Washington Interns

If you are ever in Arlington, Virginia DO NOT ever shop at the Costco in Pentagon City! They are ridiculously rude, and are unwilling to work with you when a problem arises. I was there just this evening and was unable to make a purchase because of a minor problem with my account/membership. They singled me out, while not giving anyone else in my line a problem. They were also unwilling to work with me when I tried to explain the situation and instead forced me into a situation where I could no longer act in a friendly manner. There is no reason why I should not have been able to purchase items there since I have been for the last couple of months…But apparently today I got problems about it and then basically kicked out of the store…

So if you’re ever in the area, keep this in mind and DO NOT visit this store because it will save you much time…

What does Independence Day really mean to you? In my experience, I’ve found that most people don’t really put much thought into this annual day of historical honor and rememberance: The anniversary of our Nation’s birth. Instead, most Americans simply celebrate it as any other National holiday: a day home from work, a day with family and friends, cookouts, and fireworks. I mean, those are all great benefits and events that come with the 4th of July, but does anyone else actually think about the significance of this particular day and why it is so important to us all as Americans today?

About 232 years ago on July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the revised version of the Declaration of Independence; the version we all know and love today. On this day, our declaration to Great Britain became official; thus beginning our quest for independence. And don’t forget that we were the underdogs in during the revolution! Britain was the most powerful nation on Earth, both in terms of capital and military strength. Our quest for independence seemed nearly impossible, but our founding fathers and fellow Americans never gave up and never stopped believing in what they were fighting for. FREEDOM. Our brothers and sisters died for the country they all loved and were loyal to, just so their children and grandchildren and generations after could live freely; in the absence of tyrant and unfair rule. Although what they viewed as fair and unfair treatment is much different from what we value today, they fought and died for what they believed in, not for them, but for the improvement of our people and our Country as a whole.

So as you sit around on the eve of the anniversary of our independence, do not forget why we celebrate this historical event and perhaps even ponder what our country might be like if we had not ever become independent. It would be much different right now I can certainly tell you that.  So if you value your liberty and civil rights: remember our founding fathers, those who died in the name of their country and its people, and those who publicly supported the Declaration.

REMEMBER LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS!

 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!  BE PROUD TO BE AMERICANS!!!

On Thursday, Presidential candidate, Senator John McCain stated that he agreed with the Supreme Court’s decision to overrule the D.C. gun ban. McCain called ruling a “landmark victory for Second Amendment freedom” Voicing a stance that could help him win over conservatives and libertarians, McCain said, “This ruling does not mark the end of our struggle against those who seek to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens. We must always remain vigilant in defense of our freedoms.”

On the other hand, Senator Barack Obama tried to avoid the issue by saying that he favors an individual’s right to bear firearms as well as a government’s right to regulate them. In an attempt to appeal to moderates and the more liberal, Obama said local governments should be able to regulate guns, but did not say as to whether he agreed with the Court’s overturn of the D.C. ban. But he said Thursday’s ruling “will provide much-needed guidance to local jurisdictions across the country.”

“I have always believed that the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to bear arms, but I also identify with the need for crime-ravaged communities to save their children from the violence that plagues our streets through commonsense, effective safety measures,” Obama said.

Obama said his view was supported by the court’s ruling that the Constitution does not permit “the absolute prohibition of handguns.” That language “reinforces that if we act responsibly, we can both protect the constitutional right to bear arms and keep our communities and our children safe,” Obama said.

Both presidential candidates endorse an individual’s right to bear arms. But they strongly differ beyond that. McCain has had a mostly conservative record on the issue; Obama, a mostly liberal record.

Source: Associated Press (AP) - Thursday, June 26, 2008

For nearly 32 years, Washington D.C. has had a law that banned handguns in the district for private individuals. This law has been challenged multiple times, and is finally put to rest today as the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the law, saying that is a violation of 2nd Amendment rights. District officials are not happy with the Court’s decision but have 21 days to develop rules to comply. Those who now want to carry firearms will have to apply, and prove that they are responsible, mentally competent adults, and will have to be fingerprinted. Also, there will be an amnesty program for those who have already have unregistered weapons. Automatic weapons, however, are still banned in the district.

There really is nothing like baseball, as it is truly an unique American past-time…and what better place to watch America’s favorite sport than in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.!  After being absent from the District for over 30 years (When the Washington Senators were relocated to Dallas, TX as the Texas Rangers), baseball has finally returned with the Washington Nationals! 

Going to a Nationals game is an experience all on its own as well, since you wouldn’t expect a die-hard fanbase over a team that they’ve barely even had a chance to know…but this is hardly the case…Fans reacted as if this had been their home team for years, maybe even decades, and many even give wicked looks or yell profanity at those who wear the opponent’s colors (I know since I was a victim of this!)

 Not only are the Nationals gaining an increasing number of fans, but they also have been recently located to a new home…one that is actually used for baseball too! (unlike RFK Stadium, which is actually a football stadium).  Just having opened its doors this past March 2008, Nationals Park is truly an amazing state-of-the-art facility, which an enormous 4,500 sqare foot HD scoreboard!  It is also the 1st major stadium in the United States to be certified LEED Green!  If you haven’t been to Nationals Park, I would highly recommend it, whether or not you’re a Nationals fan!  Not only do you get to enjoy this spectacular facility, but you also get a taste of what Washington baseball is all about.  As they steadily grow in popularity, it is very likely that in the next few years the Washington Nationals will be one of the bigger franchises in the MLB.

Networking.  How many times does a college student have to hear this word before they realize the importance of acting on it?  I’ve encountered quite a few students in my experience who know nothing about it…but those are typically the same people who are in college without a resume either…Ok but seriously, networking is an extremely important and useful skill, so make sure you have it down pat because it may help you get that new job you really want!

Networking is basically like socializing, but usually is in a more formal or professional setting.  Just like your social life, networking calls for making good impressions, keeping in touch, and remembering an acquaintance’s name.  Networking can be amongst your peers or with those who are older than yourself.  So whether you’re getting to know your co-workers or chatting with a campus recruiter, you’re networking!

 Great places to start practicing your networking skills include college career fairs, volunteer events, internships, your job, church, clubs, student groups, roommates, floormates, study groups, class, and believe it or not, Facebook! 

In order to be successful you have to be comfortaable and open with people, so try to introduce yourself to everyone and carry on a nice conversation with as many people as possible!  Find people with similar interests as you since that makes it a lot more probable that you will talk to them in the future.  If no one shares similar interests with you, then try to connect with the person (this works especially well if you’re talking with a professional!)  Also, make sure you keep in contact with others after you meet them, otherwise you’ll defeat the purpose of it!

Any questions/comments? Or have any suggestions I didn’t cover? Post them!