Firehook

       Well, it’s happened. After a few weeks of packing my lunch I woke up too late and had to go to a cafe in DuPont to find food. And I’m hooked! The place is called “Firehook,” and offers a million types of muffins, cupcakes, breads, and coffee; all I need for a nice little lunch by the window on another million degree D.C. day. It’s a typical corner bakery across from the Metro stop, but the inside is full of women behind the counter jabbering in Spanish about the size of pregnant friends’ bellies. Are they sisters? Are they in-laws? Who knows. Half are latina in appearance, a few are white, and one is Indian. Why they all speak Spanish is beyond me, but I happily replied “gracias” when they gave me a free torta for lunch when I couldn’t decided between two delicious options.
      I’m excited to get out and see more of DuPont and the little places like Firehook. Some parts of D.C. don’t seem like a “real” city, but rather a large park. But DuPont is full of mixed uses and diverse people using the circle during lunch that it feels like a much denser area. I recommend spending time in the area and getting away from what my co-workers called “Hill People.”  
   
Devin Benson

Visit to the Woodrow Wilson Center

For the past two weeks Ive had a great experience as an intern at the US Mexico Foundation. Today I visited the Woodrow Wilson Center of Scholars, one of the most recognized think tanks in the world. The US-Mexico Foundation staff and interns attended the conference of "America´s future in the Balance: Persistent Underfunding of Latino Communities across the Americas", this conference was very exiting because it hosted very influential academics and policy makers. Among the speakers was Hilda Lucia Solis currently serving in the Obama Administration as Secretary of Labor, and Andrew Selee, Director of the Mexican Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center. The main theme of the conference was to present new academic research proving how Latino communities in the US account for under 2% of grants and philanthropy. The speakers insisted the negative impact of the current immigration policy in philanthropic funding to Latino communities, and the importance of attending this problem knowing that the Latino population is the fastest growing community in the US. The information the speakers gave was very insightful, it helped me understand the challenges NGO´s are facing today, particularly those funding minorities.

The US-Mexico Foundation along with thousands NGOs are struggling in todays economy for resources to support their philanthropic activities around the world. At the US Mexico Foundation it is a daily job to overcome this challenges and get private companies on board to support your projects and vision. I have learned a lot this past two weeks and I hope new opportunities come throughout the summer to learn more about the challenges between the US and Mexico and its application to public policy.

Luis T.

Working the Printer

I have often seen the cliché of office workers gathering around the water cooler to discuss their weekends, which team lost, or how their days were going on television office shows. When I entered my office, I expected nothing different. I made my way to the kitchen at the first break in the day I got, but to my disappointment the kitchen was empty. Not only that, but there was no water cooler to be found. Instead, I was shown to a small, black machine that provided both ice cold, and near boiling water sitting on the counter in the corner of the kitchen. I thanked my guide with a smile, prepared some tea and solemnly returned to my desk. I had expected to meet new people from around the office, or at the very least hear some office gossip, instead I found an empty room.

Later that day, I was sent to the copier to prepare packets for an orientation program that we were getting ready to host. As I stood next to the printer in the mail room waiting on the 700 copies to finish printing, I noticed an influx of people. Around 100 pages in, I struck up a conversation with a woman who happened to be from Ohio. Around 320 pages, I met another intern from a different department. At 475 pages, I learned about a co-worker’s Peace Corp trip to Kazakhstan. At 600 pages, the printer jammed and I got to meet the man who kept the office functioning properly, and before I could press the start button another woman walked in. At this point I decided to be brave and struck up a conversation with her in Russian about her childhood and her life in Russia. I was almost disappointed when the printer finished all 700 pages.

It turns out you cannot believe everything you see on television. The common water hole where I was expecting to strike up conversations with other people in my office in an effort to network while I was in D.C. did not take place next to the water cooler, but instead the printer. I learned operating the printer did not just mean learning which buttons to push but also the office rules, the rights of the employees of D.C. (naturally hung above the printer), office gossip, how the different departments interacted within the organization, and perhaps most importantly: how to work the printer in more than one way.

-ES

ZOO

I’m living in DC this summer—the “capital of the world”, as Senator John Glenn has called it—and what is one of the first things I do? Visit the National Zoo, of course! While my enthusiasm seems misappropriated, as most would argue there are far better DC-type activities to do and historical features to see in this town, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of only seven zoos in North America to house Giant Pandas. The pair, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, was everything you’d expect to see in a Giant Panda—fat, cute, and totally unaware of the thirty screaming children banging on the glass of their indoor enclosure.

