Steve Segedy While I'm in Virginia, the idea that 600,000+ american citizens don't get to have voting representation in either the House or the Senate (with apologies to Eleanor Holmes Norton) by virtue of geography seems ridiculous. That DC self-rule is over ridden by the same folks they can't elect? Odious.
DC is a thriving city that has little enough to do with the machinations of politics, with more population than Wyoming and maybe Vermont, and those folks can't vote.
Of course, tell that to Guam, Puerto Rico, or American Samoa. At least the folks in DC can walk 5 miles and restore their constitutional rights.
I miss living within walking distance of a Metro station. It's been a number of years I'll admit, but I'd ride all over that town just to see what I could find.
Do the stations still have that funky mildew and cave smell?
I am not a good cyclist, and often take back roads when using capital bikeshare to get around. I've got friends who enjoy speeding on bikes -- as in, going fast enough for those speed signs to tell them they are going too fast.
I am going to apologize now for the avalanche of questions I have.
1) The DC area has the wealthiest counties in the country. How does this impact the prices of everyday items? Gas, milk, dry cleaning? It seems like the cost of living there would be jacked up because of the larger supply of cash in the pockets of lobbyists and the like.
2) How hard is it NOT to talk politics in casual encounters?
3) What's the gaming culture like out there?
4) Is the government filled with nerds?
5) Its DC... so ever see a murder? ( 5b)Or ever smoke crack with the DC Mayor?)
6) Ever encounter the secret service? ( 6b) Follow up, when they come through do you have to stop what you are doing, and act non-threatening?)
7) Do you have some sort of clearance? ( 7b) Do you have to kill me if you tell me?)
8) In these highly political times, whats the vibe in DC these days?
9) Does this mole look normal to you?
10) Lastly (for this round anyhow) what's the most exotic animal you have ever pet?
1. The biggest change is in rent. I'm originally from Oklahoma, where a 2,000 square foot house may be a bit more than $100,000. That order of magnitude, anyway. We used to rent a 600 square foot one-bedroom condo, which the landlord just sold for nearly $400,000.
That being said: a six pack of craft beer is $10, Trader Joe's sells wine for $3, and organic or whatever butter is $4 a pound.
2. I don't know. My workplace seems to prefer sports, which I find super boring.
3. Varied. To speak to my gaming culture: a lot of indie games about feelings. Camp Nerdly is in the area, and I've picked up lessons there to bring back to my table.
4. Parts of it. For a while I worked for the FDA, which was filled with ... sorority girls. And economists. And accountants. What the government is mostly filled with is bureaucrats: people who used to believe they could make a Real Difference, and got chewed up. And economists. A quarter of the world's economists live in DC.
5. DC's crime rate is actually decent low, down 50% since 1995.
6. Not the Secret Service per say. I've been told to "move along", or "I can't let you go this way". At Obama's first inagural, once you passed a barricade you couldn't go back. Then, there's the occasional parade of black sedans, of course.
7. I've left the government, and work for a travel company.
8. Worried about Trump. DC's a pretty liberal city.
9. I am not a doctor. I'm pretty sure -- OH GOD WHAT IS THAT THING!
10. Right now, a sea horse. In about a week? Kangaroo.
The hidden gem of dc? The wide range of grocery stores and restaurants. Ethiopian, Korean, Vietnamese to Argentinian, and so much more. If you want to try good food from around the world this is the place.
1) I understand weed is 'sort of' decriminalized in DC. What are the implications of that in everyday life? Is it more or less prevalent than in places where it's illegal?
2) Are you a George Pelecanos fan? Do his books accurately reflect the city?
3) When people see politicians is it like a celebrity siting, or just "oh there's another one?"
4) Have you ever accidentally found yourself in a 'dangerous' part of DC? What was it like?
5) What's the deal with Marion Berry?
6) Have you ever been to the Udvar-Hazy complex? 6b) Why not? 6c) What's wrong with you?
7) How far are you from the ocean? How often do you go?
8) What's the most insufferable part of DC (looking at you Georgetown).
9) DC seems like it has the worst of all possible worlds weather-wise. Snow in the winter, humid summers. Expand on that.
10) What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
1. Weed can legally be grown in homes, and you can maybe have it outside? BUT NOT ON FEDERAL LAND. A huge percentage of DC is federal land -- including the obvious (capital building, Smithsonian), but also most of the green space.
2. who? What?
