Month: July 2005

It’s Friday and so a slow day according to the reports I get from my server so I’m going to do a little notice regarding the comment policy here at InShaw.

Short version-

1. Pleeeeeeeeeease initial or ID your posts. It is a pet peeve of mine when people don’t stand behind their words.
2. Censor foul language. With the exception of f*ck, if it wouldn’t show up in the Washington Post, don’t type it here.
3. For certain posts there might be extra limits on the direction of comments. Please abide by them.
4. The Webmistress reserves all rights to remove comments, stop any more comments, or not have any comments for posts.

Failure to recognize 1-3 may result in the comments being deleted. Really depends on my mood.

Long boring version-

When I tell people about InShaw, I say that it’s a blog where I complain and make observations about life in the neighborhood. Early on I had no comments, mainly because Blogger didn’t offer it. Then I just allowed other Blogger people to comment, but that was unfair to non-Blogger subscribers. So then I opened it to everyone and their grandma. The comment feature allow others to chime in on my complaints and observations. Commenters have pointed out mistakes or errors, and have added more or better information than what I posted. For that, thanks.

Many of you are familiar with my pet peeves. People not initialing or claiming their posts is a big one. Comes with letting everyone and their dog comment. Sometimes these things attract a comment conversation and it really helps to keep track of who is who.
Second, I will admit I am a prude, so no foul language. You can hint at it but not just have it out there.
Third, there may be posts where I ask commenters to stay away from certain things. Recently with the capture of a suburban vandal I asked folks not to use his handle simply to avoid having my site come up when he Googles himself. Also I think I know what will bug or anger me enough that I will erase comments. I think it is fair to give folks a heads up.
Lastly, it’s my site and I can do what ever I want. However, I do try to exercise some restraint on the deleting of comments. If you need an outlet to express yourself that would run counter to my comment policy, by all means join a neighborhood discussion group or get your own blog. My goal is not to silence you but rather create a space that is pleasing to me.

Over on the Eckington listserv some notes/minutes from the ANC meeting were posted. According to the notes the owner of the vacant lot at Florida Ave and North Capitol NW would like to build a 80-90 unit condo on that space. The proposed building would be about 90 feet high, with parking underground and 8 floors above ground. There would be retail space, but not enough for a supermarket. Someone representing Soul Day Spa was requesting a covenant for 6-12 parking spots from the owner of the lot as well as a request not to bring in competition. As far as I could tell, no support was given or denied (Jim Berry exercising caution)regarding the zoning changes needed for such a project.
Well if things go the way the owner would like, the areas of Bloomingdale (Eckington) and Truxton (SoFL) will get the density needed to bring in some of the businesses desired by residents. Oh and traffic, density will bring traffic.

You know the person in the next seat is an alcoholic when they are clearly mixing their Gin & Juice on the Metro. Okay not G&J but something else. This guy on the Green Line heading to Branch Ave had his little brown bag and his cup and saw him pour a little vodka from his Absolut bottle into his cup. Maybe Metro should look into a bar car, get so extra revenue by mixing drinks for people.
Speaking of revenues, I hope Metro is getting a ton of money from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine who have the “Got Lactose Intolerance? Take Legal Action” ads all over. First, I noticed them on the bus (in PG County) to work. Then I started seeing the ads on other buses that go through Shaw. And in the Shaw metro station on the R St. side there is a big ad. Any moment I expect a metro bus or train to be wrapped in one of those ads.
Part of me really doubts anyone, besides the lawyers, will get any real money from a lawsuit with the milk industry. From looking at the site listed on the ads it seems the sponsoring organization just wants to promote a vegan diet. Fine, but the whole lawsuit thing bothers me.
Yeah. I’m black. I have a small lactose intolerance. And I drink milk. Why? Because nothing is better than a cold glass of 1% to go with your slice of dense chocolate mouse cake. Okay, not nothing. A good rich Shiraz or Merlot, but you can’t drive after several glasses of those.