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The White House
The White House
On our White House excursion, we observed numerous protests from people with multiple political viewpoints. One that stood out to us was a couple who started their own informative documentary series on the 'greatness' of America, and how it is built with the diversity of Americans. We had a lengthy interview with them, covering many different topics such as youth involvement to spur change in the country.
Bird Scooters: An Unexpected Innovation
During our strolls around the city, we noticed quite a few Washingtonians and tourists zip past us on electric scooters, and even leave them unattended. Curious about this, we approached and tried out a scooter. It was from Bird, an electric scooter sharing company. After doing some interviewing with Bird riders around the city, we learned that the company places multiple of their scooters around large metropolitan areas, allowing the app users to pay $1 per ride. We tried one out and had some fun with it!
Insight from Squirrels:
Near and dear to our hearts here at UMD, squirrels provided us with some real business inspiration. They are cutthroat when it comes to getting what they want and full of energy to make sure their priorities are met. We need to approach business ventures with a similar attitude of working for what we want and making sure to take care of our needs as professionals and as people.
Inventor of the Filibuster:
The creation of the filibuster was actually an accident. The filibuster was created when Aaron Burr convinced the Senate to get rid of the "previous question" motion- it allows a simple majority to cut off debate. Because the rule was deleted, it made the filibuster become possible because the Senate no longer had a rule that could have empowered a simple majority to cut off debate.
Origins of the Smithsonian Institution:
The Smithsonian Institution was established with funds from James Smithson, a British scientist, who left his estate to the US to the Smithsonian Institution that would help the increase and diffusion of knowledge. On August 10, 1846, the US Senate passed the act organizing the Smithsonian Institution.
5 generalizations about Washingtonians:
- they're all politicians
- they know about all the monuments and history
- they like to talk about their jobs
- they speak their minds
- they love their city
Song about Washington:
Washington, DC by The Magnetic Fields:
Washington, D.C.
It's paradise to me
It's not because it is the grand old seat
Of precious freedom and democracy
No, no, no
It's not the greenery turning gold in fall
The scenery circling the Mall
It's just that's where my baby lives
That's all.
General Winfield Scott Hancock
General Winfield Scott Hancock
Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886) was a US army officer and politician who served as a Union general during the Civil War. He was widely recognized as one of the war's most brilliant commanders.
Fun Fact: There's an urban legend that says that if the a horse has both front legs in the air, the rider died in battle; if one front leg is up, that means the rider was wounded in battle or died of battle wound; and if all four hooves are on the ground, the rider died outside of battle. General Hancock's statue has one leg up and he was wounded at the Battle of Churubusco, the Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Gettysburg
What a day! We had so much fun!
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