Today was the third time since August I've come home tired and frustrated over something stupid and minor at work. Many of you know I began a serious job search in July, seeing as how I've achieved everything I could reasonably aim for at my federal agency. On the whole, this place has been very good to me, taking me in 10 years ago at a time ( Read more... )

One small thing about the job I've had for the past five years: Tomorrow's the first day of Ramadan and as I work in a place with lots of Muslims, I've learned to be careful about where I eat during the day. Not out of fear of offending anyone, but rather because I figure fasting is difficult -- it would be for me, at any rate -- and is supposed to ( Read more... )

A reader comment in France's "Le Monde" refers to corruption in that country as "pretty marginal." I don't know that person's points of reference or comparison,  but the way I remember it, corruption (and a few other things, to be honest) helped bring down two French governments in a 12-year span (1981-1993). Do we even have anything remotely close ( Read more... )

My citizenship countries are battling it out on Olympic ice this evening. In head-to-head sporting contests, I usually root for Canada, the more frequent underdog, but I'm not rigid or emotional about it. Anyone else out there with shared loyalties? 

Those who are friends with me on Facebook, I have a thread going on whether General Tso or Colonel Sanders was the better military strategist. Feel free to join the discussion.

It's obvious storms like past week-end's -- and the one coming to us mid-week -- would shut down an entire city down, but NOTHING in this town is working three days after the storm. The sad thing is, people are willing to accept that. Because Washingtonians are sheep. Expectations of public service are so low  -- and the CULTURE of public service ( Read more... )

The good thing about taking longer and longer breaks between scene parties is that I enjoy those who actually go to a lot  more. Sounds obvious, I'm sure, but I ran what I think was my most fun scene yet on New Year's Eve -- and was surprised to hear people still talking about it a week later or so at last night's Happy Hour. Anyway, here's to my ( Read more... )

As I was saying in response to a friend's post this morning, there are definite and legitimate pros and cons to the Norwegian Nobel Committee's decision this morning. You can make a case against Obama getting the prize. Still, the reaction from some critics puzzles and amuses me: You spend eight years taking positive pleasure in insulting the rest ( Read more... )

Back from a lovely trip to Columbus for evilmike's wedding, followed by a week-long excursion to Las Vegas and the natural beauties of Northern Arizona.  
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I honestly wouldn't care about what happens to Florida State or the Atlanta Braves if it weren't for that stupid Tomahawk Chop. Good thing Miami won last night.