What if? Or is a matter of when and for how long? Don't worry, there will be plenty to do, even if you are out of work. Unfortunately, most free attractions will be closed. Oh, and Metro might even reduce train and bus service, so prepare for longer lead times.
-- 5 spots to visit if the government shuts down (All Smithsonian and government museums, monuments, and memorials, including the National Zoo, will be closed): Museums, including the Newseum and Corcoran Art Gallery; Religious architecture and history, including the National Cathedral and Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; Biking and hiking trails, including Rock Creek Park and the Crescent Trail; Open air markets, including Eastern Market; Sports, including Capitals playoff hockey and Nationals baseball.
And besides the Washington Post, these blogs may help you with ideas to keep from going stir crazy.
-- 5 DC blogs: DCist; Greater Greater Washington; TBD; Prince of Petworth; We Love DC
As for me, I'll still be working ... and they said I should even get paid on time. W00t!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
DC DMV offices
The District has just three main service centers for license renewal and vehicle registration. And there is only one office for vehicle inspections. However, they have begun to offer some services online (license renewal, change of address, and more).
Service centers:
Georgetown (Lower level of the Georgetown Park Mall at M St NW and Wisconsin Ave NW)
Southwest (95 M St SW, between the Waterfront and Navy Yard Metro stops)
Southeast (Pennsylvania Ave SE and Branch Ave SE
Vehicle Inspection (Adjacent to the Southwest Service Center at 1001 Half St SW)
Plan to visit the offices during off-peak hours (approx. 10-11:30am, 2-3:30pm). Alternatively, if you arrive just before the office opens in the morning, you can begin to queue for entry and relatively fast processing. This is especially helpful information when going to the office on Saturday morning.
Before visiting the DMV, check their website or give them a call to confirm hours and services provided. You may be able to avoid a trip altogether!
(dmv.dc.gov; (202) 737-4404)
Service centers:
Georgetown (Lower level of the Georgetown Park Mall at M St NW and Wisconsin Ave NW)
Southwest (95 M St SW, between the Waterfront and Navy Yard Metro stops)
Southeast (Pennsylvania Ave SE and Branch Ave SE
Vehicle Inspection (Adjacent to the Southwest Service Center at 1001 Half St SW)
Plan to visit the offices during off-peak hours (approx. 10-11:30am, 2-3:30pm). Alternatively, if you arrive just before the office opens in the morning, you can begin to queue for entry and relatively fast processing. This is especially helpful information when going to the office on Saturday morning.
Before visiting the DMV, check their website or give them a call to confirm hours and services provided. You may be able to avoid a trip altogether!
(dmv.dc.gov; (202) 737-4404)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Interviewing
A timeless topic, the art of interviewing, can be made into more of a science with these suggestions:
1. Keep a copy of the original job posting. This will allow for you to follow up on any specifics mentioned in the posting but not during the interview.
2. Know what your resume says. Some employers will quiz you on specific details of your resume to ensure that you haven't exaggerated your experience.
3. Make a separate list of your accomplishments, considering all identifiable keywords in the original job posting.
4. When the employer asks, "Where do you see yourself in 'x' years?", be sure to identify some of your ambitions, but focus your development on the job for which you are interviewing. They really want to know what you can do for them and why you are the best candidate.
5. Answer each question asked. Take notes and ask the employer to repeat the questions if you have to. It is crucial to address each question asked--this is how the employer will judge your ability to listen and accomplish specific tasks.
Finally, send a thank-you note. If the job is in the government or a place where mail delivery can be delayed, it is ok to send an email, with a follow-up note via snail-mail.
Break a leg!
1. Keep a copy of the original job posting. This will allow for you to follow up on any specifics mentioned in the posting but not during the interview.
2. Know what your resume says. Some employers will quiz you on specific details of your resume to ensure that you haven't exaggerated your experience.
3. Make a separate list of your accomplishments, considering all identifiable keywords in the original job posting.
4. When the employer asks, "Where do you see yourself in 'x' years?", be sure to identify some of your ambitions, but focus your development on the job for which you are interviewing. They really want to know what you can do for them and why you are the best candidate.
5. Answer each question asked. Take notes and ask the employer to repeat the questions if you have to. It is crucial to address each question asked--this is how the employer will judge your ability to listen and accomplish specific tasks.
Finally, send a thank-you note. If the job is in the government or a place where mail delivery can be delayed, it is ok to send an email, with a follow-up note via snail-mail.
Break a leg!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Greek Yogurt
The Waterfront Safeway recently expanded its selection of greek yogurt, so I decided to taste every brand offered. First, here's an alphabetical list of offered brands: Athenos; Chobani; Dannon; Fage; Lucerne; Oikos (Stonyfield); Open Nature (Lucerne); and Yoplait.
I have been enjoying Chobani yogurt for a couple of years now, thanks to their push into the Van Ness Giant. I didn't think there was another yogurt that could beat the taste, nutrition, and simple ingredients. I mean, my favorite flavor of Chobani, Strawberry, has 14g of protein and 19g of sugar (though I never mix the entire "fruit on the bottom" into the yogurt).
The test: purchase each brand of yogurt (thanks for the introductory pricing Safeway) and sample one per day.
The results:
Best tasting: Oikos
Most protein and least sugar: Open Nature
Least sugar: Athenos
Thickest: Fage
Most artificial tasting: Dannon (tie); Lucerne (tie); Yoplait (tie)
Ranking:
1. Oikos (strawberry)
2. Open Nature (honey)
3. Chobani (strawberry or pomegranate)
4. Fage (blueberry acai)
5. Athenos (strawberry)
Not worth ever purchasing: Dannon; Lucerne; or Yoplait. That is, unless you like additives and artificial flavors and tastes.
I have been enjoying Chobani yogurt for a couple of years now, thanks to their push into the Van Ness Giant. I didn't think there was another yogurt that could beat the taste, nutrition, and simple ingredients. I mean, my favorite flavor of Chobani, Strawberry, has 14g of protein and 19g of sugar (though I never mix the entire "fruit on the bottom" into the yogurt).
The test: purchase each brand of yogurt (thanks for the introductory pricing Safeway) and sample one per day.
The results:
Best tasting: Oikos
Most protein and least sugar: Open Nature
Least sugar: Athenos
Thickest: Fage
Most artificial tasting: Dannon (tie); Lucerne (tie); Yoplait (tie)
Ranking:
1. Oikos (strawberry)
2. Open Nature (honey)
3. Chobani (strawberry or pomegranate)
4. Fage (blueberry acai)
5. Athenos (strawberry)
Not worth ever purchasing: Dannon; Lucerne; or Yoplait. That is, unless you like additives and artificial flavors and tastes.
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