Two Things Challenge: Sun / Shadow

Sun and shadow reflected in the window
Wheaton Regional Library, Montgomery County, Maryland

Sun and shadow with cat and water bottle
In my home office, Washington, D.C.

Sun and shadow between buildings
Takoma Park, Maryland

This week's 2 Things Challenge was Sun / Shadow. Thankfully, we're moving out of winter and into spring. Put another way, the days are getting longer and the shadows are getting shorter!

I had so many pictures to choose from that already existed in my files, including a really, really cool picture of National Cathedral, but I decided to actually go out and find new subjects to fit this challenge and here they are: my interpretations of Sun / Shadow!


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 3/08

The Real Deal

After the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum and the National Cherry Blossom Festival,
the Giant Pandas at the National Zoo are D.C.'s most popular tourist attraction

Last weekend, I featured a PandaMania panda on my blog to represent "Purple" as part of my interpretation of the weekly 2 Things Challenge I participate in. Today, I bring you the real deal: Washington, D.C.'s own panda family. Washington's original panda duo--Hsing Hsing and Ling Ling--were gifts to the United States in 1972 following President Richard Nixon's historic trip to China. The pandas were well-loved, but age caught up with them and both died in the late 1990s.

Mei Xiang (may SHONG) means "beautiful fragrance." Mei Xiang was born in 1998.She is the mother of Tai Shan, the zoo's newest panda cub.

On December 6, 2000, the National Zoo received two new pandas from the Wolong Panda facility in China--Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. Soon after they arrived, the zoo, as a partner in conservation and in an effort to increase the panda population, began efforts to breed a panda cub. After various attempts, it was finally announced that Mei Xiang was pregnant and the Panda Watch began.

Tian Tian (t-YEN t-YEN) means "more and more."
He was born in 1997 and is the father of Tai Shan.

On July 9, 2005, a panda cub the size of a stick of butter was born (as was the little cub's nickname: Butterstick) and Washington collectively held its breath. Would Mei Xiang be a good mother and nurture her cub or would this newest addition to the panda pedigree die from neglect or accident? (It isn't uncommon for panda moms to accidentally crush their cubs within days of being born.) To everyone's delight, the little cub survived and thrived and Mei Xiang proved to be a wonderful, careful, doting mom.

Tai Shan (tie-SHON)--the National Zoo's celebrity panda cub.
Born on July 9, 2005, Tai Shan represents hope for peace.

On October 17--100 days after the birth of the panda cub and after a contest was held to "Name the Panda"--the zoo announced the cub would be called Tai Shan. The name means "peaceful mountain" and reflected the desire of many in the U.S. and around the world, who were and are weary of war and conflict, for peace and strength. Tai Shan was suppose to go back to China in 2007, but the government of China extended his stay in the U.S. which means he'll be here at least through 2009. To learn more about Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Tai Shan, click here.

In the meantime, the zoo is again on Panda Watch as they attempt to inseminate Mei Xiang and produce another panda cub. There are only four zoos in the U.S. with pandas. They are: Zoo Atlanta, Memphis Zoo, San Diego Zoo, and Washington National Zoo. According to an article in National Geographic in 2003, each of the zoos has a different research focus, but the ultimate goal is to ensure the long-term survival of these venerable creatures. Here's a good article in the January 14, 2008 issue of U.S. News & World Report titled Peek-a-Boo Panda worth reading.

For additional reading, check out the FAQs on the National Zoo's site.


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 3/08

Statistically Speaking...

Ladder 6 from Columbia Heights at a fire on Tuckerman Street NW

What are the chances I'd find myself in the vicinity of fires two nights in a row without even trying? In the case of these pictures, I was sitting in my home office yesterday evening, catching up on the day's news when the sound of fire engines, police cars, and ambulances pierced the quiet. Looking out my window, I watched several emergency vehicles scream down the street behind my house.

Engine 4: My intent with this shot was to capture the firefighters in motion
and the colorful lighting of the control panel on the right.

I grabbed my jacket, camera, and tripod and headed out the door. The smell of smoke was again in the air and the flash of lights was right around the corner. On the next block was a home on fire. I didn't take pictures of the fire itself; the DCFD put it out pretty quickly, but the home appears to be a total loss. Here are pictures from tonight's fire scene in the 600 block of Tuckerman Street NW.

Firefighters and a ladder truck in the alley behind the involved home on Tuckerman Street NW

As with last night, my thoughts are with the family who lost their home this evening. And, for what it's worth, I promise, I won't be posting pictures of fire scenes again anytime soon (though I can see how it could be really exciting to be a fire chaser. But I shall refrain. Last night and the night before were enough for me, thank you very much!)

