These canopies at the NY Ave-FL Ave-Gallaudet Univ metro station look like they are competing for air rights. Funny thing is, water drips through the slots when it rains, rendering it less of a place to head for cover, and more of an area where you can play the “avoid-the-waterfall” game.

It’s been awhile since we posted anything from the Monumental/Federal/National Mall side of things in DC. That’s because we usually prefer to post the nitty-grittier photos that show the side of DC that we, as residents, know and have grown to love. But every now and again we’ll remember that we do live in a tourist destination and one of the most powerful places in the world, and it’s important not to forget that either. This past Saturday evening, we were returning home from Capitol Hill by cab after a late, *crazy* night watching movies and SNL with Brigid and Keith. And in riding by the Capitol Building, we both started to say something along the lines of forgetting about that “other” part of DC that we take for granted, like going by the Capitol as we were or living a mile from the White House. And maybe it’s because neither of us work on the Hill, know any lawyers, or even like to argue about politics, but maybe it’s that to us, DC is not just about memorials and monuments and which political party you belong to… though some would argue it is.

At any rate, it’s interesting to note, in conjunction with posting this photo, that the Washington Monument was completed on December 6, 1884. That means the capstone was put into place a week and 125 years ago around this time. I wonder if the builders thought, at that moment, that the new tallest structure in the world (until the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889), would one day become somewhat overlooked by those who live practically in it’s shadow?

   
One of the more interesting protests I’ve witnessed took place this weekend.  This being the 4th Annual World Naked Bike Ride.  The WNBR is a protest against our dependence on foreign oil and a rally for improved cycling conditions in America’s cities.  The DC WNBR started at Franklin Square in downtown DC, rode to the US Capitol, and finished out in front of the White House.  All the participants said it was a lot more fun to moon Bush but they would make due with the new Administration.  Upon arriving at Lafayette Square I am sure they ruined the days of the many tourists who were peering through fence trying to catch a  glimpse of the President.   Despite the name the riders were not technically naked, as that would be lewd and illegal, instead they wore an assortment of underwear, loin clothes, socks, and body paint.  I hope their ride was a success.  While I find their cause quite valid I’m not so sure about the execution.  Regardless, it made for a VERY VERY funny (…and kind of awkward) event to photog.
   
HERE is a link to my other photos from the start of the protest.
   

That is a pretty sweet old shoe, seen through the lens of a fisheye camera of course. Feels like some sort of alternate universe, but really it’s just a Mt. Pleasant storefront. On that note, Happy Friday!!

   
Another photo from the fisheye camera… kinda creepy don’t ya think? Maybe I should have saved this for Halloween next year or something…