Got this today:
Thank you for your interest in the communications associate position at the Xxxxxxxx. We apologize for the delay in responding to your application, but had an unprecedented number of submissions. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer you a position at this time. Thank you again for your time and interest. We wish you the best of luck in your job search.
Sincerely,
Martha Xxxxxxxxx
Director of Communications
Organization Xxxxxx
I applied for this job on June 1st. June 1st!
I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'll be heading to Florida in a couple of weeks. Given my recent luck, I'm assuming that, the day I arrive in Orlando, I'll get an e-mail from a company in DC requesting an interview.
C'est la vie.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Rocks...
** Please note: You can click on all of the photos below and find a full size image to enjoy. To get the full effect, I urge you to do so.**
On Sunday, I decided to visit Great Falls National Park (Link HERE). It's just over the border in Virginia, not more than 30 minutes drive, and, after Saturday's bike ride, I wanted to be active but not too active.
I was expecting a nice park and a peaceful afternoon. I had no idea...
I get to the parking lot (after using my NPS Annual Pass!) and hear rushing, falling water. Then I see the sign below and I KNOW I've found a place I'm going to like!
I followed the trail to the nearest ledge and was greeted by this...
I had always heard there was a section of the Potomac River that was impassable for boats - that's why there have been various sets of locks and canals built over the years - but I had no idea that Great Falls really meant great falls! From the same vantage point, I looked to the right...
In the distance, you can see that the river curves to the right, and enters a spectacular gorge. Once you are below the worst of the falls, you are in kayakers' heaven. The launch points are not easy to reach - typically they have to carry their kayak a fair distance and drop down through some treacherous terrain - but I bet the ride is amazing.
So I went home thinking that I had enjoyed a nice walk, and some great scenery, but I was a bit curious about the other side of the river - the Maryland side. I knew there was more government land over there, and I had seen people walking on the rocks across the way.
I figured I would give that a shot on Monday (today). The weather forecast was encouraging, and the Executive Naming Committee had mandated some sort of festivities in honor of the christening of the Raft.
As it turns out, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park runs all along the Potomac on the Maryland side. No, really, all along the Maryland side. For 184 miles. (Map Link HERE) The park contains what used to be the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which, according to the National Park website (Link HERE) was "a lifeline for communities and businesses along the Potomac River." The adjacent tow path that was formerly used by mule teams to haul river barges upstream is now a hiking/biking trail all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. It's fantastic.
I want to quote extensively from the National Park Service website here, because this is fascinating:
So... me and the Raft head out, with Christ on a Raft on the dashboard, After a brief ceremony in the parking lot, the car is officially named.
I had noticed some side trails that looked like they ran along the river, and I thought that was where I wanted to go. A few hundred yards up the tow path, I see a side path. Then I see this sign:
I KNOW I've found a place I'm going to like. And the route is called the Billy Goat Trail. It's got to be good, right? I had no idea...
Because I know solo hiking can be a bit dicey sometimes, I had dressed properly - with sturdy hiking boots - brought plenty of water, a first-aid kit, raincoat, multi-tool, and flashlight with extra batteries. I also brought Albert. I had been ignoring him recently, and this seemed like the kind of trip he'd enjoy. Once he saw the trail (the narrow ledge - the trail marker is the blue and white vertical strip just in front of Albert), he had to show off, of course, and get to the top of the first ledge ahead of me. But, holy cow, this was the sight that greeted me as I looked upriver...
... a long, twisting, rugged slice of heaven.
The "trail" sometimes looked like this:
And sometimes it looked like this:
Then you'd get to the top of one of the rocky peaks, and you would just want to sit and stare.
Incidentally, this is why I also brought along my mini-tripod, so I could take pictures like this - same spot, but now it has me in it:
Albert still hasn't figured out how to use my camera. Also, it was at this point that I discovered that Albert is a good climber, but he's not much on the descent. When I got to the bottom of this tricky stretch, I turned around to see that Albert hadn't budged.
Wait a minute, you say, Albert isn't in that picture. On the contrary, just to give you an idea of the scale and heights and distances we're dealing with, look closely, Albert is between the arrows:
And this is actually the "trail" - you can see the light blue paint slash on the nearest rock and on the angular rock about halfway up. I had to climb back up there and carry him down.
Eventually, we got to another place where a self-portrait seemed appropriate.
And we relaxed and enjoyed the view.
This hike was easily one of the most fun, challenging, scenic and all-in-all enjoyable I've ever had.
It's hard to believe this is 15 miles from the front door of my hovel, and about the same distance from downtown Washington, DC.
