My Bird Just Flew Away

Apollo, my Sun Conure, escaped today.  He danced through the grayish, overcast sky, partaking in breathtaking aerial acrobatics.

Apollo was elated and ecstatic -- after five months in my house, he was finally free, away from the monotonous life inside a steel bird cage and a noisy life of CNN, You Tube, homemakers chatting on the phone and the constant hum of the fish aquarium filter located near his cage.

The Coming of the $1 Cupcake

So last night, my date introduced me to the wonderful world of cupcakes.  Red Velvet Cupcakery to be exact (Penn Quarter near Chinatown).  And before last night, I was not a believer.

So what is behind the rise in the popularity behind the remarkable world of cupcakes?  Was there a new invention?  Did they create an elusive recipe? Though my Red Velvet was super sweet and delightfully delicious, it wasn't something to write home about or nutritious enough to substitute for lunch or dinner.

So clearly, the cupcakes are considered a luxury item.  And with prices that surpass $3 per cake, sampling a few can easily set you back $15-20.  (For this price, I could buy a burrito and a six pack of domestics)

The production of cupcakes is relatively inexpensive.  There are only a few flavors, the raw material is cheap and so is the labor to produce and sell. In addition, product inventory is low and since all their stores are tiny matchboxes, with lines that stretch outside a block long, the amount of rent they pay is minimized (they should pay the city for renting out the sidewalk).

Since there were only a handful of favors (Red Velvet and Chocolate), Process Costing  (used in companies that make many units of similar products) equals Total Manufacturing cost/Total Unit Produced.

Cupcakes seem to sell well without much marketing. All you need to do is head for the long lines.  Thus, they are able to bring in a lot of customers without having to spend much on overhead (marketing).  The women are crazy over it, and the men are lining up because their girlfriends asked them to do it.

With a low manufacturing overhead cost, their Predetermined Overhead Rate is also relatively low.

So with high revenues, do things look all rosy for the cupcake industry?  For the time being, yes, but in the long run -- a different picture.

First, I'm willing to stick my neck out and say that the cupcake industry is benefitting from its recent wave of popularity (Thanks to Hollywood and Sex in the City) as well as the downturn in the economy (Most people consider cupcakes as an affordable luxury -- a way to feel good about rewarding yourself with a trendy cupcake without breaking the bank).

Since it's relatively easy to make cupcakes (I'm sure even I could learn how to if I had the patience), and the start-up investment costs is much smaller than opening a cafe or restaurant, there currently is new competition sprouting up all over town.  I bet it won't be long before they open up cupcake kiosks in Giant and Safeway.

The majority of the costs are fixed that means that the price of rent and machinery stays the same despite output.  Variable costs would be raw materials (flour, sugar, cream) and labor would be step variable, since they would fluctuate depending on sales but in increments.

Since the demand for cupcakes is inelastic, when the price of cupcakes come down due to oversupply, the demand will not necessarily go up.  People who are willing to wait long lines for cupcakes will likely (over time) still wait in line when the prices come down to a buck, and vice versa.

Huge returns naturally attracts competition.  Extra competition attracts capacity.  Now with more supply, the cupcake stores' incentive is to lower prices so that they can retain some of that business. 

Long lines at Georgetown Cupcakes.

Meanwhile demand remains constant and may decline over time, as people lose their adoration for them and the men get tired of waiting those long lines or realize this is wrecking havoc on their diets.

So, despite my great experience with Red Velvet (thanks to my friend), I'm not yet hooked (like I am for stand-up paddling) and fortunately for us, with new competition and lower prices, things don't look all rosy for the cupcake industry.

Yes, my friend, there will be a $1 cupcake in the not too distant future.  And no, you will not see me wait in that line.

Speechless over Baby Goats

Last night I went out on a charity date.  Yes, the date went well, and yes, I did not monopolize the talking.

But there was something special that completely left me speechless.  No, it wasn't the cocktail at Zola's, although I did look around to see if there were any double-agents spying on us.

It was the dinner we had at Poste Moderne Brasserie.  Set in the center of the Monaco Hotel, the decor is a blend of French European and yes, simple Washingtonian.

The Placid Potomac Beckons me for a Swim

With the Nation's Triathlon, primary elections, Microeconomics, Accounting, et al., I've been too busy this week to do Stand up.  Not even thinking about it.

That's why today was perfect to get back on the River where the peaceful sounds of the River lapping rhythmically against my board whispered my name, ever so gently, until I fell in a trance.

Launching from West Potomac Park, I had to fight hard to make headway against the ruthless wind, maneuvering my board cutting sharp angles into the wind.  As I coasted my way under Memorial Bridge, I could see a fleet of rowers pushing their sleek boats arduously through the water, the Coxswain yelling at the top of her lungs.

As I made my way to the Georgetown waterfront, paddling had taken everything out of me. My arms, shoulders, back, glutes, even my feet were feeling the writhing pain of hundreds upon hundreds of upstrokes.  That's when I went in, plunging without much of a splash. The water was cooler than I expected, dipping down in the low 70s -- a lot cooler than last week at the Nation's Triathlon.

