It's official

I knew the nation's capitol hadn't forgotten why the nation was founded, but I didn't know it was on the official license plates.

NIST

I'm at NIST for a conference, and the conference includes a tour. They showed us $19 000 lightbulbs:

3000°K Russian blackbody sun-simulators:

2°K optical-power-testing laser chambers:

Futuristic consumer lamps:
And research-purpose disco ceilings:
Science!

Standards

This courtyard at NIST has scalloped-roof architecture and a sundial from 1948, which makes it the easiest place I've been so far to pretend I work near Richard Feynman. Also, it has geese.

Pho & Grill

I was sleeping or driving instead of taking pictures on the often-charming drive to D.C., so this is all I've got: Pho comes with jalapeno peppers in Maryland.