A Pleasant Walk to the Bookstore

Today I went to the Politics and Prose bookstore off Connecticut Ave (see first pic).  I took the Metro from the Vienna/Fairfax GMU Station, changed from the Orange line to the Red line at the Metro central station and got off at the Van Ness station off Connecticut Ave.

During the trip on the Metro I texted and read Fortune on my Kindle. I also watched people get on and off.  It is a great way to get into and out of Washington DC.

Unlike other excursions into DC, I had to walk about a mile from the Van Ness station to the bookstore. It was a cool day and lots to look at. For example, I passed several apartment complexes, all with vacancies. Names included the Chesapeake, Albemarle, etc.  Two embassies are off Connecticut Ave.  You will find three gas stations, a Shell, Exxon and I forget the third. The difference in the price per gallon of gas was $0.06, a little higher than I expected. You will also find two CVS drugstores within the mile walk.

The selection of restaurants was very diverse.  You had several chains like Potbelly, Subway, etc. You could also get Italian cuisine.  Some of the restaurants had outdoor seating. Finally, you could order a thick sandwich along the way to the bookstore.  The walk included going by a general store, Office Depot, and similar stores. 

I heard a three-piece band playing as I departed and returned to the Metro stop (third pic). They were across the street. The music of choice was classical.

Side note, when I walk or run, I do not listen to music, I prefer to listen to the sounds of the environment.  When I run on a trail, I can hear leaves rustling,  birds singing, and the sound of my shoes breaking twigs. 

What surprised me were the people walking on the sidewalk. Singles have headphones in their ears and/or constantly reading texts or emails or some website.  Now I ask you, what is so important that cannot wait until you have reached your destination. Enjoy the season and scenery. Listen to the sounds. Look at the people, architecture, and surroundings.

Instead of reading texts or anything else on my smart phone, I actually looked at the architecture of the various buildings, read the names, looked at how crowded parking is, the number of stories in the different apartment complexes, entrances of apartment complexes, and what is down each street.  Some apartment entrances were really classy. Also during my walk to the bookstore I could hear leaves rustling in the wind, cars and trucks drive by, brakes squealing, conversations of couples, and of course a three-piece band playing classical music.

After a brisk walk, I arrived at the Politics and Prose bookstore. If you watch CSPAN you may recognize the name.  CSPAN featured authors speaking at the bookstore throughout the years.  The bookstore is two stories, and has a coffee shop. A book group was meeting downstairs. The store had numerous staff to help.  A lady brought her Great Dane in, it was among the biggest dogs I have ever seen. On his four legs he brushed up against my stomach. I did not have to bend down to pat his large head.  My two hands together may have covered his head.  He had a friendly disposition.

After buying a book, I went to the coffee shop (the large cup of coffee was $2.00 with tax, refills $0,50).  Several people were in the coffee shop, two or three individuals on Apple computers, about three couples and one foursome. Lots of talking and drinking.  I read my Kindle and the Washington Post (see second pic).  After my second cup of coffee I left. I wanted to get back home for my afternoon run in the Manassas Battlefield Park.  Glad I did that, it was slightly warmer around 5 PM.

On the way back I walked at a leisurely pace, still enjoying the cool weather and local architecture.  I may do it again.

I Hate Young People, But Not For the Reason You Think

I bet that got your attention.  Now do not misunderstand me. It is not for a reason you may expect. 

I know the usual reasons you are thinking about.

Youth have too much energy. No, I admire that.

Youth questions too much. No, that is good.

Youth question too many things and standard operating procedures. No, that too is good.

Youth are impatient. You have never been driving with my parents.

Youth take too many risks. No, I like that.

Youth focuses on the wrong things.  No, they will learn or I may learn.

Youth relies on new technology. So do I. 

Youth is smug when helping us older people adapt to new technology.  Not the ones I know. I do admit, they sure can fix a smart phone fast.

Youth dresses oddly. I suspect they say the same about me.

Youth does not respect authority or institutions. Honestly, can you really blame them?

Youth is far too optimistic.  And what is wrong with that?

Youth gets news from Steve Colbert and Jon something.  Now that one I really do not understand.

Youth protests. That is a cherished tradition in this country.

Youth taste in music is bad. Yes, I would partially agree with that.  Of course I am listening to Lady Gaga on Napster as I write this, so what do I know.