The hour-or-longer wait in line to see the pandas (which, luckily, I was able to avoid) was testament to their allure. What is it about this species that makes people of all ages, ethnicities and regions want to wait patiently in the heat for the chance to catch a glimpse of Mei Xiang and Tian Tian in their “natural habitat”? I can assure you it isn’t their cunning ability to sit in a corner all day and chew bamboo, occasionally getting up to—OMG—find more bamboo. There has to be more to it.

A part of me believes the demand for pandas is so high because the supply is so limited, as they are now considered extremely endangered. Basic economics which, when applied to something living, seems perverse. Zoos across the United States and around the world have been clamoring to negotiate contracts with China to “rent” panda couples. Don Lindburg, Head of the Office of Giant Pandas at the San Diego Zoo explains, “Giant pandas are indisputably popular. Two months ago, the public snapped up 13,000 tickets to see Tai Shan, born at the National Zoo in Washington last July, in just two hours. Later that day the free tickets were being traded on eBay for as much as $200 each…People will get up in the middle of the night to see the pandas. I don't think there is a comparable animal. There isn't the enormity of response that you find with pandas” (New York Times, 2006).

Are they really so cute that everyone in the world wants to see them ASAP, or are we all making sure we sneak a peek before they’re wiped from existence? See for yourself:

http://www.lovethesepics.com/2012/04/buckets-of-cute-pandas-at-sichuan-giant-panda-sanctuaries-42-photos/


FUN FACT: Coincidentally, the acronym for the office in which I work is OPANDA. Haha!


--CB

Green DC

It is easy to see DC as a sprawling cosmopolitan city with a vast array of buildings; however, if you look hard enough you will find parks and substantial green areas. Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the National Mall. Now, this is not your ordinary mall. It is a vast green space expanding from the Smithsonian to the Lincoln Memorial.  I have had the privilege to know an individual who had mistaken the National Mall for an actual mall. Future Glenn Fellows, please do not make this mistake. It is a great area to run if you have the patience to dodge tourists. Also, you can play sports or if you are really gutsy, sun bath. I had played 2v2 soccer. The only other thing to mention about the National Mall is that it is obviously a public location, so refrain from cursing when you lose.

This past weekend I also visited the DC zoo.  Overall I do not enjoy zoos and thus I did not enjoy myself as much as others did, but I did enjoy the vast amounts of vegetation and scenery. One exhibit in particular, the bird house, allowed you to step into a room that looked as if it was from the Amazon. It was cool, green, and damp. The best part though was that birds actually flew around you. It was a cool experience.

The last place I will mention is Rock Creek Parkway, a site I have not visited yet.  It is close to Georgetown University. This park essentially runs for miles along the Potomac River.  It offers beautiful trails for hiking and rocks for climbing, be careful though for there is no belaying (from what I understand).  Also, my friend sprained his ankle there. Watch your step.

These are a few areas I have discovered. I am sure there are many more waiting to be discovered….

Mark Zronek

A Taste of D.C.

During our orientation meeting all the fellows were asked, “What is one thing you look forward to experiencing during your time in Washington D.C.?” My answer, plain and simply, was “The food.” Of course there were the responses in regards to the monuments, the museums, the architecture, and beyond, but for me all those experiences come with the territory of being in D.C. As I was humbled (almost to tears at the MLK monument), I cannot deny the fact that at the end of the day I’m looking for the next best meal!

So, I have had the opportunity to try delicious foods from all around the city and I have not been disappointed. From pizza to sushi, I have managed to indulge myself in the vast “melting pot” of the Districts cuisine. Honestly, back in Ohio I probably would have put on a good 10 to 15 pounds of weight in the past three weeks, however given the fact that I walk EVERYWHERE and it’s typically 95 degrees (give or take), I believe that I have actually lost weight so I have a “win-win” relationship with the food and the weather right now.

Aside from the 4 and 5 star rated restaurants I have dined at, I found that Five Guys Burgers and Fries serves breakfast (which I will miss upon my return to Columbus) and that certain McDonald’s in the District have a 15 minute limit, (which includes your dining time). I have found out that food trucks at lunch are pretty much the most delicious way to go for lunch and still stay slightly frugal. And my next few dining experiences will include a Thai, Ethiopian, and Vietnamese meal.  -DC-

After spending the entire morning curling my hair, ironing my new suit, and making my morning cup of coffee in preparation for my first day at my internship I slipped on my new black heels before I walked out the door. Little did I know that wearing my heels during my commute would be a horrendous and monumental mistake. During my commute, while on the metro, I glanced around the car. I noticed that all the other women standing or sitting near by were wearing more comfortable shoes than me . Most of them wore flats or sandals unlike myself, I was clearly the rookie. At first I didn't notice the pain, perhaps it was the excitement of being in a new city, traveling to work on a subway, or wearing a new suit. However, the euphoric moment of my new D.C. life was short lived. It was soon interrupted by the immediate formation of seven blisters on my feet. I had made this realization by lunchtime, and quickly understood my mistake. I  had learned my very first lesson in D.C.: wear comfortable shoes during my commute to work.
C.C. 

