Memo to the D.C. Metro

If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you know I have a disdain for the Metro. I’m a proud public commuter. I love taking buses and trains. I find it more cooler than driving on the beltway. I love Metro so much, it hurts that I contribute to Unsuck DC Metro, which is a great source of Metro news and fodder.

However, I saw this harmless article about why Cliff Lee chose the Phillies over the Yankees, Nationals, Rangers and others because both Cliff and his wife, Kristen, love taking the train. I could argue about DC being a more cultural than Philadelphia or that most Philly fans throws batteries, boo Santa Claus, and taser their fans:

However, I don’t blame Cliff Lee rejoining the Phillies to create the “Four Aces” lineup with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. He wants to win a World Series championship. Who can blame him?

I don’t blame the Washington Nationals because they are trying to progress as an organization and although they signed Jayson Werth, they didn’t get Werth’s best friend on that team 2 years ago.

I blame you, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

In the past few years, you not only scared people away from taken the Metro at its peak, but you have scared off potential clients, ruined businesses, forced conferences to relocate , and your transit system has killed people.

The first straw that broke the camels back was the SHRM Conference was scheduled to be in D.C. in the next year or two. However, due to “transportation issues”, the SHRM Conference is going to Las Vegas next year and Atlanta in 2012. I don’t mind traveling to Atlanta since I have friends there, but it would have been much cooler in D.C. Yes, the 2006 SHRM Conference was a mess because of the monsoon hit that week, but you couldn’t work out how the buses and trains will run (plus our incompetent drivers)? You lost 15,000 additional tourists because of that.

Another strike to your company is your trains have caused double-digit fatalities in the past few years when trains most likely injure people at best. What’s worse: people are committing suicides by just jumping off the platform and get crushed by your trains than jumping off the bridge.

To be fair, other transit systems have the same problem, but in L.A. and Boston’s case, it was incompetence by the human. In your case, it was incompetence by the machine.

The Cliff Lee thing might be small beans, but in the bigger picture, your transit system was going to be an asset to attract people to buy/rent houses and apartments and bring businesses near the Metro stations. Instead by staying on the status quo, your transit system is a liability to work out a deal.

The good thing that is happening to the WMATA board is a potential clean sweep of the whole board to bring in the new one. I do not want my board members to say:

“To an extent, it’s thankless and it’s very time-consuming,” said Maryland board member Elizabeth Hewlett, one of those who wants to step down. “Obviously no one likes to be criticized, especially when you are working so very hard.”

or

“Some of the comments were not well-received,” said Maryland member Gordon Linton, who decided to leave before the reports came out, but officially announced his departure Thursday. “It was wondered whether they understand how the board actually functions.”

or

Board member Jeff McKay and other members faulted the reports – one by a task force organized by the Greater Washington Board of Trade and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and the other by Metro’s Riders’ Advisory Council – for making recommendations that were unrealistic, detrimental, or reflected a lack of understanding of how the board works.

or

“They need someone willing to be heavily scrutinized, work for free, not have a conflict of interest, and have a schedule to devote two days of your week to this…” — Jeff McKay

Really? Two days to devote on this and you can’t do the job? Here’s what you do: Shut up, F*** the system, and do what’s best for Metro and not be a talking head for your district or state because you actually have a job the 6% of the D.C. Metro area wished they do because they are unemployed.

I want D.C. Mayor Vince Gray, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (and his right hand sock puppet, Ken Cuccinelli), and the Federal Government to get board members who are passionate about public transportation from engineers, advocates, business people, and others to can contribute to the agency. By the way, your guerrilla marketing strategy...seriously?

I rarely write blog posts like this, WMATA, but I have to because I care about public transportation and enjoy going to the Metro, but you’re at a crossroads right now.  Ridership and Fare hikes are not your issue; it is how inefficient your trains and systems are. Get reliable people who know how to operate a subway station; bring innovators on the engineering and business front; and bring people who are proactive and WILL DO the job, not use the board as a resume enhancer. When you have the trains and systems in check, people will come to the Metro plain and simple, but you made this more complex than it is.

