Overheard in D.C.: God Save the Queen
We were happy, last week, to welcome Queen Elizabeth II to town. The trip was her first the colonies States in 16 years, the occassion a commemoration of the founding of the Jamestown settlement in 1607. Hundreds turned out for her appearance, demonstrating once again America's fascination with British royalty, despite throwing off the yoke of their rule over 200 years ago. Perhaps the American interest in the monarchy stems from wondering about what life might be like had we not fought for independence, and we were still British subjects. Who knows, had we not gotten ourselves out from under the royal thumb all those years ago, we might never have established for ourselves certain rights the monarchy didn't see fit to bestow upon us. You know, like no taxation without representation. Basic stuff like that.
Also, apparently, with our independence we gained the right to spend tens of thousands of dollars on higher education while remaining woefully ignorant of the ABCs of American history. As a great Russian philospher once said about the United States, "What a country!"
Quote of the Week
In the American University dining hall:
Frat boy #1: "I don't understand why they are inviting the Queen of another country to help us celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. Like, what the hell does England have to do with it? This is fucking America, man!"
Frat boy #2: "Yeah, it's like they're trying to steal our glory."
After the jump, children always see through cinematic trickery, words beginning with "D", and personal grooming tips for the banking industry.
The right to free public speech also comes with a right to free public eavesdropping. Exercise the rights your revolutionary forefathers fought so valiantly for, and send your quotes to overheardindc (at) gmail (dot) com.
Photo by Flickr user Cary Scott Photography.
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Yes, water. Fire water.
At a Saturday evening showing of Spiderman 3 in Chinatown, just as Harry (James Franco) is pouring himself a martini:
Teenage boy in audience: "What, he's drinking water??!!"
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The Children's Television Workshop never used that as an example.
Dupont Circle:
Girl on cellphone, giving an address to the person on the other end: "No, that's 1... 1... D as in Dildo..."
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Darlin' don't you go and cut your hair...
On a Green line train, near Fort Totten:
One young man to another, sounding none too happy: "...and I heard, if you get a job in a bank, you gotta cut your hair 'n' shit."
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We didn't ask. Now please don't tell.
Two jockish type guys near the Chinatown metro:
Guy to his friend: "I don't understand why he has to flaunt his homosexuality. I don't flaunt my heterosexuality, so why does he have to? I mean, I love telling people about how much I love [sleeping with] women, but I don't flaunt it."
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Chewing on her Keds.
Outside a lecture room at the University of Maryland, in a crowded hallway populated by, among others, a number of Indian and Asian students:
Girl, loudly talking about their recent organic chemistry test: "At the last test, this one guy ran out crying."
Dude: "Whoa! Really?"
Girl: 'Yeah. A guy! I mean, it would have been one thing if it was a girl..."
Dude: "Yeah..."
Girl: "Or some repressed Indian or Asian that realized they were never going to be a doctor."
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And showtunes. Can't forget showtunes.
Overheard in line at Starbucks (13th & Penn.):
Person 1: "Wait, so he's gay? Like, he likes guys?"
Person 2 (sarcastically): "No, he's gay like he likes rainbows. And interior decorating."
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I used to love that band.
Two men walking outside the Pentagon City Mall:
"I hear wet nurses are making a comeback..."
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If you're going to throw money, at least make it 10s and 20s.
A couple pushes a toddler in a stroller at F & 11th Streets Northwest:
The guy starts throwing dollar bills at his girlfriend.
Girl: "Don't throw money at me - I ain't a ho' no mo'."