The New York Roadway Disaster Twenty people were killed this past weekend when a “stretch limo” type vehicle crossed a T-intersection, striking cars and trees. My work has me riding in all manner of commercial vehicles and I have learned they are not equal where safety is concerned. It’s crucial to be informed, to pay […]

Freedom Gets a Do The dome of the U.S. Capitol, made of iron and bolted together, was assembled during the American Civil War, a sign from Lincoln, they say, that the Union would prevail. It did. Atop the dome is the Freedom Statue, there since 1863, all 15,000 bronze pounds of her. She faces east, […]

Like many parts of the nation, we have had our share of rain (and more) the past few weeks. There was a nine-day stretch where the sun seemed on vacation from the skies. We can echo that from the standpoint of rain it’s been one of the wettest ever. Because the Potomac River bisects the […]

It’s June already and we are in the throes of the D.C. guiding season. It’s that time when you can barely remember one group from the next nor what you said or to whom you said it. This is my ninth year and and for the first time, I have had eighth-graders inform me with […]

Last evening, the beginning of Memorial Day weekend, I found myself at Arlington National Cemetery touring with 8th-graders from Ohio. It was 6pm sharp, we were at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and the changing of the guard was underway. It being the day that it was, a sentinel was in charge rather than a […]

It’s Now or Never Many folks visiting the Cathedral these past few years, and even some working there, have lamented the “disneyization” of the place. First they started charging to enter. Then they locked the doors to ensure no one was sneaking in to God’s great house free. Next came the multiple gift shops, some […]

Upturned Everything and Azerbaijan It’s been a gusty few days here in the Capitol, I was walking up 22nd st. Friday evening when a howling wind stopped me in my tracks. Thankfully, the temperature has been not so bad making the wind, its longevity and speed, more of a curiosity than anything. But, to be […]

DC Sites: History and Background Many folks know I have been a licensed DC guide for nine years. As a way of thanking my brother and sister IAFF members for their hard work, I will lead three free tours during the conference. Tour One will be of Arlington National Cemetery. Tour Two will be of […]

When a Fifth-Grader Gets It Retired Marine General and Trump chief-of-staff John Kelly said recently that, Confederate General Robert E. Lee was  “an honorable man who gave up his country to fight for his state.” Kelly’s statement tells us much about how he personally views the concept of honor. The idea of honor is anchored […]

And the Laugh’s on Zuckerberg Well, the Fall guiding season is in full swing in our Nation’s Capitol with adults here to see the sights and visiting eighth-grade students here to prevent them from doing it. Just kidding. Sort of. I have guided adult mid-westerners on a retirement getaway, perhaps even from the grand children, […]