The Peeps at Artomatic, Part II

More from the Peeps exhibit at Artomatic.



















This is one of my favorite Peep displays. Peeptonamo. Notice that one of the Peeps is being waterboarded.

Peter Wood at Artomatic

Here's my friend Peter Wood and his work that was at Artomatic. To see more of Peter's work click here.

2Political Episode 9

2PP009 – 19 June 2009
2Political Podcast Episode 9 is now available. You can listen to it on the widget on the right side of my blog, or you can go the podcast site, 2political.com. You can leave comments there as well as download or listen to any episode.


Get 2Poltical Podcast for free on iTunes

Another Politican With Zipper Trouble

Ah another one of those family values, pro-marriage Republicans admitting that they have problems with zipper control.

This time it's John Ensign from Nevada.

From the story in the Post:

John Ensign considered a rising star in the Republican Party, yesterday acknowledged an extramarital affair with a former campaign staffer who is married to one of the lawmaker's former legislative aides.

In one of the accounts the staffer was described as a close personal friend. I have to assume that is no longer the case.

What is it with these guys and zipper control. I guess the Republicans have to be grateful it was an affair with a woman and not a man.

And here's a very ironic twist (this from the Huffingtonpost):

During the height of the scandal surrounding Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky, the Nevada Republican denounced the president's conduct as "an embarrassing moment for the country."

'I think we have to feel very sad for the American people and Hillary and Chelsea,' he said.

Weeks later, Ensign would call on Clinton to resign. "I came to that conclusion recently, and frankly it's because of what he put his whole Cabinet through and what he has put the country through," he was quoted saying at the time. "He has no credibility left," he added.

Wonder if he plans to resign anytime soon? Oh I forgot God's forgiven him and so has his wife so it's all ok.

More from the Post story:

Ensign acknowledged in a recent interview with The Washington Post that he was seeking to raise his national profile out of a belief that a dearth of effective GOP messengers was handicapping the party's comeback. "We have a responsibility to get our message out," Ensign said. Asked directly about his presidential ambitions, he said that most children dream of being president one day and that it was "not something I would ever rule out."

Well you certainly raised something and it was just your profile.

In yet another ironic twist Ensign is a member of Promise Keepers and the post boy for the extreme right on marriage. Taking the position that you have to ban same-sex marriage because of it's threat to traditional marriage.

And this is what gets me about these guys. Ensign, Giuliani, Gingrich who all talk about traditional values and seem to have absolutely none of them. Affairs (it seems that this not the first affair that Ensign has had; see story in USA Today) and marriage after marriage. I guess the idea at some point is they get it right.

The bottom line is these guys have absolutely no credibility to be talking about family values and the sanctity of marriage. They wouldn't recognize either of them it they were hit over the head with them.

What's the word that comes to mind . . .

Oh I know hypocrisy.

Paint Your Roof White and Stop Global Warming

The idea is to paint the roofs of building white to reflect sunlight:

Making roofs white “changes the reflectivity . . . of the Earth, so the sunlight comes in, it’s reflected back into space,” [Energy Secretary Steven] Chu said. “This is something very simple that we can do immediately,” he said later.

The article continues:

White roofs work because of the physics of sunlight. Dark roofs absorb and hold more than 80 percent of solar energy, while white ones can reflect 75 percent of it away. That makes a white-roofed building cooler and cheaper to air-condition.

In his talk, Chu cited new research from his former laboratory, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, which imagined the result of painting about 63 percent of the roofs white in 100 large cities in tropical and temperate areas worldwide.

It estimated that would provide about the same climate benefits as taking all the world’s cars off the road for 10 years.

Now would you be able to do that? Probably not. But it wouldn’t be a bad idea going forward to have roof’s of flat buildings be a reflective. In fact California has had this in effect since 2005. DC will follow suit next year but will also allow buildings' roofs to be covered in vegetation.

The article quoted the usual skeptics that said you would never be able to change enough roofs to make that much of a difference as described above.

But they are missing the point. There’s won’t be one silver bullet to solve the problem of global warming. It will be many many little things that make an impact. This is just one more way to make that impact. And after all, if the buildings are going to be built anyway, why not make the effort to have the roofs reflect as much sunlight as possible back into the sky.

Dumbfounded by the DMV

Dumbfounded. Yes, that's exactly the term to use but not dumbfounded in the way you might think.

I had to get my car inspected before I could renew my registration and get my parking sticker. I went down to the inspection station last Tuesday. The car passed with no problems. in fact driving to and from the inspection station took longer than the actual inspection.

