DC Metro train Red Line derailment is second incident in one year
A DC Metro train derailed for the second time in the young 21st Century. On Friday, the first two cars of the DC Metro Red Line train derailed at 10:13 am EST, as it was leaving the Farragut North Station. There were 345 passengers, but only three were injured.
Here's the Associated Press video:
While some passengers reported they didn't feel the train derailment, the incident marks the second major DC Metro accident in less than a year. During the Monday evening rush hour of June 22nd of 2009 a DC Metro train crashed into another one right in front of it, killing nine people. It was the worst accident in the DC Metro rail system's 33 year history.
DC Metro crash video from YouTube:
DC Metro crash video from AP:
The DC Metro, MARTA in Atlanta, and BART in the San Francisco Bay Area, were all developed and built in the 70s by Westinghouse, which created the ROHR cars (see here and here). Now, with the DC Metro's two accidents, it's time to ask if these systems are in need of a major overhaul.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dan Abrams on NBC; expands Mediaite with Geekosystem
Dan Abrams (in photo), who at one point had his own show on MSNBC, was on NBC again Friday after a bit of a television hiatus to start the media news website Mediaite. Now, TechCrunch has taken note of Publisher and founder: Dan Abrams's new site called Geekosystem.
This young, black, bald, geek blogger was totally underwhelmed by Geekosystem because it seems to reflect what Geek culture looks like from a young, white, frat boy perspective. (Not that Dan Abrams is such a person). Not the term "Geek" wasn't used to describe that view. Geekosystem, to the extent such a thing really exists - and it does - contains blacks, whites, Asians, Latinos and Latinas, Indians, and a large number of people of color.
The Geekosystem also contains a large number of women that aren't represented in Dan Abrams' version of The Geekosystem.
One woman that Dan Abrams should be aware of is Jane McGonigal at The Institute for The Future, who spends much of her time not only playing games, but making games and studying how people interact within a game structure, which could be anything from a board game to, well, the whole World. Yet, there's nothing about, say, the top 10 female programmers or game developers.
But on that note, Geekosystem's "Top 10 Programmers" does include one woman, indicating the influence of Dan Abrams associate Rachel Sklar, maybe? One can only hope.
In fact, that's the problem. Geekosystem's Editor-At-Large is not Rachel Sklar, but Andrew Cedotal. Nothing against Andrew, but Dan was better off having Rachel fill that role. Of course, the bias here is that Rachel's a friend of this blogger, and this blogger is a contributor to Mediaite, but the overarching issue is the theme, message, and direction of Geekosystem: it's a mess that does not live up to its mission:
It's the in the "oft-overlooked personalities" that Dan Abrams new venture fails. More often than not, the "oft-overlooked personalities" are geeks who women and people of color. A token mention does not solve the problem; a total Geekosystem overhaul is necessary.
This young, black, bald, geek blogger was totally underwhelmed by Geekosystem because it seems to reflect what Geek culture looks like from a young, white, frat boy perspective. (Not that Dan Abrams is such a person). Not the term "Geek" wasn't used to describe that view. Geekosystem, to the extent such a thing really exists - and it does - contains blacks, whites, Asians, Latinos and Latinas, Indians, and a large number of people of color.
The Geekosystem also contains a large number of women that aren't represented in Dan Abrams' version of The Geekosystem.
One woman that Dan Abrams should be aware of is Jane McGonigal at The Institute for The Future, who spends much of her time not only playing games, but making games and studying how people interact within a game structure, which could be anything from a board game to, well, the whole World. Yet, there's nothing about, say, the top 10 female programmers or game developers.
But on that note, Geekosystem's "Top 10 Programmers" does include one woman, indicating the influence of Dan Abrams associate Rachel Sklar, maybe? One can only hope.
