Yesssss!!!! The one time PG did not fail me! I cast my ballot here at the PG County Board of…read moreElections. Superior customer service! The employees were so very helpful. I would definitely cast my ballot here again to ensure that my voice is heard!

So, this would have been a great work visit, if there wasn't so much confusion for myself and my…read morecolleagues. It was like they decided to not be able to communicate when you arrive. There are multiple ways to get to this facility. You can take the Green Line on the Metro. You can take the bus. Or you can drive yourself here, which is the hardest of the ways if you do not work at the facility. I chose option three. My other colleagues tried to tell me how to get in here, but it did not go as they told me. I pulled up to the guard station and immediately got the fifth degree. I told them I was here for a work event. They told me that I would have to 'go around.' When I went to 'go around' they started yelling at me. Before I did what they told me, 'go around,' I asked for clarity. Like, where am I going around. I even asked if I should follow the blue car that was pulling into a fenced area and was told no by them. When in fact, I was supposed to follow the blue car. At least I didn't have it as bad as my colleagues that were meeting me there that day. They just bypassed this building, which happens to be a security checkpoint, and ended up deep within the facility grounds...being tracked. Since this is a government facility, you can definitely be tracked here. Going through security was simpler and clearly defined. Once you go in and get a guest pass, you go through a vehicle inspection. Real quick inside/under inspection of your vehicle and then you are allowed to go onto the base. Instead of asking the incompetent guys at the entrance, I asked the guy that did my vehicle inspection where I needed to go now. It was a very good move to make. I went directly to the visitor parking and was inside. Inside, you go through another security checkpoint. Sign in at the desk and wait to be escorted to where you need to be inside this building. This building is a massive complex which from the outside looks like it is a boring place. Inside, completely different feel. It is modern, huge, easy to navigate, and welcoming. There are a lot of different agencies that take up space inside. And if you pay attention while walking about, there are several areas that have museum like displays for some knowledge. It is quite the busy place.

Not much to review but I will give it a shot. It is a nice place with a few federal agencies on it…read moreto include the Census Bureau, National Maritime, Intelligence Center, Child Development Center, General Services Administration, National Archives, Smithsonian Institute, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. There is plenty of parking on the grounds and it is very easy to get to via private automobile or the Suitland Metro Station that connects to the center. You will have to provide identification and have a parking pass to access the grounds. Once on the grounds there is a nice walking/running trail if you want to enjoy the sun on a nice day.

The FDA released its latest Total Diet Study Report of foods commonly eaten in the U.S. The study…read moreanalyzed 3,276 samples of 305 distinct food, beverage, and bottled water products collected from different regions of the U.S. between 2018 and 2020. The foods were analyzed for the presence of toxic elements (like inorganic arsenic, lead, and cadmium) as well as healthy elements (potassium, iron, iodine, and calcium). What I learned: The highest levels of arsenic were found in infant cereals, rice, teething biscuits, and puffed snacks. The highest levels of lead were found in cocoa powder, baking soda, baby food sweet potatoes, baby food teething biscuits, and sandwich cookies. Here's some other things you can find on the website: Recalls Food and Nutrition Medical Device Information Veterinary and Animal Care Cosmetics Tobacco Radiation Admitting Devices Vaccine information I used them to report drug side effects and research the latest drug information for my medications. Go to the menu and see what resources you may be interested. I'm recommending.....

The import offices do not protect halal dietary food. People who are not from our faith are given a…read moremonopoly to import and export our food. The FDA inspectors are clueless about dietary restricted food for religious minorities. They have no authority or qualification to check halal certification. Imported foods are held up in FL, GA, NY, NJ, creating shortages for our community.

Doing my part on our city council voting day. I literally just found out which Ward I live in. Ward…read more2! I should've ran for a spot, but I'm just getting involved over the past year After attending a few council meetings and catching up via the Facebook Group, I think the council members have great intentions and ideas, but they are not nearly aggressive enough with commercial development. Public works has shown some improvement recently and I've noticed some better code enforcement for our messy neighbors but beautification and upkeep of public spaces still need to be a top priority. We pay crazy high taxes in Mt Rainier and it's not truly reflected in the service offerings or school fiscal fitness or student performance (that would need a whole separate post). Ok I have to roll, but I'll be more active. So it's go time! No more half-stepping with my dollars!

Stopped by for COVID testing. It was a painless process. The process took less than 15 minutes…read more There is no cost for the test. Insurance is not required. Results are available within 24-72 hours. Stay safe.

Captures the quirkiness of the self-styled Maritime Republic of Eastport…read more *************************************** If there were an alternative universe with complete opposites, this would be the antithesis of the Marine Corps Marathon. The starting gun fired at the "crack of noon" on May 19, 2012. A handful of the few hundred entrants sprinted across the bridge which separates Annapolis from Eastport. Most jog, some walk. Costumes are appreciated, but not required. The race is over within minutes. Yes, the distance really is .05 kilometers. I don't have my conversion chart, but it might be like 500 feet? Of course there is a water stop at the half-way point. Prizes were awarded. There were even "trophies" for the first self-powered toddler, dog, and cat across the finish line. And in keeping with the altruistic nature of the Eastport denizens, the proceeds from the race went to a resident undergoing cancer treatment. Given the time of day, I think most finishers headed down to the Boatyard bar & grill to celebrate. If you're thinking of going next year, it usually takes place in mid-May. Check on the website for details.