Saturday Morning at the Eastern Market

Amidst the mounds of fruits and veggies piled high underneath a multitude of tents, I couldn’t stop smiling. I must admit that I probably enjoy shopping for produce more than the average person. There’s just something about the bright colors along with the anticipation of the burst of flavor that I know is soon to come, that makes me slightly giddy. Therefore, I felt at home swerving through the stalls of the Eastern Market Saturday morning trying to decide what to purchase.

      The whole atmosphere of the Eastern Market added to my euphoric mood. It’s encouraging to see so many people willing to take the time out of their morning to look through the stalls, support their local farmers, and enjoy the bounty of produce summer brings. As I continued through the stalls I finally decided to purchase some peaches, summer squash, and potatoes with the intent to return soon and experiment with produce that I am not as familiar with. The Eastern Market produces the feeling that food is more than just something we eat; it is a part of our culture that deserves attention. As I walked home I couldn’t help but think of a Michael Pollan quote I had recently read, “In a short food chain, eaters make their needs and desires known to the farmer, and farmers can impress on the eater the distinctions between ordinary and exceptional food … Food reclaims its story, and some of its nobility, when the person who grew it hands it to you.”  


~Christy Beck

Pizza with a Wolverine

This past week I attended a meet-and-greet event at the Association of American Universities (AAU) office with other students interning at AAU or for the Federal Relations office at another higher-ed institution.

For some info on AAU: The Association of American Universities is a nonprofit association of 59 U.S. and two Canadian preeminent public and private research universities. Founded in 1900, AAU focuses on national and institutional issues that are important to research-intensive universities; including funding for research, research and education policy, and graduate and undergraduate education…this includes The Ohio State University.

The purpose of the meet-and-greet was to get to know some of the other interns who I very well may be seeing at hearings or other events, since we all share a common interest in issues affecting higher education.

I was not only excited to meet the other interns, but also of the prospect of free pizza at the event, and both lived up to the expectations.

I met the intern working in the state up north's institution (UM), and despite popular belief, he is a normal human being. We actually hope to have a social event with the WAIP interns and their internship program at some point this summer.

I also met a freshman girl from Harvard who let me know that the "houses" or residential buildings at Harvard (as seen on the movie the Social Network) are a lot like the sorting hat in Harry Potter in that people are selected or denied to specific houses through a pretty involved process. Interesting stuff talking with her!

There were about 25 interns there from schools in Texas, North Carolina, the Ivy League, and everywhere in between. It was a great experience meeting those individuals and a nice way to break up the day. I'm glad I went!



-Kevin Arndt

Toby the Metro Life Coach

I’ve never been one to turn down free advice or good conversation. I met an extremely interesting gentleman by the name of Toby at Union Station. When I first sat down next to him he was listening to headphones belting out his favorite rap lines. He was dressed in checkered black and white shorts with a black polo and was trying to initiate a conversation with an asian gentleman who wasn’t having it at all. I felt embarrassed by someone acting so rude to Toby, and began conversing with him. His language was extremely graphic, and his delivery definitely needed some work, but he had some confidence I think we should all try to emulate in life. The topics we discussed ranged from domestic violence, interracial relationships, pick up lines (or what he called cash lines), and lastly the six different types of women.

Now what I’m about to share with you according to him only six other men in the world know about and should be digested and read only with a huge amount of respect. The first type of woman is a “player or playette”, she’s extremely social and has a great sense of humor. As he’s describing this type of woman, he nonchalantly pointed at a woman minding her own business listening to her iPod and said she probably fit this mold and how it’s extremely important to use gestures with “playettes”. I of course needed examples of these gestures to implement in my litany of interpersonal devices. Toby then proceeded to casually look down at his leg for a second, and then sensually (or as sensual as you can get with a heinously lazy eye) slowly raised his head and made lusty eye contact with me. At this point I was 100% positive he was giving me completely sound advice and asked him to profer the rest of the types of women.