In fact, that's the problem. Geekosystem's Editor-At-Large is not Rachel Sklar, but Andrew Cedotal. Nothing against Andrew, but Dan was better off having Rachel fill that role. Of course, the bias here is that Rachel's a friend of this blogger, and this blogger is a contributor to Mediaite, but the overarching issue is the theme, message, and direction of Geekosystem: it's a mess that does not live up to its mission:
The mission of Geekosystem is to unite all the tribes of geekdom under one common banner. There’s a lot of overlap between the different families of geekery: The geeks who are into gadgets and computers are often one and the same as the geeks who are into comics and sci-fi are often just the same as the geeks who are fueling the culture of the Web — one forum or imageboard at a time. As the site’s name suggests, Geekosystem recognizes and celebrates these interconnections and the oft-overlooked personalities that hold it all together.
It's the in the "oft-overlooked personalities" that Dan Abrams new venture fails. More often than not, the "oft-overlooked personalities" are geeks who women and people of color. A token mention does not solve the problem; a total Geekosystem overhaul is necessary.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Skinny Girl Margarita!
So if you've watched either The Real Housewives of Orange County of New York City, you've heard of the Skinny Girl Margarita. This is really one of the most basic drinks to make! (and this blogger has made many a drinks after a few years in the bar industry). One of the NYC housewives, Bethenny Frankel took the recipe that can at times be filled with calories and simplified it. Good for our taste buds and good for our waist line!
Bethenny's recipe is straight forward.
-2 oz. of Clear Premium Tequila
- Tiny splash of Orange Liquor
-Juice of 4 lime wedges.
-Combine all ingredients over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge
-Enjoy!
Bill Clinton hospitalized, heart needs rest to recover
President Clinton has been on a healthier diet since his 2004 operation, but maintains a busy schedule that has seen him go from the Davos World Economic Forum last week, to New York, and eventually to Haiti and back in one day. For a man who has heart disease and high blood pressure, Clinton has not appeared to maintain a schedule that allows him significant "down time".
With that kind of pressure comes stress, a good friend of high blood pressure. A good enemy is athletic activity, like running or at least a brisk walk. To what extent Clinton is maintaining his once-common running schedule is not clear from available reports as of this writing.
GOP bid for earmark backfires, Shelby embarasses Congressional Republicans
It was amazing to many to learn recently that it was one Senator, Alabama's Richard Shelby, on a quest for a 
massive earmark for his home state, that was able to suspend all progress in filling key leadership roles in many government agencies.
No wonder some in the GOP lament government effectiveness as unattainable: their own party is preventing many key agencies from having leaders. Americans were stunned to learn that the objections weren't based on qualifications, or even philosophical differences, but were simply a partisan ploy that amounted to demanding a kick-back for Alabama.
There's nothing inherently wrong about earmarks. They allow for quick resolutions to funding decisions that don't require much, if any, debate. They can be used to replace a fallen bridge, or abused to fund a pork-barrel project that benefits a key constituent or city... but Shelby's audacity has backfired, and he's walking back from his stand after embarrassing his party -- later claiming it was just to get attention.
Well done, Senator; you've drawn attention. The President threatened to take a page out of the former administration's strategy book. Your bluff has been called, and people around the country are starting to call your petulant, obstructionist Grand Old Party the Republi-can'ts.
President Obama's statement following action by the Senate to confirm twenty-seven nominees reveals he's getting tougher dealing with Republicans playing political games at the expense of the citizens of the USA:
Thomas Hayes is an entrepreneur, journalist, and political analyst who contributes regularly to a host of web sites on topics ranging from economics and politics to culture and community.
massive earmark for his home state, that was able to suspend all progress in filling key leadership roles in many government agencies.No wonder some in the GOP lament government effectiveness as unattainable: their own party is preventing many key agencies from having leaders. Americans were stunned to learn that the objections weren't based on qualifications, or even philosophical differences, but were simply a partisan ploy that amounted to demanding a kick-back for Alabama.
There's nothing inherently wrong about earmarks. They allow for quick resolutions to funding decisions that don't require much, if any, debate. They can be used to replace a fallen bridge, or abused to fund a pork-barrel project that benefits a key constituent or city... but Shelby's audacity has backfired, and he's walking back from his stand after embarrassing his party -- later claiming it was just to get attention.
Well done, Senator; you've drawn attention. The President threatened to take a page out of the former administration's strategy book. Your bluff has been called, and people around the country are starting to call your petulant, obstructionist Grand Old Party the Republi-can'ts.
