Gershwin Prize Winners

Along one of the hallways of the Library of Congress Jefferson Building is the Coolidge Auditorium. We've been there many times for a variety of events and lectures that are usually free and open to the public. The graceful archways also serve as a great background for the posters that are on display every so many feet. This year the Billy Joel poster was added to the space as the 2014 Gershwin Prize Winner. This was also an artist that we got to see perform for free at Constitution Hall last year. Other winners include Paul Simon, Hal David and Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Carole King. They are all so very familiar to me, but I didn't get to see any of the others in concert. Every once in a while the employees get a chance to attend events to help fill the seats. I always try to take advantage of those rare opportunities. They don't happen that often, but we are always glad when we go. So when I walk the halls on an afternoon break it's a nice reminder to see the past recipients. I wonder who it will be this year? But more importantly, will I get to go?

Anniversity? US Capitol Grounds Memorial Tree

Strolling through the Capitol grounds we noticed a sign on one of the trees. Many of the trees are dedicated to different people for a variety of reasons, while other name plates simply identify the type of tree or plant that is growing in the spot. There was nothing really unique about the sign itself but something caught my eye. Upon closer inspection, we noticed a weird word ... Anniversity? We both looked it up immediately on line and could not find it on a website or in the dictionary. I even sent a picture of the sign it to a friend who knows everything about words and the Capitol, and she never heard of it. So, was it created this way on purpose, or is it a mistake and someone was hoping it would not be noticed. If you have ever heard of this word, please help us out! In the mean time, shame on the person who approved and made it!