OMG, Do I have Swine Flu?

OMG, I coughed last night! Oh no…I rode the metro this morning! My hands are clammy, I think I might have a fever…oh God, I’m getting nauseous!

Everyone seems to be talking about Swine Flu these days. I mean, I get the hype, it is a little scary to have a new virus spreading around, especially since it is killing people. Let’s not forget, however, that nearly 36,000 people die from the flu every year. Now I’m not trying to belittle Swine, I’m just saying we should keep ourselves under control. I heard on the local news last night that the number of people checking themselves into the hospital for fear of the virus is outrageous. I know that it is spreading across the US, but come on! The more people waste doctor’s time, the more people will actually die from other diseases because they are not being treated.

The cable news doesn’t seem to be helping with the issue. I watched Sanjay Gupta basically tell us that 30 million Americans could die from the spread of a flu virus within months. Maybe a little of an over reaction? In any case, I hope we can get it all under control soon.

As I was looking through the web today, I happened to find a great website worth using. If you are asking yourself, “Do I have Swine Flu?” you should probably check it out: doihaveswineflu.org

Who Stole the Carpet?

Another Metro Disappointment...

I know this is old news for many, but the other day was actually my first time in a carpetless metro.  I heard they were going to do this to cut back on cost, but it still took me by surprise.  I was blown away at how uncomfortable it made me feel!  Plastic seats, nylon floor, it just screams sticky and dirty.  Plus, what happens when it rains and everyone is wet?  Disaster waiting to happen.

I know the Metro has to do what it has to do to keep the hours, but this was a disappointment.

I did, however, see some good Metro news come out of We Love DC.  Looks like our smart trip cards will soon be recharable online!

I’m just not that impressed…

Now don’t get me wrong, I love to see people succeed, but what is the big deal?  Why is the world so fascinated with Susan Boyle?  If she was some skinny, knock out twenty three year old, would she have made such an impression?  Absolutely not.  She may have gotten a loud clap, but wouldn’t even make the WaPo Metro.   So why is she the new sensation?

She became an overnight sensation because we saw a strange, ugly (sorry Susan), cat lady and assumed she would fail.  Why do we automatically think that ugly people are bad at everything?  She is just as likely as the next person to have a nice voice, right?

I’m not sure what is worse, the fact that we didn’t want to give her a chance, or the fact that we are blowing it up as if it is the wildest thing to ever happen.  Personally, I think it is not nearly as wild as this.

Oh MSNBC

Our Fish Don’t Drink Tea **Update

Photo from DCist.com pool - By Sommer Mathis

** Update:  Check out these pictures DCist.com just posted from the Tea Bag Protest in Lafayette Park.

As everyone knows, it is TAX DAY!  Hopefully all of you have filed, received your refund and paid off that credit card by now, or if you are unlucky, sent in what you owe.  If you haven’t, I wouldn’t worry too much, doesn’t seem like anyone pays taxes these days.

Taxes are not the only think people are doing today.  Somewhere between 5 and 200,000 people are expected hit the streets, bays, rivers and lakes to protest against tax increases and bailouts. According to the official Tax Day Tea Party protest website, “The Tea Party protests, in their current form, began in early 2009 when Rick Santelli, the On Air Editor for CNBC, set out on a rant to expose the bankrupt liberal agenda of the White House Administration and Congress. Specifically, the flawed “Stimulus Bill” and pork filled budget.”

The coverage has been mixed, both locally and nationally.  Fox News is all about the protests, but CNN didn’t cover it at all until the other day.  Here is what they had to say:

For one local opinion, here is what DCist.com has to say about the protests.

I just hope that they don’t actually throw tea in our water.  We are a few short days from Earth Day, so let’s not forget about the environment.

My two cents:  You may not believe in big government, or large deficits, but I hope that you remember that what the Obama Administration and the Democratic majority has done over the past several months was not to hurt you, or your children.  The top minds are coming together from all over the world to figure out the best way to deal with this global economic crisis.  There is no hidden plan to turn this country socialist, there is no need to fear fascism.  My guess is that most Americans, on both sides of the isle, know as much about the economy as I do.  Good thing most Americans are not running the country.  We must have faith that the great minds are doing what is best, for you, me, our children, and the world.  Go out and protest if you like, but the bottom line is that we are in trouble, and something has to be done.  I hope that you can back up  your criticism with a better suggestion.

Where did Obama get that dog?

92 year old DC resident’s dog stolen.

AP Obama Promised Puppy

The Obama’s get a new dog.

Any relation?

The Quest for the Perfect Pig: Rib Pit

Rib Pit, Located at 14th and Randolph

This is the third segment the The Hay Sayers Quest for the Perfect Pig.  Check out our reviews on Rocklands and Mr. B’s.

Kareem:

The BBQ pit conjures images of a place that has nothing but smoked meat hanging around waiting to be sauced.  In the case of the BBQ pit on 14th street, that was not the case. The Rib Pit was a small shop that required us to order through a Plexiglas window.  The menu options were limited, there was BBQ brisket, ribs, and fried fish (whiting, trout, croaker) if I recall correctly.  We ordered a rack of ribs and decided to make our own side dishes at home.  Another friend of ours ordered the brisket sandwich (just over $5) and a slice of sweet potato pie.

