E-List Roundup

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we run down what’s going on in local Internet discussion groups.

New Kid on the Eckington Block
E-List Roundup takes a detour into the blogosphere: PalacePool, the “new kid” of New Kid on the Eckington Block, waxes philosophical about a stolen rake, shovel, and lawnmover, and in the process brings new meaning to blaming the victim. “Leaving these items out invited theft. I just wish that these garden items could be safe in my backyard. I wish that the hood was safe enough that this wouldnt be an issue. Most of all, I hope that the thief will use these items to put food on thier family’s table. I also was discouraged to find a condom wrapper in the stairs leading to my basement. This was a whole new wake up call.…Having someone on my property “transacting”, is nearly nauseating. The point is, steps need to be taken by me to limit the possibilities of theft and prostitution. I am buying locks, leaving the back light on, and working to secure my stairs. If it werent for people like me, (not securing my stuff) there would be no thievery in the world. I guess it is a good thing for this awakening. I have always felt that man is good by nature, but is corrupted by society. Society’s negative influence on otherwise virtuous men centers, in Rousseau’s philosophy, on its instinctive human desire for self preservation, combined with the human power of reason.”

shepherdpark
On Tuesday at 4:07 p.m., Brenda posted a message with the subject “Piano Tuner,” writing that she was “in dire need” of a piano man. “Does anyone have any recommendations?” Just 3 minutes later, at 4:10 p.m., Brenda again implored the people of Shepherd Park for help and posted a blank message with the subject, “Excuse Me Piano Tuner?” Her persistence paid off: Just five minutes later, neighbor Barbara coughed up the name of piano tuner Ken, deeming him “excellent.”

Brookland
Baker Grégoire and his wife are looking to set up a table at the neighborhood market, but before they start whipping up confections, they wanted to focus-group the neighbors to see what sort of sweets and savories they prefer. His started off asking hungry Brooklanders to consider the yumminess of spinach-and-blue-cheese quiches and chocolate-mint flan, then delved into a less-appetizing level of detail. “Would the fact that seating is provided would entice you into buying a slice of quiche or tarte? Would the fact that non alcoholic beverages like home brewed ice tea or home made lemonade would make the idea of a slice of tart or quiche more appealing?….How much would you be willing to pay for a slice (1/8 of a 11’ dish) How much would you be willing to pay for a whole quiche? How much would you be willing to pay for a whole tarte?”