Washingtonpost.com: Live Online

"Levey Live: Speaking Freely," hosted by Washington Post columnist Bob Levey, appears every Friday. It is a live, open-agenda discussion offering washingtonpost.com users around the world the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics of their choice with Bob.

Fearless Bob takes your questions about virtually everything, from sports and politics (there's a difference?) to world events, Metro area traffic and issues raised in Bob's columns.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Bob Levey: Hi, you lunchtime clicksters and hooky players, and welcome to LLSF. Federal regulations require that all seatback trays be in the full upright and locked po.....
What's that?
Oh, yeah, that was LAST WEEK that I was in Seattle and Oregon. This week, I'm right back at my usual dusty perch in the disenfranchised capital of the free world.
Speaking of which, any comments about Marion Barry's latest demise? About the Postal Service leaving a D.C. stamp out of its latest 50-state issue? About the Middle East? The surging Tampa Bay Devil Rays?
Let's get rolling....

Alexandria, Va.: Why are there two Route 66 exits from the Beltway, located a mile or two apart?

Does it ever matter which Route 66 exit one takes? And if it does matter, should not each exit have a different name so as to be able to tell them apart?

Bob Levey: They're located only a couple of hundred yards apart, along the inner loop. Reason for two:
The left one was part of the original Beltway. It followed the Rte. 50 on- and off-ramps by less than a mile. Itv was very dangerous for cars to change and mix and make that left exit. Accidents happened daily. So Virginia added the right exit about ten years ago (maybe eight years ago?). Now things are safer.
Yes, you get to the same place regardless of which ramp you choose.

Washington, D.C.: So Bob,

Think the Nobel Peace Prize committee wants to take back the award given to Arafat?

Bob Levey: .... And they should make him pay the postage. He is a brazen, dangerous murderer. The clincher for me (and for all of us) ought to be that shipment of arms from Iran which Israel intercepted on the high seas of the Mediterranean. Arafat was socking away weapons at the same time he was talking peace. A perfect window into the soul (if he has one) of a lying, scheming man.

Washington, D.C.: Bob,

Assume you're President with an 85% approval rating, so anything you want goes. What would you do/like to see done?

Bob Levey: Palestinian terrorism cannot be rewarded in any way. That means no Israeli pullback or pullout until Arafat has been exiled, and until his organization is broken. Then, negotiations under Powell's stewardship. Will that produce a solution? I seriously doubt it. But at least it will stop (if only for a while) the murder of innocents on both sides.

Arlington, Va.: Hi Bob,

I know you've spoken some times about the frustrations and rewards of writing for the Post, so I was hoping you would indulge a very personal question: are you, and the other Post staffers, paid extra for these chats?

The reason I ask is that one of your colleagues -- I won't mention any names, but let's just say he writes for the Sports page -- regularly shows up late, then stops answering questions after about 15 minutes, during which time he simply abuses those who write in as morons and idiots and frequently states that he is wasting his time showing up at all. If he is so miserable, why does he show up?

He does, however, make me appreciate the effort that you and most of the other Post regulars put into the online discussions.

Bob Levey: Yes, we are paid extra. Not much extra. I try not to spend it all in one place.
Thanks for your kind comments about my showing up--and staying shown up. I take this job very seriously, and always have. If I can't honor the time commitment, I shouldn't take the gig. How hard is that to see?

Laurel, Md.: Speaking of I-66 and the Beltway, why do I ALWAYS miss the exit to head toward Montgomery County heading inbound from Dulles Airport?

Bob Levey: That one is indeed a mess. You have to get to the far right, across about five lanes, IMMEDIATELY after you pay the toll coming in from Dulles. High smash potential. High end-up-on-66-heading-into-D.C. potential.

Annandale, Va.: So, Bob, were you brave enough to bet on Kansas winning the NCAA tournament, like you postulated last week? Looks like Maryland had the right stuff after all. Also, are you glad Hizzoner former mayor Barry decided to drop out of the DC council race? On the one hand he is great fodder for journalists and pundits; on the other hand, DC still suffers from his many years at the helm and doesn't need "Barry II: The Second Millennium".