I asked him if this strategy really worked and he said of course it does watch this. He asked a woman standing next to us in the metro if she was social and surprisingly she grinned and said “Yes” in response. Toby then exultingly turned back to me and said that this woman was extremely social and the only type of woman you want to speak with in general because they are the most receptive to conversation. Like I mentioned earlier, he really needed to work on his delivery, he literally yelled his life coach tips to me which sounds bad but was really excellent because the entire metro car could be privy to such life altering advice. After 45 minutes of lecturing me on how to speak with women, he randomly exited out of the metro without any warning besides a quick fist pound and nimbly dodged the closing doors. Five minutes later at the next stop the woman he had earlier asked if she was social tapped me on the shoulder as she was walking out and gave me the best advice of the night “Sir, if you listen to any of that advice that man just gave you you are so dumb”. She obviously had no idea what a casanova Toby really was.

Alexander Hurd

Visit to the Pentagon Memorial

                On our way home from the Pentagon City Shopping Mall, myself and some of the other fellows decided it would be the perfect opportunity to visit the Pentagon and its memorial site.  None of us were sure what to expect when arriving at the area but speaking for myself, I was more moved by the memorial than I thought I could be.

                At first glance, we saw the two memorial stones.  The first stone is below while the second stone consisted of the names of the 184 victims in the Flight 77.  59 of the victims were on the plane headed to the Los Angeles International Airport while the other 125 victims were in the Pentagon building. 

                As we moved into the actual memorial, I was surprised by the layout chosen and couldn’t figure out the symbolism throughout it.  Since none of the other fellows I was with understood it either, we asked a tourist if he could explain the arrangement of the memorial to us.  Willingly, he clarified each part of the memorial for us.  There are 184 benches each with the victims’ names on the end of the bench and their family members’ names below if they were also a part of Flight 77.  The benches are aligned diagonally in order of the victims’ age, starting with Dana Falkenberg, age 3, and ending with Captain John D. Yamnicky Sr., age 71.  Each of the benches lines up with the year of each victim’s birth on the side wall.  The benches that show the names when looking at the sky are the victims who were on the airplane whereas the benches that show the names when looking at the Pentagon are the victims who were in the Pentagon at the time.  Listening to the tourist’s knowledge of Flight 77 and the memorial was extremely touching.  I feel that everyone visiting Washington D.C. needs to make a trip to the Pentagon Memorial to reflect on 9/11.  Because even though one, like myself, may not have directly known a victim of 9/11, it still has affected everyone in their own unique way.

-Brooke Koester

Say Yes to Public Service

Spending and evening with so many incredible people who are so passionate and enthusiastic about public service was an extremely inspirational experience. Last Thursday, June 21, we attended the Excellence in Public Service Award ceremony at the Marian Koshland Science Museum. It was extraordinary to watch Senator Glenn honor Charlie Bolden, NASA administrator, with this inspiring award. It was very clear that he was overwhelmingly deserving of this great award and honor.

Hearing both Senator Glenn and Mr. Bolden speak about our future and the work we could contribute to improving public service in our country was truly moving. They both see so much potential in each of us, and hearing their stories and what public policy means to them made me appreciate my participation in this internship program that much more. Mr. Bolden, on various occasions, looked directly at many of the interns during his speech and said, one day you could be on the moon, or you could be doing something amazing. Our generation does have the chance to do good for our country and public service and he really showed us the importance of that.

When Senator Glenn came to talk to our class on Friday, he made a point to remind us that in 25 or 30 years, this world is going to be ours, not our parents and not those who are here now, but ours. That statement stuck with me and really got me thinking. He is absolutely right. The decisions we make are going to impact our future and those to come after us. The statistics he shared about the large percentage of the working class that will be retired within the next ten years were astonishing. We can’t sit back and let others make all the decisions, but rather, we need to fight for what we believe and work to improve our society and country.

Having the unique opportunity to talk to many past fellows, other Ohio State faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as those from NASA was a very heartwarming experience. I was so honored to be a part of that great evening, and gain a better understanding for public service. Both the Bolden’s and the Glenn’s are incredibly inspirational people, and their enthusiasm for public service is 100% evident.

-Ariel Cohen 

A Meeting with the USDA

On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to listen in on a meeting between representatives of the USDA and a variety of consumer advocate groups. As I walked into the hall of the USDA building on the national mall, I was unsure of what to expect. I was surprised when my supervisor, Sarah, guided me into a small conference room with approximately twenty chairs. The other interns and I were guided to sit in seats behind the table as the various as the representatives for the consumer groups and USDA sat around the table. Then the discussions began.