Also, I don’t want to hear about “Multi-Jurisdiction Dysfunction.” We’re a bunch of grown-ups now. If the majority of states in this country can accept tax cuts and repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” two states and the District can solve the Metro, right?

Think of this as your “Kick In The Ass!” memo, Metro. It’s time to do it and back it up.  Your golden opportunity is now and it is slipping away.

One Crazy August Day

It was one crazy Saturday that had a potential of being a wreck, but instead, I caused the wreck… in a good way.

It started in the morning with Eli’s baptism. I really like our pastor who gave details what are the next steps are and why they have to do it.  Here’s the video of Eli being baptized (For the record, my dad was holding the Flip, while I was handling the main camcorder):

After the baptism, it was off to lunch at my brother’s house and give Eli presents. One of my favorites was a hand sewn sandals my in-law made for Eli.

After lunch, it was off to the Metro to see some friends before heading to Nationals Park for the Nats-Cards.  However, when I entered the Vienna station, I encountered this.

That’s right, tea party people tailgating outside the station waiting for their family and friends.  Luckily, I put on a disguise, for which I will reveal later. When I got on, there was a full train of people coming from the Glen Beck rally and kind of expecting the worse.

It was a peaceful ride from Vienna to Rosslyn at the Orange Line, but when the train arrived at Foggy Bottom, the rush was on. From Foggy Bottom to my stop at Eastern Market, the platforms were full of Glenn Beck and Al Sharpton’s supporters coming into the train. I’m worried that my train would cause a riot. I came out unscathed and exited Eastern Market with no scratches.

I met up with the rest of the Mr. Tony littles at Ted’s Bulletin, which is from the owners of the popular Matchbox. It had an old 40s feel: the setting, the menus, the ambiance, and there’s no reception for cell phones. It’s a bit pricey, but there’s a lot food, so the price is justified.  If you’re wondering, I had the Walk of Shame Breakfast Burrito. It sounds like a Man v. Food item, but it wasn’t spicy or huge enough, but it was savory and tasty. After a few drinks, it was time to head to the ballpark.

At the ballpark, I was circling around getting a Pudge bobblehead, trying to find baby clothes for Eli and something for myself, and then found @DCyetti, @Darkmeathook, and Maggie and Ashley of First Ladies of Baseball at the Scoreboard Walk.  Then, a camera man spotted me with the Elvis Silver Wig and ask me to participate in the Fan of the Game and jump around for 30 seconds. So I did:

(Courtesy of Maggie and Ashley of First Ladies of Baseball)

I was trying to pull a combo of Ric Flair “WOOOO!” and WWE’s Edge current entrance. If I have to do it again, I should of swerve my hips like Elvis and have a much more planned 30 seconds than the hooting and screaming. Nonetheless, my buffoonery won Fan of the Game and a $50 gift certificate from Harris Teeter. During the game, people were congratulating me, giving me hi-fives, and even strangers wanted to take pictures with me.

As for the game, it was something special as the Nats scored the most runs in their home park with 14, and won their 100th game at home.  It was an entertaining game as we saw controversial calls, an offensive explosion, and enjoying it with friends.

Before I continue, I must say on Nyjer Morgan’s play in the 8th inning, it looked like he was safe, but there was no replay. When I got home, I saw Nyjer missed the plate and intentionally was aiming for Brian Anderson, the Cardinals backup catcher. I really like Nyjer, aka Tony Plush, since he started the silver Elvis wig tradition within and inspired me to make a replica, but I guess he still has the hockey mentality to hit than play it straight and touch the base.  Riggleman was right to bench him on Sunday.

Moving on.

