Green - Not just a color anymore!

by p. brennan

Considering most other conscious human beings in the US are embracing the idea of being "Green," I thought I'd join the bandwagon (being a conscious human being and all).

I've honestly come to embrace this idea and I am quite intrigued by how innovative and considerate our fellow citizens can be. After living in the DC area for 6 yrs I was starting to lose hope based on my interactions with my typical sordid DC encounters. The idea of being "Green" has helped to bring those hidden miracles of our society out of the closet as people and businesses project their choice to be environmentally conscious. Buses advertise their friendlier choices of fuel, residents bike instead of driving those few blocks, plastic bags are quickly becoming a thing of the past, smoking is banned in dc restaurants, etc...

With this is mind, I'd first like to refer you, the reader, to the Ideal Bite web site. This site enlightens "green"horn environmentally conscious people, like myself, on how simple decisions can drastically effect our environment. They provide a daily tip that you can have emailed to you everyday and they spin it to the contemporary urbanite, making "eco friendly hip." The tips not only focus on the health of the environment, but also the health of those who choose to make responsible decisions. (www.idealbite.com)

Searching this site, I came across their advertiser NAU (pronounced now, I think) and I gave them a try. NAU produces sporty clothing made from organic materials that appeal to the hiking, rock climbing, outdoor enthusiasts. I wouldn't really categorize myself as any of those, but I did like the style of clothing. The package arrived, with free shipping, and I was pleasantly surprised with my purchase of organic cotton shorts. The structure, stitching and materials used in the shorts were excellent and they are super comfortable. They are a bit on the pricey side ($$$$), but check out the sales section to test your curiosity. I'm definitely hooked. (http://www.nau.com/)

So, find inspiration in becoming environmentally conscious. There is a "green" solution that applies to everyone in life and I challenge you to make a change. Install energy efficient bulbs in your home, buy organically grown produce and meat, or try to carpool or take public transportation.

Conservative isn't always the nasty word that republicans have made it out to be.

FED Week One

I started my new job on Monday, 8/20/07, and I think I'm going to like it here. The office is really well designed and the people I work with, directly, seem very nice. The rest of the office, however, seems to have a bit of a communication problem (i.e. good morning, how are you?). I have a feeling that can be resolved as I become more familiar with people. It will take some time for me to get the handle of daily operations, but I have confidence that everything will come together.

Like I said, I like my new job, but I don't think my body does. I've been thrown out of wack. My body isn't treating me well at all. I think it has something to do with waking up early and not eating according to my regular scheudle, but more so waking up early.

My commute is a long one. Nick and I are waking up at 6am and I'm making it in to the office by about 8am. I don't mind the commute, but living closer really would be ideal. By driving most of the way and taking the metro from Tenleytown, I am greatly reducing my typical metro whoa's.

We'll live in the area for a little while longer. With a new roomate moving into our condo in Greenbelt this weekend, we're going to hang around for a while. After time we'll probablly move into the city to reduce our commute, out time spend away from home and get a DAWG, "Tucker"!

News - Fact or Fiction

Reading the Washington Post Express on a daily basis, you would think that somethings written about hold some relevence in your life; be it international scandal, national weather or the latest fashions located on the pages right before the comics. Recently I found two articles that held great relevence in my life. One article prooving that news can sometimes "hit the bull on the horns," or should i say deer (i'll explain), and another article prooving that shit doesn't only come from our bottom!

Articles across the nation, during the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend, stressed caution to travelers home to be aware of the wild kingdom's Paris Hilton of animals, the native white tailed deer. Not because they're rich or because they look alike, we're talking brains here. Travelers across the northeastern coast have been encountering deer, by car, more regularly then ever on roads, golfcoarses and even backyards. Shortly after reading these articles, I was driving down a narrow winding road in Baltimore County when my boyfriend, Nick, gasped, "Oh look, a deer."

Now, the first thing I must ask is why people continue to point out these wild animals that we see quite regularly with such awe and amusement. Just two weekends ago we went to see the animals at the zoo and not once did he say "Oh look, a 4,000lb hippopotomus," in fact, we were all quite nuetral about the whole experience. Secondly, the news articles couldn't have been more on point. After slowing down and getting half way passed the deer in our new Corolla, the hairy little retard stumbles into the road and crashes into the side of our car. That's right, I did not hit the deer with my car, the deer hit me. With no record of accidents in 9 yrs of driving, I must say that these articles could not have been published at a better time. Having now hit the deer and peed my pants a little bit, Nick immediatly demands that I pull the car to the side of the road to adminster CPR to the injured animal. Needless to say, I had very little compassion for the animal the made the choice to run into my car, there was a line of cars behind us and I wasn't about to make a specticle out of the incident. Assuming the deer was okay, I ignored Nick and continued driving, with no damage to my car, and now I have a story to tell. This timeliness brings me to the conclusion that, yes, the newspaper does print articles that are factual and relevant to our lives.

