Good things do happen!

How refreshing to hear the great news this morning about the freeing of the U.S. and Colombian hostages (15 total) that were held by the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) for 5-6 years. This reminds me of another incredible rescue/release that many thought impossible - the story of the kidnapping and release of Christian Science Monitor reporter Jill Carroll in 2006. These are both great reminders not to stop our prayers and pursuit of justice and freedom. Good can prevail!

Exploring the Disability Community

I'm excited about a new task given to me at work. One of the researchers here recently started a blog and wants to explore what is going on in the online community of people with disabilities. He asked that I do some research of my own on sites like MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube to get an idea of how people with disabilities are representing themselves. Then he asked that I write a blog post on what I've found so far. I'm pretty pumped about this this chance to do some more stimulating tasks. Take a look.

wOOOAAHhhhh

MTV HD Crow from mate on Vimeo.

the wonders of graphic design, film, and technology!

Good morning metro

My commute from Rockville to Dupont Circle took an hour instead of 30 minutes this morning. Apparently there was a power outage at Metro Center and that of course affects the entire Red Line. We finally get to Dupont the whole tunnel is dark, save a few emergency lights, and b/c the power is out I can't swipe my card to exit. I exited a metro station through a handicapped stall after someone else and I found the next morning that my SmartTrip card wasn't recognized when I swiped it. so money wasn't taken off the card. In order to enter the metro station that morning I had to request the station manager reset my card. What's going to happen tonight if the power is back on and everyone heads back home? Is there going to be a traffic jam line to get the station manager's to fix the cards?

(photo by erika and petra)

Another result of this power outage is that the escalator turned into massive stairs. As some know, Dupont Station is deep underground and it's escalators seem an eternity away from daylight and fresh air. I usually walk up the escalator when it's moving and it gets the blood flowing and wakes me up. But man, today was a challenge. I'm proud to say that I made it up the entire height without stopping for once. Thank you, legs! What about the disabled commuters? No power means no elevators. What impact did this have on their morning?

Lean on me...in the metro?

It was 10pm tonight when I tiredly stepped of the orange line train at metro center, eager to be in bed instead of riding another 30 minutes back to Rockville. But I woke up a little when I heard the familiar tune of Lean On Me being sung by a large group of people in the middle of that lower level of the station.

An a capella group at 10pm? Are they looking for money? but no bucket was in sight and I soon noticed that some people walking by were welcomed into the circle, swaying back and forth and belting their best notes. I stood on the outside grinning like the rest of the onlookers and, maybe, tapping my foot a little. Someone in the group saw me, winked, and then motioned with her hand for me to join in - why not? Who can turn down the opportunity to be part of a spontaneous real life musical?

It was a little more organic than Improv Everywhere's Food Court musical, and less surprising but it added an extra beat to my step.

Yay life :)