On Sunday, I decided to visit Great Falls National Park (Link HERE). It's just over the border in Virginia, not more than 30 minutes drive, and, after Saturday's bike ride, I wanted to be active but not too active.
I was expecting a nice park and a peaceful afternoon. I had no idea...
I get to the parking lot (after using my NPS Annual Pass!) and hear rushing, falling water. Then I see the sign below and I KNOW I've found a place I'm going to like!
I followed the trail to the nearest ledge and was greeted by this...
I had always heard there was a section of the Potomac River that was impassable for boats - that's why there have been various sets of locks and canals built over the years - but I had no idea that Great Falls really meant great falls! From the same vantage point, I looked to the right...
In the distance, you can see that the river curves to the right, and enters a spectacular gorge. Once you are below the worst of the falls, you are in kayakers' heaven. The launch points are not easy to reach - typically they have to carry their kayak a fair distance and drop down through some treacherous terrain - but I bet the ride is amazing.
So I went home thinking that I had enjoyed a nice walk, and some great scenery, but I was a bit curious about the other side of the river - the Maryland side. I knew there was more government land over there, and I had seen people walking on the rocks across the way.
I figured I would give that a shot on Monday (today). The weather forecast was encouraging, and the Executive Naming Committee had mandated some sort of festivities in honor of the christening of the Raft.
As it turns out, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Park runs all along the Potomac on the Maryland side. No, really, all along the Maryland side. For 184 miles. (Map Link HERE) The park contains what used to be the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which, according to the National Park website (Link HERE) was "a lifeline for communities and businesses along the Potomac River." The adjacent tow path that was formerly used by mule teams to haul river barges upstream is now a hiking/biking trail all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. It's fantastic.
I want to quote extensively from the National Park Service website here, because this is fascinating:
The canal was literally a man-made river. To make the canal work a complex system of hydrology was constructed. To supply water for the canal seven feeder dams were built on the Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls. To control the water, seventy-four lift locks were placed in the canal. Each lock raised or lowered a boat approximately eight feet. The locks allowed boats to travel upstream or downstream and made it possible to overcome the elevation difference of 605 feet between Georgetown and Cumberland. Waste weirs and culverts were added to the canal to divert off excess water. In case of a flood, stop locks were constructed to direct flood waters back into the Potomac River.Bear in mind, the canal runs roughly parallel to the river, but they are separate. The canal took twenty-two years to build, from 1828 to 1850.
So... me and the Raft head out, with Christ on a Raft on the dashboard, After a brief ceremony in the parking lot, the car is officially named.
I had noticed some side trails that looked like they ran along the river, and I thought that was where I wanted to go. A few hundred yards up the tow path, I see a side path. Then I see this sign:
I KNOW I've found a place I'm going to like. And the route is called the Billy Goat Trail. It's got to be good, right? I had no idea...
Because I know solo hiking can be a bit dicey sometimes, I had dressed properly - with sturdy hiking boots - brought plenty of water, a first-aid kit, raincoat, multi-tool, and flashlight with extra batteries. I also brought Albert. I had been ignoring him recently, and this seemed like the kind of trip he'd enjoy. Once he saw the trail (the narrow ledge - the trail marker is the blue and white vertical strip just in front of Albert), he had to show off, of course, and get to the top of the first ledge ahead of me. But, holy cow, this was the sight that greeted me as I looked upriver...
... a long, twisting, rugged slice of heaven.
The "trail" sometimes looked like this:
And sometimes it looked like this:
Then you'd get to the top of one of the rocky peaks, and you would just want to sit and stare.
Incidentally, this is why I also brought along my mini-tripod, so I could take pictures like this - same spot, but now it has me in it:
Albert still hasn't figured out how to use my camera. Also, it was at this point that I discovered that Albert is a good climber, but he's not much on the descent. When I got to the bottom of this tricky stretch, I turned around to see that Albert hadn't budged.
Wait a minute, you say, Albert isn't in that picture. On the contrary, just to give you an idea of the scale and heights and distances we're dealing with, look closely, Albert is between the arrows:
And this is actually the "trail" - you can see the light blue paint slash on the nearest rock and on the angular rock about halfway up. I had to climb back up there and carry him down.
Eventually, we got to another place where a self-portrait seemed appropriate.
And we relaxed and enjoyed the view.
This hike was easily one of the most fun, challenging, scenic and all-in-all enjoyable I've ever had.
It's hard to believe this is 15 miles from the front door of my hovel, and about the same distance from downtown Washington, DC.