Bob Levey: I had Cincinnati in my original polls. Then I had Kansas in the water-cooler polls. I'm still a little surprised that Maryland won. Baxter was absent, and Blake might as well have been. It all comes down to defense and rebounding, as usual--and Maryland had both in abundance.

Virginia: Any opinion on Gov. Glendenning's April Fool's joke - whereby he falsely announced on his website that he and his wife are expecting twins?

I gotta wonder that this guy shouldn't have something better to do, don't you? I mean, besides flaunting his ex-mistress, now wife, and wasting taxpayer money on various name changing items for her.

Bob Levey: Glendening certainly shouldn't have been spending public money to joke around. But a certain Post columnist might have done a little more checking before rushing into print

Washington, D.C.: Bob,

How funny is Gene Weingarten in person?

Bob Levey: Very. Interestingly, he doesn't joke about poop in person (at least he never has with me).

Kingstowne, Va.: Bob, are you excited about your diet? Is Jane going to cook special low-cal low-fat meals for you?

Bob Levey: Excited isn't the word I would choose. Expectant, maybe. Wary. Pysched. Purposeful. But how can you be excited about being hungry for the next 31 days?
Jane and I discussed the at-home menu the other night. During The Month From Hell, Jane will cook as she always has (and that is plenty virtuous). The one change: She won't make more than we can eat on a first plate. And if she has to fix seconds, she won't place them on the table or on the stove. where bob's eyes might behold them (and his tum-tum might crave them).

Somewhere, USA: Bob,

I've found another great use for the washington post. A la the Hoover blanket. I was caught off guard by the cold front that rolled in on Wednesday.

I took my washpost and placed the pages between my t shirt and button down shirt. Great wind blocker as I walked home from the metro.

Bob Levey: All this for 35 cents--and the Style section, too.

Metro Rider, Washington, D.C.: Hey, Bob,

Love some of the "excuses" I've been hearing lately for eating and drinking on the train. Did you know that it's okay to drink if it's water? Or as long as you're almost done? And the best -- it's okay as long as it's a closed container (how do you drink if the container is really closed?).

On a related note, I saw a sweet young thing chowing on the Pentagon platform right in front of the driver, who said nary a word. I, on the other hand, did and was informed that it's okay to eat as long as you don't get caught.

When when when is Metro going to start enforcing the no eating and no drinking laws? The vast majority of us manage to curb our thirst and hunger while we're in the system. And it's really annoying to watch those who just don't care.

Bob Levey: Metro always claims two things: 1) They DO enforce these laws, and 2) They're too hard to enforce everywhere, all the time.
It's certainly true that Metro can't have a cop on every train and every platform. But it's just as true that the drivers and kiosk attendants don't raise a little finger to stop eating and drinking. Why can't they?
By the way, I always speak up, even when the sipper is "only" drinking water. What do I say? That even water can cause a spill and a slip and a broken back. Sometimes, they actually listen to me!

Baltic Ave.: Bob, what do you think of Marc Fisher's description of the both of your columns from yesterday's chat?

"As for the comics position, with all due respect to the great Bob Levey, I like the neighborhood where my column appears now. But I'm intrigued by your view that the comics is a better neighborhood. I like to think of my space as New York Avenue to Bob's Kentucky Avenue, that lovely orange-red corner of the Monopoly board surrounding the oasis of Free Parking"

Bob Levey: As I e-mailed to Marc, I hang out only on Park Place.

Beltsville, Md.: Why hasn't Dana Dembrow resigned yet?

Wife-beating just isn't on one of those things I feel people can or should be able to recover from.

Bob Levey: He should. I hope he will. The wrong-wrong-wrong resolution for this would be for his fellow pols to kick him out. Same logic as during the Clinton mess. The man should have enough honor, and enough respect for the job he holds, to step aside. Clitnon successfully muddied the waters by saying he was bound and determined to do the job the American people elected him to do. What he missed was that he could do it only if he had integrity. That's the lift beneath any politician's wings. Lose integrity, and you're just filling space. Dembrow faces the same issue, and should choose the honorable way out.