Our choice of Recession Sides

I’ll begin by saying that this quest is proving difficult to find a rib that has both a good flavored meat and sauce. The BBQ Pit had a pretty decent sauce flavor but the meat was nothing special. It was average at best. The price was $20 for a rack so I suppose that’s reasonable considering it was the middle of DC (and cheaper than Rockland BBQ).  I will say that the sweet potato pie was pretty good and should have ordered my own slice to go along with the wonderful jumbo sized Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade mixed together) I had to wash the ribs down.

Doug:

I have to admit, I really had high hopes for the Rib Pit.  Online reviews are mixed, mostly steering us away from the sides, but the smell pumping down the street is very enticing.  When I walked in, however, things quickly turned for the worse.  The guy behind the glass wasn’t all that helpful.  It took us at least 30 minutes to grab the food.  This is a takeout only place (no tables), which adds to its character, but means my delicate little legs got a little tired.

When we finally made it back home and ripped into the rack, it was somewhat anti-climatic.  As Kareem said, the sauce above par, but the meat nothing to brag about.  If I find myself looking for an easy place to run for some BBQ, I might head back.  Otherwise, looks like we have a few more stops along the long road that leads to the perfect pig.

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The Carpetbagger Conversation: Part 1

Carpetbagger: Outsider, A nonresident or new resident who seeks private gain from an area

I’m a carpetbagger.  That’s right, I said it, I am an outsider.  Does that make me less qualified to write a DC blog?  Maybe.  Does that make me less of a man?  I sure hope not.

The way I see it, there are 4 types of people here in DC:

• Carpetbagger 1 – State congressional aide, usually with a one bedroom in Georgetown, probably paid for by daddy.  This is the guy/girl who ventures over to “dangerous” U St only when the college buddy comes into town and they want to show them, “where Obama got one of those hotdogs.”
• Carpetbagger 2 – Moves to DC for a few years after college to get a little experience and move on.  I like to think of this person as the one who tries hard to take advantage of their time in DC by getting involved in the community.  This is the type that moves to an ‘up and coming’ neighborhood, in hopes to find the ‘real’ DC.  They usually work for a non-profit, or development agency, setting out to make a difference.
• Former Carpetbagger – The people who moved to DC years ago and never looked back.
• Washingtonian – Born and raised, wouldn’t have it any other way.

One thing that I have noticed in my short time here in DC is that too many carpetbaggers think they know everything about this city, and too many natives are too quick to write off the newcomers.  The truth is, we need each other.  DC is DC because of the people that come and go due to politics and government.  It is a community built on change.  Now now, before I get the “I’ve heard too much about change recently” eye roll, I’m not talking about Obama change, I’m talking about the change that makes this city different than any other.

At the same time, if it were not for the generations of families that have developed this city, it would be nothing more than a college campus (you know, people coming and going every four years.  Well, except for those old professors (fill in the blank) who have been around for decades).  The history from U St. to Anacostia to Deanwood, brings generations of oppression, progression, and art.  All staples of what makes this metropolis great.

The newcomers need to embrace the natives to truly understand the city, but the natives need to embrace the ever changing newcomers that will continue to make this community what it is.

I’m going to try something big here.  I want to hear from you about this issue.  What do the people who move to this city need to know about its history?  What should the Washingtonians do to embrace those who are moving in?  How can we work together to make this community stronger?

Let’s start the conversation.

Return of the Markets

Eastern Market Produce

Good news for those who like a little fresh produce.  Farmers markets are returning for the season all of the city.  The Hay Sayers happened upon two this weekend, Dupont Circle Farmers Market, and the produce section at Eastern Market.

Here is some information on a few of my favorite.

Adams Morgan Farmers Market:

Located at 18th and Columbia Rd.  Opens May, 1

Dupont Circle Farmers Market

Columbia Heights Community Marketplace:

Located at 14th and Irving.  Opens May, 15

Eastern Market Outdoors Farmers Market:

7th Street around C.  Open year-round.

Fourteenth and U Streets Farmers Market:

Located at 14th and U.  Opening in May.

Mount Pleasant Farmers Market:

Located in Lamont Park, at Lamont and 17th.  Opening May, 15.

Flower Power

Fighting the crowds at the Cherry Blossoms

Believe it or not, I was actually pretty excited to join the thousands of tourists and head down to the mall.  Last weekend I planned to attend the kite festival, but with the rain and cold, I decided to wait until Sunday.

Around the Tidal Basin

I know how annoying it is to get behind someone getting off the metro who doesn’t know where to put the fare card, and I know how you just want to tase the hell out of anyone who tries to rush on the metro before they let you off.  Don’t even get me started about standing on the left side of the escalators.  But despite the disdain for tourists, I also know that  sometimes it is worth it to suck it up and venture down to tourist town.

We decided to go mid afternoon, in hopes that some of those crowds would have already faded.  As far as I could tell, everyone had that same thought, but I guess that is all I can expect.

For the most part the weather was beautiful with nice warm rays.  The spring excitement was high, so it was hard not to have a good time.  As the afternoon went on, the breeze picked up and got a little cool, but that didn’t really hinder the enjoyment.

If you have not made it down to the Cherry Blossoms this year, just do it.  Why not take advantage of something so close.

Clouds rolling in