Public Health Week

Senator Sanders (I, VT) introduced the resolution recognizing Public Health Week, which my boss signed on to. In addition, a fellow fellow (AAAS, working on environmental issues) and I proposed a floor statement for the Senator to consider. He agreed. It was exciting to be part of the process of crafting the statement and watching it morph into the speech. What a thrill! For the final version posted on the website, see: http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=295948&& .

Senator Kennedy’s HELP (Health, Education, Labor and Pensions) Committee held a hearing on Public Health and Climate Change, although it was better attended by the panel than the committee. I met the expert whose research I referenced in the floor speech, and was pleased to see the “gallery” filled the spectators (just rows of chairs beyond the committee tables, arranged in a square for this briefing).

There was good press about public health and climate change in Hill media. While next week could bring the next issue, this one needs some traction. I hope everyone will contact their elected officials, asking what’s being done to reduce climate change and support the public health system to prepare and respond when needed.

This week I also tracked the process for Senators wishing to sign onto a letter requesting funding for ovarian cancer as part of the appropriations process. Over 30 Senators agreed, so I worked with staff (mostly interns and the legislative correspondent) to obtain these signatures from each office (auto-pen comes in handy). Constituent meetings continue, along with tracking legislation, "watching the floor," keeping current with possibilities.

A new museum opening in Washington, D.C. this week: the Newseum. Apparently it had been in Arlington, VA previously – smaller and much less frequently visited. They held a free open house 4/11/08 ($20 admission now), and I stopped by during lunch. The wait was only 10 minutes to get in – much better than the 3-block line on my way to work that morning! The building is impressive and the exhibits even more so. http://www.newseum.org/.

There is a perfectly framed view of the Capitol from the 6th floor terrace of the glass building – a metaphor for the media keeping an eye on Congress? The Newseum also has a piece of the Berlin Wall (including “checkpoint Charlie”) and the burned, mangled antenna from the World Trade Center. Most impressive to me were the full-size photographs and accompanying descriptions of every photo which received a Pulitzer Prize. Remarkable. And even better, a video with the photographers, describing the events around their particular photograph. Very interesting! There were over 10,000 visitors that day, so I didn’t dawdle over some of the other exhibits, about ethics, the history and milestones of media, but worth going back to.

With my spousal unit in town for the weekend, we hit the bike paths. Finally pedaled to Mt. Vernon on the bike trail, which was worth the wait. Passed the Reagan National Airport (where three planes in a row aborted a landing – changing winds?), saw in flight or perched in a tree: an osprey, a bald eagle and a green heron! I love being this connected to nature in an urban environment. In fact, at Mt. Vernon itself I bought a cutting of English boxwood that’s a direct descendant from the boxwood possibly planted by George himself (do shrubs have degrees of separation?).

Equally delightful was the street fiddler in Alexandria that we listened to who played the tune from our wedding. Very special – homemade orange chocolate chip ice cream and Jay Ungar’s “The Misty Dawn.”

Had dinner at the Irish Restaurant and Pub at Dupont Circle, catching the last table outside. Perfect people watching weather (where are Stacey and Clinton when you need them?) before our Theater J performance of Arthur Miller's "The Price," with Robert Prosky and his son, John. Somewhat autobiographical, according to the program.

Lots in bloom in D.C. gardens: tulips, phlox, pinks, peonies, iris, hyacinth, azeala, alyssum, magnolia, cherry trees and crab apples. Even hostas have appeared. I picked up a hydroponic basil plant at the farmer’s market. We’ll have to see how that one does. Unfortunately, I forgot to take the potatoes out of my bicycle panniers before doing my East/West Potomac Park loop this morning. Maybe I discovered bicycle weight training… Sunny and warm during the week, and cold and rainy on weekends. There's humor in there somewhere...

Also caught the fabulous jazz performance of Dave Brubeck's quartet (he's 88 and still amazing) and Ramsey Lewis's trio. "Take Five," "Wade in the Water," "The In Crowd"...what could be better?

Question: why do travelers line up for their Amtrak train 25 minutes before departure?