3. Depends on the celebrity. But, honestly? Members of congress have a private city.
4. Sure. SE DC is considered "dangerous." It was fine; turns out, assaulting white drunk men? Not a thing often done.
5. I was recently at the newseum (in a city of free museums, sometimes tourists want to pay $20), and they have an exhibit on the civil right smovement, 50 years after. Marion Berry fought with MLK, and was kind of amazing. Then crack happened.
6. No car makes it harder to get out there. Friends with cars have thus far refused to go.
7. Three hours by car, drive easy to Deleware. There's several beach towns. We hit the Atlantic twice a year, probably.
8. Arlington. But seriously, its Georgetown. They refuse to have metro.
9. The weather is glorious! We've got the door open, letting the wind and sunlight come in.
Having never lived in a city where that was really possible, I can't imagine not having the option of just driving some place.
You came from OK, so you know what its like to have a car, how does it feel not to have that? Liberating because you are not bound by the payments and insurance, or option poor as you can't just drive some place without assistance or forethought?
Its gotten a lot easier in the last couple of years, Ryan Good !
It used to be I'd need to really think about how to get somewhere. I've got a thursday night game that meets in a non-metro accessible location, and i finagled rides. I still do that to get home, because there are already people who like me in front of me.
So, it used to be I was a bit confined. Metro only goes so far, so I figured out the bus routes. I get carsick when buses are crazy, so that was hard. I'd figure out if I should zipcar or walk or take a bike. Capital Bikeshare made things a lot easier, as I could get around for free on my own power.
But now? Not to be a commercial, but uber/lyft has opened a lot of doors. I can go to house parties without thinking twice. The Thursday night game is a (fairly expensive) trip away, which I budget for.
I did the math once -- I'd need to take a lot of rides for uber to equal insurance + car + monthly car payment. Plus, I never worry about DD.
My suggestions: Fancy Mexican food: Oyamel Vegan Vegetarian or GF: Busboys and poets Cajun: Acrcadiana Beer/happy hour: Datcha beer garden Fancy Indian: Rastika
But in general that area is amazing right by Chinatown, with a wealth of possibilities. Being vegetarian my experience in the area is limited. But just about everything has been amazing. PS Locals definition of walking distance might seem large but these should all be close enough to get to in 10 minute walk.
Our apartment has a walk score of 96, "walker's paradise". There's a lot of variation, with nearness to metro being a good indicator of easiness of walking. Granted, places close to metro are usually also pretty high fallutin'. Arlington has done a lot of work towards having affordable living close to metro, but developers are resistant.
If we lived at the fancy metro station 4 blocks away, our rent would be 50% higher. As is, we have to walk a whole 2 blocks to get to a grocery store. the Trader Joe's is a single metro station away, or about 4 blocks.
We're not the most dense spot in the area, but we have groceries, restaurants, a mall, etc within easy walking distance. We're missing a hardware store. We do, though, have a homebrew store about a mile away; they sell anything brewed.
I've not had any coffee yet this morning, so I don't know if that actually answers the question. Let me know!
That sounds like the kind of place we'd choose if we lived there.... We discussed moving there if Sweetie got work out there (he's a data scientist, so it could happen) and we liked the walkability.
We formerly lived in a walkable downtown and loved it, but we're currently trying a place where we can easily walk in parks, but that is a bit too far to walk to most shops. Fewer shops, but very beautiful walks.
How's that taxation without representation treating you?
ReplyDeleteSteve Segedy While I'm in Virginia, the idea that 600,000+ american citizens don't get to have voting representation in either the House or the Senate (with apologies to Eleanor Holmes Norton) by virtue of geography seems ridiculous. That DC self-rule is over ridden by the same folks they can't elect? Odious.
ReplyDeleteDC is a thriving city that has little enough to do with the machinations of politics, with more population than Wyoming and maybe Vermont, and those folks can't vote.
Of course, tell that to Guam, Puerto Rico, or American Samoa. At least the folks in DC can walk 5 miles and restore their constitutional rights.
I miss living within walking distance of a Metro station. It's been a number of years I'll admit, but I'd ride all over that town just to see what I could find.
ReplyDeleteDo the stations still have that funky mildew and cave smell?
Benjamin Baugh Yep, they sure do!
ReplyDelete... and we've added brake dust, burning tire, and smoke.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's always seemed weird to me. We have a lot of useless congress critters, what's one or two more going to hurt?