After the game, I went to the Navy Yard Metro station and one person yelled out “Fan of the Game” and everyone on the platform looked at the stairs and saw me coming down and did my thing for the people. When I got into the train, there were a few who banged on the windows to congratulate me and a couple said that “It was an honor to be with the Fan of the Game” (exact quote).  When i got to the Orange Line, I had the same responses, but after the Ballston stop, the remaining crowd in my train gave me a round of applause. I said jokingly that “This is biggest applause inside the Metro train will ever received.”

All in all, it was one of the strangest days with Eli’s baptism, the rally, the metro, the ball game, and winning Fan of the Game, although, my biggest regret is that I didn’t score any chicks after I won Fan of the Game. However, I can say I was part of history and enjoyed it with my family and friends (and strangers).  I can finally be known as the “Fun Uncle” for Eli.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts: The Long Time Edition

Yes, it’s the return of my random thoughts and for a few (and I do mean a few, figuratively) wonder I haven’t done this in long time.  It’s simple, I had business and thought it would take me a few months. Then, it got extended because the whole department left, plus doing insurance for the first time, taxes, and my regular duties as Caps tweeter held me doing this type of stuff.  Finally, here we go:

1. Health Care Reform

Let’s admit this health care reform will be far from perfect and it will take a lot of years to get the right combination.  However, this country does need reform by any means necessary to insure more Americans.  Right now, most people depend on employer plans, which might be good, but it’s not great for the long haul since tenure is on a short-term basis.  The Democrats had a great argument for reform, but they been botching, while the Republicans didn’t have a plan, but did a great job convincing the media and the public to sympathize on their side.  However, Obama turn the whole thing around this week with his speech to plea to get reform done and is bringing the public with him.  Obama’s problem was he was trying to be too friendly and hope both sides agree.  He didn’t know Republicans will always unite on any issue, so he’s making his move and should be.  Now it’s Congress’ turn to make their move.

2. The Independent Voter

I really hate the term “Independent Voter.” Technically, every one of us is an independent voter, it’s just most of us need to join something.  As I learn from news reports and polling, it’s that you a few on the extreme right, a few on the extreme left, and everyone else is in the middle.  Most say we need more parties to break this two-party system.  The problem is most of us don’t know who we’re voting for.  If people want to break the system, then give us a candidate or tell us about yourself.  Also, if you really want to make a difference, then vote and don’t give me an excuse the political system is broken;  you’re the cause of it.

3. The DC Metro

The DC Metro is having a terrible year: derailments, packed trains, accidents, John Catoe resigning, raising prices, etc.  Metro is not getting any luck and in a world where people want to go to public transportation, they are giving reasons not to ride the Metro.  I could give a list of a number of changes Metro should make, but you can look into my past posts and Unsuck DC Metro.  The one thing Metro should be thinking is do advertising everywhere: in tunnels, trains, floors, you name it.  The Metro stations are not the most astute for the artistic type, so why not ask businesses to advertise?  Metro gets the money and businesses get attention.  Also, Metro has a little integrity left, it’s alright to sell out for better service.

4. Geolocation

If 2009 is the year of microblogging, 2010 is the year of the geolocation application.   Sites like Foursquare, Gowalla, and others are hitting mainstream with people telling where they are now.  You understand why its a great idea and I love it.  The problem is some are telling us every location they are going to, which does get annoying and at the same time, scary since people can sense a pattern.  Geolocation is only good if there are special events going on, not an everyday tracking system.  Just saying.

5. Washington DC Sports Update

Caps – Won the Southeast Division, and now trying for the Presidents’ Trophy (best regular season record), although I hear its cursed.  However, there is one trophy the caps desperately want and that’s in June, if the Caps can make it.

Redskins – They’re doing nothing and the  salary budget is 4th lowest.  Guess they’re taking the playbook from Leonsis and McPhee that dump salary now, win after the lockout/strike.  Then again, there is no Ovechkin-like people in the NFL Draft next year.

Wizards – Team stinks, but they’re trying hard.  The main question is can they get superstar free agents coming to DC? That will be difficult.

