To Live In and Watch Movies About DC

There are a few places in America that are like no other place in this country.  New York, of course, is one of those places – so is New Orleans, Boston, Seattle, Las Vegas (to name a few)…and Washington DC.  Ever since I attended my first political rally in 1976 at the ripe old age of 5, I’ve been intrigued with politics and life in DC.  Now that I live here (well, in Northern VA), I will state unapologetically that living here is pretty damn awesome!

I am all the more proud of living here when I see the DC Metro area captured on screen.  I really like watching movies set in and around Washington DC.  If the scene is of someone flying into the airport, I try to figure out which airport they’re flying into, either Reagan National or Dulles.  If someone gets on the subway, is it a general (read substitute) subway or our very own Metro?  When driving around, are they passing building and streets I know?  …and I’m sure if you live here, you do the same thing!

So, here’s a list of movies set in or set around the shenanigans that happen in the Nation’s Capital.  Some of these are classic films that you MUST see and some are personal favorites.  Either way, I’m sure there’s a movie on the list that you haven’t seen but should.  Before you sit down with the kiddies for popcorn and bonding, do your due diligence to be sure the movie rating is appropriate for the audience.

In no particular order, I give you JBM-HH's  Family & MWR Marketing Office's favorite DC movie pics.  Be sure to leave a comment and let us know if you agree or what we missed!

1. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) – about an idealistic man who believes in democracy and triumphs over corruption.  This movie will definitely motivate and inspire you into believing you can make a difference! Starring James Stewart

2. Wag The Dog (1997) – Hollywood producer is hired to fake a war to boost the President’s ratings.  …not sure this hasn’t happened (just joking J).  Starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert DeNiro

3. Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) – Playboy congressman secretly funds anti-Russian rebellion in Afghanistan.  Great movie!  Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. 

4. The Exorcist (1973) – A little girl is possessed by a demonic entity.  Ok.  I haven’t actually watched this movie with my own eyes but it’s famous because the story (and movie) happened in Georgetown.  People actually make a pilgrimage to the famous stairs every Halloween.  Me, I can’t walk down the block to the house...but that's me. Starring Linda Blair

5. Absolute Power (1997) – During a break-in, a thief sees the President cover up a crime.  Super suspenseful movie! Starring Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, and Ed Harris

6. Arlington Road (1999) – Terrorism Studies professor suspects his neighbors of shady dealings.    Starring Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, and Joan Cusack.

7. Breach (2007) – The F.B.I. uncovers a damaging leak…a true spy story!  Starring Chris Cooper, Laura Linney and Ryan Phillipe

8. Thirteen Days (2000) – The Kennedy White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Starring Kevin Costner

9. Protocol (1984) – A clueless cocktail waitress prevents an Emir’s assignation. Yes, this is a cheesy 80’s film but such clean-cut American fun!  Starring Goldie Hawn and Chris Sarandon

10. The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) – Aliens visit Washington DC and threaten to destroy Earth.  Rude.

If one of your favorite movies set in or about DC isn’t listed, leave us a comment and let us know which one we forgot.  …that’ll be just the thing to do on our next rainy day!

10 Reasons Why Working on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall ROCKS!

Picture by Michael Dailey

Let me say that I’m a civilian so I don’t wear a uniform and, therefore, am not doing this to please my chain of command.  I just happen to be driving in to work from Hatfield Gate and thought about the cool things that are unique to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH).  Aside from the Soldiers who run in the street or don’t look when crossing, visitors who stop at the stop signs in the pedestrian walk-way when NO pedestrian is present, and the occasional horse patty – there are (at least) ten reasons why working on JBM-HH rocks!

Leave a comment down below and let us know what you love about JBM-HH!

So without further ado and in no particular order, we present the top ten reasons why working on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall rocks!

The Uniforms

Ok, it’s cliché. I give you that.  Still, it’s very cool to be surrounded by people in uniform.  It looks good…and everything is so neat - especially the Old Guard uniforms.  Aren’t they a handsome group?

