Mama's at the Academy

I'm midway through my week of conferences. The first one was at the National Academy of Sciences (http://www.nasonline.org/programs/sackler-colloquia/upcoming-colloquia/agenda-science-communication-II.html), which made me feel very fancy.  :)

The National Academy is right next door to the State Department.  They don't play around with security there -- the entrance to the parking garage has a not only a regular barrier, but a wall of metal that goes up and down to prevent unauthorized cars!