The cafeteria at the Nation Museum of the American Indian is great, if a little pricey.

Absolutely not! If they are asking about the specifics of your research, it's only to be able to help with further suggestions, and possibly to track data. (For example, they want to know how many people are researching each country, so area rooms may ask for that.) But have at it - no justification needed!

Sorry, you're right. I guess I was thinking of all the times when it was that way before that I'd get on a yellow train without thinking and end up having to get off at Mt V Square and wait for green. Effectively three trains there. :) It just doesn't make sense to me that they're talking about reducing intervals, but for all of us who live north of downtown it would mean just the opposite.

Number 2. Absolutely. It makes no sense that every other northbound train will stop before hitting Ward 1, the densest part of the city. I currently take green/yellow from U St to orange/blue/silver for my job, but if I have to take *three* trains I'm just gonna give up.

The federal hiring process is particularly focused on experience rather than direct personal connections; there's particular caution about nepotism, etc. Networking is always a great way to learn about new opportunities, but the best thing your friend can do is gain relevant experience to the particular type of job he'd apply for. It sounds like he might be well prepared to apply for a job in some kind of acquisitions role, but he could strengthen his credentials by gaining other types of paid or unpaid experiences.