The Ceremony

I tell people all the time that working on Ft. Myer is really cool, especially because you get to see the pageantry of a military burial.  The attention paid to every detail is way cool and stirs your patriotism.  …and if I may be goofy for a minute… the slow salute is pretty awesome.

The View of Washington DC

I never get tired of the view from Lee Avenue heading toward the Myer Officers’ Club.  It’s the stuff postcards are made of.  On a clear day, you can practically see the red tape and backdoor deals for miles – that and the Capitol building, the National Cathedral, the Watergate Hotel, the Kennedy Center, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington monument and more!  …and nothing beats the view from Whipple Field on Jackson Avenue to watch the fireworks on the 4^th of July. 

The History

Ft. Myer has been around since the Civil War.  One of the oldest buildings dates back to 1861.  Our base is also home to the Caisson Unit (the ceremonial horses).  This unit has been walked in the silent processional in Arlington Cemetery for many service members’ funerals.  The Wright Brothers demonstrated their Model A Military Flyer on July 27, 1909 for the US Army Signal Corps (watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MXol-twMzA).  Ft. McNair was the site of the trial for John Wilkes Booth's (the man who assassinated President Lincoln) conspirators.  Once arrested and tried by a military court on Ft. McNair in Building 20, four of the conspirators involved in the assassination were hung and buried on July 7, 1865.  …and there’s still so much more!

The 6:30 Wake Up

Reveille happens every day at precisely 0630 (that’s 6:30 am for you non-military types).  It’s a super cool reminder that we work for the military…that our job is not an ordinary job.  Not many other places are called to duty by the sound of a trumpet.  Arlington County may not be happy with us (though I haven’t heard any complaints) but they’ll have to admit that we’re an energetic bunch!

Proximity to Washington DC, Arlington, and Alexandria

Proximity?  Pah-leez!  Washington DC is in our front yard.  We can see almost every flight take off and land from Reagan National Airport.  Arlington is our backyard. From the National Cemetery to the hustle and bustle of Columbia Pike and the shopping of Clarendon, Arlington is our neighborhood. And Alexandria is about 5 minutes away.  There’s nothing like the Colonial history of Old Towne…and the shopping in the Del Ray area.

The Cowboy Soldiers & their Horses

This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen!  Did you know that there are actual Soldiers whose uniform is actually jeans, a collared shirt, cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat?  The Soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Caisson Platoon are actually highly trained to care for the horses that participate in military funerals.  What’s better than a Soldier in uniform?  …a Soldier in jeans and a cowboy hat!

The Military Service Members from Other Countries

Our military is great and our service members are the best!  However, it’s really cool to see service members from other countries on our base.  To be able to see them, up close and personal, and in their uniform is something not many people will ever have the chance to see.  It’s also really cool to think that – for whatever reason – America’s military is working with another country’s military.  That’s what we call partnership at its best!

Twilight Tattoo

America and her military have a varied and long history.  Our Soldiers have fought in several wars, have worn several uniforms, and have been the biggest supporters of democracy since before 1776.  The Twilight Tattoo presents all of these things in a very entertaining and “time warp” kind of way.  You get to see first-hand what the uniforms of our Army’s past looked like.  Then, of course, the audience gets the thrill of a life-time watching the Silent Drill Team.  Just…wow.

We host high ranking dignitaries, including Barack and Michelle

Seriously, having the President and First Lady come to Ft. Myer or Ft. McNair is waaaaay awesome!  Hosting Colin Powell was awesome!  Hosting a State Funeral is awesome (but sad)!  Hosting Presidents from foreign countries is awesome!  Well, that’s what we hear after the fact.  Rumor is these people have come to Ft. Myer or Ft. McNair.  It’s just that 99% of the employees on the base don’t know about it until after the fact.  …Awesome!

We know that everyone has things they like and dislike about their place of employment.  We just happen to be super proud of the historical nature of our base and the services we provide not only to the immediate community but to the whole Military District of Washington and the White House!  Another base may be cool to work on but it’ll never be “The President just dropped by to catch a basketball game” cool.

Check us out at www.jbmhhMWR.com!

