Wednesday, February 29, 2012

My Much Loved and Much Despised Friend: Coffee

What a perfect day to write a policy paper and a quick blog: rain showers expected throughout the morning, no sun in the sky with a high of only 48°.  Absolutely disgusting, but perfect for killing distractions.

With the majority of the energy team out of the office, and a hectic day of panels, spreadsheets, and a much anticipated (and unfortunate) goodbye coffee with a WaPo reporter vet-turned-CAP fellow creeping up on the horizon, I let my supervisors know that today would be the day to take them up on a "Zach's mental health/Zach needs to do his homework" vacation.

So I am doing just that -- enjoying a quiet morning to myself, with only a 15-page tome of policy analysis, blaring car horns on Massachusetts, and a welcomed friend to distract me in the room.  No, not Elliot; this other roommate wakes up at exactly the same time each morning and refuses to sleep in past its alarm.  Loyal, sometimes a little too weak, and always appreciated, this friend is coffee.


Notice the mug's placement: at the right hand of the computer, practically an extension of productivity.  Although I did not start drinking this godsend of a beverage until the summer of sophomore year (due to early morning shifts at work), I am thankful that I have had coffee to bond with and over since those dark days of coffee-less existence.

Don't drink coffee?
Start now.  Even if it is with one of those calorie-laden, barley-any-coffee-is-actually-used-in-the-product drinks.
I prefer mine black.

While the majority of Americans may believe that Washington runs on corruption, greed, sex, and under-the-table corporate donations, I would make the argument that DC really thrives on coffee.  Like most locations in the world, Washington is pelleted with a Starbucks on every other corner (every opposite being a food truck or an overpriced, poorly staffed "local/alternative/organic" restaurant -- here's looking at you, Sonoma).  Coffee is in no shortage here; the only difficulty is finding a reason to get it.

For some of us in the group, coffee at Starbucks represented a paradise of free wi-fi -- an oasis in the desert that is the Congressional's abysmal internet speed.  Personally, coffee is an addiction (I have already brewed my way through two 1.5 pound, low-quality containers of the stuff over the past two months, and get a painful headache without it), as well as a perfect reason to catch up with acquaintances who I hope to get to know better.

Tomorrow I'll be chatting one last time with an amazing 30-year veteran of USA Today and the Washington Post who has reported out west for the majority of his career; I made the mistake the last time he was in town of turning down his invitation to grab coffee elsewhere, opting to drink the office's brew (which is also good, don't get me wrong -- nice, overly-roasted and very strong Starbucks).  This time, the change of atmosphere will be welcomed.

So a challenge to all of you WAIPers (present and future) before leaving DC: find someone at your internship to grab a coffee with this last week. There's always that one person at the office (or maybe multiple) whose brain you'd like to pick and hear a few of their stories.  It will be worth it.

[And no, not with the intention of adding the guest to your impressive list of 500-networked friends who could loan you $20,000 at 2 AM, which I feel is unnecessary and most likely a complete fabrication (if you don't understand, read this cheesy looking networking advice book).  Simply meet with the reason of getting to know your coffee-drinking partner a little better.]

ZR

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Yup


            The Congressional on a Friday evening can be compared to a typical dorm back at Ohio State. Music playing, doors open, and Mario Kart causing players to shout various obscenities help create an environment for good times. However, like any dorm, it can get a little cramped, hence my desire to put on a few layers and take a walk. Although cliché, I find it relaxing to go out on such evenings and see the Monuments at night. Perhaps it is a bit cheesy to say that these late night walks are when I do my best thinking, but it is true. With the twenty mile per hour wind rushing by and the Washington Monument framed against a moonlit backdrop, reality sinks in for me.
Our program puts us in DC to help us develop familiarity with Washington and provide us with professional experience for after school. I am forever grateful for this but I am also quickly discovering that school doesn’t prepare us for the marginal aspects of life. Work can often times be monotonous, particularly with entry level jobs and internships. The creativity that schools encourage is pushed aside and many bright minds are ignored as organizational hierarchies take over.
As a third year in College, it is about time for me and my peers to begin contemplating our futures. Choices emerge, such as graduate school, entry level work positions, or even the military. The best thing we can do is maximize options by casting a wide net and seeing what we’re eligible for. However, suppose a student isn’t quite ready for the reality of life? The matrix like comforts of college is completely different from that of a post-graduate environment. Chances are, especially in DC, a graduate will find an entry level position in a non-profit or Federal organization and spend over eight hours a day in an office doing repetitive administrative tasks. The transition is an abrupt awakening that encourages someone like me to postpone that as much as possible. Personally, I can’t sit for more than an hour or two without developing a mild form of anxiety, thus spending all day in an office is a form of self-induced purgatory. However, this is the reality of life and it is the responsibility of the individual to adapt to a new environment.
On the way back from the monuments, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to be in such a position. The program did everything that was advertised. It has helped me become more politically aware, gain a series of work experiences that make me more marketable, and merge the idealist in me with a little bit of realism. My experience here has made a difference in what I want to do with my life and I will forever be grateful. As for what I plan to do following graduation, I’ll have to see what the net pulls in.