      While the discussions about different food policies that may be implemented in the near future were interesting, I was even more intrigued at how different consumer group representatives interacted with the USDA staff. Some were calm and rational in their approach, while others were confrontational and aggressive. Some seemed to quietly observe, while others spoke frequently and emotionally about their preferred regulations. Even though the meeting was over two hours long, the discussions were so interesting I was surprised at how fast the meeting flew by. Soon Sarah and I were headed back out the building and getting a taxi back to the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s main office.

     On the way back, Sarah briefed me on some of the consumer advocacy representatives’ background. I was shocked to learn that one of the more emotional speakers had lost a grandson because the grandson had consumed ground beef contaminated with E. coli.  That fact made me reflect on my reasons for pursuing a degree in food science. Food is necessary for survival, but it can also lead to illness and death if it is not processed properly. Sarah’s story helped me to realize the urgent need to guarantee that all food is processed in a safe environment.  I hope that in the future I can be inspired by this story to continually strive to promote safe food.   

~Christy Beck

Chicken Meatballs?

Just a block away from the Chinatown Metro stop, I decided to grab a quick bite to eat before an event. Having heard of the restaurant multiple times before, I stopped at Meatballs.

The employees were extremely nice and more than willing to explain the concept of the food. I was given the option of beef, lamb or chicken meatballs, and then asked to pick a sauce and spices. I decided to step outside the box and try the chicken meatballs.

Although I was a bit skeptical initially, the meal was not bad. A decently sized bowl of pasta, three or four giant chicken meatballs, Alfredo sauce and hot peppers made for a hearty meal. The concept is fun and unique. The prices are pretty high (about $10), and I would not choose chicken again. Yet, I would still return.

This restaurant fits well with the DC dining stereotype- one of a kind. Chinatown has a lot of great food to sample, and choosing can be a bit overwhelming. If you are looking for something simple, fast and filling, then definitely visit.


-Aiesha White

Unlike Any Market I've Seen

While walking along Constitution Ave attempting to search for "Eastern Market" on Google Maps, I quickly realized that my iPhone simply could not prepare me for the outdoor wonderland that is Eastern Market.

As a proud flee market shopper and lover of any outdoor vending, I was delighted to discover that the Eastern Market had everything I wanted. There were stands full of fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade desserts, spice combinations, and plenty of free samples. The stands that were the most intriguing to me, however, were the jewelry and miscellaneous trinket stands. Tempted and weak by all of the unique offerings, I quickly indulged. The vendors were particularly friendly as they told me their own personal stories of creating the items they were selling. One man told me that he often drove for days simply looking for unique pieces that he could purchase and transform into his own art.

I quickly realized why Eastern Market was so famous and successful. Yes, the items were authentic and original. However, it was the hard work and genuine nature of the vendors that made the area something special. The atmosphere of the Market was incredibly welcoming and complimented the beautiful weather perfectly.

I could easily picture myself visiting every weekend this summer if given the opportunity, and I did not mind only spending $10 for 15 items. :)

-Aiesha White

Abridged Biography of Aaron Schock with coinciding personal revelations

         The intern lecture series I went to on Tuesday changed my life. Aaron Schock represents all that I aspire to be, or rather should have aspired to been at a much earlier age. Representative Schock has already accomplished more at the age of 31 than I could hope to accomplish in a lifetime. He’s the youngest representative in the House of Representatives and his amazing life story started out in the seventh grade.
         He grew up in Illinois and during his youth there ticket scalping became legal while he was at the tender age of twelve. Mr. Schock quickly made 18K dollars and then began systematically investing in the top 10 companies financial magazines told him to. He amassed an exorbitant amount of money in coincidence with the booming stock market during his childhood. After getting enough credit to graduate High School in three years, he turned in his paperwork and was told by an administrator it went against their school system’s policies to allow anyone to graduate early due to real estate tax benefits the school would miss out on account of early graduates. He countered with a written check for $8,400, and was once again stonewalled by the administration because they thought this would set a bad precedent.
         The only way through this poor educational policy was through the leadership themselves. No one could change this policy besides the school board, so despite these setbacks, he decided to enact change himself. He went door to door and collected over a thousand signatures to run for office. Once the incumbent school board president he was running against found out about his plans, she schemed to have his petition disqualified because of a technicality, and booted him off the ballot. Instead of being disturbed, and whilst being indubitability perturbed, he organized a militia of thirty angry mobs to go door to door and organized a big enough backing to win the election as a write in candidate.
         Whilst a member of this school board, he went on to figure out how to balance their 9 million dollar budget deficit in two years, and then was unanimously elected as the school board president at the age of 21. He then bought a huge real estate acre lot with the money he accrued from stocks and ticket scalping, and made money off of the gravel he had surveyed in the land before purchasing it. He continued to make money in the real estate market, and then was elected to the Illinois legislature at the age of 23, becoming the youngest member of the body. He then narrowly won his first election to become the youngest member of the House of Representatives at the age of 28 in 2009. I didn’t even think the most politically savvy person could climb the political rungs this quickly, but he proved me wrong.
         After leaving this intern lecture, I felt invigorated and melancholy all at the same time. Who can accomplish all of this by the tender age of 31? What am I doing with my dismal life? And then my father reminded me via Facebook “ Life is a journey to enjoy. The only thing you are in a race with is your own potential. There will always be people beyond and behind you. Every time you help someone behind, you make better time on your journey.” And then I realized I wasn’t in a race with him anymore, I was in a race with myself. And like Mr. Schock so wisely advised, it’s someone who runs through the proverbial door of opportunity that enjoys success. Someone who puts himself or herself out there for failure, and distinguished themselves through excellence.  I intend to do the same whenever the opportunity indubitably  presents itself.


