The DC Traveler

I was once told. “…They include rain, snow, bird droppings and idiots.”  While I’m not sure I agree with the last one, the true adrenaline junkie / daredevil is typically drawn to sports like skydiving.
About an hour and a half southwest of Washington in Orange, VA is Orange Skydiving.  On most days, certified instructors and jumpmasters train people how to take their first skydive. 
There are three types of introductory skydiving options for beginners – tandem jumps, static line jumps and accelerated freefall.
 In tandem jumps, you get an exhilarating 40 to 50 second freefall from about 13,000 feet while harnessed together …read more

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I remember as a kid watching TV on Sunday mornings before church, waiting for my favorite program, The Lone Ranger to start at 11:30. Before it came on, I would scan the channels and being a Sunday, the choices were limited – religous programming, wrestling (fake and theatrical), Meet the Press (perhaps just as theatrical), and roller derby. The derby always won.
 
The history of roller derby dates back to 1935, when Leo Seltzer, a promoter who combined aspects of dance marathons, indoor walk-a-thons and the latest craze – roller skating; into a new form of sports entertainment.
The first Transcontinental Roller Derby consisted …read more

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As the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and a strong supporter of the separation of church ands state, Thomas Jefferson’s impact on the budding nation is still felt today. By supporting the Louisiana Purchase and the exploration of the western frontier from the Midwest to the “Great South Sea (Pacific Ocean) by Lewis and Clark, he also helped the country expand westward.
The Declaration of Independence is Jefferson’s and probably the nation’s most important document.  Considered a great writer and intellectual, he was nominated to write the initial draft, but ended up writing all the drafts, revisions and the …read more

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Established in 1927, the 450-acre U.S. National Arboretum was designed for scientific research, education, and conservation of plants, trees and flowers.
Springtime is a great time to visit, plus, there are events and shows almost every week. Some require advanced registration and a fee, but more are free. You can walk, bike, drive or take a tram ride (details below) through the park.
 
With magnolias, boxwoods, azaleas, a grove of State trees, a bonsai museum, a large herb garden, plus numerous flower beds including daffodil, daylilies, and more.
 
Upcoming Shows

Camellia Show – free
Saturday, April 14, 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 15, …read more

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With 30 different performances and shows there’s bound to be something for everyone’s sense of humor.  Highlights include comedians auditioning for The Tonight Show, some of the best comedians from recent Jay Leno and David Letterman auditions, the “Queer Corner” highlighting the funny men and woman from the GLBT community, sketch and improv comedy, short comedy films, and since it’s DC – lots of political humor.
DC Comedy Festival
Several DC area nightclubs and theaters are part of the DC Comedy Festival, including:

HR-57 – 1610 14th Street, NW 
The Warehouse Theater Complex — 1021 7th Street at M Street, NW
FLASHpoint!– 916 G Street, NW 

Dates and Times …read more

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      I wish you a Happy Easter!

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When you think of a great movie experience in DC, we have several fun theaters including one theater that offers a full cocktail bar, but no more popular than the ultimate movie experience – IMAX large format theaters.
The IMAX is considered to be one of the ultimate film watching experiences. Starting with a large-format film, (70mm, a film 10 times larger than standard movie film), and also the largest commercial film ever used to create movie images, combined with a 6-channel wrap-around digital sound system lets you experience the environment as if you are there.  The incredible sharpness  projected onto specially designed screens that …read more

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It’s almost Easter so it’s time for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.
Just a couple weeks before the White House Spring Garden Tour, the Easter Egg Roll is another annual tradition that’s actually a race where children push a hard-boiled egg across the South Lawn of the White House using only a long-handled spoon. Usually, the Easter Bunny makes an appearance and a few cabinet members read a few children’s stories.
The Easter egg roll was moved to the White House in 1887 by President Rutherford B. Hayes after Congress ended the tradition at its first location, the US Capitol, two …read more

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It’s baseball season again and the Washington Nationals had their home opener yesterday against the Florida Marlins.

In Spring training, the Nats were 6 and 6 with 2 ties. And after a fifth-place finish last year, and some serious questions about team unity, the Nats have high hopes for this year’s season. With a new manager and a few new players, DC baseball fans are hoping for a great season.
Unfortunately, the Nats lost their home opener 9 to 2.
The Nats currently play at RFK Stadium and after the 2007 season, a new ballpark, with 41,000 seats is scheduled to be ready …read more

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Today in 1792, the U.S. Mint was established by an act of Congress with the Coinage Act of 1792.  The first mint, was established in Philadelphia, with additional mints located in Denver, San Francisco, West Point, NY and the U.S. Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, KY. 
The role of the mint is to produce not only domestic coins for public circulation (about 30 billion coins annually), but also commemorative medals, proof and uncirculated sets for collectors. 
The other government department involved in creating money is a Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) which is responsible for printing all of the paper currency …read more

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