And soon, I was swimming my best crawl stroke all the way to Key Bridge.  My board leashed to my ankle zig zagged behind me. The current was calm, the wind had died down, and the Potomac felt the freshest ever.

Overhead, I could sense the inquisitive stares of runners, cyclists, pedestrians crossing from Roslyn to Georgetown and back.

"Just what is this nut case doing?"

"Is this guy out of his mind?"

But on this beautiful early fall day, nothing could be more sane than to spend it floating on the glorious Potomac.

Key Bridge looks amazing passing under.  Key Bridge looks even more amazing swimming under it.

Fenty Should Run as a Republican

“I think even the mayor will admit that the schools have been so neglected that we're really talking about peanuts in terms of making them look like we want to educate children.”
The primary this week with Adrian Fenty losing convincingly to Vincent Gray was more a referendum on Fenty's personality that on his performance.

That's why I think he deserves a second chance, as a Republican.

Why not, more than 800 Republicans wrote him in and Fenty has until 4:45 pm today to accept the Republican nomination.

Credit: J Scott Applewhite/AP Photo: Andrew Harrer/Getty Images

Fenty lost the primary by less than 10,000 votes.  There are about 29,000 registered Republicans and 73,000 voters registered with no party in DC.   If you assume that everyone who voted for Fenty on Tuesday will vote for him again in November, then he has two months to apologize and appeal to the masses who turned up against him and significantly close the gap or possibly win.

Could he pull it off?  This would be a huge and historic challenge but fortunately not without precedent.  In 2006, former Vice Presidential candidate, Joe Lieberman was defeated in the Democratic Primary by Ned Lamont in Connecticut.  But by switching to become an Independent, Lieberman pulled it off defeating both Lamont and the Republican challenger.

But wouldn't Fenty be labelled as a traitor?  Take the renowned quote by Lieberman himself:

"I'm a loyal Democrat by I have loyalties to my state and my country."

Fenty had asked President Obama to endorse him.   The White House decided against this.  Obama, who Fenty widely endorsed in the early days of the Presidential election has turned him down.

I don't know about you, but I elect officials based on whether or not they get the job done, even if that means taking on an uphill battle. When running races, it's all about performance. I don't care what you like or whether or not you disrespected me.  The same should apply for our political leaders.

I know Fenty was considered arrogant.  I know many times he just didn't listen.  But he did a great job running the city, was honest and he did great things for our schools, for our community, for our safety and well-being.  But not listening to your constituents to your Council makes you a poor politician and that's what Fenty is guilt of, still not compelling enough to make him a one-termer.

After an embarrassing defeat (in 35 years only once has an incumbent mayor lost reelection bid -- Sharon Pratt to Marion Barry in 1994), Fenty has definitely learned a lesson on management and will certainly change his ways.

Certainly Fenty can run again in the future, but the best chances for a real and lasting education reform that both Fenty/Rhee and Obama's administration are pushing is right now.

Fenty did say Wed, that he will not run again for Mayor.  However, as a fellow triathlete, I can attest that Fenty runs a hard race.  If he's behind in the swim, then he will catch up on the bike.  If he's behind in the bike, there's always the 10 km run.  Fenty lost the primary, but there's always the November election.

How about the values?  Would Fenty have to change his campaign priorities as a Republican -- not at all.

The only thing Fenty needs to change is his public perception.  The most important value he needs to embrace is his commitment to lasting and meaningful school reform

The Nation's Tri -- Will it be Fenty's Last (as Mayor)?

"Whatever you do, don't pass the Mayor"

The Nation's Triathlon was my first tri three years ago, so it will always be near and dear my heart (both for endearment and agony).  The Nation's introduced me to cycling as a sport, opened up the Potomac River as a vast treasure trove for swimming and SUP (Stand up Paddling), and most of all introduced me to a whole host of wonderful friends who are excited about endurance sports and what it can offer to DC and the rest of the country.

And we are making advances -- For the third year in a row, DC was ranked the Fittest City in the US by the American College of Sports Medicine (ASCM) -- I hope I made my small but significant contribution to this ranking.

I remember seeing Adrian Fenty at a debate with Vincent Gray in the St Elizabeths campus a month ago.    I commented about how he has passed me at the Inaugural DC tri and asked him if he was going to run the Nation's, and he responded adamantly, yes.  His love for the sport and event clearly showed in his excitement.

Then he said, "Whatever you do, don't pass the Mayor."  That wouldn't be an issue if you saw my PR, but his brash, ambitious style clearly showed through.  

Memorial Bridge to Key

The day after the Nation's Triathlon, I couldn't wait to get back on the water.  Another Monday means another lazy day on the placid Potomac.

My favorite place to launch my board:  West Potomac Park.  Where exactly?  Wherever you can.  Wherever the drop to the water is not too steep.  There are several spots where the seawall is not so high or where it has caved in, replaced by large, jagged rocks.  Just lookout for the snakes and rats, and you should be fine.

The paddle from Memorial Bridge to Key Bridge is pleasantly scenic and remarkably tranquil.  Contrary to what you might think, stand up paddling is a very social sport.