Alexander Hurd

In D.C., opportunities abound for politics fanboys

Before I had even arrived in Washington, I had scoured the Internet for events that I knew would be fun, worth attending, and preferably free. As a self-described wonk and politics fanboy, my definition of fun tends to stray from the mainstream notion of the concept. This point was illustrated by how I spent my Tuesday evening; discussing the politics of monetary policy with a blogger from Slate and an MSNBC host.

It probably comes as no surprise to anyone that knows me and my politics, but I am a regular viewer of MSNBC. Beyond the well-known and poorly-concealed political leaning of the station's programming (which I happen to agree with), I find the discussions on MSNBC are typically more nuanced than other daytime news channels. Chris Hayes's eponymous "Up" program epitomizes this quality. When I saw on his website that he would be speaking in Washington to promote his new book Twilight of the Elites: America after Meritocracy, I knew I had to trek over to Dupont Circle for the chance to meet him.

Over the weekend, my plans were further solidified when I saw on Twitter that one of my favorite political/economic bloggers, Matt Yglesias, would be attending. The chance to meet two of my favorite politicos at once? Yes please.

The New America Foundation, where Chris used to be a Fellow, hosted the event at the Arizona State University Washington Center just north of Dupont Circle. As soon as I walked into the building, I literally walked into Chris Hayes talking to Matt.Thirty seconds into his talk, Chris was addressing the key point of my forthcoming honors thesis (the politics and public role of the Federal Reserve). Throughout the speech, Matt and I munched on complimentary cheese slices and fruit. My giddiness about being so close to my idol approached schoolboy levels. 


I approached Matt afterward, and he was as nice as could be. He appreciated my readership, and listened intently as I shared my views on his writings regarding NGDP targeting (read as: fun stuff). I told him that I was working at Center for American Progress, where he worked for three years as a writer, and he encouraged me to keep pushing my bosses to do more on the monetary policy front. Chris Hayes also shared my frustrations with the lack of a left wing voice on central banking, which I admittedly ranted about to him for a solid two minutes. I left the ASU Center with an unrivaled sense of elation at having been validated by two of my favorite contemporary thinkers.

The meaning of this post's title refers to the opportunities, such as this event today, that exist throughout this great city. No matter your political, religious, or philosophical persuasion, there are organizations in DC holding events that will interest you. Often these events are free and open to the public, and they provide an almost surreal level of access to influential thinkers in domestic and international politics. I encourage you to go out and listen to speakers, meet with important people, and don't be afraid to share your opinion. There's no telling what putting your neck out there will lead to. It can only be positive in a city like this.

- Cameron DeHart

A Saturday Morning at the Eastern Market

This unique area on 7^th Street SE, not too far from the Congressional, was filled with eager people from end to end. Everyone was so excited to taste the samples of fresh fruit and look at the carefully sewn clothes. Arriving at the Eastern Market was a sigh of relief, as my first week in D.C. consisted of ordering groceries that took a day or so to be delivered, or walking to the corner market and only picking up a few packaged items because that was all I could carry. Seeing all the fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish made me realize that I could actually eat more than noodles and hot dogs this summer.

The atmosphere of the market was incredible. Families walked up and down the rows grabbing samples and enjoying time with one another. The market has both an outside area and inside merchants as well. Inside, the line was wrapped 3 rows back as people waited to order fresh, readymade lunches. Every direction you turned, someone was selling something different that looked even more delicious than the previous. The flowers were beautiful and the people watching was superior. It never slowed down either. People kept appearing from all directions, each on their own mission.