Trends in 2016 ... At Least As We See 'Em

2016 has gotten off to a fast start!  We’ve already had a couple of , “day-off” holidays, gotten used to writing 2016 and struggled through daylights savings time.  And, believe it or not, the retail industry has had enough time to predict what items and ideas will be hot and trendy in 2016.  It’s not always a good idea to follow a trend.  They can be expensive and short-lived.  However, the things we mention below kind of made sense.  Give it a read and leave your opinion in the comments below.

House & Home

Shades of Gray (...and not in that way J) Shades of gray paint are all the rage.  From the lightest whisper of color to near black, shades of gray are appearing on things from interior walls to flooring to exterior house trim.  Gray seems to be the new neutral.

Graphic Throw Pillows are an easy and expensive way to add visual interest and a pop of color to any room.  Use throw pillows on sofas, chairs, beds and floors.

Farmhouse décor is becoming the go-to style, even in urban settings, due to the popularity of the HGTV show “Fixer Upper.” Farmhouse décor is intermingling of antique with contemporary and using weathered and worn architectural pieces (old garden gates, church pews, old corbels, fireplace mantels, and shiplap) to add comfortable and cozy character to a home.  Light paint colors (light blue, light gray, white, etc.) help tie it all together.

Tech Trends

Mobile Payments, also referred to as mobile money and mobile wallet, refer to payments made via a mobile device. Instead of paying with cash, check, or credit cards, a customer can use a mobile phone to pay for a wide range of services and digital or hard goods.  Mobile payments digitizes and replaces the credit or debit card chip and PIN or magnetic stripe transaction at point-of-sale terminals.  A popular example of this is the Starbucks app.  Customers load cash (via a credit/debit card) to the account.  When it’s time to pay for their order, a bar code is scanned from inside the app.  …no need to carry cash or even a wallet.  Have smart phone will purchase!

Biometrics are physiological characteristics related to the shape of the body. Examples include, but are not limited to fingerprint, face recognition, DNA, retina and iris recognition, and palm prints.  Biometrics are currently being used not only as a means of identification but also for access.  Since biometric identifiers are unique to individuals, they are more reliable in verifying identity than knowledge-based methods (like passwords).  If you have an iPhone and are using the finger print scanner to unlock your phone, then you are familiar with biometrics. 

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is the intelligence exhibited by machines or software.  Although we’re not quite at the Terminator level, we are already interacting with intelligent computers.  Siri, Cortana, Alexa, Google Voice are all examples of AI.  Rumor is, Apple and Facebook are trying to improve their AI systems so they can place orders, make retail purchases, book flights and more.  I still can’t get Siri to pronounce my name correctly.

 Food & Beverage Trends

“Free from” is a hot buzz term right now.  Although, many consumers don't actually need products that are free from gluten, wheat and dairy, they are demanding them anyway, as they consider them to be healthier. Industries have taken notice and saw they had little choice but to respond.  The surge in mainstream gluten-free products has been incredible.  There are now whole aisles (in some grocery stores) completely devoted to “free from” foods.

The "Flexitarian" has been born.  A flexitarian is a part-time vegetarian who has reduced their meat consumption because of health, sustainability and animal welfare concerns.  The new breed of vegetarians is having a major impact on new product activity. This includes the technological development and promotion of better-tasting products more reminiscent of meat, as well as the use of alternative protein sources and more animal-friendly processes.

Vegetables are making a comeback!  People know they need to eat more greens, but shy away because of taste expectations. Children can be encouraged to eat more through hidden vegetable products (like baked beans) while the rise of fusion smoothies and high vegetable pastas indicates that adults also can be encouraged to increase their intake.

To keep up with more technology, decorating, fitness, and other wildly popular trends, visit our Pinterest page.  We have 18 boards filled with the absolute coolest ideas, recipes, and more! Search jbmhhfmwr.

Spring Things “To Do” in Washington DC

Most people in America are waiting with baited breath for spring to, well…spring!  We’re looking forward to warmer weather, fresh garden blossoms, and refreshing, cool drinks.  But, as we know, spring in San Antonio may be very different from spring in Seattle…and there is nothing like spring in DC.

