More Fragments...

ARTIFICIAL WHAT???

Sitting next to two women in their sixties when a news story comes on TV that researchers, using stem cells, have made artificial sperm. One of the women is absolutely puzzled, and a bit incredulous. "What?," she says, looking around. "There's no shortage..."

SINCE WHEN??

I am at the Brickskeller (I know, shocking), enjoying a Belgian ale called Grimbergen Double, and notice that the label says "Anno 1128." I'm no genius, but I know that means they've been brewing this stuff since 1128. No wonder it's so good. They've had a few years to get it right.

I CAN'T HEAR YOU. THE MUSIC'S TOO LOUD

Strangely, one of the things I miss about my SUV is not being able to drive around listening to music at any volume I choose. In my hovel, I control the decibel levels in the interest of maintaining good relations with my fellow inmates. Even cranking Limp Bizkit in headphones isn't quite the same as riding around on a sunny Sunday afternoon with the windows down.

When I first discovered that my SUV had been smashed, it was the middle of a day on a Wednesday. My intention was to go grocery shopping, but, ironically, I carried in my hand a CD that I had just burned - music that I hadn't listened to for a while, and wanted to hear good and loud in my SUV while I drove to the grocery store. I hadn't realized, over the years, what a release it was for me to listen to good loud rock. It really does clear my head. No wonder my head is so full...

Hopefully, I'll have a new vehicle soon.

I'll be damned. It works...

This is a test. Allegedly, I can now update my blog from my cell phone. I'll believe it when I see it...

Travel Companion...

My trusted travel companion on a beautiful day near the Tidal Basin at the foot of the steps of the Jefferson Memorial...

4th of July

On the 4th of July, I went into DC. Where else would you go? I joined a million and a half of my closest friends to celebrate the nation's birthday. With a little forethought, and willingness to walk great distances, I got around with no trouble at all. I ended up standing right under the Washington Monument. Looking west, this was the view of the Lincoln Memorial - with wall to wall people all the way down that end of the Mall. The group of buildings in the right distance is an area called Rosslyn - across the Potomac in Virgina.





I waited until near dark to look east and take a picture of the Mall all the way to the Capitol - again, with wall to wall people as far as you can see.



This is what DC fireworks look like when you're basically right underneath them!

Constitutional Gardens

Last weekend, I rode the Capitol Crescent Trail, from Silver Spring to Georgetown. Then I rode up M Street, and right on Twenty-third, which brings you to area of the Lincoln Memorial from the north side. It made for a pleasant surprise. I had never before been in Constitutional Gardens, but it's safe to say I'll go back.

Changing Luck...

Yesterday, I was riding my bike to the Metro station so I could head into DC and explore and get some exercise. I always stay on the far right on the sidewalk - toward the top of the hill there is a row of trees that provides some shade.

Under one gigantic tree, a bird sitting on the branches overhead decided to let loose as I passed. This was not your ordinary dropping. This little creature had evidently enjoyed a massive 4th of July bird barbecue. The colossal turd hit the sidewalk a foot to my right with a very audible splat. I laughed. In June, that would have landed right on top of me. Now that it's July, maybe my luck is changing...