Nationals – There is actual buzz for the Nats this season since the team moved in 2005.  The team is decent, but won’t likely going to the playoffs, but .500 is a possibility and 70 wins might within reach.  Oh, and The Strasburg.

That is all in the long return of the Random Thoughts.  Just to let you know This Summer, everything changes. More details are ahead.  Now, onto working on my million bracket challenges.

Barack Obama’s First Day As President In Office…

Started off this morning when I went to a Staffing Management Special Interest Group Meeting for a local SHRM chapter.  The guest speaker didn’t make it, so we introduce ourselves and tell us a question about company or employee branding.  That was for the whole 90 minutes.

After that, I went to the bus that was supposed to head to my destination.  However, I was trying to exit the bus, seeing the other bus with the same number going to ”my” direction, but the driver held me up and I was stuck in that bus for two hours (There was a transfer point, but way too cold to make a transfer).  I gave a call to the host to reschedule our session…twice. 

I landed on my stop 10 minutes before noon, and then walked a half mile to my destination in the bitter cold.  Made it at noon and had a great conversation with the guy.  The session ended at 1PM and it was onto DC.

So I waited outside for 10 minutes, then randomly, saw a good friend of mine and had a brief conversation and that was it.  Five minutes after the conversation, I went back inside to get a quick lunch (in a secretive deli shop).  After a quick lunch, I went back outside and called the Metrobus.  The route I was in is only for rush hour.  Wonderful!  So, I went back inside to call a cab.  I asked if the cab accepts credit cards.  The person said yes.  Fifteen minutes later, I got in to the taxi and off to the Metro.

Arriving at the Metro, I was going to pay by credit card, but the driver told me he only accept vouchers.  Dude, you told me over the phone that you accept credit cards.  He had a quick solution of writing down my card and I officially signed it.  If you’re wondering, this is a similar position Obama was in when Chief Justice Roberts flub the oath and then redo the oath today.  We made peace and it was settled.

Got on to the Metro at 2 PM and headed to a job seekers group in DC.  Got there at 2:30PM…90 minutes after the meeting started.  No worries, I got all the information I needed and the session ended at 3:30PM.  I then took 45 minutes to finalize my business for the day, and then I took the Metro home.  That was my end of the day.

What I have learned:

• The Fairfax Connector needs to tell on their sign if this goes Northbound or Southbound and tape a map on the booth, but no.
• Religion ROCKS!!! (The potential client saw my ad on a church bulletin.  Apparently, we go to the same church at St. Leo’s)
• I am still jealous of the people who attended the inauguration (Thank you folks who are posting photos on Facebook and Twitter.  You are making me happier every second [sarcasm]).
• I’m doing a social media presentation for HR Job Seekers on February 4th.  Location TBD, 1-3PM.  PROMOTION ALERT!!!
• Finally to end this historic day…I got DAP (and chosen to be a man was the worst decision in my life)!!! (Mailbag segment with Dan Levy and Tony Kornheiser (I’m listed somewhere). Full show here.)

The Metro Adventures, Part Ummm…I lost count.

The DC Metro is like the DC traffic: You enjoy the service, but one minute into it, the honeymoon is gone. I would think the DC Metro would learn its lesson. I guess not.

The first part of the story was my mistake. After work, I went to the Yellow line to transfer to the Green Line at L’Enfant Plaza. Went across the platform and got to the train…only to realize I went to the Yellow to Huntington. I transfer to the Yellow again at the Pentagon and heading to Mt. Vernon and double check that I went to the right train. I did, but now the fun begins.

I got to the right train (Green Line to Branch Avenue). However there was a hold up when someone got sick. I will say people yelled and complained (including me) about everyone exiting the train, but later on, everyone realize it was serious. So, everyone cross platforms since the train was not going to move. Now there are three trains that are going in different directions sharing one line. Twenty minutes later, the Green Line to Branch Avenue came by. One problem: the train overshot its stop. I was close at the end of the platform, so I had no chance going in but digress.  The train filled up quickly and I and many others were left out.  Then the announcer told us that the train from the other side is back running, meaning crossing platforms again. This time, I got in and everything is back to normal. Well, there is one tidbit from L’Enfant Plaza to the Stadium.

