I wasn’t aware we’d been conquered by Canada, but the Airline Pilot’s Association apparently knows something we don’t. Why else would they fly the flag of another nation above that of our own?

Methinks someone needs to consult the US Flag code.

No other flag or pennant should be placed above or, if on the same level, to the right of the flag of the United States of America, except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy. No person shall display the flag of the United Nations or any other national or international flag equal, above, or in a position of superior prominence or honor to, or in place of, the flag of the United States at any place within the United States or any Territory or possession thereof:

Photo by DC Metroblogger

Check out the salad section of the Bling Bling Giant in Columbia Heights. Rabbits went “wintry mix” on the pre-made salads.

All my favorites are gone, only derivatives of iceberg lettuce remain.

As much as the selection disappoints, I am glad that my neighbours care enough about their health to go green for dinner.

Did you?

There was an owl today in Pershing Park. Majestically perched on a ranger’s arm, as large as a man’s torso, with eyes as big as Sacagaweas, its head swivelling around Exorcist-style…

As part of a joint effort between the Willard, the National Park Service, and Earth Conservation Corp., tables were set up with info on the Anacostia River conservation effort, packets of wildflowers were distributed, and volunteers were gardening in an Earth Day Celebration. A jazz band even played through lunch. It was wonderfully relaxing, and even though the fountain isn’t running yet, a sweet way to get a nature fix in my favorite green space in the middle of the city.

But really, the star was the owl. Seeing a raptor that close defies similes. It truly seemed alien, unreal. The beak, the talons, the amber eyes focusing on you and yet through you… I was enraptured. My camera phone, however, was rendered impotent, unable to capture any decent shots. It seems some moments you just have to “settle” for memory, and sigh at the beauty you cannot control.

Lonely bouquet

Originally uploaded by deridere.

Why oh why are you sitting outside of an office building all alone? Are you perhaps delighting in the afternoon sunshine? Maybe you are checking out the construction workers across the street? Are you thirsty? hungry? cold?

Clearly you should not have been left outside of the closed salon, so why would you be abandoned by your delivery man? Could it be that this bouquet of flowers, slatted for delivery today was a tad sub par for the firm whose front lobby table it was supposed to adorn? Have you been forsaken for a newer model, upgraded to a leafier bouquet and discarded like a second class citizen because your flowers were average?

Photo by DC Metroblogger

What a perfect way to end lunch on a sunny day: free ice cream samples from the Hershey’s Ice Cream store on McPherson Square.

They are passing out sample coupons right now to lucky passerbys like me. I need the coupon too as I miss out on their other free ice cream offer.

A free scoop on my b-day isn’t inviting if you were born in February.

Mayor Fenty’s first bill is now signed, and it’s the School Reform Act, putting the schools under the control of the Mayor’s office, and turning the School Board into an advisory council. The bill heads now to Congress for approval, and the hope is that the bill will be approved there, and changes in the DC Schools will be visible in time for the new school year.

However, all of this was done while the seats in Wards 4 and 7 sat vacant and waiting for special election next month. It strikes me, once again, that this should be something that all wards should have had a seat at the table for a change that’s this drastic. But that’s not going to be the case. Bad move, Mayor Fenty. I know you’re trying to make the school system better, but I think that to do that, you need the consent of the whole council, not one with vacant seats.

When my instant messenger buzzed me at 2pm on a Sunday, I had my feet up and I was watching the Nationals get clubbed like baby seals. The message said, “It would be a sin if we didn’t drink margaritas today.”

Hmm. Now there’s an idea. It’s just about perfect out there. So I pinged Mike back, and suddenly we’re off to the store to get flank steak, onions, peppers and guacamole makings. Because really, what goes better with margaritas that some spicy fajitas? I thought so. Harris Teeter, much like Home Depot on Saturday, was a complete zoo. What is it about perfect weekends that turn normal retail outlets into chaos zones? People not watching where they’re going, leaving their carts blocking the aisles, running over my wife at one point… It was insane. I was glad to be out of it, with the windows down and the sunroof popped to head over to Mike’s place.

At some point Margaritas became three kinds of Sangria, and I realized that the perfection of Spring might well lead to some unintended consequences in the morning. Not caring, I drank deeply from the glass of forgetfulness as the evening drew on. The fajitas were spicy, the company delightful, and best of all, this is just the first of many barbeques to come. Welcome back, good weather!

If you plan on visiting “The Awakening” any time soon, you’d best do it sooner rather than later. According to a recent Washington Post article:

“…the outdoor sculpture ‘The Awakening’ will be dug up from Hains Point, its home for the past 27 years, then barged and trucked to an undisclosed location where it will be cleaned and restored. Then, the 70-foot work, which depicts a giant struggling to emerge from the earth, will be planted in a new sandy beach on the other side of the Potomac River.”

The sculpture was purchased several years ago for $750,000 by a developer, Milt Peterson, who has grand plans to revitalize National Harbor:

“Sail-shaped banners line the Potomac waterfront, with moving images projected on the fabric. A retractable, 42-foot video screen stretches between two masts for outdoor movies. Stonehenge-like boulders alternate with larger-than-life bronze statues along the promenade leading to the water. In his mind’s eye, Peterson sees concerts, sailboat races, sunset cruises, fireworks, maybe even water ballet.”

Because the harbor is actually part of Maryland, you guessed it: DC is losing one of its landmarks. The Awakening will no longer be a part of DC which is kind of sad in my opinion. In its current location, it’s just within reach for most of tourists, walkable from the Mall (albeit kind of a long walk). With its new location in Prince George’s County, you can kiss that convenience goodbye. I think change can be good though, and if the harbor turns out as Peterson describes it, it may be a fun place to visit every once in a while.

So say your goodbyes, DC, and pray that no one sells the Washington Monument.

Photo by DC Metroblogger

This Green Line WMATA Metrorail train has me seeing red in the morning and not because of the Nats.

I am seeing red because the advertising-free clean lines of the original Metro design are being distorted by crass consumerism.

Yes, WMATA should be looking for alternate revenue sources because the three states it serves chronically underfund mass transit. But aggressive advertising like this visual assault is over the line.

What next? WMATA pimping Bemmers in Metro stations?

photo courtesy of sean dreilinger

…cuz it’s too loud. A number of us went to check out the bar at Liberty Tavern last night after having dinner around the corner. It’s a lovely space, or at least the bar is – I didn’t wander upstairs to see the dining room. However it is noisy as all get out. Maybe that’s an unfair criticism of anyplace on a Saturday night but after about thirty minutes I found my throat getting a little hoarse trying to talk. On the other hand, the bar seemed smoke-free – no idea if that’s a policy there or just a co-incidence but it was a pleasure, and the only thing I missed when we walked down the block to O’Sullivans.