Congressional Fundraiser

On Thursday night, I was asked to attend a benefit dinner for my congressman at the immaculate Willard Hotel. This ended up being one of those moments when you really appreciate living in Washington D.C.

Since Congress was in session last week, I worked from 8:30-6 each day. So, when I was asked to attend the event by my supervisor, I was not overly excited to stay out even later. The day ended and I rode to the hotel with some fellow coworkers. When I arrived, I knew that this had potential to be a pretty amazing night. Located in the heart of D.C., this hotel was the most amazing I had ever seen.

Once inside, there was a hostess at a desk that had a list of everybody attending. She asked for my name and what do you know, my name was on that list. I thought, "Damn, I've arrived."

I found out the benefit dinner was on the roof of the building and when I found my way up there I was amazed with the view. It looks right out into the national mall, a beautiful shot of the Washington Monument. I didn't want to look too touristy so I stayed away from taking a picture but, as I look back, I really wish I would have. I was told that I would work the front desk, check people in, and collect contributions to the congressman's reelection fund. I soon found myself shaking hands and conversing with some of D.C.'s elite and helping my congressman's cause in his upcoming election. It was really the first time here when I truly appreciated what I am doing. I'm one lucky guy.

Eastern Market

Before coming to D.C., my friend who attends George Washington University warned me: D.C. folk are foodies! I did not fully understand his observation until I stumbled upon Eastern Market during my Saturday morning run.

I vowed to come back and peruse the produce, flea market, and restaurants later that afternoon, and true to my word, I returned with my roommate Gia and a friend of hers who had recently moved to D.C. We immediately entered a throng of tents brimming with life. From the sterling silver jewelry to the donut vendors, sizzling skillets of crepes and chicken, decadent cupcakes, teeshirts, salons, and a live trapeze artist, the Market was full of flavor, culturally, artistically, agriculturally-with more than enough food to pack our lunches for the quarter.

Gia's D.C. friend had heard that a restaurant called Fred's Bulletin, claiming to have the most delicious PopTarts in D.C. was well-worth a visit, so I sampled my first-ever Peanut Butter and Bacon PopTart, something I wish I had known existed back in grade school.

As we continued our weekend stroll, I was intrigued by the market's charm and was not shocked to learn that it is one of the oldest public markets in the country. D.C. has been described as a city where everyone is from another location, a town comprised of transients. In Eastern Market, however, I felt welcomed by a sense of family and community.

The vendors were proud of their local produce and were eager to let you taste, test, and try whatever you may fancy. The Crepe Man apparently boasts his own Yelp review page, a true sign that Eastern Market is a staple for its Capitol Hill neighbors, a timeless market worth another visit...or five.

-AMC

Remembering 9/11

It's impossible not to echo the last post in saying that the September 11 exhibit at the Newseum was sentimental and life changing. I remember September 11, as do most of Americans, like it was yesterday. I can't believe it has already been a decade. This exhibit was everything it needed to be; it was a reminder to those of us who can still recall the horrors of that day, it was informative so that the details of that day are clarified, it is tasteful and hopeful so that we can stand strong and know that our fellow Americans are remembered and cherished by all. We lived it. We remember it. We can still feel it. Because of the Newseum, future generations will weep and mourn the way we did on that tragic day... I look forward to the day that I can show my children and grandchildren that piece of history that we will never forget.

The picture above is one that I actually noticed in the FBI exhibit at the Newseum in another description of September 11. If you can not read the caption, it tells the story of a mother and 4-year-old daughter on a trip to Disneyland that were aboard United Flight 175 that crashed into the second tower.

Hearing stories like this never get easier to handle. I think back to my trip as a 5-year-old to Disneyland with my mom and remember every detail, every princess I met, and even got to be Queen for a day... but they never got to share that or any of the other things I've shared with my mom over the last decade. That little girl would probably be starting high school, counting down the days to getting her driver's license and dreaming of her first kiss. I admit that I cry every time I think of this family and all the other families that were torn apart.