When I entered the train, I had to squeeze through the other passengers and hopefully make room for the other impatient (I don’t blame them) riders. When the doors closed, I was surrounded by Phillies, Nationals, one Orioles fan, and a woman. The latter is important because she’s a very attractive woman. Now, you’re wondering why you want to tell this part of the story.  One message: “What comes around goes around.” In my many trips to Metro, I’ve seen many beautiful women coming to the Metro (especially the one with curly, blonde hair, fit, carries a pink bag and departs at Crystal City in the morning.  That’s for another matter).  However, in a “crisis” like this, you appreciate what surrounds you and I got lucky with this one. In other cases, it will be all guys surrounding or a woman who did not put deodorant before boarding the Metro. At least I have my moment in the sun when I was standing next to her. Now the other question you’re wondering: Did you ever made a move on her?  Put it this way; she was accompanied by her father.  End of story.  However, in that train, everyone had a lot of conversation and positive vibes came out of it and we all agree Metro needs to fixed their transportation as soon as possible.

During the game, these came in my thoughts:

• Obama wins the majority of pledge delegates and Hillary is still fighting.  Hillary, your spotlight is over.  You’re not fighting, you’re being desperate.
• How in the hell did the Chicago Bulls get the number one pick in this year’s NBA draft?  Did one of the Bulls representative slept with David Stern?
• Six Degrees of Wikipedia is a fun game.
• I hope there’s a Lakers-Celtics final.
• What’s my next outfit to the Brewers and Cardinals game coming up?

By the way, it was an entertaining low-scoring game (sarcasm not included), but the Phillies edge out the Nats, 1-0.

Riding home, I sat with a guy who was talking about baseball and told stories like I was his grandson.  It was very touching to end this crazy day.  Although it was nuts, it was enjoyable and stress-free (except crossing the platform 4 times).

Tracy’s Random Thoughts December 2006 edition

It’s the holiday season, so I’m not going to waste your time.

1. Barack Obama

There hasn’t been any anticipation of any candidate when Barack Obama came to the scene for a long time. The strange thing is he might be better than the hype. Here’s something Barack has than all the candidates don’t: A person in color, actual believer in faith, diverse, very humble, and no baggage of what we know. His sole weakness is he doesn’t have any military experience, but he could cover that if he had a vice president with good military background or a good cabinet. I also wonder if he becomes president, there would be a quick 180. If he becomes President, what would he do with Darfur, Afghanistan, Iraq (ok, he isn’t going to win that one, he’s stuck with it), “global warming,” the economy, etc.? Of what I know, he is saying the right things and has shown to back some of it up. Of course, he’s realistic and these elections do change a person and it could be emotionally draining. I hope he runs because I think he’s the only person that can change the country’s image. Oh by the way, be afraid, Dennis Kucinch is running for President. There is hope for the little man…

A microscopic hope.

2. In the name of Christm…ah I meant Holida….oh I meant Peace.

I don’t mind if anyone says a different name for the holidays. I normally say Christmas every year and I’m not going to be bothered if anyone says otherwise. Somehow, people are so uptight with their faith or wording this time, including my religion. All of this associates to money. One little slip-up and it goes to court. Just for once, I want to say Happy Christmukkzaivusar (close enough).

3. Big Corporate Media

In the next month, the classical station in DC, WGMS, will be no longer. For a long time, I didn’t love classical music, but I have appreciated it for devoted fans and a niche station. Next month, Bonneville (yes, it is owned by Mormons) is expecting to sell the station to Dan Snyder’s Red Zebra for the amount two times its face value. Now, everything is in one building. You got shock jocks, conservative talk shows, processed music, loud sports talkers, same urban stations, and “The Jack” format. Everything is the same. It hurts that radio is down that path. Well you might say satellite radio has diverse channels, but they’re guilty as well with paying “superstars” a lot of money. No wonder there are rumors that Sirius and XM are trying to merge. The only thing I listen to is public radio (and John Riggins). I wish I had some variety on the dial because I got nothing.