Alexandria, Va.: So Bob, it's April. Inquiring minds want to know -- have you started the diet and workout program? How's it going?

Bob Levey: Diet begins on Monday. Be sure to see my kickoff column that morning. Then my column on Tuesday, wherein I introduce the nutritionist and personal training who will work with me. Then my column on Wendesday, where I reveal that the biggest problem is my stubborn maleness. Tentative for next Friday: dealing with hungerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Why all the R's?
Because it's GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
As in anger.
I'm trying not to get that way. But by next Friday, I might just be baying at the moon.

Conn. and L Street, NW: Please, Bob, who can I call to ask DC police to ticket and move cars that crowd our streets during this busy tourist season. I travel home down 19th Street NW every night, and it usually takes me longer to go from M Street to Constitution than it does the rest of my trip out to SPringfield. The problem is illegally parked cars on the left and right,especially around the World Bank and GWU. With the added Cherry Blossom traffic, it has been a nightmare. Most of these cars never even have tickets on them.

Please, help!
Frustrated (but not aggressive - yet!) Driver

Bob Levey: Chief Ramsey himself. Or the office of any of the at-large Council members.

Washington, D.C.: Bob -- Is there a youth sport that you would not want your son/daughter to participate in? Just curious.

Bob Levey: None that I can think of. Some parents worry about football because of the chance of injury. I'd say soccer and hockey are right up there in the pay-your-health-insurance derby.

Arlington, Va.: Congrats to you. Bob. Many, many months ago, someone wrote in asking you which area sports team would next win a championship. The person even mentioned the Redskins, the Caps, the Wizards. Your short reply -- the Terps. Good call.

Bob Levey: Thanks very much. Of course, the mediocrity of the three other teams made that a mite easy

Washington, D.C.: Bob,

I just read that Playboy is offering ex-Enron employees $10,000 to pose.

What would your reaction be if your daughter came home from college and informed you that she had taken the magazine up on its offer?

Bob Levey: To beg the question just slightly.....
My daughter would never have worked for Enron!

Washington, D.C.: Your thoughts on Barry's withdrawal from the race?

Bob Levey: The only thing he could have done. Maybe Marion is finally getting the idea that his act is wearing thin, and was even before the latest bout with women and dope. Are there really thousands of voters out there who think he's the voice of Little Guy Washington? His four administrations did nothing to bring prosperity to Little Guy neighborhoods, nothing to bring full home rule to D.C., nothing to get the snow plowed or the potholes filled. What Barry did was to bring the Control Board down upon us all. That's his legacy. That's his true shame.

Red Line: Several times, in recent weeks, I've encountered groups of teenage boys going down Red Line trains collecting for the Brentwood Rec Center. Do you have any idea if they're on the level? They have home-printed signs and no adult accompaniment, so I've always guessed that they aren't. Thanks.

Bob Levey: I don't know if they're on the level, but I do know that soliciting aboard any Metro train is illegal. Don't contribute to them

Silver Spring, Md.: After bowing before the promoters, D.C. doesn't get the Tyson-Lewis fight after all. One local official said that the city benefited, since it "proved" that D.C. could host such an event. But since D.C. wasn't chosen, what was gained? Practice?

Bob Levey: What was gained was the knowledge that D.C. can't compete with a city that boasts gambling. That may be a very good thing for us to realize, and remember.

Arlington, Va.: If, as you've told us many times in the past, you write your columns several days in advance, how can your first diet columns coincide with the first days of your diet? Won't you have had to be on the diet for several days before what you write about it appears in print?

Bob Levey: The first three are kickoff and intro columns. Next Friday's (which I'll probably write on Tuesday) will be the first to report on the actual death-defying struggle

Washington, D.C.: Bob,

I have to take issue with your comment the other day that the statement "Washington is a transient town" is incorrect.

I don't think it's necessarily incorrect, just needs to be modified.

It seems that very few of us who live here were born here, but what happens is that people come here from somewhere else in their 20's and just never leave!