Youth watches weird TV shows.  Yes, but then I suspect they say the same about me.

Youth hears a song on the radio and cannot understand how an older guy like me would know the words.  It is called a new version and I was a youth once.

Then why? Youth reminds me that I am older.  However,  not in ways noted above.

Now you must keep in mind that I had gray hair for decades, back to high school.  No, it is not looking older. I have always looked far older than my age. Several times my girlfriend, now wife, was mistaken for my daughter. My daughter was mistaken for my grand daughter.  Gray hair does that. 

In fact, youth does not even know that they make me feel old. It is one single act, repeated every week in the office.  I cannot read really small print. Of late I had to get bifocals and even with my new glasses I cannot read small print. 

An example. Every week we have a staff meeting.  A project report is printed.  Those of us over 45 cannot read it. it is small print on one page. Youth I work with says, "Oh you can't? Wow, I can. Let me read it to you."  Gee, thanks.

You see, I can do something about almost every complaint you thought I may have. The vision challenge is and will be unresolved. That is youth, unintentionally, reminding me that I am definitely getting older and my body is showing it.

Yes, I know, you want an example. So far this year I have lost weight, took at least 5 inches off my waist, and started running again (not far, but every time is farther and longer than the previous run).  I try to find the good in people and try to consider other points of view (regardless of what my daughter says or thinks).

No, it is the vision issue. Nothing I do will ever change that.  I will never be able to read really small print again unless I hold it close or use a magnifying glass. Again, youth will say Oh, let me help you.

My only consolation. Very soon youth will be older and they will face their youth.  With it will be the very small print that they cannot read.

Living in Prince William County, VA and Northern VA – National Book Festival 2011

I have been living in Prince William County, VA (PWC) for 3 months and thoroughly enjoying it.  One of the most important quality of life issues I look at is cultural and educational opportunities that are close by.  Washington DC and the surrounding area offer so much and it is practically free.  Let me give you an example.

First, a geographic orientation.  PWC is approximately 30 miles west from Washington DC, the Capitol Mall, the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Museum.  I-66 takes you right into the city.

Second, transportation costs.  It can be very cost effective. I drive to the Fairfax/Vienna Metro station. It is about 18 miles and I ride the train right to the Smithsonian Museum and Capital Mall It is a $6 round trip. Fares are reduced during the weekend and holidays.  For my Facebook friends and Twitter followers at Harben_eco_dev, you know I was posting updates on the ride, both ways. It sure beats traffic and looking for parking.  As you recall, earlier I wrote that I like events that are close by.  Please note, I left my home at 1:45 PM and returned at 6:45 PM.

Today I went to the National Book Festival 2011 sponsored by the Library of Congress.  It covers two days.  Over 100 authors, poets and illustrators attend.  The festival has six author pavilions. Each one has well known authors speak. The pavilions showcasing authors were Children, Contemporary Life, Fiction and Mystery, History and Biography, Poetry and Prose, and Teens. 

Other pavilions were the PBS (lots of kid activities highlighted), Library of Congress, Family Storytelling, Let’s Read America Pavilion, and the Pavilion of the States.

C-SPAN has a live broadcast all day both days. The correspondents interviewed history and contemporary authors, and biographers all day.  It might be on a pavilion, on the C-SPAN temporary studio or on the mall.

The author I went to hear were:

Dr. Amy Chua, Tiger Mom

Edmund Morris, Colonel Roosevelt

Both spoke to a standing room only, easily over 200 people listened to each one. From what I could see, all the pavilions were like that, standing room only. It was educational and entertaining.  Dr. Chua’s stories about her daughters were so funny and I could relate on so many levels.  What is it about the second born kids? That is a different post.

I think I saw thousands of people walking the mall and enjoying the various authors at the pavilions and the chance to get an autographed book.  It was so professionally executed.  The number of volunteers was mind boggling, led by the Junior League of Washington, DC.  They were everywhere and so helpful.

Perhaps most pleasing was the emphasis on reading, and the effort to make it enjoyable.  When you look at the numerous pavilions, you instantly recognize the rich and vibrant variety in writing and the skilled authors we celebrate over these two days. This kind of festival is replicated all over the U.S.

Most of the people I saw were 30 years or older.  I did sit next to a student at a local university who came to listen to Dr. Chua, but she attended because she read a different Chua book for class.  She also dragged her boyfriend along. 