4. The Northern Virginia-DC Metro traffic

This is why I am reluctant of getting a driver’s license or drive. I love where I am living and where I work, but most of the time people don’t know what to do when driving. There are a bunch of people talking on cell phones, changing lanes during in the middle of the traffic, people driving very slowly, etc. This is one of the problems in Northern Virginia and the cause is that half of the people are new to this area. Here I hope next year, everyone will have a GPS and the computer will tell to go which lane because it is getting ridiculous in this area. Please Tim Kaine, institute a hands-free cell phone law and that every car requires a GPS.

5. The Good and Bad of 2006.

Since this going to be likely my last general post of 2006, here’s the list of what I like and don’t like in 2006:

Good:

• New Orleans
• Beck – The Information
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Borat
• Barack Obama
• Jim Webb
• WAMU
• New Nationals Stadium
• George Mason in the Final Four
• Maturing bands (i.e. My Chemical Romance)
• Titanium Spork
• Dexter

Bad:

• Big Corporate Media
  • NBC Universal making cuts and WRC 4 losing George Michael, Arch Campbell, Susan Kidd, IJ Hudson.
  • Bonneville selling out not only to the Washington Post (terrible station except for David Burd) but to Dan Snyder’s money.
  • Rupert Murdoch
  • Having 20 stations share in one building acting like your one big family
• WETA duplicating WAMU
• Hollywood gossips of the worst kind…people that have no talent have the headlines.
• Mel Gibson and Michael Richards
• The Washington Sports Scene
  • The Redskins are the biggest disappointment and we’re stuck with the same team next year.
  • The Nationals are rebuilding, but how long the fans are going to patient?
  • The Wizards are good, but nothing special.
  • The Capitals have a good team, but is anyone watching? I am, but people are ignoring me.
  • The D.C. United traded Freddy Adu to Real Salt Lake. Here’s what to do: FIRE PETR NOWAK. You ruin the kid and if he is great in Europe or in Salt Lake, or in the next World Cup, you’re dead.
• Lack of Quality Movies
• The site that shall not be mention
• Litigations for money in general.

6. Personal Feelings towards 2006.

2006 to me is when I started to grow up. This was the year I had my first real job, paying most of the bills on my own, and redemption after the end of 2005 when I was broke. Thanks to Facebook, I’m seeing my old friends again, virtually, and started talking to my best friends again. I like my job and I like the company’s core values. However, I have a feeling this is more of a short-term stay. I love doing HR work; this was my concentration in college and that led me to this direction. However, I have been thinking of switching next year since I got the experience down pat and hoping a media company, that I like, has a position open in HR. I don’t mind the co-workers or the unique working structure; it is that I don’t love it. Money will be never an issue unless I’m in dire straits, which I am not. It has to be a job and company that I love. Maybe it has been the three non-profit companies I worked for that I was humble that these skills might lead to greater things. I sure hope so.

I also have to say this year I became more free and that I attended more concerts, went to numerous social and networking events, and attended more sporting events (that includes a preseason hockey game). Sadly, I’m still very shy and serious of what I do because I still have no full control of myself yet. I will be the first to say that I’m an enigma and would like it to be, but I need a better platform if I need to open up.

On the domestic front, nothing special, which is good and nothing out of the ordinary. Thank goodness.

Well, I hope you have a nice Christmukkzzaivusar. I may post a couple of things this year, but if not, I’ll see you next year (If anyone is reading this).