ENC Announces Christening Ceremony...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
There was a brief meeting of the Executive Naming Committee last night at which the member (me) ratified the poll respondents' choice of "The Raft" as the name for my new old Volvo. It was suggested by one poll respondent that "E" be used as a middle name, in the event that such becomes useful or necessary, and this motion, having been formally proposed, was approved by a unanimous vote of 1-0.
The christening ceremony will be this afternoon at 1:00 near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center at the Chesapeake and Ohio National Canal Park. Directions, if you need them, may be found HERE. Casual attire is appropriate. Water will be served.
There was a brief meeting of the Executive Naming Committee last night at which the member (me) ratified the poll respondents' choice of "The Raft" as the name for my new old Volvo. It was suggested by one poll respondent that "E" be used as a middle name, in the event that such becomes useful or necessary, and this motion, having been formally proposed, was approved by a unanimous vote of 1-0.
The christening ceremony will be this afternoon at 1:00 near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center at the Chesapeake and Ohio National Canal Park. Directions, if you need them, may be found HERE. Casual attire is appropriate. Water will be served.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Monster Within...
About a year and a half ago, I started hearing very positive reports on a band named Fall of Envy. Although I had been slowly but purposely disengaging from the music business, friends and acquaintances still referred bands to me in the hope that I might help, or at least pass information to people way more important than me, along with my endorsement. A friend of mine eventually sent me a video of the band.
It turns out I knew the lead singer - Mike Baker, and the drummer - Brandt Frenchman, from way back when they were in a band called Liquid Vinyl. It is truly a small world.
Fall of Envy was good. Heavy, but melodic. Just the way I like it. In March of 2008, I pulled a few strings, and helped them land a spot opening for Nonpoint at Common Grounds in Gainesville. Then, in November, they opened for Sevendust, also at Common Grounds. The shows were presented by ROCK 104, and I had a great time at both of them.
At some point last summer, I was invited to a barbecue at their house in Orlando. It was a farewell for a mutual friend who was moving away. I got to know the other guys in the band a little bit. Tommy, Brent and Greg.
When I think of Greg Harrington, I get an image of us chatting in his backyard. He had a natural charm, and was inquisitive and engaging. I liked him. Talking to him was easy. For me, at least.
This is a picture I took during the Nonpoint show. Greg is on the right, playing guitar. Mike is singing. Greg's brother Tommy is on the left in the distance.
Yesterday, Greg took his own life. I heard the news at about 8:30 last night.
I never quite know what to think at times like that. I was shocked and saddened. I immediately thought of Greg's brother Tommy, and the rest of his family, and how absolutely awful it must be for them.
And I wonder what it takes to get to that point. Fear, sadness, uncertainty, anger, loneliness, disappointment, and doubt can combine to become a cruel and relentless monster that torments the inner self. I assume we've all had moments when everything seemed hopelessly overwhelming, when the idea of death suddenly became appealing, a relief, if nothing else.
I don't know why some survive those moments, and some don't. I know there are many people who wish they could have been with Greg when his moment arrived, when the monster was winning. If I could, I would have told him to think of simple things that make every day worth living; sunset on the ocean, children laughing, playing with puppies, family and friends. Reasons to go on can always be found, even if sometimes you must search for them.
Good-bye Greg. It was nice to know you. Honestly.
To those who knew him well and loved him, hang in there. My thoughts and wishes are with you.
The weather was supposed to be terrible here today, but, as I look outside, the sun is shining. I think I'll go for a drive. For me, at least, the storm has passed.
It turns out I knew the lead singer - Mike Baker, and the drummer - Brandt Frenchman, from way back when they were in a band called Liquid Vinyl. It is truly a small world.
Fall of Envy was good. Heavy, but melodic. Just the way I like it. In March of 2008, I pulled a few strings, and helped them land a spot opening for Nonpoint at Common Grounds in Gainesville. Then, in November, they opened for Sevendust, also at Common Grounds. The shows were presented by ROCK 104, and I had a great time at both of them.
At some point last summer, I was invited to a barbecue at their house in Orlando. It was a farewell for a mutual friend who was moving away. I got to know the other guys in the band a little bit. Tommy, Brent and Greg.
When I think of Greg Harrington, I get an image of us chatting in his backyard. He had a natural charm, and was inquisitive and engaging. I liked him. Talking to him was easy. For me, at least.
This is a picture I took during the Nonpoint show. Greg is on the right, playing guitar. Mike is singing. Greg's brother Tommy is on the left in the distance.Yesterday, Greg took his own life. I heard the news at about 8:30 last night.
I never quite know what to think at times like that. I was shocked and saddened. I immediately thought of Greg's brother Tommy, and the rest of his family, and how absolutely awful it must be for them.
