Helping To Put Things In Context: Something You Should Know About D.C.

Everyone knows Washington, D.C. for being the nation's capital where decisions are made that affect the country itself and impacts the world at large. But between the time that politicians and special interest groups like to use the city as the reason for all that ails America, it has a more intimate side. This is the side that one could think of as the "local" aspect of the city. I think if people understood what really exists within the boundaries of this diamond shaped (minus a complete side) metropolis, their perspectives may be altered considerably. As AWashingtonWoman will continue to focus on some of the wonderful women who make up the fabric of the DMV (a term used for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and includes: the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia), we will also strive to give you a little of the backstory, as objectively as we can. So it's been a year since this all began and without really trying, this blog has exceeded what our expectations were. So we are thinking that with a little love and a lot of integrity, we can share some real true insight which can be entertaining as well as informative. Who knows?.... Maybe it will even be ..... helpful.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

The Stars Shine Through The Clouds In Washington DC For the 2012 White House Corespondent's Dinner

I am back with spring and the 2012 White House Correspondent's Dinner. So much has been going on and I have wanted to come back to this blog with a little more clarity, focus and intention. Big plans lie ahead and this is somewhat spontaneous but I simply couldn't resist providing you out there with the down to earth (how appropriate for April... Earth month ....get it?) perspective. .... Don't worry, I won't quit the day job. So here's the deal, the dinner is generally held at the Washington Hilton Hotel. This is the same hotel where Reagan was shot and that was in the 80's. Back then I actually lived right across the street in a delightful but, small colonial apartment (college days so believe it or not it was humble but had location, location, location). My point in bringing this up is that the hotel isn't what I would call state of the art. I know they have spruced it up here and there, but it's an older building and when you watch the crowds filing down the escalator it is a little short on pomp. There are many hotels in the city which could have provided a much more beautiful backdrop. And though every so often a drop dead gorgeous gown comes by, for the most part many of the attendees could benefit from some real style suggestions. Now mind you, the weather in the nation's capital isn't so wonderful this evening. It's actually a little raw with the rain and slight winds, so I guess it would be fair to say it isn't a great hair day either. I guess everyone is doing their best. (We all know that's provides a wide spectrum of hits and misses)....more about that later..... Anyhow, notables and celebs have been filing into the city for the last couple days and they have been hitting all the noteworthy spots and celebrations. But tonight it seems that only entities authorized by the WHCD Board could purchase tables. So the guest that are attending are invited by the likes of CBS, Politico, Huffington Post, FOX, and so on... just to name a few. Also, just prior to the dinner which will begin at 8:30pm or so, everyone was attending various receptions upstairs etc.. being hosted by People & Time magazines, and many others of that elk ....blah, blah, blah. As a matter of fact I hear the real fun goes on at those receptions. It's unfortunate to watch how so many in the country are in an uproar over issues, culture, parties etc.. when you see politicians like Rick Santorum smoozing in the same gathering with the actor who plays the gay guy in ABC's "Modern Family". They are all having a lovely evening, while much of America writes hate tweets to each other. Believe me, just because we are seeing this tonight, it really isn't that unusual. Marching band music is playing inside the ballroom (reminds me of when my Dad used to bring me to the graduations of the Officer Candidate School for the National Guard Armory.... I guess I am a bit of a military brat) right about now as the guests mill around. By the way, many of them look lost, bored and sometimes clearly "faking it". I imagine a few are engaging in meaningful dialogue, but the volume level in the room makes it hard to concentrate or hear. So in fairness, I guess they do the same stuff we do at parties in general. Hey, I just say Al Roker... and it appears that is his wife Deborah in the hot pink gown with the halter jeweled top. Interestingly, many of guests do not seem to come in with an escort..... O.K. enough for now, last thing I will leave you with for the moment is that the scholarships and awards will start at about 9:45pm. So the evening is young and I am checking out for now.... Certainly, the best is yet to come (though I can't imagine it topping last years)..... I guess we will see.