Author Archives: Rick

About Rick

Rick Snider is a native Washingtonian, long-time journalist and licensed tour guide since 2010.

Deep thinking in the garden

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A pyramid in Washington

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Fox News knows nothing of Washington

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No bowing, she’s not the queen

You never know what kids will say. I asked some youngsters who I was standing next to and “The Queen of England?” was the first response. Well, I must admit she does look a little like Queen Elizabeth, but it’s … Continue reading

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Sonny Bono Park needs TLC

It’s a spit of land with a lot of history that’s now left to neglect. Sonny Bono Park at the intersection of O St., New Hampshire Ave., and 20th St. about one block south of DuPont Circle is just 800 … Continue reading

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Octagon House – when six equals eight

I have driven past the Octagon House hundreds of times because my wife worked on the same block for 30 years. I never knew its full story; just that it was an oddly-shape corner building near the White House at … Continue reading

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Ascent soars outside Udvar-Hazy Center

One of the more interesting items at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles International Airport may be outside. Ascent is a 75-foot polished, stainless steel artwork that means, well I’m not good at interpretative … Continue reading

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The history of flags by the FBI

Sometimes the government website says it better than we can. Here is the FBI’s website explanation of the history of flags along its building on Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington. The Grand Union, or Continental Colors, serving from 1775-1777, was first … Continue reading

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Albert Gallatin – the man in front of the Treasury

After taking their zillion photos of the north side of the White House, many tourists walk to 15th St. to catch their bus. They pass the Treasury Building along the way and always ask who’s the statue. When I say … Continue reading

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Visit Mount Vernon

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A tree grows in Washington

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Ice skating on National Mall

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Happy 12th anniversary to Monumental Thoughts

Well, another year passed as Monumental Thoughts is just a year short of becoming a teenager. Wow, the years go quickly. I wish I could tell you how many visitors we had in 2012 like other years, but the website … Continue reading

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World War I Memorial

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Merry Christmas

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Santa came early to my house

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General Grant watches over us

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Fog eats Washington Monument?

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A crooked house?

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Best Christmas hotel lobby

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