I think it accurately reflects two realities: (1) PG and MoCo are way more closely related to and involved with DC than they are Maryland. Kojo Namdi will host events at Silver Spring libraries. Never heard him talk about Baltimore. These counties also owe their existence to the federal government— nothing but farmland before the post-war / New Deal boom. (2) DC has been gentrified af in the last 20 years. To my ears, there is a direct correlation between that and the use of DMV. In fact I recall a song singing something like “now DC is the DMV” because that’s where a lot of former DC residents have moved, and similarly, where a lot of people from the DC area who previously would have moved to DC, now have to remain because the city has become a playground for the rich, non-locals who move here with dreams of getting caught up in a politician’s sex scandal.

My background: born in DC; moved to Wheaton in middle school; live in Baltimore now.

This is a good description and matched my experience as someone who grew up in the DC-oriented parts of MD and moved to Baltimore. Though it was 40 miles away, and I’d visited a million times, the cultural differences were/are enormous. DC-MD doesn’t have that history that Baltimore does, which is where Maryland’s southern roots really show.

Yes that is correct and I’m pretty sure a state website tells that history.

The MD Dept of Labor is one way to go, but it may take a while. If you want to DM me I can talk about options with your friend. I am a lawyer in MD that does this kind of work.

There seems to be a clear difference between assessments of an applicant’s ability, on one hand, and the sale/use of their work product, on the other. I’ve gone through lengthy job application cycles as well, which have included completing hypothetical assignments. But that’s entirely different than doing work for someone, ie creating something that that person then profits from, resells, or otherwise takes ownership of. That’s called unjust enrichment and can lead to civil liability. The legal way to do this is to have a 90-day provisional period where an employer can decide not to hire you, and offer you less benefits during that period (though they still have to pay you).

I’d suggest eBay. I started cleaning out my moms basement during COVID and have been getting about $500/ month. At first I was taking things to shops but then realized I could just download the app, take a photo of the stuff with my phone and upload it to eBay. Oddly enough, the same guy at GameStop or wherever who will offer you $1.50 for your game will probably be scrolling eBay paying three times that for the same game. Also with the ap they fill out most of the post for you based on similar items and you can print shipping labels at a discount. Only inconvenience is having to go to the post office a couple times a week (though at least you don’t have to wait in line) and making an initial investment in packing tape, boxes, etc. (though it is also a helpful way to recycle old shipping materials).

I live like 3 blocks from Ottobar. Lovely safe neighborhood. Also have a private entrance full bath basement I’m working to put on Airbnb which will be cheaper than any hotel.