Adam K

            

Icing on the Cupcake

Without a metro stop, the Georgetown area is essentially unreachable for us WAIP fellows.  Fortunately, I had friend visiting DC for the weekend and she brought me to the mythical of realm of Georgetown.  Oh what a place.  Quaint brick buildings lined the bustling street.  Hipsters, students, seniors, and shoppers shuffled along the narrow sidewalks and local business owners moved about trying to keep up with the busy weekend crowd.

I heard that Georgetown was a really nice part of town and it is.  But what's striking is how different it is from any other part of the city.  It's like the Short North of Columbus, but even swankier.  

One feature of this area that gets a lot of attention is a small bakery called Georgetown Cupcake.  I had never heard of this cupcake shop.  My friend informed me, with a hint of condescension in her voice as if she was telling me something that was common knowledge, that its the focus of show on TLC called DC Cupcake, or something like that.  Its become a landmark now, so while I normally don't make trips specifically to try small baked goods, I made an exception for my friend and for TV.  


When we arrived, the line to order wrapped around the block.  Apparently my friend wasn't the only person that enjoyed watching DC Cupcake.  Georgetown Cupcake may have a big following, but their shop itself is actually pretty small.  Most of the space is dedicated to the cooking and serving area behind counter, so ordering and waiting can be a tight affair.

While they do the best they can, the staff struggle with their own popularity.  We waited about 15 minutes total for our cupcakes.  Not terrible, but not terribly fast either. To help move things along faster they only offer a limited menu; that day we were able to choose between chocolate lava, red velvet, or strawberry something.

I got chocolate lava; she got red velvet.  Flavor wise, they were delicious, but apparently what sets these pastries apart are their style and presentation.  Simple, refined, elegant, and beautiful.  Her words not mine, but I think she's right.  I didn't spend much time admiring the small cupcake but it certainly looked good enough to eat.  And it was.

TLC isn't perfect, I mean they basically ruined Trading Spaces when they let Vern go and promoted Doug to a regularly featured designer, but I thank them and my friend for introducing me to the wonders of Georgetown Cupcake.  Unlike Hildi's fabric textured, floral design for that main floor powder room in season 5, Georgetown Cupcake did not disappoint.


- Kris

Indian Food

Though the time has quickly swept by like the grainy sands brushed along the Thar dunes, I pause to tell the tales of an exotic meal I enjoyed last weekend afternoon.

Before last Saturday, I had never eaten Indian food.  Such a treat it was to sample the varied dishes of this ancient yet burgeoning world.  Luckily for my burgeoning waist, Capitol Hill Tandoor Grill had an afternoon buffet that did not disappoint.  Chicken, spinach, potatoes, chick peas, and egg plant all spicy, all tasty, all delicious.

We finished the meal with a cool rice pudding; it helped soothe our palettes after a spicy meal.  The food was delicious and I think Indian food will become a regular treat from now on.  My only regret from the afternoon was not asking the price of the buffet until after I had finished the feast.  Frugality be damned I say, for money will last but one lifetime, but the experience of flavor that I reveled so completely in, shall follow me all the days of my lives.