But even after they've been here for years, they still don't think of themselves as Washingtonians.

Bob Levey: Amendment accepted.
By the way, I love to say that if Washington is such a transient town, why has the population of the metropolitan area nearly tripled in the last 30 years?
You think maybe all those people heading west on I-66 every afternoon are going back to Iowa? Sure.....

Williamsburg, Va.: Bob-
Do you think there's any chance of baseball coming back to D.C.? Hope keeps springing eternal, but then keeps springing leaks!

Bob Levey: Every time Montreal draws less than 5,000 (as the Expos did last night), my pulse quickens a bit

Silver Spring: Bob, what do you think about the asteroid headed toward earth in 800 years? (page A3 of today's Post).

Bob Levey: It had better not hit me while I'm sitting in my wheelchair, or playing shuffleboard

Montgomery County, Md.: I also wonder why Dana Dembrow hasn't resigned yet. But perhaps more importantly, where is the criticism from his colleagues? Virtually every one of them are spineless. I can't believe that even the women members are reluctant to speak up.

Bob Levey: His female colleagues did speak up. But they spoke up the next day, and some of them weren't in evidence.

Washington, D.C.: Bob --

Hopefully you get to this one this week.

Have you been to the new Pentagon Metro bus station? The canvas-like canopies are under constant repair; they always leak when it rains. The walkways are narrow and give riders no room to wait for the bus -- in fact, the old bus station gave riders more room. Finally, maybe the Metroids can answer this one:

You said in an earlier chat that it was illegal to smoke on Metro property, including outdoor Metro platforms. So why has Metro placed numerous cigarette butt receptacles at the Pentagon bus station? Thanks.

Bob Levey: The butt receptacles are to encourage those who are smoking to stop, and to deposit butt-plus-ashes in the proper place. The receptacles are not intended to encourage smoking.
As for the quality of the roof, Metro needs to get cracking.

Alexandria, Va.: Oh Bob. I greatly fear for you. Your whole thing about going on this "diet" is about how hungry you're going to be! A good nutritionist will make menus for you full of veggies and other good things so you will NOT be hungry. Not if you're doing it right. Not if you learn to make the right choices. Good luck.

Bob Levey: I'm not hungry yet. And I know that you're exactly right. But I suspect that I will be hungry just the same (at least at first). A carrot doesn't fill you in the same way that a pretzel does

Washington, D.C.: Bob, thanks for posting and answering the question about the other chat. Your professionalism is appreciated; contempt for one's audience is not.

Bob Levey: Thanks very much.

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Howdy Bob:

Gas Pump Rage! Ever wonder why, when you prepay for an amount of gas (say, $10), the first $9.45 just whizzes by, while the last 15 cents takes FOREVER? What gives?

Bob Levey: I think the pumps are being driven by moonlighting Metrorail drivers, who love to ootch-ootch-ootch to a stop, then ootch some more, then ootch some more. At least no gas pump makes you lose your balance and fall onto some lady who's doing the crossword puzzle

Virginia: In defense of that certain post columnist, wouldn't YOU think that something posted on the official website for the governer is -- gasp -- actually true?

Bob Levey: Sure. But then I'd try to develop the item beyond what was on the Web site. In the process, I just might stumble upon the truth (or the absence of it).
Yes, I know that Lloyd's calls to the press secretary were not returned. A good enough alibi? Yes, if he were on a tight deadline. But he wasn't, since the fake offpsring material had already been on the Maryland site for two days.

Chantilly, Va.: Will your diet include any supplements, like whey protein or power bars? Will you be eating six small meals or the three big ones?

Bob Levey: Maybe some vitamins.
Three medium ones.

Laurel, Md.: What kind of hex did you put on my Cubbies? By continuing to label them mediocre, you made them mediocre. They should not have lost 2 of 3 to the Cincinnati Reds. They had better sweep the Pirates this weekend. Would you do me a favor? Will you change your stance that the Cubs are doomed? That's Red Sox mentality, not Cubs mentality.