No matter where you’ve lived before living in the Washington DC Metro area, I’m sure you’ve heard of our Cherry Blossom Festival.  Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival helps us to remember the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries.  The festival includes a parade, pageant, music and more!  So, if you dig cherry blossoms, there’s that.

But there’s so much more to do in the Washington DC Metro area during spring!  Here are a few more cool things to do this season:

1.       ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT

Rent a paddle boat and tour the Tidal Basin and cherry blossoms (yeah, we’re a sucker for the cherry blossoms, too J).  Or rent a kayak or canoe and paddle the Potomac!

2.       SOMETHING TOURISTY

Take a tour of the Washington Monument and then get a cocktail on the roof of the W Hotel. Sipping a fancy cocktail and enjoying the view from the roof is a great way to end an afternoon of sightseeing on the Mall.

3.       KICKBALL

Every spring, the National Mall is filled with kickball/softball players, and it’s easy to see why: it combines the beauty of the monuments in springtime with a mild workout. So join a team, have some fun, and please, don’t be that guy who takes it way too seriously. Nobody likes that guy.

4.       NATS PARK

Nationals Park is one of the best stadiums in America!  The atmosphere inside the park is electric, and if you actually decide to follow the game closely - even better!

5.       ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Visiting Arlington Cemetery is one of the most patriotic experiences one can have.  …and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is breath-taking.

6.       DC FESTIVALS

Try the DC Jazz Festival or Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which celebrates DC’s multiculturalism unlike anywhere else!

7.       ROLLING THUNDER

It’s just NOT spring without Rolling Thunder! You can hear the motorcycles rolling into town as early as Wednesday.  They’re loud and attention-grabbing.  The motorcycles display American flags, as well as POW and MIA flags.  The intent of the thousands of riders that come to DC on Memorial Day weekend is to educate and bring awareness to the many service members who are still Prisoners of War or Missing in Action.  …and there’s nothing like seeing - literally- hundreds of motorcycles riding across the Memorial Bridge, past the Marine who’s standing at attention, and remembering that although seeing them here is “way cool!”, they are here for a reason.  The display is sad and inspiring at the same time – and not to be missed.  This year, Rolling Thunder is on May 29, 2016.

8.       DOUBLE-DECKER BUSSES

Every big city has them and, admit it, you’ve been on one.  Double-decker sight-seeing busses are the greatest thing since a museum docent.  You get on the bus and get a first class ride to all of the local attractions, plus a tour guide!  Just don’t mind the pointing and stares from the locals. J

9.       DC's MARKETS

DC's oldest operating fresh food market, Eastern Market, attracts visitors on weekends with produce, fresh flowers, baked goods and more!  Another popular DC market is the Georgetown French Market.  This annual, almost pop-up market, is usually is only open on April 25.  The market was designed to emulate an authentic Parisian open-air market. More than 30 local boutiques, galleries, cafes and more will display the best of their spring offerings - many at steep discounts - alongside French musicians and vendors serving croissants and coffee.

10.   PICNICS

It’s an old stand-by but think about it… Lounging and enjoying a picnic on the grounds of the National Mall with the Capitol Building on one side and the Washington Monument on the other side and the Smithsonian all around you.  You may get lucky, President Obama has been known to take strolls along the Mall!  If not, finish your picnic and grab a bike or a Segway and tour the Mall before heading home.

If none of these things speak to your adventurous spirit, visit the Family & MWR Community Activity Center at 228 McNair Road, Bldg. 495, Fort Myer, VA or give them a call at 703.696.3469/70.  The team over there has their finger on the cool happenin’s in the DC Metro area!


~pmjp

Are You Really Using Your Smart Phone?

It’s a good question, isn’t it?  I wonder this sooooo much.  We spend so much money buying the best and latest smart phone.  We are always looking for the best data plans and are always asking people, “Do you like your cell phone carrier?”  But why?  I think, truthfully, most of use our phones for texting, taking pictures, one or two apps, and for actually talking to people.  Man, let me tell you, once you get involved with your phone….it’s amazing!

