A Decade of News (You Decide)

As soon as the ball dropped on New Years Eve 2000 there was almost a constant stream of images, and stories compiling one of the most newsworthy decades in modern times. Both domestic and foreign stories dominated our television all the way up until the countdown on New Years Eve 2010.

The Question I ask you today is, What were the 10 most important news stories of the decade?

Death of Michael Jackson
Hurricane Katrina
Supreme Court Decision Bush v. Gore
War on Terror, Afghanistan/Iraq
9/11
Election of Barack Obama
Papal Transfer and Death of Pope John Paul
Financial Crisis
DC Sniper Scare
Indian Ocean Tsunami

Please take a second to take the poll to the right thanks and Happy New Year!

Gnome Dome and Last Day on the Hill

Today was my last day on the hill and actively working for congress. It was a great last day. I went up the 300 steps to the top of the dome, this was extremely cool but very nerve wrecking as I looked over the lip of the dome into the rotunda. After the dome tour we took our photos with the congressman in the rotunda of the Cannon building. It was a very great last day in the office.

The Dome on top of the Capitol.

The National Mall from the Dome

There is actually a dome inside of another dome and this is the framework in between the two of them.

A little closer view on the painting at the top of the dome

The look on the Frieze of American History

The 300 stairs up to the top of the dome

The view down on the Rotunda from atop

The Cannon office building where I worked for Congressman Guthrie

Yep, I am still alive... This is me at top the Dome

The Supreme Court from atop the Dome

The view out of the Congressman's office on the last day after the rain moved through.

25 things I learned in DC...

Since I have been up here I have learned a few things. If you have ever listened to the comedian Tim Wilson, "there 100 things everyone needs to know to survive in (DC)... well here 25 of them..."

Which one is your favorite?

Also here are a few photos of DC from tonight.



25 things I learned in DC...

1.) If you lie on the floor of the metro and take pictures of a gnome, you will be “that guy.”

2.) The restroom is always as far away from your office as possible

3.) You can tell anyone anything on a tour and they will believe you

4.) Don’t do anything stupid anywhere or you will end up on a blog (www.dcinterns.blogspot.com)

5.) Getting in the wrong senate elevator can be awkward… sorry Lindsey Graham…

6.) DC is a pretty good place to be when you turn 21

7.) Aerosmith will rock on forever!

8.) The George Washington Masonic Temple is very creepy and you will have your heart ripped out if you go there.

9.) 5 guys + 1, one bedroom apartment = insane!!!

10.) Anything left in the halls of congress without a name on is free game, and works well to decorate your apartment… ☺

11.) E Pluribus Unum- Out of Many, One

12.) If you walk slowly on a tour, you will lose the congressman

13.) If you are wearing loafers, do not play softball or you will rip your pants, especially if you have not played a sport since 3rd grade.

14.) Mail never ends…

15.) Adult Beverage Stores close at 10:00 pm … every night.

16.) John C. Calhoun was shot in 1998

17.) The warm gust of air you feel as you walk past Nancy Pelosi’s office is the gate to hell opening up.

18.) Disney helped them build the Capitol Visitor Center

19.) Burberry is not my style

20.) 40 Gigabytes is not enough to hold all pictures of DC for 12 weeks

21.) Union Station is an “interactive” movie theater… and is mildly sketchy but still worth the 5 dollar movies every Tuesday

22.) Maryland Sucks!!!

23.) I think I am the only conservative to go to the Whole foods by American University…

24.) Congress is run by thousands of cocky 25 year olds and 535 old arrogant people…

25.) The Gnome owns DC!

Gnome gets Crabby

John brought home a 12 by 12 box of steamed whole crabs. They were huge, delicious and fresh from the ocean. We invited our entire building but nobody came... their loss. Only have a few days left in the big city before I am back in the bluegrass. I hve some good blog postings coming up, hope you enjoy them. See yall soon!

John and his prized crabs just chillin out back

Here they come!!! They were sooo good!!!!

Capitol Gnome minus a Gnome

Today was Nickel and her mom's last day in the District of Columbia. Today they were given a tour by the best looking, nicest, and most modest intern tour guide ever... joking aside they were also let onto the House Floor. Here are some pictures of the capital today.

The Hall of Columns

Hawaii's Statue

Senate Chandelier

Nickel at the Center of the capitol

Its Lincoln!

Freedom Statue 19.5 feet tall

Hawaii's other statue

Indian guy

Gnome leaves the Senate!

As most of you know I have been serving as the Press Intern in Senator McConnell's DC office, yesterday was my last day. It has been an honor and a privilege to get to work with such outstanding people. This experience has let me see what it is like to work in this fast pace city and the importance of message control when dealing with the media. Though I am finished in the Senate, Washington has not had enough of me yet. Starting Monday I will be serving as an intern in Congressman Brett Guthrie's Office until August. I am sure I will have an equally exciting and fulfilling experience in congress... Thanks God Cap and Trade is over... I just want to thank all of the other interns I served with and all of the staffers who have made this summer one that is not to be forgotten. Specifically I want to thank Courtney and Robert for putting up with me everyday. I hope you enjoy these pictures, after work we decided to run over to the capitol and take some pictures while there was nobody there. The capitol is a remarkable building and I had to share some of the less seen hallways with you all.

The Press Office with Robert and Courtney

The McConnell Interns in his office for a pizza party. Charles Badger, Me, Caroline Cash, Mary-Kate Lindsey, Chris Adcock, Jacob Price
McConnell's office. He has every editorial cartoon ever made of him on his wall. There are still some 30 that have not been framed!!!!

The Brimidi Cooridors

First Black Female Congressman

Hall of Columns

Capitol Rotunda and view of the Apothesis of Washington. The dome is 180 feet high.

Portrait of Caroline Cash from the Bob Dole Balcony, the same spot where Senator McConell has his portrait taken. If it wasn't so hazy, the Washington Monument is to the left of her head.

Elephant Gnome

Nice humid night in the District. Started off with Burgers and Fries at 5 Guys... hoping to see Obama at his new favorite burger joint. Then we went for a walk to Barnes and Nobles. Passed a really cool metro map elephant. Finished the night off by watching a DC sunset... police cruiser lights and all...

DC sunset with cop lights included

Sooo cool. I want one.

Chinatown

Can not wait!!!

Georgetown Fun!

Went to visit the historic city of Georgetown and the University of Georgetown. Walked through the city visiting shops, looking into the Potomac River and just taking in a nice (not so humid) day. Walked about 4 miles. I will try to explain each photo but the Gnome of the Day is brought to you by Union Station and Abe Lincoln.

On the edge of an old bridge near the Potomac River. Featuring Caroline Cash, John Bowen, and Scott Hardy.

Georgetown University

No matter where I go cannot avoid this guy... my roommate said it looks like Jesus

The tunnel under a canal next to Georgetown University

The tunnel under a canal next to Georgetown University. Caroline, John, Scott

Busy Day on the Canal.

No Caption needed... lol