August Blues and Worried About the “Next ’94″

Dear Cloture Girl (if that is your real name),
Why is everything so dead in August?!  I am sick of going to the same old bars and seeing them half-empty.  Any thoughts on where everyone is or what to do?

Sincerely,
Bored Ben

Dear Bored Ben,

Ask and you shall receive.  If you are willing to brave the heat and crowds, August can be a good time to play tourist in your own city and the surrounding area.  If the obvious free museums are not your thing or you have already maxed out on them with previous visits from family and friends, here are some other fun options:

1) Have you seen those folks paddling around the Jefferson Memorial building but never felt the urge to wait for a boat to become available?  Well you can make reservations online well in advance for free: http://dc.about.com/od/boating/a/TidalBasinPB.htm

2) There are a number of free outdoor concerns going on around the city.  To see a full listing check out this link: http://dc.about.com/od/concerts/a/summerconcerts.htm

3) A popular day excursion for many DC area transplants and natives alike is to go tubing in Harpers Ferry, WV.  I have had good luck with this company; they even have cooler tubes: http://www.riverriders.com/

4) For those willing to go further afield you might try camping on Assateague Island National Seashore.  The National Park Service has online reservation options.  The smart move is to camp near the beach where the breeze keeps away the flies.  Watch out for wild horses stealing your food!  http://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/index.htm

5) If you are looking for a less intrepid vacation weekend you should check out Dewey Beach.  Unlike Ocean City and especially Bethany, this beach caters to the younger crowd.  While you are there check out Rusty Rudder to see if any bands are playing or grab a Bloody Mary at Starboard on Sunday morning.

6) Back in DC there are plenty of bars that do Trivia nights to keep your brain from turning into mush during the August heat.  On the Hill, there is one at Pour House, but I am partial to the one at Fados.  http://www.bardc.com/?page=trivia_nights

7) This week is DC Beer Week and next week is Restaurant Week.  Check out our full event calendar for details.

Hope this helps!

- ClotureGirl

Hey Cloture Girl,
First of all, the House vs. Senate side clubs info is great.  My question regards midterms and staying on the Hill should the district decide to send my Congressman or woman packing; any advise beyond the usual networking among the States?  Thanks!

-Worried ’10 is the New ‘94

Dear Worried,
It is true that the pendulum does tend to swing back and forth in Congress in predictable patterns.  That said; try not to stress yourself out.  If your Member is responsive and accountable to his or her constituents (part of which depends on you) he or she will likely keep their job.  Just work hard to provide meaningful responses and do the best you can at your job so that if the worst does happen your Chief of Staff will be more inclined to help you find your next job.

If you are not wedded to staying on the Hill, make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities off the Hill. Which you can find also on our job listings page. Most of my friends have  done stints in law firms, nonprofits, the Administration, for political newspapers like Roll Call or Politico, and worked on the Hill.  Not to sound cheesy but sometimes it can be the opportunity to you never thought you would take that turns out to be the most rewarding.

- ClotureGirl

Thanks for reading my column. Keep the questions coming!