Bob Levey: The Cubs are always doomed. Wonder is that they didn't drop 3 out of 3

Drinking on Metro: Bob - Would you rather a thirsty commuter who has just walked a mile to get to the Metro take a swig out of a bottle of water on the train or platform, or start coughing all over his or her seatmate? I vote for allowing discrete non-sloppy sips of water every now and then, so please don't chastise me if you see me doing it!

Bob Levey: Sorry, but there's no reason on earth why you can't take your nips BEFORE you enter the system

Washington, D.C.: Speaking of falling on the Metro -- I was actually injured Monday night on a vastly overcrowded blue line train. Trying to hold securely to a rail, using all my strength while being jammed against other passengers and having the train start and stop violently and suddenly, my arm was practically wrenched from the socket. As it was I missed several days of work from the back spasms I began suffering after that excruciating ride.

Bob Levey: Very sorry to hear it. Hope you recover soon. Amazing this doesn't happen every single rush hour. Perhaps it does.

Re: Playboy's Enron Spread:
They're calling it "I lost my shirt in the stock market."

Bob Levey: At least they aren't calling it "Enron and Andersen Under the Covers," or some such sopohomoric junk

Arlington, VA: I checked in my Webster's, but I don't see "ootch." Do I need the OED?

Bob Levey: You need Bob Levey, who invented that word about 20 years ago and who uses it constantly. Maybe Webster and OED will hop aboard and certify it one of these eons.

20005: Random Act of Kindness....walking to Burger King I was asked for money, I nodded NO to which he responded very politely and sincerely "thanks miss and have a nice day." It was the tone in which he said it, that I returned past him with a Whopper, fries and a coke for him to enjoy.

Bob Levey: Nice approach. If these guys want money to buy food--and many of them say they do--why not provide the food, rather than money that might be impulse-spent on booze, drugs, candy?

Stamps of the 50 States: Last time I checked, there were only 50 states. And DC wasn't one of them. No Senator, no Representative, no quarter, no stamp.

Bob Levey: All it is, dear friend, is the capital of those 50 states put together. Literally, you're correct. Conceptually, you're incorrect.

Gaithersburg, Md.: Bob, you used "beg the question" correctly. You are my hero. (If anybody wants to know what I mean, look it up.)

Bob Levey: I stayed awake in ALL of my English classes!
Thank you, coffee beans.

Washington, D.C.: Heading out of town on New York Ave. last week and predicatably got hung up due to "construction," only to discover after sitting in bumper-to-bumper that there was no constructing going on. They were PAINTING the Jersey barriers white. Is this necessary? Won't they be grey in a week anyway, particularly with all the sitting traffic?

Bob Levey: Maybe some genius decided that the Jersey barriers needed a little humanizing. If so, that out-to-luncher ought to pay for the paint you saw them using. Ridiculous!

Washington, D.C.: RE: soliciting

I had a similar experience on the Orange line recently and reported it the the Kisosk attendent at West Falls Church. He said that Metro "looks the other way" and does enforce the policy. I asked him directly what I could do, and he said "Nothing." That, in my opinion, typifies what is wrong with Metro: even discouraging patron involvement.

Bob Levey: Note the deep personal involvement of the kiosk attendant. How dare you interrupt his careful persual of the late scratches at Laurel?

D.C. Baseball: The Expos had like 12 people at their last game. There were more spectators at Buzzard point watching the former mayor. When will I get my baseball in DC?

Bob Levey: Maybe the Buzzards Point drug dealers could pool their profits and buy the Expos. Maybe they could name the team in Barry's honor. How about the Washington Set-Me-Ups?

Hell's Kitchen, NYC: I want to compliment you on your unqualified response to the Israeli situation. I get so frustrated when people imply justification of the Palestinian terrorists by saying "Well, people have nothing to lose..." and "One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter"--um, no. A terrorist targets CIVILIANS who can't defend themselves--seems pretty simple to me. How come these suicide bombers don't walk into military establishments? Freedom fighters during World War II didn't attack German civilians--they went after the soldiers.