I hope that we as a nation never forget. We will never be able to give those that were lost the recognition they deserve but the Newsuem does all that it can to bring clarity and truth.

G

On Friday, the seminar class headed to the Newseum, a museum dedicated to the biggest news stories of our time (and before our time) and highlighting the work of journalists and photojournalists. I have to admit that it was the end of a long first week of work and by 1:30pm, I was not exactly super excited to go to a museum. However, as soon as we stepped in the door a pleasant staff member that did a little hip dance for us told us about the Berlin Wall exhibit, the 9/11 exhibit, and another one for the FBI. Immediately, my interest was spiked enough that I thought I could make it at least an hour without wanting to head back for a nap.

That hour turned into three as we made our way through the 6 floor museum. Beginning with the Berlin Wall, I learned more in 10 minutes about its history than I have in any class. The museum was donated original pieces of the wall and the story of the whole thing was really moving.

The various original pieces that the museum has collected were fascinating. The electric chair that Charles Lindbergh's baby's kidnapper was killed in, original passports of 9/11 hijackers, the unabomber's shack. It was incredible all of the history that this place holds. And the stories are told through the eyes of news crews which was a cool and different perspective than the traditional museum.

By far the most sentimental exhibit was the one for 9/11. The picture above is that of a piece of the satellite tower on top of one of the World Trade Center towers that fell. It is clearly mangled and destructed; but still standing here in this building. There was a ten minute film that interviewed reporters that were on the scene at the time of the plane crashes. Seeing footage from that day that I haven't seen since the actual catastrophe was extremely emotional. I don't believe anyone left that film with a dry eye.

So, coming from a girl that is really not big on museums, and even less so on a rainy Friday afternoon... I honestly recommend the Newseum to anyone in the area. I would have been at a loss had I not seen it!

-AKW

Congressional Black Caucus Convention

This Thursday marked the beginning of the Annual Congressional Black Caucus Celebration Weekend. It began with a Black Greek Town Hall panel, hosted by Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), and moderated by Roland Martin. It was a productive dialogue about the role in which Black Greek organizations play in developing today's Black community in terms of education, social justice, and brotherhood. During this time, I took many photographs for Rep. Fudge's Office. The next day, at the Washington Convention Center, was the National Town Hall that was moderated by former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, and featuring Reps. Maxine Waters & Emmanuel Cleaver, Marc Morial, Bob Johnson, & William Lucy. It was a passionate and enlightening discussion on all topics that can positively affect the Black community in all facets of development. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a guest appearance. I, then, sat in a panel discussion lead by Delegate Eleanor Norton Holmes on DC and their continued stubble to attain statehood, which is the beloved goal of Washingtonians. The other panel I went to was on labor unions and the benefit that they bring to the economics of the Black community, especially in times of a recession. Today, in absentia, was a Soul Food Luncheon that was hosted by Rep. Marcia L. Fudge.

KAL

In all, the CBC Convention was a gathering of Black leaders and everyday Black Americans to dialogue, tangibly, on issues that plague Black America, and more importantly, Black America.

United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)

Having attended the panel discussion on ICF’s Tuesday, I was invited back to attend the final event arranged by the panel: a tour of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, located across the Potomac River, a few miles away from the heart on DC (close to Boling AFB).

I arrived at the National Academy of Sciences shortly before 7:30am and checked in. The panel soon arrived and we gathered in the lobby, awaiting a shuttle bus. Around 8:15, a U.S. Navy bus arrived and we were greeted by a staff member of the Naval Research Lab (NRL). We left DC, drove past RFK stadium, across the river, and a few miles further down, along the river. As we arrived at the lab, I noticed a great deal of security present. Once we passed the checkpoint, we were issued ID badges for our tour.

