The List is Life...

the list is life

A week or so ago, as I was out walking along Pennsylvania Avenue taking in the sights and preparations for last week's inaugural, I stumbled upon this tiny piece of graffiti. I was so struck by its simplicity that I had to take a picture. It made me think about my dreams. Our dreams. The interconnectedness of dreams.

Then it made me think about Hume's guillotine--the meta-ethic theory about what is and what ought to be. What is is harsh and real. What ought to be is wide open to possibility.

I've also been thinking about human relations and how interconnected we are.

I'm still thinking. What are you thinking?

P.S. If you can name the source of today's title, I'll send you a signed copy of any picture of your choice from my blog.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

Bunting

Stars and stripes surround the door of the PNC Bank branch at 1501 Pennsylvania Avenue
across from the U.S. Treasury Building and within sight of the White House.

Washington pretties itself up and buttons itself down for the inauguration of our nation's presidents and this inauguration is no exception. Today's post features some of the bunting that currently bedecks buildings down near the White House.

Bunting on an office building in the 1800-block of Pennsylvania Avenue

In addition to decorating buildings, security is also very tight. Among other things, the Department of Public Works will remove all trash cans along the presidential parade route. The Department of Transportation will weld all manhole covers shut along the same route. And, on the afternoon of January 19, traffic light poles will be taken down from the center of the avenue. In addition, all bridges from the Commonwealth of Virginia will be closed to auto traffic.

Patriotic colors surround the doorway of the PNC Bank branch on Pennsylvania Avenue

This year's inaugural events includes 22 Jumbotron televisions set up along the length of the National Mall and on the parade route. Crowd estimates currently stand at 2 million. While most of us living in the city and surrounding areas are excited about this year's historic inaugural, many of us are also glad this event only happens every four years!


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

Taxation

Colonnade in color

I can't decide which I like better--this colonnade at the Internal Revenue Service in color or black and white. What do you think? By way of information, the IRS is the tax-collecting arm of the Federal Government. Americans pay approximately 35% of their salary in taxes. The history of income tax in the U.S. dates back to the Lincoln Administration when the government instituted a tax to help finance the Civil War. The tax was never meant to be permanent, but it's also never been rescinded. There is continued debate regarding the legality of the IRS and income tax. I doubt they'll ever resolve it, though. As long as there's government and programs and citizens and the need to pay for services and benefits, there will be taxes.

Colonnade in black and white

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Newseum

The Newseum: Dedicated to promoting free press and free speech

Located on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 6th Street NW, the Newseum is Washington's museum to news and journalism. Built at a cost of $450 million, it opened to the public in April 2008. Originally based in Arlington, Virginia, the Newseum closed its doors in 2002 to build at this location.

The Freedom Forum, a non-profit foundation whose mission is dedicated to "free press, free speech, and free spirit for all people" funds the Newseum's operations. However, unlike the majority of museums located on or near the National Mall, there is a fee to visit the Newseum. Tickets are $20 for adults. I've heard mixed reviews about whether it's worth the twenty bucks, which is why I haven't been yet.

The subject of yesterday's photo, oriented properly today!

A staircase at the Newseum was the subject of yesterday's photo. And Wayne was right: I did turn the picture on its side. Here it is again, but this time right side up!

Just a different view of the same staircase.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential