
greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no
promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for
her/himself or others. Andy Beveridge”
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I'm with you on “Merry Christmas.” If a Jewish friend or coworker
wishes me a “Happy Hanukah” or even “Good Yontif” I am honored
to share with them. It is a nice honor to be included, remembered or
acknowledged as part of a happy celebration. It is meant to be
inclusive, not exclusive. No offense is intended . . . quite the
opposite!
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Maybe it's just that Washingtonians are such sensitive souls, but
when someone wishes me, well, happy anything, and I wish them well, I
try not to let my principles get in the way of their message. To take
everything everyone says personally is an enormous job. Whether we're
talking about religion, sexual lifestyles, sports teams, moral issues,
etc. -- lighten up. If you subscribe to this group long enough, you'll
find a wide array of opinions and diverseness to keep your attention.
Sensitive souls need not subscribe. (But that applies to me only.)
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Happy Yule in the Mail
Michael Bindner, mbindnerdc@aol.com
Christmas was originally a pagan celebration of the solstice which
was hijacked by the Roman Church and government. Astronomers have shown
that the likely date of Christ's birth (to match the “Star of
Bethlehem,” which was actually a rare alignment of planets in Aries
with an accompanying solar eclipse) was April 17, 7 BCE. Of course,
celebrating Christ's birth on that day would interfere with Easter,
which is a more important feast for Christians, which of course is
linked to Passover. (Whether the original Pasch occurred in spring or
not is a question of Jewish biblical scholars, although I would bet that
it was set where it was to co-opt pagan fertility customs). This is why
I no longer bemoan the “commercialization” of Christmas, Chanuka,
Passover or Easter. All of these holidays have their pagan roots in the
calendar and all have co-opted pagan customs. For those sensitive souls
who dislike the sectarian overtones, celebrate the pagan parts instead.
Burn a Yule log in your fireplace (or at least light up your back yard
grill and have a steak) in celebration of the days getting longer.
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James Treworgy complained about Metro charging a one-time fee of $5
for the SmartTrip card. My wife and I have been using the card since
they came out and we love them. I've bought two more for guests to use
when they visit. I don't think $5 for the card is anything to complain
about. Sure, using the cards probably benefits Metro, but it also is a
tremendous benefit to the users. If people refuse to pay $5 for the card
on principle, as Mr. Treworgy suggests, then I label their principle,
cheapskate.
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I agree about the convenience of SmartTrip cards. However, one
advantage James Treworgy didn't mention easily explains the charge: You
can make one trip which results in a negative balance. I find this
especially helpful when I plan to recharge the card but hear a train
coming or see long lines at the farecard machines. Without a charge,
people would just abandon the card.
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I love my SmartTrip card too. One additional feature that is nice,
being able to hold a negative balance. If I only have $1.50 on my card
and my trip is $2.00 then I will carry a -.50 until the next time I put
money in. No more AddFare. Perhaps that is why there is a $5 fee. Either
way, it is worth it.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
Globalization and Animal Rights
Mark Sutton, msutton@gvsp.usra.edu
Posted for Dawn Moncrief. I am pleased to invite you to a free talk
given by Dr. Michael Greger on Globalization and Animal Rights. Sunday,
January 6, 6 p.m. - 7:30-ish, Physicians Committee for Responsible
Medicine, 5100 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, #400 (Friendship Heights Metro —
Red Line). PCRM Contract, A.R. Hogan, http://www.pcrm.org,
phone 686-2210. For more information, please contact Dawn Moncrief, plants4hunger@pobox.com,
day phone 737-7705, cell phone 703-989-8664. RSVP is appreciated but not
required.