On Thursday. I went to their web site so I could pay for everything and order my parking sticker. Something I thought that was very smart is I was given a temporary registration for the car and a temporary parking permit. This was just in case I didn't receive the permanent ones before they expired on June 28.

I figured no matter what I was set.

Now comes the dumbfounded part. In the mail on Saturday, there was an envelope from the district government. I thought what could this be. Well it was my registration and parking sticker. I got them in two days. Two days!!!

Amazing Pictures

A friend forwarded to me this amazing set of pictures of a squirrel attacking a dog to save its baby.

Response to the Nuts

I find it rather interesting the way Washington responds when there's violence like there was at the Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Thursday morning on my ride in to work on the Metro, there was suddenly security everywhere you looked. On the Rhode Island Avenue platform there were no fewer than five metro police. At least this time they didn't have automatic weapons. But I did notice at another stop that the canine units were out too.

The thing that gets me is what the police do. See if this would make you feel more secure. A train pulls into the station. The doors open. Several police officers step into cars. They look to the right and then to the left and then step off the car. Now maybe in the twenty seconds or so that they survey the car they might just be able to spot a bad guy. Of course as a civilian in these matters, I haven't received the training that these guys have. But what exactly would you spot in such a short time. Unless someone has a sign on that says "hey I'm a terrorists" I can't see what this accomplishes.

Then again maybe the idea is to show a police presence. Maybe the idea is to make the bad guys think twice about doing anything. Maybe the idea is to reassure the public at large that law enforcement is out there protecting the public.

Nuts on the loose

The shooting yesterday at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum shows once again that the nuts are on the loose. This incident along with the killing of Dr. George Tiller should give people pause. It seems that home grown terrorism and terrorists is alive and well in the US.

Last night I tuned into a discussion about this. One of the people was saying that both of the incidents were by lone nuts. They further stated it is important to distinguish between one lone nut and an actual movement that is undertaking these activities. I don’t exactly understand the hair splitting.

Just because these people are not card carrying members of some extremist group does not mean these groups don’t influence these people. Or did not in some way shape or form influence their actions. The world wide web gives just about everyone access to these groups home page and the hate they spew. So you don’t have to be an official member of the group to be influenced by them. The actual numbers of these groups is probably much larger than reported because of this easy access. And why risk some of your own members in these attacks when you can stoke the “lone nut” to carry things out for you.

From the story about our current lone nut:

Von Brunn, who lives in Annapolis, was known for decades to fellow white supremacists who read his elaborate conspiracy theories on his Web site and met him through a network of radical racist groups.

And here’s a gem of a quote from an acquaintance of Von Brunn who describes himself as a white separatist:

“The responsible white separatist community condemns this,” he said. “It makes us look bad.”

If it wasn’t so scary it would make you laugh the “responsible white separatist community” who exactly would that be say the Klan.

It puts in proper perspective a Department of Homeland Security report on the threat to the US from far-right extremist groups. My friend Arthur did a post about it in April.

To me the lesson from this is we need to get over the idea of the lone nut out there. In all likelihood the net has connected these lone nuts to a great many of the same type of nuts.

Down to the DMV

Tuesday I went to have my car inspected at the DMV. Well actually it was at the inspection station. There've been some improvements since the last time I had to do this.

The best one is you can actually make an appointment for the inspection. You get to go to the front of the line instead of having to wait in line. The appointments are in 15 minute increments. So if you sign up it's a fast and easy way to get the inspection done.

My trip down to the inspection station wasn't all that easy. I had a pretty good idea of how to get there but thought I'd use my GPS. I programed the route in but realized I hadn't told it to avoid highways. So the GPS wanted me to take several highways in the middle of morning rush hour. I decided that that was a mistake. After the most indirect route to this place possible I finally got there. It took about half an hour. If I'd just trusted my instincts I think I would have been there in a little over 20 minutes.

Once there I should them my piece of paper with the appointment details and I was sent to lane 3. There was only one other car in front of me. The place wasn't all that busy but I'm glad I made the appointment. The inspection took all of maybe 15 minutes and then I was on my way.

This morining I did the other part of the registration process. I had to pay a late fee because my vehicle inspection had expired. I thought everything expired at the same time but that proved not to be the case. That's all been processed. I also got a temporary registration and parking sticker just in case the final ones don't arrive by the time they expire. Considering how badly the District usually handles these types of things, I really impressed.

The best part is I don't have to do it for another year.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

That's where we went on Friday for my birthday.

The professional weather guessers said that by Friday afternoon all the rain we'd been having would be out the area. Unfortunately that didn't happen until Friday evening.

The original group was going to be around seven. But as the day progresses it got smaller and smaller. I really can't say I blame people who wants to sit and watch a game in the rain.