- Kris

Friday, February 24, 2012

Alvin Ailey dance preformance



This blog is a little delayed as work on my policy analysis and keeping up with the readings has thouroughly consumed my last two weeks.  However, I wanted to blog about the amazing experience I got to have watching the Alvin Ailey  Dance Group at the Kennedy Center.

Let me start this off, I am not really a huge fan of dancing.  Dancing is fun (and I sure as don't do it well) but I haven't really enjoyed watching too many dance preformances.  I still remember watching the Nutcracker in 4th grade, and I kept waiting for the people to talk and dissapointed when they didn't.  Now that I am older I have a little more appriciation for the fine art of dancing but it is nothing that I would go out of my way to watch.  (Sorry if I have thouroughly offended anyone).  So how did I end up going to see the show?  One of the employees at my office sent around an email, he had bought a ticket for his daughter for the show, but she was sick and unable to attend and he was offering the ticket for free to the first person who emailed back.  I am ashamed to say I orginally ignored the email, figuring someone who would appriciate it more than I would respond.  Then I was speaking with one of the other employees, and she asked if I had seen the email, and said I should absolutely try an get the ticket.  It got me thinking, especially when she said "I am not usually into the whole dance thing, but I cried at the show it was so moving."  Well with a recommendation like that, how could I say no?  So, thankfully I decided to take the ticket.  I was not dissapointed.

The show was for 7:00 pm that night, and I usually get home around 5:45, so trying to get home and get ready involved more than a little sprinting, my kind neighbor Adam allowing me to have some of his pasta, and the eventual realization that despite my efforts I would have to take a cab there I made it to the show in time to get my ticket from Will Call and find my seat.  (Pictured to the right)

The first act was Ballet.  And even my inexpert eye was able to see the grace in their forms and the pure athleticism that it took to carry out there dance.  Not to mention the rythem, something I truly lack.  While beautiful, I must admit that it did not caputre my imagination the way I had hoped.  As I said, Ballet is not my favorite.  Then there was a short intermission where I got a chance to walk around the Kennedy Center.  It was beautiful and it made me doubly thankful that I had taken these tickets, if for no other reason that I got to see a landmark that I never would have seen otherwise.

Then began the second act.  This was a much more modern dance, and it did captivate my attention in the way that ballet had been unable to.  Watching the dance I do not know how the dancers were able to move so much for so long.  I wish I could imagine being in as good of shape physically as they were,  I could easily see their well defined muscles from the back of the second balcony. But, I will stop saying how in shape they were, lest I become redundant, but know that it astounded me each act.   The second act amazed me in its complexity as well, there were so many interesting and different things happening at once I did not know where to watch.  Normally I watch dance to see how in sync everyone is (most likely because I know I could never manage it), but they were never off, and if they did appear off, it immediately became clear how that was a transition into the next segment of their dance.  I was amazed.

The third act was comprised of two short parts.  The first was a one man dance which truly was able to combine dance his movements with the music to make the entire audience laugh.  It was the shortest of the four performances, but in no way forgettable.  The final part was a tribute to Alvin Ailey himself, who died of AIDS, and the last act was meant to portray both his life and eventual death.  His life through dancing and his death through the sorrow of the message portrayed.  While I did not cry, I had chills for most of the movement.  It was powerful soul music, asking for salvation, asking for the pain to be taken away, asking for  healing.  It truly made this an unforgettable experience.  If any reader has the chance to attend an Alvin Ailey dance performance, I would highly recommend it.  Even for those of you who usually aren't into dancing.

Cathy H

Lunch With The Glenn’s & Why I Now Have More Respect For Darth Vader


In case one of the other fellows wishes to also compose a blog on this subject, I will just share a few thoughts.

 A few weeks ago the Winter Glenn Fellows had the wonderful opportunity to have lunch with Senator Glenn and his wife Annie, (I found that I had quite a bit in common with Mrs. Glenn, as we both were overly excited about the food and were keen to have dessert prior to pictures).  The occasion was kept quite intimate with the Fellows, Dr. Kolson, Mike McCandlish, the fellows’ mentors, and a few OSU/Ohio connected additions rounding out the party.  The Glenn’s, at Dr. Kolson had warned us, were very interested in the experiences of we students in DC and the duties of our internships.  The affair felt more conversational than formal, with Senator Glenn and Annie very graciously answering all our questions thoroughly.  It was fantastic to hear their stories first hand.  While it was obviously great to gain some insights into the life of a Senator and his wife, I really enjoyed the stories leading up to the Senatorial run.

