Newseum

Today was a cold, blustery day here in DC. So, rather than going outside to play, we took advantage of our great museums. We decided to go to the Newseum. We had planned to go on Jack's birthday, but it snowed 18 inches. So we stayed home that day. Today we decided to try it out.

This picture is a great visual that Jack took a picture of. Red signifies countries where the press isn't free, yellow is where it is partially free, green where it is considered free. The thing that was surprising to me is that Italy was yellow. They had these cool touch screens where it would explain each country. Italy has issues, according to the display, with Mafia influence, consolidation of media outlets and really strong/over strong libel laws. Interesting...

The Newseum is along Pennsylvania Avenue and is basically glass all along one side.

Jack took the opportunity to take some pictures of what it looks like inside and from the Newseum. This picture is from the top floor looking inside the atrium of the Newseum. Check out the cool news helicopter.

The displays that we didn't take pictures of were equally cool. On the second floor there is a whole area that is set up as an interactive mock news room. There are a number of large booths where you can pretend to be a news anchor or weatherman. (TV cameras and all). There were other areas with displays that showed what photographers do as well. There was a series on the history of big moments in American journalism. We watched clips of the assassination attempt on Reagan, Nixon saying that he isn't a crook, and other interesting historical moments.

This picture is the view from the sixth floor of the Newseum. They have an outdoor walkway that looks out (as you can see) over the Capitol. The building with the Canadian flags is the Canadian Embassy (another rather cool looking building). As you can see it is a beautiful (if windy) day.
There was a whole section on sports journalism and sports photography. For obvious reasons, Jack thought that this quote was rather funny.

Caroline was quite the trooper today. We weren't sure how she would do with a multi-hour trip in the stroller. (She doesn't like it when she can't move constantly). She was entranced with all of the pictures and televisions to look at. Eventually, after lunch in the cafeteria (where many Cheerios died a sad death on the floor), she passed out and took a nap (guarding her favorite ball all the while).