Dear Pita-Consumers,
What do you expect from President Obama’s 2nd term for the pita-consuming region?
Iran and the US have stepped up their game to almost become “frenemies” during the Iraq invasion of 2003. Now, both have initiated a nerd war: cyberwarfare to be exact. As the BBC reports, “Since 2010, Iran has come under attack many times by malicious viruses written specifically to target key industrial installations in the country.” The Stuxnet virus attacked Iranian government’s computer systems in Natanz–twice. The alleged response, was a chapter for modern warfare textbooks: “In mid October, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. believes Iranian government is behind a series of recent cyber attacks upon US financial institutions,” according to Trendz. (Trendz is a media news site focusing on business and technology in Central Asia, the Caucusus and Southwest Asia.) We are still learning to get unconfused when Iran’s “Mehr” news agency reports information–which is an ENTIRELY different source from Mehrunisa Qayyum, who writes and tweets as @Pitapolicy, and goes by Mehrunisa–NOT Mehr!!!
The more common theme: intervention! Check out our buddy France: If the Algeria hostage crisis is any indicator, then it looks like foreign intervention, by any country, to secure business interests is always a slippery slope that will not raise concern among the American public–until American life is lost, e.g. Libya and Yemen during the Clinton Years.
For Obama’s 2nd term expectations: We have created a poll for you to share your thoughts. Meanwhile, PITAPOLICY Founder, Mehrunisa Qayyum, will be live-tweeting the swearing-in ceremony. Also, she will be attending one of the two official inaugural balls: the American Ball on Monday evening, January 21st. Like yesterday’s community service event organized by the New America Foundation, a think tank based in DC, and the Millenial Project, she will live-tweet as @Pitapolicy. Tonight, she has been invited to attend the Arab American Institute’s Inauguration event, with special guests: Congressman Keith Ellison, and Arab Americans, Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood and Congressman Nick Rahall.
Dean Obeidallah will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. GoRemy will perform comedy. The Network of Arab American Professionals, DC Chapter Board reps will also be in attendance. The Arab American Institute tweets from @AAIUSA.
Because we will continue to attend and cover inauguration events, we are sharing some details that might make it easier for you to follow, or even participate if you’re in Washington, DC. Tweet us to let us know @pitaconsumer, or @Pitapolicy. We invite you to follow our snarky updates on Tumblr @pitaconsumer.
Inauguration Information
- National Museum of American History, Flag Hall
- National Museum of African Art, Pavilion and Lecture Hall
2. Random, Entertaining Inaugural Trivia
3. Cultural Programs at the American Smithsonian Museums, Warner Theater, and Galleries…
Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra Ensemble—Saturday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 20
Performances and stories drawn from Duke Ellington’s 1969 White House All-Star Tribute.
Second floor, West Stage; 1:45 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Meet the Presidents—The Mount Rushmore Four—Saturday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 20
Enjoy a “conversation” with Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt as interpretive actors portray each and discuss their experiences as second-term presidents.
Flag Hall; 12:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
National Museum of the American Indian
Out of Many: A Multicultural Festival of Music, Dance and Story—Friday, Jan. 18–Sunday, Jan. 20
A festival featuring music, dancing and storytelling from a variety of cultural traditions, including Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Bolivian, Guatemalan Maya, Armenian, Peruvian and West African.
10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
National Portrait Gallery
Meet the Presidents and First Ladies—Saturday, Jan. 19–Monday, Jan. 21
Enactors in the roles of George and Martha Washington and Abraham and Mary Lincoln will engage museum visitors in short conversations and vignettes.
First floor; 1–6 p.m.
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Presidential Scavenger Hunt—Jan. 19 and Jan. 21
Inaugural Theme Walk-In Tours—Monday, Jan. 21
12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Self-Guided Audio Tour
An audio tour about the museum’s historic building and events that took place there during the Civil War, including President Abraham Lincoln’s 1865 inaugural ball, is available online at americanart.si.edu/multimedia/tours/civilwar/ or by calling (202) 595-1852.
Anacostia Community Museum
Video Screening of The Obama Effect—Sunday, Jan. 20
Director and actor Charles Dutton will attend the screening of this 2013 feature film about a man whose life is changed by the first Obama presidential campaign (85 minutes).
5:30 p.m.–9 p.m.
National Museum of African Art
Leadership Arts of Africa Treasure Hunt—Friday, Jan. 18–Monday, Jan. 21
The museum will provide a two-sided color card to allow visitors to participate in a self-guided treasure hunt.
National Postal Museum
Collect the Presidents!—Saturday, Jan. 19, and Sunday, Jan. 20 Visitors can make and take their very own stamp collection featuring famous American presidents, as well as design their own presidential stamp.
Noon–3 p.m.
For further information about the 2013 Inauguration, go to the Presidential Inauguration Committee’s website at www.2013pic.org.
