Len is the steward for Helium's Washington, D.C. sub-channel, under the Local Guides Channel. Although he has spent his whole life living in the shadow of the U.S. capital, he realizes there is more to learning about a place than the experience of its residents, so all responsible writers are invited to share their experiences and specialized knowledge of this complex city. Len is always available for your comments, questions, and suggestions as he strives to create a collection of fun, informational articles about a city that is much more than just a political center.

He enjoys writing to many topics, including but not limited to music, writing/editing, web design, communication, driving, society, relationships, movies, animals, and federal employment. He is also a freelance editor and proofreader, and is currently expanding his copywriting/editing company called Elite Writing Enterprises, where he helps clients choose the best words for their text-intensive projects. He satisfies his creative writing urges by intermittently working on a choose-your-own-adventure novel, and occasionally a short story.

In his day job, Len helps update air maps for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) via database maintenance. Personally, he plays trumpet and percussion with a handful of local groups, and also enjoys conducting, arranging, and composing. He enjoys games of logic (Sudoku, Tetris, Chess, etc.) and loves to travel, having seen various points in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, with still more on his list.

Len strongly believes in the universal language of music, having or creating options, never forgetting humility, and supporting animal rights. He also believes that honest, timely, and tactful communication is vital.

My passion is ...

music performance. All styles. My second passion is writing. All styles.

I know too much about ...

working for the federal government.

My parents always told me ...

that I could be anything I wanted.

My childhood ambition ...

was to be a railroad engineer. That is, until I finally met one and he told me how boring it was. Bring a book!

My favorite memory ...

I don't remember.

Why I write ...

As well as being personally therapeutic, writing is one of the best ways to improve communication. In some ways, this world is desperate for better communication.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Reading "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (J. K. Rowling); Watching plenty of movies (no TV); Listening to Blue Man Group to The Beatles to Beethoven to Brian Setzer.

My first job ...

was being a babysitting chauffeur. Egad.

My best moment ...

is sincere applause after I perform, either with an ensemble or alone. This is not meant to be egotistical, but merely a nod to those who can show their appreciation for live music.

My inspiration ...

is anyone who does not settle for mediocrity.

Local Guides > Washington DC How was the layout of Washington, D.C. planned?

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The original layout of Washington, D.C. was designed to reflect the strength and bravery of a young nation. The Declaration of Independence had been signed less than twenty years before, and the founding fathers of the United States planned to build a new "Federal City." This grand plan was the product of many minds, but once the project began, those involved were not always in agreement.
President George Washington and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson both oversaw the "Federal City" project, which began in 1791. Jefferson, himself a lifelong student of Neo-classical architectural desig...

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