Overall, the Eastern Market was a very neat place, and one everyone should walk through at least once while we are here. Although everyone is still moving quickly, it’s a rather different aura than that of walking on Capitol Hill, and the food is great too! 

-Ariel Cohen

I Gotta Feeling, Woohoooo

            The first week of the WAIP is done and there is ONLY nine more weeks left. This is a depressing thought. Living in DC was a dream for me. I now can mark it off my bucket list; however, time is short and there is still much to see. This entry is a reflection of some of the more interesting things I experienced the first week in DC.

            For those who have seen but not entered the Library of Congress (more specifically the Jefferson building), do so. It is known for its involvement in National Treasure 2, where it was used as a key setting; however, the film did not do the building justice. The stone pillars and stairwells are all white marble, which stands in contrast to the gold, red, and green walls and ceiling. It is one of the most beautiful sights in DC. Check it out. Also, if you are interested, you can gain access to the grand reading room by applying for a research card (which I did!). I look forward to visiting the grand reading room in slacks, a button up, and a tie simply to sit at a desk and read the BBC.

            For those who are accustomed to the lifestyle of Columbus have no fear, DC is incredibly similar. These similarities however, are intriguing. For instance, there seems to be as many homeless in Columbus as there is in DC. I find this surprising. DC is supposed to be the capital of the most powerful nation in the world, yet 5 blocks from the White House, on Constitution Avenue, lays a homeless man. I do not mean to jest at these individual’s situation but simply make a point: Columbus and DC are similar in a number of ways. When walking down High Street late at night you are sure to have an adventure. Likewise, visiting the DC monuments late at night is also an interesting experience. You will find out that the transition form Columbus to DC is not as hard as you may think.

            Finally, I encourage everyone to take a look at the American Historical Museum. I know everyone will most likely go, but make sure you see the war exhibit. The war exhibit portrays America’s experience in each conflict that it has participated in, starting from the French and Indian War and continuing to the Iraq war. The best piece of the exhibit, in my opinion, is the wreckage from the World Trade Center.  9/11 is made all too real when one examines the metal brass contorted at odd angles. The exhibit is amazing and worth a look.

Mark Zronek 

Take me down to Chinatown

On Saturday, my roommate Alex and I made our first trek to the Chinatown neighborhood of Washington. I was embarrassed to admit to my fellow Fellows that I had never visited a Chinatown before, and I was forced to By no means am I some uncouth brute, resistant to experiencing other cultures. In fact, when it comes to culinary matters, I consider myself something of a “strange food” connoisseur. I have a Bourdain-esque fearlessness when it comes to food, something that I think is necessary when you find yourself staring at balut, century eggs, and pig face. Unfortunately (or fortunately for Alex, I suppose) our experience in DC Chinatown did not live up to my Travel Channel expectations.

                Having never been to this area of the city before, we relied on a restaurant rating app to point us towards the highest quality-price ratio. That may or may not be the best method for exploring a new district, especially one as foreign as Chinatown, but we made it work. Our first choice, a small place simply called “Burma”, required a bit of work to locate. The address listed on the website was shared with an Asian hair salon, and our confused search allowed us to peak behind the tourist veil into what I assume was the reality of Asian immigrants living in the United States.

                 After we discovered that Burma was closed, we went to a small basement restaurant called Big Wong, where the $20+ price tag for the more adventurous dishes, such as Jelly Fish, forced me to settle for the hot and sour soup and chicken lo mein. The soup wasn’t as spicy as I know the locals prefer for themselves, and I have to wonder if the server died a little bit inside when she gave us our forks and sat us down in front of our Chinese Zodiac placemats, completely stripped of their deeply rooted mystic tradition. This was a manufactured culture.

To make one more random generalization, I imagine the food prices in Chinatown are highly inflated by high demand from (mostly white) out-of-towners for generic “Chinese food”.  I doubt the first or second generation immigrants in this area can afford to regularly pay such high prices for these cultural sterile meals, and I suspect another side of Chinatown exists outside of the reach of the tourist buses.  I would much rather spend a day there. 

- Cameron DeHart

The MLJ Jr. Memorial

This morning, my second Sunday in D.C., I got up early to go riding through the National Mall and up the Potomac. It was a beautiful morning, and the experience of being near the Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial before the tourists and crowds clogged the streets was something I haven’t experience before. But the most memorable moment of the ride came from the new (to me and to the city) Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.

