Dishwasher Pete (real name: Pete Jensen) is the author of the popular Dish-Washer zine. His life-long goal is to wash dishes in every state in America (so far he has washed dishes in 25 states). He moves from city to city cleaning dishes at hospitals, cafeterias, greasy spoon cafes, canneries and just about everywhere dishes need washing. Dishwasher Pete has no home and can't remember how many jobs he has had.
Before becoming a nomadic dishwasher Pete Jensen lived with his family in San Francisco. After turning 18 he went on the road, attending 6 colleges but graduating from none. Pete turned to dishwashing because he didn't have a college degree. Dishwasher Pete then began traveling the country, staying in one place only long enough to collect his pay check.
Dishwasher Pete is currently on hiatus after a having a bad experience on a Greyhound bus (see TAL episode "Roadtrip!" for details). Dishwasher Pete suggests that this may be a permanent hiatus.
Dish-Washer
The zine is written in Pete Jensen's mind as he washes dishes. He talks with other dishwashers and gives the unrespected profession a spokesman. Much of his writing is about the odd people he meets and the things he does to pass the time.
Each issue of Dish-Washer is sold for $1. Pete says he is too lazy to make a subscription service. Each printing of the zine is about 2,000 copies so getting one can be difficult. You can get a copy by writing:
- Dishwasher
- PO Box 8213
- Portland, OR 97207
Dishwasher Pete also does radio versions of his zine for This American Life.
Quotes
- "Just keep washing." -- Bob Dole, in response to Dishwasher Pete asking his advice for the Dishwashers of America. [1]
External links
Last updated: 10-11-2005 14:58:25