Let me start by saying, you must first come to grips with the fact that your smart phone is a computer.  Yes, yes it is.  It took me a while to understand that this hand-held computer was also my phone – and I can do the same things on my iPhone as I can on my desktop computer.  Seriously.  …that blows my mind!  But I digress.

The great thing about it all, though, is your smart phone is customizable.  In fact, the “i” in iPhone stands for individual.  No two phones will be set up the same way.  They are customizable based on what each individual user wants to download to the phone (music, apps, wallpaper pictures, etc.).  But the apps…that’s where it gets interesting.

Visit your app store and search for any interest, medical condition, game, newspaper, store…whatever!  Chances are there’s an app for it.  Have a green thumb?  There’s an app to help you decide which plants to grow in YOUR yard and how to best care for those plants.  Have a list of spring “things to do”, download a DIY app or the app from your favorite chain hardware store for tutorials.  Have diabetes and want to keep track of your glucose reading?  There’s an app for that!  Prefer to practice yoga at home? Yep, there’s an app for that, too!  There are literally thousands of apps!

That being said, we wanted to share some of our favorite apps with you.  These are apps that we use on a daily basis and find extremely useful...or just fun!  All of us in Family & MWR Marketing have iPhones so the apps listed below are presented from an iOS (the iPhone operating system) perspective.  However, most (if not all) of these apps will be found in any smart phone app store.

1.  Waze

With real-time help from other drivers who share traffic and road info (like accidents and cop-sightings!), Waze will get you to your final destination in the quickest and least stressful way possible.

2.  OpenTable

Treat yourself to a delicious meal and use OpenTable to make the reservation—it's a million times easier than trying to look up individual restaurants, and if you need to cancel, you can do so with the quick click of a button!

3.  1Password

Passwords require special characters, capital letters, numbers, DNA, biometrics, eye of newt and more and every site has different requirements, making it impossible to remember them all! 1Password saves all your passwords in one place, saving you the time and frustration of trying to remember each one.

 4.  Retail Me Not

Skip the coupon clipping and check for coupons as you shop, saving you time and money!  Or, select your favorite stores and be notified of any deals and discounts when you’re in close proximity to that store.

5.  CamScanner

The app turns your smart phone into a portable scanner.  Scans are saved into your phone as images or PDFs—no bulky machine required.  Scan receipts, notes, invoices, whiteboard discussions, business cards, certificates, etc. then share those files via text, social media, or email attachment.

6.  Pocket

Instead of emailing yourself countless links every time you stumble across an interesting story on the internet, save them to Pocket, which stores all your content in one place so you can view it anytime, anywhere (even without WiFi!).

7.  BuzzFeed

BuzzFeed has it all: the stories and quizzes buzzing on social media, the news you want now, and the recipes and life tips you didn’t know you needed.  It’s a great place to get a little read on everything.  …it’s like a pop-culture news outlet.  It’s awesome.

Smartphone Games for Adults

8.  4 Pics Puzzle

This game displays 4 picture clues and a number of squares below them.  Your job is to figure out what the pictures have in common and enter that word, letter by letter, in the boxes below.  Get them all right and you move on to the next level.

9.  Piano Tiles (Don’t Tap the White Tile)

Watch your step, DON'T TOUCH ANY WHITE TILES! That is the rule of this addictive game. Sounds easy? Give it a try, and see how well you do.  In the meantime, listen to calm - and way cool - piano soundtracks.

10.  Colorfy: Coloring Book for Adults

Adult coloring books are all the rage right now! Put a digital twist on this calming and meditative diversion.  Color images range from flowers to animals to famous works of art.

These are just a couple of the apps we use every day.  We also recommend you try out some of the stock apps that came pre-loaded on your phone.  The Calendar, Reminder, Maps and Notes apps are also very handy.  In other words, if you truly use your smart phone, you will always have a personal assistant right at your fingertips!

We’re sure you have your favorites, too!  Leave a comment down below and let us know which apps we should try!  We’re always looking for cool and useful apps!

~pmjp