President Obama's statement following action by the Senate to confirm twenty-seven nominees reveals he's getting tougher dealing with Republicans playing political games at the expense of the citizens of the USA:"Today, the United States Senate confirmed 27 of my high-level nominees, many of whom had been awaiting a vote for months.At the beginning of the week, a staggering 63 nominees had been stalled in the Senate because one or more senators placed a hold on their nomination. In most cases, these holds have had nothing to do with the nominee’s qualifications or even political views, and these nominees have already received broad, bipartisan support in the committee process.
Instead, many holds were motivated by a desire to leverage projects for a Senator’s state or simply to frustrate progress. It is precisely these kinds of tactics that enrage the American people.
And so on Tuesday, I told Senator McConnell that if Republican senators did not release these holds, I would exercise my authority to fill critically-needed positions in the federal government temporarily through the use of recess appointments. This is a rare but not unprecedented step that many other presidents have taken. Since that meeting, I am gratified that Republican senators have responded by releasing many of these holds and allowing 29 nominees to receive a vote in the Senate.
While this is a good first step, there are still dozens of nominees on hold who deserve a similar vote, and I will be looking for action from the Senate when it returns from recess. If they do not act, I reserve the right to use my recess appointment authority in the future."
Thomas Hayes is an entrepreneur, journalist, and political analyst who contributes regularly to a host of web sites on topics ranging from economics and politics to culture and community.
Save the Oakland A's - send an email to MLB Commissioner Selig
On the matter of retaining the Oakland A's in Oakland, an email was just released as part of an effort to have Oakland A's supporters contact MLB Commissioner Bud Selig. Here's what it reads:
The next step? Click here - Save the Oakland A's - and get started.
My one question is why isn't Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums' name on this? What about any of the other Oakland City Councilmembers? Where's the Oakland leadership? What about the Oakland Chamber of Commerce?
Hello?
It looks like the Super Bowl: Oakland effort all over again but worse: at least we had some elected officials willing to put their name on something. This ...it is terrible. But sign the petition, anyway. Please.
Go Oakland! Do something.
We're at a critical point in our fight to keep the A's in Oakland.
Very soon, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will review the City of Oakland's proposal to partner with the Oakland A's to build a world class baseball-only ballpark near Jack London Square. In the coming days or weeks, the Commissioner will decide whether to keep the A's in Oakland.
At this crucial time, we need to make sure that Commissioner Selig sees and understands the incredible level of support of tens of thousands of fans like you who have signed our online petition or joined us on Facebook
Can you take just a few seconds, right now, to help?
Click here to forward Commissioner Selig an email today: Tell him you want him to keep the A's in Oakland and that you would support the team at their new waterfront stadium!
We all know that a new waterfront ballpark in Oakland would be a boon for the city, for the team, and for the fans -- further revitalizing the neighborhoods around Jack London Square by drawing fans and business support from all over the region.
This is our chance to stand up and show the Commissioner our commitment to getting this done. Please speak out now.
Click here to send your message to Commissioner Selig now!
This week, we are sending the Commissioner a copy of the Let's Go Oakland! online petition, signed by more than 9,300 A's fans. But we hope you'll take a moment, right now, to send your own personal message directly to Commissioner Selig, too.
By sharing your thoughts, you can help us demonstrate the depth of support for the A's here in Oakland.
The time for action is now. We appreciate and need your support.
Best,
Doug Boxer & Marty Glick
Lets Go Oakland!
The next step? Click here - Save the Oakland A's - and get started.
My one question is why isn't Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums' name on this? What about any of the other Oakland City Councilmembers? Where's the Oakland leadership? What about the Oakland Chamber of Commerce?
Hello?
It looks like the Super Bowl: Oakland effort all over again but worse: at least we had some elected officials willing to put their name on something. This ...it is terrible. But sign the petition, anyway. Please.
Go Oakland! Do something.
Brooklyn Decker photos move over for Megan Avalon photos
Brooklyn Decker is the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Cover Girl, and Brooklyn Decker photos are the Internet's hot item as of this writing. It's an amazing step for someone not known to the general public as anyone but the girlfriend and now wife of Tennis Star Andy Roddick.
