Goose Egg.

SPOTTED: at the 2009 College Democrats of America & the Democratic National Committee Youth Council at Tabaq in Washington D.C.-- Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH). The 36-year old, 4-term, single (ladies...) representative was very approachable, earnest, and easy-going. At the behest of a few USC people who wished to shake his hand but lacked the basic alcoholic confidence to go up to him, I introduced myself and the group and he and I proceeded to talk, quite naturally, for about 10 minutes. Here's the recap.

• Responding to my question of what the chance is that the health care bill would pass Congress before the August recess, he put his hand to his eye in the shape of a zero. Even if the House busted their hump and passed their version on time, Ryan believes the Senate would drag its feet and screw up anyway.
• After learning that I work in counter-narcotics, he simply said "legalize it."
• And he seemed quite receptive to my shameless promotion of the Merida Initiative. (something from work. google it.)

Ryan seemed like a great guy and Tabaq is well worth checking out, especially the green-house-esque roof deck that lit up with every lightening strike. Very cool.

Vittergate 2

In addition to using my dry-cleaner, LGB has learned that Senator David Vitter (R-LA) also shares my grocer. Milano cookies, crest toothpaste, and Ben & Jerry's Heath Bar Crunch rounded out this big-shot's shopping. Someone's got a sweet tooth.

And yet again, despite the fact that I'm in there every single day, the kindly Asian lady who works the cash machine asked to see my ID.

The stain that won't come out.

Apparently I have the same dry-cleaner as Senator David Vitter (R-LA). I ran into him while picking up a suit and was surprised he (1) looked so old -- that scandal really took its toll -- and (2) didn't have some intern to pick up all those shirts for him.

Apparently my local guy is frequented by other big wigs. I'll keep my eyes out for you all.