And I wonder what it takes to get to that point. Fear, sadness, uncertainty, anger, loneliness, disappointment, and doubt can combine to become a cruel and relentless monster that torments the inner self. I assume we've all had moments when everything seemed hopelessly overwhelming, when the idea of death suddenly became appealing, a relief, if nothing else.
I don't know why some survive those moments, and some don't. I know there are many people who wish they could have been with Greg when his moment arrived, when the monster was winning. If I could, I would have told him to think of simple things that make every day worth living; sunset on the ocean, children laughing, playing with puppies, family and friends. Reasons to go on can always be found, even if sometimes you must search for them.
Good-bye Greg. It was nice to know you. Honestly.
To those who knew him well and loved him, hang in there. My thoughts and wishes are with you.
The weather was supposed to be terrible here today, but, as I look outside, the sun is shining. I think I'll go for a drive. For me, at least, the storm has passed.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
The Cannondale...
I finally had a chance to get on my Cannondale 400R "Warrior" road bike today, and get a few miles under my belt. I drove down to Belle Haven Park - just south of Alexandria, and rode the last half of the Mt. Vernon Trail. I agree with a description of it that I read online somewhere; it is too narrow and winding to be really good for a serious road biker. For a casual cruise, it's great.
I am glad I chose a reasonable distance (16 miles) for my first time on the road bike in... over a year, I would guess. Within 3 miles, my lower back was sore, my hands were numb, and I had numerous hot spots on my feet (from pressure points against the pedals - no, I do not use clip-ins, I still use cages). In short, it was exactly how I thought I would feel!
The difference between my Trek Navigator 100 mountain bike and my Cannondale are significant. It's like comparing a Land Rover and a BMW. Both are terrific machines, but designed with entirely different uses in mind. I've been on the Land Rover for months now, and the Beamer requires some adjustment!
Before I even left the parking lot, it took me 45 minutes to partially compensate for the months of neglect. A bike needs to be ridden, and I left my Cannondale hanging on the wall for too long. I had to spray chain lube on everything to combat the early signs of corrosion, but, once I cleaned it, pumped up the tires and got ready to roll, it was like old times. Or, rather, like the first time I ever rode a performance bicycle! I have told many people this - those who are not bikers - half the battle of distance road biking is finding ways to get comfortable, and stay comfortable, on a bike. I was not comfortable!
Without getting into much detail, I was glad to find my old friend in my bag of biker goodies...
I'm excited that I have found the motivation to get fit again, and stay fit. Now if I can just get comfortable on that Cannondale...
I am glad I chose a reasonable distance (16 miles) for my first time on the road bike in... over a year, I would guess. Within 3 miles, my lower back was sore, my hands were numb, and I had numerous hot spots on my feet (from pressure points against the pedals - no, I do not use clip-ins, I still use cages). In short, it was exactly how I thought I would feel!
The difference between my Trek Navigator 100 mountain bike and my Cannondale are significant. It's like comparing a Land Rover and a BMW. Both are terrific machines, but designed with entirely different uses in mind. I've been on the Land Rover for months now, and the Beamer requires some adjustment!
Before I even left the parking lot, it took me 45 minutes to partially compensate for the months of neglect. A bike needs to be ridden, and I left my Cannondale hanging on the wall for too long. I had to spray chain lube on everything to combat the early signs of corrosion, but, once I cleaned it, pumped up the tires and got ready to roll, it was like old times. Or, rather, like the first time I ever rode a performance bicycle! I have told many people this - those who are not bikers - half the battle of distance road biking is finding ways to get comfortable, and stay comfortable, on a bike. I was not comfortable!
Without getting into much detail, I was glad to find my old friend in my bag of biker goodies...
I'm excited that I have found the motivation to get fit again, and stay fit. Now if I can just get comfortable on that Cannondale...
Friday, July 31, 2009
Biker's Heaven?
After doing a little more research, I'm starting to think the the Metro DC area may be heaven for bikers (that's bicyclists, silly). Look at the map below...
[Map Courtesy of BikeWashington.org]
I've ridden the Capital Crescent Trail, and the Rock Creek Trail. Tomorrow, I'm riding a portion of the Mount Vernon. I've been on a very small part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Trail (C&O), and I'm anxious to do more. Seriously, is there anything this area doesn't have? (besides a fantastic job offer for yours truly...)
[Map Courtesy of BikeWashington.org]
I've ridden the Capital Crescent Trail, and the Rock Creek Trail. Tomorrow, I'm riding a portion of the Mount Vernon. I've been on a very small part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Trail (C&O), and I'm anxious to do more. Seriously, is there anything this area doesn't have? (besides a fantastic job offer for yours truly...)