Now, Brooklyn Decker has come into her own. As S.I.'s cover model, Decker has been on The David Letterman show and Dan Patrick can't get enough of her.
But Brooklyn Decker represents the classic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition look: tall, blonde, skinny, and white. (And since all of the 2010 ports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models look like Brooklyn Decker, it's time to ask why not have black, white, Asian, and Hispanic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models?)
After decades of the same look, with a break to fit in the lovely Tyra Banks, in the 21st Century it's time for a change: presenting Megan Avalon and Megan Avalon photos for consideration in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Unlike the rail thin Brooklyn Decker, Megan Avalon presents a new look: fit, athletic, and buffed. In an era where the strong woman is prized and it's considered sexy for women to have toned or muscular arms, Megan Avalon has all of that in a package right for Sports Illustrated. Here's a video interview with Megan Avalon:
Sports Illustrated has to come into the 21st Century. It's a time where top modeling agencies like Wilhelmina are hiring women who look more like Megan Avalon than Brooklyn Decker. It's also time to stop sending young women the message that they have to be so thin that they take on unhealthy eating practices can be fatal. It's time for a change, and Megan Avalon represents the future.
Now, Brooklyn Decker has come into her own. As S.I.'s cover model, Decker has been on The David Letterman show and Dan Patrick can't get enough of her.
But Brooklyn Decker represents the classic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition look: tall, blonde, skinny, and white. (And since all of the 2010 ports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models look like Brooklyn Decker, it's time to ask why not have black, white, Asian, and Hispanic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition models?)
After decades of the same look, with a break to fit in the lovely Tyra Banks, in the 21st Century it's time for a change: presenting Megan Avalon and Megan Avalon photos for consideration in the 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Unlike the rail thin Brooklyn Decker, Megan Avalon presents a new look: fit, athletic, and buffed. In an era where the strong woman is prized and it's considered sexy for women to have toned or muscular arms, Megan Avalon has all of that in a package right for Sports Illustrated. Here's a video interview with Megan Avalon:
Sports Illustrated has to come into the 21st Century. It's a time where top modeling agencies like Wilhelmina are hiring women who look more like Megan Avalon than Brooklyn Decker. It's also time to stop sending young women the message that they have to be so thin that they take on unhealthy eating practices can be fatal. It's time for a change, and Megan Avalon represents the future.
Alexander McQueen dead at 40 - celebration of genius
Alexander McQueen, the famous British fashion designer who's creations were worn by Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Cameron Diaz, Sandra Bullock, and others, apparently committed suicide in London, on the same day that Fashion Week started in New York.
Alexander McQueen's website has this statement:
On February 2nd, just 9 days ago, Alexander McQueen's mother passed way.
Alexander McQueen, at just 40 years old, was described as a fashion design "genius". McQueen won the award of British Fashion Designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003. In 2000 Alexander became 51 percent owner of Gucci Group. The Gucci Group's role was to "provide the managerial talent and infrastructure necessary to develop the brand" of Alexander McQueen.
By 2005, Alexander McQueen, the brand, extended to stores in the World Cities of New York, London, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas. McQueen had perfume lines and even worked with Puma to design and develop an athletic training shoe.
Rather than dwell on McQueen's unfortunate losses, it's best to celebrate his terrific achievements in video:
Alexander McQueen Spring 2010, Lady Gaga - Bad Romance Atlantis Show Part 1:
Alexander McQueen: Fall 2009 RTW
Alexander McQueen Retrospective - 2009
Alexander McQueen's website has this statement:
ON BEHALF OF LEE MCQUEEN'S FAMILY, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN TODAY ANNOUNCES THE TRAGIC NEWS THAT LEE MCQUEEN, THE FOUNDER AND DESIGNER OF THE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN BRAND HAS BEEN FOUND DEAD AT HIS HOME. AT THIS STAGE IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO COMMENT ON THIS TRAGIC NEWS BEYOND SAYING THAT WE ARE DEVASTATED AND ARE SHARING A SENSE OF SHOCK AND GRIEF WITH LEE'S FAMILY.
LEE'S FAMILY HAS ASKED FOR PRIVACY IN ORDER TO COME TO TERMS WITH THIS TERRIBLE NEWS AND WE HOPE THE MEDIA WILL RESPECT THIS.
