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Washington D.C. Newsletter (July 29th)

Washington D.C. Newsletter (July 29th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Matthew Larsen
July 29, 2024

Quote of the Week

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

–Maya Angelou

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

In Washington DC, which building was the first to be constructed in the Federal style and has served various purposes including as the President's residence?

A) The Octagon House

B) The White House

C) The Capitol Building

D) The Old Executive Office Building

Answer to Week 31's Trivia:

The Washington DC museum dedicated to the art of portraiture, featuring paintings, sculptures, and photographs of prominent Americans, is A) The National Portrait Gallery.

News

💼Business

Capital One, Discover hit with lawsuit over proposed tie-up. (Link)

Mark Ein considering sale of historic Georgetown mansion. (Link)

🏒Sports

Cease stymies Nationals, tosses just second no-hitter in Padres history. (Link)

Swanson’s two goals lead U.S. over Zambia at Olympics. (Link)

🏦Finance

EagleBank reports record loss in Q2 on goodwill impairment. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports Events

🎾 Mubadala Citi DC Open Outer Courts Session 3
Fitzgerald Tennis Stadium at Rock Creek Park, Washington DC
Monday, July 29, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals
Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Friday, August 2 to Saturday, August 3, 2024 | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 Vacations
9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Romy
9:30 Club, Washington, DC
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 | (More info)

Family-Friendly Events

🎉 Movies on the Memorial
US Navy Memorial Plaza, Washington, DC
Thursday, August 1, 2024 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over Washington DC” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Washington D.C. Historical Events

Y2K Preparations (1999) - The federal government leads efforts to prepare for potential computer and infrastructure issues.

As the year 1999 wound down, there was a growing concern among technology and government sectors over the potential impact of the Y2K bug. Essentially, this bug was rooted in the way dates were encoded in many computer systems: using two digits to represent the year instead of four, which could cause computers to interpret the year 2000 as 1900, potentially leading to widespread malfunctions in anything from banking systems to power grids. In response, the federal government spearheaded a comprehensive campaign to mitigate potential disruptions, especially in critical areas such as national security, public safety, and the economy.

In Washington D.C., the epicenter of national governance and policy-making, efforts to combat the Y2K issue were particularly intense. Agencies across the federal government audited and updated their systems, while collaborating with state and local governments, as well as private sector partners, to ensure a coordinated approach. This massive logistical and technical undertaking involved reviewing millions of lines of code and implementing patches and upgrades where necessary. Federal leadership also focused on public communication, seeking to reassure both the American public and international partners that preventive measures were in place to ensure continuity of essential services.

Moreover, contingency planning was a critical aspect of the Y2K preparations in Washington D.C. Simulations and drills were conducted to rehearse responses to potential failures in critical infrastructure elements such as power grids, telecommunication systems, and emergency services. In addition, the federal government established command centers to monitor and respond to incidents as the new millennium approached. This focused and comprehensive approach helped ensure that the transition into the year 2000 was smooth, with no major disruptions reported in critical systems. The Y2K preparations in Washington D.C., and across the United States, stand as a testament to the capacity for decisive federal leadership and collaborative action in the face of a widespread technological challenge.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Ralph Bunche (1904–1971) -

Ralph Bunche was a monumental figure in the 20th century as a diplomat and the first African American Nobel Peace Prize laureate. His contributions to international diplomacy and civil rights have left an indelible mark on history.

Early Years and Education (1904–1927)

Ralph Johnson Bunche was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1904. After losing his parents at a young age, Bunche moved to Los Angeles with his grandmother, attending and excelling in high school. His academic brilliance led him to UCLA, where he graduated as the valedictorian of his class. He later earned a master's degree in political science from Harvard.

Growing Academic Influence (1928–1944)

Bunche's academic career flourished as he focused on colonial policy and race relations, earning a doctorate from Harvard. His profound research on African colonialism garnered widespread acclaim. He also served as a professor at Howard University, significantly contributing to African studies and political science.

Entry into Diplomacy (1945–1947)

Bunche’s diplomatic journey began at the State Department and the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. His expertise swiftly transitioned him to working for the United Nations, where his skills would soon be realized on the world stage.

UN Mediator and the Nobel Peace Prize (1948–1950)

Bunche's most notable achievement came when he was appointed the principal secretary of the UN Palestine Commission. After the assassination of the UN's Chief Mediator in Palestine, Bunche was thrust into the lead role, successfully mediating the 1949 Armistice Agreements between Israel and four Arab nations. For this monumental accomplishment, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950.

Further UN Contributions and Global Diplomacy (1951–1965)

Following his Nobel laureate, Bunche's role within the UN expanded. He was instrumental in forming and advocating for UN peacekeeping operations. His diplomatic efforts ranged from the Suez Crisis to the Congo conflict, earning him a reputation as a skilled and impartial negotiator.

Connection to Washington DC (1941–1958)

While Bunche's influence was global, his impact was also felt in the United States, particularly in Washington DC. During his work with the State Department and his frequent engagements with the UN headquarters in New York, Bunche spent considerable time in DC, advocating for civil rights and advising Presidents and Congress on foreign policy.

Civil Rights Advocate (1950s–1960s)

Despite his international accolades, Bunche remained deeply committed to the civil rights movement in America. He participated in the 1963 March on Washington and was a vocal supporter of equal rights, leveraging his position to influence leaders and policy.

Later Years and Legacy (1966–1971)

In his final years, Bunche continued his work with the UN, advocating for peace and equality. He passed away in 1971, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer for African Americans in diplomacy and a steadfast champion for peace.

Ralph Bunche's Passing and Commemoration (1971 and Beyond)

Ralph Bunche's death in 1971 was widely mourned as a loss of a global peacemaker and civil rights advocate. His legacy continues through numerous schools, public spaces, and scholarships named in his honor, ensuring his contributions to peace and equality are remembered.

Ralph Bunche's Continuing Influence (Post-1971)

The impact of Ralph Bunche's work endures in international relations, civil rights, and the ongoing endeavors of the United Nations. His pioneering spirit and achievements continue to inspire diplomats and peacemakers around the world.

Key Achievements of Ralph Bunche:

Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1950 for mediating armistice agreements in the Middle East.
First African American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Instrumental in the formation and development of United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Served with distinction in academia and global diplomacy, influencing colonial policy and race relations studies.
Actively participated in the U.S. civil rights movement, advocating for equality and justice.

Ralph Bunche's life was marked by groundbreaking achievements in diplomacy and civil rights. His efforts in mediating international conflicts and advocating for peace and equality have had a lasting impact on the world. Bunche remains a symbol of justice, peace, and tireless dedication to making the world a better place for all.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen