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Recent graduate dating in DC

Anonymous — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:50:10 -0800

I get the impression that DC is not a great dating town for young 20-something college graduates. Am I totally off base? I'm a 23 year old guy, gainfully employed, more attractive than average, sociable, approachable, no physical deformities, I've had a successful dating life in multiple other cities, etc.

Basically: I don't think my problems meeting people have anything to do with me. I think they have to do with DC.

However: I don't know many people in town. My coworkers -- though great -- are all significantly older than me (29 is the youngest I can think of). I don't have a substantiative friend base to work. I don't want to be the creepy guy who goes to bars or concerts alone to pick up girls.

I'm probably way off base, but my impression after living here for 6 months is that it's too expensive of a town for many recent graduates, especially considering that many of the graduate-attracting jobs are low-paying government ones. And the ones who make it here work crazy hours and multiple jobs, not leaving them much time to get out there.

Or maybe I'm just looking in all the wrong places.

So what I'm looking for by asking this question is this:
1) Affirmation that this is actually an issue with the town (i.e. I'm not being a wimp)
2) Specific suggestions about where I might go to meet girls ("Bars" would be an okay response; "The U Street Busboys and Poets on poetry reading nights" would be a great one). Feel free to email me if you know the town well and would like to get a better idea of what I'm like.
3) Other strategies for meeting people (I've dabbled with things like OKCupid and Meetup with little success, but those would be good examples)

Thanks, all!

E-mail followups: datelessindc@gmail.com

(Asked anonymously because my account is tied to my name and job)

Fourth of July Fireworks in Thurmont, MD?

Mrs. Pterodactyl — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:04:14 -0800

Fourth of July fireworks displays near Thurmont, MD? Mr. Pterodactyl and I will be going camping at Cunningham Falls State Park over the Fourth of July weekend and if possible we'd like to see fireworks without going too far; I would be very grateful if anyone could let me know of any that would be nearby. Ideally we'd like to be able to walk to them but driving is fine too if necessary. We'll be there the whole weekend so the display wouldn't have to be on the Fourth of July proper. Thanks so much for your help!

Deserted beach camping in the DC-area

charmston — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:21:38 -0800

I'm looking for extremely primitive beach camping sites (preferably on the Chesapeake) in the DC/MD/VA area. I'm talking about places with no running water, no bathrooms, nothing but nature for miles around. Assateague Island's backcountry camping sites are a perfect example of what I'm looking for. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Dear Abby, I'm looking for a good witch doctor. Yours, anxious in NYC.

grumblebee — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:02:00 -0800

I need a good psychiatrist / neurologist in NYC. Oxford Health Plan. All my life, I've suffered from anxiety. It's low grade. I don't have panic attacks. I function as I'm supposed to and perform well at my job. I come from a family of Woody-Allen-esque Jews, so I figured that anxiety was simply my birthright. Most of my relatives are worry warts.

At 43, I've had an epiphany: I don't have to -- or at least I shouldn't have to -- live that way for the rest of my life. It's not fun or romantic or funny. I'm tired of walking around with a slightly queasy stomach all the time. I'm tired of constant what-if thoughts and sleepless nights. I want to be able to truly relax.

I've done the talking cure before, and I think it can be effective for some things, but that's not the route I'd like to go now. (Though if an MD suggests it as part of a treatment regime, I'm open to it.) I've also tried meditation. So far I've failed with that, but I'll keep trying. I'd love to try biofeedback some time, but that's another story.

What I've never tried is meds. I suspect that my life would be better if I was on some sort of anxiety medication. I want to explore this option (and other options) with an expert. Who should I see?

Help me get my little brother back!

mhz — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 15:49:01 -0800

What's the best way to get my little brother (16) home (NYC) this weekend, from Street, MD? My brother is in summer camp in Street, MD. I need to get him home by Thursday afternoon, and he'll leave again Sunday morning. The closest and seemingly best option I've found is a Megabus leaving from the Park n Ride at White Marsh, MD.

So assuming that is the best option:

-I've narrowed down the White Marsh Park n Ride (at the White Marsh mall) on Google Maps, but is there an address I can give him, so he can be driven by an inexperienced counselor who is unfamiliar with the area? On the same note, are there signs etc. nearby that will help the counselor find the area?

-About Megabus:

--Are there prices likely to rise in the next couple of days while I figure al of this out? Currently they're at $18 on the 7/31 (MD-NY) leg, and $17 for the 8/3 (NY-MD) leg.
--Is the code really all he'll need? No ID, no credit card? I ask only because of Greyhound wanting to fleece me $15 EACH WAY for booking a ticket for a kid without his own card.
--Will a (pretty street-smart) 16 y/o kid have a problem? It's a direct bus, but is there anything I should have him look out for?

And of course, if there are any options better than this Megabus, what are they?

Thanks!!

Ocean City MD Filter

jara1953 — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:31:19 -0800

Hi, Booked a vacation to Ocean City MD for the week of 6/16 but now I'm reading about "Senior Week". Is that the same week? We're 55, should we go somewhere else to relax? Staying at one of the Boardwalk hotels, will we be able to sleep? It's our first real vacation in many moons. Thanks.

Doctor or Doctorate? To-may-to, To-mah-to?

Eudaimonia — Sun, 25 May 2008 02:39:05 -0800

What does it take to be a doctor (MD)? And what does it take to be a doctor (PhD)? Torn about what path to pursue, Background: studied psyc in college, am currently finishing up in public health. Obviously, I need a third degree.

My first reading for pleasure books were psychiatric non-fiction. I love psychology. I love psychiatry. I have, at various times, dreamt of being a neurologist, a psychiatrist, a psychologist (clinical, neuro-, or research). I’ve finally figured out that what truly fascinates me is elucidating mental processes by way of studying those with deficits or diseases – we’ve learned a whole lot about memory, for example, from Alzheimer’s patients.

I love people. Really, I do. I love learning, too. I want to find out more about why we do what we do and tell the world. I want to be the next Oliver Sacks. And yes, of course, I want to heal and help (though issues of self efficacy and fear of having someone’s life and/or mental health in my hands are a bit frightening)

Currently am torn between pursuing pre-med studies and doing more research (which I’m not keen on honestly, but that’s another post), trying to decide between clinical psyc. PhD or MD. I have perused the studentdoctor forums but am looking for the opinions of seasoned MDs and PhDs – what place does your profession have for a person like me?

what kind of doc shall I see about a knee injury and how does the UK med system work?

krautland — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:17:06 -0800

what kind of doc shall I see about a knee injury and how does the UK med system work? short version:

this is a two-folded question:
1. my knee is hurting and I'm wondering what kind of doc to see about it.
2. I'm new to the UK and have no idea how the whole insurance/billing stuff works here when I go and see one. all I know is the american system. I don't even know where to look for the right md here.

long version:

I started working out in earnest about three years ago. quite soon into my sessions I discovered that lounges were uncomfortable for me. every time I got up from them, my left knee made a slight popping sound. it was as if it went past a little resistance. it didn't hurt, it just sounded odd. I noticed the same phenomenon happening when I climbed stairs - with every single step I took - or while riding a bike. after a couple weeks of running I decided to see a doc in nyc. they did an MRI. the verdict was that I had just taken it a bit too far, that nothing major was wrong, that something was just a bit inflamed. (my apologies, I forgot the exact terminology.) go easy for a bit, no big deal. only now it is a big deal.

I pretty much stopped running last december because of it but it has only gotten worse since. taking a flight of stairs now hurts on the upper outside of my knee. this has become problematic since I've moved to london - the tube is littered with stairs. riding a bike is pretty much impossible. I don't think the running caused it but it might have made it worse. jumping down a flight of stairs is making me cringe. the impact produces a painful sensation on the upper left part or my left knee. imagine it like the feeling of being very sore only not in a muscle but a joint or bone. this is reproducible - it happens every single time I take a flight of stairs, ride a bike, tale a leap even.

clearly I need to see a professional about this. the question is just what kind or doc do I seek out? also: I've only just moved to the UK and am currently doing freelance work, so I am not covered by a health plan yet, although I am a EU citizen and have a new british NI number. I am not sure if I can see a doc here without being hit with a massive bill like I would be in the US, so any knowledge on that would be much appreciated as well.

anyone wanna point me into a direction here?

Gaithersburg MD affordable homes?

Shane — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:30:55 -0800

Gaithersburg, MD: Are there any areas within an hour drive where a house with a back yard might cost under $150K (or might be reasonable to rent)? I'm searching the 'Net and have contacted a realtor friend in the area, but I'm striking out. I have a potential job offer there. An apartment won't do it for me since I have cats and dogs.

Since this is close to the combined DC/Alexandria VA/Baltimore area, I'm tempted to assume property is way too high for me.

Comments on cost of living are welcome too. It's a cool job for a non-profit, but pays only mid-30Ks.

Thanks!

Two Docs in the Box

dancinglamb — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 22:14:18 -0800

What is the difference between a DO and an MD? Is one particularly suited to treat certain types of illnesses/conditions better than the other?

Help me find a great neurologist.

sneakin — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:33:15 -0800

Can you please recommend a great neurologist in the New Haven County (Connecticut) area? I need to see a neurologist for a follow-up after an MRI. I really want someone who is whip smart and will pay close attention to me. Having a nice/friendly/warm bedside manner is important, too, but not imperative since I know neurologists aren't known for their cuddliness. Yale affiliation is a plus.

It's my noggin, so, it's pretty important.

[Entrepreneur] What do you call yourself?

dcbarker — Thu, 03 May 2007 12:33:32 -0800

You're an entrepreneur. You're the owner and head of your own business. You're a completely new start-up with no (or very few) employees. What do you call yourself? CEO? Managing Director? Development Manager? So I'm considering starting my own business (in the UK). The specifics are non-existent at the moment and I'm no-where near writing a business plan but some friends and I got into a debate about titles.

