Mar 27, 1912: The First Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees Are Planted in the U.S.
On this day in 1912, the first two Japanese cherry blossom trees were successfully planted by First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. Japanese Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gave the U.S. over 3000 trees to demonstrate the growing relationship between the U.S. and Japan.
Every spring, Washington D.C. commemorates the initial planting through the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
As we wait for this year’s blooming period, treat yourself to this delicious spring recipe!
Image: Cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. 2013 (Diana Alvarenga)
What the heck is dematerialization and how does it help you live small?
Renting or borrowing items rather than purchasing them and then having them sit largely unused is a form of dematerialized consumption.
I like that the picture is of a defunct DC bike-sharing company, rather the widely successful one.
SmartBike DC, the one pictured, closed operations two years ago; in contrast, Capital Bikeshare continues to grow in usership.
npr:
(via Red sky at morning in Washington, D.C. - Capital Weather Gang - The Washington Post)
Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky at morning, sailor take warning. There is often truth in the old adage. With today’s approaching storm system, it does ring true.
Credit: Kevin Ambrose
Sunrise in DC this morning. Storm is coming! -heidi
This man was arrested by Capitol Police today after disrupting the Senate by yelling, “Abortion! Abortion! Stop Obama! Stop the Congress!”
— Vice President Joe Biden as he approached the bakery section at the newly opened DC Costco.
During election night, Discovery News Associate Producer (and DNews Tumblr wrangler) Trace Dominguez joined the crowds in Washington D.C. outside the White House. He made friends with a horse. (It is currently unknown if it’s the same horse spotted running through New York during Hurricane Sandy.) ~Ian
Bolded the last part for emphasis. That horse was in DC. Not New York
All Monday Metro service, both rail and bus, has been cancelled, Metro officials said Sunday night.
In explanation, the officials cited the expected high winds, the likelihood of widespread power outages, and the closing of the federal government.
On Sunday night, the system was to remain in operation until the normal close of service.
As for Monday’s Metro closure, officials said said no decision had yet been made about when rail service would be restored. The announcement said bus service would be suspended Monday “until further notice.”
Officials said service would be restored only “when it is safe to do so.”
Well, that’s no good.