On February 2nd, just 9 days ago, Alexander McQueen's mother passed way.
Alexander McQueen, at just 40 years old, was described as a fashion design "genius". McQueen won the award of British Fashion Designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003. In 2000 Alexander became 51 percent owner of Gucci Group. The Gucci Group's role was to "provide the managerial talent and infrastructure necessary to develop the brand" of Alexander McQueen.
By 2005, Alexander McQueen, the brand, extended to stores in the World Cities of New York, London, Los Angeles, Milan, and Las Vegas. McQueen had perfume lines and even worked with Puma to design and develop an athletic training shoe.
Rather than dwell on McQueen's unfortunate losses, it's best to celebrate his terrific achievements in video:
Alexander McQueen Spring 2010, Lady Gaga - Bad Romance Atlantis Show Part 1:
Alexander McQueen: Fall 2009 RTW
Alexander McQueen Retrospective - 2009
Draeger Construction FBI Haiti Program
Draeger Construction with Zennie62 launch an initiative called Draeger Construction FBI Haiti Program for education on the need for quake-safe construction worldwide.
This video from Marc Zboch (not affiliated with Draeger) shows how Haiti buildings were built and why so much quake damage happened:
This video from Marc Zboch (not affiliated with Draeger) shows how Haiti buildings were built and why so much quake damage happened:
Private companies look to Haiti for opportunities
In the wake of the Haiti Earthquake, there are opportunities for private construction companies. As this YouTube video explains...
Private companies are looking to Haiti for upcoming job opportunities. These organizations are offering a range of services, from rapid housing construction to emergency relief shelters and even transportation. After the 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, several companies posted websites for future clients. Private organizations in Afghanistan and Iraq are also seeing dollar signs in the catastrophe. RTs Lauren Lyster talked with investigation journalist, Wayne Madsen about this issue facing Haiti.
Taylor Lautner turns 18, jail-bait no more, Happy Birthday
Taylor Lautner, who hit mega-stardom fast with his role in Twilight: New Moon, and has a giant entourage of young women following his every move (should have seen them at the Super Bowl Celebrity Beach Volleyball game) turns 18 today.
The Twitterverse (that's Twitter account holders) celebrated Taylor Lautner's coming-of-age by stating..
When Taylor Lautner was dating or hanging-out with Taylor Swift, much was made of their age difference: Taylor Swift at 20 and Taylor Lautner at 17. Now that Lautner's 18, he can be assured that such issues will be a thing of the past because he's "legal"...
Yes, Happy Birthday to Taylor Lautner, who reminds us all of the joy of turning 18.. And all the crap that comes after it.
Stay tuned.
The Twitterverse (that's Twitter account holders) celebrated Taylor Lautner's coming-of-age by stating..
SuzyVolturi LMAOOO, happy birthday Taylor Lautner, how old is he again? xDD
less than 10 seconds ago from web
jennykate77 Jacob is no longer jail-bait! WOOT! Happy 18th Birthday to Taylor Lautner!!
less than 20 seconds ago from web
AdoringRPattz LMAO RT @UntrueTweets: Taylor Lautner's birthday wish is for Catherine Hardwicke to stop calling him and go back to Rob.
less than 20 seconds ago from UberTwitter
Esmeralda16 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR LAUTNER = P
less than 20 seconds ago from Sidekick
analuisabilega #HappyBDayTaylor Taylor Lautner!!
half a minute ago from web
leeannie12 @msgedang but it's Taylor Lautner's birthday! That should be motivation! ;)
half a minute ago from TweetDeck
When Taylor Lautner was dating or hanging-out with Taylor Swift, much was made of their age difference: Taylor Swift at 20 and Taylor Lautner at 17. Now that Lautner's 18, he can be assured that such issues will be a thing of the past because he's "legal"...
ItsStephannie YAY! TAYLOR LAUTNER IS LEGAL TODAY!!!! HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY BABY!
half a minute ago from web
Yes, Happy Birthday to Taylor Lautner, who reminds us all of the joy of turning 18.. And all the crap that comes after it.
Stay tuned.
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