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Thursday, September 26, 2013

All Eyes and Ears on Washington Politics

I'll first start by prefacing this post with the fact the I had planned to write this yesterday, but naturally, time got away from me and now here I am writing this post.
I'm not sure how many times I will say it this semester, warning- it will probably be quite a few, but I could not be in Washington at a more exciting time for politics.
Reporting on the Hill for the past few weeks has been such a thrill. Just yesterday I sat in the Senate Press Gallery as Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas, finished an over 21 hour long speech. While his attempt at a so called 'filibuster' ended with Majority Leader Harry Reid calling it a "big waste of time," it was pretty amazing to see discussions actually happening on the Senate floor between parties on both sides of the aisle. Granted, all of the discussions have not led to much progress, it was a feat in itself for Cruz to try and make a point to his fellow members of Congress and to some Americans who were keeping up with his talk-a-thon.
Cruz began his speech on Tuesday afternoon at 2:41 p.m. and 21 hours and 19 minutes later, to be exact, he ended his speech, opening the floor for legislative business to begin on Wednesday morning.
For many Americans across the country the looming government shutdown and current gridlock of Congress is understandably frustrating, but when I put on my reporter cap and stand just feet away from the men and women who are dictating what goes on in our government it is exciting and thrilling. Whether you are on the left or right side of the aisle being involved in government is so important and this opportunity has opened my eyes to all things government. I've always been fascinated by happenings in Washington, but actually being here has allowed me to get a better handle on all things politics and the procedures in the House and Senate.
Here's to hoping that in one respect the battles on the Hill get resolved, but to also hoping that the complex dynamics of Washington continue to excite and educate!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Netflix and Favorite TV Shows

Ever since I got a Netflix account I have been going crazy with all of the possible television series that I  can watch. Recently I've begun watching West Wing and Call the Midwife, a BBC period drama. 
I knew that West Wing would be the first season I dove into watching on Netflix since I am living and reporting from Washington D.C. for the next few months. From what I've heard the show is quite realistic at parts. As for the series Call the Midwife, I love BBC and the show is based on memoirs of Jennifer Worth, set in east London in the 1950s. The series has been broadcast on PBS in the states and has received rave reviews. If you haven't seen either of these series yet I highly recommend you get on Netflix right now and watch. Before I wrap up this short post, I also want to mention the now Emmy-award winning Netflix series, House of Cards. I watched the whole first season in just a few days and as another set in Washington series, I absolutely fell in love with this show and of course, Kevin Spacey. I've been avoiding signing up for Netflix for quite a while now, but I can honestly say it has been a great decision and what better way to wind down from a day on the Hill than with a bit of Martin Sheen or Kevin Spacey. 

Monday, September 16, 2013

If Chipotle Didn't Have Your Heart Before...

Now I've always been a a fan of Chipotle over other mexican fast restaurants, but after seeing Chipotle's latest short film, I am convinced I am making the right choice when I dine at Chipotle. The new ad titled, "The Scarecrow" pulls at our heartstrings.
The short film follows a scarecrow working in a large industrial factory. He becomes increasing saddened by the scene that he witness of animals being modified and treated poorly.
His mood changes though when he arrives on a farm and finds a fresh red pepper and begins to cook. The ad ends with the slogan, "Cultivate a better world."
This video has received over 4 million views since last week when it was uploaded to YouTube.
I really enjoy when companies take on new marketing strategies and Chipotle is certainly setting itself a part from other food chains. Especially today, where organic foods and healthy choices are at the forefront of our minds I think Chipotle's efforts are going to go a long way in informing its audience.
Back in July, Chipotle announced its efforts to reduce the amount of genetically engineered ingredients, so the company is certainly making strides to continue to relay their message of "food with integrity."
Chipotle's first video, "Back to the Start" was released last August.
Also, check out Chipotle's Scarecrow iPhone and iPad game where players help the scarecrow rescue the city from the evil crow foods company.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

The Day

While getting to take classes in Washington D.C. for the semester is certainly an exciting part of my time down here, I am most excited about my assignment to the New London CT newspaper The Day. For the semester I have been lucky enough to be able to act as a Washington correspondent for the newspaper. As Congress returns to session this coming week, I will begin pitching story ideas and then doing research and reporting on the Hill. 
Stay tuned for more updates on my reporting and hopefully in the next two weeks I'll have a published piece out of Washington! For now, check out The Day's website... FYI- The Day is an independent newspaper and is held in public trust, kinda neat if you ask me! 

Sunday, September 1, 2013

City of Magnificent Distances

I love discovering new places and Washington D.C. is one city that I certainly cannot get enough of. Having lived in Boston for school for the past two years I was excited to take on a new adventure and study "abroad' in D.C. for the semester. While I know I have a full four months to explore this city, I also know that time will fly by faster than I would like it to. It has already been one week since I have arrived and I feel like I haven't sat down until now. 
From touring the Capitol to kayaking and paddle boating on the Potomac River to eating at Ben's Chili Bowl and Busboys and Poets, I've certainly got my feet wet in getting to know my new home. 
This past week was also made pretty amazing by the amount of history that was celebrated with the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' Speech. On top of that, politics has picked up here in the past few days with President Obama's address on Syria. 
The next few weeks will certainly make for exciting news, which us journalists love, and I am thrilled to be able to put down roots for a few months in the nations Capitol.