Today or, rather, Yesterday (2 cents)

1. Rock Creek Park. Traffic was very bad this morning through Rock Creek Park, although it began to move fairly well near the zoo. But then there was a major back up south of Calvert Street that did not seem to have an explanation. But, as usual, the Rock Creek commuters were all very polite to each other, allowing incoming traffic to cut in on an alternate car basis.

One disturbing item, however. Some young father had put his young son in a child's bicycle street (with helmets) and decided to take a ride down, first Broad Branch, and then Beach Avenue, through the park during rush hour. Why on earth would anyone do this on these narrow, winding, two lane roads, with no shoulders, with a young child?

Finally, the slow traffic gave me one more opportunity to ask myself whether the District (or more properly, perhaps, the U.S. Park Service)should change the sign that points to Peirce Mill, but calls it Pierce Mill, so that the spelling is correct? Which then leads to the questions (a) what is all that construction around the waterfall at Peirce Mill about, anyway?, and (b) what is going on with the mill building itself? I remember when they actually used to grind and sell corn; that was quite a treat, to see the waterwheel going, and so forth. I also remember when the art gallery was used for special exhibits, but I don't think that happens either.

2. Gas Prices. Why could it be that gas prices yesterday on Route 40 between Baltimore City and Ellicott City were about 40 cents a gallon less than gas prices in northwest DC? It can't just be the difference in applicable taxes; DC and Maryland are historically much more aligned.

3. 9/11. This is 9/11, and the 5 year anniversary of the attack. I understand remembering the attack and memorializing the victims, but can't that be done with a minute or two of silence, rather than through the monopolizing of every radio station and newscast, and a bevy of programs all around the country? The newspaper this morning listed what must have been twenty different programs here alone; and I am sure there are more.

4. Garlic. Last night I had supper with a friend at the Shanghai Garden, where the food is always good. He ordered garlic eggplant. I had some and, true to all of my recent experience, it took me hours to fall asleep. This is what garlic does to me. In reading websites about garlic and sleep, I find that while there appears to be evidence of a connection, the experts differ as to whether garlic keeps you up, or puts you to sleep. Huh?