06.12.2003
Spotted in DC today: an honest to goodness Segway, corner of Connecticut Ave and R St NW. The lady riding it was holding court and happily answering questions for passersby, much like this guy. There’s something cognitively dissonant about the experience, like seeing an alien walking around: it’s just a new thing, no matter how goofy you think they are. I can’t imagine how dogs must freak out when one scoots towards them on the sidewalk. Anyway, this is the first one I’ve seen used for commuting in DC, although when they first came out, some Segway reps came by the Washington Post to show a couple off, and we got a glimpse of the freaky things when they pulled them out of the trunk, all folded up like pocketwatches. Of course, the men then lugged them up the steps inside, so I guess they can’t completely replace walking.
update: serendipity!! George Bush crashes Segway on the same day! 1, 2, 3. Enjoy.
more shey.net
06.11.2003: everyone talks permalinks
Tom opened up a nice discussion thread on the origin of permalinks, and lots of folks have weighed in.
06.12.2003: really very ordinary
from my friends jeff and josh.