Catching Up...
I have a few random things and loose ends to address, so, here they are...
NAME THAT CAR
After taking an early lead, the name "E" has fallen into a distant second place behind "The Raft" in the naming poll for my car. I like "E" but I like "The Raft" also, so I think I can live with it. As of now, there is a little bit of time left to vote. If the members are available, I would expect the Executive Naming Committee to meet this weekend.
RIGHT WAY TO ROCK CREEK
On Tuesday, I didn't want a long bike ride, but I wanted to get some hard exercise in before I went out for pizza with my hovel-mates. I decided to re-trace my steps along the Matthew Henson Trail, and see if I could find the proper connection to the Rock Creek trail. I studied the map before I left, and, sure enough, found the right way to Rock Creek. It was a good, fast 10 mile ride, and now I know the way to go next time.
WEEKEND IN THE SADDLE
Tomorrow, I will probably break out the road bike for the first time in ages. Since I'm down 20 pounds in the last two months, I probably won't horrify as many people if I break out the bike shorts as well. Right now, the plan is to throw the bike in the back of the car (The Raft?), and drive down to to Belle Haven Park (just south of Alexandria, Va), and follow the paved path to Mount Vernon.
If you look on the map below, the parking area is the skinny road to the right of both markers for Route 400. The bike trail parallels the George Washington Memorial Parkway to Mount Vernon. From that starting point, it should be about a 16 mile round trip ride - long enough for someone whose buttocks haven't graced the seat of a road bike in a while.
View Larger Map
If you double-click on the map to zoom in, the narrow bike trail is visible just to the right of the long parking lots (you have to zoom pretty closely, but you can see the white dashes painted on the trail to guide and separate northbound and southbound traffic). You can click the link to view a larger map, and navigate around from there to get your bearings.
The trail starts further north, at Theodore Roosevelt Island...
View Larger Map
After a few attempts at shorter distances to get comfortable on the bike, I will do the whole length of the Mount Vernon trail. It's about 30 miles round trip, which is my usual distance when I'm in "training."
I must say, I have already discovered that the George Washington Memorial Parkway makes for a fantastic drive home at the end of the day. It runs right along the Potomac, and, as you drive north,the setting sun on the left hits the Mall across the river on the right, and makes for some stunning late afternoon scenery.
I'm looking forward to it.
NAME THAT CAR
After taking an early lead, the name "E" has fallen into a distant second place behind "The Raft" in the naming poll for my car. I like "E" but I like "The Raft" also, so I think I can live with it. As of now, there is a little bit of time left to vote. If the members are available, I would expect the Executive Naming Committee to meet this weekend.
RIGHT WAY TO ROCK CREEK
On Tuesday, I didn't want a long bike ride, but I wanted to get some hard exercise in before I went out for pizza with my hovel-mates. I decided to re-trace my steps along the Matthew Henson Trail, and see if I could find the proper connection to the Rock Creek trail. I studied the map before I left, and, sure enough, found the right way to Rock Creek. It was a good, fast 10 mile ride, and now I know the way to go next time.
WEEKEND IN THE SADDLE
Tomorrow, I will probably break out the road bike for the first time in ages. Since I'm down 20 pounds in the last two months, I probably won't horrify as many people if I break out the bike shorts as well. Right now, the plan is to throw the bike in the back of the car (The Raft?), and drive down to to Belle Haven Park (just south of Alexandria, Va), and follow the paved path to Mount Vernon.
If you look on the map below, the parking area is the skinny road to the right of both markers for Route 400. The bike trail parallels the George Washington Memorial Parkway to Mount Vernon. From that starting point, it should be about a 16 mile round trip ride - long enough for someone whose buttocks haven't graced the seat of a road bike in a while.
View Larger Map
If you double-click on the map to zoom in, the narrow bike trail is visible just to the right of the long parking lots (you have to zoom pretty closely, but you can see the white dashes painted on the trail to guide and separate northbound and southbound traffic). You can click the link to view a larger map, and navigate around from there to get your bearings.
The trail starts further north, at Theodore Roosevelt Island...
View Larger Map
After a few attempts at shorter distances to get comfortable on the bike, I will do the whole length of the Mount Vernon trail. It's about 30 miles round trip, which is my usual distance when I'm in "training."
I must say, I have already discovered that the George Washington Memorial Parkway makes for a fantastic drive home at the end of the day. It runs right along the Potomac, and, as you drive north,the setting sun on the left hits the Mall across the river on the right, and makes for some stunning late afternoon scenery.
I'm looking forward to it.
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