I really want to apply for this job, but how weird would it be for me to email the friend who's leaving and ask her about it, since she's not the one who told me? I am also genuinely sad that she's moving away again, since I like her a lot, and I don't want to seem like I'm celebrating the fact that she's leaving.

Just say what you just said.

So far, the problem is that the census tells me the population of a tract, but not the boundary streets around a tract.

Block-level data may also be available? But you should definitely be able to find a tract map that shows the precise boundaries. As an undergrad, I did a project that correlated census data with voting results, and those districts are definitely not the same -- I had to add it up by block. But of course that was the 1990 census! And I had access to an academic library.

Just say what you just said.

Hmm. OK, here's what I've got -- does this look OK?

Subject: Leaving [school]?

Hi [name],

I just heard from [name] that you're leaving [school] -- is that true? I was sad to hear it; I've enjoyed having you in town and getting to know you better.

This is somewhat awkward for me to ask, since I am genuinely sorry that you're leaving, but I am interested in applying for the library director position, and I was wondering if you might be comfortable telling me something about the job? I don't see it posted on the [school] job site yet, but [name] thinks it would be best for me to send in my application ASAP, so I'm curious to know more about what kinds of duties/responsibilities the position entails. If you'd rather not share that kind of information, of course, I would understand.

Either way, I'm looking forward to seeing you and [name] at next week's KidLit Drink Night!

Best wishes,

Kate

The other awkward thing is that I don't have a personal email address for her, only have her address at the school. So I don't know if I should send it to her school address or via Facebook (which I would usually not use for job-related stuff, but maybe that's the better option in this case?).

I think that looks fine, Kate. As for email ... not sure.

Block-level data may also be available? But you should definitely be able to find a tract map that shows the precise boundaries. As an undergrad, I did a project that correlated census data with voting results, and those districts are definitely not the same -- I had to add it up by block. But of course that was the 1990 census! And I had access to an academic library.

I'd be willing to add up block by block data but have crawled all over the Census site and cannot find it.

So far, I've taken the 'neighborhood cluster' population and estimated what percentage of the overall population the segments I include will be.

It's far more 'back of the envelope' than I had hoped but, without a specific tool, I'm at a loss.

I _did_ find one map that supposedly tracks percentage of dog treat consumption in a geographic area. I can say from empirical observation that their conclusions are rubbish.

Sigh.

bonny, this should give you maps down to block level. [link]

The American Veterinary Association suggests that DC has only 20% pet ownership...quite low compared to states.

All those pets must live in this neighborhood. It is the most pet-dense place I've ever seen!

I entered "Washington DC" and chose Census Block as my Geographic Level. It takes a while to render, but seems to have what you need on a street by street basis.

flea, you are my hero.

Thank you so much.

I spent the last two hours entering in all sorts of parameters but just did not see this map!

So now. I can tell a prospective business partner that there is a pool of 2,200 potential clients within a certain radius.

Capital!

That note looks good, Kate. If she's given notice and everything, the school email would be OK, I guess. But I have definitely done Actual Work Business over Facebook, when it was confidential...

The weather forecast is bullshit -- I need to go out and would love to walk the mile to TJ's, but it's apparently been pouring all morning. And Weather Underground just says 60% of showers every hour, all day. I have no way to plan!