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 3/08

Fire!

Arriving on the scene: one of five or six ladder trucks called out to this fire.
Notice the smoky, hazy air.

Last night, while I was snapping pictures of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Temple, firetrucks started screaming up 16th Street. It was a virtual parade of trucks! After I finished taking my pictures, I hopped in the car to head home, but instead ended up taking pictures of firefighters working on this building (see below) in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of D.C. This is my first foray into taking pictures of this kind of event.

Breaking out windows: notice the firefighter on the ladder truck in the right center of this picture.
Prior to him climbing up that ladder to knock out the window,
they used the ladder itself as a battering ram.

I never saw any flames, but there was a ton of smoke and it was quite thick and palatable. (It's 2:36 a.m.--almost two hours since I left the scene and came home and I still smell like smoke! I think I was only down there for about 30, maybe 45 minutes, tops.)

Some of D.C.'s finest, walking from their staging area up to the scene of the fire.

I hope everyone got out of the buildings safely and that they're able to return home or find new homes quickly. I can't imagine how terrifying this must have been or the challenges these folks face in the weeks and months ahead.

*** UPDATE @ 8:43 AM, 03.13.08 ***

Turns out, this was a five alarm fire and it spread to the Meridian Hill Baptist Church on 16th Street (I'll be posting a picture of that church in a couple of weeks, as part of the my The Churches of 16th Street series.) Here are a couple of links to news stories from area stations (WJLA ABC 7, WRC TV NBC4) and the Washington Post.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 3/08

Scottish Rite 33'

Scottish Rite of Freemasonry--the national headquarters for the Supreme Council
(Taken at around noon on President's Day, 2008)

Several weeks ago, I featured photos from the Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. Masonic temples are not an uncommon sight in the D.C. area. On the corner of 16th and S Streets NW stands an imposing structure: The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Supreme Council 33’ (1733 16th Street NW.)

Sunday afternoon warmth at the Scottish Rite Temple

The cornerstone was laid in 1911 and the building was completed in 1915. It is the national headquarters of the Supreme Council and is an adaptation of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. The architect for the building was John Russell Pope who also built the Jefferson Memorial and the west wing of the National Gallery of Art.

Scottish Rite Temple at night (taken at midnight, to be precise)

The building is open to the public for guided tours. Unfortunately, I have yet to go inside. When I took the first picture, it was closed for President's Day. The second picture was taken on a Sunday and they were closed. And the third picture was taken after midnight. Obviously not open then either! However, you can take a virtual tour.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 2/08 and 3/08

Magnificence

The Library of Congress--America's de facto national library

Washington, D.C., has some stunning classical architecture, but none is grander than the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress. The LOC consists of three buildings: the Thomas Jefferson, the John Adams, and the James Madison Buildings. All three buildings are bordered by Independence Avenue on at least one side. The Jefferson Building, which is the first and main library, faces the U.S. Capitol.

Neptune's Grotto--The main fountain at the Library of Congress

In 1800, the LOC was established by an Act of Congress that also transferred the federal capital from Philadelphia, Pa., to Washington, D.C. Initially, the library was meant exclusively for the use of Congress, but over time has become a source for politicians and scholars alike. The original library was housed in the Capitol, but when the British burned the city in August 1814, they also destroyed the library. After that tragedy, retired U.S. president Thomas Jefferson donated his personal library--6,487 volumes and works--and the national library was born. To read more about Jefferson's legacy, go here.

Detail of the front of the Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress

What is striking about the Thomas Jefferson Building is the ornate architecture. This is the only building in the city I can think of that is so strikingly reminiscent of the beautiful architecture found throughout Europe, it is literally breathtaking! The building is open to the public and there is a wonderful tour that features stunning mosaics. Access is available to the reading rooms, but books cannot be checked out by the general public. The Library also features exhibitions and special events throughout the year. In the James Madison Building, you can see the Gutenberg Bible! Also be sure to check out the Library's prints and photos collection.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 3/08

McPherson Square

Gen. James McPherson--highest ranking officer to die during the Civil War

Yep, it's another Dead Guy Memorial! This one is of General James McPherson who served in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. This equestrian statue is located in the center of McPherson Square, one block north of the White House and bordered by the infamous K Street--home to many of Washington's lobbying and special interest groups. But enough of that.

McPherson, as I mentioned, served in the U.S. Army and was the highest ranking officer to die during the Civil War. He fell during an ambush by Confederate skirmishers at the Battle of Atlanta. Loved by his troops, he was greatly missed by his soldiers and his death brought profound sadness to his boyhood friend and Confederate peer, John Bell Hood.

