It has been a while since I blogged a compliment over a complaint, but this one deserves an entry.
Ever since I got my Blackberry my commute is so much easier to manage thanks to NextBus and NextTrain from WMATA's mobile solutions.
Truth be told I am about a month or so away from getting an iPhone and I can't wait to explore the road/commuter warrior apps on that. For now, the BB mobile browser works well enough for me to get my GPS enabled bus arrival information.
Like just now I wanted the H4 crosstown but realized the 31 to Foggy Bottom metro was arriving. Thanks to the feature that shows you other relevant routes near you location you have options through information and data on your smartphone.
In fact, I am blogging this from the bus now. Gotta love connectivity.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Metro and Metrobus feeling the Pain in Public Affairs
Not a good summer for Metro and Metrobus Public Affairs - take a look at these sites and news items.
http://unsuckdcmetro.blogspot.com/
http://dcist.com/2009/08/two_metrobus_operators_fired_a_thir.php
I also heard a rumor that DC DMV closed down the Brentwood Branch - this calls for a big long blog post in memorial to the worst DMV location on earth. Does anyone remember that parking lot where they did the driving test? Worst location ever.
TOO BAD, SO SAD!!! But oh the memories.
http://unsuckdcmetro.blogspot.com/
http://dcist.com/2009/08/two_metrobus_operators_fired_a_thir.php
I also heard a rumor that DC DMV closed down the Brentwood Branch - this calls for a big long blog post in memorial to the worst DMV location on earth. Does anyone remember that parking lot where they did the driving test? Worst location ever.
TOO BAD, SO SAD!!! But oh the memories.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Buckle Up on the Bus?
I just heard the following automated announcement on the bus I am riding: "Buckle up. The belt around you can save your life." Huh? The belt around me? Like a fool who hasn't had their coffee yet, of course I go looking to find the seat belt on the bus. Wait, buses don't have seat belts. Never have - right?
Is this a sign of things to come? Now, we will be strapping ourselves in on our local bus. Or is this just another reminder to buckle up when we are in our cars?
Is this a sign of things to come? Now, we will be strapping ourselves in on our local bus. Or is this just another reminder to buckle up when we are in our cars?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Giving Directions to a Hilarious DC Bus Driver
This morning I got to start my day laughing. I got on the bus and the driver was all excited to see a passenger. She was new on the route and was driving around all morning with no passengers and she wasn't sure she was going the right way. She said she would turn down a road and people would be waving her off like she was going down a one way street or something. She assured me no one chased her bus though. I guess that is always a good sign! I assured her she was on the right road for her route. She was relieved to say the least.
A few streets down she had to ask me which way to turn and where to stop. I was laughing so hard, because she was all nervous and flushed, trying to find her cheat sheet. She told me that she paid attention during her training on this route, but she must have forgotten it all. I told her not to worry, I would direct her to where the route ends.
She said that this route may be cut back due to funding, and she understands why now. Probably because I was her only passenger all morning, and that is not much justification for running a circular route during rush hour.
I told her I would prefer to stay on the bus all day and ride around with her, because she was cracking me up. I have a lot of respect for DC bus drivers. I also hope they don't cut the route. I look forward to riding that bus again. What a great way to start a Monday.
A few streets down she had to ask me which way to turn and where to stop. I was laughing so hard, because she was all nervous and flushed, trying to find her cheat sheet. She told me that she paid attention during her training on this route, but she must have forgotten it all. I told her not to worry, I would direct her to where the route ends.
She said that this route may be cut back due to funding, and she understands why now. Probably because I was her only passenger all morning, and that is not much justification for running a circular route during rush hour.
I told her I would prefer to stay on the bus all day and ride around with her, because she was cracking me up. I have a lot of respect for DC bus drivers. I also hope they don't cut the route. I look forward to riding that bus again. What a great way to start a Monday.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Blogging and Texting from the Streets of DC?
Just when I thought I had read it all, the WashingtonPost ran an article this past week that captures how technology is driving the lives of people. Apparently, even the District's homeless rely on cell phones, e-mail addresses and blogs to stay in touch. Who knew?!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Did You Just Cut the Line Mr. US Marshal?
I am all for supporting law enforcement officers, but I am getting tired of seeing our friendly U.S. Marshals cutting the line at Dunkin Donuts, getting free coffee, chatting it up with the staff and delaying the morning routine of all of the other patient patrons. Yeah, so you carry a gun and a badge, big deal. What makes you so special that you can just cut the line? I know there is some unwritten rule about coffee and donuts for police officers and law enforcement, but seriously, you are not helping disprove the stereotype or boost the reputation your fellow Marshals have around here. First the Starbucks on 7th and E and your illegally parked vehicles, then the Au Bon Pain, now the Dunkin Donuts? Is there any caffeine-powered establishment around here where I don't have to endure their arrogance and just get my cup of coffee?
Friday, March 13, 2009
City's Technology Office Goes Rogue
This one I do not understand. "Ghost" workers, kickbacks, bribes, escape plans to Turkey...all around the office of Technology for the District of Columbia? When did IT jobs go rogue?
What timing...on the heels of the announcement of our old CTO becoming our new Federal CIO. Now, before he could even get any traction, his lackeys in his old office have caused him to take a "leave of absence." What does that mean exactly? I am just curious - why in his new role does he have to take a leave of absence to deal with the outcomes of the investigation from his old role?
This is what it reads in the Post about Yusaf Acar, who is at the center of the investigation:
Acar is a flight risk because agents seized $70,000 in cash in his house and because in recorded conversations, he boasted that he could easily flee to his native Turkey. Acar also told the informant that he could use computers to create fake D.C. birth certificates, Hibarger said.
Fascinating how an Army engineer that was hired ended up being the informant that led to catching this guy:
During a December conversation, Sekela wrote, Acar and the informant discussed what could happen if they were caught. "No, nothing," Acar told the informant, according to a transcript of the call. "I will jump on the next plane, go to Turkey and disappear."
Great, so now we have this guy who was managing the installation of hardware and software for the District of Columbia and he had plans to take the money and disappear in Turkey. This cannot look to good for the city and its background checks on people. Check out Mayor Fenty's response - not exactly reassuring.
What timing...on the heels of the announcement of our old CTO becoming our new Federal CIO. Now, before he could even get any traction, his lackeys in his old office have caused him to take a "leave of absence." What does that mean exactly? I am just curious - why in his new role does he have to take a leave of absence to deal with the outcomes of the investigation from his old role?
This is what it reads in the Post about Yusaf Acar, who is at the center of the investigation:
Acar is a flight risk because agents seized $70,000 in cash in his house and because in recorded conversations, he boasted that he could easily flee to his native Turkey. Acar also told the informant that he could use computers to create fake D.C. birth certificates, Hibarger said.
Fascinating how an Army engineer that was hired ended up being the informant that led to catching this guy:
During a December conversation, Sekela wrote, Acar and the informant discussed what could happen if they were caught. "No, nothing," Acar told the informant, according to a transcript of the call. "I will jump on the next plane, go to Turkey and disappear."
Great, so now we have this guy who was managing the installation of hardware and software for the District of Columbia and he had plans to take the money and disappear in Turkey. This cannot look to good for the city and its background checks on people. Check out Mayor Fenty's response - not exactly reassuring.
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