Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Ford's Theatre

On Friday June 13th, we had no study tour scheduled. I was disappointed by this and decided to take matters into my own hands and go to Ford's Theatre, at which President Lincoln was shot in 1865. The building is essentially the same as it appeared nearly 150 years ago, and looks slightly out of place among the much larger and more modern buildings. Due to increased tourism, the National Park Service has attached a modern visitors center and museum onto the original building.

When I arrived, I stood in a line for about 20 minutes only to find out that I had to purchase a ticket before getting in line. Frustrated, I got in line for a ticket, only to find out that the tickets for the main part of the museum had sold out. However, the woman at the desk convinced me that I would still see 75 percent of the "important stuff" if I accepted a free ticket to the main theater and the house across the street in which Lincoln died. I did this and got back in line.

After waiting in line in the rain for another half hour, we were led into the main theater where a park ranger dressed in period clothing told us that he was there the night the President was shot. He told us that Lincoln had gone with his wife, Mary to enjoy a play and celebrate the surrender of Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army days earlier. He said that the President was late to the play, and as he sat down, the band played "Hail to the Chief". About an hour and a half after Lincoln arrived, John Wilkes Booth arrived. He waited until there was only one actor on stage, then sneaked behind Lincoln, shot him in the head, and jumped down from the Presidential box, breaking his leg in the process. He yelled "Sic semper  tyranins" (Thus always to tyrants) and fled into the night. Lincoln was carried across the street to a house where he died the next morning. Booth was killed days later in a barn in Virginia.

The tour guide mentioned that Booth was part of a larger conspiracy to kill Vice President Johnson and Secretary of State Seward. I thought it was eerie to see the box in which Lincoln was shot. We were not allowed to go in, but the box is draped in American flags and, somewhat oddly has a portrait of George Washington, rather than one of Lincoln. I did not have a ticket to see the museum downstairs, so I headed across the street to see the house where the President died. It is kept as it appeared in 1865 and even has the bed on which Lincoln died. He was a very tall person, so I thought it was strange that he was placed on such a small bed. 

Exiting the house requires visitors to go through a small museum with exhibits on the Lincoln Memorial, Civil War weapons, and Lincoln's impact on the Civil Rights Movement. All this was very interesting, but I regret not being able to see the rest of the museum in the theater.

This was a fun trip, and I encourage anyone who has not yet gone to Ford's Theatre to check it out. Lincoln was one of our greatest Presidents and it was interesting and sad to see where he was assassinated.
The box where Lincoln was shot
The bed where Lincoln died





Chris Doarn

Sunday, June 22, 2014

The National Zoo

Being from Ohio, I am a sucker for zoos. And given our state boasts three of the top ten zoos in the nation, I think my love is warranted.
#1 – Columbus
#2 – Cincinnati
#7 – Toledo

Also, since first seeing the movie Racing Stripes, I have been convinced that I will come home one day to find a zebra in my barn, and while this has not yet happened, I’m not giving up hope… and would never pass up the opportunity to see some zebras. So, when a few WAIP fellows mentioned taking a trip to the National Zoo, obviously, I was in.



I was in love with this elephant. 

The National Zoo recently acquired three new Asian Elephants 
from the Calgary Zoo. You can watch a live feed of them here!



The National Zoo is known for its Giant Pandas--
like this big guy who was really enjoying some bamboo.


I was in love with this Grevy's Zebra, and wanted to bring her home with me, 
but sadly The Congressional charges $100 a night for pets 
and I am an unpaid intern, so financially, it wouldn't work out. 

Fun Fact: every zebra has a unique set of stripes, 
which are as distinctive as fingerprints. 


This cheetah was snacking on a rabbit!


These creatures somehow escaped their cages.



The allusive Markeezy.... a solitary creature.



While I was a little disappointed to not see Jack Hanna (I guess he only lives at the Columbus Zoo.. who knew?), I would say our trip to the National Zoo was a success. Topped off, of course, by the FroYo we had on the way back to the metro station.

- tori edwards - 




The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo. – Desmond Morris

Friday, June 20, 2014

Opportunities
It is an opportunity and pleasure to be in our nation’s capital this summer as one of nineteen fellows in the John Glenn School of Public Affairs’ Washington Academic Internship Program.    Staying in Arlington and commuting into D.C. is an adventure.    I love my walk to the metro each morning and back home in the evenings.   


Bluemont Trail, Arlington, VA

There’s a lovely bike path just down the street that takes me part way.  It’s a peaceful walk and the perfect time for reflection, listening to the news or music, or to call and check-in with one of my adult children in Ohio.

Learning Washington’s Metrorail system has been an adventure.   I’ve taken the wrong train more than once and the right train headed in the wrong direction twice!  I’ve also learned you need to use the same Metro SmarTrip or paper Farecard to exit a Metro station as you used to start your trip.   If you don’t, the turnstile refuses to let you exit the station.

