CONGRESS ISN'T EVEN HERE!

Ok war protesters, I know this is an important day for you, it's been a long 5 years. While I can kind of understand your plight ... for the love of Christ WHY ARE YOU HERE THIS WEEK?
Let's do a little bit of homework - Congress is on recess.
Guess what? The guy in the big white house ... doesn't care what you have to say, he doesn't appreciate the time you put into your paper mache replica of him or the clever way you used his name on your sign.
I quote his deputy from ABC today:

Raddatz: "Two-third of Americans say it's not worth fighting."

Cheney, smiling: "So?"

Raddatz: "So? You don't care what the American people think?"

Cheney: "No. I think you cannot be blown off course by the fluctuations in the public-opinion polls. … There has, in fact, been fundamental change and transformation and improvement for the better. … That's a huge accomplishment."

Congress sorta cares sometimes ... but they are AT HOME. Where you, Johnny and Jane protester, live. So go. Visit them. Write a letter. Start a netroots campaign.
D.C. can't even VOTE ... our police force can barely handle Friday night in Adams Morgan let alone, your crazy ass trying to scale the iron fence at the White House for the 18th time.
So basically the only impact you have today is slowing my commute and causing my building to lock it's doors.
Tighten Up. Get a hobby that doesn't involve protesting.

Google Transit: Knee-Shakingly Tight

Wow. Just when I thought my love for Google was maxed out, they go and do something awesome. And I'm always the last to know. The roll-out all their nifty updates and web apps without much fuss and then suddenly, it's everywhere.

This time? Google Transit: directions via public transit on Google Maps. Hot-Cha. Unlike their Street View option, Google Transit has integrated the public transit systems of a significant number of cities, including a few international spots.

So, wanna go from 4412 Northeast 17th Avenue to West Burnside Street & Southwest Broadway in Portland, Oregon? That's a two minute walk northeast then hop on the 8 bus at 5:10pm. Oh, and that'll cost you $1.75 (vs $1.65 driving). That's right: they calculate fare AND estimated cost of driving.

And Virginia's even in there. Good job, Hampton Roads!

Public transit . . . and restrooms.

[Also here.]

I find it funny that the sign for the restrooms at the [Charlottesville] Downtown Transit Station is the same size as the sign which announces the purpose of the entire building. I mean, the little male and female icons do the trick just fine. That planning committee needs to tighten up!