ReplyDeleteHow safe would you feel riding a bicycle on the streets?
ReplyDeleteMarshall Miller Interesting question!
ReplyDeleteI am not a good cyclist, and often take back roads when using capital bikeshare to get around. I've got friends who enjoy speeding on bikes -- as in, going fast enough for those speed signs to tell them they are going too fast.
I am going to apologize now for the avalanche of questions I have.
ReplyDelete1) The DC area has the wealthiest counties in the country. How does this impact the prices of everyday items? Gas, milk, dry cleaning? It seems like the cost of living there would be jacked up because of the larger supply of cash in the pockets of lobbyists and the like.
2) How hard is it NOT to talk politics in casual encounters?
3) What's the gaming culture like out there?
4) Is the government filled with nerds?
5) Its DC... so ever see a murder? ( 5b)Or ever smoke crack with the DC Mayor?)
6) Ever encounter the secret service? ( 6b) Follow up, when they come through do you have to stop what you are doing, and act non-threatening?)
7) Do you have some sort of clearance? ( 7b) Do you have to kill me if you tell me?)
8) In these highly political times, whats the vibe in DC these days?
9) Does this mole look normal to you?
10) Lastly (for this round anyhow) what's the most exotic animal you have ever pet?
Ryan Good wowzer!
ReplyDelete1. The biggest change is in rent. I'm originally from Oklahoma, where a 2,000 square foot house may be a bit more than $100,000. That order of magnitude, anyway. We used to rent a 600 square foot one-bedroom condo, which the landlord just sold for nearly $400,000.
That being said: a six pack of craft beer is $10, Trader Joe's sells wine for $3, and organic or whatever butter is $4 a pound.
2. I don't know. My workplace seems to prefer sports, which I find super boring.
3. Varied. To speak to my gaming culture: a lot of indie games about feelings. Camp Nerdly is in the area, and I've picked up lessons there to bring back to my table.
4. Parts of it. For a while I worked for the FDA, which was filled with ... sorority girls. And economists. And accountants. What the government is mostly filled with is bureaucrats: people who used to believe they could make a Real Difference, and got chewed up. And economists. A quarter of the world's economists live in DC.
5. DC's crime rate is actually decent low, down 50% since 1995.
6. Not the Secret Service per say. I've been told to "move along", or "I can't let you go this way". At Obama's first inagural, once you passed a barricade you couldn't go back. Then, there's the occasional parade of black sedans, of course.
7. I've left the government, and work for a travel company.
8. Worried about Trump. DC's a pretty liberal city.
9. I am not a doctor. I'm pretty sure -- OH GOD WHAT IS THAT THING!
10. Right now, a sea horse. In about a week? Kangaroo.
You passed. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteRE: What the government is mostly filled with is bureaucrats: people who used to believe they could make a Real Difference, and got chewed up.
ReplyDeleteLord that sounds like a depressing place to be. So many broken dreams.
The government is depressing, the city is gloriously not.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear. I just had a friend move there, so I was concerned that it was a bad move.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the hidden gem of DC? Something wonderful that just isn't on the radar of non-natives.
Roosevelt Island. Its a glorious hike, nestled in protected reserve of an island between virginia and dc proper.
ReplyDeleteThe hidden gem of dc? The wide range of grocery stores and restaurants. Ethiopian, Korean, Vietnamese to Argentinian, and so much more. If you want to try good food from around the world this is the place.
ReplyDeleteI have some questions as well.
ReplyDelete1) I understand weed is 'sort of' decriminalized in DC. What are the implications of that in everyday life? Is it more or less prevalent than in places where it's illegal?
2) Are you a George Pelecanos fan? Do his books accurately reflect the city?
3) When people see politicians is it like a celebrity siting, or just "oh there's another one?"
4) Have you ever accidentally found yourself in a 'dangerous' part of DC? What was it like?
5) What's the deal with Marion Berry?
6) Have you ever been to the Udvar-Hazy complex? 6b) Why not? 6c) What's wrong with you?
7) How far are you from the ocean? How often do you go?
8) What's the most insufferable part of DC (looking at you Georgetown).
9) DC seems like it has the worst of all possible worlds weather-wise. Snow in the winter, humid summers. Expand on that.
10) What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
Brian Whitehead
ReplyDelete1. Weed can legally be grown in homes, and you can maybe have it outside? BUT NOT ON FEDERAL LAND. A huge percentage of DC is federal land -- including the obvious (capital building, Smithsonian), but also most of the green space.