I’m interning at the U.S. Department of Education in the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (http://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/list/fbci/index.html) which stems from the White House office of the same name. The center facilitates partnerships between government at all levels and nonprofit organizations, secular and faith-based, to promote student academic achievement.  The concept of government (city, county, state, and federal) seeking out and partnering with communities is dear to my heart, especially as it regards education and the education of our most vulnerable children. 

Community businesses and philanthropic agencies, local elected officials, educational and medical (physical and emotional) institutions, nonprofits (faith-based and secular), social service agencies, law enforcement and the judiciary all have a role to play and a duty to do all they can to strengthen educational opportunities and supports for young people.  In Springfield, Ohio I’ve seen the impact this type of community cohesion and involvement can have on individual children and families.  And now, to be meeting national education and community engagement leaders is awe inspiring.  It is a unique opportunity and I’m thankful it’s mine.

“The question is whether all of us — as citizens, and as parents — are willing to do what’s necessary to give every child a chance to succeed. That responsibility begins not in our classrooms, but in our homes and communities.”
President Obama, State of the Union Address January 25, 2011

Monday, June 16, 2014

Pat’s Guide to Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood


Growing up in suburban Cleveland, my culinary expertise reached its peak in early kindergarten when I first enjoyed a family dinner at Applebee’s. Since that historic meal, the “Bee’s” as I’ve come to call it, has been my favorite fine diner. In fact, I’ve judged all other places of dining on their ability to taste as good as Applebee’s.

However, this summer when I was informed that there was a grand total of ZERO Applebee’s restaurants in the District of Columbia, I was forced to make a decision. I had to decide whether I pack up my bags and head home OR stay in the city and expand my taste buds’ limited vocabulary by “trying new things.” When push came to shove, I chose the latter.

Thus, I have used my experiences to publish this elaborate set of awards, honoring some of the best establishments in town. To any fellow intern looking to “Eat Good in the Neighborhood”, I am happy to supply you with these valuable tips.

1.    Best Homemade Meal of the Summer

Sixth Floor Tacos by Marcella Hoard

      Aniello Miele, best known for his stints on Hell’s Kitchen and Sharktank, has a reputation all across DC for making the best chicken fries in town. I’ve had the opportunity to try these and I must admit they really please the taste buds. Nevertheless, I must give the best homemade meal in DC award to Marcella Hoard for her tacos. Although I’ve only been able to enjoy these delicious pastries once, I cannot deny the flavor and zest they are equipped with. If it is ever taco night, I highly suggest stopping by the sixth floor of WISH housing and enjoying some of these wonderful tacos.

2.    Best Combo Meal in Town

FUEL Pizza’s Two Slices of Pepperoni and Breadsticks (with a complimentary softdrink)

      While there has been much debate in my mind regarding the recipient of this award, I’ve decided to honor Fuel Pizza & Wings. Their menu offers a fantastic variety of carb-loaded goodies, including their self proclaimed “Best Wings in Town.” With over 8 combos to choose from, consisting of pizza, wings, breadsticks and drinks, FUEL knows how to make a DC intern feel special for an affordable price.

3.    The “When I Have A Job That Actually Pays Money I’m Going to Come Back Here” Award

Old Ebbitt Grill (15th Street NW)

      Despite several great competitors, this prized honor must be given to the Old Ebbitt Grill. Located scenically close to the White House, Old Ebbitt is a DC legend. Just sitting in Old Ebbitt for five minutes, it is evident that the place has been frequented by some of DC’s most powerful people. Though the prices are almost as steep as the National Debt, Old Ebbitt Grill is definitely a place young professionals should treat themselves to when they land their first full-time job.

4.    The “Wait, I just paid $16 for this?” Award

Shake Shack (Gallery Place – Chinatown)

     Although Shake Shack is unbelievably delicious, the food-per-dollar ratio is remarkably low. For anyone unfamiliar with the food-per-dollar ratio, it is a metric I invented that determines how much food is received per dollar spent. This ratio is by no means scientific; and unfortunately for Shake Shack, paying $16 for a burger combo is by no means good for anyone’s wallet.

5.    The Prestigious “Best Meal on Wheels” Award

Chick Fil’ A truck (Farragut Square)

      Finally, the time has come to announce the “Best Meal on Wheels” Award. For anyone working near K Street, food trucks are a daily phenomenon. With everything from Korean Burritos to Italian Pasta dishes, it can sometimes be difficult for a hungry intern to decide what’s best. Well, I am happy to say that Chick Fil’ A’s “Chicken Mobile” is the winner. The  "Chicken Mobile” offers that same mouthwatering taste, at a location extremely convenient for its loyal customer base. The Original Chicken Sandwich is alive and well in DC.


The Award-Winning Chick Fil' A truck serving it's loyal customers in Farragut Square.


It is my great hope that anyone struck with culinary adversity, like I was, takes a look at this list and is inspired to try something new. DC has a lot to offer and taking advantage of it all can be a very rewarding feeling.

Finally, I’d like to apologize to you, Mrs. Obama, if you are reading this. I know that you are a big follower of the WAIP blog and I truly am sorry for these awards including zero “healthy alternatives.” I will be sure to work on that for my next edition.


Bon Appétit,

Pat Lipaj