Now the second article struck me as huge pile of doodie, considering I had also experienced the subject of the article. In mid October, the group of 6-9 year olds I coach were given the opportunity to hear a "motivational" speaker talk to them about goal setting. Had I know this opportunity was solely a photo opportunity for the speaker's pr specialist to pitch a story to the AP, I would have declined the offer. The speaker introduced topics of sex, drugs, tattooing, buhlemia and bum fighting to the children as a means of communicating different examples of goal setting. Considering the audience was clearly unaware of the subject matter and still working on the definition of a goal, I would say the speaker didn't prepare well before meeting with the children. You can visit the goof balls website at http://www.carolinemiller.com/ or you can save youself some time and watch Beyonce's recent stage catastrophe on YouTube.

(Pardon the delay, this blog was started 10 months ago and recently posted.)

Pictures to Prove

A wedding with burlesque dancers, a singing bride & groom, a stand up comedian, a strip tease and cakes from Food Network's "Ace of Cakes....

...and you thought I was making it all up!

Express Polls Metro Riders

In today's edition of the Washington Post Express, page 44 reveals the answers to a poll that asked, "Which issue should Metro's new cheif focus on first?" Good question, especially since we can only focus on one issue at a time. The poll reveals that a majority of riders would like Metro Costs and Crowding addressed first and a smaller percentage of riders wanted Escalators and Delays addressed. Let's discuss...

I do not deny that costs and crowding are an issue, but isn't crowding the result of delays? How can these related "issues" have two drastically different percentages (33% vs. 16%). If the polled would use their brain for two seconds, or even the people who created the poll, they would realize that having two related "issues" is kind of like an Independent running for office. So, rationally I feel I can begin to hypothesize that delays are the underlining issue that should be addressed first. I continue...



It costs me $6+ dollars a day to ride from College Park (green line) to Tenleytown (redline). What makes my $6 dollars totally not worth it, however, is a 17min delay coming home from work at 7:30pm and having to stumble down one of the longest escalators in the whole metro-system that has been out of service for a week. Other disworths include rude station managers (don't even get me started), nonfunctioning metro schedule boards, dirty floors and stairs, and a crappy information sound system. Can you imagine the choas in an actual emergency? These "issues" are all effects of delays: Station managers wouldn't have to talk to disgruntled passangers if the trains were operating regularly, people wouldn't have time to stand around and litter on the platform if the train came in a reasonable amount of time, etc...

Bottom line - Decrease the number of delays and wait time and crowding won't be an issue, and people will think that current costs are worth their dime. Then deal with the escalators.

Amy the Diva!

www.amythediva.com

So, my timing is a bit off, but I just remembered this performer from Capital Pride 2006 and had to share her with you. Her name is Amy the Diva, accompanied by Freddy Allen on the ivories (or the plastics, if it's a keyboard). Anyway, they're terrifically entertaining and I think you should check 'em out if you ever have the opportunity!

There are so few naturally talented people out there and these two are definitly part of that few. Amy's got a knack for relating to her audience and singing a good tune while she's at it. She'll even stop half way through the song to talk to ya, and Freddy doesn't miss a beat. It really is a good time.

Dissent is Patriotic...and other witty bumper stickers

Listening to the radio this morning (D.C.'s own 99.5 to be exact), I heard two funny jokes and felt the need to share them. Well, one of the jokes I actually heard last night, but you don't need all the details. So, one joke I heard last night and the other joke I heard this morning. Either way there are still two jokes...two funny jokes. I just don't want you people to think I'm a liar.

The first joke, in no particular order, needs a bit of a set up. Instructions: I tell you the answer to the question, you ponder the question ever so briefly and then I tell you the question. Easy enough.

A: Jumanji

Q: What is Mel Gibson's least favorite type of manji?

Next joke. No set-up needed.

An elderly woman finishes an appointment at her doctor's office and is asked to wait in the reception area for the results. After some time, the doctor comes out and tells the old woman that he has some bad news. The doctor approaches the woman and says, "My dear, I'm afraid you have cancer." The woman responds sadly, but notices the doctor still has a look of concern on his face. The doctor continues, "I'm also afraid you have alzeimers disease". In attempt to console herself and the doctor, the woman responds confidently, "Well, at least I don't have cancer."

