Personally, I am excited for candidate signs to come down and political ads to disappear from my life for awhile.

   
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.
   

   
A large mural was installed in Adams Morgan that is in protest of clean coal technology.  I assume that this is the product of the “This is Reality” group which have recently had a significant advertising presence in the metro.  While I have not had a chance to do much reading on either side of this issue I really like the little dead canary logo that The Reality Coalition came up with so that is cool in my book.  This particular mural features Ghandi, gas masks, and a group of anonymous workers.
   
The blurry (potentially headache inducing) affect is from my handi-dandi Lensbaby.
   

   
My photo-walkabout today brought me by Dupont Circle where the Arrest Bush protest/demonstration was going on.  It was quite a lively affair to say the least.  The largest and most popular aspect of the demonstration was “Give Bush the Boot”,which basically consisted of a massive inflatable President Bush and many many many pair of shoes that people took turns throwing.  People really seemed to get a kick (get it) out of being able to do this.  The other “features” of the event were: a large headed Condi, a giant Constitution that you could sign (just no walking on it with shoes!), and a stage/speaker set up that proclaimed it was the “End of an Error” but it was inactive while I was in the park.  Pretty much it was all about the shoes.
   
Other things I came across around the city today:
   
-pretty sweet Obama art

-a hot mama 4 obama

-a really really long line at Ben’s Chili Bowl

-entertaining street vendors with lots of Obama gear

-a reenactment of sorts at the African American Civil War Memorial