From TBI to Triathlon: Journey of a Combat Injured Athlete

Political Sports-Crazed Town called DC

"A day in the life of this crazy, cultural and conservative city is like a firestorm. 

DC never fails to amaze me."

Only in DC, will you see an internationally-acclaimed triathlon occur right next to a major political protest, and nothing seems out of place.

Many of the reenactors wore colonial-era clothing

With the primary election coming up and Glen Beck's historic rally just two weeks ago, Sept 12th marked another well-attended Tea Party rally.  The crowd didn't care about the morning drizzle, and they surely wasn't concerned about the record-breaking Triathlon.

There was not much moral support going on. Interestingly, some of the Triathletes were competitively jeering at the protesters and vice versa.


Everyday, I live and thrive in this unique, culturally-entertaining city, DC never fails to amaze me.

Oh, BTW, also in DC that weekend was the Black Family Reunion and the Mexico Festival at the Kennedy Center.

Try Paddle-Tri

I've come up with a unique and crazy idea to see the sights and to enjoy the coolness of the wind.  It's called a Pad, Bike, Run or PBR for short.  Can't think of a better name, but would be happy to listen to suggestions.

The event starts off with a paddle from National Harbor, MD to Georgetown, DC.  Or if the wind shifts from the north, then we start in GT and finish at National Harbor.  (If the winds are calm, our starting point is National Harbor where we can launch).


View Larger Map

Then a bike back to either GT or NH via SE DC.  During this ride, we will go off the beaten path to some of DC's most historic and enamored streets along Martin Luther King, Ave, Alabama Ave, South Capitol St.  Then a scenic ride along the soon-to-be-developed Oxon Hill Trail.


View Larger Map

The route takes us from Oxon Run Trail to South Capitol St and then to Indian Head Highway.

Then a run from Georgetown to National Harbor (or vice versa) via the Mount Vernon Trail.

There are scenic and serene places to stop for sightseeing and reflection along the way:

9/11 on the Potomac

Damone Brown does a cliff jump into the refreshing Potomac as part of the 9/11 swim practice for the Nation's Triathlon.  Damone enlisted in the Army after 9-11 and eventually became a coveted Green Beret (Special Forces).  

Damone starts the 700 meter swim at East Potomac Park.  Damone served three tours in Afghanistan and was injured in an IED explosion.  While recovering stateside, he was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury which seriously curtailed his training activity.

Damone quickly went from being in the best shape of his life to the worst.  In May of this year, Damone committed to training for the Nation's.  This is a major accomplishment for Damone who is running in memory of his fallen comrade, SSG Mark Maierson another Special Forces Green Beret who inspired him to become an endurance athlete.

Rick Bosi, a 14-year DC resident, is participating in his first triathlon in DC.  Earlier this summer, Rick participated in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.

Rick also has an MBA from George Washington Univ.

Baby, We were born to Run

"'Cause tramps like us, baby we were Born to Run."

Today is the second day, I've explored the wonderful world of five fingers and it's almost like being born again.

Running is the most rudimentary form of exercise.  Human beings were made by God to run -- we had to in order to hunt wildlife and to run from prey.  If we couldn't or we fell to injuries, we would be weeded out.

A Day of First on the Healthy Potomac

There's a first time for everything and today was definitely a day of firsts.

First, I joined the wonderful world of Five Fingers.  I purchased these so I can go paddle boarding (walking on rocks along the river's edge and to maintain a good grip onboard).

But I also did my first run with the Five Fingers.  I was able to connect with the earth beneath me, feeling liberating and invigorating.  But after several hundred yards, my feet started to feel sore.  That's when I shelved them for the next day.

The next first was the first time I went paddling, swimming, biking and running back-to-back.  The swim was in the Potomac upstream of Key Bridge around the rock islands was fresh and invigorating.

The Rescue I didn't Want

Holding my paddle boat as the Chez Nous motored away from National Harbor

Yes, the soothing sounds of Lennon, McCartney beckoned me again. From Jones Point Park near the venerablet Woodrow Wilson Bridge, I paddled my way again to National Harbor and the vibrant Abbey Road on the River.

But when I cleared the bridge, the surf started to pick up considerably.  I had sustained winds of 15 knots gusting to 25.  It was a struggle to maintain my distance from the pier, so in order to enjoy the music, I had to keep on working.

Abbey Road from the River

It is billed as the world's largest Beatles-inspired music festival.   And today, I was excited about getting a chance to see it -- from the River.

I launched my boat from Old Towne Alexandria, off the rocks where the water is waist high.  All around me Canadian geese napping and drifting along with a gathering of ring neck ducks.  There was huge boulders of drift wood, enough to supply firewood for a family of four for the entire winter.

Lennon Peace Rally at Lincoln

Glenn Beck's Peace Rally was last week, but tonight, it was all Beatles.  On exactly 11:11 pm, under a magnanimous moonlight by the reflecting pool, restive and bright, a couple hundred die-hard Beatles fan sang "Give Peace a Chance".

What a wonderful way to end my first week of classes at GWU and a nice run around the memorials.  Looking forward to Abbey Road on the River at National Harbor this weekend.