It frustrates me when people try to see "both sides of the situation"--sometimes there's only one side. The fact that the Palestinians want to ELIMINATE the Israeli state pretty much says it all.

Bob Levey: Arafat was handed what he wanted at Oslo--a Palestinian state, a split Jerusalem, an end to occupied territories. But he wanted what he still wants and has always wanted: the destruction of Israel and the murder of any Israeli who stands in the way. How much more obvious does it have to be?
One more reminder for any who still see this is an equivalent civil-rights struggle between two people:
Israel has never fired first. Israel has never played offense; only defense. Israel has never condoned racist bile in the state-sponsored press. Israel is 100 percent blameless in this struggle.

Arlington, Va.: Bob, I took the Metrobus from the Greenbelt Metro to BWI and back over the past week and commend it to you and your readers as a quick and economical way to travel. Much of the reluctance to venture to BWI has been the horrors of trying to get back, e.g, is the Marc running, how long with the Super Shuttle take. This is a good idea which I'm glad that I survived to use.

Bob Levey: Amen and a half. I've taken that bus twice. Really a nice way to get to and from BWI. I only wish they'd open a Starbucks franchise in the back of the bus.

Washington, D.C.: Never think of ourselves as Washingtonians?

Ok, I differ. As do many of my friends. We all came here at 17 (me) and 18 (most of the rest of them). We're now in our 30's.

Yep, college students who feel in love with the District and never left. 18 years later, I have spent more than half my life here. I own a home, and when people ask where I'm from, I'm proud to say "Washington, DC"

We are Washingtonians, and glad to be so. And I don't think we're that uncommon. I work for a university now, and I see the kids, and the grad students, doing the same thing!

Bob Levey: I painted with too broad a brush. You say it very well. In my own case, my wife likes to say that Bob Levey may have been born and raised in New York City, but he has been in D.C. twice as long as he was ever there. She calls me a "well-rooted transplant." Please steal it if you like.

Rockville, Md.: Dear All Knowing Bob,

Can you or washpost.com direct me to several charity organizations that will take your car for you even if it's not in good shape? I'm having trouble finding one and the one I have found has their car person away all month. Just want someone to be able to get something out of it as well as a tax deduction for me.

Thanks Bob. Keep up the great work!

Bob Levey: Children's Hospital is the best bet. Call 1-866-KIDS411

Alexandria, Va.: I've gotta agree with you about the Glendening "joke," Bob. I love the Reliable Source and read it even before -- gasp! -- Levey, but I did get the feeling that the Source should have checked the story out a little more. I mean, it's not like the alleged twins were being born that day.

Bob Levey: Having hurried into print more than once without checking as thoroughly as I should have, I'm especially sensitive to this--and very sensitive to how silly you can look if you don't do your homework

Washington, D.C.: Bob, there's a bus that runs to BWI? More info, pretty please?

Bob Levey: It's on Metro's Web site. But the short version is: Metro runs non-stop buses all day and most of the night, between Greenbelt Metro and the front door of BWI. The cost is only a couple of bucks. It beats the heck out of that rickety schoolbus that takes you to and from the MARC station. Besides, MARC (and its rickety buses) don't run on weekends. Greenbelt-BWI takes about 40 minutes one way

Bethesda, Md.: Being the metro and non car commuter that you are, I figured you might know the answer to this one. What are the laws regarding bicyclists on major roads? I commute from Bethesda to Arlington by way of Wisconsin Ave. At least once a week there are bicyclists in the right lane. This causes somwhat of a backup, as traffic can not pass them in the right lane without hitting them. This narrows Wisc. Ave down to 2 lanes (1 if someone is turning left). Is it legal to bike in the right lane? I would think it would be safer to use the sidewalk or bike paths.

Bob Levey: It is unquestionably legal to bike in the right lane. It is unquestionably illegal to bike on the sidewalk. Only exception is in a certain piece of downtown D.C., where this reverses.