BA-DUM-CHING!

Gays & Senator Barbara Mikulski

After sending a disapproving generic email to Sen. Mikulski this past spring about the Federal Marraige Amendment, I recieved the following generic response from her office:

Dear Mr. Brennan:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 1. It's good to hear from you.
This legislation would amend the Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman only. Our Constitution provides fundamental rights for all citizens, so I take amending the Constitution very seriously.
I oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment. It is unneeded and unnecessary. There already is a federal law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. I voted for this law. Maryland has a similar law.
Congress' priority should be making families safer and stronger. That means working to create jobs, improving access to health care, reducing the cost of energy, and helping families with the cost of college.
Again, thanks for getting in touch with me. If there is any way I can be of assistance to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator

How annoying right!?! And, did she just say that she already voted for a law that defines marraige as between a man and woman? Um, wtf?

So I respond:

Senator Mikulski,
I appreciate your staff returning my email. I am glad to hear you oppose the federal marriage amendment, but I find your response contradictory when you stated:
"I oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment. It is unneeded and unnecessary. There already is a federal law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman. I voted for this law. Maryland has a similar law."
Does this statement mean you oppose banning rights on a federal level, but condone banning rights on a state level? Or, you believe there is already a federal law that defines marriage between a man and a woman and you believe that is enough to block the rights of homosexuals?
Gay "Marriage" isn't about the church. It shouldn't have been called "marriage" in the first place. Church and state in our country need more separation. By denying the UNION of two souls, our country is denying homosexuals the rights that heterosexual couples take for granted (i.e. adoption, love, acceptance into American society, legal ramifications). Laws such as this give bigots a grounds for continued hate and hostility.
Again, I appreciate your opposing the Federal Marriage Amendment Act and I hope you will change your vote in the state regarding "marriage." If you truly believe in fundamental rights, I hope you will advocate and vote towards a more equal state and country for all United States Citizens.
Most Sincerely,
Patrick J. Brennan

Not bad, I should definitly get a validating response, right? Wrong:

Dear Mr. Brennan:
Thank you for getting in touch with me again about the Federal Marriage Amendment.
You have obviously given this a great deal of time and thought - - I've learned from hearing your views. I want to be responsive to the needs of all Marylanders when I make decisions. Information from people like you is essential if I'm to reach that goal.
Again, thanks for keeping in touch with me. Please let me know if I may be of assistance in the future.

Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator

How dreadfully disappointing and patronizing is that? "Obviously I've given this a great deal of time and thought..." How arrogant. To which I responded, "You didn't answer my questions in the previous email," and haven't heard back from them since.

Bravo's "Workout": Episode 103

Episode 103 was the first episode of "Workout" I've seen. I really enjoyed Jackie's enthusiasm and and the dynamic of her relationships with other people on the show. Not to mention, she's a total hottie. Her girlfriend might not be my first choice, but that's why I'm not dating her.

I was immediatly tuned in when I heard what Jackie's mom had to say. While I don't necessarily disagree with her apprehension towards Jackie's relationship with Mimi, I'm totally outraged by her flagrant attitude about homosexuality. I'm so tired of people using religion to justify what is right in this world. I especially hate when religious individuals are so patronizing to say "I don't hate gay people, I just don't think they have the right to marry or adopt children," and for Jackie's mother to say she loves her, but doesn't agree with her lifestyle. That kind of statement is so contradictory and totally inhumane. Love of a homosexual daughter/son/friend and unexceptance of homosexuality can not coexist.

Perhaps homosexuals believe in a God that accepts homosexuals. After all, it's all left up to interpretation. In that case, why not let homosexuals get married... other non-christian religions are allowed to marry and be treated equally under federal law.

To you haters (cause that's what you are): Until you've shown the world that you can impact all of it's sons and daughters positivally, keep your negative opinions and beliefs to yourself.

And it begins...

I've tried creating many blogs and none successfully. I gave up for a while because I really found little amusement in writing about myself, but I've grown and found something that holds my interest. Not me, not my goings-on, but the environment that surrounds us all...especially in D.C.

For quite sometime I've been passionate about the downfall and demoralization of our community. As a former resident of the district, still working in NW and living in the Metropolitan area, I feel very connected to this sense of community (or lack there of...). I've written my sarcastic and frustrated remarks to the Washingtonpost Express, expressed my intense feelings to my friends and boyfriend, and never felt any personal resolution. So I begin this blog to settle my internal struggles, to help actualize my thoughts and perhaps inspire others to think differently or guide me to a more healthy thought process.

"Never assume the obvious is true." - William Safire