Stop your hacking and get back to my Manhattan

Did you ever stop to think: every second that a bartender must take to blow a runny nose or clear a scratchy throat is a second during which he or she is not making drinks for us.

That's why opponents of the proposed DC smoking ban should take a good look at the results of a new study showing a reduction in second-hand smoking symptoms among New York's bar and restaurant workers since that state's smoking ban took effect in 2003. (Newsday)

Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K

The Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure box set just hit the shelves, including both Excellent Adventure and Bogus Journey as well as a DVD full of extras. (WP)

Well, I guess I know what I'm doing this weekend. Party on, dudes.

Cool, our terror threat level matches our heat index!

Both are Code Orange today. (Dept. of Homeland Security, NOAA)

Don't let us down, Jon

Let's all pray that Jon Stewart doesn't softball Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) during his appearance on The Daily Show tonight. The run-up to a Supreme Court confirmation vote is no time to let Mr. "Man on Dog"* off easy.

"Softballing Santorum"--ugh, now that just sounds dirty.

*See Santorum's interview with the AP, 4/7/05.

Bad time to be brown-skinned in Britain

Words cannot really express just how fucked up it is that the London police shot a man to death who turned out to be in no way involved in the terror attacks earlier this month (CNN.com). London's police commissioner "defended the policy of shooting to kill suspected suicide bombers and warned that more people could be shot."

We're shocked, but really, there but for the grace of God...

I heart internet organizing geeks

Steve at A New America, himself an internet organizer, logs his MoveOn e-mails to discern a logical pattern.

I think he's right about the MoveOn drill and its effectiveness. I think though that MoveOn is able to kick so much ass through its ability to latch onto the hottest issue in the entire country at a given moment, something that is not necessarily feasible for more issue-area-focused groups.

Who is the DCeiver?

Shrouded in mystery, the DCeiver blogs DC--well, let's be honest, mostly the part of DC that is contained within the 9:30 Club. Who is this witty, anonymous character? What does he do when he's not blogging? For the beginning of an answer, compare this DCeiver post with this press release, uncovered with a couple of seconds of Googling.

DCeiver: apparently a good guy.

iPelosi

The House Democrats have begun podcasting key speeches and news conferences. “House Democrats are committed to using the latest technology to reach out to Americans of all ages and backgrounds,” said Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. (Roll Call)

Or at least the same demographic that Lexus targets.

BTW, to subscribe, go here.

Borf captured!

The Mark of Borf (WP)

Marry me, Borf! I'll wait for you!

Blogs are the refrigerator door of the 21st century

Congrats to my buddy Brian, tireless anti-ICC campaigner, who got quoted in the Washington Post today (though unfortunately the article is not good news):

"A majority of local road intersections will not see any change" in traffic, said Brian Henry of the Audubon Naturalist Society. "The public good is not being served here by Maryland's most expensive transportation project ever."

Engaging youth one G&T at a time

Wait--$2.50 rail drinks in Cleveland Park? You have my vote.

"2020 Democrats Happy Hour
Guest Speaker:
DNC VICE-CHAIR SUSAN TURNBULL

MONDAY, JULY 18, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nanny O'Briens
3319 Connecticut Ave NW
Specials: $2.50 drafts and rail drinks"

Update from the slacker blogger

Wow, long time no blog. What's going on in Washington, you ask?

• Bad news: Chief Justice Rehnquist's probable upcoming retirement would leave Chief Justice position to either Scalia or Thomas (I figure). *shudder*
  
• Good news: But at least we have baby pandas! A new panda cub was born at the National Zoo this weekend, and you can watch him on the panda cam.
• Bad news: At least 50 people are dead in London after rush hour bombings last week. See The Guardian for good coverage of the aftermath and its political ramifications.
  
• Good news: Yet another reason that walking to work is healthier than taking the death-trap Metro.