Friday Question of the Day

photo by Carlos Porto

Back in July we had a great discussion about some of your favorite summer drinks. Given the foul weather tonight it got me thinking about what were your favorite winter drinks? Last winter, Robyn suggested a few places to get hot drinks around town. I’m curious about what are your favorites to make at home. Is there anything better than a classic Irish coffee?

As most have surely heard by now Washington WIzard’s star Gilbert Arenas has been suspended indefinitely by the NBA. ESPN reports:

“Arenas is under investigation by federal and local authorities after admittedly bringing guns into the Wizards’ locker room. The Wizards’ troubles may not end there. The Washington Post reported Wednesday that according to firsthand accounts, teammate Javaris Crittenton, whose disagreement with Arenas reportedly fueled the incident, loaded and cocked his own gun in response to Arenas. In text messages, Crittenton called that account “false,” according to the report.”

I was a party where guy says, I can’t even bring a candy bar into the Verizon Center, how the hell did he get a gun in? Obviously he was kidding but this really seems to be beyond defense. What do you think the punishment should be if he just brought the gun to the locker room but didn’t brandish it? What should the punishment be if he did brandish it? Do you think he will prosecuted and face jail time? Are you bothered by how Arenas seems to be making light of the situation?

photo by Mr.TinDC

Once again most have Friday off so here’s another early question of the day. Given it’s that time of year, it’s time to ask that kind of question – what is your strongest memory for 2009 in DC? I’m gonna have to go with President Obama’s inauguration week. There was such a buzz in the air it was absolutely electric. What about you guys – anything about 2009 stick out to you? Also any predictions for the city in 2010?

Photo from PoPville flickr user bruboo

Last night a friend of mine told me that she received a 14 pound ham via special delivery for Christmas. I thought that was absolutely awesome, if a bit random. So it got me thinking – what is the best or strangest gift you’ve ever received for the holidays?

“Dear PoP,

The end of the year is nearing, and I’m wondering if your readers know of any good New Year’s Eve celebrations that won’t break the bank. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend $100 for an evening full of flat champagne and a bunch of drunk college kids. Any help/suggestions?”

I was going through my inbox to see what New Year’s emails I received when I saw this huge list put together by Washingtonian magazine. It is super comprehensive.

But since it’s that time of year I thought I’d include this as a Friday Question of the Day. First, what do you recommend is the best way to spend New Year’s Eve in DC? And second, possibly a bit more fun, what is your fondest New Year’s celebration memory in or out of DC?

Actually one quick random cell phone question first. For those that use AT&T do you notice that your 3G coverage gets dropped around the U Street area? Mostly around 13th and U I always lose coverage.

But anyway for the real question of the day – what is proper cell phone/smart phone etiquette when with friends or on a date? I’m not talking about on the metro or in a store. I’m talking only about when you’re on a date or hanging out with friends. I know this is a horrible analogy but back in the day it was considered very rude to wear a hat indoors. Folks wear hats indoors all the time now. I used to think if you were hanging out with friends or on a date it was absolutely forbidden to text or check email. Sure with friends it’s slightly different but still, I used to think even then it was impolite to check the phone/email. So today I was at lunch with a friend and I swear it was like being addicted to a drug, I absolutely had to check my email. I apologized but still checked it.

So I’m just curious, has the proliferation of smart phones changed whether or not it is rude to check them with friends or on a date?

Photo from PoPville Flickr user Bogotron

The following question comes from twitter user @Zoom268. They write:

“Increase #wmata fares and reducing services? Where is the talk of a commuter tax/fee in or out of DC? ”

WTOP reports:

Board Member Chris Zimmerman says riders should understand now that fare increases and service cuts are necessary and inevitable… Some service reductions being considered are:

* Reducing bus and rail service on some holidays and holiday-related days (i.e. the day after Thanksgiving) to be more in line with ridership
* Eliminating bus service that overlaps local jurisdictional service
* Eliminating low-ridership bus service
* Increasing the intervals (headways) between trains and buses
* Closing some station mezzanines and rail stations during periods of low ridership
* Modifying late-night rail and bus service
* Beginning rail service later in the mornings

I don’t think we’ve ever discussed a commuter tax before for those that live outside DC and commute into the city for work. As a DC resident it’s easy for me to say I support one. But I’ve also heard arguments where if such a tax were implemented, DC will simply end up losing folks who set up their offices in DC. So what do you guys think about a commuter tax in general? Is it a good way to deal with the WMATA budget shortfall or is a fare increase and/or reduced services, unfortunately, the price that needs to be paid in this economic climate?

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