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TasteDC.com's January 2002 Calendar of Wine and Food Events
Charlie Adler, wine@tastedc.com
1) January 14, Monday, “Maison Joseph Drouhin 4-Course Wine Maker's
Dinner at Olives Restaurant,” 1600 K Street, NW, 3 blocks from
Farragut North Metro Stop (Red Line), valet parking available, 7-9:30
p.m. seated dinner, $115, tax and tip inclusive. Join TasteDC.com as we
are privileged to have Laurent Drouhin, currently a Managing Director of
the eponymous company, on his national tour of America as he showcases
some of the top current releases from this venerable portfolio. Since
1880, Maison Joseph Drouhin has built a reputation for wines that
reflect their individual terroir and vintage. This classic wine producer
strives for wines of breed, finesse and elegance. The chef for this
evening's meal is Olive's Executive Chef Steve Mannino, who has received
critical acclaim from Food and Wine Magazine (Best New
Restaurant, 2000), Gourmet Magazine, FoodARts, Washingtonian and The
Washington Post. The meal will consist of an hors d'oeuvres
reception followed by a 4-course meal all paired with the wonderful
wines of Joseph Drouhin. Maison Joseph Drouhin Winery's web page at
http://www.drouhin.com. Please Note: This is a seated event. 2) January
15, Tuesday, “Cocktails 101, Hot Drinks for Cold Nights,” Ozio
Restaurant and Lounge, 1813 M Street, NW, Metros: Farragut North or
Dupont Circle (Red Line), 7-9 p.m., $40 per person. All new mixed
drinks! This event always sells out! Join Ozio's experienced bartender
who will mix, entertain and serve you samples of 10 mixed drinks for
winter weather! Light appetizers will also be served such as fried
calamari, sesame chicken tenders, and baby eggplant pizza. You will also
learn the basics of setting up your own home bar, secrets of the trade,
and a whole lot more! Don't forget, each attendee gets a sample of all
10 drinks, it's included in the price of the event. 3) January 16,
Wednesday, “Wine Basics 101,” Radisson Barcelo Hotel, 2121 P Street,
NW, valet parking, Metro Dupont Circle (Red Line), 7-7:30 p.m.
reception, 7:30-9 p.m. tasting, $40 per person. Washington, DC's most
popular wine tasting: over 3,000 people have attended this event in our
4 year history: Ann Berta, wine columnist for Washingtonian Magazine
will show you how to order wine in a restaurant, determine basic wine
styles and varietals, pair wine and food and more! You will taste 9
wines at this event. 4) January 30, Wednesday, “Introduction to Wines
of Europe,” Radisson Barcelo Hotel, 7-7:30 p.m. reception, 7:30-9 p.m.
tasting, $40 per person. If you understand European wines, you're more
than half way to wine knowledge — over half of the world's wines are
produced in Europe. Ann Berta, wine columnist for Washingtonian
Magazine, will explain and taste with you 9 wines that exemplify the
major growing regions of the Old World. What may surprise you at this
event is that European wines are a relatively good price value in
comparison to domestic wines, especially when you consider quality! You
will taste 9 wines at this event. 5) January 31, Thursday,
“California's Up and Coming Wines,” Radisson Barcelo Hotel, 7-7:30
p.m. reception, 7:30-9 p.m. tasting, $45 per person. California produces
over 90 percent of all domestic wines drunk in the U.S. and is far and
away the best overall quality producer of wine in our country. Join Ann
Berta, wine columnist of Washingtonian Magazine as she returns
from a trip to Napa Valley and Sonoma County with some up and coming new
wine discoveries. Chances are you've already tasted a few Napa
Chardonnay's and Cabernet Sauvignons, but expect to have your taste buds
awakened with other hot new varietals coming out of the Sunshine State!
Nine wines will be tasted at this event. Reservation, https://labyrinth.dgsys.com/clients/tasteusa.com/order.cgi?X_DC,
333-5588.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HELP WANTED
Cobalt DC Now Hiring
Cobalt Information, info@cobaltdc.com
As Cobalt expands and grows, so do our staffing needs. Now accepting
applications for Cobalt DC and 30 Degrees (the second floor lounge) for
all positions. bartender, cocktail server, barback, floor/stock, door
staff, DJ, lighting tech, decor. Please E-mail resume to JOBS@CobaltDC.com.
Cobalt DC is an equal opportunity employer. Thanks and best to all of
our friends as 2001 winds down and 2002 revs up!
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