Philanthropy

There was a panel of individuals involved with non-profit work at the RAF today.  They discussed how companies are looking to incorporate programs that give money back to local communities or initiatives into their business models.  The panel members included William McGinly (President of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy), Aaron Sherinian (Vice President, Communications and Public Relations for the United Nations Foundation), Scott Sapperstein (Executive Director, Public Affairs, AT&T External & Legislative Affairs), and Kevin Webb (Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation).  In this digital media and social networking era it is easy for either negative or positive news about a company to spread like wildfire.  Emitting a positive image about giving money to scholarships, donating to healthcare, or improving the environment can increase consumer support for a company.  This, in turn, makes CEOs and stockholders interested in partaking in these efforts, creating a beneficial cycle.  I was able to bring up the Dozer scholarships that we have in Cambridge during the course of discussion, and maybe recruited some new donors?  I’ll be working on homework for the rest of the night, goodnight!

Aurora, CO

The horrible event that took place at a movie theater in Colorado on Friday has affected many individuals, families, and communities.  The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater family was not left unscathed as a 2008 graduate, John Larimer, lost his life.  The 27 year old had double-majored in Political Science and History, and was a member of the U.S. Tenth Fleet Cyber Command at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora.  As saddening as the events were on that day, it is always inspiring to watch the way people will come together to help one another rise above the suffering caused by evil such as this.  The hospital staffs, local law enforcement, members of the community, the media, and even politicians have demonstrated how caring and compassionate the vast majority of society really is.  We all mourn the suffering brought upon dozens of innocent individuals in the wake of some incoherent rage.  May mankind find a way to eliminate these acts of violence from the theater in Aurora, to the streets of Chicago, and around the world from Damascus to the Congo.  If that goal is never to be reached, then at least may we work together as well as the Aurora community has in its wake.

Silver Diner

I went to lunch with a friend from the Cato Institute at the Silver Diner near George Mason University in Virginia today.  I had a delicious plate of pancakes, ham, and scrambled eggs.  I spent most of the day at the RAF doing some homework and relaxing with the roommates.  Pete experienced Papa John's pizza for the first time tonight, and I'm honored to have shared that moment in his life with him.  I am going to jog to Harris Teeter in a moment to pick up some fresh blades for the shaver because I have to be looking sharp tomorrow for some modeling, or so I'm told.  It has been rainy and overcast all weekend here in D.C., which threw a kink into my plans for catching some rays today.  I would like to share some of the rain we've been having with the crops in Wisconsin!!

Comedy Show at RFD

On Saturday I was invited to go to a comedy show at RFD in Chinatown.  After jogging a couple of miles and doing an upper-body workout I joined a couple of people I had met at the Cato Institute and their friends for the performance.  The list of comedians included Chris Milner, Kat Timpf, Haywood Turnipseed, Jr., Stephen Nicks, Pat Coffey, Clay Miles, and hosted by Brad Ryan and Ralph Cooper.  The comedians were quite funny, and by the time we left my head hurt from laughing and smiling.  My favorites were Stephen Nicks, Kat Timpf, and Clay Miles.  A member of our party, Pete, had the same wristband that I wear from the Mises Institute, and I enjoyed debating some political philosophy with him.  Afterwards we stopped at Rocket Bar to play some darts before calling it a night. 

The W

Friday night I went out with a handful of friends to a rooftop bar at The Willard Hotel on Pennsylvania Ave.  It is really cool.  You can see the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Washington Monument, Capitol, the White House property, and many other prominent buildings along the National Mall from its prime location.  After peering out into the surroundings for awhile, we moved over to Cafe Citron to pick up a Latin vibe!  The place was absolutely packed, and the music just forces you to move your hips.  I suppose I don't need very much encouragement to begin with, but I really couldn't help myself that night.  We wrapped up the night at Madhatter's before heading home.  I met a number of new people, and, perhaps much to the chagrin of those around me, burned off quite a few calories!

Cafe Cozy Corner

This is a cafe a few blocks away from where I work that has absolutely delicious sandwiches, and I thought it worthy enough to have it's own blog post.  I have dined there three times now, including at lunch yesterday with one of the people I met from the Cato Institute on Wednesday night.  I love meeting new people!  Thursday night was largely uneventful, and Friday has had little to highlight thus far.  I would like to mention that I think my coworker, Patrick, is a very intelligent individual, and I thoroughly enjoy speaking with him.  I have been invited to go to a comedy show tomorrow night, but that is all I have tentatively planned for the weekend.  I do need to get some homework done though!  Happy Friday!!

Cato vs. Heritage

After work on Wednesday I went to the Cato Institute to listen to a debate between two members of Cato and two members of the Heritage Foundation.  The debate was between the political philosophies of libertarianism and conservatism, moderated by Tim Carney who regularly appears on MSNBC.  I thought the debate was well done, and covered topics that included defense spending, gay marriage, drug legalization, and others.  I may be slightly biased, but it seemed that the Cato Institute's team did a better job of presenting their case throughout the debate.  There was a reception afterwards where I was able to enjoy some free crackers, cheese, and beers...perfect!  I was also able to meet several individuals that I have either interacted with, or have spent time listening/reading about over the past several years, including; Jack Hunter, Jennifer Jones, and Alexander McCobin.  I was also able to meet a dozen or so people otherwise that work with organizations like Young Americans for Liberty, Students for Liberty, and the Cato Institute.  I managed to make a good enough impression on a couple fellow attendees to be invited with them to grab a couple of cold ones at the Sign of the Whale bar, how could I say no?  Had a great night out on the town.