Rockville, Md.: Bob: One thing about kids going off to college, from the kids' point of view: Don't forget that going off to college can be traumatic for the kid, too. Perhaps this could be a follow-up column. And I know, from talking to literally hundreds of college kids through the years: The support and strength from parents toward their children, especially in the first two years of college, in essential. And one major thing that parents can do to KEEP the home-related bond going is to NOT disrupt the child's room, keep his or her mementos in place, keep the room clean, and make sure the child knows that their room is there, open, and available whenever they want it. This, strongly suggested years ago from a professional in the field, is essential. When a kid is away at college, a drab, lime-green cinderblock dorm room with bare floors or some cheap apartment with sparse furnishings is NOT their real home. The college student's real home is their real home in their hometown, with their parents and their family and their room and their pets and their siblings and garage and basketball court and living room -- THAT is their home until college is over and they move out for good.

Bob Levey: Much the same point has already flooded into my e-mail basket from many college students, past and present. Thanks for weighing in.

Cap Hill, Washington, D.C.: Bob --

If you're hungry when you are dieting you are doing something wrong. There are tons of food items that are "freebies" when you are dieting -- veggies, most fruit, reduced fat and calorie wheat bread toasted with spray butter (my personal favorite)-- and my latest find, Strawberry Newtons, which have only 90 calories and no fat for two of them. Great with a cup of tea as dessert. Bolster your healthy meals with these free snax and you'll never be hungry.

Good luck!

Bob Levey: Good ideas. I had been planning to buy 44 bags of carrots and just stash them here, beside my smoking keyboard, the better to chomp non-calorically when the urge hit. Yet variety is in fact the spice of life, isn't it? Thanks

Re: Starbucks franchise: Bob, you shouldn't joke about Starbucks franchise in the back of the bus -- you might bring it to life! They are running over the city. Hadn't you noticed new one opposite the Zoo, instead of lovely Animal crackers. And the absolute horror story -- at the kites festival couple of weeks ago, there was a mobile Starbucks! O, horror!

Bob Levey: Memo to Megan, World's Greatest Producer:
Can you please dig out the link to the column I did about two years ago--a spoof about how Starbucks was taking over all of Washington?
You're oh-so-right about the takeover. Of course, the key is in our hands. If we don't like the fact that Starbucks is spreading like topsy, we could stop going there, couldn't we?

Washington, D.C.: I took the BWI bus -- I'll testify that it is indeed a fabu way to get to BWI. And I hear there's one running to Dulles too? This makes me happy!

Bob Levey: The one to Dulles is a private company, not a Metrobus. It goes from the West Falls Church Metro station. It's very clean, very reliable, just as good as the Greenbelt-BWI bus

washingtonpost.com: Sorry, Bob: your columns are only available on washingtonpost.com for a few weeks after you write then. Can't link to the Starbucks article from two years ago. If anyone really wants to read it, I can email them a copy. Send me a note at rooneym@washpost.com

Metro Media Relations: Just a few points of clarification. The changes that were made at the Pentagon Metro station were mandated by the Pentagon due to security concerns following the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. If the canopies leak, that's another matter that we and the Pentagon folks will have to address. But the location of our new bus bay/transit center was not our call. Secondly, our station managers have many important jobs to perform, not the least of which are giving information to customers (including tons of tourists this time of year) and checking the stations for safety & security purposes. It is not their job to be the food and drink police. Certainly they should not be encouraging people to break the law, but when a police officer is murdered for confronting someone who didn't pay a $1.10 fare, it makes an unarmed station manager think twice about confronting someone over a soda or a candy bar.

Bob Levey: Re the kiosk attendants: Is there any law that prevents them from calling a Metro police officer if they see the law broken? I'm not asking for kiosk attendants to be vigilantes. But abstract fear is not a reason not to pick up the phone. What you're saying, in effect, is that because of one murder, no kiosk attendant will ever help enforce the law. That's a prescription for mustard all over every seat and coffee spilled all over every floor. By the way, that Metro murder did not involve a kiosk attendant

Bob Levey: See how much I know abotu cyber-archiving? Thanks, Megan.

Starbucks Is Only The Second Most Evil Corporation: McDonalds is first by a long stretch.