 As the population ages, it is harder to find those willing and able to share first hand stories from Pearl Harbor and World War II.  Senator Glenn spoke on how upon hearing the news of the attack on Pearl Harbor, he and Annie met and engaged in a long conversation that ended with Senator Glenn joining the marines, while Annie finished school.  This decision to join the marines is what would inevitably steer Senator Glenn’s path towards NASA and the Friendship 7 flight.  As the generation that witnessed the most infamous attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, I couldn’t help but wonder how it will be to recollect our reactions 60 years from now and what kind of impact it will have on future students of government and public policy.

Additionally, I enjoyed hearing Senator Glenn’s response to a question regarding the present funding and operations for NASA.  I found this subject matter of particular interests because Senator Glenn would be debating the issue from a Senators perspective, who understands the need to make tough decisions in order to reduce spending, but also from a former Astronauts perspective, who understands the value of space exploration and study.  I will not review the Senator’s full response, however, there does seem to be some practical arguments for NASA to become less reliant on Russia to send our men and women into space.

I also wanted to note that I found Mrs. Glenn’s perseverance in overcoming a debilitating stutter quite inspiring, and I was impressed at the ease at which she discussed her decades of struggles with the impediment.  I also learned I had more respect than I thought for Darth Vader…Apparently, Vice President Biden and James Earl Jones, thus, by extension, Darth Vader and Moufasa, also overcame stutters.

-Kristen M

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

A Turning Point


So to be honest, I have fallen a little behind on my blogging. The first half of my quarter was dry and there was little to blog about, but I have been maxed out with activities the last two weeks. This blog is going to rewind to two weeks ago, which proved to be a turning point in my quarter in Washington.

The week of February 6th was a very eventful week for me at the Open World Leadership Center. Monday was our annual Board of Trustees meeting, where I was able to meet the distinguished members of our Board including Senator Ben Nelson, Former Senator Bud Cramer, and Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington. At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Billington took me and a few others to his ceremonial office in the Jefferson building of the Library of Congress. While he has a modern working office in another building, the ceremonial office was the original office used by the Librarian and features the same decadence as the rest of the building. Here is a photo of Dr. Billington’s desk:


 Dr. Billington had us sit at the round table in his office and was anxious to talk with us and answer our questions. Although he had limited time to talk, I can’t honestly say I’ve learned more about history in a half hour than any other time in my life. I doubt anyone can find someone more suited for the job of Librarian of Congress considering this man is a “walking library.” I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to speak with such a remarkable man.

After such a great beginning, my work week concluded with a trip to the Ukrainian Embassy to meet the delegations we were hosting that week in Washington. Our delegations receive a two day orientation here in DC and then fly out to host cities across the country for an eight day program. When we have delegations from Ukraine, the embassy usually hosts a reception for us featuring amazing Ukrainian hors d’oeuvres.

The Ukrainian Embassy has a very interesting history because it also has historical relevance to the city of Washington.  It was formerly known as the Forrest-Marbury House and is located in Georgetown close to the Potomac River.  It is famous for a meeting that occurred on March 29, 1791, when George Washington met with local land owners to discuss the federal government’s purchase of land for the new capital city.  There is a book inside the house, and inside the book is an old black key that is said to be the key of the city, given to Washington himself.  Here I am holding this fabled key:


Uriah Forrest, the first owner of the house and the mayor of the Town of George, sold it in 1880 to William Marbury, who is well known for challenging James Madison in the court trial Marbury v. Madison.  The Ukrainian Embassy has been housed in the building since 2008.


My internship at the Open World Leadership Center has really proven to offer me opportunities that I wouldn’t have interning anywhere else.  Speaking with the Librarian of Congress was definitely a highlight of my DC experience, as well as my visit to the Ukrainian Embassy.  Ukraine is now on my list of places to visit after mingling with its people and trying their fantastic food.  Stay tuned to the WAIP blog to see what adventures I go on next . . . . . .




