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Guess where I'll be tomorrow?! I'll be staying at "B".

vote democrat!

Tired of eights years' weak economy, tax cuts for the rich (funded from where?), and high government spending?

How much confidence do you put in the below assessment? Kind of sounds like, "He has WMD..." It's a hard job to earn the title of Worst President Ever.

All aboard!

 

Since I was in Grand Central Station the other week, I thought it was only fair to post pictures of Washington's Union Station. There are a few restaurants in the lobby which are fun (and was the reason why we were there). In my opinion, this station is more beautiful than the one in NYC. The photo below shows some of the shops at US. And how fun is it to catch a train from here? Let's hope Congress continues to increase the funding for Amtrak!

 

Meat madness

One big news story this week is the recall of 143 million pounds of beef. What amazes me is the 'advisory' message early in the television or radio segment warning listeners that the news to follow could be disturbing. WTF? Do we need to shelter people from the knowledge of where their food comes from? Wake up people...educate yourself and take responsibility for your actions!

It doesn't bother me that people eat meat; what bothers me most is ignorance. Meat-based diets are based on factory farming, which is nothing but cramped and inhumane conditions for millions and millions of unfortunate animals. Not to mention that livestock operations are a top groundwater polluter, that it takes an incredible amount of resources to produce a pound of meat, and on...

I'm amazed that people choose to consume food coming from utterly squalid conditions. I suppose it's easier not to think about it, which is part of, if not the main problem. It extends past food to the SUVs we drive, the disposable products we throw away, the electricity we waste...most Americans don't seem to think past their own little bubble. What type of world (resources or society) are we leaving for future generations?

Living beings should never be viewed as commodity. What does it say about our society when no one really cares about improving the welfare of these animals? When no one cares about letting them live an at least respectable life? When no one cares that thousands of animals were killed and are now being thrown away? What a waste.

Addendum: To keep the argument practical, I should have said that I know most people will not consider a vegetarian diet, but I'm hoping some will realize the benefits (their health, the health of animals, and the health of the planet) of a plant-centered diet and attempt to add a meat-free meal to their diet every week. Every bit helps!

Sunflower on a rainy day.

Today I am craving me some Zen Burger! I hope we can return to NYC soon.

However, last night Marc, my housemate Dinh, and I went to Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant. It's about 5 minutes from my house and serves up good and quick meat-free Asian dishes. You can get everything from mock-meat stuff, to noodle bowls, and vegetarian sushi. I can't wait to try out the patio when the weather is nicer.

We had Adventure in Tempeh Land, Amazing Mushroom Palate, and General Tso's "Chicken". Yum-o! Dinh was nervous about going at first (isn't it scarier to think about what is in your meat dishes rather than your vegetable dishes?) but he was really pleased at how tasty it was. And i think he especially liked the "chicken" ;)

The original Sunflower happens to be close to my office...perfect for lunch get-a-ways!

Warm day + archives

This past weekend was almost 70 degrees in Washington. Marc and I went down to the Mall to walk around and check out the Archives. Since it was superbowl sunday there weren't many people around.

Photos of the National Archives behind the ice skating rink in the sculpture garden (fountain photos). The chamber where the charters of freedom are housed, including the Declaration of Independence. We were lucky to see the Constitution (beneath the pillars)--according to the website it will not be on display most of this month because they are repairing its case.

The theater in the basement was pretty cozy. They sometimes show regular movies there in the evenings (coming up: No End In Sight), so we will have to make our way back. The display case outside was neat--I've never seen an Oscar except for on television.

After the Archives we walked down to the Lincoln Memorial. Photos of the Natural History Museum, the Library of Congress from a distance (digital zoom on the camera), Marc & Jeff at the WWII Memorial (click here for water), and a shot from Lincoln's steps.

Leftovers--NYC

And courtesy of the hilarious site Overheard in New York:


Midwestern man, about woman spinning in center of ice rink: Awww, someone's reflecting on times passed.

New Yorker: Look at that chick in the middle -- thinks she's a fuckin' Olympian! [Yells at her] Nice work, retard!

Star gazing

Guess where we will be in one month!

No, it's not Mars...

Watercube^2