The D.C. Metro Transit Police Department is planning to implement random searches of MET travelers. I can’t think of a more blatant example of disregard for the 4th Amendment.

From the MET Press Release:

Metro Transit Police to begin bag inspection program

Police to increase visibility to enhance security and heighten awareness

The Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) will begin a bag inspection program and look into passengers’ bags prior to them entering the Metro system in an ongoing effort to protect Metro riders, employees and facilities. Officers will be inspecting bags for explosive devices.

Bag search

“The Security Inspection Program aims to deter terrorist attacks and increase the overall safety of the Metro system,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Michael Taborn. “Inspections could take place at any Metrorail station or Metrobus stop. They will be random, unannounced and focused on explosive detection.”

Miles has been copying his big sister’s actions a lot over the last few days. For example when I got home yesterday, Ruby rushed over to the door to greet me with a hug and kiss. Miles immediately followed suit.

At dinner I noticed another copycat instance and decided to mention it to Ruby.

“Ruby did you notice that your brother is trying to do everything you’re doing?”, I asked,

“Yup”, says Ru.

“He does that because he thinks you are so special”, I continued.

“I AM so special” she exclaimed.

Knowing that I’m a coffee snob, my friends often consult with me before purchasing a coffee machine or espresso machine. I long ago honed in on my combo, and don’t usually have the most up to the minute product information. This morning, as I was cleaning up the espresso machine, Vick told me about a good article that she was reading about coffee machines. “They’re talking about brew temp and extraction time”, she said. “Link me up”, I replied. The article was well written and closely reflects my views on what makes a good cup. Check it out.

If you want to cut right to the chase, the machine they picked is the KBT741 by Technnivorm

I just made, for the first time in my life, a contribution to a presidential candidate. .

Here’s some big news on the circumnavigation plan. We have just started a business relationship with renowned boat designer Bob Perry. Bob will be helping us to find the right boat for our family. Once we’ve found it he’ll be helping us through the negotiations and outfitting. Its a tremendous relief to have such an experienced guide to help us navigate this part of the adventure.

More on this as it develops!

Vick and I were noticing tonight how Ruby seems to have matured noticeably since we left for vacation. She’s choosing alone time, putting herself to bed, being observant of family dynamics, and helping out in a multitude of little but impressive ways. I’ve also noticed that she seems to be a little bit more self-confident.

I attribute these revolutionary changes to her making general observations about the similarities in values and social dynamics of the family and friends we visited with.

Whenever a thought popped into her head, she had someone to talk to. Whenever she wanted a parent, we were available (almost). And she had plenty of space to get lost (and found) in. Most importantly, she saw, at every stop, the power of cooperation and mutual respect.

So, if you were one of the people who touched Ruby (and us) on our trip, thank you so much. If we missed you, we look forward to seeing you next time, or out here.

Miles generally wakes up a few times between 6:30 (when we put him down) and 11pm when we go to bed for the night. Vick goes in and nurses him, and he’s usually back to sleep in about five minutes. Since we returned from vacation, he’s been having a little bit of trouble settling back in, so I’ve been going in to play guitar (which tends to settle him down).

Tonight, I went in with the guitar and played for a few minutes. He seemed to be relaxed, so I stopped playing. He sat straight up in bed, and looked as if he was going to get down and go for a walk. Vick and I both held our breath, afraid to move or say anything. He lunged as if he was going to get out of bed and then, quite unexpectedly, fell flat on his face (in bed) and fell back asleep. It was all I could do to not crack up laughing on the spot.

I’ve been having trouble finding blog worthy articles lately. Its not that nothing has been happening. We’ve been having a lot of fun riding our bikes around and hanging out with friends, but it didn’t seem all that noteworthy.

Today though, is the first day of my 3 week vacation. We’re going to spend this first day packing, and eating. Then at 6:30 tonight, we’ll head off to the airport. I can’t say that I’ve been this excited about a vacation since I was a kid.

Ruby and Vick were going to pick up some Chinese takout on the bike tonight. When Ru found out that she wasn’t going to be able to ride in the trailer (Miles was staying with me) she was distraught. To lighten up the situation, I ran outside and took the trailer off of The Long Vehicle, and attached it to Ruby’s Little Dela Cruz. I called her out, and Miles (as usual) came in tow. We loaded Miles in, and Ruby actually took him for a ride. All the way out to the driveway, around Mirriam’s car, and back into the courtyard.

More pictures in the gallery

My dad’s off on his summer motorcycle trip. We’re looking forward to seeing him in a few weeks. This year we’re trying something new, a photo-geolocation log. Check it out here.