We entered one of the buildings and gathered in a briefing room, containing hundreds of research volumes done at the lab over the years. We ate a small breakfast and were promptly greeted by several NRL scientists from the Laser Plasma Branch and Plasma Physics Division (many of whom I saw at Tuesday’s panel). We all introduced ourselves and were given an info packet about the lab, its history, and importance in the military/technological advances today.

Here goes: NRL serves as the U.S. Navy’s corporate research lab with over 2200 employees; among them, 750 PhD holders. It was initially thought out by Thomas Edison in 1915, who advocated for more efficient means of combating the U-boat threat in the Atlantic. The idea was good and the lab was founded in 1923. NRL has pioneered many technological advances throughout the years including: GPS, U.S. Radar, vanguard rockets, and the first recon satellite. Another core program is their energy-based research projects, ranging from methane hydrates, to laser fusion projects.

Our area of focus for the tour was concentrated on the laser-fusion project. We walked into a large lab testing area, resembling an industrial warehouse, and saw the NIKE device. It was sphere-shaped with hundreds if not thousands, of components with numerous monitors attached all throughout. I noticed all sorts of “CAUTION”, “WARNING”, “DANGER”, and “RADIATION” signs all throughout the facility and flashing lights, so I naturally felt safe and secure. I was actually able to walk up the stairs to this thing and get a better look at it. I put my hand on the device and couldn't help but wonder how much science and thought went into creating it. I was really taken away by NIKE. From there we walked into another longer room which was the NIKE laser facility. In it, were hundreds of glass mirrors placed at carefully-positioned angles to reflect the light beams generated by the laser and focus them into one concentrated area. The length of this room was nearly 100 feet, which this contraception extending the full length with all kinds of gadgets throughout.

It amazed me to see the capacity of these machines and how many parts were included in each one. Another room housed an entire computer storage/data-gathering center to collect info when the laser is fired. Thick steel-paneled doors led from each room, almost like doors you would see on a Naval ship. We saw various other facilities all throughout and finally arrived at the Electra facility. This is where the particles from the laser are “fired” so to speak, and their results recorded. Several cryogenic and specially cooled devices surrounded the device and gas vent beneath it.

It was now that one of the scientists exclaimed “We’re going to fire the laser!” Naturally thinking a possible “Austin Powers" scene, we gathered into the data-processing room where the steel doors were firmly closed. The “WARNING” and “EXTREME HAZARD” signs were now flashing as the device was powering up. Just then, a loud “BANG BANG BANG” (some 30 times) was heard, sounding like a semi-automatic gun being fired. These were the laser beams being shot into the device and, on the computer screen, we saw the beams hitting inside the collision center. Pretty cool I thought!

After this demonstration, we gathered in another conference room for lunch. I had the chance to talk with many of the scientists and physicist who do work on this project, which was pretty neat. Some of the science terms were over my head, but the concept of it all was completely fascinating. I’d never heard about this project before and consider myself quite fortunate to see some of the devices up close and see the facilities at NRL. A little after 12pm, we boarded the shuttle bus and retuned back to DC.

Epic? Yes, to say the least - I was asked a few times if I was now going to consider changing my major. I suggested that before I do I might need to take a few TYLENOLs after all the physics details.

-- KJN

Interaction with my Congressman

When I first found out about the Washington Academic Internship Program, I knew that I wanted to work with a congressman. I also knew that I was nervous to leave my western Pennsylvania comfort zone. With that in mind, I decided to apply for an internship with Congressman Bill Shuster, the Representative of Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District.

Working in Congressman Shuster's Office gives me the unique opportunity to be able to study in D.C., but to also stay up-to-date with the happenings back home. This is important to me because I feel that I owe this contribution to Pennsylvania. I've grown up there my whole life and I feel that I need to do something to give back. Interning in my congressman's office allows me to give back to my home while also learning the ins and outs of the D.C. work world.

Many of the interns may have been ready to leave their homes and take on the D.C. way of life. However, I was not one of them. I was very nervous about leaving my comfort zone and coming into this new city. Because of that, I knew I needed to do something that would help me feel more at home. Interning in Congressman Bill Shuster's Office has allowed me to do that.