JS

Monday, February 13, 2012

DC Events (Part Deux): DC Events ARE Lunch

To piggyback off of the last WAIP blog post, I want to follow with my theme of food-based ramblings and confess that instead of packing lunch, I have adopted a habit to head to work empty-handed, open up the weekly LinkTank list, and choose where I want to go for "nourishment" -- both in policy knowledge, and sometimes more importantly, for food.

Looking back on the few weeks we have been here, I regret not creating a list earlier of think tanks and their noontime-discussion menus for future WAIPers to consult when choosing where to go for a free lunch.  Not only do these meals cost the guest a simple electronic RSVP; they are often of substantially  higher quality than anything I would pack to the office.  One can only take so many frozen LeanCuisine meals before boredom (and malnutrition) sinks in.



Last Thursday, a decent sized group of interns from CAP decided to go to a discussion at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars entitled "An Assessment of Iran’s Upcoming Parliamentary Elections."  Not realizing that Iran held Parliamentary elections, nor that they even had a Parliament, I figured this was a perfect talk to attend.

Unfortunately, a large part of the DC population must have caught onto my piqued interest -- after wandering around the Reagan Center with our CAP group for 15 minutes looking for the auditorium, we were unpleasantly surprised to find not an empty seat in the center or the overflow room.  But disappointed, we were not; what the group discovered was better than learning about the "Islamic Consultative Assembly" (Parliament) which was created by the Iranian Constitution of 1906 (see wiki article).  What we found was an empty lobby with an entire buffet of gourmet sandwiches, salads, cookies, and drinks -- nearly untouched, waiting for us to devour (which we did, within reason).  So while the intern group's knowledge of Iranian politics may not have grown, at least our waistlines did.


ZR

Sunday, February 12, 2012

DC Events: Fun and informative with a high probabilty for free food


The following blog represents my personal opinions and not those of Human Rights First.
Interning in Washington D.C. has provided a variety of advantages, and is one of the best experiences a student interested in government and policy could participate in.  One advantage that interning at Human Rights First has afforded me is the opportunity to attend interesting panel discussions and events.  I recently attended two Human Rights First sponsored events on immigration policy within the U.S.  
The first event dealt with the Terrorism Related Inadmissibility Grounds, or TRIG.  These terrorism related bars have denied thousands of persecuted refugees access to asylum and protection within the US.  Those affected most by these bars pose no threat to national security but, rather, are victims of overly-broad application, and definitions of legislation.  During this event, a panel discussed the history of TRIG and the work being done to alter the devastating implications of these policies and practices.  It was fascinating to hear first-hand accounts of lawyers working on these asylum cases, and the number of challenges their clients face.  It was also encouraging to witness how truly passionate these lawyers are about effecting change and how deeply they care for their clients.  While all the panelists were terrific, the most moving input came from the American wife of an asylum seeker named Julie Hysenaj.  Mrs. Hysenaj and her husband, Arben, have been separated for four years (he lives in Kosovo and would be arrested if he tried to reenter the US) as his case has been processed.  She shared through tears her emotional journey (she is working three jobs and has only seen her husband a handful of times) and the efforts she has put in to expedite her husband’s case; she calls multiple government agencies daily.  Mrs. Hysenaj provided a great deal of insight into the devastating consequences TRIG may have on families and provided an emotional element to the practical and legal arguments made by the other panelists.
The second event I attended dealt with the detention of asylum seekers and immigrants within the United States.  One of the speakers at this event was Gary Mead, who is the Executive Associate Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Since this event was put together by NGO’s and human rights organizations it was wonderful to have Mr. Mead in attendance and have both sides of the argument presented.  The discussion centered on how civil detainees were being housed and treated as penal, or criminal, detainees, and also touched on the increased market for immigrant detention in the private prison industry.   Throughout the event,  Mr.  Mead spoke on the changes ICE will be implementing to create a more acceptable system of detention.  While these changes are welcomed forms of progress, it is apparent that more still needs to be done to raise the standards of living for immigrant detainees to an acceptable level for a country such as the United States.
Both events were highly informative and dealt with important issues that many Americans are simply unaware exist.  I am very excited to spend what little time I have left in D.C. broadening my policy horizons through similar events and panels.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

A Detailed Account of the Five Animals Who Braved the DC Winter for our Viewing Pleasure at the National Zoo

Let's face it, winter is not the best season for going to the zoo.  Nevertheless, Kris and I ventured to the National Zoo last Saturday on a brisk, cloudy winter day in DC.  Luckily the rain was not forecasted to settle in until 6:00, an hour and a half after the closing of the zoo.  And naturally, the rain came about halfway through our visit.