 

Fell on Black Days

It is not one of worst days I had, but it is not one of the best.  Today, it rained all day.  No issue there; mother nature has emotions as well.  At work, I had nothing much to do except the last hour.  I would prefer to have work all day, but don’t hold off until the last hour.  If it was two hours before closing, I would of been fine.  Finally to top it all off, at the Metro station on Farragut West, not one, but TWO trains broke down, consecutively.  Yep, it took me six attempts and 90 minutes later to catch the Metro.

Everyone have their bad days, but I was wearing all black today.  I intentionally wore all black because one of the co-worker’s sister passed away.   I don’t know the co-workers’ sister, but I don’t want to overshadow the moment, so I wore in respect for the co-worker that I care.  Everything didn’t go completely wrong, but the execution didn’t seem right and I was punished for today.   This serves as a reminder to me, wearing all black signals bad things that day.  Hey, karma is a bitch, but it is right!

And yes, I intentionally put that title on this post.

My proposal for Metro

Here are my suggestions of changing Metro after another delay today:

1. Have 8 car trains during rush hour.

There are a lot of people that commute in DC. Most of the time it will get crowded. Sadly, its still an issue and expanding to 8 cars is necessary. People are coming into DC in records and you have to keep up with the demand.

2. More spacing in the cars.

Metro just redesign their trains recently to make it look spacious and it does work. More bench seats, more room to stand. The current alignment, the seats take space, but I like the progress they’re going.

3. Countdown when the door closes

With a new voice of Metro, I would think they would have a countdown for closing the doors. Nope, its the dong still and I hear people breaking legs and litigation abound for Metro.

4. Utilize your SmartTrip card online as well where people can put money using their card.

Saves time and benefit for people who bought the SmartTrip card of going to the machines. More flow to Metro.

5. Open 24 hours

If they worry about pay, don’t. Think of everyone: the conductors, the people, the kids. Have a set pay for people work in 6 or 8 hour shifts. It’s still normal working hours and treat them like a typical 9-5 worker. Pay should be good in the next few years and the train doesn’t drive itself.

6. A little entertainment, but not much

Today, I actually like the speaker keeping everyone calm by being funny and demanding. I don’t want him talking throughout my trip but each stop is fine. Oh Metro, no music on the trains, I got my own, thank you.

7. Someone needs to fix the escalators.

If you live in DC area, this is self-explanatory.

8. More ads

First I’m not a big fan of putting ads on anything public, but this is must for two reasons. One reason is Metro needs to be outside the box and create a cash flow. Although some of the ads are foofy, some can be effective like on the Red Line with the tunnel ads. The second reason is Metro is probably the most unattractive subway system in the world. The subway is gray or shades of it unlike in Paris or New York. I don’t mind ads on ceilings to make it appealing, although that will be selling out. Make the Metro colorful, not a serious destination (oh wait I live in DC, it is a serious town). If it doesn’t work, make the Metro polka dot.

Dan Tangherlini, I hope your reading. Your halfway there, but you got a long way to go.

Tracy’s Random Thoughts February 2006 edition

Every month, I would like to shoot of some topics off the top in my head because it is.

Topic #1: Dick Cheney

Holy crap, what the hell happened? What, he heard a quail call and sounded like a quail but oops it’s was his attorney? The sad part is the attorney had a mild heart attack. Great, Dick Cheney is now the bird flu giving everyone heart attacks figuratively. Honestly, you do feel bad for the attorney, but this story was just too hilarious and hopes he is alive so we can fully laugh at it. Oh, for late night jokes of Dick Cheney, I recommend David Letterman’s Top Ten List and The Daily Show this past Monday. Both were hilarious.

Topic #2: Virginia Amendment law of gay marriages.

