DC Social Media and The Government Shutdown
The government shutdown has affected us in many ways. Here is a roundup for all the crazy, interesting, and free things to keep you busy around DC, as crowd sourced through social media. If we missed any shutdown activities around DC, feel free to add them to the comments or tweet them to @SMCDC.
The lawn mower hero we need, but not necessarily deserve
On October 9, Chris Cox, the first member of the Memorial Militia Group, was found mowing the lawn at the Lincoln memorial as a result of the discontinued maintenance of national monuments during the shutdown. Notably, he was also toting a South Carolina flag along with his lawn mower. At first officers allowed him to continue to on, but later shut him down as well. He has been going around many of the national monuments around DC helping to maintain them. If you see Chris around, get this man a beer or like his Facebook page for his wood carving art. More information here.
A guy has taken it upon himself to mow the lawn at the Lincoln Memorial. God bless that man. #tcot #shutdown pic.twitter.com/S9uP4Ojd4v
— Brandon Morse (@TheBrandonMorse) October 9, 2013
Short-Term, Freelance Jobs
1776 you never fail to impress. As the shutdown kicked in, 1776 kicked into action and quickly put a shared Google doc together that allowed local companies to list short-term and freelance opportunities. There is also a section to list yourself as candidates as well. If you want to make some beer money and keep yourself occupied, this may be a great place to start.
Furlough Freebies
WTOP has an ongoing list of curated tweets that provide free food, events, and even games to those being affected by the shutdown. Unfortunately so many people also took up Z-Burger’s initial offer for free burgers, that they had to stop their assistance. There was an estimated $88,000 worth of food provided. Go Z-Burger! WTOP freebies list.
Adopt a Furloughed Worker
Are you furloughed? Trying to decide if your last pay check should go towards beer or rent? Well someone was kind enough to create a furlough adoption program. Simply upload your Instagram video with the hashtag #adoptafurloughedworker or email them at [email protected] to be featured on their site. Then hopefully some kind soul will adopt you and nurture you with sweet, sweet beer. Check the Tumblr blog for more information.
Shutdown Central at Sixth and I
Looking for things to do? The Sixth & I Historic Synagogue has created Shutdown Central, a place for classes, resume swaps, and a dozen things in between. Check out all of their latest activities via their Twitter feed or their website.
Panda Cam Down
The National Zoo’s Panda Cam may be down, but San Diego and Atlanta Zoo’s have you covered. Time Magazine also created their own “Panda Cam”, which made the rounds on Twitter last week. It’s still going strong, and he now has a fancy hat.
Prevent Cabin Fever, Checkout Non-Federal Parks
With all this downtime, it would be a fantastic time to go hiking, right? Well, unfortunately many of the wonderful parks around us are national parks, which means they are shutdown. Someone on reddit was kind enough to put together this Google map of non-federal campgrounds and parks.
Drummers Sent Home
Every Sunday people join en mass at Meridian Hill Park, some for a drum circle. As the park is federal managed, it was shutdown. It should be noted that the officers are just doing their jobs. Please don’t go harassing or bothering officers who ask you to get off their lawn.
Police telling drummer to go home. Loud protests #meridianhill #shutdown pic.twitter.com/0izavjYQ0d
— Lilly Chapa (@LillyChapa) October 6, 2013
Booze and Sex Trade on the Rise in DC
According to a Vice article, two DC based escort businesses has seen huge spikes in membership signups after the shutdown began. One in particular has seen a 50 percent increase in member sign-ups, which is odd as they state September and October are slow months for them. H/T to Meredith.
Free Vibrators For Furloughed Employees
Because furloughed employees are not f*cked enough, Vibrators.com is offering a set amount of furloughed employees each day a free vibrator. Here is an article that has been making the rounds, because I don’t think we want a linkback to their site. H/T to Jenn.
reddit’s Guide to Non-Government Attractions
Have friends or family coming into town to see the sites? Though the monuments are closed, there are plenty of places to visit around DC. Check out the list here.
Metro is not Getting Paid
On October 1, DC was set to pay $74 million to metro as part of their quarterly subside payment. Due to the government shutdown, congress has locked up most of their funds, preventing them from making the payment. At this time metro is stating that there will be no cuts to service, but will be evaluating changes as the shutdown stretches further. You can expect more people complaining on Twitter than usual when they do inevitably cut service back. More on WAPO.
Dog Walkers Seeing Decline in Business
Just one example of the little guy getting the shaft, dog walkers throughout DC who regularly help walk our best friends are seeing a decline in business. With the furlough freeing up schedules and locking up funds, it’s reducing the need for going out to eat, use daycare and support services, and cuts back on traffic (well that’s a plus). H/T to TJ.
Finally, this is just sad…
Please reopen the government. #shutdown pic.twitter.com/2NwHhwTGRd
— Alexis Davis (@yeahitslex) October 10, 2013
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