Our tour began with a few closed exhibits, but we eventually came across this tree leopard:


I do have to say, coming from a city with one of the nation's top ranked zoos, I had very high expectations.  For a non-profit, the National Zoo does an excellent job.  However, the quality of animal habitats and range of species is far below the Columbus Zoo.  Not to mention that the zoo did not have my favorite animal - the manatee.  Nevertheless, the animals we did see were very exciting and I especially liked the panda bear exhibit.  Kris enjoyed pretending that he was an animal, as can be seen by the picture below where he has his river otter paws out:


One thing that is unique (as far as I know) to the National Zoo is the O Line.  It basically looks like a group of telephone polls with the wires hanging over the walkways.  However, the wires aren't there for communication, they're there for transportation.  It's the Orangutan Transport System.  On warmer days, you can walk down a certain part of the path and look up to see orangutans swinging overhead.  It's a very innovative idea for giving the animals space to exercise and I'm sure is very memorable for zoo patrons.  If I return to Washington during another season, I will definitely come to the zoo for the orangutans.  We were, however, able to see the indoor primate exhibits, which include our hairy friend pictured below:


While the National Zoo lacks the brilliance of Jack Hanna and an exhibit for my beloved sea cows, it is a great place for an afternoon stroll and a little education into animal research (including the artificial insemination of pandas!).  A tourist isn't missing much by bypassing the zoo, but for a Washingtonian it is a place worth visiting for a pleasant afternoon.   Just be warned: even if it's not supposed to rain for hours, take the umbrella.


JS


Monday, February 6, 2012

Becoming a Washingtonian


I feel as if in the five weeks that we have been here I have been successful in picking up many of the traits of those who live in the beautiful city, and feel like I could pass as a Washingtonian.  Or at least so I think.  Among the many skills I have picked up while muddling through my time in Washington includes learning how to hail a cab, learning how to properly ride an escalator, how to ride the Metro, and how to walk in heels. 

Alright so maybe hailing a cab is not very difficult.  I quickly realized that it simply involves sticking your hand out when you see any of the army of cabs that circulates the city constantly.  Just don’t forget the extra charge for hailing a cab when you give a tip, because you will feel like a jerk if you forget it and, therefore, end up not tipping.  Properly riding an escalator is a necessity to act like a Washingtonian. If any of the readers don’t now, proper escalator etiquette involves standing on the right and walking on the left.  I have reached the point where standing on the left side feels somehow immoral.  I personally have yet to be truly annoyed when tourists stand on the left, but admit that sometimes I pretend to be angry so I feel more like I have been in D.C. my whole life.  Riding the metro was something that I was not particularly worried about when I came to D.C., as I have spent a decent amount of time in Germany and used their public transportation system.  Well, I quickly learned that there are some extra rules for riding the metro in D.C.  The most important rule is, as Dr. Kolson and Mike told us the first day, plan on the metro taking longer than it should.  Usually on weekday rush hour the metro works fairly well, but on weekends…forget it, you might as well walk.  That was another important lesson, D.C. is fairly small and if you are on Capitol Hill and going to China Town, downtown, or the Mall on the weekend, it is well worth it to simply walk.  Speaking of walking, while I can now walk a mile in easily wearing heels, I have also lost most of my shyness about walking into the office in a comfortable pair of tennis shoes then changing.  Most.  When wearing heels avoid the sidewalk around the Capitol and the Senate Office buildings because it will literally eat the heels on your shoes.  Five weeks in and my new heels need the bottom redone.  But if that is the price I have to pay to walk past the Capitol in the early evening, it is one I am willing to pay.  

That is the last lesson that I learned, even after being here for over a month, the majesty of walking past these beautiful and inspiring buildings has not gotten old, and I do not think it ever will. 

Cathy H