2. who? What?
3. Depends on the celebrity. But, honestly? Members of congress have a private city.
4. Sure. SE DC is considered "dangerous." It was fine; turns out, assaulting white drunk men? Not a thing often done.
5. I was recently at the newseum (in a city of free museums, sometimes tourists want to pay $20), and they have an exhibit on the civil right smovement, 50 years after. Marion Berry fought with MLK, and was kind of amazing. Then crack happened.
6. No car makes it harder to get out there. Friends with cars have thus far refused to go.
7. Three hours by car, drive easy to Deleware. There's several beach towns. We hit the Atlantic twice a year, probably.
8. Arlington. But seriously, its Georgetown. They refuse to have metro.
9. The weather is glorious! We've got the door open, letting the wind and sunlight come in.
10. african or european swallow?
Wait... do you mean that you don't own a car?
ReplyDeleteRyan Good That is correct!
ReplyDeleteHaving never lived in a city where that was really possible, I can't imagine not having the option of just driving some place.
ReplyDeleteYou came from OK, so you know what its like to have a car, how does it feel not to have that? Liberating because you are not bound by the payments and insurance, or option poor as you can't just drive some place without assistance or forethought?
Its gotten a lot easier in the last couple of years, Ryan Good !
ReplyDeleteIt used to be I'd need to really think about how to get somewhere. I've got a thursday night game that meets in a non-metro accessible location, and i finagled rides. I still do that to get home, because there are already people who like me in front of me.
So, it used to be I was a bit confined. Metro only goes so far, so I figured out the bus routes. I get carsick when buses are crazy, so that was hard. I'd figure out if I should zipcar or walk or take a bike. Capital Bikeshare made things a lot easier, as I could get around for free on my own power.
But now? Not to be a commercial, but uber/lyft has opened a lot of doors. I can go to house parties without thinking twice. The Thursday night game is a (fairly expensive) trip away, which I budget for.
I did the math once -- I'd need to take a lot of rides for uber to equal insurance + car + monthly car payment. Plus, I never worry about DD.
Where can you get good food within walking distance of the convention center - that's what I want to know!
ReplyDeleteMy suggestions:
ReplyDeleteFancy Mexican food: Oyamel
Vegan Vegetarian or GF: Busboys and poets
Cajun: Acrcadiana
Beer/happy hour: Datcha beer garden
Fancy Indian: Rastika
But in general that area is amazing right by Chinatown, with a wealth of possibilities. Being vegetarian my experience in the area is limited. But just about everything has been amazing.
PS Locals definition of walking distance might seem large but these should all be close enough to get to in 10 minute walk.
Ya got cherry blossoms going now or what?
ReplyDeleteLarry Lade Yes! Peak should be this weekend, which is bizarrely early. They are very sensitive to weather.
ReplyDeleteMore on Barry: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/07/AR2007120702305.html
ReplyDeleteHow's pedestrian life in that area? I've only visited the more touristy spots so I don't have a good feel for walking/transit there as a local.
ReplyDeleteDaniel Levine Thanks! There's been a lot of erasure on the positive work done by Barry, and nationally he's just known for drugs and strippers.
ReplyDeleteGretchen S. Really good, actually.
ReplyDeleteOur apartment has a walk score of 96, "walker's paradise". There's a lot of variation, with nearness to metro being a good indicator of easiness of walking. Granted, places close to metro are usually also pretty high fallutin'. Arlington has done a lot of work towards having affordable living close to metro, but developers are resistant.
If we lived at the fancy metro station 4 blocks away, our rent would be 50% higher. As is, we have to walk a whole 2 blocks to get to a grocery store. the Trader Joe's is a single metro station away, or about 4 blocks.
We're not the most dense spot in the area, but we have groceries, restaurants, a mall, etc within easy walking distance. We're missing a hardware store. We do, though, have a homebrew store about a mile away; they sell anything brewed.
I've not had any coffee yet this morning, so I don't know if that actually answers the question. Let me know!
That sounds like the kind of place we'd choose if we lived there.... We discussed moving there if Sweetie got work out there (he's a data scientist, so it could happen) and we liked the walkability.
ReplyDeleteWe formerly lived in a walkable downtown and loved it, but we're currently trying a place where we can easily walk in parks, but that is a bit too far to walk to most shops. Fewer shops, but very beautiful walks.