Today I think reading has so many competing interests.  Most of all, unlike almost every other activity our kids are involved in, reading is truly solitary.  In todays connected world, it makes it that much more challenging. 

However, for these two days, we take stock of the talented authors and the joy of reading at the National Book Festival.

The first pic is Dr. Amy Chua and me. She was so gracious.  The second pic is Mr. Edmund Morris and me.

Memories of High School Physical Education Classes

I love Facebook. It allows you to catch up with old high school acquaintances and friends.  You get to learn a lot about their past, their careers, their kids, their interests. You get the idea.

One of my high school acquaintances recently friended me on Facebook. We went to high school in Midland, TX. She teaches physical education in Texas.  Or as commonly known as PE. I recall her as a very kind and intelligent lady and I think she was a cheerleader. 

After she told me what she did, it made me think of the PE teachers I had in junior and high school. 

First, let me start with an admission. I was not athletic in high school, just ask my family, friends, anybody who has seen me dance.  I was uncoordinated and somewhat clumsy.  In fact, even today I am not athletic. 

Apparently in my family, starting with my father, athletic skills skip a generation.  My sister is the exception to the rule.  Athletics were challenging and I was never good.  When teams for any sports activity were picked, I was among the last selected.  And I do mean every team sport, even tennis doubles.

Now realize, I am not talking about organized sports or other activities. I am referring to that 45 minute or hour class every day.  A couple of the coaches I had appeared to think if you were not athletic it was your fault and you should work harder.  One coach’s last name started with N.

I look back now and I think embarrassing or intimidating students is the wrong approach.  As is an overbearing attitude. An example? Yes, I recall an overweight high school student that the coach always made play on the skins side when we played shirts and skins.  It was unfair to him.  I suspect he was trying to motivate the student to get into better physical shape, but I think the coach simply embarrassed him.  

In one respect, I think it is a show of concern.  But, the method could be more damaging.

This kind of bullying and attitude turned me off athletics completely.  It was not until college that I started to play football and other sports with fellow students.  Yes, I had not improved much, if at all.  And yes, I was still among the last to be chosen, but at that point it bothered me far less. I just had fun.

Of course I have had some really good PE teachers in junior and high school. They did not single out a student because they were uncoordinated or overweight.  They made the class fun for those of us that who are not gifted. They made sure the teams were fair.  Most importantly when they could and the opportunity presented itself, they used it as a teaching moment.  I think my old high school acquaintance now teaching PE is of this mold.  And I suspect that her students are fortunate.

My First Trip to COSTCO

Today was my first trip to COSTCO.  One of the advantages of living in Prince William County is the choice of warehouse shopping. 

I have never been to COSTCO. Everyplace I have lived did not have one.  Of course I read about the company from time to time in various business magazines.

For my Southern friends, it is like a Sam’s Club.  Interesting points, COSTCO started in Washington state, Sam's in Arkansas.   COSTCO's predecessor was Price Club. I vaguely recall reading about Price Club years ago. 

I enjoyed it my first trip. COSTCO was much bigger than I thought it would be. This COSTCO is located in a suburban setting; it is surrounded by green grass and has an attractive entrance.  Of course it has its own traffic light.  It does not have the appearance of a new building built on the outskirts of a mall, in fact it is not close to a mall.

Much to my surprise, COSTCO is the largest membership warehouse chain in the United States. The last count had membership at 55,000,001. Of course just like Sam’s, you cannot get out without paying a lot for a lot of products.  You need really big carts.  In fact, everything is bigger. I am reminded of eating lunch at McDonalds and getting the infamous question, "Can I supersize that for you?" COSTCO is already supersized (see photo at end of post).

Yes, enough toilet paper, tea, and tuna to keep me going for a few weeks.  A box of cereal will last a month. 

As an avid salad consumer, I was very impressed with the quality of the produce and the selection of fruit.  The fresh produce is in a cold room, not on a cold shelf. I suspect that keeps it fresher longer.

These days I do not buy chips, cheese, dip or other foods. Good thing too, I think I would be depressed if I really took the time to figure out exactly what one serving is.  And of course the bags are huge!