Lisa and I went down early and went to Artomatic: as their site says:

Held regularly since 1999, Artomatic is the Washington, D.C., area's one-of-a-kind multimedia event, involving hundreds of regional artists, performers and volunteers. The free event is an arts extravaganza, featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, music, theater, poetry, dance and workshops.

There's something like nine floors of exhibits. We walked through about 3 floors. Some of the works were very good and others well let's just say art is in the eye of the beholder.

Around 6 we headed off to the park. We met up with Andy and Lis and went in. The only thing I had to buy was my cracker jack. My ticket in and dinner were provided for by my friends.

The game itself was pretty close. It went into extra innings but in the end the Nationals were unable to clinch the deal. They ended up loosing to the Mets 3-1. And speaking of the Mets it seemed more like we were in New York then in DC. I'd say there were about the same number of Mets fans as Nationals fans.

It started to mist and then around 8pm for about half an hour the rain was enough that we left our seats. But after about half an hour it stopped. We didn't go back to our original seats (which were not bad at all we were just almost directly behind home plate). We found some very nice seats along the third base line where we watched the rest of the game.

About 10 minutes after the game were the fireworks. And I have to say we were all very impressed by them. They went on for a good ten minutes. It was a great way to end a very enjoyable evening.

And a great way to spend my birthday!

2Political Episode 8

2PP008 – 5 June 2009
2Political Podcast Episode 8: As always, we begin with Jason’s special days, but today we have a VERY special day! From there, it’s a discussion of the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor. What do we think about the Supreme Court make-up? Arthur watched Faux News, and that relates to the president’s trip to the Mideast. Arthur corrects Faux News, which is easy to do. Arthur also has a special adventure to share, one that relates to our previous episode.

After the discussion, we have comments on our previous episode. That raises topics we discuss. Join the discussion!

Please leave a comment 2political.com, where you'll find links for this episode. You can also listen to or download all previous episodes on the site, or on the widget on the right side of this blog. US comment line: 206-426-0527.


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Today Is My Birthday

Cue guitar riff.

Actually I only have about 8 more minutes and then it's no longer my birthday. I had a very good one. And now during the last few minutes of it I'm enjoying a piece of that wonderful cake I talked about earlier.

More about my day tomorrow but now back to the important stuff the cake and I've got some cards and packages to open.

He who hesitates, avoids ending up on the hood of a car

This and other mussing of living in Washington, DC.

Wednesday morning I was walking to the subway to get to my personal training session. I was about two strides from stepping off the sidewalk and on to the crosswalk when this woman made a right hand turn. The light in her direction was red. She simply ran the light. She didn’t even bother to slow down. I don’t think at any time she was aware that I was there. I draw this conclusion from the fact that once she made her right turn she looked very startled to see me. I don’t think there is any question that if I had stepped off the curb she would have hit me.

As I’ve often said stop light and signs are to many people merely stopping suggestions. If they are in a hurry, they don’t stop. They don’t even slow down. In fact I’ve lost count of the number of times a light’s turned yellow and I hear cars speed up. They usually start into the intersection when the light is red. I have to say I’m surprised that more pedestrians aren’t struck. The moral from this is never to step off the curb right after the light changes and you get the walk sign.

Rain rain go away

It’s been a rather rainy spring. I seem to be cutting my grass all the time. As I’ve said before, I hate cutting the grass. It doesn’t take all that long to do but it’s enough time to be a pain. I also have to carry the mower through the house to cut the front or back. I suppose I could walk to around the alley to the front and vice verse but that would really be a waste of time. So after cutting the grass I have to vacuum the living room. Pretty strange.

I was hoping to start riding my bike to work this week but well the rain’s gotten in the way. I hope to ride at least two days out of the week. Tuesdays and maybe Thursdays. I might try it on one of the days I have a personal training session. I need to do a test ride to see how long it would take to get to the gym.

At least the rain is having a positive effect on the flower boxes out front. I do have to remember to water the one that’s on the far side and rarely gets much rain. As for the seeds I planted well they seem to be pretty much of a bust. There are a few that are still trying to grow. As we say in my family we’ll see.

I also hope the rain goes away for tomorrow. A bunch of us are going to go to a National’s game.

Why is there fragrance in sun block? I think instead of saying fragrance they say stench. I have to ask why do all sun blocks have that overwhelming clawing smell. How about an unscented version? Like the way laundry detergent has. After a long ride I come home reeking of the sunblock fragrance. Even after taking a long shower there is still the residual whiff of the smell. Please make something that has no smell.