Bob Levey: At least Mickey D doesn't charge $3.50 for something called a latte--which is mostly milk and chocolate syrup (total cost: about three cents)

Rockville, Md.: Okay. How many times is George W. going to flip flop? I didnt' realize that Yasser Arafat was no longer a terrorist and that we could negotiate with him. What happened to if you're a terrorist or you support terrorist, then -- I know about diplomacy but even a blind man could see that Arafat will only play the victim until he gets what he wants and then he'll make new demands.

Bob Levey: I don't mind the fact that George got religion late. I minded far worse the waffling he was doing before yesterday

Arlington, Va.: Bob, that awful ad on the right side of the chat pages has to go. I don't mind ads (someone has to pay for washingtonpost.com), but the way the ad pops into the screen everytime you scroll down far enough is horrible. I know you have the power to stop it! Do something!

Bob Levey: You're describing in miniature the Big Business Dilemma of the World Wide Web. Clearly, ad dollars are going to have to carry the ball in cyberville. And clearly, people like you HATE the ads that are up there now. What would you say if I told you to expect seven times as many ads very soon? It'll have to happen if we want to turn red ink to black. But we might just look around and find people like you gone, out of frustration. A big, big problem without an easy solution.

Herndon, Va.: Mr. L: As you start your exercise program, a bit of advice from one who's been regularly doing it for over a year - start slow and DONT TRY TO DO TOO MUCH TOO SOON. I should add most of my extra gut is still with me, but at least it's a lot more solid than it used to be.

Bob Levey: As you'll see in my Monday diet kickoff column, I've been exercising very seriously, every day, for the last five years. So I've been through all the charley horses and backaches already. Thanks just the same for your concern

MickeyD's: No, they may not charge you that much for a latte, but they (at least the one in the Pentagon City mall) DO charge you for--get this--barbeque sauce or mustard!

Bob Levey: What?
I demand a Congressional investigation!

City question: In D.C., in large apartment building, who is responsible for washing outside of the windows -- tenant or management? Management says that tenant, but I can't believe it.

Bob Levey: Gotta be management, doesn't it? They own the windows. You and I just rent them

Los Angeles, Calif. [recently moved from D.C.]: Bob,

This was a problem in DC but it's a HUGE one out here -weather, I guess.

What's the deal with people bringing their dogs EVERYWHERE. Walk down the sidewalk, dogs. Go to Starbucks, dogs. Even some restaurants, dogs. Why is this a problem? -a] health & hygiene -b] some dogs aren't as nice as their owners think -re: dog bites].

I don't hate dogs, but they belong out in a yard, or running freely on a big farm in the country, not sniffing & panting all over the place when I'm trying to eat. It's disgusting, worse than smoking.

Bob Levey: The one I truly hate:
Those who bring dogs with them to the grocery store.
And then leave the dogs in the car.
To roast.
To freeze.
Perchance to dream.
But always to yelp as if they're the unhappiest creatures on the planet.
Leave them at home, people!

State College, Pa.: Bob,
What's your take on Jeb Bush trademarking his name? I think it would be hilarious if it weren't such a sad commentary on our present political system.
Have you trademarked "Bob Levey" or "Speaking Freely"?

Bob Levey: Didn't hear about Jeb pulling the wagons in a circle.
No plans to trademark Speaking Freely or the fat dude who's behind the curtain

Red Line: With the cherry blossoms and spring break, this has got to be one of the busiest times for Metro. Which makes me wonder why I had to wait more than seven minutes the other night for a train heading towards Shady Grove. It wasn't late -- only about 6:30 (actually prime-time for people leaving the cherry blossoms). Which also makes me wonder -- why are we riders charged more for rush hour prices when there often doesn't seem to be more trains?

Bob Levey: I'd guess that it was a momentary blip caused by a traffic jam or a problem aboard a train farther up the line. During rush hour, the Red Line "headway" is supposed to be three minutes. It's often less.

Bob Levey: Thanks for an excellent discussion, gang. Next week, Levey Live: Speaking Freely happens on Thursday, at an earlier-than-usual time: 10 a.m. Eastern. See you then.

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