First and foremost, I’m Catholic. I believe in God and follow the Catholic bylaws. I want to marry a Catholic for two reasons: 1) my parents won’t bug me. 2) Life gets slightly easy when you marry the other of the same religion (Although, love is tough these days and the odds are 10% at best). The only people I would help in depth in their personal lives are Catholics. On a personal note, I think gay marriages are the same as a regular marriage. The only difference is Virginia doesn’t want gay marriages on paper. While I do not condone a gay marriage (meaning I won’t attend one, but give a nice gift because it’s the right gesture), they have a right to have a family. The term family has changed in many ways in the past generation. Family use to mean father, mother, siblings and the grandparents. Now, things have change with a variety of ways. Here is my fear about this amendment; this is about politics and religion is the cloud over Virginia. Whatever happened to separation of church and state? Sadly, Virginia is stuck with religious zealots Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. Are the more religious people afraid the status quo of “family” changed? If I were a Democrat or Independent, I would fight that you would lose tourists and residents to different states. Virginia is on the boom of economic prosperity, but they are stuck in the middle ages with values and ethics. Sadly, religion is a strong point in many elections around the US and it’s a shame.

Topic #3A: The Winter Olympics

At this point of time, I wish I could vacation to Europe to not only go sightseeing, but to pay attention to actual sports broadcasting, not personality journalism (which is every network’s approach now these days). As to why the Winter Olympics are way down and why they are losing to Grey’s Anatomy (great show by the way) and American Idol in the ratings? Easy: time delays, no personalities, careless broadcasting by NBC, too much hype. People already know the results and have the internet to watch the action. Also, when you setup hyping stars like Bode Miller, Apollo Ohno, and got nothing, people aren’t going to watch. This leads to NBC hyping these stars and using the interwoven theme used in movies these days. It might good for movies, but the Olympics must have a beginning, middle, and end to get the viewers attention, and NBC has failed that approach. 2008 might be easier since it’s the summer and 2010 is a dream since it’s in Vancouver, so a lot more live highlights. NBC needs to pickup steam.

Topic #3B: The true stars of the Olympics

Michelle Kwan- Doesn’t matter if she slipped in a dollar to the U.S. judges, she had the right to petition and the three skaters (except Sasha Cohen) didn’t perform to the U.S. standards. Although she might have not won the gold medal, she has the right to show she was fit to go. She did the classy thing and gave her spot to someone else. You can’t fault her for trying and looking at the real big picture.

Lindsay Kildow- If you have that fall lie she did in the downhill, shattered body parts are likely 99%. Well, not only she was the rare 1%, the next couple of days, she competed and completed the race. I don’t care if she finishes in the podium; she is an example of the Olympic spirit. If she does go to the podium, endorsement deals galore.

Shaun White- I follow sports a lot, including snowboarding and he is amazing. The reason of why he’s on this list is not the gold medal he won, he went to an interview with Bob Costas and said I’m want Sasha Cohen and now that he is a gold medalist. The guy has balls. If Sasha and Shaun hookup, they have an object they can use if they get horny.

Joey Cheek- After winning the 500M, he’s donating his share to World Play to help third world countries. Also, he wants to attend Harvard. Enough said.

Johnny Weir- This guy is classic. He’s a great figure skater, but probably the next big commentator for the Olympics. All subjects are no holds barred and he isn’t afraid to answer his own. He also has the guts to wear an old Soviet Union jumpsuit. He reminds me of Dick Button, Charles Barkley, Al Davis and Clinton Portis all rolled into one.

Topic #4: The Metro

I’m not afraid to say that I’m a Metro rider and take public transportation everyday. A few things: One, my biggest pet peeve about the Metro is the riders don’t go to the center. When there is a crowded train, go to the center, but the riders are too lazy to go because they’re afraid no one will move. First, if you stand up and signal, people will move, so don’t be a stiff. Second, well the Metro is great way to get any real action (You can’t say that!!!) accidentally. Finally, I want the new voice of Metro to be demanding to let everyone know whose boss and let them move to the center. I also like the countdown they are instituting.

Well, that’s all for today. Next month might not be good since its Lent season and I’m in lockdown mode. The next issue of my random thoughts is coming in April.
To quote Nate Newton, “I want to be guy all over the world that I have great weed.”