On the Metro

I’ve notice more and more people eating on the Metro. And these are people who don’t look like tourists. I’m willing to give tourists a break. Just one more thing they are clueless about on the Metro. But these people eating well. Perfect example this morning where a guy was eating a piece of pizza. I guess it was breakfast. The Metro board decided recently not to allow food vendors inside the stations. I think that was a good idea. It’s just going to encourage people to eat and drink more on the trains. I don’t mind it all that much except if you sit down in a seat where a Coke’s been spilled and it’s all sticky. I had that happen last year. I happened to be in shorts and it was just a little painful getting up off the seat when I reached my stop. Food, in general, seems to make less of a mess than drink.

The other thing I’ve notice on the Metro lately, and this one does bug me, is people hogging seats. I don’t mind when the cars are empty but people seem to think it’s ok to hog the seats during rush hour. I’d say the majority of occasions another rider has to ask them to move their stuff. It shouldn’t have to come to that. Once the car starts filling up people should be moving their stuff.

Chocolate Cake

Tomorrow I officially become AOD (ancient, old and decrepit).

So at work we had chocolate cake to celebrate. Here's a couple of pictures of what's left of it.

And, at great personal sacrifice, I've taken the cake home and will have to eat the rest of it. Somehow I'll rise to the challenge or perhaps better put I'll expand from the challenge.

Yum Yum Chocolate Cake . . .

Tuesday Treat

One of my favorite characters from Peanuts is Rerun. He is Linus and Lucy's younger brother. Read more about him here. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Thoughts Economic, What We Own

So now we, as taxpayers, own two car companies. Along with parts of some banks and maybe an insurance company or two.

It looks like we won’t be owning Hummer. I know personally I’m crushed by that. All kidding aside according to the article:

GM said the Hummer transaction was set to close by the third quarter of this year and should secure more than 3,000 jobs in manufacturing, engineering and at Hummer dealerships around the United States.

Anything that can save jobs and dealerships is a very good thing. I think communities are going to get an eye opening when all these dealerships start closing (2,600 will be closed by the end of 2010). They’ll see just how much they contribute to the community with all the things they sponsor. Some places may not be able to cover that. Now a large part of this is sponsoring youth sports teams. Most notably baseball but there is a place for that. In some cases there will be leagues that won’t be able to survive without the support of dealerships.

It will be interesting to see how GM comes out of this. It will also be interesting to see what happens to all the people that will be laid off because of this. This is going to be tricky for Obama. He’ll need to show that the federal government can help people out. If not the Dems will suffer come elections next year. But then again a year is a very long time and a great deal can happen.

There are signs through fits and starts that the economy is starting to get better. The market is up. People are spending a little more. Housing looks like it might have bottomed out. Again small fits and starts to getting things a little better. The problem is that the unemployment rate is just about the last thing to get better. And if it keeps going up what will that do to people’s confidence and at what point does this become a vicious unending circle.

That’s why GM emerging quickly from bankruptcy would be a good thing. After all Chrysler got the final go ahead to emerge from in just 31 days. Hopefully GM will be just as quick. The sooner it’s done the sooner GM can get back in the black and pay us back.

Clarendon Cup

This was a great race to see. It was 100 laps in the middle of Clarendon. Here are some pictures from the race.

Clarendon Cup, More Pictures

Below is Chad Gerlach who went out hard and fast and almost lapped the field.














































I really like this shot. It gives a good perspective on how the turns were on the course.

Clarendon Cup, Riding the Streets

There were five turns in this course which is unusual. It was a very short and twisty course. The average speed was over 26 miles an hour. Trying maintaining that for 100 laps.

Clarendon Cup

The guy below is Chad Gerlach. He lead a great deal of the race. But slowly the peloton reeled him back in. But it was incredible to watch him go.

Chad Gerlach

Here are pictures of Chad Gerlach. He didn't win the race but he lead for a great deal of the time. In fact he came within 12 seconds of lapping the other riders. I think he ended up being in 6th but he was in it up until the end. As he said I just wanted to get out and race which is exactly what he did. He won some premium prizes that they offer to riders who win certain laps. He also won most aggressive cyclist. No doubt he deserved that.

He has an amazing story:

After the tragic murder of his best friend and the folding of his team in 2003, Chad fell into a 'homeless, vagabond lifestyle' as he describes it. Thus began a five year period in the Wilderness for Gerlach. It ended with a trip to rehab (following his appearance on the A&E television show, Intervention) and now the opportunity to race for the Amore e Vita team in 2009. PEZ was more than excited at the opportunity to talk to Chad and find out what really happened and what he hopes for this year and beyond.

Follow this link to read more.