Our House on the News

We lived on Capitol Hill for thirteen years. We moved there from the Midwest to be closer to family, but I also got a job at the Library of Congress. That made for a two block walking commute where I could come home for lunch every day. It was wonderful! Because the tiny condo, located in an 1890’s building, was so close to the Capitol, you can oftentimes see it when there are helicopter or drone shots of the city. And that was the case last week. We were watching the local news and there was a story about something related to the city. Then there was a flyover shot of the Capitol. Right behind it you could clearly see the five story white building that we used to call home. Our son and his family lived right down the street in an old townhouse that was completely renovated. Now they, and we, no longer live there. It was actually located in a wonderful suburban neighborhood. It looked so much nicer than it was. There were so many problems with these old structures and the inconveniences are too long to describe. The earthquake probably damaged a lot of the infrastructure. And street parking was always an issue - even though we had residential permits. We still drive by the area regularly and oftentimes park there when we take a weekly morning walk in town. It was a very memorable thirteen years living there. It’s always fun to see it on tv. 

Fresco News Reporter

I heard about Periscope, but didn't think it was very applicable for my use. But when we were in Florida this week, I was introduced to Fresco News. I usually post a few items daily on Instagram. Several entries were of tropical storm Colin, including a video of ducks in a puddle beside the pond they normally flap around in. I received a message from Fresco News asking to use the video on their feed. So I found out more about it, and it may be an interesting proposition. I agreed that they could use it, and it was on their feed in short order. It's funny how the things I liked to do before going to college and finding myself in a health care career, have been rekindled in both art and now journalism. I've been painting for the last four years on my iPad, and now I can participate in current affairs photojournalism via this app. I haven't put it to use yet, but if there is a story someone would like a video feed or photo images for, you get notified. If your images are used, you get credit for them and possible payouts. Living in DC may or may not be a helpful environment. But yesterday on our morning walk I didn't take photos of the activity in the city around the prime minister of India at the Capitol building, and that was a listed feature on Fresco News. So who knows? I'm ready to participate and waiting to see what happens. In the meantime, I'll keep posting whatever I do on Instagram. Maybe they will like something else I am completely unaware of! 

Newseum

The Newseum has been around I think as long as we have lived here - about ten years. We have walked by it many times along Pennsylvania Avenue and checked out the newspapers of the day on display from all over the country and the world. So when our guests from Milwaukee were visiting, one of the places they were interested in seeing was the Newseum. I got the $15 tickets on line before they arrived. They can be used at any time prior to the end of the year, and for over a two days period. Because the weather was so bad, we drove over and parked in the garage for a weekend rate of $15. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but was impressed with the artifacts, layout, and general building structure. The views from the balcony were impressive. So much has happened along the Avenue since it existed, and this spot is a great vantage point for the inaugural parade. There was so much to see within the walls that it was overwhelming.  One could easily spend a lot more time looking at all the news since I'm not sure when. From the sixties forward, things looked so familiar. Prior to that time, it was something I had only read about or learned in history or social studies. The twin tower radio steeple that once stood upon the top of the building was a poignant display. It made me feel quite uneasy and sad looking at it surrounded by the newspapers proclaiming the outrage from all over the world. I was the editor of my high school newspaper and had once considered a career in journalism. I'm not sure why I never pursued it, having written the who, what, when, where, and how stories many times over. Things have changed so dramatically since then. Now everyone is a reporter, and nothing is a secret - and the truth lies somewhere in between.