Even though I'm living in D.C., I will never leave my roots. I'm excited to get to know more about this amazing city. Still, nothing is better than your home.

-MJM

National Academy of Science (NAS) Panel

Today I had the privilege of attending a public panel discussion at the National Academy of Science, specifically the Keck Center. The topic of discussion was titled, “Panel on the Assessment of Inertial Confinement Fusion Targets.” It featured many top physicists with an expertise on fusion-based energy systems.

I was invited to this event by Dr. Richard Garwin, one of the most prominent physicists and nuclear security experts in the country. I first got in touch with Dr. Garwin in October of last year while doing my own research on Cold War weaponry. Over the years, Dr. Garwin has shared his own expertise on nuclear security and non-proliferation with various Presidential administrations and both governmental and military officials.

Among other things, Dr. Garwin is the known as the author for the original design of the world’s first hydrogen bomb, codenamed Ivy Mike (nearly 800x more powerful than the Hiroshima Bomb). He came up with the design when he was still a student…at the age of 21! I’m the same age and it’s impossible for me to even begin to fathom the complexities that exist in creating something of that significance!

Dr. Garwin E-mailed me the news about this event and invited me as a guest to sit in the discussion. Needless to say, it was a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and since I was still waiting on my internship approval, I figured I would attend!

I arrived at the Center around 8am, signed in, and walked down to the conference room for the discussion arranged for 8:30. As I walked in, I could instantly tell that I was going to be the youngest participant in the event, having noted many of the others were various scientists. As I found an empty seat, I spotted Dr. Garwin across the room, with a coffee in one hand. At the age of 83, he still travels and gives talks on nuclear energy/security.

I walked up extend my hand and said, “Dr. Garwin. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He smiled, shook my hand and replied, “It’s nice to see you here.” As others filled the room, we quickly took our seats and the panel was underway. The first speaker was from the Nuclear Research Laboratory. He concentrated on a general overview of the HAPL (High Average Power Laser) program, including the direct-drive IFE (inertial fusion energy) technologies, target threat spectrum output, and finally, tritium use in HAPL. Following the presentation we had a short break.

Another group came took the floor with information on the current NRL program for ICE/IFE. Their focus examined target physics, status of the Krypton Fluoride (KrF) laser technology for IFE (inertial fusion energy), and recommendations for an IFE development effort. Essentially, the purpose of this panel was to elaborate on the possibility of creating a new energy source which could generate sufficient amounts of power and be self-perpetuating.

Being a history major, it was somewhat difficult to keep up with all the scientific specifics of the program. However, it was simply remarkable to see how deep people can think when it comes to these areas in science. It makes me wonder how anyone could design and understand such a thing!

Even more so was the opportunity to meet with Dr. Garwin. He’s a man who has essentially changed the scientific world and continues to write/lecture on nuclear security and non-proliferation today. I was able to get my photo taken with him and he exchanged some words of wisdom about the project and my upcoming internship.

Needless to say, the panel discussion was a wonderful opportunity to see technological advancements in motion and the means they are tested and operated. It was projected that this system could become quite substantial in years to come.

I consider myself quite fortunate to have had this opportunity to have been able to go to the National Academy of Sciences and sit in on one of these discussions. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in seeing some of the advancement in society and to talk with those who are a part of it.

KJN --

Move In Night

A small group of us (Zach, Joe, Mitch) went out and walked around late in the evening. We went past the Supreme Court, Capitol Building, & Library of Congress and was just amazed at how beautiful the sights were at night, just as much as they are in the daytime. The quiet and solitude provided by the nighttime allowed us to venture the city without seeming touristy. That night gave us a small glimpse into what we were to expect in the coming weeks, which is a mixture of awe, excitement, nerves, and relief all at once. Hopefully, confidently, we will all deliver on the experience!

KAL