The site itself is relatively simple. A curved wall creates a crescent line that breaks in the middle as the figure of Dr. King thrusts forward, towards the Tidal Basin off the of the West Potomac. The wall is inscribed with quotes spanning Dr. King’s career, but two resonated with me more than the others as I enter the week to come, excited to meet Senator Glenn and discuss the nature of public service. The first quote, from a speech King made in 1959 in D.C., is, “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” Coupled with the second from 1964: “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits,” I was prodded to evaluate the nature of my summer in D.C.

What is my role, as someone with means and education that are unobtainable to many in this city, and how can I translate that role to Columbus and wherever I end up after graduation. When I see a homeless person on my way to work, should I be blind to the reality of the market and it’s unavoidable inequalities, or should I realize that he or she is a person capable of feeling and hurting just as I am? It’s been a few years since I saw a homeless person as a person rather than the representative of a condition without much clout or weight in the minds of the majority of Americans; perhaps because many of us believe that homelessness is a permanent fixture of our society.

More than anything the memorial made me reevaluate the possibilities for public service in our country. I am young and have an entire career to effect change through hard work, so why not have the “audacity” to believe in our power to do it.

-Devin Benson

Second Day of Work

I live on the north side of campus back home, but have found that most of the places I go in Columbus are in the Short North; especially for coffee, food, or to read in Goodale Park. COTA is (in my opinion) a frustrating and inconsistent excuse for an urban public transit system, so I have tended to use my bike when traveling across town.
              
I’ve learned to actually enjoy these bike commutes, and decided a few weeks ago that I would bring my bike (a second-hand Craigslist gem from Victorian Village) to D.C. However, the thought of riding down busy urban streets at a scale and density much greater than Columbus’s was daunting. For safety I decided to consult a close friend about what type of helmet would be appropriate. I have seen people seriously injured riding in Columbus, so my personal safety was a bit of a concern.
              
This particular friend happens to be half Dutch and half English, and has lived in both respective countries. When asked for helmet advice, she seemed confused. According to her, they don’t really use helmets all that often in Cambridge (in the U.K.) and Groningen (in Holland), because their streets are planned in ways that separate bike and car traffic. The idea that someone in the U.S. would have to wear helmets, pads, and other protective gear just to travel around town perplexed her, as if we have Third World infrastructure.


So I was pleasantly surprised this morning when I found quite a few dedicated bike lanes from The Hill to DuPont Circle. And where there weren’t, it was clear that D.C. drivers were accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists. I’ll also save about five bucks today by avoiding two metro trips, I’ll get eight miles worth of exercise, and I’ll get to see more of the city this summer by traveling through it rather than under it. In fact, this morning I found myself right outside of the White House, simply because I took a wrong turn.

-Devin Benson 
              

Bye, Mr. Lincoln!

I just finished my last run in Washington, and I followed one of my favorite routes: down Independence, through the Mall, past the Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and right around the Lincoln Memorial. Instead of running right on back, though, I took some time and walked around my favorite memorial.  I love Mr. Lincoln! He never fails to give me the goosebumps.

Yes, this is a google image. But it's still awesome!

I don't know what it is about that memorial that moves me so. It is just so regal and awe-inspiring. Reading the words inscribed in the walls above his head reminds me how amazing our country is (yes, cliche, I know, but true). I never get tired of seeing that monument. 

Reflections on Internship

My internship experience with Congressman Tiberi was incredible. It really helped me to advance my career both in who I met and because through working with the Congressman and other staffers I began to realize what I wanted to do with my life post-graduation. The office itself was very entertaining, there were the occasional slow days but during those days everyone in the office would get lunch together and sit around and chat. I always felt like I was a part of the team. The fact that everyone in the office is from central Ohio made me feel much more comfortable, it also meant the office was very connected and responsive to what was going on back in the district. I know of several other offices where some staffers and/or interns were not from the district so I felt his office was unique in that regard. From an academic standpoint I learned a great deal about the mechanisms of the office and Congress in general but I also learned a great deal about interactions between the Congressman, constituents and interested parties. It was so amazing to be able to sit in on meetings between the Congressman and other people. I feel like I now know so much more about how Capitol Hill operates than I did before, I found even the most “boring” hearings to be very entertaining because I have never seen anything like it before. I would highly recommend interning on Capitol Hill in general and specifically one of the House offices, I may be a little biased but in a House office there are fewer people so you forge a relationship with each staffer and get to meet the Congressman much more often than one would in the Senate. This experience will definitely stay with me forever; hopefully I will be able to utilize some of what I have learned and who I have met in the future, I plan on working on Congressman Tiberi’s campaign once I return to Ohio so hopefully I can continue to build the relationships that I have begun here in D.C.

Zach Prouty