Some entrepreneurs call themselves CEO or MD. Personally I find this unnatural when they are the only employee (or there are only a couple of people involved). I know lots of people find this really pretentious and a bit of an ego-inflater. "Partner" doesn't sound too bad but there need to be at least two people.

Google are well known for their zany titles, but less established businesses may find it more difficult to get away with this.

I know a title isn't all that important but for the sake of things like domain registration, bank accounts, business cards, contact details for suppliers, etc, it would come in handy. Many other businesses require your title in communications.

So to all the entrepreneurs out there - what do you call yourself and why?

Pittsburgh, PA to Chestertown, MD

nervestaple — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 22:08:58 -0800

Another "here-to-there" question: Pittsburgh, PA to Washington College in Chestertown, PA. Is this possible without a car? Here's the information I have gathered so far: - There is a shuttle from Washington College to Annapolis and New Carrollton. I'm not sure if it's only for WashColl students, but I am visiting a friend of mine there.

-Southwest rates from Pittsburgh to BWI are cheap, cheap, cheap. So this question may reduce to "BWI to Washington College," unless someone can think of some way cheaper.

-The BWI web site lists different methods of ground transportation, but none of them seem to help much.

-The MD Transit web site is confusing, even for city transit web sites.

Anyway, all of these different transit systems have confused me thoroughly, so if someone with some experience in these matters could provide a good solution, I'd much appreciate it. Thanks!

Looking for MD, the magazine

kryptos — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 01:07:51 -0800

Sometime in the early late 60's and 70's I used to read a medical news magazine MD edited by Dr Felix Marti-Ibanez in the medical library. i have always loved his editorials and essays in the magazine, some of which have been compiled in books and are now long out of print. He usually writes about history of medicine and the relations of medicine to the art , philosophy and the whole panorama of man's cultural and historical experiences.

The title of the magazine is simply MD and published by MD Publications , New York.
As you can guess, MD is not exactly easy to google and get what you want. Googling for the good doctor got me the titles of his used books compilations which i have since ordered. But trying to locate the magazine's publisher drew a blank.

Dr Marti-Ibanez has long passed away ( 1911-1972) but I wonder if mefites know if this magazine is still around ?

Non-Christmas getaway near DC?

callmejay — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 12:42:12 -0800

Christmas getaway near DC for people who don't celebrate Christmas? I'd like to take the gf for a relaxing/romantic getaway for or around Christmas. Being Jewish, we don't celebrate it, so obviously we'd prefer something that won't be too Christmasy. (Decorations and songs are fine, we just don't want it to be a whole Christmas thing.)

Recommendations?

DC Metro area towns

Shanachie — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 03:13:55 -0800

I'm seeking opinions... What is the best place to live if you're commuting to the Union Station area of Washington, DC? I'm open to anything, but, I need to buy a relatively affordable house. Also, my Mom lives in Frederick, my Dad lives in Baltimore, and my brother-in-law lives on Capitol Hill. It would be nice to be somewhat central to all of them. For a bonus point: Are there any towns that are simply so great (have a great downtown/restaurants, etc...) they are worth consideration regardless of these other factors?

Are MDs allowed to prescribe medication for themselves?

cior — Wed, 23 Nov 2005 09:38:04 -0800

Are MDs allowed to prescribe medication for themselves? If so, are there any limits on what they can and can't procure for personal use?

Commuting in MD

MsVader — Thu, 29 Jul 2004 05:57:12 -0800

Can any of you recommend a nice place to live in MD that is good commuting distance to both Suitland and Columbia? [more inside] I live in New Jersey right now, but I just accepted a job in Suitland, MD. The boyfriend lives and works in Columbia right now, and we'd like to find a place together. Our main concern is that it's in good commuting distance to both of our jobs. However, we'd also like it to be nice. In my research, most of the apartment complexes I've looked at are rated poorly by past and current residents.

Any area mefites have advice or recommendations?

Yard Cleanup Before Sale

yellowcandy — Wed, 21 Jul 2004 14:48:34 -0800

I own a house near College Park, MD and am renting it out to tenants now. The problem is the yard, which is in a real state of disrepair. Because I'm thinking about selling it next year, perhaps, I'd like some advice on taking a troublesome yard to a selling feature for as little money as possible. I assume I'll need to have the yard re-seeded, but I don't know what else is required or might help the situation. Keep in mind that I won't be there to do any of the work myself-- I'll be relying on 3rd parties to do it... Any words of wisdom from people who know something about this stuff?

How do I find a buyer for my house when I can't show the place myself?

SeizeTheDay — Sat, 22 May 2004 11:05:15 -0800

So let's assume I own a house in MD. It's completely empty, clean, and requires no beautification. The catch is, I don't live anywhere near MD. What's the best way to find a buyer since I can't show the place myself?

NYC psychiatrist needed

grumblebee — Sun, 11 Apr 2004 08:49:33 -0800

Anyone know a good psychiatrist in NYC? Not a psychotherapist, but an MD who can proscribe drugs. I have a friend who thinks he may be clinically depressed but is mistrustful of doctors.