McPherson Square is also the name of a Metro stop located across the street. Ironically, this square is also where many of Washington's homeless and mentally ill hang out. It isn't uncommon to see K Street policy wonks walking across the square past the destitute and downtrodden. They each keep their respectful distance, but the contrast is stark. Twice a day, a van from a local soup kitchen pulls up and dispenses food to the homeless.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 2/08

Two Things Challenge: Red / Blue / Purple

Star, the Carousel Donkey and Grand Old Pachyderm-- part of D.C.'s Party Animals event in 2002

This week's challenge was a play on the political demographic that pundits talk about in the United States: Red States vs. Blue States and the odd anomaly: the Purple State (equal division of Red and Blue.) Of course, Red signifies conservative, Republican-leaning states, while Blue stands for liberal, Democratic-leaning states. In 2002, the D.C. Arts Commission sent out a call to artists to participate in a public art display that took an idea from the city of Chicago and applied it to the nation's capital. This first competition and commission was called Party Animals and artists could either decorate an elephant, symbol of the Grand Old Party (GOP) or Republicans, or a donkey, symbol of the Democratic Party. The Party Animals were a huge hit with tourists. At the end of the commission period, the animals were auctioned off to the highest bidders. These two: Grand Old Pachaderm and Stars, The Carousel Donkey, sit outside the University Club on 16th Street. Ergo, Red and Blue!

PandaMania invades the city in 2004!

Two years later, the D.C. Arts Commission again sent out a call to artists to decorate the city's second most popular tourist attraction: the giant pandas at the National Zoo. They called the event PandaMania and it too was a huge hit with folks living in and around D.C., as well as those who came to visit. While there isn't a lot that Americans can agree on in politics (as exemplified by the Red / Blue divide), there is one thing we all pretty much agree on: the enduring adorability and tenacity of the giant panda. This one sits outside Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street. And since we all--Red and Blue--can agree that Ben's is great and pandas are greater, you get Purple!

Okay, I know. Big stretches there. But there you have it: Red, Blue, and Purple in Washington, D.C.!

Photo copyrights: D.C. Confidential.

Church of the Holy City

The Church of the Holy City: Emanuel Swedenborg's theological teachings of
individualism and diversity as grounded in the teachings of Christ are found here.

Located at 1611 16th Street NW, the Church of the Holy City is home to members of the Swedenborgian Community. Having never heard of them, this is what I learned:

The religion is based on the theological writings of Swedish scientist and later theologian Emanuel Swedenborg. Fifteen years after his death, a group of individuals who admired his work gathered in London and formed a church based on his teachings.

Among their beliefs: Swedenborgians believe the Second Coming has already taken place and is ongoing at this time; we live in a spiritual and material world with the spiritual world being less clear to us until death; Jesus Christ was a manifestation of God made flesh; love is the basic element of reality and the source of all life; truth is the reality of love at work; humanity has free will and must develop that will into action; and scripture is literal and has a spiritual essence as well. Swedenborgianism stresses freedom, diversity, and individualism. To learn more, click here.

The Church of the Holy City was founded in 1846 and the sanctuary was dedicated in 1896. It was designed by Swedenborgian architect H. Langford Warren and features cut stonework on the exterior, a bell tower, and stained glass by Lamb and Tiffany. Currently, the church is in the process of restoring parts of the building that have aged and fallen into disrepair, but it remains open for services during these renovations and is available for meetings and weddings.


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 2/08

First Infantry Division

Memorial to the American Expeditionary Force
and the First Infantry Division

In 1917, the U.S. military formed the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) and prepared for combat in World War I. Under the leadership of General John "Black Jack" Pershing, the AEF produced the First Infantry Division which became the AEF's best-trained fighting force. "Big Red One"--so named for the patch on their uniforms--saw action in France beginning in October 1917.

The First Infantry Division has seen action in every major war and police action since its inception: World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the First Gulf War, Bosnia/Kosovo, and current operations in Iraq.

This memorial to the American Expeditionary Force is located on the grounds of the White House across from the Old Executive Office Building (17th and E Streets NW). It was erected in 1924 and sculpted by Daniel Chester French--the same sculptor who did Lincoln's statue at the Lincoln Memorial. Around the base of the memorial are the names of those of the First Infantry Division who died in World War I. To the west of the memorial is a panel to those who died in World War II. On the east side are the names of the dead from Vietnam, as well the names of the 27 members of the division who died in the First Gulf War, including the first woman and a civilian.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/07