To this day I love to see what people buy. Sometimes you can tell when it is a big football weekend or stocking up for a birthday party for a kid.  You can also tell when someone is craving liquids or something salty.  COSTCO offers all kinds of products and services, like smart phones, wide screen TVs, computers, insurance, excercise equipment, office supplies, check printing, etc.  It is mind boggling.  I found the associates very helpful and knowledgeable.  I am looking forward to future trips to the warehouse, perhaps once a month.

An Industrialist and Public Servant Passes

For political history buffs and junkies, it was announced today that former Senator Charles (Chuck) Percy died. Most of the obituaries I read glossed over what I thought were the most important parts of his life. First, he was a self-made industrialist. His family suffered like so many others during the depression. His mother had a young Chuck Percy sell sugar cookies door to door.  While attending school he held several jobs.  His determination and drive caught the eye of Joseph McNabb, the president of Bell and Howell. Bell and Howell in the 30s was a small company that manufactured cameras.

Sen. Percy started working for the company in the early 40s, left to serve in the Navy during World War II and returned in 1945.  He became president in 1949, just shy of the 30^th birthday. 

Bell and Howell prospered under his 15 year tenure as president.  Sales increased 32 fold, employment 12 fold and the company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. He subsequently earned millions in stock and salary.

In the 50s and 60s he served in various appointed positions within the GOP.  In 1964 he ran for governor of Illinois, he lost in the Johnson landslide.  Undeterred, he ran for Senate in 1966.  He won that race.  He went on to win two more terms, but was defeated for reelection in 1984. 

Most of the rest you can read in various obits.  What is missed or should get more emphasis is:

·     He was called a liberal republican. I disagree. On social issues he was more of a libertarian. On economic issues, he had faith in the free market. After all, he was a very successful businessman and self-made and millionaire.  He understood every aspect of manufacturing. He was no fan of regulation.

·      He had a deep baritone voice. He could and would laugh at himself.

·     He became chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1981. He hired a non-political staff and believed that foreign policy was not a partisan issue.

·     When he was responsible for recommending U.S. Attorneys, he took it very seriously and suggested highly competent individuals. Several of his choices went on to conduct serious corruption investigations resulting in convictions and jail time.

·     He called for an independent counsel to investigate Watergate. His reason was the White House could not be necessarily trusted to investigate itself. He was right.  As a result, President Nixon added him to the famous “enemies” list.

·     In a couple of Senate oral histories, people consistently commented on how thoughtful Sen. Percy was as an individual.  He was kind and courteous. 

·     Finally, he was a devout Christian Scientist.  He did not drink or smoke.  He would attend cocktail and other parties, but he did not touch alcohol.

A previous post noted that former Senator Mark Hatfield died. They were both elected in 1966.  Both had unique backgrounds. Senator Hatfield was an educator. Senator Percy was a successful and self-made business man. In addition, Senator Percy made his fortune in manufacturing. We need more people with his background, individuals that understand markets, hiring, and creating wealth. Senator Percy, your unique expertise was and will be missed.

Entrepreneurs and Incubators

My previous post was about skilled craftsmen, entrepreneurial efforts and to a lesser extent, incubators.  Today I was reading Fortune on my Kindle and ran across an article about an innovative incubator in New York City. It is called the General Assembly (catchy name) and is operated by the city’s department of economic development.  An excerpt from the city website:

In the heart of the Flatiron District, at Broadway and 20th Street, is General Assembly—a co-working space for design and technology entrepreneurs. Complete with classrooms, break-out spaces, library, top-notch media facility, a kitchen and more, General Assembly is designed to create community and promote the collaborative exchange of ideas among New York City’s premier entrepreneurs. General Assembly will offer regular educational programming open to the public as well as access to affordable workspace. 

General Assembly has the following facilities and amenities:

·         Shared work areas for tenants

·         Seminar rooms

·         Media facility

·         35-person classroom

·         Event space for up to 200 people

·         Library

·         Bike storage and lockers

·         Mailroom

·         Kitchen and bar

General Assembly will engage users through three levels of support: 1) Provide educational courses on technology and business which are open to the general public; 2) Enable 24/7 access to the campus for invited “communal members,” who are serial entrepreneurs; and 3) Act as a home base for NYC startups who are based full-time in the space.

Read more on the General Assembly website. Or http://www.generalassemb.ly/

Even the website speaks to entrepreneurs with new ideas, products and services.